MMA News
Dana White confirms The Ultimate Fighter 29 will start filming soon, coaches TBD
Adam Martin - September 9, 2020
UFC president Dana White confirmed that The Ultimate Fighter 29 will commence filming soon, but the coaches are still to be determined. White has been teasing the return of TUF for the last several months, but the coronavirus pandemic delayed its start. It now appears that the UFC is ready to get filming again. Speaking to the media following Tuesday’s edition of the Contender Series, White confirmed that the UFC plans on starting filming for TUF 29 in Las Vegas in November.
Dana White explains why Khamzat Chimaev has two fights booked at once: "It's fun"
Adam Martin - September 9, 2020
UFC president Dana White explained why Khamzat Chimaev has been booked for two fights at once, saying quite simply that “it’s fun.” White recently revealed that Chimaev, a super prospect who many say is a future UFC champion, will fight Gerald Meerschart on September 19 in Las Vegas in a middleweight fight. Chimaev is then expected to fight welterweight veteran Demian Maia a few weeks later. It is rare for a fighter to be booked for two fights at once, which has led some fans and media scratching their heads. As well, Meerscahert called the move “disrespectful.”
Rachael Ostovich booked for first fight in nearly two years, gets Gina Mazany in November
Tom Taylor - September 9, 2020
Fan favorite UFC flyweight contender Rachael Ostovich has been booked for her first fight in almost two years: a November 28 showdown with Gina Mazany. News of this matchup was first reported by MMA Junkie.
Khamzat Chimaev lays out ambitions for "easiest money" fights with Nick and Nate Diaz
Tom Taylor - September 9, 2020
Red-hot UFC welterweight prospect Khamzat Chimaev is hoping for fights with Nick and Nate Diaz in the future—fights he views as “easy money.” Chimaev is currently scheduled to take on Gerald Meerschaert at UFC Vegas 11 on September 19. In a rare situation that is wholly indicative of his massive potential, UFC President Dana White has already laid out plans to match Chimaev up with Demian Maia thereafter—much to Meerschaert’s chagrin.
Gilbert Burns drops hint that Michael Chandler is UFC bound
Andrew Whitelaw - September 9, 2020
Michael Chandler is arguably the most high-profile free agent in the sport right now and his teammate Gilbert Burns just dropped a massive hint that the long-time Bellator star is about to seal his move to the UFC. What’s going on here @MikeChandlerMMA and @usantidoping ????? @danawhite @seanshelby @ufc pic.twitter.com/0R13Nv7cvT
Amanda Ribas slated for UFC 256 return against the former champion Carla Esparza
Andrew Whitelaw - September 9, 2020
A fascinating women’s strawweight clash is reportedly being primed for UFC 256 with No. 7 contender Carla Esparza set to take on No. 12-ranked Amanda Ribas. According to MMA Fighting, the UFC is looking to book this one for their final numbered event of the year which is confirmed for December 12. The card does not currently have any fights confirmed and the location is yet to be revealed. Although, it’s widely believed that the event will be headlined by a welterweight title fight between Kamaru Usman and Gilbert Burns or a featherweight title fight between Amanda Nunes and Megan Anderson, with both fights likely to be made official soon.
Augusto Sakai details gruesome injuries suffered in UFC loss to Alistair Overeem
Harry Kettle - September 9, 2020
UFC heavyweight Augusto Sakai has revealed the injuries he sustained during his loss to Alistair Overeem last weekend. While the rising contender Sakai did look dangerous at points during his showdown with the veteran, he seemed to be overwhelmed by “The Reem” once the fight made it into the championship rounds. At that point, Overeem completely took over before finishing the bout with vicious ground & pound early in the fifth.
PFL CEO Peter Murray says leaving own company Insignia was the hardest decision he ever made
Tom Taylor - September 9, 2020
These days, Peter Murray is known as the head honcho for the Professional Fighters League (PFL), a fast-rising mixed martial arts promotion based in the United States that features a one-of-a-kind regular season, playoffs, and championship format. Prior to helping the PFL revolutionize the way the sport of mixed martial arts is presented however, Murray was already a creative force behind some of the biggest brands, companies, and agencies.
Video | Dana White reacts to Tafon Nchukwi's insane head kick KO on Contender Series
Adam Martin - September 8, 2020
UFC president Dana White had a memorable reaction to Tafon Nchukwi and his insane head kick KO in the main event of the Contender Series. A top light heavyweight prospect, Nchukwi landed a ridiculous head kick to knock out Al Matavao in the headlining fight on Tuesday’s edition of the Contender Series. Nuchkwi is just 25 years old and the victory over Matavao improved his record to a perfect 4-0. Considering he just turned pro in 2019, it is incredible what he has achieved in such a short period of time in the sport. Take a look at the Nchukwi head kick KO below via ESPN.
Aung La N Sang to defend ONE Championship title in October
Andrew Whitelaw - September 8, 2020
ONE Championship are currently setting up a stacked card for October with a return expected for one of their biggest stars, Aung La N Sang. Aung La trains at Sanford MMA in Florida and has been restricted from competing by the pandemic and the various travel restrictions in place.
Conor McGregor reacts to news that Nick Diaz is making a UFC comeback
Cole Shelton - September 8, 2020
Conor McGregor is interested in fighting both of the Diaz brothers. McGregor has a history with Nate Diaz as the pair fought at UFC 196 and UFC 202. In the first fight, Nate stepped up on short notice and shocked many when he won by submission. The Irishman then won their highly anticipated rematch by majority decision and ever since many have wanted to see the trilogy.
John Dodson planning a return to flyweight to make one last run at UFC gold
Cole Shelton - September 8, 2020
John Dodson is looking to make one more run at a UFC title. Dodson fought for the flyweight title twice in 2013 and 2015 but lost by decision to Demetrious Johnson both times. Following the second loss to Johnson, Dodson moved up to bantamweight and has been there ever since.
Michelle Waterson has a simple game plan for Angela Hill: "It's not going to be strategic, I’m going in there to fight"
Cole Shelton - September 8, 2020
Michelle Waterson is on a two-fight losing streak but her confidence hasn’t wavered one bit. In the main event of UFC Vegas 10 this Saturday, Waterson is set to battle the rising contender in Angela Hill. It is a very intriguing matchup but one that was delayed from August 22. So, for Waterson, she is glad Hill was okay with the delay as she is looking forward to sharing the Octagon with her.
Nick Diaz betting odds released for who he will fight in his return to the UFC
Adam Martin - September 8, 2020
The sportsbooks have released the betting odds for who UFC welterweight superstar Nick Diaz could fight in his return to the Octagon. Diaz’s manager Kevin Mubenga announced this week that his star client is set to make his return to the Octagon in 2021. As soon as the news broke that Diaz was considering a comeback to the sport he helped make his popular, fans and media took to social media to start listing potential opponents for “The Stockon Bad Boy”‘s come back.
Randy Couture injured in ATV accident, will require surgery
Tom Taylor - September 8, 2020
Former UFC heavyweight and light heavyweight champion Randy Couture and his girlfriend Mindy Robinson were injured in an ATV accident on Monday, and the MMA legend will require surgery as a result. News of Couture’s accident was first reported by TMZ Sports.
Leon Edwards issues searing response to Nate Diaz diss
Tom Taylor - September 8, 2020
UFC welterweight contender Leon Edwards has issued a searing response to a recent dig from fellow welterweight star Nate Diaz. Earlier this week, Birmingham’s Edwards took a shot at fellow welterweight contender Jorge Masvidal, who he was involved in a backstage brawl with in 2019, but has yet to meet in the Octagon—despite his best efforts.
Gerald Meerschaert calls it "disrespectful" that Khamzat Chimaev is already set up to fight Demian Maia
Adam Martin - September 8, 2020
UFC middleweight veteran Gerald Meerschaert says it is “disrespectful” that Khamzat Chimaev already has a fight against Demian Maia set up. When asked last week what is next for Chimaev, the star of the UFC’s Fight Island experience in July, UFC president Dana White said the promotion has a unique plan for the Swedish prospect. White said the promotion hopes to book Chimaev against top-10 welterweight contender Demian Maia on Fight Island in October, but before that happens he already has a fight booked against Meerschaert on September 19 in Las Vegas.
Video | Pascal Siakam lands flying kick on Daniel Theis in Celtics-Raptors NBA game
Tom Taylor - September 8, 2020
Every now and then, we see faint flickers of MMA in other sports. That’s just what happened in Monday night’s Boston Celtics vs. Toronto Raptors game, when Raptor’s star Pascal Siakam landed an inadvertent flying kick on Boston’s Daniel Theis. In the first quarter of Monday night’s Celtics vs. Raptors game inside the NBA Bubble near Orlando, Florida, Siakam attempted to block what he thought was a shot from Brad Wanamaker, and ended up planting his foot squarely on Theis’ chin in the process.