FURY-JOSHUA HEADS TO NEW YORK AS WHITE AND HEARN CLASH PUBLICLY

 

Key points:

• Dana White gave his strongest signal yet that Fury vs Joshua lands at Madison Square Garden on November 20

• White launched a heated public attack on Eddie Hearn after being told Hearn still wants the fight in the UK

• Hearn has argued Joshua’s contract requires a UK venue and has discussed possible legal action

• Joshua’s approval is still technically required before the venue becomes official

The months-long tug-of-war over where Anthony Joshua finally fights Tyson Fury boiled into open conflict this week, with Dana White all but confirming a New York venue before turning his frustration directly on Eddie Hearn.

Told the fight had been agreed for Friday, November 20, White responded with a knowing “Interesting.” Pressed on Madison Square Garden specifically, he added, “If that’s what the word is, then that must be it.” White seemed less uncertain about the location than simply unwilling to make the formal announcement himself, growing irritated when a reporter questioned his role in the promotion. “You might want to ask the promoters of the fight,” he said. “I’m not going to play these games with these [expletive] guys.”

The real anger surfaced when White was told Hearn still wants the fight in Britain and had discussed legal action over TKO’s dealings with Madison Square Garden. “I have not. I stopped listening to Eddie Hearn about three months ago,” White said. “Is there anybody more full of [expletive] than this guy?” Hearn responded in kind, accusing White of exaggerating his own role in the venue negotiations.

What White’s outburst didn’t address is the contractual question underneath all of it: Joshua reportedly signed for a fight in Britain, and his approval is still required before Madison Square Garden becomes official. Madison Square Garden clearly suits Netflix, allowing a Friday night broadcast in American primetime away from college football and NFL competition, but it would leave British fans watching an overnight fight rather than the Wembley occasion many expected for years.

- BBN Editor

DUSTIN POIRIER SAYS BUD LIGHT ENDED DEAL IMMEDIATELY AFTER AIRPORT ARREST

Poirier says Bud Light terminated his deal right away, costing him money while he vows to stay away from alcohol.

Photo: BJPenn.com

Dustin Poirier says Bud Light ended its sponsorship deal with him right after his airport arrest, a business hit he now connects directly to his decision to stop drinking.

Poirier discussed the fallout during an interview on The Ariel Helwani Show. The former interim UFC lightweight champion said the arrest and the reaction around it cost him a major sponsor, but he also said promoting alcohol no longer fits the way he is trying to live.

When Helwani asked where things stood with Bud Light, Poirier gave a short answer.

“No, they terminated my contract immediately,” Poirier said.

Poirier did not frame the split as something he wanted to fight. He said the money mattered to his family, then pointed to the larger conflict of advertising a product he says he is done using.

“No, it’s all good, man. I don’t need that [ __ ] poison in my life,” Poirier said.

“I mean, it sucks that my family loses out on the money I had left on the deal with them, which is a few hundred thousand,” Poirier said. “But also, if I’m representing something that I’m not going to be, if I’m advertising something I’m not going to be taking part in and promoting stuff, you know, it is what it is.”

Poirier Says He Cannot Drink Responsibly

The Bud Light comments came inside a longer answer about the arrest, accountability, and alcohol. Poirier said the incident followed his own choices and that he is now a month sober.

“What happened that day, I just wasn’t in a good mental space,” Poirier said. “I knew I shouldn’t have and I didn’t care in the moment, you know, just a really bad day for me.”

“It’ll never happen again,” Poirier said. “I’m a month sober from alcohol and I’m never going to pick up alcohol again. I’m never going to drink again in my life. I made a vow, you know, and when I make promises to myself like that to my family like that, I don’t break them.”

That answer lines up with how Poirier described the sponsorship problem. He said he does not judge people who can drink without losing control, but he no longer puts himself in that group.

 “Right. Right. And I don’t have a problem with people,” Poirier said. “There’s plenty of people out there who do drink responsibly. I’m not one. I’m not one. So, if you can drink responsibly, have fun. Drink a Bud Light. Drink a whatever the hell you want. Be responsible. Have a good time. I’m not that person.”

Poirier also explained that the issue was not daily drinking. He said the pattern became dangerous when he did drink, especially after retirement removed the structure that came with fight camps.

“Probably three out of four times if I do pick up alcohol, I overdrink,” Poirier said. “But I don’t drink every day. But when I do drink it, we’re drinking, you know, and that’s a problem. That’s a problem I’ve had throughout my life, but definitely since I laid the gloves down.”

“When I laid the gloves down, I realized I was drinking to process emotion,” Poirier said. “I wasn’t drinking to socialize. I wasn’t drinking to celebrate. I was drinking to fight the feelings in my head. I was trying to process emotion with drinking to get away, to run away from it, which is a coward’s move.”

Other Sponsors And UFC Stayed Supportive

Poirier said Bud Light was not the only company watching the fallout, but he added that his other sponsors have stayed with him because of long relationships. His comments follow earlier coverage of his airport arrest apology and the support he received after Jon Jones publicly backed him.

“So far everybody’s been pretty supportive,” Poirier said. “These other companies I work with, I’ve been working with for years, for years and years and years. And they know my character. They’ve been around me in person and it was just a really bad day, man.”

He also said the UFC reached out quickly. Poirier named Hunter Campbell as the person who contacted him and said Dana White had not personally called at the time of the interview.

“Literally one day after the arrest and all that happened, Hunter Campbell with the UFC reached out to me and asked me what he can do, that the UFC’s got my back,” Poirier said. “Anything they can do, anything I need help with, let them know and they’re all in. So, no, the UFC, the company immediately reached out to me and had my back.”

“I believe his exact words were something on the line of I can’t let somebody who fought for this company for over 15 years try to handle all this on his own or something like we have your back,” Poirier said. “Let us know what you need from us.”

The legal case is still part of the picture. Poirier said he is dealing with a misdemeanor public intoxication charge, adding that his lawyer told him the matter could be resolved favorably if he does the right things. He said his wife booked him back into therapy immediately after he returned home.

“I mean, at worst, potential jail time,” Poirier said. “I don’t think it’s going to go that far. Maybe a fine. But the lawyer I’m talking to, the day I got back, my wife already booked me a therapy session for the day after I got back. The first day, my first full day home, I was back in therapy and trying to pull things together."

Poirier retired after his UFC 318 trilogy fight with Max Holloway, but his name has stayed active through post-career topics, including brain-scan concerns, his advice that Michael Chandler should consider retirement, and Conor McGregor’s reaction to the arrest discussion. The Bud Light split adds a direct business consequence to a personal reset Poirier says he has already started.

- Jake Blend

FRANK WARREN DROPS CONTRACT BOMBSHELL THAT STOPS DANA WHITE FROM PROMOTING ANTHONY JOSAHUA VS TYSON FURY

 

Frank Warren has poured cold water on Dana White's claims that he will promote Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury.

Warren told assembled media on Saturday night, after Daniel Dubois' gutsy stoppage win over Fabio Wardley, that it is contractually impossible for the Zuffa Boxing chief to be involved in such a capacity.

Joshua and Fury have signed to fight each other after their respective tune-up fightsCredit: Getty

"Well, he's not [promoting Joshua vs Fury] because the contract with Tyson says that Zuffa will not be able to promote that fight," said Warren.

"I don't know [where he has got that from]. Ask him. I mean, it is just b******."

When Warren's comments were put to White at the Zuffa Boxing 06 post-fight press conference on Sunday, he quipped: "Then he must be right."

"I'm going to leave that alone," he added. "Apparently, I'm not the promoter, according to some people."

Queensberry vs Zuffa Boxing

Earlier this year, Warren threatened legal action against Saudi Arabian state-owned entertainment and hospitality company Sela and TKO Group Holdings, the American media conglomerate that owns the UFC and WWE.

TKO inked a five-year partnership with Sela and Saudi powerbroker Turki Alalshikh to form Zuffa Boxing last year.

Warren alleged in a 'letter before action' sent to relevant parties that the joint venture breached contracts that his promotional outfit, Queensberry, had signed with the Saudis and TKO.

Queensberry claims to have signed an exclusive deal with Sela in September 2023 to provide boxing services.

Warren's company says it also reached a separate agreement with TKO, granting the sports giant access to Queenberry's online data, including details of its contract with Sela.

Queensberry alleges that TKO and Sela used privileged information to go behind its back to create their new entity.

Warren has threatened legal action against TKO and SelaCredit: Mark Robinson/Matchroom

There has been no development on the case since February, when it was revealed Warren was preparing legal action.

Alalshikh and Warren sat next to each other at ringside for Fury's comeback fight with Arslanbek Makhmudov, and will work together for Joshua vs Fury, which is being targeted for the back end of the year after both men participate in tune-up fights.

Discussing the current state of his relationship with the Saudis during a recent appearance on the Ariel Helwani Show, Warren said: "Riyadh Season for me was a blast, everyone cooperated to put on some great shows, and I enjoyed it.

"But things are what they are, and you have to keep evolving and moving on.

"They are talking about Agit [Kabayel] fighting [Oleksandr] Usyk, and Agit is with us, so if that is going to happen, then we are going to have to work together on it.

"The same with Hamzah Sheeraz, it's the same thng."

- George Glinski

'DEVASTATED' EDDIE HEARN HITS OUT AT CONNOR BENN AFTER BOXER DUMPED PROMOTER FOR DANA' WHITE'S FLEDGLING COMLANY - AND REVEALS STAR'S SHOCKING REACTION WHEN HE ASKED FOR A PHONE CALL MOMENTS BEFORE 'PAINFUL' SPLIT'

Eddie Hearn has revealed he is 'devastated' following Conor Benn's decision to sign with Dana White's outfit Zuffa Boxing - and admitted that he may have 'misjudged the character' of the boxer.

The 29-year-old, son of British legend Nigel Benn, sensationally announced on Thursday that he was ditching Hearn's promotion Matchroom Boxing after a decade-long relationship.

Benn, who has ambitions of winning the WBC welterweight title, thanked Hearn for standing by him during the tough periods of his career and said he was excited for a 'new chapter' aimed at securing 'legacy fights' on the biggest stages.

But Hearn, whose promotion guided the British boxing star from his 2016 debut to headlining cards and stuck by him through a series of failed drug tests, has hit out at the fighter.

Speaking to iFL TV after Benn's bombshell announcement, the 46-year-old promoter claimed he was informed of the decision by the boxer's lawyer before being refused a phone call with him.

Benn announced he was joining the promotion led by Dana White late on Friday evening

'Me personally, pretty devastated,' Hearn said of his reaction to the news. 'I have had a few days to digest what might happen. It is not often you get shocked. 

'I blame myself. I forgot it was boxing. I just felt the loyalty that we have shown would never ever put us in this position.'

Hearn added that he 'misjudged the character' of Benn by feeling the 'loyalty' he had shown him 'would be enough to talk it through or get close to a number'.

He continued: 'It feels a little bit of a wasted few years. I gave a lot... I believed him and I backed him and I never gave in when he was done, out. Loaned him hundreds of thousands of pounds, but yeah on we go.'

'I just think the way it was done was very very wrong,' he added. 'But everyone is different. Some people, loyalty really matters, other people maybe not so. 

'The way it played out to receive an email from the lawyer and then to ask for a call and not the willingness to have it, you just lose a bit of your soul to it.'

Benn, whose most recent fight was his rematch victory over Chris Eubank Jr in December, announced his decision late on Friday night and led his social media statements thanking Hearn and Matchroom 'for everything they've done'.

The 29-year-old beat Chris Eubank Jr in a rematch between the fighters last December

But Eubank Jr, who won the first fight last April, launched a scathing attack on his old foe on X.

'So Eddie Hearns (sic) #1 fighter has now left him,' the boxer's post read.

'Eddie stuck by Conor Benn through thick & thin, getting him off of drug charges & giving him money to live when he had nothing. 

'I guess this really shows just how much of a scumbag Hearn actually is… he saves his fighters life & career & Conor still doesn’t want to be involved with him. Or is Benn the scumbag for dumping the man that built him? (thinking emoji).

Hearn admitted that he may have 'misjudged the character' of British welterweight star Benn

'This really is a conundrum. Scumbag on scumbag violence at its finest… don’t say I didn’t tell you guys.'

Benn claimed Zuffa Boxing 'presented me with an opportunity I simply couldn’t refuse' and said he hoped his old promoter could 'continue to be a part of my team'.

'I’m filled with excitement and hunger for what’s ahead with Zuffa Boxing,' Benn's statement continued. 

'I want the legacy fights, the biggest nights, the biggest stages. I fear no man at any weight, and I’m ready to give the fans the fights they’ve been calling for. I’m in my prime, and together we have bold, ambitious plans.'

The announcement came as a major shock in the sport, given Matchroom's decision to stick by Benn when he failed two drug tests in 2022. 

The promotion's continued backing throughout the episode was widely noted, and Benn eventually returned to boxing on home soil in late 2024.

Against that backdrop, Benn's move to Zuffa - founded by UFC chief executive White - appears motivated by both financial and strategic factors.

Benn has long pursued Ryan Garcia and speculation is abound that he could now face him

The deal is understood in boxing circles to be lucrative - reportedly a one-fight agreement worth eight figures - which would leave Benn a free agent again after his promotional debut with Zuffa.

The switch also places Benn at the centre of the new promoter's early ambitions to attract high-profile names and stage blockbuster events. Among the potential targets generating intrigue is American star Ryan Garcia, whom Benn has long pursued.

Garcia's own promotional situation remains uncertain amid conflicting claims involving Golden Boy Promotions and founder Oscar De La Hoya. Garcia has suggested his contract with Golden Boy is due to expire on Sunday, while De La Hoya maintains multiple bouts remain on the agreement.

The public back-and-forth, set against Benn's new deal with Zuffa, has intensified speculation that a Benn-Garcia showdown could materialise as one of the promotion's first marquee matchups if the contractual picture clears.

It is understood Zuffa is planning multiple London events throughout 2026, raising the prospect of Benn and Garcia headlining a blockbuster show after Benn previously claimed the pair could sell out a stadium.

Benn is also expected to be ringside for Garcia's forthcoming contest against Mario Barrios, raising the prospect of a face-off or promotional moment that could further stoke anticipation around a possible transatlantic showdown.

White called Benn's signing a 'huge addition' to his team.

'Conor Benn is an absolute beast and a superstar,' he said in a statement. 

'He shows up every time and destroys people, and now some of the best fighters in the world are calling him out.

'He's ready for a world title next and I can't wait to see him compete in Zuffa Boxing.

'He's going to be a huge addition to a growing stable of very talented boxers.'

- CIARAN FOREMAN

DANA WHITE'S MOUNT RUSHMORE OF BOXING | VIA THE RUSHMORE PODCAST

 

ALEX PEREIRA RESPONDS TO KHAMZAT CHIMAEV'S SHOCK CALLOUT FOLLOWING UFC 320 TITLE WIN

With Alex Pereira back at the top of the light heavyweight heap, there are plenty of fighters that would like to fight the legendary Brazilian.

This past Saturday, the premier promotion returned to Las Vegas for UFC 320, headlined by a light heavyweight title fight between Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira.

After such a disappointing performance against the Russian earlier this year, Pereira made the correct adjustments and went on to knock Ankalaev out in the first round to reclaim his title.

And having reclaimed his light heavyweight title, ‘Poatan’ will now have several fighters waiting in line to fight him next, with him once again being one of the biggest stars in the sport.

Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images

Pereira responds to shock callout from Khamzat Chimaev

Almost immediately after Pereira’s title winning performance, he was congratulated by the UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev, but as part of his congratulations message, ‘Borz’ told Pereira it is time for them to settle their unfinished business.

Rumors have previously circulated that Pereira and Chimaev have been linked to fight each other and the rivalry seemed to hot up when Chimaev trolled Pereira over his knockout loss to Israel Adesanya.

The Brazilian even went on to propose a bet that he wouldn’t be taken down by Chimaev which led to even more excitement for a potential clash between the two.

However, following Chimaev’s shock callout, Pereira issued a response, stating that he is not interested in fighting the Chechen.

“Thanks for congratulating me but all I want is a super fight, I wanna fight at heavyweight but all I can say is thank you,” Pereira said.

Following his win, the 38-year-old revealed that he had a long callout for Jon Jones planned, but following the tragic death of Jones’ brother, Arthur Jones, the Brazilian decided to pay his respects to the family with a moment of silence.

Dana White hesitant to allow Pereira to move up to heavyweight

If Pereira does eventually move up to heavyweight and somehow claims a title at the weight class, he would become the first fighter in history to win a title in three separate weight divisions.

Despite that, UFC boss Dana White is hesitant to allow Pereira to move up in weight as there are several contenders at light heavyweight that are deserving of a title shot.

Carlos Ulberg recently picked up his ninth win in a row, and before UFC 320, both Pereira and Ankalaev highlighted him as the likely next contender.

- Jamie Theodosi

TOM ASPINALL INSTALLED AS UFC CHAMPION AFTER JON JONES CONFIRMS RETIREMENT

Britain’s Tom Aspinall has been upgraded to UFC undisputed heavyweight champion following the official retirement of Jon Jones.

UFC president Dana White ended months of uncertainty in the heavyweight division by delivering the news after Saturday’s Fight Night in Azerbaijan.

Aspinall spent 19 months as interim champion and is only the third Briton to become a UFC champion.

American Jones – considered one of the greatest mixed martial arts fighters of all time – had not competed since defeating Stipe Miocic in November.

“Jon Jones called us last night and retired,” White said.

“Jon Jones is officially retired. Tom Aspinall is the heavyweight champion of the UFC.

“Do I regret the time that I gave (Jones to decide)? Listen, if you look at what he’s accomplished in the sport, no.”

Aspinall had unsuccessfully campaigned to fight 37-year-old Jones.

Reacting to the news, the 32-year-old, who last fought in July, posted on Instagram: “For you fans, it’s time to get this heavyweight division going. An active undisputed champion.”

Aspinall is expected to defend his title this summer or in early autumn, with number-one contender Ciryl Gane a likely opponent.

“I obviously feel bad for Tom that he lost all that time and obviously money, but we’ll make it up to him,” said White.

“Tom Aspinall’s a good guy. He’s been incredible through this whole process.

“He’s been willing to do anything, fight him (Jones) anywhere at any time and do this, and now he’s like ‘I’ll fight anybody – you tell me who and I’ll fight them’.”

- PA

FRANCIS NGANNOU MAKES UFC RETURN SINCE RELEASE AMID POTENTIAL U-TURN ON COMEBACK

Francis Ngannou made a first appearance at a UFC event since leaving the promotion - to support friend Kamaru Usman.

Ngannou left the UFC in 2023 and was stripped of his heavyweight title, as he failed to agree a new deal with Dana White's promotion.

Ngannou returned to the UFC stage to support friend Kamaru UsmanCredit: Getty

The Cameroon star didn't leave on entirely good terms and has barely batted an eye at the UFC since signing with rivals PFL.

But his coach Eric Nicksick recently hinted that he would be open to a comeback to the roster, despite previously suggesting he would never return.

Jon Jones issued a call-out to Ngannou and hinted that the fight could get made, but Dana White didn't budge on a new signature of his former champion.

Although now relations appear to have improved again, with Ngannou attending the UFC Atlanta weigh-ins.

It was the 38-year-old's first arrival at any UFC event since 2023.

He even came up on stage as friend and former UFC champion Usman took to the scales to weigh in for his huge showdown with Joaquin Buckley.

Ngannou received a rousing reception from fans, as his status as a hugely popular fighter has clearly been retained.

And it sent the MMA fraternity into a frenzy, with many demanding he faces either Jones or Tom Aspinall.

But his coach Nicksick believes right now he would likely struggle to exit his deal with the PFL.

On his debut at his new home, Ngannou became the heavyweight champion beating Renan Ferreira last year.

Ngannou received a warm welcome up on stageCredit: Getty

But he has yet to fight since, and has even teased a return to boxing after two outings against Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.

A more likely option than a UFC comeback could be a two-fight deal with Deontay Wilder.

And the 'Bronze Bomber' insists talks are still ongoing.

‘Yeah, I'd love to fight Ngannou. It’s a lot of things going on," he said.

"I think that fight is still stirring up. We’re still talking about it. Certain things have been laid out.

We do one fight boxing and one fight MMA, fair is fair. We’re just trying to figure out how we want the segment to go with me and Ngannou. I’m definitely interested; he is as well.

Ngannou last fought in the UFC in his win over Cyril Gane in 2022Credit: Getty

"I guess it’s just a matter of time, time is always the matter, and then when you execute that you always get a place and a date, and then you can start the promotion.

"I think that’s something that’s looking to be created, something that is looking to be done.

"People are going to look forward to that, I’m going to look forward to that. Stay tuned."

- Ben Davies

ISLAM MAKHACHEV SENDS DEFIANT DIRECT MESSAGE TO JACK DELLA MADDALENA FOLLOWING UFC 315 TITLE WIN

Islam Makhachev’s next fight has finally become clear following UFC 315 this past Saturday.

In the UFC 315 main event in Montreal on Saturday, Jack Della Maddalena dethroned Belal Muhammad to become the new welterweight champion after a five round war.

Following the fight, Muhammad was trolled by Dricus Du Plessis, the UFC middleweight champion, after Belal Muhammad previously hinted at a future move up to 185lbs.

Ahead of the UFC 315 main event, UFC boss Dana White claimed that the result would determine both Islam Makhachev’s and Ilia Topuria’s next fights, as the two were linked to fight each other but Makhachev continued to remain hopeful of moving up in weight.

Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC

Islam Makhachev sends Jack Della Maddalena a defiant message

Islam Makhachev was in an awkward position coming into the welterweight title fight as Muhammad is his teammate so he was supporting him, however, he knew ‘Remember The Name’ stood in his way.

Immediately after Della Maddalena’s win in the main event, the Russian took to social media to declare his next fight will come against the Australian, stating that his plan to become double champion is on.

Although Della Maddalena isn’t teammates with Alexander Volkanovski, the two are close friends, and in his Octagon interview, the Australian stated that he wants to beat Makhachev for Volkanovski, after he suffered two losses to the Russian.

“You are not Volkanovski, I will show you different levels. Keep my belt clean,” Makhachev told Della Maddalena in a post on social media.

Volkanovski and Makhachev first fought in 2023 at UFC 284 when Makhachev very narrowly picked up the unanimous decision win in what was an extremely close fight.

Jack Della Maddalena responds to Islam Makhachev

With Della Maddalena completely open to fighting the lightweight champion in his first title defense, he issued his response to Makhachev in the UFC 315 post-fight press conference.

“Come and get it, come get it,” Della Maddalena responded to Makhachev.

Makhachev revealed earlier this week that he won’t be vacating his 155lb title in pursuit of the second belt and it is still unclear when he may return to the Octagon with his opponent now clear.

- Jamie Theodosi

ALEX PEREIRA THREATENS DANA WHITE WITH UFC RETIREMENT FOLLOWING ROCKY CONVERSATIONS WITH PROMOTIONS

Alex Pereira has shockingly revealed that he is considering leaving MMA for good.

Pereira hasn't fought since dropping his light heavyweight title to Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313 in March.

He suffered a unanimous decision defeat to the Russian in the main event of the Las Vegas card, but it seemed like both men were destined to rematch as soon as possible due to their reactions in the aftermath of the card.

However, in a shocking turn of events, Brazilian superstar Pereira has threatened UFC CEO Dana White by saying that he has considered 'not fighting anymore' in what would be a huge blow to the promotion.

"I always answered the UFC’s calls," he wrote on X.

"But if they want to play with me, we can do that. I’ve never spoken poorly of the UFC but with what I’ve just heard I’m disheartened.

"I’ve already had thoHe finished 2024 having defended the heavyweight title three times, knocking out fighters including Jiri Prochazka and Jamahal Hill.

However, his defeat at UFC 313 left him in a position of needing to beat Ankalaev in a rematch to pursue a future in the heavyweight division.ughts of not fighting anymore, and after what was just relayed to me this may be the start."

The 37-year-old was undefeated at light heavyweight before locking horns with Ankalaev.

The loss meant his hopes of a future blockbuster with Jon Jones had come to an abrupt end after months of teasing a move to the heavyweight division.

‘Poatan’ had bounced back from losing the UFC middleweight title to Israel Adesanya to go on a tear at 205lbs.

He finished 2024 having defended the heavyweight title three times, knocking out fighters including Jiri Prochazka and Jamahal Hill.

However, his defeat at UFC 313 left him in a position of needing to beat Ankalaev in a rematch to pursue a future in the heavyweight division.

Speaking after the Las Vegas card, UFC CEO White said Pereira will ‘probably’ get an immediate rematch.

Pereira, meanwhile, talked up the rematch in his post-fight reaction on social media.

“[I’m] gonna rest a bit. I’ll be back like I've always done. This has already happened, but I’m good," he said.

“I’m grateful for all your support, for all your love [and] always supporting me.

“I’m receiving so many messages of great encouragement. I’m here with my people: my family, my team, my children.

“Everyone’s here. Everyone’s here with me. I’m gonna have some pizza. That’s that, life continues.

“[I’m] gonna make some adjustments for the rematch and I’ll be back much better. You can count on it.

“All good everyone. Never give up on your dreams. Chama.”

But for now, it seems like Pereira is extremely frustrated at not getting an imminent rematch.

Should the Brazilian follow through on his threat to quit the UFC, there would be no shortage of suitors wanting to have him fight on their respective promotion.

However, he could take a completely alternative route to continue his combat career.

Ahead of his defeat to Ankalaev at UFC 313, Pereira was asked about who he would like to face next had he got past the Russian.

Pereira name-dropped UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis and Jones but added another staggering name to his potential hit-list in the form of unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.

“Those I see possibly happening, it doesn't depend on me it depends on the UFC, so whatever the UFC want me to do I will do it," Pereira added.

Usyk, 38, holds the IBO, WBC and WBO world heavyweight titles and will look to re-add the IBF world heavyweight crown to his collection when he takes on Daniel Dubois at Wembley on July 19.

But after they contest the rematch, Usyk could look to take on a money-spinning exhibition bout against Pereira.

There may be merit to the idea given UFC president White has joined forces with Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh to spearhead a new boxing venture.

When asked for his response to the news of White dipping his toes into the boxing world, Pereira expressed his excitement and even dropped a hint about where and when his dream bout against Usyk would happen.

"Absolutely, I was hyped," Pereira said.

“I was happy when I heard the news. Who knows, September, Saudi Arabia.”

- Lewis Thompson

SPORTS LUMINARIES SET TO ATTEND TRUMP INAUGURATION

Getty 

A number of sports stars from past and present are set to attend President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration Monday, including some stars from the world of combat sports -- where Trump has garnered a number of supporters. In addition to UFC President Dana White, other expected attendees include former boxing stars Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield, current boxing stars Jake and Logan Paul and UFC fighter Conor McGregor. Elsewhere in the world of sports, Oilers LW Evander Kane, MLB free agent Noah Syndergaard and former NFLers Brian Urlacher, Le'Veon Bell and Antonio Brown are also expected to be seen in the crowd. A number of these athletes are "expected at a black-tie reception" that Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg will co-host with several prominent sports team owners Monday night before the inaugural balls (AXIOS, 1/19).

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is also "planning to attend" the inauguration. Infantino says Trump has been "very supportive of FIFA," and the governing body's next two major tournaments -- the 2025 Club World Cup and the 2026 men's World Cup -- are set to be staged in the U.S. (USA TODAY, 1/18). Other UFC fighters expected to attend include Jorge Masvidal and heavyweight champion Jon Jones, who celebrated with Trump after retaining the championship in a November bout (NBCNEWS.com, 1/17).

Meanwhile, Trump during a campaign-style rally at D.C.'s Capital One Arena on Sunday said once he is president, he will take action to "keep men out of women's sports" 

- REUTERS

- 

DANA WHITE SHUTS DOWN TALK OF CONOR MCGREGOR FIGHTING LOGAN PAILE

•  Conor McGregor has not fought in any discipline in almost four years

•  The Irishman has been linked with a boxing bout against Logan Paul or KSI

Dana White has ruled out the prospect of Conor McGregor returning to boxing to fight Logan Paul or KSI. 

The Irishman has not fought since his defeat by Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in 2021 and teased on social media last month that he could return in a £200m clash with YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul in India.

And last week KSI, real name Olajide Olatunji, insisted he is 'down' to take on the MMA star in a boxing bout.

KSI took to social media to call out Conor McGregor for a boxing fight in the near future

McGregor's comeback has long been anticipated and he was slated to fight against Michael Chandler last year before he was forced to pull out after suffering an injury in training.

But the 36-year-old is still contracted to UFC and the organisation's president and CEO, Dana White, suggested this will prevent McGregor making his comeback as a boxer. 

'Eventually,' White told the Pardon My Take podcast when asked if McGregor would fight in the UFC in 2025.  

'No no (he won't fight KSI or Logan Paul]. Hopefully Conor McGregor returns in the fall.'

UFC boss Dana White hopes Conor McGregor will return to the sport later this year

McGregor's absence from UFC leaves a sizeable hole given his selling power and superstar status. 

His popularity in the Republic of Ireland and the UK has plummeted since he began his legal fight with Dubliner Nikita Hand.

Hand was awarded more than €248,000 (£206,000) after a jury in Dublin concluded that McGregor 'brutally raped' and 'battered' the ex-hair colourist in a Dublin hotel penthouse in December 2018.

He has also vowed to appeal the decision.

McGregor's popularity in the USA has not been has poorly affected, however, and his comeback would be a massive boon to UFC.  

- DAVID KENT

UFC CEO DANA WHITE JOINS MARK ZUCKERBERG'S META BOARD OF DIRECTORS

UFC CEO Dana White is now in business with Mark Zuckerberg.

Meta, formerly known as Facebook Inc., announced Monday the UFC CEO has joined the company’s board of directors along with John Elkann, CEO of Exor; and Charlie Songhurst, former General Manager and Head of Global Corporate Strategy at Microsoft.

“Dana, John and Charlie will add a depth of expertise and perspective that will help us tackle the massive opportunities ahead with AI, wearables and the future of human connection,” Zuckerberg, founder and CEO of Meta, said in a news release.

White, who’s mainly known for his work with the UFC, which spans over two decades, showed eagerness for the new venture.

“I’ve never been interested in joining a board of directors until I got the offer to join Meta’s board,” White said. “I am a huge believer that social media and AI are the future. I am very excited to join this incredible team and to learn more about this business from the inside. There is nothing I love more than building brands, and I look forward to helping take Meta to the next level.”

The announcement may not come entirely out of left field. Zuckerberg is a public fan and supporter of the UFC, and in recent years has been attending events, and seen hanging out with fighters and White himself. He even was one of the cornermen for Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298. In addition, the UFC also used to stream its preliminary card fights on Facebook Live.

- Danny Segura

JAKE PAUL'S BOXING PROMOTION POUR COLD WATER ON $500MILLION CONOR MCGREGOR V LOGAN PAUL REPORTS

Photos by Getty Images

Jake Paul’s boxing promotion have called foul on talks about his brother Logan’s big $250million fight.

The controversial brothers have taken the combat world by storm, with Logan Paul becoming a star in the WWE while Jake is taking over boxing. However, it seems that Conor McGregor prefers the older sibling as an opponent for his return to the ring next year.

McGregor has claimed that there are ‘preliminary agreements’ for a fight between he and the elder Paul brother in India next year. And he yesterday stoked the fire further by sharing a seeming hoax report that they would be making $250million each for the bout.

Conor McGregor reposts troll report that he will make $250million to face Logan Paul

Last night, a report from a social media account claiming to be former TalkSPORT journalist Michael Benson managed to trick news outlets into reporting a number of falsehoods about Conor McGregor vs Logan Paul.

The ‘report’ cited an imaginary Dan Rafael quote claiming that both men would make $250million, and that the fight would take place at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai. It also said that the event would headline a ‘Visit India’ tourism drive, which appears to not be a real campaign.

However, what made it more remarkable was when McGregor’s news outlet The Mac Life shared the claims, as if they were legitimate. And the Irishman collaborated on the post, meaning that it showed up to his 47.1million followers.

It follows his initial claims about the fight having ‘preliminary agreements’ in place earlier this month. “The rumors of a bout with [UFC featherweight champion Ilia] Topuria are false,” he wrote in a tweet on X on December 17.

“I am in preliminary agreements with the Ambani family to face Logan Paul in a boxing exhibition in India. I have agreed. I will then seek my return to the Octagon.”

Jake Paul’s Promotion play down Logan Paul and Conor McGregor fight talks

However, not everybody is convinced that McGregor is telling the truth. Logan’s brother Jake Paul owns the boxing promotion Most Valuable Promotions, which put on his fight with Mike Tyson in Texas last month.

And underneath McGregor’s post, they commented with three hat emojis, essentially saying “Cap on cap on cap.” Jake is believed to have been the original opponent wanted by the Ambani family to face McGregor, but claims that his team refused to enter into talks without the UFC or Dana White directly.

Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images

“Now it all makes sense why Conor McGregor and his management team have been desperately trying to get MVP to negotiate for a fight between us,” he wrote on X to his 4.7million followers in his first post since the Irishman’s initial tweet..

“As we told them them privately & I’m now saying it publicly… The only way we’re willing to explore me vs Conor in a pro boxing / mma fight is if Dana White / UFC are at the table directly or make it clear they are ok with discussions. Conor is washed. Needs the Paul’s. Logan by however he wants.”

- Donagh Corby

STIPE MIOCIC SAYS HE'S RETIRING AFTER TKO LOSS AT UFC 309

Stipe Miocic has decided to call it a career.

Following his third-round stoppage loss to Jon Jones at UFC 309 on Saturday night, Miocic announced his retirement from the sport, ending a remarkable career orchestrated by the fighter out of Euclid, Ohio.

"I'm done," Miocic said. "I'm hanging them up."

Despite the loss, Miocic remains widely recognized as the greatest heavyweight champion in UFC history.

"He's one of the greatest heavyweights ever," UFC CEO Dana White said to ESPN's Mike Coppinger. "You can't deny Stipe. Stipe is [No. 1 or No. 2] all time."

Miocic made his UFC debut in 2011 after going 6-0 on the regional scene and won three consecutive fights before suffering a TKO loss to Stefan Struve in 2012. Miocic methodically made his way back up the rankings with wins over Roy Nelson, Gabriel Gonzaga and Fabio Maldonado before suffering his second career loss to former heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos.

That second setback set the stage for a historic heavyweight run.

Following stoppage victories over Mark Hunt and Andrei Arlovski, Miocic was granted a title opportunity against then-champion Fabricio Werdum at UFC 198 in 2016. Werdum was on a remarkable run of his own, staying undefeated for nearly five years. But Miocic ended that with a first-round knockout to claim UFC gold.

Miocic reigned as champion for the next 784 days and made a trio of successful title defenses against Alistair Overeem, dos Santos and Francis Ngannou. To date, Miocic holds the UFC record for most consecutive heavyweight title defenses with three.

He dropped the title to then-light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier at UFC 226 in 2018, and the two would engage in an epic trilogy. Miocic reclaimed the title by knockout a year later at UFC 241 and won the rubber match at UFC 252 in 2020, with a decision that sent Cormier into retirement.

Now it is Miocic's time to bid farewell to a legendary career.

After losing his title in a rematch against Ngannou in 2021, Miocic stayed out of action for more than three years before stepping back into the Octagon one last time Saturday against the man considered by most as the greatest mixed martial artist of all time.

This version of Miocic was far different from the one who dominated the heavyweight division. He was unsure of himself and a step slow against Jones. Miocic was taken down early in the first round and drilled with elbows for a majority of the round while being pinned to the canvas. The second round saw Miocic struggle to put together any offense as Jones slammed kicks to the body and staggered the former champion with a hard right hand.

Miocic sought to put together a winning combination in the third round and resorted to chasing Jones around the Octagon. But he was met with a spinning back kick to the liver that put him down and out.

Miocic departs with a handful of records in the UFC heavyweight division, including most combined title defenses (4), most finishes in title fights (4), most postfight bonuses (9) and a tie with Randy Couture for most wins in title fights (6).

Perhaps as noteworthy as his career as a mixed martial artist is his dedication to his community. Throughout his fighting tenure, Miocic has maintained a career as a firefighter and paramedic in Oakwood and Valley View, Ohio. The father of two will continue working as a full-time firefighter.

- Andreas Hale, ESPN

JON JONES TRIUMPHS IN RETURN, TKO'S STIPE MIOCIC AT UFC 309

Jon Jones celebrates after his total knockout victory against Stipe Miocic in the UFC heavyweight championship fight during the UFC 309 event at Madison Square Garden, New York City, US, November 16, 2024 [Sarah Stier/Getty Images via AFP]
 https://aje.io/l1qo7q

NEW YORK -- Jon Jones looked exceptional as ever Saturday, knocking out Stipe Miocic with a spinning back kick in the third round of their heavyweight championship fight at UFC 309 inside Madison Square Garden.

And now, with that matter settled, the fight world will eagerly await its heavyweight title unification bout.

Jones (28-1) dominated Miocic (20-5) en route to the TKO victory at 4:29 of the round. The matchup was originally scheduled to take place in November 2023, but Jones pulled out with a torn pectoral muscle. Leading up to Saturday, much of the prefight talk was about whether Jones would face interim champion Tom Aspinall if he won.

After defeating Miocic, Jones made it clear he is open to the challenge.

"I've decided maybe I will not retire," Jones said, adding that he'll have conversations with UFC CEO Dana White and chief business officer Hunter Campbell. "We'll negotiate. If everything goes right, maybe we'll give you guys what you want to see."

Miocic, 42, who elected to wait an entire year for Jones' return, announced his retirement in the Octagon following the loss. The former two-time champion hadn't fought since 2021 before facing Jones on Saturday.

Even taking Miocic's layoff into account, Saturday was more about how good Jones looked rather than how rusty Miocic might have been. A near-consensus pick for greatest fighter of all time, Jones showcased all his tools in his first knockout win since December 2018. He took Miocic down in the opening round and tormented him with nasty elbows from top position. He hurt him with front kicks to the body in the second and third rounds and nearly dropped him with a jab.

The final shot was a spinning back kick to Miocic's midsection that sent him to his knees. It was a brutal climax to a one-sided fight. According to UFC Stats, Miocic landed 42 strikes -- none of which was particularly memorable -- to 104 by Jones. Jones' defense was superb all night, and he made Miocic pay with counterpunches and knees in the clinch.

"He's really, really good," Jones said of Miocic. "He's tough, durable. I hit him with some decent shots, and he kept coming forward. Everyone knows Stipe isn't the biggest heavyweight. He comes lean, in great shape. I watched him have wars with Daniel Cormier and a lot of guys, and they were rock 'em, sock 'em. He doesn't react much to getting hit in the face, so our plan was to get him in the body."

Aspinall (15-3) was in New York for UFC 309 and sat cageside for the main event. The 31-year-old English champion has been a wrecking ball in the heavyweight division in recent years, recording first-round finishes in seven of his nine UFC appearances. He won the UFC's interim title in November 2023 and made a rare defense of it against Curtis Blaydes in July.

Before Saturday, Jones had shown zero interest in facing Aspinall, even going as far as to call him a "nobody." Jones had said he'd rather vacate the heavyweight title than face Aspinall in the Octagon. Whether that was a negotiation tactic or Jones simply had a change of heart, it now appears a unification bout is very much on the table.

With the victory, Jones extended his UFC record to 16 title fight wins.

- Brett Okamoto, ESPN Staff Writer

MAX HALLOWAY QUESTIONS ILIA TOPURIA PARADING AROUND WITH UFC AND 'BMF' TITLES, TOPURIA RESPONDS

Max Holloway was the “BMF” champion. Ilia Topuria knocked him out. So Topuria is the BMF champion now, right?

Apparently it’s not that simple, as Topuria’s incredible knockout of Holloway in the UFC 308 main event only secured Topuria’s featherweight championship. Holloway won the BMF title with a fifth-round KO of Justin Gaethje this past April, but UFC CEO Dana White never stated that Holloway’s title was on the line Saturday. White later told reporters Holloway is still the BMF even after the loss.

None of that stopped Topuria from parading around with two titles after beating Holloway, which “Blessed” was asked about at the evening’s post-fight press conference.

“Could you imagine [lightweight champion] Islam [Makhachev] walking around with two belts after knocking out [featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski]?” Holloway said. “Let that sink in. The belt was in a different weight class for a different reason. I think the fans make it happen, if the UFC really wanted to make it happen they would have put it up, but Dana said what he said, so he’s the boss man.”

Topuria was also asked why he was waltzing around with the BMF title in addition to his UFC title and he wondered why it wasn’t up for grabs in the first place.

“I never understand why they didn’t put the BMF belt on the line,” Topuria said. “It has to be on the line since the first day, but they don’t want to make it official, I’m going to make it official by myself.”

“It’s going to be a little bit weird for them to promote him as a BMF, but is what it is, no problem,” he added. “I’m going to keep it in my house. … Now, I’m the new baddest motherf*cker world champion.”

Prior to fighting Holloway, Topuria suggested he could challenge for titles in multiple divisions, targeting bouts with welterweight champion Belal Muhammad and lightweight champion Islam Makhachev.

Holloway was asked if he thought Topuria could get Islam next, but he still sees options at 145 pounds for Topuria.

“I don’t know,” Holloway said. “I saw Dana White talk about it, Dana White said that Ilia got a lot of contenders here, so we see what happens. Certain situations come up for certain fighters because of certain workload that they do, so at the end of the day if he gets it that’s cool, but probably not. He has Volk and Diego [Lopes] ramming down the door right now, so I think they might keep him down there.”

“It’s hard to go against Islam,” Holloway said when asked to evaluate the potential matchup. “His fighting style is a tough one. He likes wrestling, he likes striking now, he’s falling in love with his striking, so it’s hard to win against Islam.”

- Alexander K. Lee | @AlexanderKLee 

NGANNOU: UFC'S WHITE STANDING IN WAY OF MEGAFIGHT WITH JONES

Francis Ngannou is tired of listening to UFC CEO Dana White and wants to set the record straight.

Ngannou, 38, successfully returned to MMA after a two-year detour in boxing -- and the death of his 15-month-old son -- by defeating PFL heavyweight champion Renan Ferreira in the main event of PFL Super Fights in Abu Dhabi.

While most of the MMA world celebrated Ngannou's return, White took aim at his former champion at a news conference ahead of UFC 308 by saying that he considered cutting Ngannou before he became champion and that "The Predator" actively ducked a fight with current UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones.

Ngannou reacted to White on Sirius XM Fight Nation's MMA Today.

"I think Dana's trying to make things up to buy good faith in the position he has lost," Ngannou said on Friday. "Dana has lost in this situation... and he cannot stand it. Bro, I won everything: I left. It's been almost two years, and the guy is still out there, he can't live without hounding me. Regardless of everything that happened, I'm not about him.

"The guy can't stand me. I don't know what his problem is. He can make everything up. That is his problem. I think he needs to make peace with himself because this situation is kind of weird."

White suggested that Ngannou would have made more money had he decided to stay with the UFC rather than sign with the PFL. Ngannou left the UFC in January 2023 and signed with the PFL in May 2023. While being signed with the PFL, he had the freedom to pursue opportunities outside the promotion and took on then-undefeated WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury in boxing followed by a massive fight with former unified champion Anthony Joshua. Although he lost both, Ngannou reportedly made $20 million for both fights and raised his profile before heading back to MMA last weekend.

White shrugged off Ngannou's success away from the UFC and suggested he would have made more money if he stayed.

"Francis left because he knew that if he fought Jon Jones and didn't win, it would hurt his chances of making the money that he wanted to make," White said. "But realistically, his deal was bigger here. His deal was bigger here if he stayed in the UFC. They can deny it all they want, why the f--- would I lie? Why do I care? It doesn't matter to me one way or the other... he would have made more money if he stayed in the UFC.""

Jon Jones, right, and Francis Ngannou exchange pleasantries at a PFL event in June of 2023. Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images

For Ngannou, there is more to the story, including money that he says the UFC still owes him.

"Which money is he talking about? The money that he owes me?," Ngannou said. "Remember, all of this ended with [them] saying, 'Oh, we'll backpay you from the money that we owe you for the Stipe [Miocic] and Ciryl Gane fight,' all of that. They never backpaid me. Now I have made more money than I have ever made in the UFC -- I would say twice the money that I could have ever made in my entire UFC career if I had continued in the UFC.

"Either way, if I had made less money, if I'm not making enough money that I could've made in the UFC, that's my problem. Why is he so pissed about me not making that much money? Like, c'mon man, live your life."

As for the Jon Jones fight, Ngannou is still very much interested in it and believes that Jones would like the fight as well. Jones is set to face former heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic on Nov. 16. Should Jones win, Ngannou would welcome a cross-promotion fight, which would be one of the largest in MMA history. Whether it could happen is another question.

"The only guy standing in the way of that fight is Dana White," Ngannou said. "I want the Jon Jones fight. I'm down for the fight. Jones is down for the fight. But this is a new narrative. I was down for a Jon Jones fight three years ago and I am down for it now."

One person who could bring the fight to fruition is the Chairman of Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority, Turki Alalshikh and his Riyadh Season events. Riyadh Season was a title sponsor for Noche UFC and Alalshikh was instrumental in financing Ngannou's fights with Fury and Joshua. If anybody has the pull to make it happen, it would be Alalshikh.

While Ngannou holds on to a sliver of optimism that a fight with Jones could materialize, it would require White to check his ego at the door.

"For that to happen, Dana has to let this beef go," Ngannou said. "He has to let it go."

- Andreas Hale, ESPN

SEAM O'MALLEY BELIEVES HE'S CLOSE TO BECOMING UFC'S BIGGEST STAR

LAS VEGAS -- Sean O'Malley believes he's very close to eclipsing Conor McGregor as the biggest star in the UFC.

The current UFC bantamweight champion will defend his championship against Merab Dvalishvili in the main event of Noche UFC at The Sphere in Las Vegas this weekend.

While the event itself is highly anticipated because of the massive production budget and is suggested to be "the greatest sporting event of all time" by UFC CEO Dana White, the fact that O'Malley was chosen to headline suggests that the promotion holds him in high regard. Should he emerge victorious, O'Malley believes the gap between him and McGregor will close significantly.

"I think I'm close [to catching Conor McGregor]," O'Malley told ESPN during Wednesday's media day. "I think Conor still has one more big fight in him, but the big question mark is if he can come back and beat Michael Chandler. I think he has one more huge fight. But if he goes out and loses his next fight, that's like six in a row or something? [His star power] has to die down eventually. Maybe not. But that's a big testament to how big of a star he is. If he loses, I'm there. I'm the guy."

McGregor has been out of action since July 2021. He was originally scheduled to face Chandler at UFC 303 in June but was forced out with a toe injury. An early 2025 return for McGregor has been targeted.

When asked what separates him from McGregor, O'Malley kept it simple.

"I fight, I'm active," O'Malley said. "Conor was good on the mic and he had a few good performances, but I'm consistent. Right now, I'm fighting a lot, so that's what I bring to the table."

McGregor was once a busy fighter. From his UFC debut in 2013 to 2016 he fought ten times, capturing championships at both featherweight and lightweight before venturing into a blockbuster boxing event with Floyd Mayweather in 2017. He lost by 10th-round stoppage but earned over $100 million. Since then, McGregor has only fought four times in the past eight years. By comparison, O'Malley, 29, made his UFC debut in 2017 and Saturday's fight with Dvalishvili will be his eighth fight in just under four years. Like McGregor, he is also targeting an eventual boxing match but suggested that it is not in his immediate plans.

"I do [think I'll box] but that's not my focus right now," he said. "I have a lot of big fights on the table after I [beat Merab]. I have said I'd fight [UFC featherweight champion] Ilia [Topuria]. There's Max [Holloway], Umar [Nurmagomedov] and Deiveson Figueiredo.

"There are a lot of options for me so it's not time to box right now. But there will be a time. Conor vs. Floyd [Mayweather] was requested by the fans. If I keep going out there and knocking guys out, it's going to get intriguing."

- Andreas Hale, ESPN

DANA WHITE TAKES 'FULL RESPONSIBILITY' FOR ERASING FRANCES NGANNOU'S NAMR FRON UFC 305 PRIMOTION VIDEOS AS HE ISSUES APOLOGY

Dana White’s relationship with Francis Ngannou has always been a rocky one, and ahead of UFC 305 this past Saturday, the promotion seemingly cut Ngannou’s name out of the UFC 305 countdown video which didn’t sit well with Israel Adesanya.

At one point, the UFC donned three champions from Africa in Israel Adesanya, Kamaru Usman, and Francis Ngannou, but things went from bad to worse as Usman and Adesanya lost their titles and Ngannou left the promotion.

A few months prior to UFC 305, Adesanya and Dricus Du Plessis took part in an on-sale press conference in which Adesanya commented on the history of African champions, mentioning Ngannou.

Photo by Cooper Neill/Zuffa LLC

Dana White was unaware of the promotion cutting out Ngannou’s name

During UFC 305 fight week, the UFC posted their UFC 305 countdown video in which they used the clip of the former middleweight champion talking about the history of African champions, however, they removed Ngannou’s name from their version of the video.

‘The Last Stylebender’ made it extremely clear at the UFC 305 media day that he wasn’t happy with the promotion for erasing Ngannou’s name from the promotion, stating that ‘you can never erase Francis’ history from the UFC’.

Following another week of Dana White’s Contender Series this past Tuesday evening, the UFC boss was asked about the decision to remove ‘The Predator’s’ name from the promotion, to which he was confused about and didn’t know it had happened.

“If that’s true (that we removed his name) and that was done and it was something we produced, then somebody in the company made that decision. Listen, you know me, if I said we did it, I’d say ‘Yeah f*** him this is why we did it’, I know nothing about it, nobody ever asked me about it and this is the first we’re hearing about it,” Dana White stated at the DWCS post-fight press conference.

Dana White takes responsibility for the removal of Ngannou’s name and apologizes

Despite the initial confusion, following the press conference White and his team discussed the matter and he issued another comment on it.

“My production team are a bunch of rock stars and they are truly f*cking awesome. I make it so hard on them sometimes with some of the crazy sh*t I say and it’s tough. When you (Kevin Iole) asked me about that, I didn’t know anything about it.

“But someone was editing that and made a conscious decision, thinking that was the right thing to do, that that’s what we would have wanted, what I would have wanted. I didn’t know about it and that was nothing that ever came across my desk.

I’m in charge of everything production-related, so at the end of the day, the fact it happened falls on me 100 percent. It’s my responsibility and I accept it. Blame me for that. But that’s on me. Totally on me. I already called Israel Adesanya and apologized for it,” White admitted.

- Jamie Theodosi