MMA News
Daniel Cormier explains why he is against an immediate rematch between Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovksi
Susan Cox - February 23, 2023
Daniel Cormier is explaining why he is against an immediate rematch between Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski. It was indeed lightweight champion Islam Makhachev (24-1 MMA) vs featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski (25-2 MMA) at UFC 284 earlier this month. The super fight saw Makhachev defeat ‘The Great’ via unanimous decision, in his first title defence. Volkanovski fell short in his quest to become a two division champion, but held on to his No. 1 spot in the official UFC pound-for-pound rankings.
Sean Strickland trolls BKFC for signing Paige VanZant as their marquee fighter: “Come on guys watch us, look we signed a only fans model who cant fight”
Susan Cox - February 23, 2023
Sean Strickland is trolling BKFC for signing Paige VanZant as their marguee fighter. Paige ’12 Gauge’ VanZant (8-5 MMA) left the UFC after her bout with Amanda Ribas (10-3 MMA) at UFC 251 in July of 2020. It was there that VanZant lost via submission in round one, making her record 2-4 in her last six bouts.
Jordan Leavitt expects to "surprise a lot of people" at UFC Vegas 70 against Victor Martinez: "I think this fight will be a little bit more gritty than I would prefer"
Cole Shelton - February 22, 2023
Jordan Leavitt thought he would be fighting a lot sooner. Leavitt last competed back in July at UFC London as he took on Paddy Pimblett. It was a big opportunity for Leavitt but he suffered a submission loss. Yet, even though he lost, he says he learned a lot from that fight.
Actor Kevin James details "scary" sparring with Merab Dvalishvili: "He starts lighting me up like a Christmas tree"
Cole Shelton - February 22, 2023
Kevin James had an interesting sparring session with UFC bantamweight Merab Dvalishvili. James, who has acted in shows like The King of Queens and Everybody Loves Raymond while also being in movies like Paul Blart Mall Cop, Grown Ups, and Here Comes The Boom, was training in a gym when Dvalishvili started to work with him. James says he tagged in, when everyone in the gym knew he was an actor but Dvalishvili just assumed James was a heavyweight fighter.
Dustin Poirier accepts Islam Makhachev's call for a new title challenger: "That's the plan"
Josh Evanoff - February 22, 2023
UFC lightweight contender Dustin Poirier has answered Islam Makhachev’s call. The Russian returned to the octagon earlier this month in the main event of UFC 284. Standing opposite the newly crowned champion was fellow titleholder Alexander Volkanovski. Despite Makhachev entering the fight a massive favorite, ‘The Great’ held his own for five rounds.
Tyron Woodley blasts KSI for ducking him after signing a contract to box the YouTuber: "You are not a real fighter"
Cole Shelton - February 22, 2023
Tyron Woodley believes YouTuber-turned-boxer KSI never truly wanted to box him but was using his name for clout. After Woodley lost back-to-back fights to Jake Paul, Paul mentioned Woodley as a possible opponent for his rival, KSI. The two sides then began negotiating a deal and Woodley says he signed a deal to box KSI but the YouTuber declined and decided to fight Dillon Danis instead.
Jake Paul reveals discussions underway with Francis Ngannou to join the PFL: "There's massive things we can do"
Josh Evanoff - February 22, 2023
According to Jake Paul, Francis Ngannou could be making his way to the PFL. ‘The Predator’ famously walked out of the UFC last month as heavyweight champion. He was later stripped of his title, with the promotion setting Jon Jones vs. Ciryl Gane for the vacant championship in March. Nonetheless, Ngannou was undeterred and set July as a likely return date.
Aaron Chalmers reveals discussions underway for two-fight crossover series with Jake Paul: "I'm sitting down with the PFL in March"
Josh Evanoff - February 22, 2023
Bellator veteran Aaron Chalmers might have the task of being Jake Paul‘s first MMA opponent. ‘The Joker’ is currently slated to face Floyd Mayweather in an exhibition fight this Saturday night. The bout will be the first time ‘Money’ competes in the U.K., as the two will headline a pay-per-view card at The O2 Arena in London.
Diego Sanchez set to file an appeal to overturn loss against Austin Trout at KnuckleMania 3: "We will be filling a formal complaint"
Cole Shelton - February 22, 2023
Diego Sanchez will be appealing his KnuckleMania 3 loss to Austin Trout. Sanchez was set to make his BKFC debut against the former boxing world champ in Trout. It was a big fight and heading into the scrap, both men were confident that they would emerge victorious. However, in the end, it was Trout winning by stoppage due to a cut above Sanchez’s eye.
Alexander Volkanovski responds after UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev asks who is next: “Give the people what they want!”
Susan Cox - February 22, 2023
Alexander Volkanovski is responding after UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev went on social media to ask “who is next”. It was almost 2 weeks ago, at UFC 284 where Islam Makhachev (24-1 MMA) defeated Alexander Volkanovski (25-2 MMA) via unanimous decision in the lightweight main event at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia. And in doing so the 31-year-old Makhachev retained the lightweight belt.
Alan Belcher expects to KO Arnold Adams "early" to win BKFC heavyweight title, believes Ben Rothwell could be his first title defense
Cole Shelton - February 22, 2023
Alan Belcher is confident he will become the BKFC heavyweight champion on Friday in Louisiana at BKFC 36. Belcher is set to take on Arnold Adams for the heavyweight title in an intriguing matchup. Since signing with BKFC, Belcher is 3-0 and coming off a first-round knockout win over Frank Tate. After the win, he thought a title shot would be next, but was okay if he had to fight again.
Ryan Bader set for TUF return as a coach on Team Chandler
Susan Cox - February 22, 2023
Ryan Bader is set to return to TUF as a coach on Team Chandler. The former UFC light heavyweight contender Ryan Bader (31-7 MMA), who currently fights under the Bellator banner, will be heading back to the UFC to assist head coach Michael Chandler in Season 31 of The Ultimate Fighter.
Sergei Pavlovich vs. Curtis Blaydes set to headline UFC Fight Night event on April 22
Susan Cox - February 22, 2023
Sergei Pavlovich vs. Curtis Blaydes is set to headline the UFC Fight Night event on April 22nd. This, according to ESPN‘s Brett Okamoto, who took to ‘Twitter’ with a picture of the two fighters and the commentary:
Aljamain Sterling says Michael Chandler has to “put together his Fight IQ” ahead of Conor McGregor fight: “You don't want people telling stories about you around the firepit”
Harry Kettle - February 22, 2023
UFC champion Aljamain Sterling has given Michael Chandler some advice ahead of his fight against Conor McGregor. A few weeks back, it was confirmed that Michael Chandler and Conor McGregor will coach the next season of The Ultimate Fighter. In addition to that, they will also fight one another when the season is over.
Chael Sonnen sounds off on proposed Francis Ngannou vs. Deontay Wilder MMA fight: “Why don’t we just go throw daggers?”
Harry Kettle - February 22, 2023
MMA analyst Chael Sonnen has questioned the proposed MMA fight between Francis Ngannou and Deontay Wilder. Ever since Francis Ngannou left the UFC, fans have been wondering what’s next for him. ‘The Predator’ made it crystal clear, above all else, that he wants to test the waters in boxing.
Jon Jones explains why he is gunning for Stipe Miocic after UFC 285: “To compete against such a man, I'd be honored”
Harry Kettle - February 22, 2023
UFC star Jon Jones has explained why he’s gunning to face off with Stipe Miocic during his heavyweight run. Next weekend at UFC 285 in Las Vegas, Jon Jones is back. After three years away from the Octagon, he will return to lock horns with Ciryl Gane. The UFC heavyweight championship will be on the line as Jon makes his first appearance in the division.
UFC adds two fights to May 13 fight card including Mackenzie Dern vs. Angela Hill
Cole Shelton - February 21, 2023
The UFC has started to fill out its May 13 event with two fights being added including the return of Mackenzie Dern. According to MMAJunkie, Dern is set to face Angela Hill at strawweight on May 13 at a location TBD. Later, it was reported by Mani Mayer that Karolina Kowalkiewicz will face Vanessa Demopoulos on that same May 13 event. The location of the card has not been announced, but the main event will see Anthony Smith take on Johnny walker.
The UFC parts ways with four more fighters
Jeffrey Walter - February 21, 2023
The UFC has parted ways with another four fighters according to recent reports from @UFCRosterWatch on ‘Twitter’. It should also be noted that it has not been confirmed if all of these moves were outright releases or simply contracts which were not renewed.