Category Archives: Mmamania.com

Professional Fighters League (PFL) is set to stage its third European Series event of 2024 later TODAY (Sat. Sept. 28, 2024) from inside OVO Hydro in Glasgow, Scotland, which will be headlined by Welterweight bout between Stevie Ray — loser of three straight — and Lewis Long, who will be making his promotional debut. In the co-main event, former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Lightweight star, Roger Huerta, will make his return to action after three years away in an attempt to snap his four-fight skid against Rob Whiteford.

Many readers check in before, during and after the fights to share their thoughts on all of the action, which will begin at 12 p.m. ET with the early “Prelims,” and then transition to the main card at 2 p.m. ET. Feel free to leave a comment (or several) about the bouts and chat with all the other Maniacs during the show — it’s always a lot of fun!

170 lbs.: Stevie Ray vs. Lewis Long
150 lbs.: Rob Whiteford vs. Roger Huerta
125 lbs.: Dean Garnett vs. Lewis McGrillen-Evans
135 lbs.: Julien Pierre Lopez vs. Alexander Luster – Lopez via first-round submission (rear-naked choke)
170 lbs.: Jack Grant vs. Florim Zendeli – Zendeli via split-decision
170 lbs.: Ibrahim Mané vs. Daniele Miceli – Miceli via first-round knockout
155 lbs.: Daniele Scatizzi vs. Jakub Kaszuba – Kaszuba via unanimous decision
155 lbs.: Connor Hughes vs. Ignacio Capella – Hughes via split-decision
155 lbs.: Yassin Chtatou vs. Mark Ewen
125 lbs.: Valentina Scatizzi vs. Shanelle Dyer – Dyer via split-decision
125 lbs.: Paulina Wiśniewska vs. Karolina Wójcik – Wisniewska via unanimous decision
155 lbs.: Lorenzo Parente vs. Stefano Catacoli – Parente via first-round submission (armbar)
135 lbs.: Matiss Zaharovs vs. Brian Hyslop – Zaharovs via second-round submission (rear-naked choke)
125 lbs.: Gemma Auld vs. Weronika Pietruszka -Auld via first-round technical knockout (TKO)

For all the latest PFL news and notes click here.

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Vince McMahon could have been $ 4 billion richer had he purchased Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) way back in the day, but the former WWE CEO believed professional cage fighting didn’t fit his business model.

In case you missed it, McMahon is no longer part of WWE. Earlier this year, McMahon stepped away from his role with the professional wrestling organization after getting wrapped up in sexual assault allegations. The reports got pretty ugly and it wasn’t the first time McMahon encountered issues in the public. As a result, the billionaire owner walked away.

Earlier this month, a new documentary focused on McMahon and his rise and fall as WWE CEO hit Netflix. The limited series covers a variety of topics, but one of considerable interest to fight fans was WWE’s potential purchase of UFC all the way back in 2001. Vince’s son, Shane McMahon, tried convincing his father to purchase UFC when it was being sold for a few millions dollars. The younger McMahon believed WWE’s business model at that time would have easily integrated UFC. He called it a “plug and play” acquisition.

“At the time, the UFC had gotten into some financial problems and came to us and said would you like to purchase the UFC,” said Shane during the Netflix documentary (h/t Talksport).

“I was like, ‘This is cool!’ I said, ‘Dad, let’s just go for this one.’

“I felt we could really grow that brand because it is tailor made to what we already do. We had a production team, a live events team, a merchandise team, we have all of it just ready to go. For me, it was plug and play.”

Unfortunately, the elder McMahon wanted no part of purchasing UFC. For McMahon, WWE was vastly different than UFC and allowed the company to do more with their talent long-term. In regards to UFC, McMahon didn’t believe it fit WWE’s business model and thought the fighters offered little longevity to the business.

“When it was presented in terms of buying UFC, I didn’t like that business model,” said McMahon. “Our business model was that we created characters, much like Disney or someone else, and we can then use them forever. As opposed to a boxer/UFC [fighter]. Once you’re beat, once you’re hurt, your career is over. We’re in showbusiness and that is a sport.”

“Ten years later, the UFC was sold for a lot of money,” he added. “And Shane, I think, wants to take credit for the idea of buying UFC. Shane really thought that was the way to go. So, if that’s the way to go, ‘Shane, you take your money and put it in. It wouldn’t work because it would’ve taken a huge investment and Shane only had a little bit, so that’s not a good investment.”

Thoughts?

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Bringing you the weird and wild from the world of MMA each and every weeknight!

Welcome to Midnight Mania!

UFC Bantamweight prospect Ailin Perez (10-2) didn’t look so good on the scale earlier on Friday (Sept. 27, 2024) at the official weigh-ins for UFC Paris. The Argentinian talent missed weight by 1.6 pounds, and she could barely managed to step up onto the scale … but still did a shaky arm flex! It was an ugly scene, but in classic UFC fashion, her fight opposite Dariya Zheleznyakova will continue unabated aside from a fine.

Fighters missing weight isn’t terribly uncommon, and even collapsing in the attempt happens every couple years. This time around, however, there’s a bit of irony involved. Back in July, Tracy Cortez really struggled to make weight for her main event opportunity against Rose Namajunas, ultimately cutting some of her hair to hit the mark.

Perez criticized the (ultimately successful) move online, writing, “Wow [Tracy Cortez] you really had to cut your hair to make weight. You were gifted an amazing opportunity to be a main event versus a former UFC champ and you barely made it. LOL.”

Well, Cortez didn’t forget the slight. On X, she clapped back at Perez’s weight miss with a couple of tweets, recognizing the overall irony of Perez missing weight after talking trash just a few months ago. She wrote, “Y’all wont catch me talking sh-t here on social media BUT my oh MY how the tables have turned 136.6 lol.”

She also added, “The [Only Fans] will help you with that 20% deduction [to Perez’s fight purse].”

Perez enters UFC Paris having won three in a row to score the No. 15 spot at 135-pounds. She’s perhaps better known for her viral twerking videos, wild fight week brawls, and financially successful OnlyFans account. Based on this video from after the weigh-ins with newly crowned champion Merab Dvalishvili, Perez isn’t too upset by the whole situation.

Insomnia

Conor McGregor with a fiery rant in response to Ilia Topuria’s recent comments …

“Preparation for the upcoming fight has begun.” Shavkat title shot confirmed?

One former One Championship athlete claiming shady behavior from the promotion. Where there’s smoke, there’s fire?

Talented young knockout artists Mairon Santos and Kevin Vallejo have made the matchmaker’s job easy by booking their own fight.

Every time I see a Jiri training clip now, I think about how badly I want to see him fight Dricus Du Plessis. It just sounds so hilarious!

A quick check in on Bryce Mitchell … I generally make it a point to watch all the videos in these posts in full, but I lasted about 30 seconds here.

Slips, rips, and KO clips

Professional boxing culture is so, so much colder than MMA culture.

Red shorts’ high chin gave me a bad feeling immediately.

I’ve never been any good at it personally, but I love the double low kick technique (even if blue seems underprepared).

Random Land

A cool frame of reference.

Midnight Music: Not a hot take, hidden gem, or controversial pick by any means, but …. here’s an all-time great guitar riff.

Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.

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Xtreme Fighting Championships (XFC) is back tonight (Fri., Sept. 27, 2024) for a fun little fight card from inside Baird Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. XFC 51: “Evolution” will air at 8 p.m. ET on pay-per-view (PPV) through TrillerTV for $ 24.99, but we have you covered with results and highlights below.

Oh, and the show will feature several ex-UFC and Bellator fighters.

In the main event, former UFC Light Heavyweight, Zac Pauga, takes on fellow UFC veteran and bareknuckle brawler, Alex Nicholson. The co-main event sees top prospect and Contender Series alum, Kenneth Cross, fight former Bellator title challenger, Emmanuel Sanchez.

Also on the card, Sidney Outlaw takes on Dan Moret, and 2022 Professional Fighters League (PFL) Welterweight finalist, Dilano Taylor, fights Handesson Ferreira.

XFC 51 Highlights & Results:

265 lbs.: Zac Pauga vs. Alex Nicholson
155 lbs.: Kenny Cross vs. Emmanuel Sanchez
170 lbs.: Dilano Taylor vs. Handesson Ferreira
125 lbs.: Viviane Pereira vs. Rayla Nascimento
155 lbs:. Dan Moret vs. Sidney Outlaw
265 lbs.: Ronny Markes defeats Lawrence Phillips via TKO Round 1, 1:129
155 lbs.: Artur Minley defeats Brandon Evans via submission – Round 1, 3:39

For more regional MMA news and notes click here.

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Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) will once again venture away from the familiarity of its APEX facility and ship its cast and crew across the world for the upcoming UFC Paris fight card, locked and loaded for tomorrow afternoon (Sat., Sept. 28, 2023) from inside Accor Arena in Paris, France, featuring a 155-pound headliner between all-action Brazilian banger Renato Moicano and homegrown hero Benoit Saint Denis. Like most “Fight Night” cards, you’ll need a subscription to ESPN+ to stream this weekend’s event (sign up here).

Before we dive into the main and co-main event, which includes the middleweight showdown between Top 10 title contenders Nassourdine Imavov and Brendan Allen, check out Andrew Richardson’s “X-Factor” breakdown for the rest of the UFC Paris main card by clicking here. Get all the latest “Moicano vs. Saint Denis” odds and betting props courtesy of DraftKings right here. For UFC Paris live results and play-by-play click here.

Let’s get down to business.

155 lbs.: Renato Carneiro vs. Benoit Saint Denis

Renato “Moicano” Carneiro
Record: 19-5-1 | Age: 35 | Betting line: +230
Wins: 1 KO/TKO, 10 SUB, 8 DEC | Losses: 3 KO/TKO, 1 SUB, 1 DEC
Height: 5’11” | Reach: 72” | Stance: Orthodox
Significant Strikes Landed Per Minute: 4.38 | Striking accuracy: 48%
Strikes Absorbed Per Minute: 3.68 | Striking Defense: 60%
Takedown Average: 1.89 (45% accuracy) | Takedown Defense: 72%
Current Ranking: No. 11 | Last fight: Technical knockout win over Jalin Turner

Benoit “God of War” Saint Denis
Record: 13-2 | Age: 28 | Betting line: -285
Wins: 4 KO/TKO, 9 SUB, 0 DEC | Losses: 1 KO/TKO, 0 SUB, 1 DEC
Height: 5’11“ | Reach: 73” | Stance: Southpaw
Significant Strikes Landed Per Minute: 5.70 | Striking accuracy: 54%
Strikes Absorbed Per Minute: 4.98 | Striking Defense: 52%
Takedown Average: 4.76 (37% accuracy) | Takedown Defense: 69%
Current Ranking: No. 12 | Last fight: Knockout loss to Dustin Poirier

Renato Carneiro has been with the promotion for nearly a decade and this marks his second UFC main event during that span, the first coming against “The Korean Zombie” back in June 2019. The Brazilian is celebrated for his live-by-the-sword offense; though surprisingly, “Moicano” has just two post-fight bonuses to his credit. Carneiro is a durable lightweight with top shelf submission skills but his striking sucks. He’s got just one knockout in 25 professional fights and that came over Jalin Turner at UFC 300, a fight that proved “The Tarantula” has a brain roughly the same size as his favorite spider. After getting clobbered by Rafael Fiziev at UFC 256, Carneiro roared back to capture five of his next six and is currently the winner of three straight, proving you don’t need to be a knockout artist to make a run in the 155-pound weight class.

“Benoit Saint Denis is not easy money, and that’s why he’s in the position he is right now,” Moicano told reporters at the UFC Paris media day. “We’re fighting in France, right? UFC knows his value, but I’m here to prove I’m better than him. I’m here to beat him. I think the rankings, they don’t matter. I think this sport, we have to try to see like the popularity, the momentum. And even though Benoit Saint Denis is ranked behind me, I think he has a lot of momentum. I think he has a lot of popularity, especially in Europe, and I think that could catapult me, not to the rankings, but to popularity and I could get even better fights.”

Benoit Saint Denis has certainly lived up to his “God of War” moniker and seemed destined to blast his way into title contention. Unfortunately for the 28 year-old Frenchman, he tried (and failed) to beat Dustin Poirier at his own game in the UFC 299 co-main event. Saint Denis later blamed the loss on Staph infection, claiming he didn’t have the juice to last more than one round, but he certainly didn’t look any slower in the second stanza — he just got creamed by an uppercut, never got his legs back, and went down in flames. We’ve seen Poirier do that to multiple lightweights, including Conor McGregor, Justin Gaethje, and Eddie Alvarez, among others, so it’s not like “BSD” got popped and dropped by some unranked chump. Regardless, I’m not expecting Saint Denis to change his approach for this fight — even with his new striking coach — because it’s likely to prove victorious at UFC Paris.

“Everything is open, everything is to take,” Saint Denis told reporters at the UFC Paris media day (courtesy of La Sueur). “I’m here to take everything I can. First off, I need to put on a huge performance against Moicano. He’s a tough fight. I’m expecting a tough fight, and it’s going to be a war. Expect me to do my best to climb the division. Of course, what we want is the same fighter with a bit more responsibility defensively. This has been one of the keys around my preparation, and I’m ready to give a war and show this off. I’m a complete mixed martial artist, so it can go anywhere. We will bring it anywhere that we can have our way.”

You only need to look at one stat to figure this one out: Saint Denis lands 5.70 significant strikes per minute and Carneiro absorbs 3.68 significant strikes per minute. “Moicano” is going down and he’s going down in a big way.

Prediction: Saint Denis def. Carneiro by technical knockout

185 lbs.: Nassourdine Imavov vs. Brendan Allen

Nassourdine Imavov
Record: 14-4, 1 NC | Age: 29 | Betting line: -220
Wins: 6 KO/TKO, 4 SUB, 4 DEC | Losses: 0 KO/TKO, 1 SUB, 3 DEC
Height: 6’3“ | Reach: 75” | Stance: Orthodox
Significant Strikes Landed Per Minute: 4.58 | Striking accuracy: 55%
Strikes Absorbed Per Minute: 3.33 | Striking Defense: 59%
Takedown Average: 0.98 (36% accuracy) | Takedown Defense: 74%
Current Ranking: No. 4 | Last fight: Technical knockout win over Jared Cannonier

Brendan “All In” Allen
Record: 24-5 | Age: 28 | Betting line: +180
Wins: 5 KO/TKO, 14 SUB, 5 DEC | Losses: 2 KO/TKO, 1 SUB, 2 DEC
Height: 6’2“ | Reach: 75” | Stance: Orthodox
Significant Strikes Landed Per Minute: 3.98 | Striking accuracy: 53%
Strikes Absorbed Per Minute: 3.83 | Striking Defense: 47%
Takedown Average: 1.74 (47% accuracy) | Takedown Defense: 58%
Current Ranking: No. 8 | Last fight: Split decision win over Chris Curtis

Nassourdine Imavov is fast approaching his four-year anniversary with UFC. During that time, he’s racked up a 6-2 record with one “No Contest” while entering this bout on the strength of back-to-back wins over Roman Dolidze and Jared Cannonier. There were cries of an early stoppage when he planished the “Killa Gorilla” at UFC Louisville but let’s face it, Cannonier was already on Queer Street and the stoppage probably did his brain a favor. I think a lot of pundits (present company included) were lukewarm on the Frenchman after his UFC Vegas 67 loss to Sean Strickland in early 2023 — but that’s only because we didn’t yet realize that “Tarzan” was championship material and good enough to dethrone the likes of Israel Adesanya. Imavov is in his fighting prime at age 29 and brings a solid standup game into tomorrow night’s battle, punctuated by both speed and volume.

“I’m the fastest fighter in this weight class,” Imavov told UFC.com. “I could even fight in welterweight, but I’m very comfortable in middleweight. I’m the fastest striker in the division, and I think he hasn’t faced someone that strikes as fast, as accurate and as strong as me. And I don’t think he has a big chin, so let’s see on Saturday night. We don’t underestimate no one. This guy is 12-2 in the UFC, he’s on a seven-fight win streak, and we know he’s very strong, he’s a very tough fighter. We know he’s very strong, but he’s not as strong as me. That’s it.”

Brendan Allen has spent the better part of 2024 complaining about his position in the UFC rankings and can’t seem to figure out why his seven-fight win streak hasn’t led to a middleweight title shot. Not having a victory over anyone ranked in the division Top 10 probably has something to do with it, but I guess it’s just easier to blame the media. Allen cut his teeth on Dana White’s “Contender Series” back in summer 2019 and has proven to be a very dangerous submission fighter, but only has one knockout victory in 14 trips to the Octagon. I don’t expect that to change at UFC Paris as “All In” will be outgunned on the feet and likely hunting for the takedown to help facilitate his grappling game. Imavov has pretty solid takedown defense so this could turn out to be a long night for Allen, unless his opponent runs out of gas late in the fight.

“When I really break him down, I think I’m better than him everywhere,” Allen told UFC.com. “I think he’s got the advantage, maybe in speed, but I have the advantage everywhere else. I think I’m just as fast but I’m definitely stronger. I think I’m bigger, stronger. I think my cardio is better, my technical abilities are better, striking and on the ground. I’m tougher, more experienced. He is the favorite for whatever the reason may be. We can go on about his resume, his accolades or whatever, but for whatever the case may be, he’s the favorite. I’m going to beat him in his hometown. I’m going to beat him in front of his people, and I’m going to do it very convincingly.”

Allen is going to spend most of this fight trying to get Imavov to the floor, which is likely to take away the Frenchman’s chances for the knockout. Instead, Imavov will probably sweep the scorecards after 25 minutes of spamming jabs, mixed in with the occasional wall work.

Prediction: Imavov def. Allen by decision

Don’t forget to check out the rest of the UFC Paris main card predictions RIGHT HERE.

MMAmania.com will deliver LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the entire UFC Paris fight card RIGHT HERE, starting with the ESPN+ preliminary card matchups which are scheduled to begin at 12 p.m. ET, followed by the remaining main card balance on ESPN+ at 3 p.m. ET.

To check out the latest and greatest UFC Paris news and notes be sure to hit up our comprehensive event archive here. For the updated and finalized “Moicano vs. Saint Denis” fight card and ESPN+ lineup click here.

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Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Middleweight finishers Nassourdine Imavov vs. Brendan Allen will go to war this weekend (Sat., Sept. 28, 2024) at UFC Paris inside Accor Arena in Paris, France.

These men are the two dark horses at 185 pounds. While all the title talk attention lies with hot-shot prospect, Khamzat Chimaev, or former champions like Robert Whittaker and Sean Strickland, Imavov and Allen are winning fights. Indeed, Imavov is 29 years old, has won two in a row, and recently advanced into the Top 5. Allen, meanwhile, has impressively won seven consecutive bouts, scoring finishes more often than not. He’s broken into the Top 10 already, and one more win for the 28-year-old should really break him into the immediate title mix.

Let’s take a closer look at the betting odds and strategic keys for each athlete:

Imavov vs Allen Betting Odds

• Nassourdine Imavov victory: -220
• Nassourdine Imavov via TKO/KO/DQ: +200
• Nassourdine Imavov via submission: +1000
• Nassourdine Imavov via decision: +165
• Brendan Allen victory: +180
• Brendan Allen via TKO/KO/DQ: +2000
• Brendan Allen via submission: +600
• Brendan Allen via decision: +350
• Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook

How Imavov Wins

Now that Israel Adesanya is slowing down, Imavov is perhaps Middleweight’s sharpest range striker. His jab is his best weapon, but the French standout really builds from the strike well, timing powerful connections and walking his opponents into big shots. Historically, cardio has been a concern, but Imavov has looked sharp in consecutive five-round fights.

In this match up, I’d like to see Imavov press his boxing advantage. Between the two, Allen is more the specialist, whereas Imavov has a go-to game plan for every fight. If Imavov can convince Allen to trade with him, that comfort and his hand speed advantage should combine to produce significant results.

Generally, Imavov likes to box at distance, but Allen is too powerful a kicker to let him dictate the space. Instead, Imavov should be looking to double and triple the jab to close range a bit before firing his right hand. Allen has a habit of running himself into the fence, trying to trade, then getting clobbered, and that’s something an athlete like Imavov should be able to capitalize upon.

How Allen Wins

Of the Middleweight up-and-comers, Allen might be the most rounded. Just on the feet, he’s a nasty kicker with power in his hands and a sneaky clinch game. Then, he’s a very solid wrestler with a penchant for snatching up rear naked chokes suddenly, a strangle which accounts for six of his UFC wins.

I’d like to see Allen offensive on all fronts. He should be kicking when Imavov goes to jab, and crowding him with knees, elbows, and takedown attempts when Imavov wants to throw combinations in the pocket. Oh, and if gets Imavov in a bad spot along the fence, Allen can definitely throw hands with his opponent — he’s far from helpless in that range.

We have seen Imavov struggle with being controlled in several fights, even in some of his victories. Allen is more dangerous on the canvas than most of Imavov’s past opponents, so that could be a viable path to victory. It only takes one takedown, trip, or off-balance for Allen to jump the back, and he’s more than a proven finisher there.

Ultimately, Allen gives himself the best chance at an upset by mixing up all his tools and denying Imavov a boxing match.

Imavov vs. Allen Prediction

The path to victory for Imavov is more consistent and clear.

I can see Allen winning this fight, certainly. He could catch Imavov with a big shot or sneak onto his back at some point. The problem is that it feels like he has to win via finish. His defense remains too much of a liability, particularly against an accurate and fast puncher like Imavov. The French talent’s jab is not going to miss very often, and once he lines up the range finder, the heavy blows follow soon afterward. Both men have flaws, but Imavov enters this fight better equipped to capitalize on his opponent’s issues than the opposite.

The jab wins the day, controls the distance, and eventually sets up a right hand finish.

Prediction: Imavov via knockout (+200)

Remember that MMAmania.com will deliver LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the entire UFC Paris fight card right here, starting with the ESPN+ “Prelims” matches online, which are scheduled to begin at 12 p.m. ET, before the main card start time at 3 p.m. ET (also on ESPN+).

To check out the latest and greatest UFC Paris: “Moicano vs. BSD” news and notes be sure to hit up our comprehensive event archive right here.

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Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) will hold its early (and official) weigh ins for the upcoming UFC Paris mixed martial arts (MMA) event, LIVE at 3 a.m. ET from inside the promotion’s host hotel in Paris, France. We’ll have real-time results and updates below, even if you are too busy sleeping to read them, but at least you have something to look forward to when you wake up! The good news for all the East Coast sleepyheads is that Renato Moicano, Benoit Saint Denis, Nassourdine Imavov, Brendan Allen, and the rest of the UFC Paris cast and crew will head to the nearby Accor Arena for the ceremonial weigh ins festivities, streaming LIVE at 12 p.m. ET right here.

Complete UFC Paris early weigh ins text results below:

UFC Paris Main Card On ESPN+:

155 lbs.: Renato Moicano () vs. Benoit Saint Denis (156)
185 lbs.: Nassourdine Imavov (186) vs. Brendan Allen (186)
145 lbs.: William Gomis () vs. Joanderson Brito (146)
170 lbs.: Kevin Jousset (169) vs. Bryan Battle (170)
145 lbs.: Morgan Charriere () vs. Gabriel Miranda ()
155 lbs.: Fares Ziam (156) vs. Matt Frevola (156)

UFC Paris Prelims Card On ESPN+:

205 lbs.: Ion Cutelaba (205) vs. Ivan Erslan (206)
205 lbs.: Oumar Sy (205) vs. Da Woon Jung (205)
155 lbs.: Ľudovít Klein (155) vs. Roosevelt Roberts (155)
135 lbs.: Darya Zheleznyakova (136) vs. Ailín Perez ()
135 lbs.: Taylor Lapilus (136) vs. Vince Morales (135)
125 lbs.: Daniel Barez (125) vs. Victor Altamirano ()
135 lbs.: Nora Cornolle () vs. Jacqueline Cavalcanti (135)
155 lbs.: Bolaji Oki (156) vs. Chris Duncan ()

Remember to catch the UFC Paris ceremonial weigh ins stream LIVE at 12 p.m. ET right here.

MMAmania.com will deliver LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the entire UFC Paris fight card RIGHT HERE, starting with the ESPN+ preliminary card matchups which are scheduled to begin at 12 p.m. ET, followed by the remaining main card balance on ESPN+ at 3 p.m. ET.

To check out the latest and greatest UFC Paris news and notes be sure to hit up our comprehensive event archive here. For the updated and finalized “Moicano vs. Saint Denis” fight card and ESPN+ lineup click here.

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Don’t worry about Bo Nickal’s inactivity.

Three-time NCAA Division I national champion Nickal is gearing up for his fourth Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fight against Scotland’s Paul Craig, which is set to go down at UFC 309 inside Madison Square Garden on Nov. 16.

Nickal, 28, has not fought since the iconic UFC 300 card, where he visited the second round for the first time and eventually finished Cody Brundage via submission (watch highlights).

Recently, a UFC fan questioned the undefeated fighter’s inactivity on Twitter.

“Bro you are a complete disappointment,” the fan wrote. “You finish all your fights within 2mins, take ZERO damage, yet you go home, sit down for MONTHS at a time while all your hype and momentum dies. Why? Makes no sense whatsoever. This is why nobody is out here looking for you, this is why when you’re not fighting nobody cares. You need to wake tf up because it’s so damn annoying”

The critical tweet prompted the mega-prospect to reply.

“I’m training brother,” Nickal wrote. “Not like these other guys who sit on the couch when they’re not in camp. I’ve been fighting professionally since June of 2022. Anyone else near my position has over a decade of experience and 3-5x as many fights. I’m on my own path and having fun, just enjoy the show.”

Nickal competed two times in his UFC rookie year (2023) and will get two fights this year, which is perfectly fine for a prospect that the UFC is trying to build slowly.

While it would be excellent for the former college wrestling star to fight more often, rushing him could end in disaster like many other UFC prospects.

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Chump change for the TKO billionaires.

The UFC antitrust case has reached a settlement … again.

The promotion was hit with a class-action lawsuit back in 2014 from multiple fighters, including Cung Le, Jon Fitch, and Nate Quarry, among others, accusing the mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion and its operators of violating Section 2 of the Sherman Act.

Both sides have agreed to a new payout of $ 375 million after the court struck down their first (and less expensive) agreement.

“On September 26, 2024, TKO reached an agreement with the plaintiffs to settle all claims asserted in the Le case for an aggregate amount of $ 375 million payable in installments over an agreed-upon period of time by the Company and its subsidiaries following the court’s denial of an earlier proposed settlement agreement,” the promotion said in today’s statement. “The terms of the Updated Settlement Agreement have been memorialized in a long form agreement, which will be submitted to the court for approval. The Company anticipates that the settlement amount will be deductible for tax purposes.”

A bigger payout for plaintiffs … but a far cry from the billions they were seeking.

The original lawsuit was filed in 2014 and later consolidated with related cases, including the most recent action from Kajan Johnson in 2021. Johnson made headlines back in early 2017 after getting booted from the UFC fighter retreat for his outspoken views on the fighter-unfriendly Reebok deal.

The Johnson case “is in very early stages” and a motion to dismiss the complaint “remains pending,” according to UFC.

“We believe this new proposed settlement for the Le case is an excellent result for the class of UFC fighters we represent,” attorneys told MMA Fighting. “If approved, it would provide immediate monetary relief to over one-thousand fighters, who would each recover a significant enhancement to what he or she earned from the UFC during his or her fighting career. We look forward to presenting the proposed settlement to the Court for preliminary approval in the near future. We also plan on vigorously pursuing claims on behalf of the fighter class in the later-filed Johnson case, including claims for injunctive relief against the UFC.”

The new settlement awaits approval from the presiding judge.

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Event: PFL “Battle of the Giants”
Date: Sat., Oct. 19, 2024
Location: Mayadeen in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
How To Watch: ESPN+ PPV in the U.S. and DAZN worldwide

Battle of the Giants Main Event:

265 lbs.: Francis Ngannou (17-3) vs. Champion Renan Ferreira (13-3, 3 NC)

Battle of the Giants Main Card (4 p.m. ET):

145 lbs.: Cris “Cyborg” (27-2) vs. Larissa Pacheco (23-4)
185 lbs.: Champion Johnny Eblen (15-0) vs. Fabian Edwards (13-3)
145 lbs.: Husein Kadimagomaev (11-1-0, 1 NC) vs Zafar Mohsen (13-4)
155 lbs.: AJ McKee (22-1) vs. Paul Hughes (12-1)

Battle of the Giants Prelims Card (1:30 p.m. ET):

135 lbs.: Raufeon Stots (20-2) vs Marcos Breno (15-3)
155 lbs.: Makkasharip Zaynukov (15-4) vs Dedrek Sanders (9-4)
145 lbs.: Ibragim Ibragimov (7-0) vs Nacho Campos (5-0)
185 lbs.: Mostafa Nada (9-3) vs Ahmed Sami (11-4-0, 1 NC)
145 lbs.: Youssef Al Housani (4-1) vs Taha Bendaoud (3-0)

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