MMA News
New details released for UFC’s Anti-Doping Program as USADA partnership ends
Harry Kettle - December 29, 2023
The Ultimate Fighting Championship has released details of their new Anti-Doping Program after separating from USADA. Ever since the news was announced that the company would be parting ways with USADA, many questions arose regarding what their next steps would be. It caused concern for some, whereas others were excited to see what they would bring into the mix.
Tyron Woodley alleges that Georges St-Pierre turned down a "dumb bag" to fight him: "Eight figures"
Josh Evanoff - December 28, 2023
Former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley has alleged that Georges St-Pierre turned down a massive payday against him. ‘The Chosen One’ hasn’t been seen in combat sports since a sixth-round knockout loss to Jake Paul in the boxing ring in December 2021. Since then, Tyron Woodley has been quiet about a potential return. However, he did show interest in facing ‘The Problem Child’ in his PFL debut, slated for late 2024.
Chael Sonnen reveals Israel Adesanya's return fight at UFC 300
Cole Shelton - December 28, 2023
Chael Sonnen believes he knows who and when Israel Adesanya will be making his return to the Octagon. Adesanya hasn’t fought since September when he suffered a lopsided decision loss to Sean Strickland to lose his middleweight title. Since then, Adesanya jokingly said he wouldn’t return until 2027, which he has walked back on and claimed he will be back sooner rather than later.
RIZIN's Nobuyuki Sakakibara open to PFL co-promotion after Bellator sale: "Doors always open"
Josh Evanoff - December 28, 2023
RIZIN President Nobuyuki Sakakibara is open to working with PFL and Donn Davis, but it will take some time. The annual New Year’s event for RIZIN is slated for this weekend. Headlined by Kyoji Horiguchi’s rematch against Makoto Takahashi, the card also features high-profile names such as Juan Archuleta, Kai Asakura, John Dodson, and more. While a fun event, this year’s event will look radically different than last year’s.
Paige VanZant rules out retirement, but admits BKFC return is far from set: "I don’t know if it’s down the road"
Josh Evanoff - December 28, 2023
It appears that Paige VanZant isn’t fully done with competing in BKFC. ‘12 Gauge’ hasn’t been seen in combat sports since a rematch with Rachel Ostovich in July 2021. That bout took place just two and a half years after Paige VanZant defeated the Hawaiian in the UFC cage. However, their bare-knuckle boxing match looked radically different.
Alex Pereira believes heavyweight move has to happen "the right way," shuts down rumors of Tom Aspinall fight
Cole Shelton - December 28, 2023
Alex Pereira isn’t ruling out a move up to heavyweight but says he will need to make the jump in weight the right way. Pereira moved up to light heavyweight after losing his middleweight title in April after suffering a KO loss to Israel Adesanya. He ended up beating Jan Blachowicz in his light heavyweight debut and then scored a knockout win over Jiri Prochazka in November to become the promotion’s new light heavyweight champion.
Colby Covington doubles down on comments about Ian Machado Garry’s marriage: “I'd be honoured to settle that”
Susan Cox - December 28, 2023
Colby Covington is doubling down on the comments he’s made regarding Ian Machado Garry’s marriage. Covington (17-4 MMA) is licking his wounds after his unanimous decision loss to Leon Edwards (22-3 MMA) at UFC 296 on December 16th. The main event welterweight title fight saw ‘Rocky’ retain the belt.
Daniel Cormier is confused why fighters are still “overlooking” UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland
Susan Cox - December 28, 2023
Daniel Cormier is confused as to why fighters are still ‘overlooking’ UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland. Strickland (28-5 MMA) is scheduled to defend his title against Dricus Du Plessis (20-2 MMA) at UFC 297 which takes place on Saturday, January 20th at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Michael Chandler believes Conor McGregor is postponing his UFC return in hopes of getting an “easier fight”
Susan Cox - December 28, 2023
Michael Chandler believes Conor McGregor is postponing his UFC return in hopes of getting an ‘easier fight’. The UFC and CEO Dana White lead everyone to believe that following ‘The Ultimate Fighter 31 (TUF)’ we would see opposing coaches Conor McGregor (22-6 MMA) and Michael Chandler (23-8 MMA) battle it out in the Octagon.
Josh Thomson explains why he’s “not sold” on Khamzat Chimaev being a legit superstar: “He came out on fireworks and just kind of fizzled out”
Harry Kettle - December 28, 2023
MMA analyst Josh Thomson has explained why he isn’t entirely convinced by the superstar potential of Khamzat Chimaev. For over three years now, Khamzat Chimaev has been one of the most talked about stars in mixed martial arts. His dominance inside the Octagon has been clear for all to see, and that goes for middleweight as well as welterweight.
Up next! UFC Fight Night: ‘Magomed Ankalaev vs. Johnny Walker 2’ Fight Card & Start Times
Harry Kettle - December 28, 2023
The first UFC event of the new year will be headlined by a blockbuster light heavyweight showdown between Magomed Ankalaev and Johnny Walker. Following UFC 296 earlier this month, the Ultimate Fighting Championship went on something of a break over the holidays – as they tend to do. Now, as we approach the new year, it’s time to get pumped up about the prospect of some massive fights that lie ahead in 2024.
Quinton Jackson reveals the one time he ended up crying in the UFC locker room: “I’m almost ashamed to say it”
Harry Kettle - December 28, 2023
Quinton Jackson has admitted that he once cried in the UFC locker room – for a fight he didn’t even take part in. Over the course of his career Quinton Jackson, better known as ‘Rampage’, has been a fan favorite in mixed martial arts. Between his electric style and larger than life personality, he’s even been able to crossover into Hollywood.
Photo | Sean Strickland looks to be in phenomenal shape ahead of UFC 297
Susan Cox - December 27, 2023
Sean Strickland looks to be in phenomenal shape ahead of his first attempted title defense at next month’s UFC 297 event. It will be Sean Strickland (28-5 MMA) versus Dricus Du Plessis (20-2 MMA) in a middleweight title fight next month, on Saturday, January 20th at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Sean O’Malley questions if Conor McGregor’s return delay could be due to the UFC “losing money” when he fights
Susan Cox - December 27, 2023
Sean O’Malley is questioning if Conor McGregor’s return delay could be due to the UFC ‘losing money’ when he fights. McGregor (22-6 MMA) last entered the Octagon in July of 2021 at UFC 264, where he lost to Dustin Poirier (29-8 MMA) via TKO.
Cody Garbrandt eyes future “money fight” with UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley: “I would just love to go and smack him around”
Harry Kettle - December 27, 2023
UFC sensation Cody Garbrandt believes a showdown with rival Sean O’Malley is in his future. Across his last two bouts, Cody Garbrandt has been able to get back on the winning track. He’s defeated Trevin Jones and Brian Kelleher, with the latter coming via emphatic knockout at UFC 296. Now, the 32-year-old wants to reignite his push for another UFC bantamweight championship run.
Justin Gaethje says he’s “waiting on the call” for UFC title fight with Islam Makhachev: “Do Bronx had his shot and didn’t show up”
Harry Kettle - December 27, 2023
UFC star Justin Gaethje has said that he is “waiting on the call” regarding a title shot against UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. For as long as we can remember, Justin Gaethje has been seen as one of the most exciting fighters in all of mixed martial arts. He’s quick, he’s got an entertaining style, and he has more UFC bonuses than we can count.
Corey Anderson slams Joe Rogan's 'wasting career' comments: "Fame doesn't pay bills, money does"
Josh Evanoff - December 27, 2023
Bellator light-heavyweight Corey Anderson has some issues with UFC commentator Joe Rogan’s recent comments. ‘Overtime’ has been out of action since a fight with Phil Davis in June at Bellator 297. There, Corey Anderson scored a split-decision win, another high-profile win for him. Since leaving the UFC in 2020, the light-heavyweight has earned a 4-1 (1 NC) record. With that in mind, it’s safe to say that he’s benefitted from the move.
Cody Garbrandt rejects potential Dominick Cruz rematch: "What else am I supposed to do with the guy?"
Josh Evanoff - December 27, 2023
Former UFC champion Cody Garbrandt isn’t very interested in facing Dominick Cruz again. ‘No Love’ is fresh off his return earlier this month at UFC 296. Facing off against Brian Kelleher, the former champion scored a first-round knockout victory. The win was Cody Garbrandt’s second in a row, helping him get back on track after a failed flyweight move in late 2021.