MMA News
Josh Emmett hits back at fans critical of his upcoming title opportunity at UFC 284: “It’s just because they cannot do it”
Harry Kettle - February 9, 2023
Josh Emmett has hit back at fans for criticising his interim title fight against Yair Rodriguez at UFC 284 this weekend. In the co-main event of the evening, Josh Emmett and Yair Rodriguez will battle it out over the UFC interim featherweight championship. In doing so, they will set up the next challenger for Alexander Volkanovski.
Islam Makhachev believes Michael Chandler will retire following his fight with Conor McGregor: “This fight is last fight for him”
Harry Kettle - February 9, 2023
Islam Makhachev has predicted that Michael Chandler will leave the UFC following his fight with Conor McGregor later this year. After months of waiting, the return of Conor McGregor was finally announced last week. The Irishman will be back in action later on in 2023, facing Michael Chandler, after the two coach opposite one another on The Ultimate Fighter.
Jamahal Hill advises fellow UFC champion Alex Pereira to focus on his rematch with Israel Adesanya: “He was getting his ass whopped”
Harry Kettle - February 9, 2023
UFC light heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill has given Alex Pereira some advice ahead of his upcoming rematch with Israel Adesanya. Ever since capturing the belt at UFC 283, Jamahal Hill has been a man in high demand. ‘Sweet Dreams’ battered and bruised Glover Teixeira to become the new champion and now, plenty of potential challengers are lining up at his door.
Dana White announces fans will be able to bet on Power Slap matches starting at the live event in March
Harry Kettle - February 9, 2023
Dana White has announced that starting in March, fans will be able to bet on events and fights from the Power Slap league. While it may be pulling in big numbers, Power Slap is still a source of great controversy in the world of combat sports. UFC president Dana White continues to push ahead with it, giving the show the kind of promotion that a lot of UFC events can only dream of.
Parker Porter plans to "bite down" on his mouthpiece and "start throwing leather" with Justin Tafa at UFC 284: "I think we are getting a good finish in the first round"
Cole Shelton - February 8, 2023
Parker Porter plans to stand and trade with Justin Tafa. Porter is set to return to the Octagon at UFC 284 as he goes into enemy territory against Tafa on the pay-per-view portion of the card. On paper, it could be a fun fight and that is what Porter is expecting as he believes he and Tafa are going to bite down on their mouthpieces and trade leather.
Dana White says Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler will be at lightweight, uncertain if winner gets a title shot
Cole Shelton - February 8, 2023
Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler won’t be fighting at welterweight after all. It was recently announced that McGregor and Chandler will coach TUF and will fight later this year. It was then reported the fight would be at welterweight, with even Chandler saying that will be the case, but now White says it will be at lightweight.
Michael Bisping believes Tony Ferguson "more winnable" fight for Conor McGregor in return than Michael Chandler: "There were easier fights for him"
Josh Evanoff - February 8, 2023
UFC commentator Michael Bisping believes Conor McGregor had easier options for his return. ‘The Notorious’ has been out of action since his trilogy bout with Dustin Poirier in July 2021. In the main event of UFC 264, McGregor broke his leg in the waning seconds of the first round. As a result, the former dual-weight champion has been out of the cage for well over a year.
Dan Hooker out of UFC 285 fight against Jalin Turner due to a broken hand
Cole Shelton - February 8, 2023
Dan Hooker will not be fighting at UFC 285. Hooker was set to return on March 4 in Las Vegas at UFC 285 against Jalin Turner in a very fan-friendly scrap. However, on Wednesday, MMAFighting reported that Hooker has suffered a broken hand and is out of his fight. The hope is to keep Turner on the card and have a replacement opponent found.
Chael Sonnen believes Jon Jones will easily become heavyweight champion in return: "He’s now going with guys that suck, of course he can be champion"
Josh Evanoff - February 8, 2023
Chael Sonnen believes Jon Jones will coast to championship status in the heavyweight division. ‘Bones’ has been out of action since his decision victory over Dominick Reyes at UFC 247 in February 2020. Following that win, Jones announced his intentions to move up in weight and even vacated his light-heavyweight championship. Three years on, we’re finally getting close to seeing it happen.
Gabi Garcia announces return to MMA after five-year hiatus: "I am the one who holds the crown"
Josh Evanoff - February 8, 2023
Former jiu-jitsu world champion Gabi Garcia is targeting a return to the cage. The 37-year-old had a lot of interest when she made her MMA debut back in 2015. A multiple-time jiu-jitsu champion, Garcia quickly signed to RIZIN. Given her stature at 6’2″ and 209 pounds, there weren’t many destinations for her to sign otherwise.
Rampage Jackson explains why he believes Jon Jones is the dirtiest fighter in MMA
Cole Shelton - February 8, 2023
Rampage Jackson believes Jon Jones is the dirtiest fighter in MMA. Jackson and Jones fought at UFC 135 in 2011 for the light heavyweight title with ‘Bones’ winning by fourth-round submission. However, Jackson says he was frustrated with Jones’ knee kicks and after watching him progress in his career, he believes Jones is the dirtiest fighter in MMA.
Rafael dos Anjos backs Alexander Volkanovski to defeat Islam Makhachev at UFC 284: "He will shock the world on Saturday"
Lewis Simpson - February 8, 2023
Former UFC lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos expects Alexander Volkanovski to do the unthinkable at UFC 284 this Saturday in Perth, Australia. Dos Anjos is hungry to return to the octagon after a successful leap back into the win column in December last year at UFC Orlando. The Brazilian scored a second-round submission over Bryan Barberena.
Michael Bisping and Dominick Cruz replace Daniel Cormier and Joe Rogan on commentary desk for UFC 284
Susan Cox - February 8, 2023
Michael Bisping and Dominick Cruz will replace Daniel Cormier and Joe Rogan on the commentary desk for UFC 284. UFC 284 takes place this Saturday, February 11th at the RAC Arena in Perth, Western Australia.
Michael Chandler anticipates second-round knockout over Conor McGregor following 'TUF 31': "Hopefully it comes to fruition"
Lewis Simpson - February 8, 2023
Michael Chandler is anticipating a second-round knockout over Conor McGregor after the pair have finished filming the upcoming season of ‘The Ultimate Fighter‘. On Saturday past, UFC President Dana White announced that ‘TUF’ Season 31 coaches would feature McGregor and Chandler. In the wake of the season, the lightweight standouts are expected to collide towards the end of the year.
Deontay Wilder offers Francis Ngannou boxing match followed by MMA bout: “I would love to do that one in Africa”
Susan Cox - February 8, 2023
Deontay Wilder has offered Francis Ngannou a boxing match followed by an MMA bout. Francis Ngannou recently parted ways with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and in doing so vacated his heavyweight title. The promotion and Ngannou could not come to terms on a new contract.
Islam Makhachev reacts after Dana White forgets his name ahead of UFC 284
Susan Cox - February 8, 2023
Islam Makhachev is reacting after Dana White forgets his name ahead of UFC 284. It was at the UFC Fight Night 218 post-fight news conference last weekend that UFC President Dana White stumbled when speaking about the upcoming UFC 284 event and Makhachev.
Khamzat Chimaev says Colby Covington went “running”, claims he will fight the winner of Usman vs. Edwards 3: “Whoever takes it will face me”
Harry Kettle - February 8, 2023
Khamzat Chimaev has claimed that Colby Covington doesn’t want to fight him after laying out his future plans in the UFC. The rise of ‘Borz’ has been pretty incredible to watch in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. In the space of just a few short years, he has become one of the biggest stars in the promotion – and all of mixed martial arts.
UFC middleweight champion Alex Pereira has a message for those critical of his wrestling: “Almost nobody could be able to put Israel down with a takedown”
Harry Kettle - February 8, 2023
UFC middleweight champion Alex Pereira has hit back at those critical of his wrestling skills ahead of his rematch with Israel Adesanya. The rise of ‘Poatan’ has been pretty remarkable. After just three wins in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, he earned a shot at Israel Adesanya’s crown. Then, at UFC 281, he took his opportunity and ran with it by knocking ‘Stylebender’ out to become the new king at 185 pounds.