MMA News
Zabit Magomedsharipov "will not return to the Octagon" until health problems are resolved
Adam Martin - May 30, 2021
The manager for UFC featherweight Zabit Magomedsharipov says he “will not return to the Octagon” until his health problems are resolved. Magomedsharipov was one of the top-five ranked featherweights on the UFC roster but he was taken out of the rankings earlier this year due to inactivity, as his last fight was a decision win over Calvin Kattar in November 2019. Since then, Magomedsharipov has been connected to numerous fights with rival Yair Rodriguez, but the fight never materialized due to COVID-19 logistical issues, injuries, and Rodriguez’s issues with USADA. It’s led to an extended layoff for Magomedsharipov, and he recently said he was considering retiring.
Jorge Masvidal reacts after first-ever Gamebred Fighting Championship event announced
Adam Martin - May 30, 2021
UFC welterweight superstar Jorge Masvidal reacted after the first-ever Gamebred Fighting Championship event was officially announced. Masvidal last month announced that he would be launching Gamebred FC, which is a bare-knuckle MMA promotion. We have seen bare-knuckle fighting make a rise in popularity over the last few years with organizations such as BKFC at the forefront, but we haven’t seen a bare-knuckle MMA promotion really take off. With Masvidal leading the way, the hope is that this first Gamebred FC event is the first of many events for the UFC welterweight star.
Marina Rodriguez explains why Mackenzie Dern fight isn't happening in July
Adam Martin - May 30, 2021
UFC women’s strawweight contender Marina Rodriguez explained why the proposed Mackenzie Dern fight isn’t happening in July as was expected. Rodriguez is coming off of a big win over Michelle Waterson in her last outing and beat Amanda Ribas by knockout before that, so she’s one of the hottest fighters at 115lbs right now. Similarly, Dern has been red hot as of late with a four-fight win streak including a submission over Nina Nunes in her last fight. With both Rodriguez and Dern ranked in the top-10 of the division, UFC president Dana White recently said that the promotion was planning on having these two women headline a UFC Fight Night card on July 21.
Gregor Gillespie open to Islam Makhachev fight down the road: "That's a guy that's probably ranked lower than he's capable of competing at"
Adam Martin - May 30, 2021
UFC lightweight Gregor Gillespie is open to fighting Islam Makhachev fight down the road, suggesting the Russian could be ranked even higher. Gillespie is currently the No. 10 ranked lightweight in the UFC after going 7-1 overall in the promotion, including a stoppage win over Diego Ferreira that recently won him $100,000 in bonuses. One of the top grapplers in the UFC lightweight division, Gillespie is now looking for his next opponent, and one of the suggestions from fans has been Makhachev, who is ranked one spot ahead of Gillespie at No. 9 in the UFC. Makhachev is slated to fight Thiago Moises in July in his next fight, but Gillespie is keeping an eye on him for the future.
Khabib Nurmagomedov believes Dustin Poirier will be UFC lightweight champion within the year
Adam D Martin - May 30, 2021
Former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov believes that former rival Dustin Poirier will be crowned the new champion within a year. Nurmagomedov was the best lightweight fighter in the sport before officially announcing his retirement from MMA earlier this year. As part of his retirement, Nurmagomedov vacated the UFC’s 155lbs belt, which Oliveira won when he knocked out Michael Chandler at UFC 262. Speaking to Sport 24, Nurmagomedov praised the new champion Oliveira for his victory, but cautioned that he won’t be champion for long. As far as “The Eagle” is concerned, Islam Makhachev and Dustin Poirier will take Oliveira’s belt from him.
Dana White explains why Nate Diaz vs. Leon Edwards was scheduled for five rounds
Adam D Martin - May 30, 2021
UFC president Dana White explained why the upcoming Nate Diaz vs. Leon Edwards welterweight bout at UFC 263 was scheduled for five rounds. For the first time in UFC history, a fight other than a title bout or main event will be scheduled for 25 minutes when Diaz takes on Edwards on June 12 at UFC 263. The fight was originally slated as the co-main event for UFC 262 and was set for five rounds, but even after the fight was moved to UFC 263, which already has two five-round title fights set to take place, the fight between Edwards and Diaz was kept for the five rounds.
Deiveson Figueiredo sends warning to Henry Cejudo and Demetrious Johnson, promises he would finish them both
Adam D Martin - May 30, 2021
UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo sent a warning to Henry Cejudo and Demetrious Johnson, promising that he would finish them both. Figueiredo returns at UFC 263 next month when he takes on Brandon Moreno in a rematch for the UFC flyweight title. While his focus is solely on his opponent Moreno right now, Figueiredo can’t help but look forward should he get past his opponent. If that’s the case, then Figueiredo is hoping that he gets a fight with the former champ Cejduo at 135lbs.
Carla Esparza hopes UFC gives her next title shot against Rose Namajunas: "Come on Dana"
Adam D Martin - May 30, 2021
UFC women’s strawweight contender Carla Esparza hopes the UFC gives her the next title shot against Rose Namajunas, saying “Come on Dana.” Esparza is coming off of an incredible TKO win over Yan Xiaonan at UFC Vegas 27 last weekend that was the statement she needed to make in order to earn a title shot with Namajunas. Esparza has now won her last five fights in a row, including notable victories over the likes of Marina Rodriguez and Michelle Waterson during that stretch, and she’s hoping that the win over Yan in such devastating fashion will earn her the next title shot.
Colby Covington says George St-Pierre would have been an "extremely easy fight" for him
Adam D Martin - May 30, 2021
UFC welterweight Colby Covington says that a potential matchup against George St-Pierre would have been an “extremely easy fight” for him. Covington is one of the best welterweight fighters in the UFC right now and GSP is, of course, one of the all-time greats ever in the 170lbs division. Although GSP is now 40 years old and retired, there have been rumors about him potentially fighting again for the last several years, with the most recent rumblings suggesting a matchup with former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov at a 165lbs catchweight.
Video | Chris Weidman walks on own for first time since breaking leg at UFC 261
Adam D Martin - May 30, 2021
Former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman shared a video of himself walking on his own for the first time since breaking his leg. Weidman suffered one of the most brutal injuries we’ve ever seen in the Octagon when he shattered his right leg on the first kick he threw against Uriah Hall at UFC 261 in April. Immediately after breaking his leg, Weidman was rushed to the hospital and he had surgery on his leg. It was a terrible injury for “The All-American” but he has been working hard during his rehab and recovery in order to not only walk again but return to the UFC.
Michael Bisping says the Conor McGregor of old doesn't exist anymore: "Just like the me of old, it doesn't exist anymore"
Chris Taylor - May 29, 2021
Former UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping says the Conor McGregor of old doesn’t exist anymore and won’t be seen again. According to Bisping (30-9 MMA) the Irishman has achieved far too much in life to ever revert back to the trash-talking version of ‘Mystic Mac‘ that UFC fans originally met back in 2013.
Chuck Liddell does not think Jake Paul will accept his challenge: "He’s going to risk getting hurt like that?"
Chris Taylor - May 29, 2021
UFC Hall of Famer Chuck Liddell does not expect that YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul will respond his recent callout. Earlier this month, Liddell responded to a fan who had suggested that he should be the next man to square off with the younger Paul brother.
Brandon Moreno knows he can "support the damage" and "be more aggressive" in UFC 263 rematch with Deiveson Figueiredo
Chris Taylor - May 29, 2021
It is hard to imagine that June’s UFC 263 flyweight title fight rematch between Deiveson Figueiredo and Brandon Moreno could be any crazier than their first fight. Figueiredo (20-1-1 MMA) and Moreno (18-5-2 MMA) originally collided at December’s UFC 256 event, where the pair produced a fight for the ages.
Alex Volkanovski trashes Colby Covington over his TUF 29 coaching remarks: "You literally play a character to stay relevant."
Chris Taylor - May 29, 2021
UFC featherweight champion Alex Volkanovski did not hold back while responding to Colby Covington’s remarks about his TUF 29 coaching gig. Prior to Volkanovski and Brian Ortega being announced as the coaches of the new season of The Ultimate Fighter, rumors were swirling that Colby Covington could be a part of TUF 29.
Francis Ngannou reflects on title-earning knockout of Stipe Miocic at UFC 260
Chris Taylor - May 29, 2021
UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou reflected on his title-earning knockout of Stipe Miocic earlier this afternoon. Ngannou (16-3 MMA) and Miocic ( MMA) squared off for a second time in the headliner of March’s UFC 260 event in Las Vegas. The pair had initially collided at UFC 220 in January of 2018, with Miocic retaining his heavyweight title by way of unanimous decision.
Previously quiet Israel Adesanya trolls Marvin Vettori ahead of UFC 263 rematch
Chris Taylor - May 29, 2021
Middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has been relatively quiet ahead of his UFC 263 rematch with Italian standout Marvin Vettori. Adesanya (20-1 MMA) and Vettori (17-4-1 MMA) originally collided in April of 2018, with the promotions reigning middleweight champion emerging victorious by way of split decision.
Brian Ortega responds after Colby Covington trashes his TUF 29 coaching gig: "I’m glad you ain’t get it B*tch."
Chris Taylor - May 29, 2021
Brian Ortega has responded after former UFC interim welterweight champion Colby Covington trashed his TUF 29 coaching gig. Prior to Ortega and Volkanovski being announced as the coaches of the new season of The Ultimate Fighter, rumors were swirling that Colby Covington could be a part of TUF 29.
Floyd Mayweather says he just has to show up to beat Logan Paul: "If I want it to go one round, it'll go one round"
Cole Shelton - May 28, 2021
Floyd Mayweather is confident he will beat Logan Paul with ease on June 6. Mayweather is set to face the YouTuber turned boxer in Paul in an exhibition bout in Miami next Sunday. Entering the fight, the undefeated boxer is a massive -1300 favorite and he doesn’t have much of a strategy for the bout. Instead, he says when he wants the fight to end it will end.