Blog

Khamzat Chimaev says he is willing to follow Sean Strickland to another weight class to secure a rematch.

The former Ultimate Fighting Championship middleweight champion renewed his pursuit of Strickland in a video posted by Red Corner MMA. Chimaev (15-1) is seeking to avenge his split-decision loss to Strickland (31-7) at UFC 328 in May, which cost him the 185-pound title.

Advertisement

Khamzat Chimaev vows to pursue Sean Strickland across weight classes after losing their UFC 328 title fight Asked whether he would wrestle Strickland in Real American Freestyle if he could not secure a UFC rematch, Chimaev said he was determined to make the matchup happen.

“We will make the matchup, bro. Don’t worry. Light heavyweight, heavyweight, wherever he goes, we go after him. I’m the hunter. He’s a chicken running away,” Chimaev said.

Chimaev said he would move up if Strickland competed at heavyweight.

Chimaev has repeatedly called for a rematch since losing …

Manel Kape believes he has identified weaknesses in Joshua Van’s game that could help him finish the Ultimate Fighting Championship flyweight champion at UFC 336.

Kape (23-7) will challenge Van (18-2) for the 125-pound title on Jan. 30, 2027, at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. The Angolan contender enters the matchup on a four-fight finishing streak and expects to dictate the pace against the champion.

Advertisement

Manel Kape says Joshua Van's inexperience leaves openings he can exploit in their UFC flyweight title fight Speaking to MMA Junkie, Kape acknowledged Van’s boxing ability and durability but argued that the champion makes mistakes that previous opponents have failed to exploit.

“The game plan is very easy,” Kape said. “I know a lot of mistakes he had for the lack of experience, for not being too long in this sport, and I just think that so many guys didn't exploit that.”

Kape believes he can compete with Van in boxing exchanges while also preventing …

Darren Till has emerged as a potential opponent for Jake Paul, with Most Valuable Promotions co-founder Nakisa Bidarian confirming that discussions are underway for a possible boxing match.

Till was among several names Paul identified as potential opponents after announcing his return to boxing earlier this month. Bidarian told The Sun that the former Ultimate Fighting Championship welterweight is one of the candidates being considered, although no agreement has been finalized.

Advertisement

MVP co-founder Nakisa Bidarian confirms Darren Till discussions as Jake Paul's next fight date remains uncertain “Darren  Till is definitely one of the names that Jake put out there on his list,” Bidarian said. “He’s definitely one of the names that we’ve been speaking to.”

Bidarian explained that the timing of Paul’s return would depend on how quickly his team could finalize an opponent and arrange distribution for the event. If negotiations take several more weeks, h…

John Kavanagh believes Conor McGregor has more competition ahead of him despite the injury that derailed his comeback at UFC 329.

McGregor suffered a knee injury in his July fight against Max Holloway, which ended after 69 seconds. His coach remains optimistic about the Irishman’s prospects, though a return to action will depend on his recovery.

Advertisement

John Kavanagh believes Conor McGregor could fight again after UFC 329 injury, but says his recovery will determine what's next During an appearance on “The Ariel Helwani Show,” Kavanagh said his 22-year relationship with McGregor has taught him not to doubt the former two-division Ultimate Fighting Championship titleholder.

“He says he does [fight again],” Kavanagh said. “I think I’m just too long around him, now 22 years around each other, and I’ve just seen him do too many things that seem to be impossible and he does them, repeatedly. So, if he says he does, I’m not going to doubt him.”

“We’ll see…

Former Ultimate Fighting Championship fighter Khusein Askhabov’s recent victory has been overturned to a disqualification loss.

Askhabov faced Reinaldo Ekson at Airtox Dominance FC 8 on Oct. 17 in Copenhagen, Denmark. According to the Danish Mixed Martial Arts Federation, Askhabov attempted to attack Ekson after the referee called a timeout for a suspected eye poke. The bout was stopped, and Askhabov was initially declared the winner by technical knockout.

Advertisement

DMMAF disqualifies Khusein Askhabov for actions during a referee timeout against Reinaldo Ekson The Danish Mixed Martial Arts Federation (DMMAF) reviewed the incident and overturned the result.

“Having reviewed the incident, DMMAF has determined that Askhabov’s actions during the timeout constituted a serious violation of the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts and warranted disqualification, regardless of the circumstances surrounding the initial stoppage,” DMMAF wrote in an official statement.…

Javier Mendez has watched Justin Gaethje's victory over Ilia Topuria nine times. The veteran coach says the bout’s back-and-forth action makes it unlike anything he has seen.

Gaethje dethroned the previously unbeaten Topuria to win the Ultimate Fighting Championship lightweight title in the main event of UFC Freedom 250 at the White House in June.

Advertisement

Javier Mendez praises Justin Gaethje's UFC title win over Ilia Topuria for its dramatic momentum swings After a closely contested first round, Topuria nearly finished Gaethje with body shots and submission attempts in the second, but the American survived. “The Highlight” found success over the next two rounds, though “El Matador” continued to have his moments. Topuria’s corner stopped the bout after the fourth round, giving Gaethje the victory by technical knockout.

Speaking on Submission Radio, Mendez described the matchup as his favorite fight to watch, emphasizing how the momentum repeatedly shifted …

Julian Erosa says he will make his final walk to the Ultimate Fighting Championship Octagon when he faces Jeong Yeong Lee at UFC Vegas 123 on Saturday in Las Vegas.

Erosa, 37, said in an interview with Fanatics View that his Oct. 31 matchup against Lee will be his retirement fight, regardless of the result. The longtime featherweight said he wanted to establish a firm end date because neither a victory nor a defeat would necessarily make walking away easier.

Advertisement

Julian Erosa explains why fatherhood and his long-term health influenced his decision to retire after facing Jeong Yeong Lee Erosa has lost his last two bouts, including a stoppage defeat to Lerryan Douglas in March. “Juicy J” wants to finish his career with a victory against Lee.

“I haven’t really made it a big deal, but this will be my last fight,” Erosa said. “I just wanted to give myself one more opportunity to try to get my hand raised, but I wanted to make it a date of when I was going t…

Rajabali Shaidullaev wants to test himself against Alexander Volkanovski.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship featherweight titleholder became the first fighter to defeat Movsar Evloev, stopping the previously unbeaten Russian in the main event of UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.

Advertisement

Shaidullaev (20-0) praised the Australian after the bout and expressed interest in a potential matchup with “The Great.”Rajabali Shaidullaev praises Alexander Volkanovski's UFC 333 win over Movsar Evloev and eyes a potential matchup Shaidullaev commended Volkanovski in a social media post while also offering encouragement to Evloev. The undefeated Kyrgyz featherweight said he would welcome the opportunity to test himself against the UFC champion.

“Congrats, Volk. That was a champion’s performance,” Shaidullaev wrote on X. “An inspiration to the next generation. One fight doesn’t define a fighter. Movsar, I hope you come back even stronger. Volk looked sharp tonight. I’d l…

Alex Pereira expects an aggressive Sergei Pavlovich in their Ultimate Fighting Championship heavyweight clash.

Pereira (13-4) and Pavlovich (21-3) will meet in the UFC 335 co-main event on Dec. 12 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. While “Poatan” anticipates an aggressive start from the Russian, he also expects Pavlovich to turn to wrestling if his punches fail to land.

Advertisement

Alex Pereira believes Sergei Pavlovich could attempt takedowns if his early knockout punches fail Speaking to Connect Cast, Pereira suggested Pavlovich will initially rely on his power before attempting to wear him down with wrestling if the striking exchanges don’t go his way.

“I think against me, maybe he might think, ‘I’m going to unleash the machine gun and knock this guy out,’” Pereira said. “I don’t know what happens, but he might unleash the machine gun, and if he can’t land his shots, he might try to wrestle me to wear me out. But I’m getting ready; I’m excited about the traini…

Merab Dvalishvili says he’s motivated to return after losing to Petr Yan in their trilogy bout.

Dvalishvili (21-6) dropped a unanimous decision to Yan (21-5) on Saturday in the co-main event of UFC 333 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, failing to reclaim the Ultimate Fighting Championship bantamweight title.

Advertisement

Merab Dvalishvili says he is healthy and motivated to return following his UFC 333 trilogy defeat to Petr Yan Dvalishvili won the first two rounds on all three scorecards with relentless wrestling pressure. However, Yan turned the tide in the third frame, defending takedowns and landing damaging blows on the feet over the final three rounds. All three judges scored the bout 48-47 for the Russian champion.

Dvalishvili thanked God, his coaches, training partners, the UFC and his supporters in a statement posted on social media following the defeat.

“First and foremost I want to thank God for he has truly blessed me and I am grateful! Next I wa…

Islam Makhachev's coach, Javier Mendez, has outlined how he’d like to see his fighter’s title reign unfold.

Mendez believes victories over Carlos Prates, Michael Morales and Shavkat Rakhmonov would strengthen Makhachev’s case as the greatest fighter in Ultimate Fighting Championship history. He emphasized, however, that those opponents are his own preferences rather than necessarily the champion’s.

Javier Mendez wants Islam Makhachev to face Carlos Prates, Michael Morales and Shavkat Rakhmonov, but says the plans are his alone Speaking on Submission Radio, Mendez said title defenses against Prates, Morales and Rakhmonov are on his wish list.

“This is in my mind, OK? Not Islam's mind; my mind. I go, Prates, Morales, and then if Shavkat comes back, Shavkat, and then we'll see after that if he wants to continue,” Mendez said.

Mendez added that his wish list depends on Makhachev wanting to continue competing.

“Those are the three on my wishlist, not Islam's wis…

Sean O'Malley believes Yadong Song is a difficult matchup for Merab Dvalishvili.

O’Malley (20-3, 1 NC) predicts Song (24-9-1, 1 NC) will knock out Dvalishvili (21-6) if they meet in a three-round fight. The former Ultimate Fighting Championship titleholder believes the Chinese bantamweight’s takedown defense, power and timing would pose problems for Dvalishvili.

Advertisement

Sean O'Malley praises Yadong Song's takedown defense and knockout power in a potential fight with Merab Dvalishvili After Petr Yan defended the bantamweight title against Dvalishvili at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, O’Malley called for a rematch against the Russian champion. “Suga” also wants to see Dvalishvili face Song next and predicts a victory for Song.

“Three-round fight, Song Yadong knocks out Merab for sure,” O’Malley said on his YouTube channel. “He’s just so explosive and he’s just gonna be hard to take down. He’s been wrestling a lot; he’s been grappling a lot. His reaction …

Dominick Reyes considers Dominick Cruz the best commentator in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Reyes stopped Azamat Murzakanov at UFC 333 on Saturday in Abu Dhabi. The former title challenger subsequently criticized Daniel Cormier, accusing him of bias in his commentary.

Advertisement

Dominick Reyes praises Dominick Cruz and urges Daniel Cormier to be more impartial after UFC 333 Reyes and Cormier exchanged messages on social media after UFC 333, with the former taking several shots at the Hall of Famer.

Reyes says he likes Cormier and considers him a skilled commentator, but he believes the former two-division champion needs to be more impartial because commentary can affect fighters’ careers. “The Devastator” also praised Jon Anik, Paul Felder and Laura Sanko, while identifying Cruz as his favorite.

“I like DC too, I think he's extremely well-spoken, man… He's got a silver tongue,” Reyes told Ariel Helwani. “He gets fans in there. I think he's reall…

Lone’er Kavanagh is leaning toward Joshua Van in his title defense against Manel Kape.

Van will put his Ultimate Fighting Championship flyweight title on the line against Kape at UFC 336 on Jan. 30 at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. Kavanagh is excited to watch the matchup between the two strikers but says it’s difficult to pick against the reigning champion.

Advertisement

Lone’er Kavanagh favors Joshua Van over Manel Kape and offers to serve as backup for the flyweight title fight Kavanagh explained why he’s leaning toward Van, saying “The Fearless” proved himself with his dominant showing against Alexandre Pantoja.

“As a fan, it’s gonna be an exciting one to watch,” Kavanagh told Ariel Helwani. “They’re both high-level strikers… You can't really bet against Joshua Van anymore. He's proved himself against Pantoja twice. So maybe [I’m leaning] towards Van… I was surprised. He had an answer for everything that Pantoja threw at him… I'm gonna say the flyweight divisi…

Islam Makhachev believes an interim title fight will clarify the next challenger for his welterweight championship.

Makhachev had been expected to defend his Ultimate Fighting Championship title against Carlos Prates at UFC 336 in January 2027. Instead, Prates will face Michael Morales for the interim belt. The reigning champion supports having the two contenders meet before challenging him.

Advertisement

Islam Makhachev backs Carlos Prates vs. Michael Morales to determine his next welterweight challenger Makhachev (29-1) pointed to Prates’ defeat against Ian Garry, whom he beat in August.

The Russian also questioned whether Morales (19-0), who has not competed since November 2025, should receive a title shot without another fight. He believes a matchup between Morales and Prates (24-7) will establish the next challenger.

“Prates and Morales will fight to determine who is a true worthy contender,” Makhachev told Pound4Padel. “And I will fight [the winner].…

Bafode Gassama will make his Professional Fighters League debut against Coby Bradford in a light heavyweight matchup at PFL Lyon on Dec. 19.

The promotion announced the 205-pound clash on social media Saturday. The event will take place at LDLC Arena near Lyon, France, and will be headlined by Taylor Lapilus vs. Mitchell McKee for the inaugural PFL bantamweight championship.

Bafode Gassama faces Coby Bradford in light heavyweight matchup at PFL Lyon on Dec. 19 Gassama (4-0) captured the Hexagone MMA light heavyweight championship with a unanimous decision victory over Lajos Papp in April. The 32-year-old Frenchman has finished three of his four professional opponents.

Bradford (6-4), meanwhile, won his PFL debut by submitting Chad Yard with a rear-naked choke when the promotion visited Washington, D.C., on July 25.

𝙇𝙄𝙂𝙃𝙏 𝙃𝙀𝘼𝙑𝙔𝙒𝙀𝙄𝙂𝙃𝙏 𝘾𝙇𝘼𝙎𝙃 𝘼𝘿𝘿𝙀𝘿 𝙏𝙊 𝙋𝙁𝙇 𝙇𝙔𝙊𝙉 Former Hexagone Light Heavyweight Champion Bafode Gassama makes his PFL debut against…

Arman Tsarukyan has set his sights on a wrestling matchup against Georges St. Pierre after his dominant victory over Dillon Danis at Real American Freestyle 14.

Tsarukyan defeated Danis by 10-0 technical fall in the main event of RAF 14 on Oct. 23 in Las Vegas. The Ultimate Fighting Championship lightweight subsequently expressed interest in facing the retired MMA legend as he looks to compete against more recognizable names under the RAF banner.

Advertisement

Arman Tsarukyan targets Georges St-Pierre after 10-0 wrestling win over Dillon Danis at RAF 14 After his victory, Tsarukyan said he wants to wrestle established MMA stars, identifying St. Pierre as a potential opponent.

“We’ve got a lot of names here, but I’m focusing on MMA fighters with the big names,” Tsarukyan said. “I don’t want to just wrestle with no names; I want to collect all big names, all the best fighters, so a lot of UFC fighters, good fighters signed. So, we’ll see, maybe GSP… They can bring…

Alexander Volkanovski and Petr Yan retained their Ultimate Fighting Championship titles at UFC 333.

Yan is favored in potential rematches against Yadong Song and Sean O'Malley, while betting lines suggest a potential featherweight title defense for Volkanovski would be closely contested.

BetOnline opens Petr Yan as a -250 favorite against Sean O'Malley and Song Yadong, with Alexander Volkanovski +160 against Justin Gaethje BetOnline Sports has released odds for possible future matchups involving both champions. Volkanovski is an underdog against lightweight champion Justin Gaethje, while a potential featherweight title defense against Jean Silva is priced nearly even. None of these matchups has been announced.

Published opening odds list Volkanovski at -115 against Silva (-105), while Gaethje is a -180 favorite against the two-time featherweight champion (+160).

At bantamweight, Yan is favored in potential rematches against Song and O’Malley. The Russian defeate…

Michael Morales took aim at Carlos Prates following the announcement of their interim title fight.

Morales and Prates will compete for the Ultimate Fighting Championship interim welterweight title at UFC 336 on Jan. 30, 2027, in Toronto.

Advertisement

Michael Morales tells Carlos Prates to quit smoking ahead of their UFC 336 interim welterweight title fight After defending his title against Ian Garry in August, Islam Makhachev initially indicated that he wanted to fight again before Ramadan next year. However, UFC CEO Dana White said the champion now wants to return after Ramadan. The winner of Prates-Morales is expected to face Makhachev in a title unification bout.

While Prates criticized Makhachev, Morales directed his attention toward the Brazilian, urging him to stop smoking before their matchup.

“You called me a coward, but you needed ten months to get ready to fight me?” Morales said in a video posted on Instagram. “Bro, I don’t make excuses. I wait…

Dominick Reyes criticized Daniel Cormier’s commentary during his latest victory, prompting a social media exchange with the Ultimate Fighting Championship Hall of Famer.

Reyes stopped Azamat Murzakanov at 2:40 of the first round in the featured preliminary bout at UFC 333 on Saturday in Abu Dhabi. He landed a head kick followed by a straight left and finishing punches. Afterward, Reyes accused Cormier of disrespecting him by referring to him as “kid” during the broadcast.

Advertisement

Dominick Reyes accuses Daniel Cormier of biased commentary after UFC 333 victory over Azamat Murzakanov Reyes took aim at Cormier on X, calling the former two-division champion a “low IQ hater” and objecting to what he perceived as disrespect toward his accomplishments. Cormier responded that he intended no offense.

“Yo Dom, chill,” Cormier wrote in response. “I don’t call you kid negatively. I’ve only spoke truth to you. When you do amazing shit like you did today, I praise you.…

Khabib Nurmagomedov shared a photo with Ultimate Fighting Championship chief business officer Hunter Campbell, describing their encounter as a chance meeting.

Nurmagomedov announced his retirement in 2020 after defending his lightweight title against Justin Gaethje. The Hall of Famer has repeatedly ruled out returning to competition, and the photo offered no indication that his plans have changed.

Advertisement

Khabib describes the encounter as accidental, with no agenda disclosed Nurmagomedov posted the image on his Instagram story with the caption:

“Accidentally meeting.”

As recently as July, Nurmagomedov reiterated that he was not planning a comeback.

The encounter comes amid uncertainty over the promotional future of his cousin, Usman Nurmagomedov, who completed his contracted fights with the Professional Fighters League. UFC CEO Dana White has said the promotion will speak with Usman once he is free to negotiate. There is no confirmed connectio…

Paulo Costa is unhappy with Brazil’s presidential election result.

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, of the Workers’ Party, defeated Sen. Flávio Bolsonaro in Sunday’s runoff, winning an unprecedented fourth presidential term.

Advertisement

UFC fighter Paulo Costa urges Brazilians to leave after Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's reelection Costa urged Brazilians to leave the country, saying he was grateful to live in the United States. The Ultimate Fighting Championship fighter also offered to help others obtain documentation to move there.

“Not being part of this madness is a relief, airport is the way out friends,” Costa wrote on X. “Enjoy it while you can still leave. In 4 years the situation will become VERY difficult. Whoever wants, I can help get the documentation for the USA, where I live. It was the best thing I ever did, THANKS TO GOD!”

Costa then responded to an X user who criticized his reaction.

“My suitcases are at my other house in Las Vega…

Petr Yan’s successful defense of his Ultimate Fighting Championship bantamweight title could come with a luxury gift.

Yan (21-5) retained his belt by unanimous decision against Merab Dvalishvili (21-6) in their trilogy bout at UFC 333 on Saturday in Abu Dhabi. Both fighters received $100,000 bonuses after the co-main event earned Fight of the Night honors.

Advertisement

Petr Yan thanks an account identifying itself as 1win's owner for a promised Rolls-Royce Cullinan An X account identifying itself as the owner of betting platform 1win promised the Russian champion a Rolls-Royce Cullinan to celebrate his victory.

“Today Petr Yan once again proved why he is one of the best fighters in the world,” the account posted on X. “Behind such victories stand years of hard work, discipline and absolute dedication to his craft. At 1win, we always support those who strive to be first. For this victory, Petr will get a Rolls-Royce Cullinan from me. Well deserved.”

Yan r…

Paddy Pimblett believes Movsar Evloev could have survived the second round against Alexander Volkanovski.

Evloev (20-1) challenged Volkanovski (29-4) for the Ultimate Fighting Championship featherweight title in the main event of UFC 333 on Saturday in Abu Dhabi. Volkanovski secured a technical knockout at 4:54 of Round 2, but Pimblett argued that Evloev gave up too quickly.

Advertisement

Paddy Pimblett questions Movsar Evloev's defense during Alexander Volkanovski's UFC 333 TKO According to “The Baddy,” Evloev could have reached the end of the round had he kept moving rather than covering up during the closing seconds.

“Evloev quit there for me, like. Just rolled over,” Pimblett said on his YouTube channel. “When there's five seconds left, you just gotta keep moving so the fight stays on. You can't start just covering up.”

Evloev defeated Lerone Murphy, Aljamain Sterling, Arnold Allen and Diego Lopes before suffering his first professional loss to Volkan…