UFC News
Kamaru Usman reveals it was his idea to have the Jorge Masvidal rematch at UFC 261
Adam D Martin - March 19, 2021
UFC welterweight Kamaru Usman revealed that it was his idea to have the rematch with rival Jorge Masvidal take place at UFC 261. Usman and Masvidal met back at UFC 251 on Fight Island last July. Masvidal filled in on one weeks’ notice for Gilbert Burns, who withdrew from the fight due to COVID-19. Though “Gamebred” was able to go the full five rounds with Masvidal, he lost a unanimous decision that night. However, the pay-per-view did big numbers, selling 1.3 million PPVs, and so there was always going to be talks of a rematch. Once Usman knocked out Burns at UFC 258 and was able to turnaround quickly, the UFC decided to give Masvidal the rematch. The pair now headline UFC 261, which is set to take place April 24 in Jacksonville, Florida.
Pros react to Khabib Nurmagomedov retirement, Chandler vs. Oliveira at UFC 262
Christopher Taylor - March 18, 2021
Social media was full of fighter reactions following news that Khabib Nurmagomedov has officially retired and Chandler vs. Oliveira is set for UFC 262. Earlier this evening UFC President Dana White confirmed that despite his best efforts he could not convince ‘The Eagle’ to return for one last fight.
Michael Chandler and Charles Oliveira react after booking lightweight title fight at UFC 262
Christopher Taylor - March 18, 2021
Michael Chandler and Charles Oliveira have shared their respective reactions after being booked to fight for the vacant UFC lightweight title at UFC 262. Earlier this evening, Dana White announced that he was throwing in the towel and conceded that Khabib Nurmagomedov will not be ending his retirement.
Khabib Nurmagomedov issues statement following official retirement
Christopher Taylor - March 18, 2021
Khabib Nurmagomedov has issued a statement after news broke this evening that he was officially retiring and vacating his UFC lightweight title. Nurmagomedov (29-0 MMA) had announced his retirement from fighting immediately following his submission victory over Justin Gaethje at UFC 254.
Dana White makes it official, Khabib Nurmagomedov has retired 29-0
Christopher Taylor - March 18, 2021
UFC President Dana White made the official announcement this evening that Khabib Nurmagomedov has retired from MMA with a record of 29-0. Nurmagomedov had announced his retirement from fighting immediately following his submission victory over Justin Gaethje at UFC 254.
Former UFC bantamweight champion TJ Dillashaw set to return on May 8 for five-round main event against Cory Sandhagen
Christopher Taylor - March 18, 2021
Former UFC bantamweight champion TJ Dillashaw has booked a five-round main event for his highly anticipated return to the Octagon. Dillashaw (16-4 MMA) has not stepped foot in the cage since January of 2019 where he suffered a first round knockout loss to then flyweight title holder Henry Cejudo in his bid to become a two-division champion.
Cody Garbrandt staying at bantamweight, faces Rob Font in May main event
Drake Riggs - March 18, 2021
Former UFC champion Cody Garbrandt is set to return after his long battle with COVID-19. For his next time out, he’ll be back in the main event. ESPN’s Brett Okamoto broke the news Thursday that Garbrandt will remain at bantamweight. This is after he was previously looking to make the move to 125-pounds in pursuit of Deiveson Figueiredo’s flyweight crown. Now, he draws Rob Font on May 22 as the UFC fight night event’s headliner. The location has yet to be determined.
Georges St-Pierre believes the UFC doesn't want Khabib Nurmagomedov to go out on top, 'they want a guy to beat him'
Drake Riggs - March 18, 2021
Georges St-Pierre is one of the few fighters in MMA to go out atop the peak of the mountain. Khabib Nurmagomedov recently did the same. Despite the known interest that Nurmagomedov had to reach 30-0 in his career with a victory over the legendary St-Pierre, “The Eagle” instead called it quits at 29-0. With all things considered, the iconic Canada native believes he knows why UFC President Dana White is so reluctant to let Nurmagomedov ride off into the sunset.
Kevin Holland says he might "have fun" and fight Jake Paul after he gets a "devastating win" over Derek Brunson
Cole Shelton - March 18, 2021
Kevin Holland is open to fighting Jake Paul. Paul, who is 2-0 as a pro boxer and set to face Ben Askren on April 17, has taken the combat sports world by storm. He has called out several stars like Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz among others. If he beats Askren and wants to face another MMA fighter, Holland is interested in fighting him.
Kamaru Usman says he won’t grant Colby Covington a rematch until he fights a top contender first
Cole Shelton - March 18, 2021
Colby Covington will need to fight and beat someone in the top-five before getting a title shot, according to Kamaru Usman. Usman, who is the current welterweight champion, is set to defend his belt against Jorge Masvidal at UFC 261. With those two fighting, Covington is now on the outside looking in. But, according to Ali Abdelaziz, “Chaos” needs to get another win if he wants a title shot.
Jon Jones fires back at Israel Adesanya over his recent comments: “I love it when opponents realize they can’t hold my jockstrap”
Adam D Martin - March 18, 2021
Jon Jones fired back at Israel Adesanya over his recent comments, saying “I love it when opponents realize they can’t hold my jockstrap.” Adesanya was a guest on Ariel Helwani’s ESPN show on Wednesday and said that he is still pursuing a matchup against Jones despite the fact he just lost to Jan Blachowicz at UFC 259. The fight with Blachowicz exposed Adesanya, who struggled with being able to stop the takedowns from a bigger man. Despite the loss, Adesanya said that he still wants to fight Jones, to which the former UFC light heavyweight champion responded on Twitter.
UFC parent company Endeavor files for IPO
Adam D Martin - March 18, 2021
UFC parent company Endeavor has reportedly filed for an IPO (initial public offering) with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Endeavor Group Holdings (EDR) is an entertainment conglomerate that owns a number of businesses, including the UFC, the talent agencies IMG and William Morris, and content production for a number of events including Premier League Soccer and the Miss Universe competition, and movies and television shows including “La La Land” and “Killing Eve.” The company’s CEO is Ari Emanuel and its executive chairman is Patrick Whitesell.