MMA News
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.
Jeff Molina claimed James Krause "at times has the scoop on injuries" in leaked discord message
Cole Shelton - January 12, 2023
Jeff Molina is another UFC fighter suspended for the betting scandal and more information on him has been revealed. On November 5, Darrick Minner took on Shayilan Nuerdanbieke and in the hours before the fight, the betting odds changed drastically. A ton of money came in on Nuerdanbieke to win and win by first-round knockout which he did. To begin the fight, it was clear Minner was injured and after the fight, the bout was under investigation.
Sean Strickland doesn't think too highly of Nassourdine Imavov: "Only thing the French are good at is having affairs and giving up and losing fights"
Cole Shelton - January 12, 2023
Sean Strickland isn’t sold on Nassourdine Imavov’s skills. Strickland stepped up on short notice this week to headline UFC Vegas 67 against Imavov after Kelvin Gastelum was forced out of the bout. Although Strickland only had a few days to prepare, he says wasn’t too familiar with Imavov.
Charles Jourdain slams YouTube boxer Faze Temper for stating UFC fighters are being "robbed": "We don't want you clowns to "help" us"
Josh Evanoff - January 12, 2023
UFC featherweight contender Charles Jourdain has chimed in on the fighter pay debate. Over the last few years, the UFC’s pay structure has come under heavy fire. While Dana White has done his best to shout down critics, the issue hasn’t gone away. Instead, thanks to names such as Jake Paul, the issue has only been brought further to the spotlight.
Stephen A. Smith hits back at critics stating ESPN is protecting Dana White: "Deserves the same punishment he would hand down to one of his fighters"
Josh Evanoff - January 12, 2023
ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith wants to make clear that he’s not happy with UFC president Dana White. Earlier this month, the UFC president was spotted in a Cabo, Mexico nightclub, alongside his wife, Anna. The pair were seemingly in an argument in a video that was captured by TMZ. In the video, White was slapped by Anna, who then responded with several of his own.
Alistair Overeem reportedly in-talks to compete in ONE Championship openweight Muay Thai Grand Prix
Josh Evanoff - January 12, 2023
Former UFC heavyweight title challenger Alistair Overeem could be heading to ONE Championship. ‘The Demolition Man’ was famously released from the UFC in 2021 following a loss to Alexander Volkov. Despite reportedly receiving interest from Bellator, Overeem seemed disinterested in competing in MMA. Instead, he signed to Glory Kickboxing.
Brandon Moreno says he "had a long conversation" with James Krause amidst betting scandal which led to him changing gyms
Cole Shelton - January 12, 2023
Brandon Moreno will have a new corner for UFC 283. After Moreno lost to Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC 270 to lose his flyweight title, he left his gym in Mexico and went to Kansas City to train under James Krause. Krause was Moreno’s head coach for his UFC 277 interim title fight which he won, but since then, Krause has been suspended due to the UFC betting scandal. With that, no UFC fighters are allowed to train under him.
Phil Baroni could face 50 to 75 years in prison for using "pro fighter skills" to inflict injuries
Harry Kettle - January 12, 2023
Former UFC fighter Phil Baroni could face between 50 and 75 years in prison for allegedly murdering his girlfriend in Mexico. In recent weeks, the MMA community has been coming to terms with the news that Phil Baroni was arrested on suspicion of murdering his girlfriend. The 46-year-old, who last competed in 2019, was arrested for homicide.
Artem Lobov ordered to pay legal fees following failed injunction against Conor McGregor
Harry Kettle - January 12, 2023
Former UFC fighter Artem Lobov will be required to pay legal fees to Conor McGregor following a failed injunction against him. Over the course of the last few months, Artem Lobov has been involved in a legal dispute with former best friend Conor McGregor. Lobov alleged that he was the one who came up with the initial idea for Proper No. Twelve whiskey.
Former UFC welterweight Anthony Rocco Martin facing assault charge after allegedly threatening Florida cops
Harry Kettle - January 12, 2023
Former UFC fighter Anthony Rocco Martin is reportedly facing assault charges after threatening police officers in Florida. During his time with the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Anthony Rocco Martin competed 15 times for the promotion. While he may not have always been in the win column, fans seemed to appreciate the excitement he brought to the table.
Sean Strickland blasts Paulo Costa for his contract dispute with the UFC: “You don’t act like a professional”
Harry Kettle - January 12, 2023
UFC fighter Sean Strickland has hit out at Paulo Costa for the way in which he’s handled his recent contract dispute. The eccentric nature of Paulo Costa has been there for all to see for many years now. In recent months, especially, he’s gone out of his way to make waves.
Umar Nurmagomedov opens up on why Khabib is stepping away from MMA
Cole Shelton - January 11, 2023
Umar Nurmagomedov has opened up on why his cousin Khabib Nurmagomedov has decided to step away from MMA. After Nurmagomedov retired from MMA, he immediately got into coaching and was coaching the likes of Umar, Islam Makhachev, and others and was having a ton of success. Yet, he surprised many when he announced he was stepping away from coaching and MMA entirely and now Umar has opened up on that decision.
Scott Coker reacts to "pretty funny" cancellation of Dillon Danis vs. KSI: "I was really surprised"
Josh Evanoff - January 11, 2023
Bellator president Scott Coker was surprised to see Dillon Danis pull out of his boxing match with KSI. ‘El Jefe’ is an interesting figure in the combat sports community. A former training partner of Conor McGregor and Jiu-Jitsu coach, Danis signed with Bellator in 2017 to begin his MMA career. The subsequent year, he defeated Kyle Walker by first-round submission.