MMA News

Tom Taylor - July 26, 2019

If you tuned in for the UFC 240 weigh-ins, you may have noticed that Alberta’s own Tanner Boser was absent. That’s because his opponent Giacomo Lemos reportedly failed a last-minute drug test and was pulled from the card. Boser claims Lemos’ withdrawal was so down-to-the-wire that the UFC could not find him a replacement opponent for UFC 240. Considering he was set to make his long-awaited UFC debut in his hometown, it’s understandable that he’s not happy. To add insult to injury, Boser will apparently only get his show money and his Reebok sponsorship money — not his win bonus.

Tom Taylor - July 26, 2019

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Tom Taylor - July 26, 2019

The UFC lightweight division is arguably the best division in MMA. Home to champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and stars like Conor McGregor, Tony Ferguson, Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje and Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone, it is absolutely packed with top talent. Speaking with Rich Eisen this week, UFC President Dana White gave his take on the UFC lightweight division and the exciting matchups that can be made therein. He even sees retired former UFC welterweight and middleweight champion Georges St-Pierre as a player in the division.

Cole Shelton - July 25, 2019

At UFC 239, Jon Jones defended his light heavyweight title as he edged out a split-decision win over Thiago Santos. It was a very close fight that some even thought the Brazilian had won. What made it more impressive was the fact that Santos had torn every ligament in his knee and was practically fighting on one leg, but still pressed forward throughout the fight.

Fernando Quiles Jr. - July 25, 2019

Dan Hardy believes a potential matchup between Ben Askren and Demian Maia is quite intriguing. Askren is coming off the first loss of his professional mixed martial arts career. He was knocked out in five seconds courtesy of Jorge Masvidal’s flying knee. This set a record for the fastest knockout in UFC history. Meanwhile, Maia is coming off a majority decision victory over Anthony Rocco Martin.

Tom Taylor - July 25, 2019

Earlier this month, rumors briefly swirled suggesting that Felicia Spencer was out of her UFC 240 fight with Cris Cyborg. Though these rumors were quickly proven to be inaccurate, several posts on Cris Cyborg’s social media channels seemed to fan the flames, so to speak. Spencer was not happy about this.

Tom Taylor - July 25, 2019

Former WWE star CM Punk has now fought twice in the UFC’s Octagon, first losing by submission to Mickey Gall, then losing a lopsided decision to Mike Jackson. Despite these tough losses, however, the gritty pro veteran is still open to getting back on the horse and competing in the Octagon again. Punk, who still trains alongside UFC stars at Roufusport every day, discussed his future in the sport in a recent interview with ESPN.

Tom Taylor - July 25, 2019

UFC President Dana White has been teasing a move into the boxing industry for years. From the sounds of it, the time is finally upon us. According to a report from Mike Coppinger of The Athletic Boxing, White recently made an important executive hire for Zuffa Boxing — though it’s not clear who he hired.

Tom Taylor - July 25, 2019

Former UFC welterweight champion Robbie Lawler is seemingly as dangerous today, at 37 years old, as he’s ever been. Lawler’s next opponent, Colby Covington, is cognizant of that fact — and from the sounds of it, he’s a tad suspicious about it. Colby Covington commented on Lawler’s incredible longevity on a recent episode of Submission Radio.

Cole Shelton - July 25, 2019

In the main event of UFC 240, Frankie Edgar has the chance to become a two-division UFC champion. “The Answer” already held the lightweight title from 2010-2012. Since then, the 37-year-old has dropped down to featherweight, and has been chasing gold in the division ever since. At 145 pounds, Edgar has previously fought for the undisputed title and the interim title, both times against the former champ Jose Aldo, and both times losing by decision. Now, he has a chance to capture the belt once again, this time against reigning champ Max Holloway.

Adam Martin - July 25, 2019

UFC president Dana White says he is interested in booking a high-profile welterweight grudge match between top contenders Jorge Masvidal and Leon Edwards. White told reporters that a fight between Masvidal and Edwards — who clearly do not like each other — intrigues him.

Tom Taylor - July 25, 2019

Over the last year, there’s been lots of talk about a potential super fight between former UFC welterweight and middleweight champion Georges St-Pierre, and current UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. Although St-Pierre is currently retired, he still seems to be interested in the fight. Speaking to TSN recently, the Canadian delved into the matchup itself, explaining how he would try to beat the undefeated Russian if given the chance.

Mike Heck - July 25, 2019

UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones has found himself in hot water once again and Dana White seems to be densensitized to the situation at this point. Jones was recently charged with battery after an alleged incident involving a waitress at a strip club in Albuquerque, New Mexico. “Bones”, along with his team, are maintaining that the light heavyweight champion was not involved in any wrongdoing during the innocent that reportedly took place before Jones’ latest title defense against Thiago Santos at UFC 239.

Natasha Hooper - July 25, 2019

Two new bouts have been added to the upcoming UFC Vancouver fight card. Louis Smolka will face off against Ryan MacDonald at bantamweight, and Kyle Prepolec is scheduled to fight Austin Hubbard at lightweight.

Natasha Hooper - July 25, 2019

Khabib Nurmagomedov has earned the top spot on Forbes’ list for the most successful Russian athletes of 2019 (via Tass.Ru). The undefeated Dagestani fighter has risen through the ranks in the UFC and is now the promotion’s lightweight champion. He gained further international notoriety late last year  when he fought Conor McGregor at UFC 229. “The Eagle” submitted his Irish rival in the fourth round.

Tom Taylor - July 25, 2019

James Vick is currently on a three-fight losing streak, having recently sandwiched a decision loss to Paul Felder between knockout losses to Justin Gaethje and Dan Hooker. On the heels of these tough setbacks, the 6 ft. 3 lightweight has decided to seek a new start in the 170-pound welterweight division, where his weight cut will hopefully be less taxing. James Vick announced his change on his official Facebook page.

Cole Shelton - July 24, 2019

At UFC 205, featherweight champion, Conor McGregor was moving up in weight to take on lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez. It was a symbolic card for a number of reasons given it was the first time the UFC was in Madison Square Garden, and McGregor could become the first champ-champ in promotional history. It ended up being a historic night as the Irishman ended up TKO’ing Alvarez in the second round. McGregor dominated the fight from start to finish and dropped “The Underground King” three times in the fight en route to victory.

Fernando Quiles Jr. - July 24, 2019

Urijah Faber and T.J. Dillashaw have a bitter history, but “The California Kid” isn’t interested in facing his former teammate. Faber is no longer retired and at least for now, that decision is paying off. In his first bout since Dec. 2016, Faber starched Ricky Simon in just 46 seconds. The win earned Faber a spot back on the UFC bantamweight rankings at the 14th position.