MMA News
Beneil Dariush takes aim at UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev for “trying to run off to other divisions”
Harry Kettle - March 28, 2023
UFC lightweight Beneil Dariush has taken a shot at Islam Makhachev for contemplating a move up to welterweight. Following his win over Charles Oliveira last year, Islam Makhachev became the new UFC lightweight champion. Back in February, Makhachev defeated Alexander Volkanovski to successfully retain the strap.
Li Jingliang forced out of UFC 287 due to spine injury
Harry Kettle - March 28, 2023
UFC welterweight Li Jingliang has reportedly been forced to withdraw from his fight at UFC 287 due to injury. Next month, UFC 287 is set to emanate from Miami, Florida. While Gilbert Burns vs Jorge Masvidal is the welterweight match-up everyone is talking about, many fans were also excited to see Li Jingliang vs Michael Chiesa.
What's next for Cory Sandhagen and Marlon Vera after UFC San Antonio?
Cole Shelton - March 27, 2023
In the main event of UFC San Antonio, a battle of top-five bantamweights went down as Cory Sandhagen took on Marlon Vera. Sandhagen was coming off a TKO doctor stoppage win over Song Yadong back in September, this after losing back-to-back fights to Petr Yan for the interim belt and a controversial split decision loss to TJ Dillashaw. Vera, meanwhile, was riding a four-fight winning streak and was coming off a KO win over Dominick Cruz.
Valentina Shevchenko explains how referee Jason Herzog played a role in her UFC 285 loss to Alexa Grasso: "This action is hard to understand for me"
Cole Shelton - March 27, 2023
Valentina Shevchenko believes referee Jason Herzog played a role in why she lost to Alexa Grasso at UFC 285. In the co-main event of the pay-per-view card, Shevchenko suffered an upset submission loss to Grasso to lose her belt. It was a big upset and a surprise, and although Grasso won fair and square, Shevchenko questions why Herzog stood her up after having Grasso on the ground.
Luke Rockhold gets into brief wrestling match with former NBA champion Tim Duncan (VIDEO)
Josh Evanoff - March 27, 2023
Former UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold got more than he bargained for with Tim Duncan. The former titleholder has been out of action since his decision defeat to Paulo Costa last August. Following the defeat to ‘The Eraser’, Rockhold announced his retirement. However, the retirement was short-lived, as he was released from the UFC in January.
Marvin Vettori believes Alex Pereira defeats Israel Adesanya at UFC 287, remains "very confident" he would beat 'The Last Stylebender' in a potential trilogy
Cole Shelton - March 27, 2023
Marvin Vettori believes he will fight Israel Adesanya again. Vettori is currently 0-2 against Adesanya with the two having most recently fought back in June of 2021 with ‘The Last Stylebender’ winning a decision to defend his belt. Since then, Adesanya went on to lose his belt to Alex Pereira at UFC 281 and as the two are set to rematch at UFC 287, Vettori believes the Brazilian will once again get the better of Izzy.
Jorge Masvidal slams Khamzat Chimaev after calling for UFC title shot: "You missed weight by 8.5 pounds get the f*ck out of here"
Josh Evanoff - March 27, 2023
UFC welterweight contender Jorge Masvidal has a message for Khamzat Chimaev. The welterweight division is currently in a state of flux. Earlier this month in the main event of UFC 286, Leon Edwards defeated Kamaru Usman by a majority decision. With the victory, ‘Rocky’ retained his welterweight gold, but there wasn’t any time for celebrating.
Jared Gordon believes Paddy Pimblett's call for a rematch shows 'The Baddy' thought he won: "I get why he's angry"
Josh Evanoff - March 27, 2023
UFC lightweight contender Jared Gordon has a theory on why Paddy Pimblett wants a rematch. ‘The Baddy’ and ‘Flash’ faced off at UFC 282 in December as the co-main event. Heading into the contest, the British star was riding a wave of hype. Thanks to multiple finishes, as well as his partnership with Barstool Sports, Pimblett seemed on his road to stardom.
Dana White speaks out on Fury FC officiating fiasco: 'You shouldn't be a ref if that happens, in my opinion.'
Zain Bando - March 27, 2023
Dana White has had his fair share of opinions on bad reffing jobs in combat sports. From Mario Yamasaki to Steve Mazzagatti, White pulls no punches when he sees an official potentially dictate the outcome of a fight. The UFC had an event in San Antonio, Texas, Saturday night, and the night before, Fury FC hosted an event on UFC Fight Pass, which also took place in Texas. One of the fights on the card saw a flyweight bout that ended in immense controversy as Edgar Cháirez took on Gianni Vazquez.
Two title fights announced for Bellator 297, including Vadim Nemkov vs. Yoel Romero
Lewis Simpson - March 27, 2023
Bellator MMA has announced a spectacular two-title fight card that will go down on June 16 in Chicago, Illinois, at Bellator 297. After a successful turnout last November at the Wintrust Arena, where Vadim Nemkov defended his title against Cory Anderson at Bellator 288, the promotion is heading back with a mouthwatering card.
Fight fans express concern after Jon Jones tweets and deletes several cryptic messages
Susan Cox - March 27, 2023
Fight fans are expressing concern after UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones tweeted and deleted several cryptic messages. Jon ‘Bones’ Jones (27-1 MMA) became the new UFC heavyweight champion after defeating Ciryl Gane (11-2 MMA) by submission at UFC 285 earlier this month.
Alex Pereira’s coach not ruling out an eventual move to heavyweight: “He can fight in any division”
Susan Cox - March 27, 2023
Alex Pereira’s coach is not ruling out an eventual move to heavyweight. For now, Middleweight Champion Alex Pereira is focused on his upcoming fight with Israel Adesanya.
Conor McGregor poses rule changes following “gollier of spit” and “snot rockets” at UFC San Antonio
Susan Cox - March 27, 2023
Conor McGregor is posing an MMA rule change following a ‘gollier of spit’ and ‘snot rockets’ at UFC San Antonio. It was this past Saturday, March 25th, during UFC San Antonio which took place at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas, that former two-division champion McGregor made the suggestion of a rule change in MMA.
Dana White pumps the brakes on holding a UFC event in Mexico in 2023: “I don’t know if it’s in the plans right now”
Harry Kettle - March 27, 2023
UFC president Dana White has questioned whether or not the promotion will return to Mexico later this year. The current state of mixed martial arts in Mexico is incredibly positive. In addition to their many rising stars, the UFC is currently home to three Mexican world champions.
Donald ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone reacts following UFC Hall of Fame announcement: “It’s cool, it’s an honor, man”
Harry Kettle - March 27, 2023
Donald Cerrone has given his thoughts on the announcement that he’ll be entering the UFC Hall of Fame later this year. Last Saturday night at UFC San Antonio, UFC announced that Donald Cerrone will be inducted into the Hall of Fame this summer. He’ll be doing so as one of the biggest fan favourites in the history of the promotion, and perhaps the sport.
Paddy Pimblett calls for rematch with Jared Gordon following successful surgery: “He only done well because me ankle was f**ked”
Harry Kettle - March 27, 2023
UFC fighter Paddy Pimblett has called out Jared Gordon for a rematch following their controversial first fight. Back at UFC 282, Paddy Pimblett defeated Jared Gordon in a controversial unanimous decision win. Despite his success, many fans and pundits felt as if he lost the bout quite clearly.
Alex Perez explains why his UFC San Antonio bout with Manel Kape was canceled at last minute: "This has nothing to do with weight cut"
Fernando Quiles Jr. - March 26, 2023
Alex Perez was expected to meet Manel Kape at UFC San Antonio this past Saturday night (March 25), but that plan went awry. It was announced during the UFC San Antonio broadcast that the fight was called off due to a medical issue with Perez. Perez has had a string of bad luck when it comes to fight cancellations, and he was quick to address this one.
Following dominant UFC San Antonio win, Holly Holm not committed to retiring: "I'm not ready to do it"
Fernando Quiles Jr. - March 26, 2023
Holly Holm knows father time is ticking, but “The Preacher’s Daughter” still believes she can compete at a high level. Holm shared the Octagon with Yana Santos in the co-main event of UFC San Antonio on March 25. The bantamweight clash went the distance and it was never close. Santos was outmatched in the grappling department and struggled with her opponent’s elbows on the ground. Holm secured the unanimous decision victory over Santos. This is her first win since October 2020.