MMA News
Yair Rodriguez explains what makes him “the most difficult” matchup for Alex Volkanovski: “The rival that’s more unpredictable than the rest”
Harry Kettle - July 4, 2023
Yair Rodriguez has explained what makes him a difficult match-up for Alex Volkanovski as they prepare to collide this weekend. At UFC 290, Yair Rodriguez faces the fight of his life. He will battle Alex Volkanovski in an attempt to capture the UFC bantamweight championship, a belt of which he already holds the interim version. Most fans and pundits consider him to be the underdog, as you’d imagine would be the case. Still, that isn’t going to stop him from putting his best foot forward.
What's next for Sean Strickland and Abus Magomedov after UFC Vegas 76?
Cole Shelton - July 3, 2023
In the main event of UFC Vegas 76, Sean Strickland was taking on unranked Abus Magomedov. Strickland entered the fight coming off a decision victory over Nassourdine Imavov, in a scrap he took on short notice. That fight got him back into the win column after suffering back-to-back losses to Jared Cannonier and Alex Pereira. Magomedov, meanwhile, was coming off a 19-second KO win over Dustin Stoltzfus in his UFC debut to earn a main event spot.
Ronda Rousey has informed WWE of her “hard out” date as rumors of UFC return continue to swirl
Cole Shelton - July 3, 2023
Former UFC champion Ronda Rousey has reportedly informed the WWE of her soon-to-be departure. Rousey went full-time with the WWE in 2018 after sporadic appearances for a couple of years following her departure from MMA and the UFC. After Ronda Rousey suffered a knockout loss to Amanda Nunes in 2016, she left the sport and in 2018 told Ellen DeGeneres that she likely would never make a comeback.
Dana White reflects on 'friend' Kobe Bryant investing in the UFC: "An incredible human"
Josh Evanoff - July 3, 2023
UFC President Dana White recently took some time to discuss Kobe Bryant. In the summer of 2016, the UFC completed was bought out by WME-IMG. While many executives left the company during this timeframe, Dana White famously decided to stay around. Ultimately, when the purchase was made final, Endeavor had a meeting with all of their clients, where they would be able to buy a share of the UFC.
Manon Fiorot questions Rose Namajunas' flyweight move: "In a few months, you can't prepare"
Josh Evanoff - July 3, 2023
UFC women’s flyweight contender Manon Fiorot feels confident against Rose Namajunas. ‘The Beast’ has been out of the cage since her clash with Kaitlyn Chookagian last October. There, the French fighter captured a unanimous decision win, moving to 10-1 in the process. While Manon Fiorot was later linked to names such as Erin Blanchfield, she will instead face Rose Namajunas.
Jim Miller calls for UFC 300 fight with Matt Brown: "That'd be an awesome one"
Josh Evanoff - July 3, 2023
Lightweight contender Jim Miller would love to face Matt Brown at UFC 300 next year. ‘A10’ has been out of the cage since his clash with Jesse Butler last month at UFC Vegas 74. Predictably, Jim Miller scored the knockout victory over the short-notice replacement. Following the win, the lightweight again discussed the possibility of fighting at UFC 300.
VIDEO | Jose Aldo turns opponent into panic wrestler during boxing return
Josh Evanoff - July 3, 2023
Former UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo produced some big highlights in his boxing return. It’s not exactly a secret that ‘Junior’ is attempting to make a career in the boxing ring these days. Last year, the Brazilian suffered a unanimous decision loss to Merab Dvalishvili. Following the loss, Jose Aldo retired from MMA and was later released from his promotional contract.
Sean O'Malley explains why he thinks Henry Cejudo will retire again after pulling out of Marlon Vera fight
Cole Shelton - July 3, 2023
Sean O’Malley doesn’t think Henry Cejudo will fight again. Cejudo ended his retirement back in May to face Aljamain Sterling for the bantamweight title but lost by split decision. After the loss, he was adamant he wanted to fight again and called out Merab Dvalishvili. Yet, he ended up getting booked at UFC 292 against Marlon Vera, but unfortunately, Henry Cejudo was forced out of the scrap due to a shoulder injury.
UFC 290 TRAILER - Year of the Boomerang
Pineapple Dojo MMA - July 3, 2023
What if every UFC Pay-Per-View was a major motion picture? For hardcore MMA fans, it can sometimes feel that way. Between the press conferences, UFC Embedded Vlogs, and fight prediction analyses, the anticipation of a PPV fight week is electrifying. This type of build-up can only be compared to the energy of that summer blockbuster you’ve been waiting for all year. In Pineapple Dojo’s latest video, “YEAR OF THE BOOMERANG”, the cinematic experience is brought to life surrounding UFC 290: Alexander “The Great” Volkanovski vs. Yair “El Pantera” Rodriguez. These two featherweights are scheduled to face off during International Fight Week on July 8th, 2023 atop a stacked main card. This satirical movie trailer utilizes a variety of interviews, fight footage, as well as internet memes to craft a compelling narrative for this featherweight title unification.
Sean Brady shares gnarly photo of the infection that forced him out of UFC 290: “It was growing in my elbow”
Harry Kettle - July 3, 2023
UFC fighter Sean Brady has shown off a photo that highlights the infection that has forced him to withdraw from UFC 290. While he may have suffered defeat to Belal Muhammad, Sean Brady is still viewed as a top contender at welterweight. He has a great, smothering style, and he isn’t afraid to use it. He was scheduled to take on Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 290 this weekend. But, unfortunately, he’s been forced to withdraw.
Dan Hooker credits manager for keeping him from doing “more dumb sh*t” ahead of UFC 290: “I probably would have rushed things”
Harry Kettle - July 3, 2023
Dan Hooker has credited his manager for helping him to avoid making poor decisions as he prepares for his return to the cage. While he may not be the most consistent, Dan Hooker is certainly a fan favorite in the UFC. His style always invites chaos, and that’s the kind of thing mixed martial arts fans can get on board with.
Report | Miami Heat axe deal to have Conor McGregor’s Tidl Sports patch on their jerseys: “It’s a reminder of the 24 hours of hell the organization went through”
Harry Kettle - July 3, 2023
The Miami Heat have reportedly axed a deal that would’ve seen Conor McGregor’s Tidl Sports brand sponsor the team next season. It’s been a strange few weeks for Conor McGregor, and one of the big reasons for that was his appearance at an NBA Finals game in Miami, Florida. After punching the team’s mascot and sending him to hospital, the Irishman was accused of sexual assault by a woman he met at the event. The messy ordeal has led many to wonder whether or not he’ll actually return to the Octagon, as he was expected to do.
Dillian Whyte reportedly signs contract to fight Anthony Joshua on August 12
Fernando Quiles Jr. - July 2, 2023
The rematch between Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte is one step closer to becoming a reality. Sky Sports reports Whyte has signed the latest bout agreement after a rematch clause was removed. Matchroom Boxing has yet to confirm the report. If the report is correct, then Matchroom is likely squaring away formalities before making the August 12 bout official.
Michael Morales explains why he's not completely satisfied with UFC Vegas 76 win over Max Griffin
Fernando Quiles Jr. - July 2, 2023
Michael Morales emerged victorious over Max Griffin at UFC Vegas 76, but he’s not overjoyed with how things played out. Morales and Griffin shared the Octagon inside the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. For Morales, this was a chance to make a statement and improve his unbeaten record. Griffin was hoping to derail the hype train and win his second bout in a row. Ultimately, it was Morales who earned the unanimous decision victory.
Rinat Fakhretdinov expected quick finish over Kevin Lee at UFC Vegas 76: "This is exactly what I was planning for"
Fernando Quiles Jr. - July 2, 2023
Rinat Fakhretdinov wasn’t shocked when he finished Kevin Lee in under a minute at UFC Vegas 76. Fakhretdinov and Lee collided inside the UFC Apex this past Saturday (July 1). This was the featured preliminary bout on the UFC Vegas 76 card. “The Motown Phenom” was hoping to make his UFC return a successful one, but that was far from what ended up happening. Lee was choked out in 55 seconds.
Glover Teixeira confident in Alex Pereira's chances against UFC champion Jamahal Hill: "It's perfect for Alex"
Fernando Quiles Jr. - July 2, 2023
Glover Teixeira believes that his protégé, Alex Pereira, will inevitably emerge victorious over UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jamahal Hill. Pereira will be moving up to the light heavyweight division to take on former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jan Blachowicz at UFC 291 on July 29. A win for Alex Pereira may very well earn him a title opportunity at 185 pounds. Pereira already has the distinction of being a former UFC Middleweight Champion.
Sean Strickland calls for title shot following latest win at UFC Vegas 76: “I’ve f**king paid my dues”
Fernando Quiles Jr. - July 2, 2023
Sean Strickland believes a UFC title opportunity is in order. Strickland was in action this past Saturday night (July 1). He took on unranked middleweight Abus Magomedov in the main event of UFC Vegas 76. Strickland won the fight via second-round TKO. It’s his second straight win, which is much needed, as Strickland had dropped back to back fights against Alex Pereira and Jared Cannonier.
Tracy Cortez warns Ex-boyfriend Brian Ortega not to start throwing shade: "I’ve yet to say anything negative about you"
Chris Taylor - July 1, 2023
Tracy Cortez has sent a friendly warning to her Ex-Boyfriend Brian Ortega that now is not the time to start throwing shade. Cortez and Ortega split earlier this year after dating for several months. The pair had kept their relationship pretty private and there didn’t appear to be any bad blood between the two after they opted to part ways.