Tag: UFC

UFC Champion on Jon Jones: “Maybe It’s Time to Say Goodbye and Retire – Tom Aspinall Deserves This Fight”

One of the more active UFC champions in the present-day seems to have think it’s time for the inactivity of Jon Jones to be addressed in some way. During a recent interview with Stake, Alexandre Pantoja covered several subjects including one of the more ubiquitous topics in the world of mixed martial arts today which centers on the Jon Jones-Tom Aspinall situation.

When asked how long it should be for a UFC champion between title defenses before talks of stripping them emerge in the context of the controversy within the heavyweight division presently, Pantoja said,

“I think maybe six months. Six months to have something scheduled. Let’s put 10 months from fight to fight, and why not? Jon Jones is a very special fighter, everybody loves him, but what is happening now is sad. Maybe it’s time to say bye. Tom Aspinall deserves this fight, we deserve to see this fight. It’s not right that Aspinall is standing by.”

“Nobody is going to judge Jon Jones, he doesn’t need to fight Aspinall, but if he doesn’t want to fight and he wants to retire, then I think he has to say bye. I hope Aspinall is still training and in the gym and he doesn’t waste his time. Jon is enjoying his life, and he deserves it.”

Image: UFC.com

Jon Jones and Alexandre Pantoja’s championship journeys: compared and contrasted

Jon Jones and Alexandre Pantoja both won their respective straps in the same calendar year but the stories of their respective reigns have unfurled quite differently. Jones actually won his belt a bit sooner when he claimed the vacant heavyweight crown over Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 in March 2023 while Pantoja won the flyweight belt at UFC 290 against Brandon Moreno in July of that year.

While it’s fair to mention the pectoral injury that took Jones out of the game for a period circa late 2023-early 2024, ‘Bones’ has only been able to notch a single defense of his crown which came against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 last November. Conversely, Pantoja is poised to potentially make his fourth title defense against Kai Kara-France at month’s end in their UFC 317 championship clash on June 28th.

The prior flyweight championship defenses for the Brazilian mixed martial artist saw Alexandre Pantoja notch successful defenses over Brandon Royval, Steve Erceg, and Kai Asakura.

June 19, 2025
‘Not Afraid of the Fire’: Khalil Rountree Jr. Reflects on the Lessons Learned from Alex Pereira Showdown

Khalil Rountree Jr. did not emerge victorious against Alex Pereira but that’s not to say that he didn’t learn a lot from that light heavyweight title bid all the same. Rountree Jr. discussed the Pereira fight during a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show. Rountree Jr. was riding a five fight win streak into the clash with the Brazilian knockout artist after punching his ticket to a title shot by finishing former UFC light heavyweight title challenger Anthony Smith via strikes.

In an outing that saw him drop Pereira to the canvas at one point, Rountree Jr. would eventually succumb to uppercuts from ‘Poatan’ in the final forty seconds of the fourth frame in their UFC 307 clash for the 205 pound title. When touching upon what he learned from that battle with the former two-division UFC champion, Khalil Rountree Jr. said,

“I saw how far I was willing to go. I was really tested to the very end in that fight. I went as far as I possibly could, and in my mind, I enjoyed the whole thing. I enjoyed it all the way through. It was just something that I remember. I gave my absolute all in that fight, and so I got to experience what that feels like.”

“I think that it just helped me grow and not necessarily be afraid of the fire, for lack of better words. I’ve been through the fire, and although I didn’t make it out victorious, I’ve been there and I felt that. I felt it, and so I think that it toughened me up a bit.”

Khalil Rountree Jr. and his path back to UFC gold

Khalil Rountree Jr. has not stepped into the cage since that Alex Pereira contest last October but the former will don the four ounce gloves once again later this week. The 35-year-old will look to carve a path back to contending for the 205 pound title as Rountree Jr. will test skills with a former UFC light heavyweight champion in Jamahal Hill at UFC Baku on June 21st.

This Fight Night headliner between Rountree Jr. and Hill certainly positions the winner well in the title challenger hierarchy underneath reigning titleholder Magomed Ankalaev. This bout will see the number seven ranked light heavyweight in the promotion do battle with the UFC’s number four ranked contender in that weight class, respectively.

June 17, 2025
Watch: Charles Oliveira vs. Dustin Poirier – Full Fight For Free

The UFC has decided to treat fans by releasing the full Charles Oliveira vs. Dustin Poirier fight for free on YouTube, just in time to stir up excitement ahead of some major lightweight shakeups. If you missed it live, now’s your chance to see what happens when a submission machine meets a man with fists like anvils, all without paying a penny.

The Fight: Charles Oliveira vs. Dustin Poirier – Watch

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6srwekM-RU

This matchup was a classic clash of styles. Charles Oliveira, known for his slick submissions and record-setting finish rate, put his lightweight belt on the line against Dustin Poirier, a perennial contender with a reputation for violence and grit. The bout started at a furious pace, with Poirier landing heavy shots and nearly sending Oliveira to the mat early. Oliveira, unfazed, returned fire with knees and body kicks, mixing up his attacks and keeping Poirier guessing.

The second round saw Oliveira’s ground game take over. He managed to pin Poirier and unleashed a barrage of elbows, making it clear why he holds the record for most submissions in UFC history. Poirier, tough as ever, survived the onslaught but couldn’t get back to his feet or mount any offense.

In the third, Oliveira wasted no time jumping on Poirier’s back and locking in a rear-naked choke. Poirier tried to fight it off, but Oliveira’s grip was too tight. The tap came just over a minute into the round, cementing Oliveira’s status as the king of submissions and leaving Poirier with another close-but-not-quite moment on the big stage.

Image: UFC.com

What’s Next for Oliveira and Poirier? Charles Oliveira is set to fight Ilia Topuria at UFC 317 on June 28, 2025, in Las Vegas. The stakes? The vacant lightweight crown. Oliveira is coming off a win over Michael Chandler and is looking to reclaim his spot at the top of the division. Dustin Poirier is preparing for his swan song. UFC 318, scheduled for July 19 in New Orleans, will see Poirier face Max Holloway for the BMF title in what’s billed as his retirement fight. The two have history: Poirier won both previous encounters, but Holloway is coming in hot after a move to lightweight and a highlight-reel knockout at UFC 300.

June 17, 2025
Ilia Topuria vs. Paddy Pimblett: Former UFC Champ Says Fight Is Inevitable ‘Trash Talk, Big Money, and No Love Lost’

The UFC rumor mill is spinning, and this time, it’s all about Ilia Topuria and Paddy Pimblett. Former UFC champ Michael Bisping has weighed in, and according to him, this fight is less a question of “if” and more a matter of ‘when.’

Ilia Topuria vs. Paddy Pimblett – Soon

Ilia Topuria, who’s set to face Charles Oliveira next week for the vacant lightweight UFC title, is already looking past the Brazilian and aiming his verbal jabs at the UK-born Paddy Pimblett. As Bisping put it, “Ilia’s going to fight Charles Oliveira next week for the vacant title, and he’s already got his sights on Paddy Pimblett next, because he is a pain in the ass, he is a prick, he does not like him one little bit.”

The feeling seems mutual. Pimblett has been stirring the pot, calling Topuria “hand sanitizer boy,” tossing water bottles, and generally doing his best to get under Topuria’s skin. And it’s working, Topuria wants to “shut him off” in the Octagon. Bisping, never one to mince words, summed up the UFC’s unique charm: “If people talk, we literally have a forum. You are literally paid life-changing money to go out there and beat the hell out of the guy that is talking crap about you, that is winding you up, that is annoying you to the max.”

Of course, confidence isn’t in short supply on either side. Topuria has made a habit of changing his social media bio to reflect his next conquest, calling out Islam Makhachev, promising to knock out Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski, and then actually doing it. “But if, by one person’s standard, that makes you cocky, arrogant, a pain in the ass, when you’re doing the same thing, sure, granted he’s backed it up every single time. To be fair, so has Paddy Pimblett,” Bisping noted.

Image: @theufcbaddy/Instagram

Looking ahead, Bisping dismissed the idea that fighters can’t look past their next opponent. “Yes you can if you’re confident. Yes you can if you believe in yourself. Yes you can if you firmly believe that you’re going to go out there and just walk through Oliveira, become the champion of the world. Then, of course, you’re going to look forward and think, ‘Who am I going to fight next? Who is the biggest matchup for me?’” With Islam Makhachev likely tied up with Jack Della Maddalena and Justin Gaethje threatening to walk if he doesn’t get a title shot, Pimblett is the hottest ticket in town.

Image: @iliatopuria/Instagram

And why not? Paddy Pimblett remains undefeated in the UFC and just dispatched Michael Chandler in a performance that left little doubt about his credentials. “Paddy Pimblett just beat Michael Chandler, beat him down, made a mockery out of him, beat him to a pulp, and then got the finish,” Bisping recounted. Chandler, after all, was the gatekeeper for title contention, so Pimblett’s case for a title shot is hard to ignore.

With all the trash talk, the backstory, and the UFC’s love for a money fight, Bisping’s advice is clear: “If I’m Paddy Pimblett right now, I ain’t calling out Justin Gaethje, I ain’t calling out anyone, because that fight happens next Saturday, and if he calls him out, it’s going to happen. The UFC is going to make that match-up, especially when Ilia says stuff like this.”

June 17, 2025
Kayla Harrison on UFC Title Win: “I Was Just a 6-Year-Old Girl With a Dream Watching the ’96 Olympics”

Kayla Harrison is at the top of the mountain in mixed martial arts and the young version of her with the big martial arts dreams seems to be soaking it all in. Harrison is coming off of a massive win in Newark as she submitted two time titleholder at 135 pounds Julianna Pena in the co-main event of UFC 316 when she secured a submission in the waning seconds of the second round.

The newly minted UFC bantamweight champion spoke with UFC.com’s McKenzie Pavacich in the wake of her title win during a backstage interview piece. Referencing her multiple Olympic gold medals in judo and now being the UFC champion which is representative of elite accomplishment in another martial art altogether, the former multi-time PFL champion was asked what it was like to become the best in the world at multiple combat sports and Harrison said,

“It’s crazy, because I was just a six-year-old kid with a dream. I watched the ’96 Olympics on my grandma’s couch—on my Mimi’s couch—and I was like, ‘I want to be the best at something someday.’ Then I started judo shortly after that, and I just loved it. I have a passion for it, and I love what I do now. It’s scary as—don’t get me wrong—every time I’m walking to the cage, I’m like, ‘Why am I doing this?’ But when you have passion and drive… I mean, it’s hard to even think about someone saying that. I do it because I love it.”

Kayla Harrison gets hero’s welcome from Dustin Poirier and other ATT compatriots

Kayla Harrison was also able to return to her gym as a champion and her American Top Team peers showered her with positive sentiments when she stepped through the gym doors holding the hardware. The visit took place on Monday with footage of the trip posted to both the official Instagram accounts for American Top Team and for Kayla Harrison herself. Current UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja and former interim UFC lightweight champion Dustin Poirier were among some of the recognizable names that greeted Harrison as she hugged her teammates amid calls of “Yes, baby!!! We did it!”

June 12, 2025
Exclusive: How ‘One Punch’ Brad Pickett Proves Martial Arts Build More Than Muscle – Knockout Advice

Whether you’re looking to dodge bullies, boost your mood, or just get in shape without the gym dread, Brad Pickett’s advice is simple: get moving, have fun, and maybe learn how to throw a punch.

Brad Pickett, the man who made “One Punch” more than just a nickname, has spent years carving out a legacy as both a fighter and a coach in British MMA. From humble beginnings in the boxing ring to the bright lights of the UFC, Pickett’s journey is a masterclass in what happens when grit meets a good left hook. But beyond the knockouts and the trilby hats, Pickett’s real knockout punch might just be his belief in the power of martial arts – not just for building champions, but for shaping better humans.

Brad Pickett

“One Punch” Brad Pickett began his combat sports journey with boxing and found success before before transitioning to MMA in his mid-20s. He rose quickly in the UK scene, capturing the Cage Rage British Featherweight Championship in 2005 and defending it the following year. Pickett’s career expanded internationally when he joined World Extreme Cagefighting, where he earned a notable submission victory and defeated future UFC champion Demetrious Johnson. He went on to compete in the UFC, earning multiple post-fight bonuses and a reputation for exciting fights.

After retiring from active competition, he became Head Trainer and a Director at Great Britain Top Team, where he mentors new fighters and shares his passion for MMA. He is considered a pioneer in British MMA, inspiring a generation of athletes with his work ethic and technical skill.

Exercise Benefits

In an exclusive interview, assisted by NetBet UFC Betting, Brad Pickett emphasized the value of training and physical activity. He said,

“Any form of training or physical activity is always going to be beneficial. Sometimes, if people are out of shape, it can be hard to get started. But if you just bear with it and make yourself a little uncomfortable every day—not so uncomfortable that you want to quit, but just a little—you’ll get into some sort of fitness routine. Once you’re in shape, it’s fine.”

He added that finding an activity you enjoy makes exercise feel less like work and more like learning a new skill. “You’ll focus on learning techniques and skills, and forget you’re getting tired. At the end, you’ll be exhausted, but in a good way.”

Pickett highlighted the practical and psychological benefits of martial arts, he contionued: “Martial arts are a very good life skill to have. It’s not about being the person who goes around fighting. In fact, most of the toughest people you’ll meet who know combat sports are calm and relaxed – they don’t need to fight. There’s no benefit in fighting someone who can’t defend themselves. For people who might be targeted, like the weak or bullied, having martial arts skills is a good deterrent. You don’t see bullies picking on someone who boxes or is a world champion.”

Science supports Brad Pickett’s views on the benefits of exercise. Regular physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight, strengthens the heart, and improves circulation/ It also helps manage blood sugar and insulin levels, lowering the risk of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.

Exercise also benefits mental health. It releases chemicals in the brain that improve mood and reduce stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression. Even small increases in activity can have significant effects.

June 10, 2025
Joaquin Buckley Says Win Over Kamaru Usman Means More Than Beating Leon Edwards ‘Name on my resume is way more important.’

Joaquin Buckley has never been one to tiptoe around his ambitions, and with his biggest UFC fight looming, he’s doubling down on what matters most for his legacy. As he prepares to headline UFC on ESPN: Usman vs. Buckley in Atlanta on June 14, the St. Louis native is making it clear: a win over Kamaru Usman is worth more to him than a highlight-reel knockout of former champ Leon Edwards.

Joaquin Buckley vs. Kamaru Usman

“If I would have just went out there and knocked [Leon] out, people would never have given me my flowers,” Joaquin Buckley said in an interview with Parry Punch, brushing aside Edwards’s recent run and focusing on the weight of Usman’s achievements.

“But fighting somebody like Kamaru – don’t get it twisted, yes, he’s on an 0-3 loss streak, right? But his last performance against Khamzat – what a bad performance, and Khamzat looked at as the boogeyman. If it would have gone five rounds, it would have been a whole different story. Now, our fight is about to go five rounds, and also, my man’s resume and what he’s done and what he’s able to accomplish and his accolades cannot be matched. Leon ain’t done [expletive] like that, right? So beating Leon, that ain’t nothing. Beating a man like Kamaru, man, and getting that name on my resume is way more important.”

The US-born Joaquin Buckley’s confidence isn’t misplaced. He’s riding a six-fight win streak since dropping to welterweight, having dispatched names like Stephen Thompson, Vicente Luque, and most recently, Colby Covington via third-round TKO at UFC Tampa. That run has catapulted him to #7 in the welterweight rankings and put him firmly in the title conversation, especially if he can add Usman’s name to his growing list of victims. At 31, Buckley is in his athletic prime, blending the explosive power that made him a viral sensation with a more measured, tactical approach honed over years of grinding through the UFC’s toughest divisions.

Image: @UFCEurope/X

While Joaquin Buckley’s star is rising, Usman’s is at a crossroads. Once the dominant force at 170 pounds, “The Nigerian Nightmare” is coming off three straight losses, including a close decision to Khamzat Chimaev in a middleweight outing. But Buckley isn’t buying the narrative that Usman is finished. He sees the former champ’s resume, title defenses, big-fight experience, and a reputation as a future Hall of Famer – as gold for any contender’s record.

“The names do matter. The names do hold value. The names do hold weight,” Joaquin Buckley said, even taking a jab at Sean Brady for passing up a fight with Usman, suggesting that collecting Edwards’s name isn’t nearly as valuable as adding Usman to the resume.

Image: @usman84kg/Instagram

UFC

Leon Edwards, for his part, has stumbled since losing his belt to Belal Muhammad last summer. After a long reign that included two wins over Usman and a successful defense against Covington, Edwards has now dropped back-to-back fights, most recently getting submitted by Sean Brady in London. Buckley, never one for subtlety, has been vocal about Edwards’s recent struggles, even blaming his corner for the slide and arguing that the Birmingham fighter’s accomplishments pale in comparison to Usman’s legendary run.

A win over Usman, even one on a losing streak, would be the biggest feather in his cap and could launch him into a title shot against the likes of current champion Jack Della Maddalena. Buckley knows it, and, if his words are any indication, he’s relishing the chance to prove that beating a legend means more than knocking off a former champ in a slump.

Image: UFC.com

June 9, 2025
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.

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.

Image: UFC.com

June 9, 2025
“You’ve Got to Go Through Hell to Get to Heaven” Kayla Harrison Finds Peace Beyond Perfection

Kayla Harrison is able to look back on her past and see it as a road that has well prepared for a potentially cathartic outcome here this weekend. Harrison will do battle for bantamweight gold against defending champion Julianna Pena in the co-main event of UFC 316 on June 7th. The multi time PFL champion and multi-time Olympic gold medalist will look to unseat the multi-time UFC bantamweight champion in what is a massive night for the 135 pound weight classes. Men’s bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili taking on Sean O’Malley in a rematch serves as the PPV closer on the night after Harrison vs. Pena.

As part of the embedded series heading into UFC 316, Harrison was documented getting reflective about her journey as she heads into her first opportunity at UFC gold as a massive betting favorite. As she let the MMA community into her mindset leading into this championship opportunity, Harrison said, “I’ve spent a lifetime chasing my dreams. You know, I think when I was younger, I definitely competed from a place of fear. I always felt like, in order to be worthy of love, I needed to win and be this perfect thing.”

Kayla Harrison Talks FreedomAhead of UFC 316

Kayla Harrison no longer pursues flawlessness in her approach to seemingly all things in her life and centers the three F’s in her existence at this point in her journey. As she expounded upon this, Kayla Harrison quipped, “Perfection is unattainable, but I don’t operate from that place anymore. It’s peace. I had a very ugly, nasty road to get to that kind of awakening and to that kind of peace—and everyone does. You’ve got to go through hell to get to heaven, you know?”

“I have so much more to my life now, and this is what I do, but it’s not who I am. Which gives me a freedom to be—I don’t know—fearless. I just go out there and have fun.”

Image:Jeff Bottari/UFC, Zuffa LLC

June 7, 2025
“Even Your Dog Doesn’t Like You”: Julianna Peña and Kayla Harrison Trade Verbal Shots Ahead of UFC 316

Julianna Peña and Kayla Harrison are just hours away from locking horns with one another at UFC 316 but managed to get in the last few verbal volleys before that cage door shuts behind them. Before the two will do battle for Pena’s 135 pound title, the two went back and forth on the microphone at the final pre-fight press conference before the pugilistic proceedings kick off Saturday night in Newark. Julianna Peña came across as defiant and unbothered by Harrison’s presence, as the reigning bantamweight champion declared:

“I’m not going to let this girl talk all over me and try to think that she’s going to get into my head. It’s not going to happen.”

To that, Kayla Harrison, who is aiming to cement her legacy further here with multiple PFL titles and multiple Olympic gold medals to her credit, responded to the sitting champion as Harrison retorted:

“It would be an honor and a privilege to be the face of women’s MMA. I don’t take it lightly. I consider it a huge responsibility, and Saturday night I’m going to go out there and leave it all in the cage so that I can be a new UFC champion of the world.”

Julianna Peña and Kayla Harrison’s War of Words

‘The Venezuelan Vixen’ Julianna Peña would then fire back at the surging bantamweight contender with a biting comeback that got the canines involved when Peña said:

“She definitely hasn’t gotten under my skin. I got thick skin—it takes a little more than a Chihuahua barking to get under my skin. But even your Chihuahua doesn’t like you, Kayla. Even your own dang dog doesn’t even like you. The time for talking is almost over, and Saturday night we’re going to find out who’s the face of women’s MMA—and you’re looking at her!”

Julianna Peña did not stop there as the two time titleholder at 135 pounds would then challenge Kayla Harrison’s fighting style as Peña quipped,

“How are you going to beat me, Kayla? Are you going to lay on top of me and cook the clock for 25 minutes? Because that is literally your only chance to victory. That’s your only chance to beat me, is lay on top of me for 25 minutes!”

June 7, 2025
“Everything Is Just Better”: Kelvin Gastelum Says Camp for Joe Pyfer Fight Has Been Locked In for Months

Kelvin Gastelum feels like he is firing on all cylinders leading into his re-booked bout against Joe Pyfer.

The two were initially supposed to compete against one another in late-March at a UFC Fight Night offering before Pyfer pulled out due to illness.

Now in the feature fight of the night on the pay-per-view main card, the two middleweight warriors finally throw down in Newark, New Jersey. At the UFC 316 fight week media day, the promotional stalwart fielded several questions from on-site media members ahead of his fight against Pyfer on Saturday night.

The TUF season 17 champion

Kelvin Gastelum said:

“Oh, absolutely. I’ve been prepared. I’ve known since, I think, October—even November—we’ve been prepping, looking into fighting Joe Pyfer. So it’s been quite a… it’s taken up a lot of my time.”

“We took a little time off—just a week off, went to Disneyland to kind of reset the mind, reset the body. Then we went right back to work and slowly ramped it back up. I think we did it right. I’m peaking just right again, and we only built off the last camp, so everything is just that much better.”

Images: UFC.com

Kelvin Gastelum isn’t thrilled with Pyfer re-booking

Kelvin Gastelum had a sour taste left in his mouth after Joe Pyfer utter some disparaging words about Mexico. This happened in the wake of Pyfer having tot pull out of his UFC on ESPN 64 fight with Gastelum which was set for Q1 2025 in Mexico City. Pyfer fell ill in Mexico and referred to the country as a ‘s**t hole’ which Gastelum admitted left a sour taste in his mouth. At that same UFC 316 pre-fight media day Gastelum described Pyfer’s comments as not right and felt the comments were a little rude.

The frustrations ran a bit deeper as Gastelum felt like he had the confluence of monetary loss and losing a tactical advantage due to his familiarity with the Mexican altitude. The former interim UFC middleweight title challenger invested time and money into a camp out there to acclimatize and it obviously put a dent in his bank account to not end up stepping into the octagon against Joe Pyfer.

June 7, 2025
Sean O’Malley Promises KO: “Come Sunday, No One’s Gonna Care About Merab Dvalishvili ”

Sean O’Malley is back in the UFC spotlight, and he’s not just promising fireworks, he’s practically guaranteeing them. With his trademark bravado, O’Malley has declared that after UFC 316, “no one’s gonna care about Merab Dvalishvili,” at the recent UFC pre-fight press conference. It’s a bold claim, but if anyone’s got the receipts to back up knockout talk, it’s “Sugar” Sean.

Knockout Machine Sean O’Malley

Let’s get everyone up to speed. Sean O’Malley’s UFC run has been a highlight reel of stoppages. He’s racked up 12 KO/TKO wins in his pro career, with some of the most memorable coming against big names like Aljamain Sterling (TKO, UFC 292), Raulian Paiva (TKO, UFC 269), Kris Moutinho (TKO, UFC 264), Thomas Almeida (KO, UFC 260), Eddie Wineland (KO, UFC 250), and Jose Alberto Quiñónez (TKO, UFC 248). His style? Precision, timing, and a knack for making opponents look like they’re auditioning for a nap.

He explained:

“I truly believe I’m going to knock Merab out. Come Sunday, no one’s going to give a [expletive] about Merab, and that’s just it. Keep talking and you’re going to get more humble. I’m making people humble, and you will see June 7.”

The US-born Sean O’Malley’s knockout of Sterling was especially notable, he needed less than a minute of the second round to claim the bantamweight belt, cementing his place as one of the division’s most dangerous finishers. But the sugar rush hit a speed bump last September at UFC 306. Merab Dvalishvili, the relentless machine from Georgia, outwrestled O’Malley over five rounds to snatch the bantamweight crown by unanimous decision. Since then, Dvalishvili has defended the title once, while O’Malley has been plotting his return—promising he’s coming in “70 percent better” for the rematch.

Now, the stakes at UFC 316 couldn’t be higher. O’Malley is the underdog (+220 to +240), looking to reclaim the belt and restore his knockout mystique. Dvalishvili, riding a 12-fight win streak, is favored to grind out another win with his relentless wrestling. But O’Malley’s camp insists he’s healthier and sharper than ever, and if his fists find the target, the belt could flip in an instant. Will Dvalishvili’s wrestling smother the “Sugar” show again, or will O’Malley’s right hand make everyone forget about Merab, just as he promised?

Image: @ufc/X

June 6, 2025
Valentina Shevchenko’s Soviet-Era Secret: Why the UFC Champion Says “No Water” During Training

Valentina Shevchenko, the UFC’s reigning flyweight queen and a woman with more title defenses than most fighters have Instagram followers, has a training rule that’s left the MMA world parched: no water during exercise. Yes, you read that right – while most athletes are guzzling fluids between rounds, Shevchenko is channeling her inner Soviet scientist and keeping her water bottle firmly capped.

Valentina Shevchenko Says No Water In Training

“I don’t drink water during exercise. It comes from Soviet sports science—if you drink during intense exercise, it can disrupt your body’s rhythm. After training, you rehydrate, but during, you want everything working like a clock. Excess is never good, whether it’s water, protein, or caffeine,” she explained, in an interview with Helen Yee, with all the certainty of someone who’s kicked heads from Kyrgyzstan to Las Vegas.

This isn’t just a quirky personal habit. Valentina Shevchenko’s “no water” policy is a relic of Soviet-era sports science, where the idea was to toughen athletes up and keep their bodies running with mechanical precision. The theory? If you can train under the harshest conditions, parched and focused, then you’ll perform better when it counts, especially when water breaks aren’t guaranteed. Some former Soviet coaches believed that minimizing water intake during training would help athletes adapt to competition scenarios where hydration is limited.

But here’s where modern science throws a wet towel on the tradition. Leading sports nutritionists, including Jordan Sullivan (a.k.a. “The Fight Dietitian”), have called Shevchenko’s approach “outdated.” According to Sullivan, depriving athletes of water during training doesn’t build toughness it just makes them train worse.

Medical experts also warn that dehydration during exercise can impair performance, increase fatigue, and even pose serious health risks like heat exhaustion. Still, Shevchenko isn’t budging. She’s doubled down on her policy, even imposing it on her team during “The Ultimate Fighter” season 32, insisting that it’s about cultivating a champion’s mindset and keeping the body “like a clock.”

Critics may scoff, but it’s hard to argue with her results. And what results they are. She’s a two-time UFC women’s flyweight champion, boasting several successful title defenses in her first reign. Her resume reads like a who’s who of women’s MMA: victories over Joanna Jędrzejczyk, Jessica Andrade, Holly Holm, and Lauren Murphy, among others.

Is Shevchenko’s no-water rule a secret weapon or just a stubborn throwback? The science says hydrate, but “Bullet” Shevchenko says stay thirsty.

June 6, 2025
“Not My Fault!”: Jon Jones Shrugs Off Responsibility in Tom Aspinall Heavyweight Drama “Nothing to do with me”

The Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall heavyweight saga has become the UFC’s longest-running “will they, won’t they” drama, and Jon Jones is doing his best to make sure nobody blames him for the mess. In a series of recent social media posts, Jones has sidestepped any responsibility for the fight falling through, instead pointing fingers at the UFC, the division, and, of course, everyone but himself.

Jones Plays the Blame Game While UFC Heavyweight Division Hits Pause

Let’s recap: Tom Aspinall, the interim heavyweight champ, has been waiting for his shot at Jon Jones since knocking out Sergei Pavlovich in late 2023. Jones, meanwhile, spent a year on the sidelines with injury, returned to beat Stipe Miocic, and then promptly vanished from the conversation about unifying the belts. While fans and UFC brass have pushed for a Jones-Aspinall showdown, Jones has been busy filming reality TV, collecting presidential memorabilia, and, apparently, counting the money he claims to make by “doing nothing at all… and holding the position.”

Image: @UFCEspanol/X

On social media, Jon Jones has been quick to downplay Aspinall’s threat. In one tweet, he wrote, “He is no threat to me whatsoever, he should start with just trying to be the best heavyweight of all time, that goal would be plenty. My career is on a completely different planet if we’re being honest.” He’s also taken shots at Aspinall’s record, claiming, “I’ve seen Tom get tapped out twice now by two different people. Time will show. Here today gone tomorrow.”

Image: UFC.com

As for the fight itself, Jon Jones insists he’s not the roadblock. “It sucks to see the rest of the division get slowed down like this, but that has nothing to do with me. I don’t pull the strings,” he posted, painting himself as a humble company man who just happens to be sitting on the title while the rest of the division twiddles their thumbs. He’s even suggested he hasn’t trained since his last fight and that the UFC is happy to keep him as champion, not Tom. Meanwhile, Aspinall has been left in limbo, defending his interim belt just to stay active, a rarity in UFC history.

I spoke to the UFC a long time ago about what my future plans were. I haven’t really worked out since my last fight in New York City. Honestly, I believe it’s been in the UFC’s best interest to keep presenting me as the company’s champion—not Tom.

I’ve just been playing the role… https://t.co/u3w6V932pu
— Jonny Meat (@JonnyBones) June 6, 2025

The UFC, for its part, claims negotiations are ongoing, with Dana White promising that the fight will happen – eventually. But with Jones hinting at retirement and Aspinall openly questioning whether the champ will ever return, fans are left wondering if this is all just a drawn-out exit strategy for Jones. In short, Jones is playing the blame game with a straight face, dodging responsibility for the stalled division while taking potshots at Aspinall’s credentials.

No, honestly, I wish Tommy no ill will. He is no threat to me whatsoever, he should start with just trying to be the best heavyweight of all time, that goal would be plenty. My career is on a completely different planet if we’re being honest. I really don’t hate on other… https://t.co/cr38SjwCC6
— Jonny Meat (@JonnyBones) June 6, 2025

June 6, 2025
Merab Dvalishvili’s Fearless Mindset: “Every Fight Is a Risk, But I Just Want to Fight”

Merab Dvalishvili has a natural passion for fighting that has allowed him to carve out a path where many see him as the best bantamweight fighter in MMA history. Heading into his sophomore title defense this weekend as he prepares to run things back in a rematch with Sean O’Malley, Dvalishvili radiated gratitude for what he is able to do for a living. The reigning kingpin of 135 pounds addressed several subjects to on-site media members at the fight week media day before the two warriors get locked into the octagon for the pay-per-view headliner at UFC 316 which is set to transpire in Newark.

When addressing his passion for the career path of being a high level combat sports athlete while offering insights into how he sees this seuqle clash with ‘Suga’ playing out, Merab Dvalishvili said.

“I love training and fighting. Everybody knows I’m always training—even on vacation, I’m still running and doing my best. Every time I have a fight in the UFC, I’m blessed. I’m happy to be busy and have the best job in the world. After this fight, I want to test a new weight-cutting style to make it even easier for me to fight often.”

“Every fight is a risk, and life is a risk. If I lose and don’t get an immediate rematch, I don’t care—I just want to fight and be busy. I believe I can beat Sean again, and I’m looking to do it in even more dominant fashion. How dangerous he is excites me more.”

Image: @merab.dvalishvili/Instagram

Merab Dvalishvili contemplates next opponent post-UFC 316

Merab Dvalishvili seems locked into the task at hand this weekend as he looks to garner a second win over the former UFC bantamweight champion in Sean O’Malley but he is not obtuse to who the likely next title challenger will be if Dvalishvili emerges victorious on Saturday. The Georgian fighter touted Cory Sandhagen as the likely next title challenger and praised the talented bantamweight fighter for having a skillset that should lead to an exciting future contest for the fans. Ultimately though, Dvalishvili stated that it is the UFC’s call and as the champion, he will fight whoever the promotion decides is next up.

June 5, 2025
Olympic Gold vs. UFC Gold? Kayla Harrison Says, “We’re Going to Find Out”

Kayla Harrison knows a thing or two about gold. The American judoka made history by claiming two Olympic gold medals, first in London 2012 and again in Rio 2016, becoming the first American to ever top the podium in Olympic judo.

Olympic Gold vs. UFC Gold? Kayla Harrison Answers

Not content with just conquering the tatami, Harrison made a seamless leap into mixed martial arts, where she quickly collected two PFL titles in 2018 and 2019, remaining undefeated and earning the distinction of being the PFL’s first female champion. She later jumped to the UFC.

Image: @kaylaharrisonofficial/Instagram

Now, the stage is set for Kayla Harrison’s next mountain: a shot at UFC gold. This Saturday night at UFC 316, against Julianna Pena, she steps into the Octagon for her first UFC title fight, a moment that could see her add another accolade to her already weighty trophy case. This is Harrison’s chance to prove that her determination can translate just as well in the UFC as they did on the Olympic mats and in the PFL cage.

Kayla Harrison herself isn’t shy about the significance. “Can winning a belt compare to an Olympic gold?” She was asked at the UFC 316 pre-fight press conference.”We’re going to find out on Saturday night,” she said with a wry grin. “I’m sure it’s going to feel very similar … It’s a testament, I think, to my character, my grit, my determination. I’m very happy with my career—I’ve climbed a lot of mountains, I’ve done more than most will ever do, and I’m very satisfied with it. But this belt is for me.”

UFC 316

Kayla Harrison’s UFC tenure has been short but impactful, and now she stands on the brink of making history once again. After signing with the UFC in early 2024, Harrison wasted no time making her mark, debuting in the bantamweight division with a statement win over former champion Holly Holm by submission at UFC 300. She followed that up with a dominant unanimous decision victory against Ketlen Vieira, quickly climbing to the No. 2 spot in the women’s 135-pound rankings.

With an 18-1 professional record and a reputation for overwhelming her opponents with both judo and striking, Harrison now faces reigning bantamweight champion Julianna Peña in the co-main event at UFC 316 in Newark, New Jersey. If Harrison prevails, she will become just the second athlete ever – after Henry Cejudo – to win both Olympic gold and a UFC title, joining an elite club.

June 5, 2025
UFC Reportedly Agrees to $12M Mega-Fight Guarantee with Jon Jones ‘Biggest Check in UFC History’

The UFC heavyweight division has become the stage for the sport’s most expensive game of chicken, as Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall circle each other with the promise of a $12 million mega-fight – the biggest guaranteed check in UFC history – dangling in the balance. The only thing heavier than the potential payday is the cloud of uncertainty hanging over whether this blockbuster will ever actually happen.

UFC Negotiation Stalemate: Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall

Negotiations for this unification bout have dragged on since last November, with both fighters and the UFC locked in a will-they-won’t-they saga that’s left fans, contenders, and even Dana White himself in a holding pattern. Tom Aspinall, the British interim champ with a penchant for first-round finishes, has spent the past year defending his belt and insisting that Jon Jones is, for all practical purposes, retired “The guy’s living his best life,” Aspinall said this week, “We know Jon’s a religious man, so I want to say: God bless him moving forward with what he does in his life and career.”

Chael Sonnen’s Scoop: Inside the Alleged Mega-Deal

But not everyone is buying the retirement talk. Enter Chael Sonnen, former Jones rival, who claims to have the inside scoop: “There’s a story going around that is largely believed… Jon Jones just wants that guarantee. He doesn’t have a past of selling huge pay-per-views, so when they tell him how great this is going to be, he’s looking around going, ‘Hey, I’ve never had great before. I want my money up front.’ What is believed in our industry is whatever that number was – and I believe that to be $12 million, in case you’re interested, got my own sources – but the UFC said, ‘Okay.’”

“And the problem with giving a guy that big of a quote… Jon’s check at the end of the night will be the biggest check he’s ever got. It’ll be the biggest check anyone has ever got from the UFC.“

According to Sonnen, this would see Jones out-earn the likes of Brock Lesnar, Georges St-Pierre, and Ronda Rousey, whose paydays now look positively modest by comparison. The UFC, for its part, seems ready to write the check. Reports suggest that the promotion has agreed to Jones’ terms, meaning the only thing left is for “Bones” to sign on the dotted line.

“If Jon wants the fight to happen today… it could be a done deal today. It’s up to him, and it’s always been up to him,” MMA journalist Ariel Helwani recently said, echoing the industry consensus that the ball is firmly in Jones’ court.Yet, for all the money and hype, the fight itself remains stuck in neutral. Sonnen points out the risk for the UFC: if Jones gets $12 million for Aspinall, he’ll want the same for every fight after, even if the next opponent is less marquee than the British knockout artist. And with heavyweight options thin, the UFC is left with a dilemma – pay up now, or risk the division slipping further into limbo.

Aspinall Waits, Fans Agitate

Meanwhile, Tom Aspinall waits, the division stalls, and fans grow restless. The petition to strip Jones of his title has nearly 180,000 signatures. As Sonnen quipped, “This fight is getting smaller, not bigger.” The anticipation that once made this matchup feel inevitable now feels more like a tease, with each passing week eroding the excitement.

Image: Jon Jones on Instagram

Will the UFC’s biggest-ever check finally tempt Jon Jones back into the Octagon for the showdown everyone wants? Or will this be remembered as the fight that never was, a $12 million question mark hanging over the heavyweight crown? For now, all eyes are on Jon Jones.

Image: Jeff Bottari/UFC/Zuffa LLC

June 5, 2025
“Don’t Like 10 and 10? Go Work at Target” Sean O’Malley Gets Brutally Honest About UFC Fighter Pay

Sean O’Malley has a message for UFC fighters grumbling about their paychecks: if you’re not happy with “10 and 10,” there’s always a red vest waiting for you at Target. As O’Malley gears up for his blockbuster rematch at UFC 316 this Saturday, the bantamweight star isn’t pulling any punches when it comes to the sport’s most heated debate.

Sean O’Malley to UFC Fighters: Don’t Like the Pay? Try Target

Former UFC champ ‘Suga’ Sean O’Malley doubled down on his blunt philosophy regarding fighters who are just starting out in the UFC. In an interview with Demetrious Johnson, he explained:

“People complain, ‘I’m only getting paid 10 and 10.’ But in reality, who’s there to see you fight? Your mom, your dad, your sister, a couple buddies, no one’s paying to watch you on TV. You have to build your name up, bring value to the promotion. If you don’t want to make $50,000 a fight, go work at Target. No one’s forcing you to fight.”

UFC Fighter Pay Debate Heats Up

The US-born O’Malley’s comments land at a time when fighter pay remains a hot-button issue in MMA. Critics say the UFC’s entry-level deals, $10,000 to show, $10,000 to win, are too low for the risks fighters take. The UFC, meanwhile, contends that the real money comes to those who can draw a crowd, sell pay-per-views, and become stars. Sean O’Malley, who started on those same “10 and 10” contracts, says the key is self-promotion and performance.

Image: @ufc/X

“I understood early that you have to bring value to the UFC and build your own brand,” he said, pointing to his own rise through highlight-reel knockouts and a knack for marketing himself, rainbow hair included.

He’s quick to credit the UFC for his platform: “I still make – probably about the same amount of money outside the UFC as I do inside the UFC right now. It’s wild to think about. But I know the reason I’m making that much is because of the UFC. I wouldn’t have this platform or following without them. It’s very mutual: I’ve done a lot for the UFC, but they don’t need me. I need the UFC to get to where I want to go. I’m very grateful for the platform they give me.”

Building a Brand, Building a Paycheck

‘Suga’ Sean O’Malley’s hustle started long before the bright lights. “Even when I was 16, I was hustling – selling tickets, merch, getting sponsors. Tim Welch told me to get an Instagram when I moved down here. I always wanted to be different. The rainbow hair? That was 6ix9ine-inspired. The first time I did my hair was the Eddie Wineland fight, hair plus that knockout was a recipe for success. Every fight, a new hair. But it always comes down to performance. People want to see knockouts.”

UFC 316

Now, he returns to the Octagon at UFC 316 in Newark, New Jersey, looking to reclaim the bantamweight title from Merab Dvalishvili, the man who took it from him last September. Sean O’Malley has left no stone unturned in his preparation, even making lifestyle changes like swearing off podcasting, video games, and, reportedly, taking a vow of celibacy in the lead-up. He’s hoping to erase any doubts from their first meeting, when he fought through injury.

Image: @ufc/Instagram

Merab Dvalishvili, for his part, has been on a dominant run, dismantling O’Malley in their first fight and defending his belt in style against Umar Nurmagomedov. Saturday’s main event is a chance for O’Malley to prove he belongs at the top, and for Dvalishvili to cement his reign. The UFC 316 card is stacked, with a co-main event featuring Julianna Peña defending her women’s bantamweight title against two-time Olympic judo gold medalist Kayla Harrison.

As O’Malley puts it, if you want the big checks, you need to bring something extra to the cage. Otherwise, there’s always Target.

June 4, 2025
Kayla Harrison: “I’m Ready to Put That UFC Belt Around My Waist – Then Kiss Dana on His Bald Head”

Kayla Harrison may involve the chrome dome of Dana White into her celebrations if all goes well at UFC 316. Speaking with Mike Heck of MMA Fighting ahead of her bid for UFC bantamweight gold this weekend, Harrison discussed several subjects. The multi-time Olympic gold medalist and former PFL champion looks to claim the 135 pound crown presently held by Julianna Pena when the two clash in the pay-per-view co-maine vent set for Saturday, June 7th in Newark, New Jersey. When discussing her mindset heading into such a massive matchup considering her martial arts pedigree ons ome of the biggest stages in the world, Kayla Harrison said.

Kayla Harrison

“This is what it’s all about, you know? It’s all about daring to dream big. I know that I’ve put in the work, I know that I have the best team, I have the best game plan, I’m prepared, I’m ready—and that is going to be the fruit of my labor. To feel those feelings, to feel the weight of the UFC belt go around my waist, to probably give Dana a big old kiss on his bald head and just hug my family… yeah, I can’t wait for that moment.”

“I think it’s probably a little more nerves, just because it’s my dreams on the line. But every fight matters, especially in MMA. It’s been a long journey to get here, and I’ve just been trying to be mindful of that. When the days are long or the sessions are hard, I remember that it’s all going to be worth it. Practicing gratitude, I think quite a bit about the fact that I’m living my dream. I don’t know that there are many people on the planet who get to say that—every day I wake up and I do exactly what I want to do; I chase my dream. When I remember that, it’s easy.”

Image: @ufc/Instagram

Kayla Harrison and her run in the UFC octagon so far

Kayla Harrison came into the octagon with a lot of hype from her days as a star in the PFL smart cage and she has lived up to the hype so far in her UFC tenure. Harrison debuted with the promotion on one of the biggest shows in company history as she submitted former bantamweight champion Holly Holm at UFC 300 last April. In her sophomore contest withthe MMA powerhouse, Kayla Harrison would defeat Ketlen Vieira by unanimous decision at UFC 307 last October to punch her ticket for this championship opportunity versus Julianna Pena.

Image credit: UFC

June 4, 2025
Julianna Peña Fires Back: “I Don’t Need Gold Medals to Prove I’m the Most Dangerous Woman in the Room”

Julianna Peña does not seem intimidated at all by the deep martial arts pedigree of her next opponent Kayla Harrison as we are all now immersed in fight week proceedings. Peña will aim to make the first defense of her second reign with the UFC bantamweight belt when she takes on multi-time Olympc judo gold medalist and former PFL champion, Kayla Harrison. This battle for the 135 pound crown will take place in the co-main event attraction for UFC 316 which is set for Saturday, June 7th in Newark, New Jersey.

The reigning women’s bantamweight champion took part in an interview with Submission Radio and when addressing how much her opponent is a highly rated favorite heading into the cage this weekend, Julianna Peña said.

“They got me as, you know, another underdog situation where everybody just thinks I’m an absolute wash—and that’s kind of how they’ve had me my entire career. For me, I’m more concerned about the process than the outcome. When everybody thinks that you’re a walkover, when they don’t want to give you any respect, when they all think that you’re just going to die in there and get killed in 10 seconds—I have nothing to lose and everything to gain. That makes me a very dangerous woman.”

“Maybe because I don’t have the perfect rock ’em, sock ’em robot punches. Or maybe because I don’t have two gold medals in judo or a silver medal in wrestling. I’m very—maybe what they would consider—unorthodox. But the thing that always carries me through is that unwavering belief that I have in myself, a faith of: I don’t care who you are, what your accolades are, or what you’ve done—you are going to remember the day that you faced the Peña power.”

Image: Chris Unger/UFC/Zuffa LLC

Julianna Peña and her history with shocking upsets

Julianna Peña is a sizable betting underdog heading into this Kayla Harrison fight which is a familiar narrative for the current UFC champion as she mentioned in the quote above. It seems like many are forgetting that ‘The Venezuelan Vixen’ pulled off one of the bigegst upsets in the history of the sport when Peña unseated Amanda Nunes from her bantamweight throne. Julianna Peña submitted Nunes via rear naked choke at UFC 269 to shock the world with the latter eventually regaining the title from the former at UFC 277 when Nunes won on points.

June 4, 2025
Kayla Harrison on falling for judo at six: ‘I believe in love at first sight, that was it for me’

The US-born Kayla Harrison arrives at UFC 316 after a rapid and successful transition from judo to mixed martial arts. After a dominant UFC debut over Holly Holm at UFC 300 and a unanimous decision win against Ketlen Vieira at UFC 307, which secured her title shot. Harrison’s background as a judoka is central to her fighting style. She is known for her powerful ground game and heavy ground-and-pound, attributes that have made her one of the most popular female fighters in MMA today.

Kayla Harrison And Judo

A two-time Olympic gold medalist in judo, Kayla Harrison, traces her love for the sport back to her childhood. At six years old, Harrison was inspired by a karate commercial on television, which led her mother, who had taken judo in college, to introduce her to the local dojo. “I don’t know what it was about judo specifically, but I definitely believe in love at first sight because I fell in love. That was it. I never played any other sports growing up. It was just judo,” Harrison said, in a recent interview.

Kayla Harrison’s dedication to judo quickly became apparent, and her talent was confirmed when she won the junior world championships in Thailand at age 18. “I was like, ‘Oh wow, I’m good at this. I won a big tournament. This is good,’” she recalled. Harrison went on to make history at the 2012 London Olympics, becoming the first American to win Olympic gold in judo, and repeated her success at the 2016 Rio Games.

Image credit: UFC

Her achievements were recognized at the highest levels, with her black belt displayed in the Smithsonian Museum. “Sometimes I still can’t believe it. Sometimes I’m like, ‘The Smithsonian has my black belt in the museum because I won the first gold medal for our country.’ I’m just like, ‘What?’ It’s crazy. But it also taught me that you can do anything you set your mind to—even if no one’s done it before, it’s still possible,” Harrison explained.

Image: @ufc/Instagram

UFC 316

After her Olympic career, Kayla Harrison transitioned to MMA, joining the PFL in 2018. She quickly established herself as a dominant force, winning the PFL women’s lightweight tournament twice and compiling an undefeated record until 2022. Harrison’s success in MMA led to her signing with the UFC in early 2024, where she made her debut with a decisive win over former bantamweight champion Holly Holm at UFC 300.

Image: @kaylaharrisonofficial/Instagram

Upcoming this weeken at UFC 316, Julianna Peña will look to defend her world championship against Harrison. While some, including former champion Valentina Shevchenko, have predicted a tough night for Kayla Harrison, oddsmakers currently favor the Olympic champion. If Harrison wins, she will become only the second fighter to hold both an Olympic gold medal and a UFC title, further solidifying her legacy as one of the most accomplished athletes in combat sports.

June 3, 2025
UFC Champ Julianna Peña Sees Submission Win Over Olympian Kayla Harrison: “I’ll Frustrate Her Until She Breaks”

UFC bantamweight champion Julianna Peña will defend her title against Kayla Harrison at UFC 316, set to take place on July 19, 2025, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The fight is one of the most anticipated main events of the year, and the reignign champion is looking to submit her judoka opponent.

UFC 316

Julianna Peña, 35, reclaimed the bantamweight title after defeating Raquel Pennington at UFC 300 in April 2025. Known for her durability, Peña first shocked the MMA world in December 2021 by submitting Amanda Nunes to win the championship. Though she lost the belt in a rematch, Peña has remained a consistent contender and is recognized for her ability to withstand pressure and turn fights in her favor.

Image: Chris Unger/UFC/Zuffa LLC

Kayla Harrison, 34, is making her third UFC appearance after a successful debut against former champion Holly Holm at UFC 300, where she won by submission in the second round. Harrison is a two-time Olympic gold medalist in judo, representing the United States in 2012 and 2016. She transitioned to MMA in 2018, winning two PFL lightweight championships before signing with the UFC. Kayla Harrison is known for her dominant grappling, physical strength, and ability to control opponents on the ground.

Image: @kaylaharrisonofficial/Instagram

Julianna Peña Wants to Submit Kayla Harrison

The US-born Harrison is on the cusp of making combat sport shistory with a win but teh reignign champion Julianna Peña is looking to spoil the party. She wants to best Harrison in her own domain: grappling. Harrison is a life-long judoka but regardless, the current UFC champ beleives she will win via submission. In an interview with Submission Radio, she explained:

“I see this fight going with getting my hand raised. The longer the fight goes on for her, the better for me. I see a submission victory. I see me being able to break her mentally—she’s an emotional fighter—and if I can just tap into making her frustrated, that’s going to be better for me. So, getting my hand raised at any and all costs is how I see this fight going.”

June 3, 2025
Jon Anik Declares Merab Dvalishvili the GOAT – Even Over His Best Friend Dominick Cruz

Jon Anik already sees Merab Dvalishvili as being the msot accomplished 135 pound fighter in MMA history, over the likes of Dominick Cruz and TJ Dillashaw. The UFC commentator spoke about this on a recent episode of MMA Junkie Radio about several of the big topics heading into UFC 316. This card set to go down on Saturday features a pair of bantamweight title bouts with Merab Dvalishvili defending his crown agaisnt Sean O’Malley in a rematch. While in the co-main event, Julianna Pena defends her 135 pound strap against Kayla Harrison. When touching on the run of the Georgian athlete within the UFC’s bantamweight ranks.

Merab Dvalishvili Might be the GOAT

Anik said:

“Pretty historic, I think. Well, it’s actually 12 straight wins, and he has already defended the title. I do believe he already has status as the greatest bantamweight of all time. And I say that as a man who—if I got married this weekend—Dominick Cruz would be a groomsman. He’s one of my best friends in the world. But when I look at the body of work of Merab Dvalishvili in the modern era, he could be 14–0 in the UFC. He lost to Frankie Saenz and then had a contentious ending against Ricky Simon.

Image: @ufc/X

With respect to those two guys, it’s been 12 straight wins ever since. And to your point, he left a murderer’s row of champions in his wake before he even fought for the title—beat Henry Cejudo, beat Petr Yan, beat José Aldo. Then he beat Sean O’Malley, defended the title on the challengers’ timeline by beating Umar Nurmagomedov, and now the rematch with Sean O’Malley.

As far as I’m concerned—with respect to Aljamain Sterling and my BFF Dominick Cruz—the greatest bantamweight of all time, not so quietly, is Merab ‘The Machine’ Dvalishvili.”

(Merab Dvalishvili on Instagram)

Jon Anik discusses Julianna Pena vs. Kayla Harrison title bout

Jon Anik also touched on the second title clash that is set to go down in Newark this weekend. The acclaimed UFC broadcaster spoke of how if Kayla Harrison can usurp Julianna Pena‘s throne, the multi-time Olympic gold medalist has the potential to become the face of women’s MMA. Jon Anik also spoke of some fighters having global star power but not always the domestic noteriety, in a North American context, but sees Harrison as someone with a great story that can really propel her into that pop culture zeitgeist of broader awareness both in America and around the world.

June 3, 2025
Michael Chandler Explains Why He Called Out Conor McGregor … Again “it’s going to happen”

Michael Chandler has been burned many times regarding the booking of a Conor McGregor fight but the former multi-time Bellator MMA champion stilll keeps calling out the Irishman all the same. ‘Iron’ Michael explained some of his logic behind this during an interview with Mike Bohn of MMA Junkie. This interview was the first that Chandler has done since his devastating setback against Paddy Pimblett at UFC 314 and articulated what he wants next.

Michael Chandler Calls Out Conor McGregor

On, Conor McGregor Chandler said:

“It was really funny. I was sitting around with a buddy and we have the same exact anniversary. I looked it up—January 24th is my wife and I’s anniversary, and it just so happens to be a Saturday. So I was like, ‘Let’s throw that out there, let’s speak it into existence.’ The turn of the new year, probably a new TV deal these guys are working on. If that Conor McGregor fight is out there and that needs to happen in January, that makes a lot ofsense.

“I get asked about it almost every single interview, and rightfully so—the Conor-Chandler thing just stays alive. We were supposed to fight in June, we did The Ultimate Fighter, we have to finish The Ultimate Fighter. If me and Conor McGregor are supposed to fight and he’s supposed to come back, it’s going to happen. I don’t need to force it. If I’m a betting man, I’m not sure if he comes back. Do I want to fight him? Do I want to finish The Ultimate Fighter 31? Absolutely.”

Image: @thenotoriousmma/Instagram

Michael Chandler touches on the Paddy Pimblett setback

Michael Chandler has given his first interview since his loss to the former Cage Warriors champion and is finally shining some light on that performance almost fifty days after the loss. In the same interview with MMA Junkie, Chandler spoke about how he felt like like he couldn’t get his rhythm or his range when fighting the surging UK star in their Miami matchup. Michael Chandler mentioned that when he finally started somewhat settling into things a bit more, he ate that emphatic knee to the face from Paddy Pimblett and felt like it was the end of it when he was taken down thereafter.

It will be interesting to see the next move for Chandler who aims to rebound from setbacks to Pimblett, Charles Oliveira, and Dustin Poirier. Chandler mentioned he wants to take the Summer off and seems to prefer to map out a return bout for later on in the year.

June 3, 2025
“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.

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.

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.

Images: @tomaspinallofficial/@jonnybones/Instagram

June 2, 2025