DRICUS DU PLESSIS LOCKED CAREER BEST, SAYS ISRAEL ADESANYA

Getty

UFC middleweight Dricus du Plessis looked career-best against Kamaru Usman, according to his longtime rival, Israel Adesanya.

Du Plessis defeated Usman via unanimous decision in the main event of UFC Oklahoma City this past Saturday. It was an impressive performance by du Plessis, who got back into the win column nearly one year after losing the UFC middleweight title to Khamzat Chimaev in a blowout at UFC 319.

It was such a good performance by du Plessis, according to Adesanya, that it may have been the best he’s ever looked in his entire MMA career, which is impressive given he is a former UFC middleweight champion and has two wins over current champ Sean Strickland.

Israel Adesanya Praises Dricus du Plessis

Taking to his YouTube channel, Adesanya showered praise on du Plessis for his dominant showing against Usman at UFC Oklahoma City.

“It’s the best I’ve seen Dricus look. He looked less out of position when he finished punching, when he initiated punching. Sometimes he still did his thing, but he looked really good. Some of the shots he was throwing, the selection, and the timing of the knee for that single-leg, that was a good chess move from their team,” Adesanya said (via MMAFighting.com).

“I wanted Kamaru to get it done, but again, it just shows how good Dricus is. And good on him.”

DDP’s Win Good for African MMA

By putting on an excellent show for the fans — DDP vs. Usman won Fight of the Night at UFC Oklahoma City — Adesanya believes that it just further strengthens African MMA, as all of these fighters were born in Africa and are among the best mixed martial artists in the world.

“It’s good for us anyway. Just for African MMA. Because off this — every time one of these happens, look, another two African fighters fight in the main event, the whole continent is going to watch. Even though it’s just a Fight Night, they’re still gonna watch and support. I think this is just going to expand the talent pool in African MMA more. And I look forward to it,” Adesanya said.

- Adam Martin

CONOR MCGREGOR ANNOUNCES SURGERY AFTER UFC 329 INJURY

"The Notorious" Wrote On Social Media About The Injury And His Plans For The Future

Former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor announced he’ll undergo surgery following a knee injury sustained during the main event of UFC 329.

McGregor ended a five-year hiatus when he returned to the Octagon at T-Mobile Arena on July 11. But his main event fight with former featherweight and BMF champion Max Holloway lasted just 69 seconds when a knee injury sustained in the bout’s opening seconds proved too much to overcome and referee Mike Beltran was forced to wave off the contest.

Immediately following the bout, McGregor shared an update to his followers on social media.

“My head gasket is gone. Destroyed,” he wrote on X.

“I had no injury / injuries going into the fight. I was throwing kicks, planted and jumping, all throughout camp as well as backstage before the fight. This came out of nowhere. I am beyond dark here. I can only describe it as hell.”

McGregor continued and directly addressed suggestions online that he was carrying an injury into the bout.

“I was so sharp and so ready for this fight, I cannot believe what has happened,” he wrote.

“The talk of me being off while walking in to the fight is nonsense. I was calm, ready, and confident. I am in shock what has taken place. The devil is literally staring at me right in front of my face here. I am not engaging. I will be at church tomorrow.”

McGregor then defiantly declared that he will fight back from his latest injury setback to return to the Octagon again.

“I will overcome this. I will not be deterred. I will return.”

Speaking to reporters backstage at the UFC 329 post-fight press conference, UFC President and CEO Dana White offered his thoughts on McGregor’s situation.

“Listen, everybody who knows anything about the fight business – and it’s been a big topic of discussion leading up to this fight – five years off, in this sport, is rough,” he said.

“Who knew what Conor was capable of as far as cardio, or whatever else, after a five-year layoff. And, well, there you go.

“We’re assuming [he sustained a] blown ACL. I’m no doctor, but that’s what I figured when I saw it, and the doctors think the same thing, too.”

Conor McGregor is consoled by Bruce Buffer after suffering a loss against Max Holloway in a welterweight fight during the UFC 329 event at T-Mobile Arena on July 11, 2026 in Las Vegas, NV (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)

White said he wasn’t sure what the future held for McGregor, but he didn’t have to wait long for “The Notorious” to make clear his plans as the Irishman posted an update to his Instagram on Monday.

“Surgery. Prehab. Return to martial arts practice. Go again,” he wrote on X.

- SIMON HEAD, ON X: @SIMONHEADSPORT

CONOR MCGREGOR ISSUES WARNING TO MAX HOLLOWAY AHEAD OF UFC RETURN

Conor McGregor will return to action for the first time in five years when he takes on Max Holloway in Las Vegas next weekend

Conor McGregor speaks out(Image: YouTube - The Ariel Helwani Show)

Conor McGregor has warned Max Holloway he will face the full brunt of his welterweight power.

McGregor is a week away from fighting for the first time in five years as he prepares for his rematch with Holloway. The rivals first met in 2013 when the Irishman won a points decision at featherweight. McGregor will fight at 170lb for the fourth time in Las Vegas as he welcomes Holloway to the division.

And McGregor believes the Hawaiian will notice the jump. “I feel great, I feel absolutely amazing,” he told The Mac Life. “The work has been exceptional; no corners cut, you know, no flash. We’ve been quiet this camp, and we’ve been at work, so, that’s confidence. If there’s a lack of confidence, you need to share things to get this ego boost. We don’t need it. We’ll do it on the night. I’m excited by it. I’m excited by my team and my country.

“I love a rematch. Who doesn’t love a rematch? The story builds, the tension builds, the fans get excited, they’ve got comparisons, they’ve got, you know, it’s great for business. I’m all for a good rematch. Listen, there’s a different thud when you fight against me.

"I fought against Max many years ago, and I look forward to my improvements on it. Danger will be everywhere inside the Octagon for Max. We are very aware of him in this gym, in this camp. I’ll be out with my paint brush, you know, ready to put on my masterpiece."

Holloway, however, has no fears over his step up in weight. “My thoughts on the fight being at 170 was like, who cares?" he said. “Weight is just a number. Real gladiators back in the day, they didn’t walk around with a scale.

“You show up and you fight, and I’m a fighter. Open weight class, whatever weight class. I’m glad I get to share the Octagon with him.”

-Martin Domin

CHAMA! | ALEX PEREIRA COLDEST WALKOUT AT THE WHITE HOUSE

 

PRESIDENT TRUMP ATTENDS UFC FREEDOM 250 FIGHT AT THE WHITE HOUSE ON HIS 80TH BIRTHDAY

 

"UNACCEPTABLE" - JAKE PAUL BANS BOXING STAR DROM ALL MVP EVENTS AFTER BACKSTAGE ALTERCATION

Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions have confirmed the ban in an official statement.

Getty

Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions has banned a five-weight world champion from all events after an incident at their debut MMA event on Netflix on Saturday.

Ronda Rousey submitted Gina Carano within 15 seconds in her final ever MMA fight at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.

Mike Perry defeated Nate Diaz, while Francis Ngannou was also back in MMA action during the stacked card.

However the event was somewhat overshadowed after Claressa Shields appeared slap fellow boxer Alycia Baumgardner, who is signed to MVP.

The two rivals became embroiled in a fiery exchange, with footage showing Shields striking Baumgardner in a private backstage area as security intervened.

On Monday, MVP, the promotion Paul founded, issued a statement on the incident and confirmed that Shields will not be able to attend any events they put on until further notice.

Claressa Shields has been banned from all MVP events after slapping Alycia Baumgardner at the Ronda Rousey fight 😳

Alycia says she’s also taking legal action

MVP branded Shields' behaviour "unacceptable" but praised Baumgardner for not escalating the situation any further.

"Most Valuable Promotions is aware of the incident during MVP's Rousey vs Carano event on Saturday night involving physical contact by Claressa Shields toward Alycia Baumgardner," the MVP statement read.

MVP maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy for hostile, threatening, or aggressive behavior toward fighters, staff, media, or guests at any of our events.

"Physical altercations outside the ring or cage are unacceptable in any MVP environment.

"MVP does not condone, tolerate, or accept Claressa Shields’ behavior in that setting. And it reflects poorly on MVP and women’s sports, which we have worked tirelessly to uplift.

"Effective immediately, Claressa Shields is banned from all MVP events until further notice.

“There is a time and a place for fighter tension and banter. But to physically attack a fellow athlete while there as a guest inside a private VIP area is unacceptable.

“MVP would like to thank venue security for their swift response in addressing and de-escalating the situation and appreciate Alycia Baumgardner not retaliating and further amplifying the situation.

"We remain committed to maintaining a safe, respectful and professional environment for all participants and attendees at our events and will continue to enforce these standards without exception."

Alycia Baumgardner also put out her own statement on the matter. Image: Getty

Shields, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and the only female boxer in history to have held all four major world titles, is undefeated with a record of 18-0.

She and Baumgardner have never fought despite previous negotiations but Shields has accused her of using performance-enhancing drugs and slammed her performances in the ring.

They also had an April 2024 altercation when Shields smacked Baumgardner's hand and they were involved in an intense verbal confrontation.

Claressa Shields could face legal action for incident

Baumgardner has also responded to the controversy with a lengthy statement where she accused the self-proclaimed 'GWOAT' of "physical assault without provocation" and said the situation will be "handled legally and professionally".

The undisputed junior lightweight champion also provided a character assassination of Shields, who she said "continues to embarrass women's sports" with her conduct.

"When your purpose is to elevate, there will always be people who attempt to pull you down to the level from which they operate," she wrote on X.

"The situation that occurred on Saturday was unprovoked and entirely consistent with the individual involved. While attending Most Valuable Promotions' inaugural MMA event as a guest, I was physically assaulted without provocation. This behavior follows a continued pattern from someone who has publicly celebrated other fighters' brain injuries, initiated one-sided altercations at press conferences, and consistently displayed hostility toward other women. That conduct is unacceptable and should not be tolerated in any professional sport.

"This behavior reflects a repeated pattern of hostility, chaos, and attention-seeking conduct that continues to embarrass women's sports.

"This situation has been and will continue to be handled legally and professionally.

"My focus remains far beyond individuals who lack discipline, professionalism, and self-control — inside or outside the ring.

"I have spent my career representing myself, my family, and the sport of boxing with class, integrity, and respect. I will continue to do so.

"I want to congratulate Most Valuable Promotions and Netflix on an event that continues to raise the ceiling for women's combat sports, and I look forward to continuing to be a positive force in the evolution of the sport."

- Josh Lawless

ALUCE PEREIRA DELIVERS KNOCKOUT OF YEAR CONTENDER AT UFC VEGAS 115

UFC Vegas 115 was another night filled with that trope that a card that seems weak on paper and is filled with a lot of unknown names can be more entertaining than some of the bigger cards the UFC puts on. From Renato Moicano’s submission win over Chris Duncan, to any of the other exciting finishes on the night, to a seemingly soccer-kick KO (that wasn’t a KO), which generated a lot of controversy, UFC Vegas 115 was a fire card.

And yet, one of the bigger highlights from the night came from the undercard. And for the second straight week, a fight on a UFC card has produced a Knockout of the Year contender. Last week, it was Alexa Grasso sending Maycee Barber into oblivion. This week, it was the strength of the hard-hitting Alice Pereira.

First of all, no, Alice Pereira is not related to Alex Pereira. But when you look at what Alice Pereira did on this night, it might be hard for some fans not to draw a connection between the two.

During the UFC Vegas 115 prelims, Alice Pereira squared off with Hailey Cowan. The first round proved well for Pereira, known as “Golden Girl.” Pereira was able to beat her opponent to the (literal) punch, using her quickness and power to batter Cowan during the opening five minutes. Cowan, in fact, was visibly bruised around her face as a result of that frame.

But Cowan is a tough fighter who was not to be deterred. In the second round, Cowan landed a major slam in the center of the Octagon, and it appeared that she was in control of the action. Cowan was unable to do much with her ground game, however, and she didn’t seem to put up much of a fight as Pereira got the action back to the feet.

And then, just as round two was coming to an end, Pereira unleashed a devastating knee that landed directly on Cowan’s face. Cowan dropped in a heap, and the referee quickly stepped in to wave off the fight.

It was definitely a needed performance from Pereira. She dropped her UFC debut to Montse Rendon at Noche UFC 3 in September, a performance that Pereira has openly admitted she’d like to move on from. Well, here, move on is what she did.

Pereira displayed the power that got her attention from the UFC in the first place. And the thing is, even though her name is “Golden Girl,” she isn’t an elderly woman from the classic TV show. Pereira is just 20 years old.

- TOM ALBANO

JOAQUIN BUCKLEY 'CLAPS BACK' AT SHAKUR STEVENSON

 

UFC 324 FACE-OFF PRESS CONFERENCE

 

WILL USYK APPEAR AT THE OSCARS?

X: @acdmma_ https://x.com/acdmma_/status/1871343275233460632

Oleksandr Usyk may soon find himself walking the red carpet at the Oscars following the strong critical acclaim for his new film, The Smashing Machine. 

Usyk starred alongside Dwyanye Johnson, who played former MMA fighter Mark Kerr, in his film debut. Emily Blunt also co-starred as Kerr’s wife, as the movie was well received at the Venice Film Festival. Johnson is being tipped for an Oscar nomination, while Usyk could be invited after playing Ukrainian fighter Igor Vovchanchyn. The film is set to open in cinemas worldwide on October 3.

“Johnson gives a performance of immense pathos, intensity and depth – one that looks bound to win him awards recognition,” Geoffrey Macnab said

It has been a remarkable period for Usyk of late. He stopped Daniel Dubois in July to become the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion. It was the second time he had achieved this at the weight class. However, his next fight is uncertain after he received a 90-day extension by the WBO to negotiate his mandatory title defense against Joseph Parker. The extension was requested due to a back injury. But outside of boxing, Usyk has plenty to keep himself occupied as he admitted that his current reason for boxing is just discipline.

“I don’t have motivation. I have discipline. This is why I am champion. I believe this with all my heart. It carries me through the ring, through life, through every challenge. “This is why I stand. Carry this with you,” Usyk said

- boxingnews.com.

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

KHABIB NURMAGOMEDOV CAME 'VERY CLOSE' TO LOSING UNDEFEATED RECORD IN UFC FIGHT WATCHED BY 26 MILLION RUSSIANS

Khabib Nurmagomedov was largely dominant throughout his career, but he did survive one scare.

‘The Eagle’ achieved a largely unrivaled level of dominance inside the cage, winning all 29 of his professional outings.

Before Nurmagomedov retired in 2020, the Dagestani defeated the likes of Edson Barboza and Al Iaquinta en route to the UFC lightweight title before defending it against Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier, and Justin Gaethje.

But while very few provided any sort of threat to the elite wrestling specialist, one of Nurmagomedov’s final opponents gave him a scare.

Khabib Nurmagomedov admitted Dustin Poirier was ‘very close’ to a submission at UFC 242

11 months on from Nurmagomedov’s UFC 229 win over McGregor – and a year before his final fight – the undefeated Russian faced the then-interim champion, Poirier.

The pair headlined UFC 242 in Abu Dhabi, where a crowd full of Nurmagomedov loyalists witnessed ‘The Eagle’ submit ‘The Diamond’ via rear-naked choke in round three.

But the triumph wasn’t without adversity for the champion.

In round two, Poirier threatened to pull off an almighty upset when he attacked Nurmagomedov’s neck with a guillotine choke.

While he ultimately escaped, the Dagestani admitted during his post-fight press conference that the submission was a little too close for comfort.

“The only thing that was very close was the guillotine,” Nurmagomedov said. “First time, it was a very good guillotine.

“First time it was close, second time I give him because I felt like he lost so much energy, so much power. This is part of the game; how I play with my opponents.”

Khabib Nurmagomedov’s win over Dustin Poirier was watched by roughly 26 million in Russia

Had Poirier found an extra squeeze to force a tap at UFC 242, Nurmagomedov would have lost his undefeated record in front of millions of his compatriots.

A report from Russia Today soon after the event revealed that the Dagestani UFC star’s second lightweight title defense racked up an incredible 26 million views across broadcasting platforms in Russia.

Since retiring from active MMA competition in 2020, Nurmagomedov has frequently appeared in the corners of his teammates and fellow countrymen.

And the 36-year-old’s continued involvement in the sport looks set after Nurmagomedov revealed plans for a new training center in his native Dagestan.

- Harvey Leonard

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

JONES MAKES UFC HISTORY

 

ISRAEL ADESANYA SAYS HE WANYS REMATCH WITH SEAN STRICKLAND

Israel Adesanya has confirmed a recent claim from his coach that he intends to return to the Octagon, and has revealed that he’s specifically looking for a rematch with Sean Strickland. Adesanya lost the middleweight title to Strickland in a shocking upset back in September of 2023. That marked the start of a three-fight losing ...

• 

Israel Adesanya has confirmed a recent claim from his coach that he intends to return to the Octagon, and has revealed that he’s specifically looking for a rematch with Sean Strickland.

Adesanya lost the middleweight title to Strickland in a shocking upset back in September of 2023. That marked the start of a three-fight losing streak, having also gone on to be submitted by Dricus du Plessis in another title fight last year, followed by a TKO loss to Nassourdine Imavov earlier this year.

Following that it was unclear whether Adesanya would fight again, but though he admits he didn’t have the motivation to do so, he’s since rediscovered his competitive drive.

“I didn’t spar after my last fight,” Adesanya admits on his YouTube channel. “I did so well in the fight, I did so well in the camp, and I didn’t get the result that I wanted, but I was still proud of myself. I’m still proud of the way I worked. So then I didn’t spar because I just looked after my brain. Then, when I was in Miami recently watching [Volkanovski] get his belt back, then I sparred with Kamaru Usman for the first time in months. And I knew once I sparred it would be like, ‘Man, I’ve gotta fight!’

“So for me now, I told my coach already, it’s time. I just knew. And I have a feeling who I want to fight. You’ll like this one: I’ve gotta get some get back.

“Strickland. I’m going to get it back.”

Adesanya goes on to acknowledge that Strickland deserved his victory in their first clash, but intends to give a better account of himself next time.

Adesanya goes on to acknowledge that Strickland deserved his victory in their first clash, but intends to give a better account of himself next time.

“He beat me fair and square in Sydney,” Adesanya said. “5 – Nil. Just whooped my ass, badly. Again, that was one of the things that made me realize I need to slow down in my activity. I was fighting 3-4 times a year as champion. So I want to pull back now, because I’m older, I’m doing things different.

“I don’t want to make excuses, because he beat me, but I just want to show him if he beat me at my best. So this time I’m going to come at him correct.

“Everything is done since then. Because I used to get bullied a lot as a kid. So he’s an embodiment of that, in a sense, because he attacked me, the inner child. So i just want to protect him and get some get back for him.”

Like Adesanya, Strickland hasn’t had the best of times in the Octagon since they fought, as just a few months later he lost the belt to Dricus du Plessis, and while he did go on to beat Paulo Costa by split-decision after that, he’s since suffered a more convincing decision loss in a rematch with du Plessis back in February.

The No.2 ranked Strickland doesn’t currently have a fight booked, and given that it still feels like there’s unfinished business between them, a rematch with the No.4 placed Adesanya feels like it has a good chance of being greenlit.

- Ross Cole

MEGAN FOX EXPOSED BY NFL FIGHTER

MICHAEL CHANDLER URGES CONOR MCGREGOR TO FIGHT AMID RETIREMENT RUMOURS

McGregor hasn't fought since breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021, and is yet to announce when he will make his return to the octagon

Michael Chandler is desperate to finally get his long-awaited fight with Conor McGregor

UFC star Michael Chandler has challenged Conor McGregor to a fight, despite the latter's recent hints at retirement.

McGregor - a former dual-weight UFC champion - hasn't fought since losing to rival Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 nearly four years ago. The Irishman suffered a nasty leg break in the clash, but has since flirted with the idea of making a return to the octagon. Despite his absence from the cage, 'The Notorious' has remained active.

As for Chandler, the UFC lightweight sensation is set to face rising 155lb contender Paddy Pimblett at UFC 314 later this month. The American fighter hasn't stepped in the cage since his loss to Charles Oliveira last November. Prior to the Oliveira clash, the former Bellator lightweight champion was waited two years for a shot at 'The Notorious.'

Both fighters were opposing coaches on TUF 31 in 2023, and it seemed they were destined to face each other in the octagon. However, an injury during training forced McGregor to withdraw from their scheduled UFC 303 showdown. Recently, the 36-year-old hinted at retiring from the sport to focus on his ambition to become the Irish president.

Chandler responded to McGregor's remarks in a chat with The Schmo, stating: "He's making that push for the President of Ireland. We'll see how true it is, or how much of a publicity stunt it is. As you guys can see, we had the TUF 31 deal, waited for the Conor fight, got the fight booked; he pulled out. Who knows if he's ever coming back? You can see by my actions of fighting Charles Oliveria in November and now Paddy Pimblett in April, I'm not sitting around waiting for Conor."

He added: "He knows his road back to the UFC goes through me. We have to finish The Ultimate Fighter 31. We still have a contract with both of our names on it, even though he was not a man of his word in showing up. First time he's ever pulled out of a fight was against me in his entire career. I don't think he wants that to be his legacy. However, if he does, I wish him well in his presidential run in Ireland. But if he comes back to the UFC, he has to fight me."

McGregor went viral after dropping some bombshell comments during a recent BKFC media event. He hinted at calling it quits from fighting, stating: "What is going on in Ireland is a travesty. Our government is the government of zero action with zero accountability. Ireland is at the cusp of potentially losing its Irishness."

He described the connection between the two nations, saying: "Ireland and America, we are siblings. We consider America our big sibling. So it's important for Ireland to be a peaceful, prosperous country for 40 million Irish Americans to have a place to visit, [to] come back to their home. So we wish for our relationship with the United States to continue, and we wish to be taken care of by the big bro. The United States should look after its little bro. And that's how we feel."

McGregor continued: "I've got two fights on the contract, I'm in negotiations. Last week something happened to me, I went to the White House and my heart bleeds for my country right now. So there's a lot of stuff going on back home, I'm happy with what I've done. There's something else for me that's in my gut right now and that's kind of where I'm going.''

However, McGregor seemingly quickly changed his mind as he claimed that becoming president would not stop him from fighting, but instead fuel his desire to get back in the octagon. When questioned whether he could juggle being a president and a fighter, he responded: "F*****g right I will, of course, are you crazy? That's part of why I want to do it! To be announced as the President of Ireland while having a fight? Imagine that. But for sure, hell yeah, hell yes."

- James Evans

PFL OWNERS OFFER GOOD MONEY TO FIGHT NGANNOU

 

CHAEL SONNEN: ISLAM MAKHACHEV'S DESIRE TO CHANGE WEIGHT CLASSES ISN'T ABOUT UFC TITLE

ZUFFA LLC

Chael Sonnen believes the true reason UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has been talking about chasing a second title in a higher weight class has nothing to do with accolades or building a legacy.

Soon after defeating short-notice opponent Renato Moicano in the first round at UFC 311, Makhachev (27-1 MMA, 16-1 UFC) said he would move up to middleweight to challenge current champion Dricus Du Plessis. Moving from 155 pounds to 185 is a huge jump in weight, but it would be the next logical step for Makhachev since he will not fight current welterweight champ Belal Muhammad.

“Islam’s got to talk about (Alex) Pereira at 205, and he’s got to talk about Dricus at 185,” Sonnen told MMA Junkie. “And that’s weird, and that’s not anything that anybody will take serious, but he has to do that because his friend has the belt at 170.

“There’s really no teams out there, there’s just guys that say they belong to a team, and that includes the NFL and NBA. Those guys are whores. You put down a bigger check than somebody else, they’re put your jersey on. The only team, real team, is Khabib’s and they have a code and they have an honor. You’re just not going to see a fight with Islam and Belal. But the No. 1 thing that Islam wants, and the No. 1 reason he keeps bringing things like this up – it’s not a challenge, it’s not a new world title. He wants out of the weight class.”

After hitting championship weight of 155 pounds at official weigh-ins the day before the fight, Makhachev gained 23.5 pounds, weighing-in at 178 pounds on the night of UFC 311. That’s just slightly under what he claims is his walk around weight of around 180.

If Makhachev were to move up to challenge Du Plessis, he knows it would take time to bulk up and add muscle to his frame, but he believes he could get the job done.

Sonnen is of the belief that Makhachev’s calls to change divsiions is a plea for help of sorts, and one that could lead to an early retirement if not acknowledged by the UFC.

“The biggest problem Islam has is a thing that beat his coach twice and that ultimately retired – Khabib did not retire because he didn’t want to fight Conor (McGregor) a second time,” Sonnen said. “The UFC showed him the wrong numbers. Every time they had a meeting, they showed more commas and more zeroes. That was the wrong number. If they would have made the weight class 170, they would have got Khabib for one more fight. They’re going to run into that same problem with Islam eventually.

“The No. 1 reason a combat athlete retires – they tell you it’s because their contract’s up, they tell you because they’ve had enough, they tell you because it’s too told – the No. 1 reason, No. 1, any combat athlete retires: they don’t want to make that weight anymore. They don’t want to beat the scale. Everything that goes into that. That is a 24/7 lifestyle to get those calories off to beat that damn scale.”

- Matthew Wells and Mike Bohn

MIDDLEWEIGHT| KNOCKDOWN LANDED