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Jamahal Hill snapped back at Magomed Ankalaev.

‘Sweet Dreams’ was non-too-pleased to learn that No. 8 ranked contender Khalil Rountree would be the next man to fight Alex Pereira, challenging the light heavyweight champion at UFC 307 this October.

Hill’s biggest gripe being that Rountree was forced to pull out of a previously scheduled scrap in June after being suspended by the NSAC for the use of a banned substance. Now suddenly he’s rewarded with a title opportunity when he feels there are far more deserving candidates.

Candidates like Magomed Ankalaev who is sitting on a 10-fight win streak and currently occupies the No. 2 spot in the light heavyweight rankings.

Still, you don’t see him crying.

Responding to Hill’s frustration, Ankalaev thinks the former champ should pipe down and do the work put in front of him if he ever hopes to earn another shot at the 205-pound title.

“Why is Jamahal Hill crying? Pereira just made you sleep, get back in the like and work your way up or be ready for Abu Dhabi because Rakic may pull out,” Ankalaev wrote.

Jamahal Hill claps back at ‘Clout Chaser’ magomed ankalaev

Responding to Ankalaev’s comment on X, ‘Sweet Dreams’ delivered a lengthy rebuttal that took aim at the Russian’s failed title opportunity against Jan Blachowicz two years ago and the ensuing comments he made which could be keeping him out of the title picture now.

“I made a reaction video about the Khalil Rountree and Alex Pereira fight announcement and there was one guy in particular who yeah, I will agree he’s been given the run-around by the business right and I’m assuming now, he’s learned his lesson now to watch his mouth ‘cuz as you know, we talking about Mrs, I ain’t even going to, little ‘Frudamed Gankalaev’, ankle grabber, whatever you want to call him,” Hill said on his YouTube channel. “This dude just can’t stop trying to like clout chase in whatever way he can. Bro like, you fought to a draw, you had your chance, you had your chance of winning the title.

“Now, I am one of the people that agree that he should have been next in the title shot above Khalil Rountree, and I spoke on this. But, for you to say like, say I’m crying because I spoke on an obvious fact of the game that affects everybody in our weight class and things like that, I see what you tried to do bro. You see that the whole fan base, they’re kinda against me, they kind of want to throw sh*t on me and sh*t like that.

“You think that you can get some cool points by jumping on that bandwagon and trying to call me out. Stop it bro, stop it bro. I would expect a low IQ move like that from you, you know what I mean. You don’t want to say anything about the fight being announced because you’ve now learned your lesson from the time whenever you lost, talking about you don’t want to fight for the UFC and now they have now smacked your hand and now you know to watch your mouth and stay in check” (h/t MMA News).

Three weeks after Pereira and Rountree scrap in Salt Lake City, the promotion will make its annual pit stop in Abu Dhabi for UFC 308, featuring a light heavyweight clash between top-five contenders Magomed Ankalaev and Aleksandar Rakic.

Hill thinks Ankalaev’s energy would be better served by focusing on the task at hand rather than picking a fight with him and trying to score some “cool points” with the fans. But if for some reason Rakic can’t make it to fight night, ‘Sweet Dreams’ is more than happy to step in and take care of some “light work.”

“They don’t even like you enough to let you fight [for the title] over the #8 dude! So chill out bro, chill out tryna get cool points bro, focus on other sh*t. You got a fight coming up against Rakić, shout out to Rakić cuz’ he’s very well capable of putting your a** out. But, best believe if my phone ring and they need somebody to come step in and handle you, bro you’re light work for me. You’re light work for me and I can’t wait to show that.”

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All the fights for Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway in Abu Dhabi on Saturday 26th October 2024. With betting odds, start time, date, fight card, and information on how to watch.

• Event: UFC 308: Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway
• Date: Sat, Oct. 26, 2024
• Location: Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
• Broadcast: Prelims 10 a.m. ET in the U.S., Main Card 2 p.m. ET in the U.S.
• Broadcast in the UK: Prelims will begin at 3 p.m. BST, Main Card at 7 p.m. BST

UFC 308: Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway Full fight card

Main Card

• Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway: Featherweight Main Event Title Fight
• Robert Whittaker vs. Khamzat Chimaev: Middleweight
• Ciryl Gane vs. Alexander Volkov: Heavyweight
• Magomed Ankalaev vs. Aleksandar Rakic: Light Heavyweight
• Lerone Murphy vs. Dan Ige: Featherweight

Prelims

• Geoff Neal vs. Rafael Dos Anjos: Welterweight
• Marcos Rogerio de Lima vs. Kennedy Nzechukwu: Heavyweight
• Abus Magomedov vs. Brunno Ferreira: Middleweight
• Rinat Fakhretdinov vs. Nursulton Ruziboev: Welterweight

*Fight card, bout order, and number of fights are subject to change

Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway Tale of the Tape

Start date and time

UFC 308: Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway takes place on Saturday, October 26th, at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The main card will start at 2 p.m. ET with the the Prelims starting at 10 a.m. ET. In the UK, the main event starts at 7 p.m. GMT with the Prelims starting at 3 p.m. GMT.

Betting Odds

• Ilia Topuria: -225 odds favorite
• Max Holloway: +185 underdog

Tickets

If you are lucky enough to be near Abu Dhabi or plan to attend UFC 308: Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway. at the Etihad Arena tickets are available here.

UFC 308: Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway Trailer

TBA

PPV price and Live streams

UFC 308: Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway is Live on ESPN+ PPV and the PPV is not available right now. When available you will be able to purchase the PPV here. In the UK, UFC 308 is available on TNT Sports as well as the early prelims on UFC Fight Pass.

What is Next after UFC 308: Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway?

The next UFC event that follows UFC 308: Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway is UFC Fight Night: Blanchfield vs. Namajunas at Rogers Place, Edmonton, Canada on 2nd November 2024.

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Andre Berto says that Claressa Shields is not getting the credit she deserves for her highly impressive career in boxing. “GWOAT” Claressa Shields represented the USA in the Olympics and has since collected numerous titles across multiple weight classes.

Claressa Shields

The US-born Claressa Shields earned two Olympic Gold Medals as an amateur fighter. Since turning pro, Shields has remained unbeaten in her spotless 15-0 fight career. Along the way, she has earned WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO, and The Ring titles across multiple weight classes. Additionally, she competes in MMA with the PFL. Most recently, “GWOAT” Claressa Shields captured the heavyweight title by way of knockout.

Former Olympian, world champion, and Hall of Fame boxer Andre Berto said that Shields is not getting the respect that she deserves. Speaking in an interview on All The Smoke, he said:

“Somebody like that has been that dominant for so long, two gold medals, multiple world titles, undefeated, just accolades after accolades. I believe that she continues to feel like she has to do more and more and more to continue to try to gain any type of real respect. If it’s boxing, if it’s MMA, if it’s doing rap videos, if it’s YouTube. But she’s trying to deliver you know, to a different type of hype because she feels like she needs to,. But she’s still not getting that type of love, notoriety, or sponsors.

“You got a woman that’s so dominant and has been collecting everything. What else does she need to do to get those real dollars? Those real fight dollars, those real endorsement dollars. Cause, like I said, I see her working overtime. Everybody’s been seeing her working overtime.”

Not only does Claressa Shields not get the respect she deserves, as someone with so many impressive accolades, but she is also actively disrespected, Berto explained. An Olympic medalist and multi-division world champion in boxing, people should be celebrating her as they are witnessing history.

Last year when I spoke to Shields, she broke down exactly where she keeps all of her impressive titles. Because it’s not easy to store so many gold belts and medals.

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Berto Continued:

“I know these platforms give people a voice that otherwise wouldn’t have one. And a lot of times people say whatever they want to say, but what is all that? The hate and vitriol that’s coming at Claressa Shields. Where is this coming from? My heart for her, man, is just to rest in her greatness. Resting on what she’s accomplished and finishing her career out strong. Get as many bags as she can. Maintain her integrity in the process and, try to leave this thing undefeated.

“I’m not standing for the blatant disrespect of this young lady from these grown men. It’s ridiculous.“

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Manny Pacquiao’s longstanding rivalry with mixed martial arts superstar, Conor McGregor has hit yet another hurdle this week, the a court ruling how a contract penned by the boxing megastar with the Dubliner-backed Paradigm Sports Management was “illegal” – amid continued links to super fight in the future. 

Pacquiao, a former multiple time and weight world champion in professional boxing, most recently competed in an exhibition outing under the Rizin FF banner in Japan earlier this month – fighting in a draw with Rukiya Anpo in a highly-scrutinized performance from veteran striker over the course of three rounds.

Continually linked with a first professional walk since a unanimous decision loss to Yordenis Ugas back in 2021, 72-fight professional veteran, Manny Pacquiao has yet to make good on a potential return to the squared circle for a swansong outing.

Manny Pacquiao sees Paradigm contract ruled as void

However, amid links to a showdown with fellow combat sports megastar, McGregor – Manny Pacquiao has seen a reported contract he had inked with Paradigm Sports Management voided during a court hearing this week, with the firm’s manager and agent, Audie Attar not possessing a valid manager’s license in the state of California during a specific period between 2019 and 2021. 

“The court finds for Mr. Pacquiao on the declaratory relief cause of action and declares the contract void due to illegality,” A court decision read. (H/T MMA Mania)

And reacting to the news of his now-voided contract with the agency, Pacquiao’s legal representative, Jason Aniel thanked the boxer’s patience and support throughout the dispute.

“This decision negates the jury’s findings back in May of 2023,” Aniel wrote in a statement provided. “We thank the court’s time and effort in this matter. Mr. Pacquiao thanks his fans for their patience while the court fully resolved all the legal issues.”

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UFC athlete Mackenzie Dern was taken down and submitted by Ffion Davies during their match at the Craig Jones Invitational hosted in Las Vegas this past weekend. Millions of dollars were awarded to the winners of the event, but Wales’ Ffion Davies took the headlines with her impressive throw and grappling work.

Ffion Davies

The Welsh-born Ffion Davies is carving a name for herself as being one of the all-time greats in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Ffion Davies has achieved remarkable success in grappling competitions. She won first place at the ADCC in 2022 and secured the top spot at the IBJJF World Championship in both 2022 and 2023. In the NOGI category, she claimed first place at the IBJJF World Championship in 2018, 2021, and 2023. Additionally, she succeeded at the IBJJF European Open in 2019 and 2020, as well as at the CBJJ Brazilian Nationals in 2019. Davies also took first place in the UAEJJF Grand Slam in London in both 2019 and 2020.

Mackenzie Dern

The American-Brazilian Mackenzie Dern is a UFC fighter but comes from an incredibly decorated background in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Mackenzie Dern has an impressive list of achievements in the world of grappling. She secured first place at the ADCC Championship in 2015 and also won the IBJJF World Championships that same year. In the NOGI category, she took first place at the IBJJF World Championships in 2015. Dern continued her winning streak by claiming first place at the IBJJF Pan American Championships in both 2015 and 2016.

Ffion Davies vs. Mackenzie Dern

Despite her background in grappling, the UFC’s Mackenzie Dern was out of her element when it came to rolling against Ffion Davies at the CJI. In the second of their meeting, Davies tosses Dern with a very impressive head and arm throw, then angles to achieve a perfect inverted armbar forcing the tap.

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See the highlights below:

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Former undisputed middleweight champion, Sean Strickland has already been pegged for a title rematch with Dricus du Plessis ahead of UFC 305 overnight, however, now that the South African has prevailed, the ex-champion has made his feelings on an immediate rematch clear.

Strickland, the current number one ranked contender, most recently returned to winning ways in the co-main event of UFC 302 back in May in New Jersey, landing a decision win over former title challenger, Paulo Costa.

The win returned the former gold holder to winning-ways following a prior January loss to the above-mentioned, du Plessis at UFC 297 in January – in hugely controversial circumstances.

As for du Plessis, the Pretoria native continued his stunning, roughshod run through middleweight elites overnight in the main event of UFC 305 in Perth, settling his longstanding grudge with common-foe, Israel Adesanya.

Battling the City Kickboxing striker over the course of four rounds, du Plessis would land the first defense of the middleweight title – courtesy of a stunning rear-naked choke win, marking an end to their bitter feud in the wake of their matchup.

Dricus du Plessis called out by Sean Strickland at UFC 305

And while he has suggested a pairing with former champion and prior opponent, Robert Whittaker should come first, du Plessis has already been welcomed as a foe by a host of suitors – most notably, Sean Strickland.

“Time for war Dutchman,” Sean Strickland posted on his official X account in reaction to Dricus du Plessis’ win over Israel Adesanya at UFC 305. 

And while Strickland has welcomed a rematch with du Plessis, the undisputed middleweight kingpin has already been sought out by incumbent light heavyweight champion, Alex Pereira – who has vowed to return to his old stomping ground of 185lbs to make good on a title fight with the South African. 

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Despite being the No. 2 ranked contender at light heavyweight, Magomed Ankalaev will not fight for the division’s top prize.

In a shocking twist, Dana White announced that reigning titleholder Alex Pereira will headline the promotion’s return to Salt Lake City on October 5. But instead of defending his gold against the man everybody thought was next in line, he’ll meet surging knockout artist Khalil Rountree. Suffice it to say, reactions to the matchup were mixed.

While some pundits were quick to praise the pairing, believing it’ll give fight fans a guaranteed banger, others called the matchmaking nonsensical, including ex-champion Jamahal Hill.

As for Ankalaev, the 19-1 fighter was inundated with messages from people offering their support on social media following the title fight snub. However, the lightweight contender doesn’t want your sympathy. Whether it’s for a championship or not, Ankalaev’s goal stays the same — smash everyone the UFC puts in front of him.

“I Received a lot of messages today regarding the Light Heavyweight title fight, my job is to smash people’s face who they put in front of me, I will destroy Rakic in Abu Dhabi and I will not be denied, I don’t need nobody to feel bad for me,” Ankalaev wrote on X.

Magomed Ankalaev meets fifth-ranked contender Aleksandar Rakić next

Instead of challenging Pereira this fall, Ankalaev will square off with another top-five-ranked contender at 205, Aleksandar Rakić. The two will meet at UFC 308 when the promotion heads back to Abu Dhabi on October 26.

After going on an impressive run that saw him win five out of six, Rakić has since come up short in back-to-back bouts against Jan Blachowicz and Jiri Prochazka. With a win over Ankalaev, ‘Rocket’ would likely secure his first shot at the light heavyweight strap.

Ankalaev goes into the contest having won 10 straight, including knockouts against Ion Cutelaba, Anthony ‘Lionheart’ Smith, and Johnny Walker.

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Ex-UFC fighter Pat Barry often finds himself being accused of abusing his girlfriend, Rose Namajunas, while out and about. Of course, it doesn’t help that the former two-time titleholder often plays into it when concerned strangers attempt to broach the subject.

Barry and Namajunas, who have been a couple since the late 2000s, recently made an appearance together on the JAXXON podcast with Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson. Just as they were about to wrap up the interview, Jackson asked whether or not Barry had ever been accused of hitting Namajunas after she picked up bruises from training and fighting.

“I’ve got one last question because I’ve heard stories about this before,” Jackson said. “You being a fighter and a woman, have you ever had swelling or black eyes after a fight and people think he did it.”

Namajunas was quick to acknowledge that people have made that assumption. “Of course, all the time,” she replied with a smile.

Barry also chimed in, revealing that ‘Thug’ does little to dissuade people from thinking the worst.

“This has happened so much where we’ll go places and she’ll have a black eye or a bruise on her cheek or something and the waiter or waitresses will be like, ‘Oh no, what happened to your face,’ and Rose will reply, ‘He hit me.’ They’ll look at me and I’ll say, ‘Well, she didn’t block it.’

“But when it’s the other way around and I’ve got the black eye and we go somewhere and they say, ‘What happened’ and I say she hit me, she starts getting free dessert.

Barry went on to talk about how random people will regularly stop Namajunas to make sure she’s okay while the two of them are out for a run. Check out the full clip below:

Pat Barry and Rose namajunas’ relationship has been under scrutiny for years

The relationship between Barry and Namajunas has seen its fair share of scrutiny over the years, most of it revolving around the significant age gap between the two. Barry, 45, is 13 years older than Namajunas. While there’s little controversy to kick up regarding a 45-year-old man dating a 32-year-old woman, many have accused Barry of grooming Namajunas since her teenage years.

Earlier this year, outspoken middleweight star Sean Strickland perpetuated those claims when he dubbed Barry, ‘Pat the predator’ in response to a fan’s post on X.

Namajunas will be back in action on Saturday, November 2 when the UFC heads back to Edmonton for a Fight Night card in The Great White North. Thug’ will headline the event opposite Erin Blanchfield in a flyweight bout that could produce the division’s next title challenger.

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Matchroom Boxing promoter, Eddie Hearn has revealed why his infamous spat with Saudi adviser and budding boxing promoter, Turki Alalshikh blossomed – in direct response to last year’s infamous match between Tyson Fury, and former UFC star, Francis Ngannou.

Hearn, a high-profile promoter under the banner of Matchroom Boxing, claims his rivalry with Alalshikh stems from his rather unfavorable comments regarding the booking of a clash between former WBC heavyweight boxing champion, Fury, and former UFC heavyweight titleholder, Ngannou – which is slowly being squashed.

Eddie Hearn reveals spat with Saudi promoter, Turki Alalshikh

“I did one of the most stupid things I’ve ever done, but unfortunately if you ask me questions,” Eddie Hearn said on Cigar Talk. “I’m pretty honest. I really didn’t speak favorably about (Tyson) Fury – (Francis) Ngannou. He (Turki Alalshikh) is putting on this event, and there’s this big promoter who used to work with these other guys, now he’s slagg8ing off Fury – Ngannou. Slowly, I’m coming down the order of ‘Flavor of the Month’ with him (Alalshikh).”

Fighting Morecambe native, Fury back in October of last year in Riyadh, former heavyweight mixed martial arts champion, Ngannou suffered a controversial split decision defeat to the former over the course of 10 rounds – even scoring a stunning knockdown against the British fighter en route to defeat.

However, back in March, Ngannou took on Eddie Hearn’s posterboy, former two-time heavyweight world champion, Anthony Joshua in the Middle East – suffering a hellacious knockout defeat to the Watford star in his first knockout stoppage in professional combat sports.

Slated to make his return to mixed martial arts in October in Riyadh for his third round trip to the region, Cameroonian knockout ace, Ngannou is set to take on 2023 PFL heavyweight champion, Renan Ferreira in his first venture to the PFL SmartCage before the end of the annum. 

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Daniel Cormier firmly believes that Dricus Du Plessis can do anything he sets his mind to, including capturing a second UFC title.

On Saturday, ‘Stillknocks’ will defend his middleweight strap for the first time since stealing a split decision against ex-titleholder Sean Strickland in January. Standing in Du Plessis’ way of a successful defense will be Israel Adesanya, who looks to make history by becoming the promotion’s first-ever three-time champ at 185.

The two will headline UFC 305, emanating from RAC Arena in Perth, Australia.

Sharing his take on Du Plessis’ meteoric rise from prospect to world champion, Cormier believes the South African’s unique style has been largely responsible for his immense success and he expects that to continue in The Land Down Under.

“The problem with Dricus is that the things he does don’t look like everybody else’s,” Cormier told Submission Radio. “His feet may cross at an odd time, he may throw a punch from a weird angle, or he might do a takedown in a weird way, but it’s working. So you have to accept that just because it looks different, it’s not wrong—it’s his way, right? It’s his style, and he’s mastered it. He’s mastered it to the point that he’s the world champion. So I think that awkwardness will play to his benefit on Saturday night” (h/t MMA News).

Cormier confident Dricus du Plessis can capture double-gold with ‘the right matchup’

Having not yet defended the middleweight title, pundits were quick to caution Du Plessis’ desire to move up and try to claim a second crown. However, ‘DC’ is done doubting ‘DDP,’ suggesting that the man who made Izzy cry can do anything he wants inside the Octagon.

“I’m not doubting him no more. I’m just done doubting Dricus Du Plessis, man. I think he can do whatever he wants, you know? He’s shown time and time again that he can do anything, and Alex Pereira showed that it’s possible, right? Going from middleweight to light heavyweight and winning, and winning a lot. So yeah, I think he could, under the right circumstances. A lot of times it’s about matchups, right? The right person holding the belt is what makes you make that decision, and I think with the right matchup, Dricus can be a double champ.”

With Adesanya on Saturday and Sean Strickland already on deck, it’ll probably be a while before ‘Stillknocks’ is allowed to move up, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t already salivating over the idea of a champion vs. champion clash between Dricus Du Plessis and Alex Pereira.

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