19 days ago
Shavkat Rakhmonov hasn't competed since defeating Ian Machado Garry, essentially on one leg, after dealing with knee injuries for nearly two years.
Rakhmonov was slated to fight then-champ Belal Muhammad at UFC 310 in December 2024, but Muhammd withdrew due to injury. Rakhmonov, despite having a miniscus and ACL injury, remained on the card and faced Machado Garry in a No. 1 contender fight, winning a competitive decision.
In a rare interview, Rakhmonov discusses his injuries, and decision making, while also taking a shot at Khabib Nurmagomedov and current welterweight champ Islam Makhachev.
"Well that's my problem, I couldn't fight," Rakhmonov told Alf Global. "If I had fought, I could've become champion, but that's how it turned out. I was injured. What can I do? We are only human. We are bound to make plenty of mistakes. …
"I actually shouldn't even have fought Ian Garry at all. With injuries like that, I shouldn't have fought at all, I just took a risk. That's the Kazakh way. Kazakhs are very daring. They're not afraid. If it had been some other Dagestani fighter like Khabib or Islam Makhachev, they definitely would've refused."
#fight #islam
Rakhmonov was slated to fight then-champ Belal Muhammad at UFC 310 in December 2024, but Muhammd withdrew due to injury. Rakhmonov, despite having a miniscus and ACL injury, remained on the card and faced Machado Garry in a No. 1 contender fight, winning a competitive decision.
In a rare interview, Rakhmonov discusses his injuries, and decision making, while also taking a shot at Khabib Nurmagomedov and current welterweight champ Islam Makhachev.
"Well that's my problem, I couldn't fight," Rakhmonov told Alf Global. "If I had fought, I could've become champion, but that's how it turned out. I was injured. What can I do? We are only human. We are bound to make plenty of mistakes. …
"I actually shouldn't even have fought Ian Garry at all. With injuries like that, I shouldn't have fought at all, I just took a risk. That's the Kazakh way. Kazakhs are very daring. They're not afraid. If it had been some other Dagestani fighter like Khabib or Islam Makhachev, they definitely would've refused."
#fight #islam
27 days ago
Umar Nurmagomedov's return to the octagon at UFC Fight Night 286 didn't end in a pretty scene.
Umar (20-2 MMA, 8-2 UFC) was left unconscious after eating a monster uppercut from fellow UFC bantamweight ***** le contender Song Yadong (24-9-1 MMA, 13-4-1 UFC) in the main event of Saturday's card in Shanghai.
Song's win was a big upset that few predicted. It left many watching in shock, but perhaps those impacted most were Umar's corner team, which was composed of PFL lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov, UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov, as well as Iakub Shikhdzhamalov and Abubakar Nurmagomedov. All four were left visibly distraught by the result.
Usman, the younger brother of Usman, jumped into the cage and immediately rushed toward his fallen sibling. In the process, Usman collided with Song, who was running around the octagon celebrating the upset in front of an electric crowd. It then appeared that Usman held back from throwing an elbow at Song.
THe situation quickly deescalated, with Khabib offering to help wipe blood from Song's cut eyebrow as the teams interacted in a respectful manner.
#song #khabib #night
Umar (20-2 MMA, 8-2 UFC) was left unconscious after eating a monster uppercut from fellow UFC bantamweight ***** le contender Song Yadong (24-9-1 MMA, 13-4-1 UFC) in the main event of Saturday's card in Shanghai.
Song's win was a big upset that few predicted. It left many watching in shock, but perhaps those impacted most were Umar's corner team, which was composed of PFL lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov, UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov, as well as Iakub Shikhdzhamalov and Abubakar Nurmagomedov. All four were left visibly distraught by the result.
Usman, the younger brother of Usman, jumped into the cage and immediately rushed toward his fallen sibling. In the process, Usman collided with Song, who was running around the octagon celebrating the upset in front of an electric crowd. It then appeared that Usman held back from throwing an elbow at Song.
THe situation quickly deescalated, with Khabib offering to help wipe blood from Song's cut eyebrow as the teams interacted in a respectful manner.
#song #khabib #night
1 month ago
YadongSong has left no stone unturned in preparation for his upcomingbout against UmarNurmagomedov.
Song claims to be well-equipped to deal with Nurmagomedov'sgrappling prowess ahead of their Ultimate Fighting Championship bantamweight clash at UFC Shanghai. The Chinese 135-pounder even worked with Georgianwrestlers who are familiar with the wrestling system used byNurmagomedov's team.
While Song is a competent grappler, he's well aware of thechallenge Nurmagomedov presents and is confident should the fighthit the mat.
"Umar is a very tough guy," Song said in a recent interview. "Eveneverybody knows he's a very good grappler. So, I just prefer to usestriking... But if you want to grapple, let's grapple. Doesn'tmatter."
Song further revealed that he traveled to Georgia before beginninghis latest training camp, where he worked with Olympic and worldchampions familiar with the style used by KhabibNurmagomedov's team.
"So, before the camp start, I went to Georgia to train with theOlympic champs, world champs," Song added. "They teach me a lot andthey know what Khabib's team does. So, they teach me some tricks. Ifeel super ready for this fight."
#song #georgia #familiar #grapple
Song claims to be well-equipped to deal with Nurmagomedov'sgrappling prowess ahead of their Ultimate Fighting Championship bantamweight clash at UFC Shanghai. The Chinese 135-pounder even worked with Georgianwrestlers who are familiar with the wrestling system used byNurmagomedov's team.
While Song is a competent grappler, he's well aware of thechallenge Nurmagomedov presents and is confident should the fighthit the mat.
"Umar is a very tough guy," Song said in a recent interview. "Eveneverybody knows he's a very good grappler. So, I just prefer to usestriking... But if you want to grapple, let's grapple. Doesn'tmatter."
Song further revealed that he traveled to Georgia before beginninghis latest training camp, where he worked with Olympic and worldchampions familiar with the style used by KhabibNurmagomedov's team.
"So, before the camp start, I went to Georgia to train with theOlympic champs, world champs," Song added. "They teach me a lot andthey know what Khabib's team does. So, they teach me some tricks. Ifeel super ready for this fight."
#song #georgia #familiar #grapple
1 month ago
Max Holloway may lose a portion of his fight purse following his UFC 329 victory over Conor McGregor — and he's not alone. Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) will decide on Wednesday if the former featherweight and BMF champ, along with lightweight contender Paddy Pimblett and heavyweight newcomer Gable Steveson, will incur disciplinary fines for cage hopping during the July 11 fight card in Las Vegas.
Pimblett defeated Benoit Saint Denis, not long after Steveson steamrolled Elisha Ellison.
"For the record, this rule needs to be changed," Pimblett's manager, Graham Boylan told MMA Junkie. "Yes, it's the fight game, and systems need to be in play to make it all work, but this rule does nothing to support that. It's 2026. Apply a little common sense."
Diego Lopes was dinged $5,000 for a similar infraction at UFC 300.
NSAC has been cracking down on airborne fighters ever since Khabib Nurmagomedov's ****** bombed Dillon Danis at UFC 229 back in late 2018, a fight that also involved McGregor. Speaking of the "Notorious" ex-champion, he's currently sidelined after knee surgery to repair damage suffered in his loss to Holloway — just don't expect much sympathy from the "Blessed" Hawaiian.
#holloway #mcgregor #nsac #nevada
Pimblett defeated Benoit Saint Denis, not long after Steveson steamrolled Elisha Ellison.
"For the record, this rule needs to be changed," Pimblett's manager, Graham Boylan told MMA Junkie. "Yes, it's the fight game, and systems need to be in play to make it all work, but this rule does nothing to support that. It's 2026. Apply a little common sense."
Diego Lopes was dinged $5,000 for a similar infraction at UFC 300.
NSAC has been cracking down on airborne fighters ever since Khabib Nurmagomedov's ****** bombed Dillon Danis at UFC 229 back in late 2018, a fight that also involved McGregor. Speaking of the "Notorious" ex-champion, he's currently sidelined after knee surgery to repair damage suffered in his loss to Holloway — just don't expect much sympathy from the "Blessed" Hawaiian.
#holloway #mcgregor #nsac #nevada
1 month ago
Welcome to Midnight Mania!
Let's start the night off by taking a look back over the three biggest stories of Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
Dana White responds to Khamzat's UFC demands — and 'Borz' fans are not gonna like the answer: This is textbook Uncle Dana non-answer.
Jon Jones slams Daniel Cormier for calling Khabib the GOAT: 'Jealousy runs so deep through your blood': "Bones" knows how to make the conversation about himself each and every time. It's a gift!
Oh Lord! Yair Rodriguez bails on Noche UFC 4 main event, Jean Silva gets new opponent (Updated): Jean Silva never should have been booked versus Yair anyway — a **** le eliminator vs. "Aljo" was the real move.
#dana #welcome #midnight #wednesday
Let's start the night off by taking a look back over the three biggest stories of Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
Dana White responds to Khamzat's UFC demands — and 'Borz' fans are not gonna like the answer: This is textbook Uncle Dana non-answer.
Jon Jones slams Daniel Cormier for calling Khabib the GOAT: 'Jealousy runs so deep through your blood': "Bones" knows how to make the conversation about himself each and every time. It's a gift!
Oh Lord! Yair Rodriguez bails on Noche UFC 4 main event, Jean Silva gets new opponent (Updated): Jean Silva never should have been booked versus Yair anyway — a **** le eliminator vs. "Aljo" was the real move.
#dana #welcome #midnight #wednesday
1 month ago
Dana White says longevity cost Khabib Nurmagomedov in the GOAT discussion.
Nurmagomedov (29-0) retired in the midst of his prime after three dominant UFC lightweight **** le defenses over Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier, and current champion Justin Gaethje. He hung his gloves up as a promise to his mother after his father and coach, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, passed away.
In Daniel Cormier's eyes, Nurmagomedov is the GOAT after retiring with an undefeated record and zero involvement with performance-enhancing drugs. As Nurmagomedov's protege Islam Makhachev (28-1 MMA, 17-1 UFC) enters his first welterweight **** le defense against Ian Machado Garry (17-1 MMA, 10-1 UFC) in Saturday's UFC 330 main event (Paramount+) at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, his name is now being thrown around in the GOAT conversation.
"He's obviously accomplished more than Khabib because he fought longer," White told TMZ Sports of Makhachev. "Who knows what Khabib could have accomplished if he had stayed in the game. And realistically, if Khabib had done what everybody pretty much knows Khabib could have done, he definitely would be the GOAT."
As for Makhachev, White already said he's on his way to becoming the greatest of all time. With a win, Makhachev can break the record for most consecutive wins in UFC history, surpassing Anderson Silva's mark of 16. However, the UFC CEO said one thing is hurting Makhachev's case from being No.1.
#nurmagomedov #GOAT #title
Nurmagomedov (29-0) retired in the midst of his prime after three dominant UFC lightweight **** le defenses over Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier, and current champion Justin Gaethje. He hung his gloves up as a promise to his mother after his father and coach, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, passed away.
In Daniel Cormier's eyes, Nurmagomedov is the GOAT after retiring with an undefeated record and zero involvement with performance-enhancing drugs. As Nurmagomedov's protege Islam Makhachev (28-1 MMA, 17-1 UFC) enters his first welterweight **** le defense against Ian Machado Garry (17-1 MMA, 10-1 UFC) in Saturday's UFC 330 main event (Paramount+) at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, his name is now being thrown around in the GOAT conversation.
"He's obviously accomplished more than Khabib because he fought longer," White told TMZ Sports of Makhachev. "Who knows what Khabib could have accomplished if he had stayed in the game. And realistically, if Khabib had done what everybody pretty much knows Khabib could have done, he definitely would be the GOAT."
As for Makhachev, White already said he's on his way to becoming the greatest of all time. With a win, Makhachev can break the record for most consecutive wins in UFC history, surpassing Anderson Silva's mark of 16. However, the UFC CEO said one thing is hurting Makhachev's case from being No.1.
#nurmagomedov #GOAT #title
1 month ago
Daniel Cormier wants Ali Abdelaziz to pump the brakes on PFL champion Usman Nurmagomedov's chances against top UFC lightweights.
Nurmagomedov (22-0) is a free agent after knocking out Archie Colgan in the first-round of the PFL New York main event earlier this month. If Nurmagomedov does end up signing with the UFC, his manager, Abdelaziz, claimed on the "Pound 4 Pound" podcast that he would have his way with Ilia Topuria, Paddy Pimblett, Charles Oliveira, and Max Holloway – which Cormier thinks is an absurd statement to make.
"I get it, that's your guy, you're a promoter, but you're speaking about the absolute best guys in the world," Cormier said on his YouTube channel. "Now, to have faith and think Usman Nurmagomedov can fight these guys, absolutely. ... I think Usman Nurmagomedov is special. I think Usman Nurmagomedov, if he comes to the UFC, immediately becomes one of the top contenders in the organization. I have seen this young man train. I have seen him work. I know that he has championship-level experience."
While Nurmagomedov got some of that championship-level experience through two tough outings against Paul Hughes, Cormier said the UFC would be a step up in competition.
"As good as the Irish kid is, the UFC guys are better," Cormier said. "So you would imagine that these fights would be ultra competitive, but that's the beauty in having a guy separate himself from the world in a different organization. That's the beauty because while what Ali says is very out there, when he looks at that group of fighters, he would expect that because that's all they've really done. Umar has done very well. Khabib dominated; Islam has dominated.
#cormier #think #pound
Nurmagomedov (22-0) is a free agent after knocking out Archie Colgan in the first-round of the PFL New York main event earlier this month. If Nurmagomedov does end up signing with the UFC, his manager, Abdelaziz, claimed on the "Pound 4 Pound" podcast that he would have his way with Ilia Topuria, Paddy Pimblett, Charles Oliveira, and Max Holloway – which Cormier thinks is an absurd statement to make.
"I get it, that's your guy, you're a promoter, but you're speaking about the absolute best guys in the world," Cormier said on his YouTube channel. "Now, to have faith and think Usman Nurmagomedov can fight these guys, absolutely. ... I think Usman Nurmagomedov is special. I think Usman Nurmagomedov, if he comes to the UFC, immediately becomes one of the top contenders in the organization. I have seen this young man train. I have seen him work. I know that he has championship-level experience."
While Nurmagomedov got some of that championship-level experience through two tough outings against Paul Hughes, Cormier said the UFC would be a step up in competition.
"As good as the Irish kid is, the UFC guys are better," Cormier said. "So you would imagine that these fights would be ultra competitive, but that's the beauty in having a guy separate himself from the world in a different organization. That's the beauty because while what Ali says is very out there, when he looks at that group of fighters, he would expect that because that's all they've really done. Umar has done very well. Khabib dominated; Islam has dominated.
#cormier #think #pound
2 months ago
The PFL-MVP merger was huge news and brings some optimism to the future of MMA outside of the UFC. That could change quickly, though, as Usman Nurmagomedov could be on the move.
Usman Nurmagomedov is the undefeated lightweight champion of the PFL and the cousin of UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov.
MORE: UFC President Dana White unfazed by MVP-PFL merger
The now-free agent fought his last fight under his PFL contract. Now Usman Nurmagomedov is open to business for any promotion he sees fit. It's a two-horse race between the PFL and the UFC.
For the betterment of the sport, Nurmagomedov joining the UFC is the way to go, adding another supreme talent to an already-stacked division.
#white #brings #optimism
Usman Nurmagomedov is the undefeated lightweight champion of the PFL and the cousin of UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov.
MORE: UFC President Dana White unfazed by MVP-PFL merger
The now-free agent fought his last fight under his PFL contract. Now Usman Nurmagomedov is open to business for any promotion he sees fit. It's a two-horse race between the PFL and the UFC.
For the betterment of the sport, Nurmagomedov joining the UFC is the way to go, adding another supreme talent to an already-stacked division.
#white #brings #optimism
2 months ago
Despite their troubled relationship, Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov have both established a lasting bond with soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo over their years in the spotlight.
Ronaldo is second to none among the world's most famous people, capitalizing on his notoriety beyond the sport to amass a staggering 1+ billion followers across all social media accounts. The former Real Madrid and Manchester United forward has shown an interest in mixed martial arts in his time away from the field, often finding himself at UFC showcases when his busy schedules allow. Because of this, he has been able to connect with many notable figures in the combat sports world, most significantly McGregor and Khabib.
The Portuguese phenom has not slowed down at the grand age of 41, pushing to further his record as soccer's all-time leading goalscorer. Less than 30 goals away from hitting 1000, Ronaldo is on the verge of unrivaled greatness, though he is also closing in on a personal milestone arguably more important than his career achievements.
Cristiano Ronaldo and his long-term girlfriend, Georgina Rodriguez, have decided on a wedding date after eight years of dating. The wedding is set to be trending among the biggest in history, and the guest list is full of familiar faces around the globe.
For MMA fans, Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov will be front and center should they accept the reported invitation. If the UFC stars put their feud behind them, they will be in attendance alongside famous musicians Drake, Rihanna, and Jennifer Lopez, as well as personalities like IShowSpeed and Piers Morgan, who are all rumored to be present.
#khabib
Ronaldo is second to none among the world's most famous people, capitalizing on his notoriety beyond the sport to amass a staggering 1+ billion followers across all social media accounts. The former Real Madrid and Manchester United forward has shown an interest in mixed martial arts in his time away from the field, often finding himself at UFC showcases when his busy schedules allow. Because of this, he has been able to connect with many notable figures in the combat sports world, most significantly McGregor and Khabib.
The Portuguese phenom has not slowed down at the grand age of 41, pushing to further his record as soccer's all-time leading goalscorer. Less than 30 goals away from hitting 1000, Ronaldo is on the verge of unrivaled greatness, though he is also closing in on a personal milestone arguably more important than his career achievements.
Cristiano Ronaldo and his long-term girlfriend, Georgina Rodriguez, have decided on a wedding date after eight years of dating. The wedding is set to be trending among the biggest in history, and the guest list is full of familiar faces around the globe.
For MMA fans, Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov will be front and center should they accept the reported invitation. If the UFC stars put their feud behind them, they will be in attendance alongside famous musicians Drake, Rihanna, and Jennifer Lopez, as well as personalities like IShowSpeed and Piers Morgan, who are all rumored to be present.
#khabib
2 months ago
Uncrowned has PFL New York live results, round-by-round updates, highlights and start time for the Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Archie Colgan and Dakota Ditcheva vs. Denise Kielholtz fight card on Friday night at the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York. In the main event, PFL lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov defends his 155-pound ****** le against undefeated American challenger Archie Colgan in a five-round showdown.
Nurmagomedov (21-0, 1 NC) is widely considered one the top talents in the world outside of the UFC. The younger brother of UFC contender Umar Nurmagomedov and cousin of former UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov, Nurmagomedov is competing on the final fight of his PFL contract. He's a perfect 3-0 since joining the promotion following PFL's acquisition of Bellator in 2024, a run highlighted by two wins over Paul Hughes.
Colgan (13-0) is also an undefeated Bellator export. The Colorado native has won back-to-back decisions over Mansour Barnaoui and Jay Jay Wilson since transitioning to the PFL brand, the most recent of which came in October.
Top PFL star Dakota Ditcheva (15-0) makes his long-awaited return against Denise Kielholtz (9-5) in the night's three-round co-main event.
PFL New York starts at 4:30 p.m. ET with a five-fight preliminary card on ESPN+. The main card kicks off at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN2 and ESPN+.
#round #card #dakota
Nurmagomedov (21-0, 1 NC) is widely considered one the top talents in the world outside of the UFC. The younger brother of UFC contender Umar Nurmagomedov and cousin of former UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov, Nurmagomedov is competing on the final fight of his PFL contract. He's a perfect 3-0 since joining the promotion following PFL's acquisition of Bellator in 2024, a run highlighted by two wins over Paul Hughes.
Colgan (13-0) is also an undefeated Bellator export. The Colorado native has won back-to-back decisions over Mansour Barnaoui and Jay Jay Wilson since transitioning to the PFL brand, the most recent of which came in October.
Top PFL star Dakota Ditcheva (15-0) makes his long-awaited return against Denise Kielholtz (9-5) in the night's three-round co-main event.
PFL New York starts at 4:30 p.m. ET with a five-fight preliminary card on ESPN+. The main card kicks off at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN2 and ESPN+.
#round #card #dakota
2 months ago
Javier Mendez doesn't see Islam Makhachev vs. Ian Machado Garry continuing the Dagestan vs. Ireland rivalry.
Welterweight champion Makhachev (28-1 MMA, 17-1 UFC) makes his first ***** le defense against Machado Garry (17-1 MMA, 10-1 UFC) in the UFC 330 main event on Aug. 15 at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia (Paramount+).
Machado Garry has called his fight against Makhachev Ireland vs. Dagestan 2, referring to Conor McGregor's bad blood with Khabib Nurmagomedov. Things got so personal with McGregor and Nurmagomedov, that Nurmagomedov jumped McGregor's corner immediately after choking him out at UFC 229.
Mendez says you can't compare the two fights.
"There are zero similarities to Conor vs. Khabib," Mendez said in an interview with NewBettingSites. "Unless Ian starts disrespecting family and religion or country, but I don't see him doing that or Islam doing it either. It's a fight between them, and I feel like if they want to include me and Khabib that's fine. We are fair game, we are trainers and part of the team. They should leave everyone else alone though."
#garry #conor
Welterweight champion Makhachev (28-1 MMA, 17-1 UFC) makes his first ***** le defense against Machado Garry (17-1 MMA, 10-1 UFC) in the UFC 330 main event on Aug. 15 at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia (Paramount+).
Machado Garry has called his fight against Makhachev Ireland vs. Dagestan 2, referring to Conor McGregor's bad blood with Khabib Nurmagomedov. Things got so personal with McGregor and Nurmagomedov, that Nurmagomedov jumped McGregor's corner immediately after choking him out at UFC 229.
Mendez says you can't compare the two fights.
"There are zero similarities to Conor vs. Khabib," Mendez said in an interview with NewBettingSites. "Unless Ian starts disrespecting family and religion or country, but I don't see him doing that or Islam doing it either. It's a fight between them, and I feel like if they want to include me and Khabib that's fine. We are fair game, we are trainers and part of the team. They should leave everyone else alone though."
#garry #conor
2 months ago
The Professional Fighters League has finalized the lineup for itsJuly 31 event at UBS Arena in Long Island, New York, featuring an11-bout card headlined by a lightweight **** le fight.
PFL New York is headlined by UsmanNurmagomedov vs. ArchieColgan. The card also features several notable matchups acrossthe main and preliminary cards.
PFL New York will see undefeated champion Nurmagomedov (21-0)defend his lightweight crown against unbeaten contender Colgan(13-0) in the main event.
In the co-headliner, top-ranked women's flyweight DakotaDitcheva (15-0) returns after more than a year on the sidelinesagainst DeniseKielholtz (9-5) in a bout with significant **** le implicationsat 125 pounds.
The main card also includes a light heavyweight matchup betweenDovletdzhanYagshimuradov (26-8-1) and SimeonPowell (12-2), while unbeaten lightweight prospect AmruMagomedov (10-0) squares off against AngelAlvarez (11-2).
The preliminary card is topped by a bantamweight clash betweenRaufeonStots (21-4) and unbeaten LazaroDayron (10-0-1). Elsewhere, JonathanPiersma (12-3) faces Omar ElDafrawy (15-6) in a 175-pound catchweight contest, Sean Gauci(11-1) faces AllanBegosso (10-4-1) at bantamweight and unbeaten light heavyweightprospects MoustaphaDiakhate (5-0-1) and ZachariaNishimwe (4-0) are also set to collide.
A lightweighttitle fight headlines PFL NY: Tune on Friday, July 31 at 7 p.m. ETon ESPN.
Other scheduled matchups include a light heavyweight bout betweenundefeated KhabibNabiev (12-0) and JamelleJones (15-8), a women's flyweight contest featuring MontanaDe La Rosa (13-9-1) against unbeaten TatianaPostarnakova (7-0) and a lightweight matchup pitting Chamy Delva(7-1) against LevanKhabalaev (4-0).
The prelims begin at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT on ESPN App, with the maincard airing at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on ESPN.
#unbeaten #main
PFL New York is headlined by UsmanNurmagomedov vs. ArchieColgan. The card also features several notable matchups acrossthe main and preliminary cards.
PFL New York will see undefeated champion Nurmagomedov (21-0)defend his lightweight crown against unbeaten contender Colgan(13-0) in the main event.
In the co-headliner, top-ranked women's flyweight DakotaDitcheva (15-0) returns after more than a year on the sidelinesagainst DeniseKielholtz (9-5) in a bout with significant **** le implicationsat 125 pounds.
The main card also includes a light heavyweight matchup betweenDovletdzhanYagshimuradov (26-8-1) and SimeonPowell (12-2), while unbeaten lightweight prospect AmruMagomedov (10-0) squares off against AngelAlvarez (11-2).
The preliminary card is topped by a bantamweight clash betweenRaufeonStots (21-4) and unbeaten LazaroDayron (10-0-1). Elsewhere, JonathanPiersma (12-3) faces Omar ElDafrawy (15-6) in a 175-pound catchweight contest, Sean Gauci(11-1) faces AllanBegosso (10-4-1) at bantamweight and unbeaten light heavyweightprospects MoustaphaDiakhate (5-0-1) and ZachariaNishimwe (4-0) are also set to collide.
A lightweighttitle fight headlines PFL NY: Tune on Friday, July 31 at 7 p.m. ETon ESPN.
Other scheduled matchups include a light heavyweight bout betweenundefeated KhabibNabiev (12-0) and JamelleJones (15-8), a women's flyweight contest featuring MontanaDe La Rosa (13-9-1) against unbeaten TatianaPostarnakova (7-0) and a lightweight matchup pitting Chamy Delva(7-1) against LevanKhabalaev (4-0).
The prelims begin at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT on ESPN App, with the maincard airing at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on ESPN.
#unbeaten #main
2 months ago
If behind-the-scenes dirt on the skeletons in people's closets is your thing, get ready for Season 2 of VICE TV's "Dark Side of the Cage."
VICE Studios on Thursday announced a new seven-episode season of the show with a premiere set for Sept. 1 at 9 p.m. ET on VICE TV. The season premiere episode features UFC Hall of Famer Don Frye, "whose willingness to absorb brutality in the cage led to the fight of his life against pain and addiction."
Of particular interest to many, most likely, later in the season will be an episode featuring longtime fighter Phil Baroni, who remains in prison in Mexico on a charge of murder. A teaser video for the season shows a clip of a phone interview with Baroni and him saying his lawyers won't be happy he did the interview.
"From house-fire heroism to SWAT stand-offs to full-blown arena riots, season two of Dark Side of the Cage pulls back the curtain on MMA's most extreme highs and devastating lows," the official show pitch says. "'Dark Side of the Cage' cuts through the glamour and glory of the MMA spectacle to reveal the never-before-told stories behind the sport's most iconic competitors, told by the fighters themselves."
Other episodes, according to VICE TV, will feature ****** o Ortiz, Jason "Mayhem" Miller, Chael Sonnen and Mark Coleman. Additionally, the season "will shed new light on one of the most heated feuds in UFC history: Conor McGregor vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov."
#vice #dark #episode #show
VICE Studios on Thursday announced a new seven-episode season of the show with a premiere set for Sept. 1 at 9 p.m. ET on VICE TV. The season premiere episode features UFC Hall of Famer Don Frye, "whose willingness to absorb brutality in the cage led to the fight of his life against pain and addiction."
Of particular interest to many, most likely, later in the season will be an episode featuring longtime fighter Phil Baroni, who remains in prison in Mexico on a charge of murder. A teaser video for the season shows a clip of a phone interview with Baroni and him saying his lawyers won't be happy he did the interview.
"From house-fire heroism to SWAT stand-offs to full-blown arena riots, season two of Dark Side of the Cage pulls back the curtain on MMA's most extreme highs and devastating lows," the official show pitch says. "'Dark Side of the Cage' cuts through the glamour and glory of the MMA spectacle to reveal the never-before-told stories behind the sport's most iconic competitors, told by the fighters themselves."
Other episodes, according to VICE TV, will feature ****** o Ortiz, Jason "Mayhem" Miller, Chael Sonnen and Mark Coleman. Additionally, the season "will shed new light on one of the most heated feuds in UFC history: Conor McGregor vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov."
#vice #dark #episode #show
2 months ago
Ultimate Fighting Championship Hall of Famer KhabibNurmagomedov believes IslamMakhachev is in for a tricky outing against IanGarry.
Makhachev (28-1) is set to defend his welterweight **** le for thefirst time against Garry (17-1) in the main event of UFC330 on Aug. 15 at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia.Makhachev's friend and mentor, Nurmagomedov, notes that his protégéhas never faced an opponent as tall as Garry.
Nurmagomedov admits that Garry's elusive style is a difficultpuzzle to crack. "The Eagle" further notes that Makhachev, nearing35, is six years older than Garry. According to the former unbeatenlightweight champion, the stylistic threat from Garry, combinedwith the age difference, makes it a difficult matchup forMakhachev.
"We've never faced an opponent this tall - 193 cm [6'4"],"Nurmagomedov said on the "Smol Talk" podcast. "We'll have to chasehim, close the distance, grab him, and take him down. It will be adifficult fight. And Islam is almost 35. The stylistic matchup andthe age together make this a difficult fight… I expect a hardfight, **** uming we don't get an early finish. Spending five roundswith this opponent won't be easy. The training camp will bedifficult too, first because we have to find someone who canimitate him."
American Kickboxing Academy founder and head coach of theDagestani team, Javier Mendez, recently revealed that Professional Fighters League champion UsmanNurmagomedov is helping Makhachev by mimicking Garry intraining.
Garry has racked up 10 UFC wins and suffered his lone professionalloss to ShavkatRakhmonov, who is sidelined due to an injury. Meanwhile,Makhachev is undefeated in 16 straight Octagon outings, includingsix **** le fights. The latter is tied with AndersonSilva for consecutive UFC wins, and a victory at UFC 330 willsee the Dagestani set a new record.
Makhachev (28-1) is set to defend his welterweight **** le for thefirst time against Garry (17-1) in the main event of UFC330 on Aug. 15 at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia.Makhachev's friend and mentor, Nurmagomedov, notes that his protégéhas never faced an opponent as tall as Garry.
Nurmagomedov admits that Garry's elusive style is a difficultpuzzle to crack. "The Eagle" further notes that Makhachev, nearing35, is six years older than Garry. According to the former unbeatenlightweight champion, the stylistic threat from Garry, combinedwith the age difference, makes it a difficult matchup forMakhachev.
"We've never faced an opponent this tall - 193 cm [6'4"],"Nurmagomedov said on the "Smol Talk" podcast. "We'll have to chasehim, close the distance, grab him, and take him down. It will be adifficult fight. And Islam is almost 35. The stylistic matchup andthe age together make this a difficult fight… I expect a hardfight, **** uming we don't get an early finish. Spending five roundswith this opponent won't be easy. The training camp will bedifficult too, first because we have to find someone who canimitate him."
American Kickboxing Academy founder and head coach of theDagestani team, Javier Mendez, recently revealed that Professional Fighters League champion UsmanNurmagomedov is helping Makhachev by mimicking Garry intraining.
Garry has racked up 10 UFC wins and suffered his lone professionalloss to ShavkatRakhmonov, who is sidelined due to an injury. Meanwhile,Makhachev is undefeated in 16 straight Octagon outings, includingsix **** le fights. The latter is tied with AndersonSilva for consecutive UFC wins, and a victory at UFC 330 willsee the Dagestani set a new record.
3 months ago
KhabibNurmagomedov's teammate believes the former Ultimate Fighting Championship lightweight champion will nevercompete in any combat sport again.
ZubairaTukhugov (20-6) is scheduled to meet former UFC foe ElvesBrenner in a no-gi grappling match at ACBJJ 21 this weekend inMoscow. Ahead of the matchup, Tukhugov revealed that Nurmagomedovisn't very excited about the idea of his return to competition.
Nurmagomedov has been persuading Tukhugov to retire, suggestingthat he just continue training to stay in shape. The latter toldRed Corner MMA: "He laughed and was like, 'Why do you need this?'Leave the sport and just train for yourself. He's been persuadingme to retire for a long time."
Nurmagomedov (29-0) retired from mixed martial arts as theundefeated, undisputed UFC lightweight champion in 2020. Despitemultiple attempts by Dana White to bring him out of retirement,"The Eagle" has stood firm on his stance.
Tukhugov claims Nurmagomedov trains hard every day, almost like heis still an active athlete preparing to compete. He believes theUFC Hall of Famer is still in shape to grapple or fight anyone.However, Tukhugov is certain that Nurmagomedov won't end hisretirement for anything, even a grappling match.
"He actually trains every day, twice a day. No matter where he isand what is going on. He keeps training hard as if he's gettingready for something. He is ready to grapple anyone right now, oreven fight. But I'm 99% sure he won't ever compete again. Based onour conversations, if he says something, he follows through on it99% of the time."
Tukhugov further added that Nurmagomedov would make easy work ofcurrent UFC middleweight champion SeanStrickland if they were to fight right now.
ZubairaTukhugov (20-6) is scheduled to meet former UFC foe ElvesBrenner in a no-gi grappling match at ACBJJ 21 this weekend inMoscow. Ahead of the matchup, Tukhugov revealed that Nurmagomedovisn't very excited about the idea of his return to competition.
Nurmagomedov has been persuading Tukhugov to retire, suggestingthat he just continue training to stay in shape. The latter toldRed Corner MMA: "He laughed and was like, 'Why do you need this?'Leave the sport and just train for yourself. He's been persuadingme to retire for a long time."
Nurmagomedov (29-0) retired from mixed martial arts as theundefeated, undisputed UFC lightweight champion in 2020. Despitemultiple attempts by Dana White to bring him out of retirement,"The Eagle" has stood firm on his stance.
Tukhugov claims Nurmagomedov trains hard every day, almost like heis still an active athlete preparing to compete. He believes theUFC Hall of Famer is still in shape to grapple or fight anyone.However, Tukhugov is certain that Nurmagomedov won't end hisretirement for anything, even a grappling match.
"He actually trains every day, twice a day. No matter where he isand what is going on. He keeps training hard as if he's gettingready for something. He is ready to grapple anyone right now, oreven fight. But I'm 99% sure he won't ever compete again. Based onour conversations, if he says something, he follows through on it99% of the time."
Tukhugov further added that Nurmagomedov would make easy work ofcurrent UFC middleweight champion SeanStrickland if they were to fight right now.
3 months ago
Ian Machado Garry is set to become the first Irishman since Conor McGregor to fight for a UFC ******* le when he faces Islam Makhachev for the welterweight belt in Philadelphia on 15 August.
The 28-year-old, who is first in the promotion's welterweight rankings, will attempt to thwart Russian Makhachev's first defence of his belt at UFC 330 at the XFinity Mobile Arena.
Machado Garry, who has long been predicted to follow in McGregor's footsteps in becoming a UFC champion, last fought in November, beating former ******* le holder Belal Muhammad.
Since joining the UFC in 2021 after winning the welterweight belt in UK-based promotion Cage Warriors, he has won 10 of his 11 fights.
Not since McGregor's defeat by Makhachev's coach Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2018 has an Irishman fought for a ******* le in the UFC.
The 28-year-old, who is first in the promotion's welterweight rankings, will attempt to thwart Russian Makhachev's first defence of his belt at UFC 330 at the XFinity Mobile Arena.
Machado Garry, who has long been predicted to follow in McGregor's footsteps in becoming a UFC champion, last fought in November, beating former ******* le holder Belal Muhammad.
Since joining the UFC in 2021 after winning the welterweight belt in UK-based promotion Cage Warriors, he has won 10 of his 11 fights.
Not since McGregor's defeat by Makhachev's coach Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2018 has an Irishman fought for a ******* le in the UFC.
3 months ago
Ilia Topuria’s defeat to Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250 has created the first major uncertainty of his career.
The Spaniard had been unbeaten before Sunday, but a heavy loss to one of the sport’s most damaging fighters has raised questions about how he will respond.
That debate has brought Khabib Nurmagomedov’s old warning about Tony Ferguson back into focus, because Ferguson’s decline began after a similar night against Gaethje.
Ferguson entered UFC 249 with a 15-1 UFC record, but Gaethje punished him across five rounds and changed the direction of his career.
Khabib later predicted: “Tony Ferguson’s time is finished. Now he’s gonna come back and someone’s gonna beat him again, I believe. When you take damage like this, you’re never gonna be the same. Never ever, even if you’re Tony Ferguson. He took too much damage.”
The Spaniard had been unbeaten before Sunday, but a heavy loss to one of the sport’s most damaging fighters has raised questions about how he will respond.
That debate has brought Khabib Nurmagomedov’s old warning about Tony Ferguson back into focus, because Ferguson’s decline began after a similar night against Gaethje.
Ferguson entered UFC 249 with a 15-1 UFC record, but Gaethje punished him across five rounds and changed the direction of his career.
Khabib later predicted: “Tony Ferguson’s time is finished. Now he’s gonna come back and someone’s gonna beat him again, I believe. When you take damage like this, you’re never gonna be the same. Never ever, even if you’re Tony Ferguson. He took too much damage.”
3 months ago
This is the UFC White House live blog for Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje, the lightweight championship unification main event Sunday at the White House in Washington, D.C.
Topuria (17-0) is yet to be defeated and already has a pair of UFC ******* les to his name won at 155 and 145 pounds, two of the deepest divisions in MMA. His incredible achievements have him at No. 2 in the MMA Fighting Pound-for-Pound Rankings, behind only former lightweight champion and current welterweight champion Islam Makhachev.
It’s been a ******* py road for Topuria since winning the lightweight belt in June 2025 as he unsuccessfully pursued a superfight with Makhachev and then had to take time off to deal with personal matters. However, he’s a heavy favorite heading into Sunday’s main event and for good reason. “El Matador” has already knocked out a number of legends in the cage, including Charles Oliveira and featherweight greats Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway. A win over Gaethje could propel Topuria to his long-awaited grudge match with Makhachev.
Gaethje (27-5) is determined to foil those plans as he heads into what could be his last chance to become undisputed UFC champion. Already the only fighter to win two interim UFC ******* les, Gaethje has previously twice fought for the chance to be the No. 1 name at 155 pounds, but was denied by Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira. “The Highlight” clawed his way back to a unification bout with consecutive wins over Paddy Pimblett and Rafael Fiziev, and could cap off one of the most memorable careers in MMA history if he defies the odds and hands Topuria his first loss.
Check out the UFC White House live blog for Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje below.
Topuria (17-0) is yet to be defeated and already has a pair of UFC ******* les to his name won at 155 and 145 pounds, two of the deepest divisions in MMA. His incredible achievements have him at No. 2 in the MMA Fighting Pound-for-Pound Rankings, behind only former lightweight champion and current welterweight champion Islam Makhachev.
It’s been a ******* py road for Topuria since winning the lightweight belt in June 2025 as he unsuccessfully pursued a superfight with Makhachev and then had to take time off to deal with personal matters. However, he’s a heavy favorite heading into Sunday’s main event and for good reason. “El Matador” has already knocked out a number of legends in the cage, including Charles Oliveira and featherweight greats Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway. A win over Gaethje could propel Topuria to his long-awaited grudge match with Makhachev.
Gaethje (27-5) is determined to foil those plans as he heads into what could be his last chance to become undisputed UFC champion. Already the only fighter to win two interim UFC ******* les, Gaethje has previously twice fought for the chance to be the No. 1 name at 155 pounds, but was denied by Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira. “The Highlight” clawed his way back to a unification bout with consecutive wins over Paddy Pimblett and Rafael Fiziev, and could cap off one of the most memorable careers in MMA history if he defies the odds and hands Topuria his first loss.
Check out the UFC White House live blog for Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje below.
4 months ago
Usman Nurmagomedov isn't getting big-fight feels from Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje.
Lightweight champion Topuria (17-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC) unifies his belt with interim champ Gaethje (27-5 MMA, 10-5 UFC) in the UFC Freedom 250 main event on June 14 from the White House in Washington D.C.
PFL lightweight champion Nurmagomedov (21-0) recalls how his cousin Khabib Nurmagomedov sold the most pay-per-views in UFC history when he fought Conor McGregor, and how Topuria isn't generating nearly as much hype for his fight against Gaethje.
"Can you imagine brother? I didn't even know when they were going to fight," Nurmagomedov told MMA Junkie. "I swear, I don't know. I remember when Khabib was fighting with McGregor, every kid knew about that fight. Every even grandmother, grandfather, even kings from some countries, everybody knew.
"But they do some big tournament, White House, but **** ody knows about it. I don't know why. Maybe because of this short guy, he's not so famous. I don't know why the people now don't like the lightweight division in the UFC. But if I will come there, I'm going to fix it."
Lightweight champion Topuria (17-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC) unifies his belt with interim champ Gaethje (27-5 MMA, 10-5 UFC) in the UFC Freedom 250 main event on June 14 from the White House in Washington D.C.
PFL lightweight champion Nurmagomedov (21-0) recalls how his cousin Khabib Nurmagomedov sold the most pay-per-views in UFC history when he fought Conor McGregor, and how Topuria isn't generating nearly as much hype for his fight against Gaethje.
"Can you imagine brother? I didn't even know when they were going to fight," Nurmagomedov told MMA Junkie. "I swear, I don't know. I remember when Khabib was fighting with McGregor, every kid knew about that fight. Every even grandmother, grandfather, even kings from some countries, everybody knew.
"But they do some big tournament, White House, but **** ody knows about it. I don't know why. Maybe because of this short guy, he's not so famous. I don't know why the people now don't like the lightweight division in the UFC. But if I will come there, I'm going to fix it."
