MMA News
Dana White explains what led to Francis Ngannou being released by the UFC: “He doesn’t want to take a lot of risks”
Fernando Quiles Jr. - January 15, 2023
UFC President Dana White has given his side of the story on Francis Ngannou’s exit. Ngannou was the reigning UFC Heavyweight Champion. He successfully defended the gold against Ciryl Gane back in January 2022, and the talk coming out of that fight, aside from Ngannou’s MCL and ACL injuries, was “The Predator’s” contract status. Ngannou had been vocal about fighter pay and even went as far as to say he’d be content if he had competed under the UFC banner for the final time.
UFC President Dana White addresses not facing "professional repercussions" for slapping his wife: "The only thing that matters is my personal life"
Fernando Quiles Jr. - January 15, 2023
UFC President Dana White has addressed not facing any professional consequences following his recent actions. Many have called for White to face some sort of repercussion after video surfaced of the UFC boss slapping his wife in a nightclub in Mexico on New Year’s Eve. Dana White has said that his punishment is that he’ll always be known as a guy who hits women. He doubled down on that during the UFC Vegas 67 post-fight press conference (h/t Sportskeeda).
Pros react after the UFC releases Francis Ngannou and books Jon Jones vs. Ciryl Gane for the vacant title
Chris Taylor - January 14, 2023
Several pros have reacted after the UFC released Francis Ngannou and booked Jon Jones vs. Ciryl Gane for the vacant heavyweight title on March 4. Earlier this afternoon, rumors began to swirl about a ‘Jones vs. Gane’ title fight after a photo of the pair was seen advertised at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Dana White confirms Leon Edwards vs. Kamaru Usman 3 for UFC 286 and announces lightweight co-main event
Cole Shelton - January 14, 2023
Leon Edwards will get to defend his welterweight title on home turf. After Edwards became the UFC’s new welterweight champion back in August with a fifth-round KO over Kamaru Usman, White was adamant about having ‘Rocky’ defend the strap in England. The promotion then officially made UFC 286 in London, England but speculation began that Usman was dealing with a hand injury and he wouldn’t be able to fight on March 18.
Dana White announces Francis Ngannou has been released, Jon Jones vs. Ciryl Gane will fight for vacant heavyweight title at UFC 285
Cole Shelton - January 14, 2023
Francis Ngannou has been released from the UFC. Following UFC Vegas 67 on Saturday, Dana White spoke to the media and confirmed the reports that Jon Jones will face Ciryl Gane for the heavyweight title. Along with that, he announced Ngannou has been released from the UFC as ‘The Predator’ turned down a new contract.
Pros react after Sean Strickland defeats Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Vegas 67
Chris Taylor - January 14, 2023
Tonight’s UFC Vegas 67 event was headlined by a light heavyweight bout featuring Sean Strickland taking on Nassourdine Imavov. Imavov was originally slated to face Kelvin Gastelum in a middleweight bout this evening, but the former TUF winner was forced to withdraw from the contest due to injury.
UFC Vegas 67 Results: Sean Strickland defeats Nassourdine Imavov
Chris Taylor - January 14, 2023
Tonight’s UFC Vegas 67 event is headlined by a light heavyweight bout featuring Sean Strickland taking on Nassourdine Imavov. Imavov was originally slated to face Kelvin Gastelum in a middleweight bout, but the former TUF winner was forced to withdraw from the contest due to injury.
Pros react after Dan Ige KO's Damon Jackson at UFC Vegas 67
Chris Taylor - January 14, 2023
Tonight’s UFC Vegas 67 event was co-headlined by a featherweight bout featuring Dan Ige taking on Damon Jackson. Ige (16-6 MMA) entered the contest looking to snap a three-fight losing skid. The Hawaiian had suffered three straight decision defeats to opponents Chan Sung Jung, Josh Emmett and Mosvar Evloev in his most recent efforts.
Nate Diaz featured in San Francisco 49ers playoff hype video
Zain Bando - January 14, 2023
Nate Diaz continues to be a crossover star in the making, as the former UFC lightweight and welterweight fighter is slowly but surely transitioning into the next phase of his career. But in between the madness of the fight game comes other promotional opportunities for Diaz, who last competed at UFC 279 against Tony Ferguson in Sept. 2022.
UFC Vegas 67: ‘Strickland vs. Imavov’ Live Results and Highlights
Chris Taylor - January 14, 2023
The Octagon remains in Nevada for tonight’s UFC Vegas 67 event, an eleven-bout fight card headlined by Sean Strickland vs. Nassourdine Imavov. The Strickland (25-5 MMA) vs. Imavov (12-3 MMA) bout will be contested at light heavyweight, this after ‘Tarzan’ stepped up on short notice to replace the injured Kelvin Gastelum.
Report | Jon Jones vs. Ciryl Gane to fight for heavyweight title at UFC 285
Chris Taylor - January 14, 2023
Jon Jones and Ciryl Gane will reportedly clash for the heavyweight title in the main event of UFC 285 on March 4. Rumors of the contest started swirling earlier this afternoon after a photo of Jones vs Gane was seen advertised at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Dan Ige details the mental struggles of losing three fights in a row, says he spoke to a sports psychologist: "I was depressed for a little bit"
Cole Shelton - January 13, 2023
Dan Ige says he had to get past the stigma of men being weak in order to deal with the mental struggles of losing three fights in a row. After Ige knocked out Gavin Tucker, he got a main event fight against Korean Zombie in what could be a title eliminator. Unfortnately, Ige suffered a decision loss and then lost two more fights to Josh Emmett and Movsar Evloev.
Michael Johnson offers Tony Ferguson a rematch: "Let's give the fans what they want"
Josh Evanoff - January 13, 2023
UFC lightweight contender Michael Johnson is eyeing a rematch with Tony Ferguson next. ‘The Menace’ has been out of action since his clash with Marc Diakiese last month. In that outing, Johnson used his speed to outpoint the Brit en route to a unanimous decision victory. That win was the second in the lightweight’s last three outings, as he previously knocked out Alan Patrick that May.
Mike Perry gives update on potential boxing match with Jake Paul: "I think it happens"
Josh Evanoff - January 13, 2023
Former UFC welterweight Mike Perry believes he will face Jake Paul after all. ‘Platinum’ is famously unbeaten since leaving the UFC in 2021. He’s picked up multiple victories in the BKFC ring, notably defeating Michael ‘Venom’ Page last August by decision. Perry also picked up a victory over pro boxer Michael Seals in Triller Triad Combat in November 2021.
Nick Diaz slams Tony Ferguson's fighting style: "It’s like a spastic type of person who makes up for a lack of technique"
Lewis Simpson - January 13, 2023
It’s safe to say Nick Diaz is not a fan of what Tony Ferguson brings to the octagon. Ferguson’s unique fighting style has caused the most elite fighters in the UFC difficulties over the years. It’s one of the main components of his mixed martial arts success.
Chael Sonnen believes that Islam Makhachev could retire regardless of the outcome at UFC 284
Zain Bando - January 13, 2023
Chael Sonnen is anticipating that Islam Makhachev could retire regardless of the outcome at UFC 284 in February. Makhachev won the UFC lightweight title with an upset over Charles Oliveira in October of 2022, thus kickstarting a new era at 155 pounds. He’ll defend his lightweight title against featherweight superstar, Alexander Volkanovski. With the news of Khabib Nurmagomedov completely removing himself from the sport of MMA, per multiple reports, Sonnen believes that it’s entirely possible that one of Nurmagomedov’s pupils could follow suite and find a new chapter in their professional life. With the news surrounding Nurmagomedov, Makhachev will not see the former lightweight champion in his corner come fight night.
UFC Vegas 67: ‘Strickland vs. Imavov’ weigh-in results: One fight scratched
Susan Cox - January 13, 2023
UFC Vegas 67 takes place tomorrow, Saturday January 14th at the APEX facility in Las Vegas, Nevada. Headlining the event is a light heavyweight showdown between Sean Strickland (25-5 MMA) and Nassourdine Imavov (12-3 MMA).
Isaac Dulgarian explains why the Full Send deal with the Nelk Boys hasn't come to fruition yet: "I'm hoping we get something figured out"
Cole Shelton - January 12, 2023
Isaac Dulgarian earned a UFC contract last February and was offered to be the Full Send fighter. Back at FAC 12, which served as a Dana White Lookin’ For A Fight episode, the UFC was teaming up with the Nelk Boys so they could sponsor a fighter and get them into the UFC. The Las Vegas-based promotion made it a big deal and it was Dulgarian – who scored a first-round KO – who got the offer, but nearly a year later it still has yet to come to fruition for a few reasons.