2 hours ago
"Freaky" is looking to put someone's lights out.
Two of Ultimate Fighting Championship's (UFC) most exciting undefeated Featherweight prospects, Marwan Rahiki and Tommy McMillen, will collide in the "Featured Fight" of Noche UFC 4 this weekend (Sat., Sept. 12, 2026) inside Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona.
And the buildup has been heated, to say the least (details here).
McMillen made UFC history in his most recent appearance. In just his second Octagon outing, "Tommy Gunz" landed a ridiculous 252 significant strikes on 517 attempts, breaking the three-round promotional record previously held by Nate Diaz.
That total also ranks third all-time in UFC history, trailing only Max Holloway's absurd beatdown of Calvin Kattar (290) and Rob Font's losing effort against Marlon Vera (271).
#freaky #fighting #marwan #rahiki
Two of Ultimate Fighting Championship's (UFC) most exciting undefeated Featherweight prospects, Marwan Rahiki and Tommy McMillen, will collide in the "Featured Fight" of Noche UFC 4 this weekend (Sat., Sept. 12, 2026) inside Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona.
And the buildup has been heated, to say the least (details here).
McMillen made UFC history in his most recent appearance. In just his second Octagon outing, "Tommy Gunz" landed a ridiculous 252 significant strikes on 517 attempts, breaking the three-round promotional record previously held by Nate Diaz.
That total also ranks third all-time in UFC history, trailing only Max Holloway's absurd beatdown of Calvin Kattar (290) and Rob Font's losing effort against Marlon Vera (271).
#freaky #fighting #marwan #rahiki
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3 days ago
MichaelPage may have reached the end of his Ultimate Fighting Championship run.
Page completed his current UFC contract with a unanimous decisionwin over NursultonRuziboev at UFC Paris on Sept. 5. Despite the victory, the former Bellatorstandout has now been removed from the promotion's latest round ofrankings eligibility, according to an email sent to rankingpanelists.
Longtime mixed martial arts reporter John Morgan shared an email he received from the UFCregarding the latest round of ranking updates.
"Dear Panelists, Michael Page has been removed from rankingseligibility effective immediately," the email read. "If you rankedhim in your middleweight division already, we ask that you pleasere-rank that division to make sure you have 15 athletes."
This comes after Page himself acknowledged that he may not beoffered another UFC contract after another lackluster decisionwin.
"They weren't happy with me before; they're not gonna be happy withme now," Page said following the fight. "If I put myself in theirshoes, it's like, same thing. 'We can sign him again, but are wegonna see much more?'"
Page joined the UFC in 2024 and has gone 5-1 inside the Octagon,with his only defeat coming against IanGarry.
#email #happy #michaelpage
Page completed his current UFC contract with a unanimous decisionwin over NursultonRuziboev at UFC Paris on Sept. 5. Despite the victory, the former Bellatorstandout has now been removed from the promotion's latest round ofrankings eligibility, according to an email sent to rankingpanelists.
Longtime mixed martial arts reporter John Morgan shared an email he received from the UFCregarding the latest round of ranking updates.
"Dear Panelists, Michael Page has been removed from rankingseligibility effective immediately," the email read. "If you rankedhim in your middleweight division already, we ask that you pleasere-rank that division to make sure you have 15 athletes."
This comes after Page himself acknowledged that he may not beoffered another UFC contract after another lackluster decisionwin.
"They weren't happy with me before; they're not gonna be happy withme now," Page said following the fight. "If I put myself in theirshoes, it's like, same thing. 'We can sign him again, but are wegonna see much more?'"
Page joined the UFC in 2024 and has gone 5-1 inside the Octagon,with his only defeat coming against IanGarry.
#email #happy #michaelpage
3 days ago
The decisive stage of the 2026 CONMEBOL Sudamericana quarterfinals is about to begin! This Tuesday (8), at 9:30 p.m., in Buenos Aires, Tricolor will face Boca Juniors (ARG) in the first leg.
São Paulo heads into the clash at La Bombonera on the back of two straight wins: they beat Red Bull Bragantino 2-1 and Atlético-MG 2-0, both at MorumBIS, in the Brazilian Championship.
Tonight's match will mark the reunion between the Brazilians and Argentines after nearly 19 years: the last game took place on September 26, 2007, and ended in a 1-0 win for São Paulo at MorumBIS in the CONMEBOL Sudamericana. With the goal scored by Aloísio at home, Tricolor knocked out Boca Juniors and secured a place in the quarterfinals of the competition. In the first leg, at La Bombonera, the opposition had won 2-1 — at that time, away goals were a tiebreaker.
There have been 20 matches between the two clubs in history, with seven wins for Tricolor, five draws, and eight victories for the Argentines. Each team has scored 29 goals in these meetings.
The teams have already faced each other seven times at La Bombonera, with two wins for São Paulo, one draw, and four wins for the home side. Tricolor won on October 10, 1995, by 3-2, in the Supercopa, and on January 25, 1961, by 5-1, in the South American Octagonal.
#wins #morumbis
São Paulo heads into the clash at La Bombonera on the back of two straight wins: they beat Red Bull Bragantino 2-1 and Atlético-MG 2-0, both at MorumBIS, in the Brazilian Championship.
Tonight's match will mark the reunion between the Brazilians and Argentines after nearly 19 years: the last game took place on September 26, 2007, and ended in a 1-0 win for São Paulo at MorumBIS in the CONMEBOL Sudamericana. With the goal scored by Aloísio at home, Tricolor knocked out Boca Juniors and secured a place in the quarterfinals of the competition. In the first leg, at La Bombonera, the opposition had won 2-1 — at that time, away goals were a tiebreaker.
There have been 20 matches between the two clubs in history, with seven wins for Tricolor, five draws, and eight victories for the Argentines. Each team has scored 29 goals in these meetings.
The teams have already faced each other seven times at La Bombonera, with two wins for São Paulo, one draw, and four wins for the home side. Tricolor won on October 10, 1995, by 3-2, in the Supercopa, and on January 25, 1961, by 5-1, in the South American Octagonal.
#wins #morumbis
4 days ago
Paddy Pimblett has opened up about rumors of him facing Ilia Topuria next.
It took just 52 seconds for Paddy 'The Baddy' to catch Benoit Saint Denis in a choke and render him unconscious. Arguably his greatest display inside the octagon against one of the division's elite, the Brit has been in limbo since July. No fight announcement, and reportedly no talks have taken place since the 28-year-old's showstopping performance in Las Vegas.
While comfortable enjoying life away from the octagon, Paddy Pimblett has **** le aspirations and is seeking the ultimate success under the UFC banner. Likely one fight away from another chance to achieve his dreams, Pimblett has been rumored to face long-term rival Ilia Topuria next.
A win in that fight would undoubtedly earn him a shot at the lightweight throne, but is the fight happening? According to Pimblett, no talks have taken place regarding any future opponents.
"I'd love to smash his head in, lad," Pimblett said about Topuria. "But we need to wait and see… Nothing [has been discussed] yet. No one's spoken to me about it, so we'll see what happens."
#topuria #next
It took just 52 seconds for Paddy 'The Baddy' to catch Benoit Saint Denis in a choke and render him unconscious. Arguably his greatest display inside the octagon against one of the division's elite, the Brit has been in limbo since July. No fight announcement, and reportedly no talks have taken place since the 28-year-old's showstopping performance in Las Vegas.
While comfortable enjoying life away from the octagon, Paddy Pimblett has **** le aspirations and is seeking the ultimate success under the UFC banner. Likely one fight away from another chance to achieve his dreams, Pimblett has been rumored to face long-term rival Ilia Topuria next.
A win in that fight would undoubtedly earn him a shot at the lightweight throne, but is the fight happening? According to Pimblett, no talks have taken place regarding any future opponents.
"I'd love to smash his head in, lad," Pimblett said about Topuria. "But we need to wait and see… Nothing [has been discussed] yet. No one's spoken to me about it, so we'll see what happens."
#topuria #next
4 days ago
Colby Covington may not be all done in MMA.
Despite announcing his retirement in May, the former UFC **** le challenger is still leaving the door open for another go in the octagon. Covington revealed to MMA Junkie that the main reason he retired was so he could aggressively pursue his wrestling career in Real American Freestyle – something he couldn't do as an active UFC fighter.
Covington is 4-0 under RAF and recently claimed the inaugural RAF Cruiserweight Crossover Championship with a win over top UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan.
"I'm technically retired, technically, but that was just the red proverbial tape I needed to get by so I could get the biggest matchups in RAF," Covington told MMA Junkie. "Everybody knows my first love and passion was always wrestling. My dad got me into wrestling as a kid; it was a family business. He wrestled his whole life. His family, his dad wrestled, so I was just following in the lineage of the generations, following the family tree in the wrestling business. It was always my first true love and passion."
Covington's retirement from MMA might've surprised some, as he was looking to fight at the UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House in June. But with him not getting a spot on the card and not seeing interesting matchups outside of fighting at the White House, Covington just thought it would make more sense to focus on RAF, where he's also an investor.
#covington #House
Despite announcing his retirement in May, the former UFC **** le challenger is still leaving the door open for another go in the octagon. Covington revealed to MMA Junkie that the main reason he retired was so he could aggressively pursue his wrestling career in Real American Freestyle – something he couldn't do as an active UFC fighter.
Covington is 4-0 under RAF and recently claimed the inaugural RAF Cruiserweight Crossover Championship with a win over top UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan.
"I'm technically retired, technically, but that was just the red proverbial tape I needed to get by so I could get the biggest matchups in RAF," Covington told MMA Junkie. "Everybody knows my first love and passion was always wrestling. My dad got me into wrestling as a kid; it was a family business. He wrestled his whole life. His family, his dad wrestled, so I was just following in the lineage of the generations, following the family tree in the wrestling business. It was always my first true love and passion."
Covington's retirement from MMA might've surprised some, as he was looking to fight at the UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House in June. But with him not getting a spot on the card and not seeing interesting matchups outside of fighting at the White House, Covington just thought it would make more sense to focus on RAF, where he's also an investor.
#covington #House
5 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
6 days ago
You know how you can tell when somebody's on the verge of extracting the prize from prizefighting? It's when they begin to dominate headlines without ever throwing a punch.
Oh, Usman Nurmagomedov came close to doing just that in his first unofficial Octagon visit. Last weekend in Shanghai he hopped the fence like a thief in the night after Song Yadong sent his older brother Umar "to the land of wind and ghosts," as my colleague Ben Fowlkes likes to say, loading up as if deliver an elbow as Song did his victory lap. Fortunately, he didn't do it, yet that semi-action — which Usman himself said was much ado about nothing — helped him generate more headlines than Song.
A couple of weeks prior, out in Philadelphia, Usman was shown on the UFC 330 broadcast sitting cageside, the first indications that the UFC is biding its time until it can sign him. It might've been the most exciting thing about the event. The word being tossed around about the world's top MMA free agent signing with the UFC has been "inevitable" ever since, which feels a little Calvinistic for a man of free will.
Everybody is talking about Usman Nurmagomedov. At just 28 and coming into his prime, he's undefeated at 22-0 (1 NC), and he has the sacred name. In fact, he's got two if you factor Kamaru into this. He has Bellator belts in the back of his closet somewhere, and PFL ******* les that he shows off at parties. Henry Cejudo said on a podcast this week that the PFL, Usman's longtime promotion, would go belly-up if they let the last of the invincible Nurmagomedov's walk.
"He leaves the PFL tomorrow, the PFL is finished," Cejudo declared. "Straight up."
#last #free #octagon
Oh, Usman Nurmagomedov came close to doing just that in his first unofficial Octagon visit. Last weekend in Shanghai he hopped the fence like a thief in the night after Song Yadong sent his older brother Umar "to the land of wind and ghosts," as my colleague Ben Fowlkes likes to say, loading up as if deliver an elbow as Song did his victory lap. Fortunately, he didn't do it, yet that semi-action — which Usman himself said was much ado about nothing — helped him generate more headlines than Song.
A couple of weeks prior, out in Philadelphia, Usman was shown on the UFC 330 broadcast sitting cageside, the first indications that the UFC is biding its time until it can sign him. It might've been the most exciting thing about the event. The word being tossed around about the world's top MMA free agent signing with the UFC has been "inevitable" ever since, which feels a little Calvinistic for a man of free will.
Everybody is talking about Usman Nurmagomedov. At just 28 and coming into his prime, he's undefeated at 22-0 (1 NC), and he has the sacred name. In fact, he's got two if you factor Kamaru into this. He has Bellator belts in the back of his closet somewhere, and PFL ******* les that he shows off at parties. Henry Cejudo said on a podcast this week that the PFL, Usman's longtime promotion, would go belly-up if they let the last of the invincible Nurmagomedov's walk.
"He leaves the PFL tomorrow, the PFL is finished," Cejudo declared. "Straight up."
#last #free #octagon
7 days ago
The hours are quickly winding down to UFC Fight Night 287 which marks the promotion's fourth-annual stop in Paris.
It will be a big night in France, with local favorite and former KSW champion Salahdine Parnasse (23-2 MMA, 0-0 UFC) set to make his octagon debut in the main event when he tests his skills against the self-proclaimed "gatekeeper to the top 10" at lightweight in Dan Hooker (24-14 MMA, 14-10 UFC).
The critical five-round showdown at 155 pounds is grabbing most of the attention, but there's plenty more going on during Saturday's card at Accor Arena (Paramount+), particularly the potential UFC finale of Michael Page (25-3 MMA, 4-1 UFC), who fights the last bout of his contract in a middleweight featured contest against Nursulton Ruziboev (37-9-2 MMA, 5-1 UFC).
The help prepare for the card, MMA Junkie reporters Mike Bohn and Farah Hannoun will preview the top storylines, angles and more before UFC Fight Night 287.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Video: UFC Paris live preview show with Farah Hannoun, Mike Bohn
#night #hannoun #preview
It will be a big night in France, with local favorite and former KSW champion Salahdine Parnasse (23-2 MMA, 0-0 UFC) set to make his octagon debut in the main event when he tests his skills against the self-proclaimed "gatekeeper to the top 10" at lightweight in Dan Hooker (24-14 MMA, 14-10 UFC).
The critical five-round showdown at 155 pounds is grabbing most of the attention, but there's plenty more going on during Saturday's card at Accor Arena (Paramount+), particularly the potential UFC finale of Michael Page (25-3 MMA, 4-1 UFC), who fights the last bout of his contract in a middleweight featured contest against Nursulton Ruziboev (37-9-2 MMA, 5-1 UFC).
The help prepare for the card, MMA Junkie reporters Mike Bohn and Farah Hannoun will preview the top storylines, angles and more before UFC Fight Night 287.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Video: UFC Paris live preview show with Farah Hannoun, Mike Bohn
#night #hannoun #preview
7 days ago
Michael 'Venom' Page will fight the final bout on his UFC contract when he takes on Nursulton Ruziboev in Paris on Saturday.
The 39-year-old has had a mixed career in the octagon since joining in 2024, with four wins from five fights - and all his victories by decision.
Known for his eye-catching striking, MVP admits he has underperformed in his UFC tenure without a stoppage to his name.
"I'm still buzzing to be in this game, but then there's also [the fact] I feel like I haven't delivered what I wanted to deliver," Page said.
"We (Page and the UFC) don't seem to be as aligned as I thought we would be.
#nursulton #fight
The 39-year-old has had a mixed career in the octagon since joining in 2024, with four wins from five fights - and all his victories by decision.
Known for his eye-catching striking, MVP admits he has underperformed in his UFC tenure without a stoppage to his name.
"I'm still buzzing to be in this game, but then there's also [the fact] I feel like I haven't delivered what I wanted to deliver," Page said.
"We (Page and the UFC) don't seem to be as aligned as I thought we would be.
#nursulton #fight
7 days ago
Official weigh-ins for UFC Fight Night 287 take place Friday, and you can get all the results here beginning at 3 a.m. ET.
The weigh-ins take place at the UFC host hotel in Paris. Saturday's event takes place at Accor Arena (Paramount+).
A lightweight fight headlines the card. Longtime divisional standout Dan Hooker (24-14 MMA, 14-10 UFC) will welcome former KSW ****** leholder and France's own Salahdine Parnasse (23-2 MMA, 0-0 UFC) to the octagon in a five-round showdown.
All 28 athletes on the card will be granted a two-hour allotted window before all 14 matchups for UFC Fight Night 287 can become official.
MAIN CARD (3 p.m. ET, Paramount+).
#place #night #official #weigh
The weigh-ins take place at the UFC host hotel in Paris. Saturday's event takes place at Accor Arena (Paramount+).
A lightweight fight headlines the card. Longtime divisional standout Dan Hooker (24-14 MMA, 14-10 UFC) will welcome former KSW ****** leholder and France's own Salahdine Parnasse (23-2 MMA, 0-0 UFC) to the octagon in a five-round showdown.
All 28 athletes on the card will be granted a two-hour allotted window before all 14 matchups for UFC Fight Night 287 can become official.
MAIN CARD (3 p.m. ET, Paramount+).
#place #night #official #weigh
8 days ago
The Ultimate Fighting Championship's annual Madison Square Gardencard is taking shape.
NazimSadykhov is set to square off against JeffersonNascimento in a lightweight bout at UFC 334 onNov. 14 at MSG in New York City. While the UFC has yet toofficially announce the bout, Sadykhov took to Instagram to revealthe booking. They last competed on the same card earlier thisyear.
Nascimento (13-1) was a highly touted undefeated prospect goinginto his UFC debut against fellow promotional debutant TahirAbdullayev this past June at UFC Baku. However, he was booed in enemy territory for coastingthroughout the first two rounds.
Abdullayev finally hurt Nascimento late in the third round andreferee Jim Perdios called a highly questionable stop to thecontest. While Nascimento made his UFC debut at welterweight, theformer LFA lightweight champ will drop back down to 155 pounds inpursuit of his first Octagon victory.
Meanwhile, Sadykhov (11-3-1) was a -250 favorite against MatheusCamilo in front of a home crowd in Azerbaijan. However, Camilosilenced the crowd by knocking Sadykhov out in the first round,although it was yet another controversial stoppage, this time byreferee RichMitchell. This marked Sadykhov's second loss on the bouncefollowing his defeat to Fares Ziamlast December. His UFC record stands at 4-2-1.
#first #lightweight #bout
NazimSadykhov is set to square off against JeffersonNascimento in a lightweight bout at UFC 334 onNov. 14 at MSG in New York City. While the UFC has yet toofficially announce the bout, Sadykhov took to Instagram to revealthe booking. They last competed on the same card earlier thisyear.
Nascimento (13-1) was a highly touted undefeated prospect goinginto his UFC debut against fellow promotional debutant TahirAbdullayev this past June at UFC Baku. However, he was booed in enemy territory for coastingthroughout the first two rounds.
Abdullayev finally hurt Nascimento late in the third round andreferee Jim Perdios called a highly questionable stop to thecontest. While Nascimento made his UFC debut at welterweight, theformer LFA lightweight champ will drop back down to 155 pounds inpursuit of his first Octagon victory.
Meanwhile, Sadykhov (11-3-1) was a -250 favorite against MatheusCamilo in front of a home crowd in Azerbaijan. However, Camilosilenced the crowd by knocking Sadykhov out in the first round,although it was yet another controversial stoppage, this time byreferee RichMitchell. This marked Sadykhov's second loss on the bouncefollowing his defeat to Fares Ziamlast December. His UFC record stands at 4-2-1.
#first #lightweight #bout
8 days ago
PARIS – Dan Hooker is well aware of his current role in the UFC's lightweight division.
Hooker (24-14 MMA, 14-10 UFC) welcomes Salahdine Parnasse (23-2 MMA, 0-0 UFC) to the octagon in Saturday's UFC Fight Night 287 main event at Accor Arena (Paramount+).
Hooker is currently on a two-fight losing skid, and will be facing Parnasse in enemy territory. While he put his hand up to potentially welcome Usman Nurmagomedov to the UFC, Hooker understands he's in a must-win situation this weekend.
"After a couple of losses and then moving your way down the rankings, I'm more than happy to play the role that I'm in right now and the role that I'm in right now is gatekeeping the top 10 of the UFC's lightweight division," Hooker said during Wednesday's UFC Fight Night 287 media day. "And I'm more than happy to play that role. Is that a position that defines my career? No, it's not. You get your hand raised, and then I'll be looking up at the rankings, and I'll be looking to get back in the mix and to get myself back to **** le contention.
"Yes, you're playing the role of a gatekeeper right now, but that doesn't define your career, the future of your career. The beauty of the sport is it can change in one single night. You get your hand raised against Salahdine with an impressive fight, and showcase the skill and the level that I'm prepared to showcase, that I anticipate of showcasing, we're back in the mix, we're not playing that role anymore, we're targeting someone in the top 10."
#hooker #fight #night
Hooker (24-14 MMA, 14-10 UFC) welcomes Salahdine Parnasse (23-2 MMA, 0-0 UFC) to the octagon in Saturday's UFC Fight Night 287 main event at Accor Arena (Paramount+).
Hooker is currently on a two-fight losing skid, and will be facing Parnasse in enemy territory. While he put his hand up to potentially welcome Usman Nurmagomedov to the UFC, Hooker understands he's in a must-win situation this weekend.
"After a couple of losses and then moving your way down the rankings, I'm more than happy to play the role that I'm in right now and the role that I'm in right now is gatekeeping the top 10 of the UFC's lightweight division," Hooker said during Wednesday's UFC Fight Night 287 media day. "And I'm more than happy to play that role. Is that a position that defines my career? No, it's not. You get your hand raised, and then I'll be looking up at the rankings, and I'll be looking to get back in the mix and to get myself back to **** le contention.
"Yes, you're playing the role of a gatekeeper right now, but that doesn't define your career, the future of your career. The beauty of the sport is it can change in one single night. You get your hand raised against Salahdine with an impressive fight, and showcase the skill and the level that I'm prepared to showcase, that I anticipate of showcasing, we're back in the mix, we're not playing that role anymore, we're targeting someone in the top 10."
#hooker #fight #night
9 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
10 days ago
"The Last Kingsman" has a new opponent in "The City of Light."
The Ultimate Fighter Season 32 winner and Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Featherweight prospect Mairon Santos was scheduled to face No. 8-ranked Nathaniel Wood at UFC Paris this weekend (Sat., Sept. 5, 2026) inside Accor Arena in Paris, France.
Unfortunately, Santos has withdrawn from the matchup and has been replaced by undefeated UFC newcomer Pavel Andrusca on less than one week's notice.
Andrusca, 24, is a perfect 8-0 as a professional and enters his Octagon debut riding a seven-fight finishing streak. The Moldovan knockout artist owns an 88 percent career finish rate, including six knockouts and five first-round stoppages.
He is coming off a brutal first-round knockout of Gexipengchu at UAE Warriors 72 in July, flattening the 13-2 Chinese veteran with a sniper-like right hand at 2:09 (watch the video above).
#Paris #first
The Ultimate Fighter Season 32 winner and Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Featherweight prospect Mairon Santos was scheduled to face No. 8-ranked Nathaniel Wood at UFC Paris this weekend (Sat., Sept. 5, 2026) inside Accor Arena in Paris, France.
Unfortunately, Santos has withdrawn from the matchup and has been replaced by undefeated UFC newcomer Pavel Andrusca on less than one week's notice.
Andrusca, 24, is a perfect 8-0 as a professional and enters his Octagon debut riding a seven-fight finishing streak. The Moldovan knockout artist owns an 88 percent career finish rate, including six knockouts and five first-round stoppages.
He is coming off a brutal first-round knockout of Gexipengchu at UAE Warriors 72 in July, flattening the 13-2 Chinese veteran with a sniper-like right hand at 2:09 (watch the video above).
#Paris #first
11 days ago
In front of 16,188 of his fellow natives of Shanghai China, Song Yadong put his name in the Bantamweight **** le picture after stunning knockout of heavy-favorite Umar Nurmagomedov.
Despite being a 5-1 underdog according to DraftKings Sportsbook, a hard right-hand from Song knocked out perennial **** le contender Nurmagomedov at 1 minute, 48 seconds of Round 2.
Oriental Sports Center erupted after Nurmagomedov crumbled to the ground.
Song (24-9-1, 1 NC) immediately went into the stands to celebrate the knockout with his fellow natives. The arena was at a roar for several minutes after the knockout.
In his post-fight interview inside the Octagon, Song in his native tongue roared "Who's Next? Who's Next?"
#song #next #natives #China
Despite being a 5-1 underdog according to DraftKings Sportsbook, a hard right-hand from Song knocked out perennial **** le contender Nurmagomedov at 1 minute, 48 seconds of Round 2.
Oriental Sports Center erupted after Nurmagomedov crumbled to the ground.
Song (24-9-1, 1 NC) immediately went into the stands to celebrate the knockout with his fellow natives. The arena was at a roar for several minutes after the knockout.
In his post-fight interview inside the Octagon, Song in his native tongue roared "Who's Next? Who's Next?"
#song #next #natives #China
12 days ago
The Ultimate Fighting Championship touched down again at the SPDBank Oriental Sports Center in Shanghai, China, for an excitingevent.
In the UFC Shanghai headliner, UmarNurmagomedov and Yadong Songlocked horns in an exciting 135-pound tilt with **** le implications.In the co-main event, UFC strawweight veteran Xiaonan Yancollided with up-and-comer DeniseGomes. The event saw 10 fights end inside the distance, withmost by knockout.
Here's a list of possible matchups for the main card winners.
The UFC Shanghai main event ended with a huge upset as Song(24-9-1, 1 NC; 13-4-1 UFC) starched former 135-pound **** lechallenger Nurmagomedov (20-2, 8-2 UFC). Song clipped his foe witha well-timed punch right on the ear, immediately dropping him.The two follow-up punches turned Nurmagomedov's lights out, and theofficial end came at the 1:48 mark of Round 2. With the currentdivisional **** leholder Petr Yan andNo. 1 challenger MerabDvalishvili already set to lock horns in October, the logicalmatchup for Song seems to be a rematch with Sean O'Malley. "Suga"impressed in his outing at UFC White House, and the "Kung Fu Kid"looks mature enough to overcome his rival, and possibly not leaveit in the judges' hands this time. In their first encounter,O'Malley took home a unanimous decision victory.
In the co-feature, Gomes (13-3, 7-2 UFC) crushed Yan (19-6, 1 NC;9-5 UFC) in an intriguing clash in the women's strawweightdivision. Gomes landed a vicious elbow to her opponent's face before following up withmore punches, forcing the halt at 4:49 of Round 1. A surgingcontender in the women's strawweight division, the Brazilian is nowriding a five-bout winning streak and is 7-1 in her most recentassignments. A few interesting names are climbing the rankings at115 pounds, so it might be time to see who's the next big thing ina clash with AlexiaThainara. "Burguesinha" is currently riding an impressive13-bout winning streak. The winner of this clash might be next fora dance with the current divisional queen, MackenzieDern.
It took a little more than a round for Kai Asakura(23-6, 2-2 UFC) to stop onetime Wu Lin Feng **** leholder Qileng Aori(26-14, 1 NC; 4-6, 1 NC UFC) with a praiseworthy sequence started by a head kick followed by punches and punctuated by someknees to the body. The official end came 34 seconds into Round2. Asakura has scored back-to-back wins now, and it's time for theformer Rizin Fighting Federation 135-pound **** leholder to step upin competition. ViniciusOliveira is currently looking for a fight, coming off a winover Andre Fili inJune. Neither Asakura nor Oliveira backs down when it comes totrading blows, and the outcome could be a treat fortechnical-striking fans.
In a 125-pound attraction, Su Mudaerji(20-7, 1 NC; 7-4, 1 NC UFC) finally managed to overcome Alex Perez(26-11, 1 NC; 8-7, 1 NC UFC). The first time the pair met in theOctagon, it ended in no contest following an accidental groin shot.This time, Mudaerji relied on sharper strikes and so
In the UFC Shanghai headliner, UmarNurmagomedov and Yadong Songlocked horns in an exciting 135-pound tilt with **** le implications.In the co-main event, UFC strawweight veteran Xiaonan Yancollided with up-and-comer DeniseGomes. The event saw 10 fights end inside the distance, withmost by knockout.
Here's a list of possible matchups for the main card winners.
The UFC Shanghai main event ended with a huge upset as Song(24-9-1, 1 NC; 13-4-1 UFC) starched former 135-pound **** lechallenger Nurmagomedov (20-2, 8-2 UFC). Song clipped his foe witha well-timed punch right on the ear, immediately dropping him.The two follow-up punches turned Nurmagomedov's lights out, and theofficial end came at the 1:48 mark of Round 2. With the currentdivisional **** leholder Petr Yan andNo. 1 challenger MerabDvalishvili already set to lock horns in October, the logicalmatchup for Song seems to be a rematch with Sean O'Malley. "Suga"impressed in his outing at UFC White House, and the "Kung Fu Kid"looks mature enough to overcome his rival, and possibly not leaveit in the judges' hands this time. In their first encounter,O'Malley took home a unanimous decision victory.
In the co-feature, Gomes (13-3, 7-2 UFC) crushed Yan (19-6, 1 NC;9-5 UFC) in an intriguing clash in the women's strawweightdivision. Gomes landed a vicious elbow to her opponent's face before following up withmore punches, forcing the halt at 4:49 of Round 1. A surgingcontender in the women's strawweight division, the Brazilian is nowriding a five-bout winning streak and is 7-1 in her most recentassignments. A few interesting names are climbing the rankings at115 pounds, so it might be time to see who's the next big thing ina clash with AlexiaThainara. "Burguesinha" is currently riding an impressive13-bout winning streak. The winner of this clash might be next fora dance with the current divisional queen, MackenzieDern.
It took a little more than a round for Kai Asakura(23-6, 2-2 UFC) to stop onetime Wu Lin Feng **** leholder Qileng Aori(26-14, 1 NC; 4-6, 1 NC UFC) with a praiseworthy sequence started by a head kick followed by punches and punctuated by someknees to the body. The official end came 34 seconds into Round2. Asakura has scored back-to-back wins now, and it's time for theformer Rizin Fighting Federation 135-pound **** leholder to step upin competition. ViniciusOliveira is currently looking for a fight, coming off a winover Andre Fili inJune. Neither Asakura nor Oliveira backs down when it comes totrading blows, and the outcome could be a treat fortechnical-striking fans.
In a 125-pound attraction, Su Mudaerji(20-7, 1 NC; 7-4, 1 NC UFC) finally managed to overcome Alex Perez(26-11, 1 NC; 8-7, 1 NC UFC). The first time the pair met in theOctagon, it ended in no contest following an accidental groin shot.This time, Mudaerji relied on sharper strikes and so
13 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
13 days ago
Song Yadong delivered as a massive underdog at home in the UFC Fight Night 286 main event.
Song (24-9-1 MMA, 13-4-1 UFC) took out former ****** le challenger Umar Nurmagomedov (20-2 MMA, 8-2 UFC) with a big knockout at the 1:48 mark of Round 2. The bantamweight bout was the headliner at Shanghai Oriental Sports Center in China.
Nurmagomedov struck first with a low kick. Song fired back with one of his own, then landed a body kick. Song threw a low kick, which Nurmagomedov caught to land a takedown. Song grabbed Nurmagomedov's neck to try and cinch in a guillotine choke, but Nurmagomedov popped his head out. Nurmagomedov controlled Song on the ground, but Song eventually got back up with just over a minute left in the round. Song landed a right, but Nurmagomedov shoved him off.
In Round 2, Nurmagomedov threw a couple of leg kicks then went up high. Nurmagomedov shot for a takedown, but Song shucked him off. As Nurmagomedov dipped, Song landed a short right uppercut on the ear, followed by several shots which knocked Nurmagomedov out cold.
In his post-fight octagon interview with Brendan Fitzgerald, Song called for a ****** le shot after pulling off one of the biggest upsets of the year. The Team Alpha Male Fighter has now won three of his past four fights, with his lone blemish being a narrow decision loss to Sean O'Malley in January.
#round #fight
Song (24-9-1 MMA, 13-4-1 UFC) took out former ****** le challenger Umar Nurmagomedov (20-2 MMA, 8-2 UFC) with a big knockout at the 1:48 mark of Round 2. The bantamweight bout was the headliner at Shanghai Oriental Sports Center in China.
Nurmagomedov struck first with a low kick. Song fired back with one of his own, then landed a body kick. Song threw a low kick, which Nurmagomedov caught to land a takedown. Song grabbed Nurmagomedov's neck to try and cinch in a guillotine choke, but Nurmagomedov popped his head out. Nurmagomedov controlled Song on the ground, but Song eventually got back up with just over a minute left in the round. Song landed a right, but Nurmagomedov shoved him off.
In Round 2, Nurmagomedov threw a couple of leg kicks then went up high. Nurmagomedov shot for a takedown, but Song shucked him off. As Nurmagomedov dipped, Song landed a short right uppercut on the ear, followed by several shots which knocked Nurmagomedov out cold.
In his post-fight octagon interview with Brendan Fitzgerald, Song called for a ****** le shot after pulling off one of the biggest upsets of the year. The Team Alpha Male Fighter has now won three of his past four fights, with his lone blemish being a narrow decision loss to Sean O'Malley in January.
#round #fight
13 days ago
In the UFC Shanghai co-featured fight, former **** le challenger and No. 4 ranked Yan Xiaonan faced and No. 9 ranked octagon veteran Denise Gomes.
Xiaonan entered the match at Shanghai Oriental Sports Center coming off a decision loss to Virna Jandiroba in her last outing. She had lost two of her last three fights and needed a win to stay in the top tier of the division. She last fought in April 2025.
Gomes brought with her a four-fight winning streak having emerged victorious in six of her last seven bouts. The Brazilian was looking to pick up the biggest win of her career and jump several spots in the rankings.
Xiaonan took the center of the cage. She connected with a right hand the two exchanged leg kicks. Xiaonan began mixing in side kicks to the lead leg of Gomes. Gomes pressed forward and connected with a huge right hand., Xiaonan took it and fired back. Xiaonan landed a combination with two minutes remaining in the round. She fought a home with an overhand right. Gomes connected with an elbow that dropped Xiaonan. A follow up combination left her unconscious on the canvas grabbing the referee's leg. Gomes left the crowd silent.
The official time of the stoppage was 4:49 of the first round.
#xiaonan #connected #center #ranked
Xiaonan entered the match at Shanghai Oriental Sports Center coming off a decision loss to Virna Jandiroba in her last outing. She had lost two of her last three fights and needed a win to stay in the top tier of the division. She last fought in April 2025.
Gomes brought with her a four-fight winning streak having emerged victorious in six of her last seven bouts. The Brazilian was looking to pick up the biggest win of her career and jump several spots in the rankings.
Xiaonan took the center of the cage. She connected with a right hand the two exchanged leg kicks. Xiaonan began mixing in side kicks to the lead leg of Gomes. Gomes pressed forward and connected with a huge right hand., Xiaonan took it and fired back. Xiaonan landed a combination with two minutes remaining in the round. She fought a home with an overhand right. Gomes connected with an elbow that dropped Xiaonan. A follow up combination left her unconscious on the canvas grabbing the referee's leg. Gomes left the crowd silent.
The official time of the stoppage was 4:49 of the first round.
#xiaonan #connected #center #ranked
13 days ago
Shanghai Indoor Stadium hosts UFC Fight Night 286. Headlined by a bantamweight bout between No. 2 ranked Umar Nurmagomedov and No. 6 ranked Song Yadong, the event marks the promotion's third visit to Shanghai.
In the co-featured fight, former **** le challenger and No. 4 ranked Yan Xiaonan faces and No. 9 ranked octagon veteran Denise Gomes.
The live results for the event begin at 3 p.m. ET. Refresh the page of the latest outcomes.
Main Card begins at 6 a.m. ET on Paramount+
Preliminary Card begins at 3 a.m. ET on Paramount+
#fight #begins #stadium
In the co-featured fight, former **** le challenger and No. 4 ranked Yan Xiaonan faces and No. 9 ranked octagon veteran Denise Gomes.
The live results for the event begin at 3 p.m. ET. Refresh the page of the latest outcomes.
Main Card begins at 6 a.m. ET on Paramount+
Preliminary Card begins at 3 a.m. ET on Paramount+
#fight #begins #stadium
13 days ago
Yan Xiaonan and Denise Gomes meet on the UFC Fight Night 286 main card on Saturday at Shanghai Oriental Sports Center in Shanghai, China. Check out this quick breakdown of the matchup from MMA Junkie ***** yst Dan Tom.
Last event's results: 4-2
UFC main cards, 2026: 93-50-1
Xiaonan (19-5 MMA, 9-4 UFC) is making her first octagon appearance in 16 months, coming off a loss to Virna Jandiroba in April 2025. Xiaonan has lost two of her past three fights, including her ***** le opportunity vs. then-champ Zhang Weili in April 2024.
Gomes (12-3 MMA, 6-2 UFC) can secure the biggest win of her career if successful vs. Xiaonan. Gomes will enter UFC Fight Night 286 on a four-fight winning streak, having most recently defeated Tecia Pennington by unanimous decision last November.
#last #main
Last event's results: 4-2
UFC main cards, 2026: 93-50-1
Xiaonan (19-5 MMA, 9-4 UFC) is making her first octagon appearance in 16 months, coming off a loss to Virna Jandiroba in April 2025. Xiaonan has lost two of her past three fights, including her ***** le opportunity vs. then-champ Zhang Weili in April 2024.
Gomes (12-3 MMA, 6-2 UFC) can secure the biggest win of her career if successful vs. Xiaonan. Gomes will enter UFC Fight Night 286 on a four-fight winning streak, having most recently defeated Tecia Pennington by unanimous decision last November.
#last #main
14 days ago
PFL lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov had some choice words for the UFC's top-ranked lightweights.
Nurmagomedov (22-0) is a free agent after retaining his belt with a first-round knockout out Archie Colgan at PFL New York last month. The 28-year-old is looking to either re-sign with the PFL or ink a deal with the UFC.
Nurmagomedov has beaten all of PFL's top lightweights, including Paul Hughes twice. He disagrees with the notion that the best fighters are only in the UFC, and picked apart the current rankings and matchups that have taken place in the octagon.
"There's a narrative that if you don't compete in the UFC, you're not on that high level, and I don't agree with that," Nurmagomedov told Sport24 (h/t Red Corner MMA). "Just look at the guys who are in the UFC top 10. They just keep fighting each other and maintain their top-10 spots. Benoit Saint Denis, he was 4-0 then lost to Dustin Poirier, then he lost to (Renato) Moicano, and won three times after that, and then lost in the first round within 30 seconds (vs. Pimblett), but he's still in the top five, oddly enough.
"Pimblett lost to a 37-year-old veteran, but he's the No. 1 contender now, right? Or No. 2. 17-0 Topuria, who had been praising himself as the greatest, he lost, quit on the stool, saying he wasn't going to continue. Arman (Tsarukyan), he lost to (Mateusz) Gamrot, he lost to Islam (Makhachef). He is just waiting it out, fighting once a year and saying he's the best fighter in the world. While he fought twice, I defended my **** le four times. The UFC PR machine is very powerful. The brand is very solid, but I wouldn't say they all put on such great fights."
#pimblett #twice
Nurmagomedov (22-0) is a free agent after retaining his belt with a first-round knockout out Archie Colgan at PFL New York last month. The 28-year-old is looking to either re-sign with the PFL or ink a deal with the UFC.
Nurmagomedov has beaten all of PFL's top lightweights, including Paul Hughes twice. He disagrees with the notion that the best fighters are only in the UFC, and picked apart the current rankings and matchups that have taken place in the octagon.
"There's a narrative that if you don't compete in the UFC, you're not on that high level, and I don't agree with that," Nurmagomedov told Sport24 (h/t Red Corner MMA). "Just look at the guys who are in the UFC top 10. They just keep fighting each other and maintain their top-10 spots. Benoit Saint Denis, he was 4-0 then lost to Dustin Poirier, then he lost to (Renato) Moicano, and won three times after that, and then lost in the first round within 30 seconds (vs. Pimblett), but he's still in the top five, oddly enough.
"Pimblett lost to a 37-year-old veteran, but he's the No. 1 contender now, right? Or No. 2. 17-0 Topuria, who had been praising himself as the greatest, he lost, quit on the stool, saying he wasn't going to continue. Arman (Tsarukyan), he lost to (Mateusz) Gamrot, he lost to Islam (Makhachef). He is just waiting it out, fighting once a year and saying he's the best fighter in the world. While he fought twice, I defended my **** le four times. The UFC PR machine is very powerful. The brand is very solid, but I wouldn't say they all put on such great fights."
#pimblett #twice
15 days ago
Welterweight champion Islam Makhachev appeared rather irked by Merab Dvalishvili's reaction to his UFC 330 win.
While watching Makhachev (29-1 MMA, 18-1 UFC) retain his ***** le against Ian Machado Garry less than two weeks ago, Dvalishvili took umbrage with the promotion allowing him to carry his Russian flag.
"I thought they're not allowed a flag in there? They don't let me use the flag," Dvalishvili told Nina Drama. "This flag is banned everywhere in the world, and only of course they show here in the UFC. It's crazy."
Dvalishvili (21-5 MMA, 14-3 UFC) will look to reclaim his bantamweight ***** le from Petr Yan (20-5 MMA, 12-4 UFC) when the pair battle in a trilogy bout, which co-headlines UFC 333 on Oct. 24 in Abu Dhabi. Yan put an end to Dvalishvili's ***** le reign by defeating him at UFC 323.
"Yes, I did see his reaction," Makhachev said of Dvalishvili (h/t Red Corner MMA). "I saw the video of him watching my fight, and he didn't seem happy to see me succeed in the octagon, but I don't pay attention to things like that. He had already said some things about it a lot of times, but Petr Yan beat him and raised the flag afterwards. And I think he'll beat him again and make him silent."
#dvalishvili #title
While watching Makhachev (29-1 MMA, 18-1 UFC) retain his ***** le against Ian Machado Garry less than two weeks ago, Dvalishvili took umbrage with the promotion allowing him to carry his Russian flag.
"I thought they're not allowed a flag in there? They don't let me use the flag," Dvalishvili told Nina Drama. "This flag is banned everywhere in the world, and only of course they show here in the UFC. It's crazy."
Dvalishvili (21-5 MMA, 14-3 UFC) will look to reclaim his bantamweight ***** le from Petr Yan (20-5 MMA, 12-4 UFC) when the pair battle in a trilogy bout, which co-headlines UFC 333 on Oct. 24 in Abu Dhabi. Yan put an end to Dvalishvili's ***** le reign by defeating him at UFC 323.
"Yes, I did see his reaction," Makhachev said of Dvalishvili (h/t Red Corner MMA). "I saw the video of him watching my fight, and he didn't seem happy to see me succeed in the octagon, but I don't pay attention to things like that. He had already said some things about it a lot of times, but Petr Yan beat him and raised the flag afterwards. And I think he'll beat him again and make him silent."
#dvalishvili #title
17 days ago
Jean Silva will now take on a rising contender instead at UFC Fight Night 288.
Silva (17-3 MMA, 6-1 UFC) was originally scheduled to headline Noche UFC against former interim featherweight champion Yair Rodriguez, but an injury forced Rodriguez out of the bout. After suffering his first octagon loss to two-time **** le challenger Diego Lopes, Silva rebounded with a unanimous decision win over Arnold Allen at UFC 324.
Dana White's Contender Series graduate Delgado (12-2 MMA, 4-1 UFC) has won nine of his past 10 fights. Nathaniel Wood put an end to his win streak, but the 28-year-old rebounded with back-to-back wins over Andre Fili, and Austin Bashi.
According to Caesars, Silva is a -450 favorite to beat Delgado, who is a +350 underdog.
Where: Desert Diamond Arena, Glendale, Arizona
#contender #night #noche
Silva (17-3 MMA, 6-1 UFC) was originally scheduled to headline Noche UFC against former interim featherweight champion Yair Rodriguez, but an injury forced Rodriguez out of the bout. After suffering his first octagon loss to two-time **** le challenger Diego Lopes, Silva rebounded with a unanimous decision win over Arnold Allen at UFC 324.
Dana White's Contender Series graduate Delgado (12-2 MMA, 4-1 UFC) has won nine of his past 10 fights. Nathaniel Wood put an end to his win streak, but the 28-year-old rebounded with back-to-back wins over Andre Fili, and Austin Bashi.
According to Caesars, Silva is a -450 favorite to beat Delgado, who is a +350 underdog.
Where: Desert Diamond Arena, Glendale, Arizona
#contender #night #noche
17 days ago
Ultimate Fighting Championship veteran EdsonBarboza has made it clear that his retirement is final and hehas no plans to reverse his decision.
Just days after announcing the end of his 17-year professionalmixed martial arts career, the Brazilian has a message for managersand promoters who might try to entice him back intocompetition.
Barboza announced his retirement after suffering a fourthconsecutive defeat, getting finished by EstebanRibovics at UFC330 in Philadelphia. The 39-year-old then removed his glovesinside the Octagon as the crowd gave him a standing ovation andchanted his name.
For Barboza, having his children beside him made the momentparticularly emotional.
"The entire arena spontaneously chanting 'Barboza,' with my kids bymy side inside the Octagon — they had never been to one of myfights before," Barboza told Sherdog. "Definitely, that was themost emotional moment of my career."
Barboza said age wasn't the primary factor behind his decision.Instead, a severe left-eye injury suffered against LeroneMurphy proved to be the turning point. He emphasized that hecan still beat many fighters but acknowledged that competing at thehighest level is no longer realistic for him. Barboza then made hismessage to potential suitors clear.
"Managers, event promoters, please leave me alone. Don't offer meany fights," he said.
After dedicating his life to combat sports since childhood, Barbozaknows walking away will be an adjustment. However, retirement doesnot mean leaving the sport behind.
"Over these 32 years, I've had the opportunity to train with dozensof coaches from all over the world, and they taught me so much,"Barboza added. "Keeping all that knowledge to myself would beunfair, so I definitely want to pass it on."
#barboza
Just days after announcing the end of his 17-year professionalmixed martial arts career, the Brazilian has a message for managersand promoters who might try to entice him back intocompetition.
Barboza announced his retirement after suffering a fourthconsecutive defeat, getting finished by EstebanRibovics at UFC330 in Philadelphia. The 39-year-old then removed his glovesinside the Octagon as the crowd gave him a standing ovation andchanted his name.
For Barboza, having his children beside him made the momentparticularly emotional.
"The entire arena spontaneously chanting 'Barboza,' with my kids bymy side inside the Octagon — they had never been to one of myfights before," Barboza told Sherdog. "Definitely, that was themost emotional moment of my career."
Barboza said age wasn't the primary factor behind his decision.Instead, a severe left-eye injury suffered against LeroneMurphy proved to be the turning point. He emphasized that hecan still beat many fighters but acknowledged that competing at thehighest level is no longer realistic for him. Barboza then made hismessage to potential suitors clear.
"Managers, event promoters, please leave me alone. Don't offer meany fights," he said.
After dedicating his life to combat sports since childhood, Barbozaknows walking away will be an adjustment. However, retirement doesnot mean leaving the sport behind.
"Over these 32 years, I've had the opportunity to train with dozensof coaches from all over the world, and they taught me so much,"Barboza added. "Keeping all that knowledge to myself would beunfair, so I definitely want to pass it on."
#barboza
19 days ago
Fans attending the latest Ultimate Fighting Championship event at Golden 1 Center inSacramento, California, were treated to an action-packed card.
The UFC Sacramento headliner featured a middleweight clash betweenAnthonyHernandez and GregoryRodrigues. The two delivered an entertaining fight, butRodrigues ultimately had his hand raised. In the co-main event,VitorPetrino defeated SergheiSpivac in a heavyweight bout. Although the co-feature did notlive up to expectations, the event produced 10 finishes in 13fights.
Let's examine what could be next for the main-card winners.
Thanks to sharper striking and punishing leg kicks, Rodrigues(20-6, 11-3 UFC) outstruck fellow former Legacy Fighting Alliance ****** leholder Hernandez (15-4, 1 NC; 9-4UFC) in the UFC Sacramento main event. Hernandez rallied in Rounds3 and 4, but "Robocop" did enough to earn a unanimous decision.Rodrigues has won seven of his past eight Octagon appearances.
The next logical step for Rodrigues could be a clash with NassourdineImavov. Both fighters consistently pursue finishes, making thisan appealing matchup. Although Imavov has called for a ****** le shot,he might have to wait with KhamzatChimaev and Dricus DuPlessis also pursuing the championship currently held bySeanStrickland. A victory over Imavov could move Rodrigues close tohis own shot at the middleweight crown.
In the heavyweight co-main event, Petrino (15-2, 8-2 UFC) grappledhis way to a unanimous decision over former World Warriors FightingChampionship ****** leholder Spivac (18-7, 9-7 UFC) in a lacklusteraffair. It was not Petrino's best performance, but the victoryextended his winning streak to four.
The Brazilian continues to climb the rankings in a heavyweightdivision badly in need of new contenders. A matchup with notedfinisher BrandoPericic, who is building momentum of his own, could offer aninteresting test. The pairing would give both men an opportunity toestablish themselves as emerging threats in the division.
Former two-division OneChampionship ****** leholder Reinierde Ridder (22-4, 5-2 UFC) made a successful UFC lightheavyweight debut by defeating RomanDolidze (15-6, 9-6 UFC). De Ridder capitalized on Dolidze'sdecision to pull guard early, overwhelming his opponent on thecanvas by continually advancing position and landing punches.
The end came 4:01 into the first round, when Dolidze could no longer intelligently defend himself as de Ridder poured onstrikes from back control. Although "The Dutch Knight"rebounded from consecutive defeats, the victory came against afellow middleweight competing outside his usual weight class.
To secure a spot in the light heavyweight rankings, de Riddershould next face an established 205-pounder such as BogdanGuskov. Although Guskov lost his most recent ****** ignment, heremains a dangerous opponent who could provide a meaningfultest.
#although
The UFC Sacramento headliner featured a middleweight clash betweenAnthonyHernandez and GregoryRodrigues. The two delivered an entertaining fight, butRodrigues ultimately had his hand raised. In the co-main event,VitorPetrino defeated SergheiSpivac in a heavyweight bout. Although the co-feature did notlive up to expectations, the event produced 10 finishes in 13fights.
Let's examine what could be next for the main-card winners.
Thanks to sharper striking and punishing leg kicks, Rodrigues(20-6, 11-3 UFC) outstruck fellow former Legacy Fighting Alliance ****** leholder Hernandez (15-4, 1 NC; 9-4UFC) in the UFC Sacramento main event. Hernandez rallied in Rounds3 and 4, but "Robocop" did enough to earn a unanimous decision.Rodrigues has won seven of his past eight Octagon appearances.
The next logical step for Rodrigues could be a clash with NassourdineImavov. Both fighters consistently pursue finishes, making thisan appealing matchup. Although Imavov has called for a ****** le shot,he might have to wait with KhamzatChimaev and Dricus DuPlessis also pursuing the championship currently held bySeanStrickland. A victory over Imavov could move Rodrigues close tohis own shot at the middleweight crown.
In the heavyweight co-main event, Petrino (15-2, 8-2 UFC) grappledhis way to a unanimous decision over former World Warriors FightingChampionship ****** leholder Spivac (18-7, 9-7 UFC) in a lacklusteraffair. It was not Petrino's best performance, but the victoryextended his winning streak to four.
The Brazilian continues to climb the rankings in a heavyweightdivision badly in need of new contenders. A matchup with notedfinisher BrandoPericic, who is building momentum of his own, could offer aninteresting test. The pairing would give both men an opportunity toestablish themselves as emerging threats in the division.
Former two-division OneChampionship ****** leholder Reinierde Ridder (22-4, 5-2 UFC) made a successful UFC lightheavyweight debut by defeating RomanDolidze (15-6, 9-6 UFC). De Ridder capitalized on Dolidze'sdecision to pull guard early, overwhelming his opponent on thecanvas by continually advancing position and landing punches.
The end came 4:01 into the first round, when Dolidze could no longer intelligently defend himself as de Ridder poured onstrikes from back control. Although "The Dutch Knight"rebounded from consecutive defeats, the victory came against afellow middleweight competing outside his usual weight class.
To secure a spot in the light heavyweight rankings, de Riddershould next face an established 205-pounder such as BogdanGuskov. Although Guskov lost his most recent ****** ignment, heremains a dangerous opponent who could provide a meaningfultest.
#although
19 days ago
This is the UFC Sacramento live blog for Anthony Hernandez vs. Gregory Rodrigues, the middleweight main event Saturday at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, Calif.
Hernandez is currently tied with Caio Borralho for the No. 5 spot at 185 pounds in the MMA Fighting Global Rankings, while Rodrigues looks to rise from his No. 15 position
California's Hernandez (15-3, 1 NC) looks to bounce back from a disappointing loss to Sean Strickland that not only snapped an eight-fight win streak, it probably cost him a ****** le shot. "Fluffy" has made a habit of overwhelming the competition, scoring finishes against Roman Dolidze, Michel Pereira, Roman Kopylov, Edmen Shahbazyan, and Rodolfo Vieiera. An impressive performance Saturday places Hernandez back in the thick of the championship chase.
Rodrigues (19-6) is set to make a statement himself after winning his past three fights and six of his past seven. In his most recent outing, Rodrigues avenged one his few losses with a stunning first-round knockout of Brunno Ferreira. Though he was best known for his grappling exploits prior to signing with the UFC in 2021, "Robocop" has become one of the middleweight division's most respected knockout artists, with seven of his octagon victories coming by way of KO/TKO.
Check out the UFC Sacramento live blog for Anthony Hernandez vs. Gregory Rodrigues below.
#hernandez #gregory #roman
Hernandez is currently tied with Caio Borralho for the No. 5 spot at 185 pounds in the MMA Fighting Global Rankings, while Rodrigues looks to rise from his No. 15 position
California's Hernandez (15-3, 1 NC) looks to bounce back from a disappointing loss to Sean Strickland that not only snapped an eight-fight win streak, it probably cost him a ****** le shot. "Fluffy" has made a habit of overwhelming the competition, scoring finishes against Roman Dolidze, Michel Pereira, Roman Kopylov, Edmen Shahbazyan, and Rodolfo Vieiera. An impressive performance Saturday places Hernandez back in the thick of the championship chase.
Rodrigues (19-6) is set to make a statement himself after winning his past three fights and six of his past seven. In his most recent outing, Rodrigues avenged one his few losses with a stunning first-round knockout of Brunno Ferreira. Though he was best known for his grappling exploits prior to signing with the UFC in 2021, "Robocop" has become one of the middleweight division's most respected knockout artists, with seven of his octagon victories coming by way of KO/TKO.
Check out the UFC Sacramento live blog for Anthony Hernandez vs. Gregory Rodrigues below.
#hernandez #gregory #roman
19 days ago
The Ultimate Fighting Championship is in Sacramento, California, on Saturday night, for UFC Fight Night 285 at the Golden 1 Center. When the main card kicks off at 8:00 p.m. ET, there will be an intriguing fighter making his promotional debut.
Enter heavyweight Anthony Wint, a former New York Jets linebacker who will open the main card against Terrance Chatman on Paramount+.
MORE: UFC Sacramento weigh-in results: Anthony Hernandez vs Gregor Rodrigues official
Wint will be stepping into the Octagon for his UFC debut with a perfect 7-0 record and five wins by way of knockout. Chatman, meanwhile, is 5-1 with four wins by knockout, so fans can expect a slugfest.
Wint makes his UFC debut just over one week since a 34-second knockout win over Matt Adams at Dana White's Contender Series 87. The win was enough to impress the UFC boss and earn a contract. Now, the former Fury FC Heavyweight Champion will be taking his talents to the big show.
#debut #knockout
Enter heavyweight Anthony Wint, a former New York Jets linebacker who will open the main card against Terrance Chatman on Paramount+.
MORE: UFC Sacramento weigh-in results: Anthony Hernandez vs Gregor Rodrigues official
Wint will be stepping into the Octagon for his UFC debut with a perfect 7-0 record and five wins by way of knockout. Chatman, meanwhile, is 5-1 with four wins by knockout, so fans can expect a slugfest.
Wint makes his UFC debut just over one week since a 34-second knockout win over Matt Adams at Dana White's Contender Series 87. The win was enough to impress the UFC boss and earn a contract. Now, the former Fury FC Heavyweight Champion will be taking his talents to the big show.
#debut #knockout
23 days ago
Season 10 of Dana White's Contender series is in full swing, with the second week of the season bringing 10 new UFC prospects into the Octagon at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas on Tuesday night.
It was a night full of impressive finishes, but nothing could have prepared fans for the exclamation mark Kaik Brito was going to put on the night.
After Trent Miller submitted Douglas Rodrigues in the co-main event with a Von Flue choke, Brito put a stamp on the event with a spectacular knockout just 12 seconds into the third round.
WATCH: Charles Johnson hits insanely rare Scottish twister submission at UFC 330
The UFC's official X account tweeted out video of Brito's stunning knockout, dubbing it "a knockout for the ages" and "one of the best knockout's we've ever seen on DWCS."
#brito #season #Event
It was a night full of impressive finishes, but nothing could have prepared fans for the exclamation mark Kaik Brito was going to put on the night.
After Trent Miller submitted Douglas Rodrigues in the co-main event with a Von Flue choke, Brito put a stamp on the event with a spectacular knockout just 12 seconds into the third round.
WATCH: Charles Johnson hits insanely rare Scottish twister submission at UFC 330
The UFC's official X account tweeted out video of Brito's stunning knockout, dubbing it "a knockout for the ages" and "one of the best knockout's we've ever seen on DWCS."
#brito #season #Event
23 days ago
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) today announced several new bouts for the upcoming UFC 332 event on Paramount+, recently made official for Sat., Oct. 3, 2026 at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Chief among them is the bantamweight contest pitting Deiveson Figueiredo against Payton Talbott, a bout that could land Talbott a spot in the division Top 15.
Elsewhere on the card, former UFC middleweight **** le challenger Marvin Vettori returns to battle Austrian import Ismail Naurdiev, not long after Johnny Walker makes his heavyweight debut against well-traveled veteran Mick Parkin. In addition, Court McGee will throw hands with Eric Nolan in what is expected to be "Crusher's" final appearance inside the Octagon.
Here's the current UFC 332 lineup:
135 lbs.: Deiveson Figueiredo vs. Payton Talbott
265 lbs.: Mick Parkin vs. Johnny Walker
185 lbs.: Ateba Gautier vs. Roman Kopylov
185 lbs.: Damian Pinas vs. Andrey Pulyaev
185 lbs.: Ismail Naurdiev vs. Marvin Vettori
125 lbs.: Alden Coria vs. Imanol Rodriguez
170 lbs.: Court McGee vs. Eric Nolan
Expect more UFC 332 fight card announcements in the coming weeks.
#talbott #figueiredo #vettori #johnny
Elsewhere on the card, former UFC middleweight **** le challenger Marvin Vettori returns to battle Austrian import Ismail Naurdiev, not long after Johnny Walker makes his heavyweight debut against well-traveled veteran Mick Parkin. In addition, Court McGee will throw hands with Eric Nolan in what is expected to be "Crusher's" final appearance inside the Octagon.
Here's the current UFC 332 lineup:
135 lbs.: Deiveson Figueiredo vs. Payton Talbott
265 lbs.: Mick Parkin vs. Johnny Walker
185 lbs.: Ateba Gautier vs. Roman Kopylov
185 lbs.: Damian Pinas vs. Andrey Pulyaev
185 lbs.: Ismail Naurdiev vs. Marvin Vettori
125 lbs.: Alden Coria vs. Imanol Rodriguez
170 lbs.: Court McGee vs. Eric Nolan
Expect more UFC 332 fight card announcements in the coming weeks.
#talbott #figueiredo #vettori #johnny
