2 hours ago
Ryan Garcia left no doubt. After a heated build-up between two of boxing's biggest names, the reigning WBC welterweight champion delivered a devastating performance Saturday night inside of Las Vegas' T-Mobile Arena, needing less than two rounds to dispatch Conor Benn and successfully defend his belt in a statement performance.
After controlling the opening round, Garcia ended matters in spectacular fashion early in the second, uncorking a massive right hand that sent Benn crumbling to the canvas. Benn managed to beat the 10-count, but Garcia immediately swarmed his wounded prey and unloaded against the ropes until the referee mercifully stepped in to stop the bout.
Afterward, Garcia (26-2, 21 KOs) called for WBA welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez to join him in the ring, teasing the possiblitiy of a massive unification clash next. Benn (25-2, 14 KOs), meanwhile, suffered the first stoppage loss of his pro career.
Unsurprisingly, as is often the case with anything Garcia does, Saturday's result instantly set the boxing world ablaze, prompting a flood of fellow fighters to gush over Garcia's spectacular performance on social media — and eliciting a healthy amount of revelry from Benn's critics. Chief among those critics was Chris Eubank Jr., who couldn't help but chime in with a roast of his longtime rival following their two-fight series in 2025.
Welcome to the ’fighting after cutting too much weight’ club… Enjoy
#welterweight #ryan
After controlling the opening round, Garcia ended matters in spectacular fashion early in the second, uncorking a massive right hand that sent Benn crumbling to the canvas. Benn managed to beat the 10-count, but Garcia immediately swarmed his wounded prey and unloaded against the ropes until the referee mercifully stepped in to stop the bout.
Afterward, Garcia (26-2, 21 KOs) called for WBA welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez to join him in the ring, teasing the possiblitiy of a massive unification clash next. Benn (25-2, 14 KOs), meanwhile, suffered the first stoppage loss of his pro career.
Unsurprisingly, as is often the case with anything Garcia does, Saturday's result instantly set the boxing world ablaze, prompting a flood of fellow fighters to gush over Garcia's spectacular performance on social media — and eliciting a healthy amount of revelry from Benn's critics. Chief among those critics was Chris Eubank Jr., who couldn't help but chime in with a roast of his longtime rival following their two-fight series in 2025.
Welcome to the ’fighting after cutting too much weight’ club… Enjoy
#welterweight #ryan
4 hours ago
Jai Opetaia defended his ****** les with a nasty ninth round standing knockout over Noel Mikaelyan but the bigger moment may have come just a few minutes later when he stared down David Benavidez in hopes of setting up a showdown between them next year.
As the top cruiserweight in the sport, it was no surprise tha Opetaia got the job done on Saturday as he chipped away at Mikaelyan until he finally got the finish. But then Opetaia invited Benavidez into the ring and the two fighters showed nothing but respect and agreed it's time for them to meet in the ring for real.
"He's done a lot for the sport," Opetaia said about Benavidez. "What better fight to make. Let's get it on."
For his part, Benavidez was quick to accept that challenge with hopes that he can add yet another ****** le to his resume in the near future.
"There can only be one monster in this division," Benavidez said. "I'm the person they call when you've got to kill the boogeyman."
#opetaia #ring #noel
As the top cruiserweight in the sport, it was no surprise tha Opetaia got the job done on Saturday as he chipped away at Mikaelyan until he finally got the finish. But then Opetaia invited Benavidez into the ring and the two fighters showed nothing but respect and agreed it's time for them to meet in the ring for real.
"He's done a lot for the sport," Opetaia said about Benavidez. "What better fight to make. Let's get it on."
For his part, Benavidez was quick to accept that challenge with hopes that he can add yet another ****** le to his resume in the near future.
"There can only be one monster in this division," Benavidez said. "I'm the person they call when you've got to kill the boogeyman."
#opetaia #ring #noel
6 hours ago
In the before-the-bell undercard action supporting the Garcia vs. Benn fight card, Alexis Rocha and Vlad Panin led the way with solid victories.
Abel Gonzalez, and Sean Garcia also scored wins.
Fights took place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas in the traditional Mexican Independence Day card.
It was a disservice to boxing fans and the fighters to schedule the contest between former world champion Jose Ramirez of Avenal, California (29-4, 18 KOs) and top-ten-ranked contender Alexis Rocha of Santa Ana (27-2-1, 16 KOs) so early. The Golden Boy welterweight contest seems to have been buried by ongoing friction between promoters.
This aside, Ramirez and Rocha delivered solid action for ten rounds, with Rocha prevailing by a wide unanimous decision. Scores were 98-91, 98-91, and 97-92.
#solid
Abel Gonzalez, and Sean Garcia also scored wins.
Fights took place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas in the traditional Mexican Independence Day card.
It was a disservice to boxing fans and the fighters to schedule the contest between former world champion Jose Ramirez of Avenal, California (29-4, 18 KOs) and top-ten-ranked contender Alexis Rocha of Santa Ana (27-2-1, 16 KOs) so early. The Golden Boy welterweight contest seems to have been buried by ongoing friction between promoters.
This aside, Ramirez and Rocha delivered solid action for ten rounds, with Rocha prevailing by a wide unanimous decision. Scores were 98-91, 98-91, and 97-92.
#solid
7 hours ago
The economy, inflation and how those forces could impact the lives of Americans were front and center over the past week. Trips to the grocery store and gas station are more painful than they were last year, and rising costs are impacting the decisions of both households and businesses.
Here's a snapshot of prominent economic data and news that occurred over the past week and what it potentially means for you.
U.S. inflation accelerated last month as gas prices spiked in the wake of renewed fighting in the Middle East, underscoring the affordability challenges that are top of mind for many voters as midterm elections near.
The Labor Department said Friday that the consumer price index rose 3.4% last month compared with a year ago, the same as in July. But on a monthly basis, inflation accelerated, as costs jumped 0.4% from July to August, up from an increase of just 0.1% the previous month.
The figures show that inflation remains stubbornly elevated, more than five years after prices first soared as the economy emerged from the COVID pandemic. Persistent inflation has presented a major challenge for the inflation-fighters at the Federal Reserve and has soured many voters on the Trump administration's economic management.
#year
Here's a snapshot of prominent economic data and news that occurred over the past week and what it potentially means for you.
U.S. inflation accelerated last month as gas prices spiked in the wake of renewed fighting in the Middle East, underscoring the affordability challenges that are top of mind for many voters as midterm elections near.
The Labor Department said Friday that the consumer price index rose 3.4% last month compared with a year ago, the same as in July. But on a monthly basis, inflation accelerated, as costs jumped 0.4% from July to August, up from an increase of just 0.1% the previous month.
The figures show that inflation remains stubbornly elevated, more than five years after prices first soared as the economy emerged from the COVID pandemic. Persistent inflation has presented a major challenge for the inflation-fighters at the Federal Reserve and has soured many voters on the Trump administration's economic management.
#year
7 hours ago
Tommy McMillen and Marwan Rahiki turned in one of the best featherweight fights ever earlier today (Sat., Sept. 12, 2026) at Noche UFC 4 LIVE on Paramount+ from inside Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona, as the two prospects stood toe-to-toe and unleashed everything they had.
Both fighters came into this fight with something to prove. For McMillen, it was his chance to prove he's the real deal at 145 pounds and not just an exciting fighter from the Contender Series. For Rahiki, he was out to showcase his own potential in the UFC's talent-rich featherweight division and that he should get a bigger push from matchmakers instead of McMillen. It was a recipe for unfiltered chaos and that's exactly what fight fans witnessed.
The first round was a back-and-forth affair full of combinations and exchanges in close. McMillen showcased some of his wrestling along the way, but Rahiki did well to get back to his feet. The second round was even crazier as Rahiki landed a massive uppercut that sent McMillen crashing to the canvas. Rahiki chased McMillen all over the cage in search of a finish, but "Gun" somehow survived. It was a true testament to McMillen's heart, toughness, and elite cardio.
McMillen returned the favor in the third round when he regained momentum with a huge knockdown in the center of the Octagon. From there, McMillen was on cruise control. He attacked with chokes, combinations in the clinch, knees inside, and all-out pressure. Rahiki was fading for sure, but he somehow hung in long enough to hear the final buzzer sound. It was one of the wildest three-round fights you'll ever see and another reason why McMillen is one of the quickest rising stars in the sport.
In the end, McMillen walked away with the unanimous decision win. Check out the video highlights below and let us know if McMillen can maintain this pace as he further climbs the 145-pound ladder.
#mcmillen #round
Both fighters came into this fight with something to prove. For McMillen, it was his chance to prove he's the real deal at 145 pounds and not just an exciting fighter from the Contender Series. For Rahiki, he was out to showcase his own potential in the UFC's talent-rich featherweight division and that he should get a bigger push from matchmakers instead of McMillen. It was a recipe for unfiltered chaos and that's exactly what fight fans witnessed.
The first round was a back-and-forth affair full of combinations and exchanges in close. McMillen showcased some of his wrestling along the way, but Rahiki did well to get back to his feet. The second round was even crazier as Rahiki landed a massive uppercut that sent McMillen crashing to the canvas. Rahiki chased McMillen all over the cage in search of a finish, but "Gun" somehow survived. It was a true testament to McMillen's heart, toughness, and elite cardio.
McMillen returned the favor in the third round when he regained momentum with a huge knockdown in the center of the Octagon. From there, McMillen was on cruise control. He attacked with chokes, combinations in the clinch, knees inside, and all-out pressure. Rahiki was fading for sure, but he somehow hung in long enough to hear the final buzzer sound. It was one of the wildest three-round fights you'll ever see and another reason why McMillen is one of the quickest rising stars in the sport.
In the end, McMillen walked away with the unanimous decision win. Check out the video highlights below and let us know if McMillen can maintain this pace as he further climbs the 145-pound ladder.
#mcmillen #round
1 day ago
The desperate pleas for air cover from Yemeni generals started coming mid-morning on Thursday. An advance by the Iran-backed Houthis toward Yemen's strategic port city of Mocha was in full swing, and backup support from chief ally Saudi Arabia was nowhere in sight.
"The Houthis committed everything they had – waves upon waves of fighters … along with their available ballistic missiles and weapons," a senior Yemeni source attached to their military forces told CNN. The source said he contacted the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) and was ******* ured the US was "watching the situation closely and that Saudi air support was coming."
"But the air support never came," the source said. "And Mocha has now fallen."
Hours later, on Friday, the Houthis captured another key coastal ******* et, Perim Island, at the mouth of the Red Sea. The island splits the Bab al-Mandeb Strait in two, giving Tehran de facto control over another key shipping route.
The Houthis' rapid advance amounts to an extraordinary 36 hours in a conflict that had been largely on ice for years. But the kindling for renewed fighting had been laid for months amid the conflict between the United States and Iran, as Tehran seeks to use oil prices – and their impact on the global economy – as leverage.
#saudi
"The Houthis committed everything they had – waves upon waves of fighters … along with their available ballistic missiles and weapons," a senior Yemeni source attached to their military forces told CNN. The source said he contacted the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) and was ******* ured the US was "watching the situation closely and that Saudi air support was coming."
"But the air support never came," the source said. "And Mocha has now fallen."
Hours later, on Friday, the Houthis captured another key coastal ******* et, Perim Island, at the mouth of the Red Sea. The island splits the Bab al-Mandeb Strait in two, giving Tehran de facto control over another key shipping route.
The Houthis' rapid advance amounts to an extraordinary 36 hours in a conflict that had been largely on ice for years. But the kindling for renewed fighting had been laid for months amid the conflict between the United States and Iran, as Tehran seeks to use oil prices – and their impact on the global economy – as leverage.
#saudi
1 day ago
Pete Davidson has spoken about losing his father on September 11 for much of his adult life, sometimes seriously and sometimes through comedy. Becoming a father himself has changed the way he understands what happened.
Davidson was seven when his father, New York City firefighter Scott Matthew Davidson, died while responding to the World Trade Center attacks. "I thought, 'Oh, he was an old guy. He's 33,'" Davidson told the New York Post. "But now I'm there, and I have a kid, and that would be like my kid not having her dad."
Davidson is 32 and turns 33 in November, putting him close to the age his father was when he died. His daughter, Scottie Rose Hewitt Davidson, was born in December 2025 and was named after the grandfather she will never meet.
That combination made the 25th anniversary especially difficult. Davidson said this year felt "way harder" than it had in a long time, but also "extra beautiful" because he would spend September 11 with Scottie. "It'll be very healing and special," he said.
Scott Davidson was 33 when he died and had been an FDNY firefighter since 1994. He worked with Ladder Company 118 in Brooklyn Heights and responded after the second hijacked plane struck the World Trade Center. The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation remembers him as a father who coached Pete in football and baseball, watched daughter Casey's dance recitals and frequently called firefighting "the greatest job in America."
#died #york #scott #World
Davidson was seven when his father, New York City firefighter Scott Matthew Davidson, died while responding to the World Trade Center attacks. "I thought, 'Oh, he was an old guy. He's 33,'" Davidson told the New York Post. "But now I'm there, and I have a kid, and that would be like my kid not having her dad."
Davidson is 32 and turns 33 in November, putting him close to the age his father was when he died. His daughter, Scottie Rose Hewitt Davidson, was born in December 2025 and was named after the grandfather she will never meet.
That combination made the 25th anniversary especially difficult. Davidson said this year felt "way harder" than it had in a long time, but also "extra beautiful" because he would spend September 11 with Scottie. "It'll be very healing and special," he said.
Scott Davidson was 33 when he died and had been an FDNY firefighter since 1994. He worked with Ladder Company 118 in Brooklyn Heights and responded after the second hijacked plane struck the World Trade Center. The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation remembers him as a father who coached Pete in football and baseball, watched daughter Casey's dance recitals and frequently called firefighting "the greatest job in America."
#died #york #scott #World
1 day ago
Zuffa Boxing's biggest card to date is now official after Ryan Garciaand Conor Benn made weight for their welterweight ***** le clash.
The 12-round headliner will see Garcia, the World Boxing Councilwelterweight champion, look to defend against Benn. Both men madeweight without issue despite speculation that Benn would struggleto hit his mark. All other fighters on the card also made weight,including Zuffa cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia, who will takeon Noel Mikaelian.
Garcia (25-2) enters the fight having defeated Mario Barrios toclaim the WBC ***** le. This bounceback performance came after "KingRy" failed to dethrone Rolando Romero for the WBA belt last year.Garcia officially weighed 145.5 pounds for the ***** le defense.
Looking to cause an upset is Benn (26-1), whose only career defeatcame to Chris Eubank Jr. last year. However, the British superstarwon the rematch and then defeated Regis Prograis in his latestouting. Benn weighed 146 pounds on the dot.
The Zuffa Boxing Benn vs. Garcia event will stream live onParamount+. The main card starts at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
RyanGarcia (145.5) vs. Conor Benn (146)
Champ Jai Opetaia (199) vs. Noel Mikaelian (200)
Raphael Akpejiori (246) vs. Da'Mazion Vanhouter (231.5)
Andres Cortes (135) vs. Mark Magsayo (134.5)
Oswaldo Molina (131.5) vs. Pablo Rubio Jr. (131)
Abel Gonzalez (167.5) vs. Raul Salomon (167)
Dakota Linger (150.5) vs. Vlad Panin (151.5)
Jose Ramirez (146.5) vs. Alexis Rocha (146.5)
Sean Garcia (134) vs. AbrahamMorales (134)
#garcia #boxing #opetaia
The 12-round headliner will see Garcia, the World Boxing Councilwelterweight champion, look to defend against Benn. Both men madeweight without issue despite speculation that Benn would struggleto hit his mark. All other fighters on the card also made weight,including Zuffa cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia, who will takeon Noel Mikaelian.
Garcia (25-2) enters the fight having defeated Mario Barrios toclaim the WBC ***** le. This bounceback performance came after "KingRy" failed to dethrone Rolando Romero for the WBA belt last year.Garcia officially weighed 145.5 pounds for the ***** le defense.
Looking to cause an upset is Benn (26-1), whose only career defeatcame to Chris Eubank Jr. last year. However, the British superstarwon the rematch and then defeated Regis Prograis in his latestouting. Benn weighed 146 pounds on the dot.
The Zuffa Boxing Benn vs. Garcia event will stream live onParamount+. The main card starts at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
RyanGarcia (145.5) vs. Conor Benn (146)
Champ Jai Opetaia (199) vs. Noel Mikaelian (200)
Raphael Akpejiori (246) vs. Da'Mazion Vanhouter (231.5)
Andres Cortes (135) vs. Mark Magsayo (134.5)
Oswaldo Molina (131.5) vs. Pablo Rubio Jr. (131)
Abel Gonzalez (167.5) vs. Raul Salomon (167)
Dakota Linger (150.5) vs. Vlad Panin (151.5)
Jose Ramirez (146.5) vs. Alexis Rocha (146.5)
Sean Garcia (134) vs. AbrahamMorales (134)
#garcia #boxing #opetaia
2 days ago
Pete Davidson marked the 25th anniversary of 9/11 by honoring the father he lost that day. The comedian joined 9/11 Day's UNIITE For Good campaign, turning grief into a call for kindness.
Davidson's father, Scott Davidson, died while responding to the attacks in New York City. This year, Pete encouraged Americans to remember the tragedy by reviving the spirit of unity that followed.
Davidson shared his story in a video for 9/11 Day. "He was a firefighter for Ladder 118, Engine 205 in Brooklyn Heights," he said. "My dad loved being a fireman, and he loved saving people," Davidson added. Scott died while responding to the attacks alongside fellow firefighters.
The Saturday Night Live alum explained why UNIITE For Good felt fitting this year. "9/11 is usually a tough day," Davidson said, according to the campaign. He explained that participants could perform a good deed and pass the idea along. The campaign then added those pledges to a nationwide map.
The goal was to cover the country with visible examples of people helping others. Davidson hoped the initiative could make an emotionally difficult anniversary feel slightly lighter. The campaign also focused on what happened after September 11. Communities came together and helped strangers despite their differences.
#davidson #uniite #anniversary #died
Davidson's father, Scott Davidson, died while responding to the attacks in New York City. This year, Pete encouraged Americans to remember the tragedy by reviving the spirit of unity that followed.
Davidson shared his story in a video for 9/11 Day. "He was a firefighter for Ladder 118, Engine 205 in Brooklyn Heights," he said. "My dad loved being a fireman, and he loved saving people," Davidson added. Scott died while responding to the attacks alongside fellow firefighters.
The Saturday Night Live alum explained why UNIITE For Good felt fitting this year. "9/11 is usually a tough day," Davidson said, according to the campaign. He explained that participants could perform a good deed and pass the idea along. The campaign then added those pledges to a nationwide map.
The goal was to cover the country with visible examples of people helping others. Davidson hoped the initiative could make an emotionally difficult anniversary feel slightly lighter. The campaign also focused on what happened after September 11. Communities came together and helped strangers despite their differences.
#davidson #uniite #anniversary #died
2 days ago
Eddie Hearn's roster of UFC fighters appears to have a new addition in the form of Paulo Costa. The former middleweight ***** le challenger is set to join Matchroom Talent Agency alongside reigning heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall and Ian Machado Garry.
The Brazilian recently revealed that he has parted ways with longtime manager Tiki Ghosn and is now ready to start a new chapter. During a recent interview with Ariel Helwani, Costa revealed that he is set to begin a new managerial partnership with Hearn.
Costa revealed that Hearn sent him the contract a few days before his UFC 332 controversy erupted. He also confirmed that Hearn will handle both his sponsorships and managerial duties moving forward.
He said, "Yes, both! The whole thing. I have too much respect for what he's doing. He's a great guy, a great professional. I think we're going to do great things together."
Costa added, "He's a super important person in the fight business. Not only in MMA, but not only in boxing, but he's coming to MMA right now. I think this is a great acquisition for the MMA community."
#revealed #think #matchroom
The Brazilian recently revealed that he has parted ways with longtime manager Tiki Ghosn and is now ready to start a new chapter. During a recent interview with Ariel Helwani, Costa revealed that he is set to begin a new managerial partnership with Hearn.
Costa revealed that Hearn sent him the contract a few days before his UFC 332 controversy erupted. He also confirmed that Hearn will handle both his sponsorships and managerial duties moving forward.
He said, "Yes, both! The whole thing. I have too much respect for what he's doing. He's a great guy, a great professional. I think we're going to do great things together."
Costa added, "He's a super important person in the fight business. Not only in MMA, but not only in boxing, but he's coming to MMA right now. I think this is a great acquisition for the MMA community."
#revealed #think #matchroom
2 days ago
Welcome to Midnight Mania!
Let's start the night off by taking a look back over the three biggest stories of Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026.
Paulo Costa requested UFC release multiple times with only one fight left on contract – 'I'm very professional': At 35 years of age, maybe Paulo Costa thinks he can cash out in the boxing ring before his career is up? I'm not sure what MMA promotion would pay him significantly more than his current UFC contract.
Paddy Pimblett details hatred of Ilia Topuria: 'I want to inflict pain on his life': It really is remarkable that two random undercard fighters started beefing and then ended up as two of the sport's biggest stars years later.
Justin Gaethje breaks down Ilia Topuria's fatal flaws during UFC White House fight: 'He made terrible mistakes': Gaethje actually offers some interesting insight into Topuria's movement here, good stuff.
#paulo #fight #years #midnight
Let's start the night off by taking a look back over the three biggest stories of Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026.
Paulo Costa requested UFC release multiple times with only one fight left on contract – 'I'm very professional': At 35 years of age, maybe Paulo Costa thinks he can cash out in the boxing ring before his career is up? I'm not sure what MMA promotion would pay him significantly more than his current UFC contract.
Paddy Pimblett details hatred of Ilia Topuria: 'I want to inflict pain on his life': It really is remarkable that two random undercard fighters started beefing and then ended up as two of the sport's biggest stars years later.
Justin Gaethje breaks down Ilia Topuria's fatal flaws during UFC White House fight: 'He made terrible mistakes': Gaethje actually offers some interesting insight into Topuria's movement here, good stuff.
#paulo #fight #years #midnight
2 days ago
Former NFL running back LeShon Johnson has been sentenced to 60 months in federal prison after he was convicted of six felonies related to dog fighting.
Authorities seized 190 dogs from Johnson's property, the most dogs ever seized from any individual in a federal dog fighting investigation. This is Johnson's second dog fighting conviction; he was also convicted of state dog fighting charges in Oklahoma in 2004.
"LeShon Johnson continued to traffic dogs for illegal fighting despite a 2004 state conviction for similar conduct," said Deputy **** istant Attorney General Adam Gustafson. "We are grateful to our colleagues at the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma and the FBI for partnering with ENRD to bring this repeat offender to justice and to the U.S. Marshals Service for executing the biggest rescue operation of its kind."
The Department of Justice says Johnson made hundreds of thousands of dollars through his dog fighting operation, selling dogs he described as fighting champions, selling puppies he said were bred to be fighting champions, and charging stud fees to other dog fighters so that his champion males could breed with their females.
The 55-year-old Johnson was a third-round pick of the Packers in 1994 and also played for the Cardinals and Giants before finishing his pro football career with the XFL's Chicago Enforcers.
#leshon #oklahoma #federal #seized
Authorities seized 190 dogs from Johnson's property, the most dogs ever seized from any individual in a federal dog fighting investigation. This is Johnson's second dog fighting conviction; he was also convicted of state dog fighting charges in Oklahoma in 2004.
"LeShon Johnson continued to traffic dogs for illegal fighting despite a 2004 state conviction for similar conduct," said Deputy **** istant Attorney General Adam Gustafson. "We are grateful to our colleagues at the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma and the FBI for partnering with ENRD to bring this repeat offender to justice and to the U.S. Marshals Service for executing the biggest rescue operation of its kind."
The Department of Justice says Johnson made hundreds of thousands of dollars through his dog fighting operation, selling dogs he described as fighting champions, selling puppies he said were bred to be fighting champions, and charging stud fees to other dog fighters so that his champion males could breed with their females.
The 55-year-old Johnson was a third-round pick of the Packers in 1994 and also played for the Cardinals and Giants before finishing his pro football career with the XFL's Chicago Enforcers.
#leshon #oklahoma #federal #seized
0.00$ raised of 0.00$ goal
0 donations
0.00$
to go
5 days ago
Surging heavyweight Josh Hokit went on tirade on social media after former two-division UFC champion Alex Pereira posted a video campaigning for a rematch with Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight belt.
In a series of X posts targeting Pereira and making his case for the next shot at Gane, Hokit criticized the idea that Pereira and Ilia Topuria could challenge for belts next after both got finished by Gane and Justin Gaethje this past June at UFC White House, respectively.
"As a fan, that fight makes no ***** sense," wrote Hokit, who finished Derrick Lewis on that same card. "I watched you get demolished. How about a more favorable match up like Sergei [Pavlovitch] who is basically a striker & way less athletic than Ciryl. How about you get one ***** win in this weight class before you are gifted another ***** le shot."
"Growing up, I loved the UFC & all of its fighters," he continued on a separate post. "So it gives me great pleasure to use my platform today to speak the truth: neither Ilia Topuria nor Alex Pereira deserve a ***** ***** le shot in their next fight. They both got handily destroyed. Make them earn it and fight their way back like everyone else."
Hokit argued that Tom Aspinall's manager Eddie Hearn is "obviously" stalling to "buy time in contract negotiations" instead of working on a deal for a ***** le unification bout with Gane. Hokit suggests, then, booking him versus Gane on the upcoming Madison Square Garden show November in New York, while Pereira battles Pavlovich on the same card.
#fucking #ciryl
In a series of X posts targeting Pereira and making his case for the next shot at Gane, Hokit criticized the idea that Pereira and Ilia Topuria could challenge for belts next after both got finished by Gane and Justin Gaethje this past June at UFC White House, respectively.
"As a fan, that fight makes no ***** sense," wrote Hokit, who finished Derrick Lewis on that same card. "I watched you get demolished. How about a more favorable match up like Sergei [Pavlovitch] who is basically a striker & way less athletic than Ciryl. How about you get one ***** win in this weight class before you are gifted another ***** le shot."
"Growing up, I loved the UFC & all of its fighters," he continued on a separate post. "So it gives me great pleasure to use my platform today to speak the truth: neither Ilia Topuria nor Alex Pereira deserve a ***** ***** le shot in their next fight. They both got handily destroyed. Make them earn it and fight their way back like everyone else."
Hokit argued that Tom Aspinall's manager Eddie Hearn is "obviously" stalling to "buy time in contract negotiations" instead of working on a deal for a ***** le unification bout with Gane. Hokit suggests, then, booking him versus Gane on the upcoming Madison Square Garden show November in New York, while Pereira battles Pavlovich on the same card.
#fucking #ciryl
5 days ago
Hello everyone, and welcome back for another week of rankings in the UFC. This weekend was another great card for the UFC, in which we saw Salahdine Parnasse knock out Dan Hooker in under three minutes in the first round.
The next event for the UFC is UFC Fight Night 288 in Glendale, AZ, which features Jean Silva versus Jose Delgado as the main event for NOCHE. This match shouldn't last long, and that sucks for anyone who loves watching both of these fighters.
That being said, let's get to this week's rankings and see who made it. Have a great day, everyone, and may the fights be with you.
MORE: Eddie Hearn drops major update on Tom Aspinall's return status
May 9, 2026; Newark, New Jersey, UNITED STATES; Joshua Van (red gloves) celebrates after defeating Tatsuro Taira (blue gloves) during UFC 328 at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
#gloves
The next event for the UFC is UFC Fight Night 288 in Glendale, AZ, which features Jean Silva versus Jose Delgado as the main event for NOCHE. This match shouldn't last long, and that sucks for anyone who loves watching both of these fighters.
That being said, let's get to this week's rankings and see who made it. Have a great day, everyone, and may the fights be with you.
MORE: Eddie Hearn drops major update on Tom Aspinall's return status
May 9, 2026; Newark, New Jersey, UNITED STATES; Joshua Van (red gloves) celebrates after defeating Tatsuro Taira (blue gloves) during UFC 328 at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
#gloves
5 days ago
Sept 8 (Reuters) - Russia's defence ministry wants to claim back part of a one-off payout from contract service personnel found guilty of criminal offences at home, a document showed, amid increasing cases of domestic violence among those fighting Russia's war on Ukraine.
Russia provides a minimum one-off payment of 400,000 roubles ($4,640) for soldiers signing at least a one-year contract to fight in the war with Ukraine that Moscow calls "a special military operation". Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.
In practice, one-off payouts may reach a few million roubles per soldier, depending on the region, in addition to a monthly salary. Russia is also reducing sentences for those serving time in prison in exchange for signing up for the war, among other benefits, as it seeks to bolster army numbers.
Russia has seen a rise in domestic violence as fighters return home for leave, and the defence ministry wants to claim part of the one-off payments "in order to increase the motivation of military personnel to comply with the law", in case of a criminal offence, a draft law published on Monday showed.
If active contract service members are found guilty of a criminal offence which does not imply a prison sentence, they should pay back a portion of the one-off payout based on the months of the service left, the document showed.
#defence
Russia provides a minimum one-off payment of 400,000 roubles ($4,640) for soldiers signing at least a one-year contract to fight in the war with Ukraine that Moscow calls "a special military operation". Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.
In practice, one-off payouts may reach a few million roubles per soldier, depending on the region, in addition to a monthly salary. Russia is also reducing sentences for those serving time in prison in exchange for signing up for the war, among other benefits, as it seeks to bolster army numbers.
Russia has seen a rise in domestic violence as fighters return home for leave, and the defence ministry wants to claim part of the one-off payments "in order to increase the motivation of military personnel to comply with the law", in case of a criminal offence, a draft law published on Monday showed.
If active contract service members are found guilty of a criminal offence which does not imply a prison sentence, they should pay back a portion of the one-off payout based on the months of the service left, the document showed.
#defence
5 days ago
VadimNemkov will defend his Professional Fighters League heavyweight championship againstSergeyBilostenniy in November.
The promotion recently announced that former Bellatorchamp Nemkov (20-2) will meet the No. 3-ranked Bilostenniy (15-4)in the main event of PFL Dubai on Nov. 14 at Coca-Cola Arena.
Nemkov, a protégé of FedorEmelianenko, moved up to heavyweight in 2024 and captured PFLgold last December.
Bilostenniy is 4-1 in the PFL and has earned notable finishes overKarlWilliams, TyrellFortune and former PFL champion RenanFerreira. Like Nemkov, he trains under the Team Fedor bannerand has previously shared training camps with the champion.
This marks the first PFL main event in Dubai since the promotion'smerger with Most Valuable Promotions.
"Dubai has become a special city for PFL and the site of someunforgettable moments in our history," PFL CEO John Martin said ina press release. "Both fighters have roots in Team Fedor andrepresent the next generation of Russia's storied heavyweighttradition and now they'll meet to determine who sits atop one ofthe most prestigious divisions in combat sports."
#nemkov #team #former #main
The promotion recently announced that former Bellatorchamp Nemkov (20-2) will meet the No. 3-ranked Bilostenniy (15-4)in the main event of PFL Dubai on Nov. 14 at Coca-Cola Arena.
Nemkov, a protégé of FedorEmelianenko, moved up to heavyweight in 2024 and captured PFLgold last December.
Bilostenniy is 4-1 in the PFL and has earned notable finishes overKarlWilliams, TyrellFortune and former PFL champion RenanFerreira. Like Nemkov, he trains under the Team Fedor bannerand has previously shared training camps with the champion.
This marks the first PFL main event in Dubai since the promotion'smerger with Most Valuable Promotions.
"Dubai has become a special city for PFL and the site of someunforgettable moments in our history," PFL CEO John Martin said ina press release. "Both fighters have roots in Team Fedor andrepresent the next generation of Russia's storied heavyweighttradition and now they'll meet to determine who sits atop one ofthe most prestigious divisions in combat sports."
#nemkov #team #former #main
6 days ago
The Inner Circle 30 delivers an emotionally charged night of five action-packed Muay Thai bouts on Friday, September 11. Streaming live and exclusively for subscribers at live.onefc.com in Asia primetime, the card goes down from Bangkok's iconic Lumpinee Stadium.
A World ******* le defense, a legendary farewell, and fighters stepping out of famous shadows converge for a card that carries genuine weight from the first bell to the last.
Here are three reasons to clear your schedule and tune in on Friday.
In the main event, ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Rambolek Chor Ajalaboon puts his 26 pounds of gold on the line for the very first time. His reign is tested immediately by surging challenger Yod-IQ Or Pimolsri, a man absolutely determined to claim the throne for himself.
Rambolek made history as the first fighter to earn a coveted US$100,000 contract from ONE Friday Fights, collecting multiple performance bonuses along the way.
#muay #World #live
A World ******* le defense, a legendary farewell, and fighters stepping out of famous shadows converge for a card that carries genuine weight from the first bell to the last.
Here are three reasons to clear your schedule and tune in on Friday.
In the main event, ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Rambolek Chor Ajalaboon puts his 26 pounds of gold on the line for the very first time. His reign is tested immediately by surging challenger Yod-IQ Or Pimolsri, a man absolutely determined to claim the throne for himself.
Rambolek made history as the first fighter to earn a coveted US$100,000 contract from ONE Friday Fights, collecting multiple performance bonuses along the way.
#muay #World #live
6 days ago
Combat sports are a harsh place, especially for legends.
One of the most accomplished Muay Thai fighters and kickboxers of his generation, Sitthichai is a former Glory Kickboxing lightweight champion and Lumpinee welterweight champion, among many other accomplishments in striking sports. However, the last few years have been unkind to the 34-year-old Thai fighter as he lost four of his final five fights in ONE Championship, and has gone winless since leaving the promotion last year.
Perhaps the worst of those losses happened on Saturday when Sitthichai got brutally knocked out by Taimu Hisai at Knockout 68: Knockin' on the World in Yokohama, ****** an.
While Sitthichai has been stopped in a couple of his recent bouts, those losses came from body shots. This time, the 20-year-old Hisai, who stepped in on short notice and moved up a weight class to take the fight, slept the legend with a brutal uppercut that not only knocked him out cold but literally took him off his feet.
Check out the devastating highlight below.
#thai #knocked #combat
One of the most accomplished Muay Thai fighters and kickboxers of his generation, Sitthichai is a former Glory Kickboxing lightweight champion and Lumpinee welterweight champion, among many other accomplishments in striking sports. However, the last few years have been unkind to the 34-year-old Thai fighter as he lost four of his final five fights in ONE Championship, and has gone winless since leaving the promotion last year.
Perhaps the worst of those losses happened on Saturday when Sitthichai got brutally knocked out by Taimu Hisai at Knockout 68: Knockin' on the World in Yokohama, ****** an.
While Sitthichai has been stopped in a couple of his recent bouts, those losses came from body shots. This time, the 20-year-old Hisai, who stepped in on short notice and moved up a weight class to take the fight, slept the legend with a brutal uppercut that not only knocked him out cold but literally took him off his feet.
Check out the devastating highlight below.
#thai #knocked #combat
7 days ago
By Maya Gebeily and Rami Ayyub
BEIRUT/JERUSALEM, Sept 4 (Reuters) - Israel's military has cleared Hezbollah fighters holed up in tunnels under the strategic Ali al-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said on Friday, though the Iran-backed group did not immediately comment.
Israel had said Hezbollah fighters were embedded in tunnels under the ridge, which overlooks a wide area and had become one of the most hotly contested areas in the Israel-Hezbollah war, despite a ceasefire announced in June.
Reuters reported on Thursday that Iran had warned the United States last month that it would respond forcefully to an Israeli ****** ault on its Hezbollah allies' positions within the ridge.
"The mission was completed and the tunnels were cleared of terrorists," Katz said on social media, after a statement by the military late on Thursday saying it had operational control of the ridge.
#tunnels #Iran #military
BEIRUT/JERUSALEM, Sept 4 (Reuters) - Israel's military has cleared Hezbollah fighters holed up in tunnels under the strategic Ali al-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said on Friday, though the Iran-backed group did not immediately comment.
Israel had said Hezbollah fighters were embedded in tunnels under the ridge, which overlooks a wide area and had become one of the most hotly contested areas in the Israel-Hezbollah war, despite a ceasefire announced in June.
Reuters reported on Thursday that Iran had warned the United States last month that it would respond forcefully to an Israeli ****** ault on its Hezbollah allies' positions within the ridge.
"The mission was completed and the tunnels were cleared of terrorists," Katz said on social media, after a statement by the military late on Thursday saying it had operational control of the ridge.
#tunnels #Iran #military
8 days ago
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is live THIS AFTERNOON (Sat., Sept. 5, 2026) with UFC Paris, streaming live online via Paramount+. The event happens at Accor Arena in Paris, France, featuring a special Octagon newcomer in the main event.
Salahdine Parnasse vs. Dan Hooker is our main event, going down in the Lightweight division. Parnasse is a long-time former KSW champion who made a big splash with his one and done appearance at MVP MMA. The reason he was done there was because UFC wanted to poach him out of that fledgling promotion before he drew too many serious mixed martial arts (MMA) fans over to it. Hooker comes into this one off two losses and looking very much like a sacrificial lamb. However, as last week taught us, -600 odds can be overcome.
The co-main is an all French affair, in the Featherweight division, with Fares Ziam meeting Axel Sola. Both of these guys are action fighters known for putting on a show. They should get the crowd roaring in Paris, even if it's not obvious to the locals whom they should be cheering for.
Rounding out the main card is Michael Page vs. Nursulton Ruziboev, Daniil Donchenko vs. Punahele Soriano, Kurtis Campbell vs. Trevor Peek and Losene Keita vs. Muhammad Naimov. Page might be trying to fight out of his UFC contract here, which is the reason UFC has pared him with a big, rangy striker who can also make you quit on the ground.
The featured "Prelim" is Morgan Charriere vs. Felipe Lima. The undercard also boasts Mario Pinto vs. Ryan Spann, Oumar Sy vs. Modestas Bukauskas and Nathaniel Wood against late replacement Pavel Andrusca. Further down the card we have Michael Aljarouj vs. Fabia Sintes, Nora Cornolle vs. Klaudia Sygula, Matthieu Duclos vs. Lucas Felipe Dias and Delphine Benouaich vs. Sofia Montenegro to make up the numbers. Aljarouj does look like an intriguing prospect, though.
#Paris #main #Event
Salahdine Parnasse vs. Dan Hooker is our main event, going down in the Lightweight division. Parnasse is a long-time former KSW champion who made a big splash with his one and done appearance at MVP MMA. The reason he was done there was because UFC wanted to poach him out of that fledgling promotion before he drew too many serious mixed martial arts (MMA) fans over to it. Hooker comes into this one off two losses and looking very much like a sacrificial lamb. However, as last week taught us, -600 odds can be overcome.
The co-main is an all French affair, in the Featherweight division, with Fares Ziam meeting Axel Sola. Both of these guys are action fighters known for putting on a show. They should get the crowd roaring in Paris, even if it's not obvious to the locals whom they should be cheering for.
Rounding out the main card is Michael Page vs. Nursulton Ruziboev, Daniil Donchenko vs. Punahele Soriano, Kurtis Campbell vs. Trevor Peek and Losene Keita vs. Muhammad Naimov. Page might be trying to fight out of his UFC contract here, which is the reason UFC has pared him with a big, rangy striker who can also make you quit on the ground.
The featured "Prelim" is Morgan Charriere vs. Felipe Lima. The undercard also boasts Mario Pinto vs. Ryan Spann, Oumar Sy vs. Modestas Bukauskas and Nathaniel Wood against late replacement Pavel Andrusca. Further down the card we have Michael Aljarouj vs. Fabia Sintes, Nora Cornolle vs. Klaudia Sygula, Matthieu Duclos vs. Lucas Felipe Dias and Delphine Benouaich vs. Sofia Montenegro to make up the numbers. Aljarouj does look like an intriguing prospect, though.
#Paris #main #Event
9 days ago
UFC Fight Night 287 ceremonial weigh-ins are in the books, and the fighters came face-to-face one final time before Saturday's event.
The weigh-ins took place at Accor Arena in Paris, which hosts the card (Paramount+).
UFC Fight Night 287 is built around a five-round lightweight bout bout between Dan Hooker (24-14 MMA, 14-10 UFC) and promotional newcomer Salahdine Parnasse (23-2 MMA, 0-0 UFC).
Check out the video above to see highlights from Friday's ceremonial weigh-in staredowns, including all 14 scheduled bouts at UFC Fight Night 287.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Video: UFC Fight Night 287 full card faceoffs with Hooker vs. Parnasse
#accor
The weigh-ins took place at Accor Arena in Paris, which hosts the card (Paramount+).
UFC Fight Night 287 is built around a five-round lightweight bout bout between Dan Hooker (24-14 MMA, 14-10 UFC) and promotional newcomer Salahdine Parnasse (23-2 MMA, 0-0 UFC).
Check out the video above to see highlights from Friday's ceremonial weigh-in staredowns, including all 14 scheduled bouts at UFC Fight Night 287.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Video: UFC Fight Night 287 full card faceoffs with Hooker vs. Parnasse
#accor
9 days ago
On August 29, at the O2 Arena in London, Filip Hrgovic inflicted a shock defeat on heavyweight rising star Moses Itaumato become the new IBF heavyweight champion. Fans, fighters, and boxing coaches have had their say on what went wrong for the Brit, and Ryan Garcia is the latest to have his say when speaking to the media ahead of his September 12 WBC welterweight world ******* le defence against Conor Benn.
Moses Itauma (14-1, 12 KOs) entered the ring at the O2 Arena as a huge odds-on favourite against the experienced Croatian, Filip Hrgovic (21-1, 16 KOs). Itauma took no time to settle, quickly showcasing his blistering hand speed and impressive accuracy.
Despite the constant onslaught from Itauma, Hrgovic stood tall and took everything, and as the fight progressed, the Brit looked to be tiring. The Croat's right hand began to land with more regularity. The ninth round saw Itauma enter a state of barely being able to stand up, and Hrgovic let his hands go, with the towel coming in from Ben Davison just as the referee stepped in to wave the fight off. The O2 fell into stunned silence as Hrgovic and his team celebrated wildly that he was the new IBF heavyweight world champion.
"It's a marathon. Don't look too much into this defeat. Look into what you need to fix, for sure. But don't let it get you down completely. You were obviously the better fighter. You just weren't conditioned, and you just don't have enough experience at this current time to take that.
"But I don't think he did bad. He was doing pretty good, but…I don't know what was going on with his head. If you watch his interviews before, he's saying that he's not the best physcially right now (not sparred 12 rounds), nor mentally, but it will still be enough to beat Hrgovic. That's a really bad mindset," said Garcia, reflecting on Itauma's defeat.
#brit
Moses Itauma (14-1, 12 KOs) entered the ring at the O2 Arena as a huge odds-on favourite against the experienced Croatian, Filip Hrgovic (21-1, 16 KOs). Itauma took no time to settle, quickly showcasing his blistering hand speed and impressive accuracy.
Despite the constant onslaught from Itauma, Hrgovic stood tall and took everything, and as the fight progressed, the Brit looked to be tiring. The Croat's right hand began to land with more regularity. The ninth round saw Itauma enter a state of barely being able to stand up, and Hrgovic let his hands go, with the towel coming in from Ben Davison just as the referee stepped in to wave the fight off. The O2 fell into stunned silence as Hrgovic and his team celebrated wildly that he was the new IBF heavyweight world champion.
"It's a marathon. Don't look too much into this defeat. Look into what you need to fix, for sure. But don't let it get you down completely. You were obviously the better fighter. You just weren't conditioned, and you just don't have enough experience at this current time to take that.
"But I don't think he did bad. He was doing pretty good, but…I don't know what was going on with his head. If you watch his interviews before, he's saying that he's not the best physcially right now (not sparred 12 rounds), nor mentally, but it will still be enough to beat Hrgovic. That's a really bad mindset," said Garcia, reflecting on Itauma's defeat.
#brit
10 days ago
Ryan Garcia takes shot at Conor Benn in Emily Austin interview originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
WBC Welterweight Champion Ryan Garcia has never been shy about giving his opinion on fellow fighters. This became as clear as ever when he sat down with sports broadcaster Emily Austin and offered a blunt ****** sment of rival Conor Benn.
During an episode of The Emily Austin Show, Garcia was asked about Benn and quickly made his view known.
Emily Austin
"He fights like an amateur," Garcia told Austin.
#benn
WBC Welterweight Champion Ryan Garcia has never been shy about giving his opinion on fellow fighters. This became as clear as ever when he sat down with sports broadcaster Emily Austin and offered a blunt ****** sment of rival Conor Benn.
During an episode of The Emily Austin Show, Garcia was asked about Benn and quickly made his view known.
Emily Austin
"He fights like an amateur," Garcia told Austin.
#benn
10 days ago
WICHITA FALLS - For more than twenty years, Coach Mike Zapata has trained local children in the sport of boxing, providing a safe haven for Wichita Falls youths while giving them the opportunity to grow as athletes and people.
Now, a pair of Falls Town Boxing products have national **** les. Featherweight Emmanuel Carrillo Jr. won the NBA NABA championship in August, and bantamweight Manny Moreno won his WBA Continental USA Championship in the summer of 2025.
Parker Hollendoner shines the Sports Spotlight on the two fighters who may be just a few fights away from becoming World Champions.
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Texomashomepage.com.
#boxing #championship
Now, a pair of Falls Town Boxing products have national **** les. Featherweight Emmanuel Carrillo Jr. won the NBA NABA championship in August, and bantamweight Manny Moreno won his WBA Continental USA Championship in the summer of 2025.
Parker Hollendoner shines the Sports Spotlight on the two fighters who may be just a few fights away from becoming World Champions.
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Texomashomepage.com.
#boxing #championship
10 days ago
When Katie Taylor leaves the ring on Saturday night, she will have a claim to being the greatest women's boxer in history.
GOAT debates in combat sports are often fruitless — beyond having to compare fighters from different weight classes, different levels of competition and different millennia, we're reliably confused by both recency bias and the glow of nostalgia. We find it hard to ignore charisma and correct for its absence. We're biased, hopelessly so, and there are far too many pitfalls on the landscape. So it is refreshing then, although incredibly rare, for a fighter in the debate to transcend the question altogether.
Is Katie Taylor the greatest?
Maybe. Her staggering amateur career, culminating in Olympic gold in 2012, preceded a professional run that saw her become undisputed champion at two weight classes and dominate the lightweight division for years. She fought the best fighters of her generation, avenged her only loss, and of all her peers in the GOAT debate, she boasts the greatest singular win, defeating Amanda Serrano in an all-time classic firefight at Madison Square Garden in 2022. She went on to defeat Serrano twice more.
Others also have a claim. You might prefer earlier pioneers like Ann Wolfe or Laila Ali, or current multi-weight queen Claressa Shields. There are arguments for all.
#katie
GOAT debates in combat sports are often fruitless — beyond having to compare fighters from different weight classes, different levels of competition and different millennia, we're reliably confused by both recency bias and the glow of nostalgia. We find it hard to ignore charisma and correct for its absence. We're biased, hopelessly so, and there are far too many pitfalls on the landscape. So it is refreshing then, although incredibly rare, for a fighter in the debate to transcend the question altogether.
Is Katie Taylor the greatest?
Maybe. Her staggering amateur career, culminating in Olympic gold in 2012, preceded a professional run that saw her become undisputed champion at two weight classes and dominate the lightweight division for years. She fought the best fighters of her generation, avenged her only loss, and of all her peers in the GOAT debate, she boasts the greatest singular win, defeating Amanda Serrano in an all-time classic firefight at Madison Square Garden in 2022. She went on to defeat Serrano twice more.
Others also have a claim. You might prefer earlier pioneers like Ann Wolfe or Laila Ali, or current multi-weight queen Claressa Shields. There are arguments for all.
#katie
10 days ago
LAS VEGAS – Silvestre Sanchez had the opportunity to show off his complete game on Dana White's Contender Series, but a UFC contract may have not come his way without a late finish.
Sanchez (10-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC) earned a UFC contract by finishing Liam McCracken in the third round. A vicious left hook floored McCracken (8-2), making his entry into the promotion a sure thing. Without that punctuation mark in the closing round, UFC CEO Dana White said he may not have awarded a contract, despite Sanchez showing off stellar skills everywhere the fight went.
Luckily, the Mexico-born lightweight got the job done and will now have the opportunity to show more of what he can do under the bright lights of the UFC, and he hopes it means more fighters from his country will have an opportunity in the future.
"That was always a goal, to be here in the UFC since I started in mixed martial arts," Sanchez told MMA Junkie and other reporters through an interpreter during a post-fight news conference. "It's a dream come true, but also the start of hard work – and not just for myself, but also for Nayarit, because this opens the door for all the talent that's there. Maybe I've opened the door for more people from there to make a splash as well.
"... I think the UFC PI in Mexico is one of the most important hotbeds of talent in the world right now. The work that they're doing there is amazing because the level of sparring that I've had, the people on my team, the people that have worked with me, they've given me a tough challenge. You know if someone comes through Contender Series into the UFC, coming from the PI in Mexico City, you know it's someone who's ready for wars."
#people #mccracken
Sanchez (10-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC) earned a UFC contract by finishing Liam McCracken in the third round. A vicious left hook floored McCracken (8-2), making his entry into the promotion a sure thing. Without that punctuation mark in the closing round, UFC CEO Dana White said he may not have awarded a contract, despite Sanchez showing off stellar skills everywhere the fight went.
Luckily, the Mexico-born lightweight got the job done and will now have the opportunity to show more of what he can do under the bright lights of the UFC, and he hopes it means more fighters from his country will have an opportunity in the future.
"That was always a goal, to be here in the UFC since I started in mixed martial arts," Sanchez told MMA Junkie and other reporters through an interpreter during a post-fight news conference. "It's a dream come true, but also the start of hard work – and not just for myself, but also for Nayarit, because this opens the door for all the talent that's there. Maybe I've opened the door for more people from there to make a splash as well.
"... I think the UFC PI in Mexico is one of the most important hotbeds of talent in the world right now. The work that they're doing there is amazing because the level of sparring that I've had, the people on my team, the people that have worked with me, they've given me a tough challenge. You know if someone comes through Contender Series into the UFC, coming from the PI in Mexico City, you know it's someone who's ready for wars."
#people #mccracken
10 days ago
Khamzat Chimaev is back on the RAF mats and he has a fellow former UFC champion in his sights as he takes on Tyron Woodley on Saturday in the RAF Moscow main event.
RAF Moscow goes down at VTB Arena, with Chimaev and Woodley headlining, and Russian Olympic wrestling champion Abdulrashid Sadulaev taking on Zac Braunagel in the co-main event.
This marks Chimaev's second RAF appearance following a pinfall win over Dillon Danis this past June, while Woodley is also coming off of an RAF victory over Joaquin Buckley, Woodley's first combat sports victory of any kind since 2018. Previously, Chimaev and Woodley held UFC ***** les at 185 pounds and 170 pounds, respectively.
Sadulaev won gold in freestyle wrestling at the 2016 and 2020 Olympics and made his RAF debut in July against fellow Olympic champion and Kyle Snyder. Snyder picked up another win in their legendary rivalry, defeating Sadulaev by pinfall at RAF Georgia.
Also competing Saturday are wrestling stars Jordan Burroughs, Kyle Dake, and Kennedy Blades, as well as UFC fighters Bo Nickal and Shara Magomedov, former two-division ONE Championship ***** leholder Anatoly Malykhin, and former Bellator standout Neiman Gracie.
#chimaev #Wrestling #olympic #kyle
RAF Moscow goes down at VTB Arena, with Chimaev and Woodley headlining, and Russian Olympic wrestling champion Abdulrashid Sadulaev taking on Zac Braunagel in the co-main event.
This marks Chimaev's second RAF appearance following a pinfall win over Dillon Danis this past June, while Woodley is also coming off of an RAF victory over Joaquin Buckley, Woodley's first combat sports victory of any kind since 2018. Previously, Chimaev and Woodley held UFC ***** les at 185 pounds and 170 pounds, respectively.
Sadulaev won gold in freestyle wrestling at the 2016 and 2020 Olympics and made his RAF debut in July against fellow Olympic champion and Kyle Snyder. Snyder picked up another win in their legendary rivalry, defeating Sadulaev by pinfall at RAF Georgia.
Also competing Saturday are wrestling stars Jordan Burroughs, Kyle Dake, and Kennedy Blades, as well as UFC fighters Bo Nickal and Shara Magomedov, former two-division ONE Championship ***** leholder Anatoly Malykhin, and former Bellator standout Neiman Gracie.
#chimaev #Wrestling #olympic #kyle
11 days ago
LAS VEGAS – Dana White is keeping his mouth shut and letting "Big Mouth" do the talking.
One week to the day after White cryptically dropped financial numbers for Dana White's Contender Series' all-time pay leader among fighters who never contended for a UFC ****** le, the UFC CEO was asked if he could confirm Holland that is indeed the man he previously referenced.
"I never said it was Kevin Holland that was the $11 million man, but Kevin Holland has done pretty well," White told reporters including MMA Junkie at a post-fight news conference at Meta APEX. "I love Kevin."
Smiling through much of his answer, White detailed his long-standing professional relationship with Holland.
"You know the whole history with me and Kevin," White said. "I didn't pick him. I said he had a big mouth and he should've focused on whatever. We were in matchmaking one day. I don't remember who fell out. It was Thiago (Santos' opponent). I said, 'Call Big Mouth and see if Big Mouth will take the fight.' We called him, he took the fight, and here we are with Kevin Holland."
#kevin #mouth #never #vegas
One week to the day after White cryptically dropped financial numbers for Dana White's Contender Series' all-time pay leader among fighters who never contended for a UFC ****** le, the UFC CEO was asked if he could confirm Holland that is indeed the man he previously referenced.
"I never said it was Kevin Holland that was the $11 million man, but Kevin Holland has done pretty well," White told reporters including MMA Junkie at a post-fight news conference at Meta APEX. "I love Kevin."
Smiling through much of his answer, White detailed his long-standing professional relationship with Holland.
"You know the whole history with me and Kevin," White said. "I didn't pick him. I said he had a big mouth and he should've focused on whatever. We were in matchmaking one day. I don't remember who fell out. It was Thiago (Santos' opponent). I said, 'Call Big Mouth and see if Big Mouth will take the fight.' We called him, he took the fight, and here we are with Kevin Holland."
#kevin #mouth #never #vegas
11 days ago
The UFC's Contender Series is in full swing for its 10th season, with Alex Apodaca scoring one of the biggest betting upsets in MMA history by defeating Bella Mir in last week's installment.
The bantamweight clash was the series' Week 4 headliner on Aug. 25, and saw Mir — the daughter of UFC heavyweight legend Frank Mir — enter as a colossal -6000 betting favorite. Apodaca entered with a +1500 moneyline as the underdog, then shockingly spoiled the party and stole a UFC contract from her 23-year-old counterpart via unanimous decision.
After her anticlimactic performance as such a huge favorite, Mir took a ton of online heat and criticism, not only from fans but from fighters alike. Ultimately, Apodaca (4-1) felt the response undervalued her efforts more than anything else, she said Tuesday on "The Ariel Helwani Show."
"She is a good fighter, and when you're saying that kind of thing, it's like, well, that means that I'm not. Or maybe I just did a good job," Apodaca told Uncrowned.
"If you're not giving her credit, you're not giving me credit."
#series #giving #credit #alex
The bantamweight clash was the series' Week 4 headliner on Aug. 25, and saw Mir — the daughter of UFC heavyweight legend Frank Mir — enter as a colossal -6000 betting favorite. Apodaca entered with a +1500 moneyline as the underdog, then shockingly spoiled the party and stole a UFC contract from her 23-year-old counterpart via unanimous decision.
After her anticlimactic performance as such a huge favorite, Mir took a ton of online heat and criticism, not only from fans but from fighters alike. Ultimately, Apodaca (4-1) felt the response undervalued her efforts more than anything else, she said Tuesday on "The Ariel Helwani Show."
"She is a good fighter, and when you're saying that kind of thing, it's like, well, that means that I'm not. Or maybe I just did a good job," Apodaca told Uncrowned.
"If you're not giving her credit, you're not giving me credit."
#series #giving #credit #alex
12 days ago
As a fighting legend of MMA, Darren Till has no issues with UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier. As a UFC commentator, however, is a different story.
Cormier came to the defense of Usman Nurmagomedov, who jumped into the octagon immediately after his brother, Umar Nurmagomedov, suffered a knockout loss to Song Yadong this past Saturday in the UFC Shanghai main event. Usman's reaction to the finish weren't well received overall, with critics saying he had no business being in the cage and pointing out that Usman appeared to hold back from throwing an elbow at Song while he celebrated his win.
Cormier, who was closely tied to Team Nurmagomedov at American Kickboxing Academy during his career, saw things differently as he came to Usman's defense. Cormier said he was inclined to give Usman "grace" since Umar is his brother and called out critics for their "conspiracy theories" about the apparent held-back elbow strike.
That doesn't sit with Till, who made that very clear in an X post on Tuesday.
"Why is DC always on the defensive of the Nurmagemadovs?" Till wrote. He added, "I am going to be honest as much as I think you are one of the best fighters ever in the UFC, The way you are as a company man and the views are f*cking sh*t. Stop commentating and go and be an ambassador for fat camp you f*cking potato man constantly finding excuses for that side."
#brother
Cormier came to the defense of Usman Nurmagomedov, who jumped into the octagon immediately after his brother, Umar Nurmagomedov, suffered a knockout loss to Song Yadong this past Saturday in the UFC Shanghai main event. Usman's reaction to the finish weren't well received overall, with critics saying he had no business being in the cage and pointing out that Usman appeared to hold back from throwing an elbow at Song while he celebrated his win.
Cormier, who was closely tied to Team Nurmagomedov at American Kickboxing Academy during his career, saw things differently as he came to Usman's defense. Cormier said he was inclined to give Usman "grace" since Umar is his brother and called out critics for their "conspiracy theories" about the apparent held-back elbow strike.
That doesn't sit with Till, who made that very clear in an X post on Tuesday.
"Why is DC always on the defensive of the Nurmagemadovs?" Till wrote. He added, "I am going to be honest as much as I think you are one of the best fighters ever in the UFC, The way you are as a company man and the views are f*cking sh*t. Stop commentating and go and be an ambassador for fat camp you f*cking potato man constantly finding excuses for that side."
#brother
