Category Archives: Mmanews.com

Tom Aspinall is pushing for Stipe Miocic to be replaced in his potential bout with Jon Jones, much like Joe Biden was swapped out in the 2024 United States Presidential election.

For context, Biden stepped out of the presidential race in July following a challenging debate against Republican nominee Donald Trump, which raised significant scrutiny about the sitting President’s mental readiness for another term.

Amid mounting pressure for the UFC to cancel Miocic’s planned title shot against the reigning heavyweight champion, UFC CEO Dana White has made it clear that the fight is still on. White has resolutely stood by his decision to reschedule the matchup, which was originally set for November 2023 at UFC 295 but had to be postponed after “Bones” suffered a serious pectoral injury.

Consequently, Aspinall capitalized on the opportunity at UFC 295, stepping in to claim the interim heavyweight title with a knockout of Sergei Pavlovich. The 31-year-old Salford native has eagerly called for a title unification bout against Jones. However, “Bones” has consistently dismissed the challenge, showing more interest in rebooking his showdown with Miocic instead.

The British powerhouse then defended his interim title against Curtis Blaydes with a first-round knockout at UFC 304, avenging his only UFC defeat. Following this triumph, Aspinall made it clear that his sights are set solely on a title unification bout as his next challenge…

Aspinall Targets Miocic’s Slot In Upcoming Jones Fight

During a recent interview with TNT Sports, Aspinall suggested that Miocic should follow Biden’s lead and step aside for the upcoming title clash against Jones, which is expected to take place at UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden in New York City on November 16.

Miocic is set to turn 42 on August 19. The former two-time UFC heavyweight champion was seen in action in March 2021, when he lost his title in a crushing second-round knockout defeat to Francis Ngannou at UFC 260.

Meanwhile, Jones last graced the Octagon at UFC 285 in March 2023, where he captured the heavyweight title with a dominant submission victory over Ciryl Gane.

• Read More: Jon Jones Hints That He Is Going To Retire In 2024 After Stipe Miocic Fight

Continue Reading Tom Aspinall: Stipe Miocic Needs To Be ‘Joe Biden’d’ To Allow Title Unification Against Jon Jones at MMA News.

MMA News

Xtreme Couture’s Eric Nicksick may be regarded as one of the best coaches in the sport but that doesn’t mean he’s not able to learn things from others in the same field.

Since making the decision to retire on top of the sport, former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has seamlessly transitioned into a coaching role.

Not only has he achieved a lot of success in the corner of other fighters, athletes will often share stories of how far coach Khabib will push people in training.

He appears to have taken up a similar coaching style to that of his late father, and if it worked for Abdulmanap, why fix what isn’t broken.

Eric Nicksick Recalls Key Lessons He Was Able To Take Away From Watching Khabib Nurmagomedov Coach

During a recent interview with Red Corner MMA, Nicksick reflected on what it was like getting to watch Nurmagomedov lead sessions at the UFC Performance Institute in Las Vegas.

He reflected on one story in particular that showed him how professionalism is key to what they do alongside working hard in the gym.

“Those guys do it at the highest standard at the highest level. One of the funny things too was Belal Muhammad brought a guest that was not cleared by Khabib and then like Khabib was not happy about that and just like kind of made me realize like I sometimes open my doors too much and allow people to come and train that we don’t get vetted through the system.”

Nicksick went on to explain that Nurmagomedov walked a fine line between being actually annoyed by this scenario, whilst having fun with it at the same time.

“You could feel like he was joking but he wasn’t, he was serious about it and Belal was like, ‘Oh dude, I’m so sorry,’ you know, and he goes, ‘I don’t know who this guy is.’ Then like the best part is like Khabib and I are sitting here and he kind of looks at me and he’s like, ‘Yeah Eric, are you going to let a guy in your gym that you don’t know, maybe he’s fighting one of your guys,’ like just kind of punking Belal in front of everybody, it was funny. But obviously, Khabib let the guys still continue to train but there was a process to that.”

Read also: Daniel Cormier Pushes Back On Interim Title Talk Amid Islam Makhachev Injury: ‘He’s Fought Twice Very Recently!’ 

Continue Reading Eric Nicksick On Khabib Nurmagomedov Being Unhappy With Belal Muhammad During Training: ‘Punking Belal In Front Of Everybody…’ at MMA News.

MMA News

Since his UFC debut in 2008, Jon Jones has been through several ups and downs. He only has one DQ loss against Matt Hamill and boasts a record 15 title wins in the promotion. However, arrests and suspensions for performance-enhancing drug usage has compelled many fans to turn on him.

Jones never refrains from acknowledging such upsets, though. He claims to use his religion to learn from his mistakes and get ahead in life. Although he’s mostly come off as an ardent Christian, rumors regarding his conversion to Islam have surfaced at times as well.

So, here’s what religion Jones follows and whether he has converted to Islam…

What is Jon Jones’ Religion?

Jones follows Christianity and there are countless incidents to support this. After winning the UFC heavyweight championship against Ciryl Gane in March 2023, he thanked Jesus Christ in his post-fight interview.

Another huge giveaway is the former UFC light heavyweight kingpin’s chest tattoo. It says “Philippians 4:13” which is based on a verse from the Bible stating:

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

On top of this, “Bones” repeatedly talks about Jesus Christ in high regard on his socials. He also shares moments celebrating Christian festivals and appreciates Bible verses on these platforms.

Back in 2013, Jones appeared on an episode of UFC In The Moment and looked back at the time when doubted doubt religion after his sister passed away.

“Spirituality is what makes me do the right thing when no one is looking. To know someone is watching you when no one is watching you. I think it is an important thing to have. But I have also had times in my life where I have questioned religion. I had a sister who passed away. She was 18 years old. She had brain cancer. Within two years’ time, her life was over. Considering that she was a light and she was my only sister, it is tough for me. Despite all the questions that I have had, I have never given up on God, never given up on my faith.”

Did Jon Jones Convert To Islam?

No, Jones never converted to Islam and has only professed faith in Christianity. However, a few misinterpreted incidents have birthed rumors that he’s converted.

These include Jones joking about converting to Islam when Ariel Helwani once asked him about his beard in an interview. In other interviews, he also said the Arabic term Alhamdulillah, used to thank and praise God.

In hindsight, one can easily make out that Jones simply respects Islam. He revealed in the same interview that he grew a beard for no specific reason. Similarly, Arabic phrases like Alhamdulillah are widely used in pop culture regardless of the speaker’s religion.

• Read More: Steve Erceg Backs ‘Precedent’ Set By Releasing Muhammad Mokaev After Alleged Behavior Toward UFC Staff

Continue Reading Jon Jones’ Religion: Debunking Rumors About UFC Great’s Links To Islam at MMA News.

MMA News

Fight week for the UFC 305 pay-per-view this Saturday night has kicked off with the release of the promotion’s latest Countdown episode. Under the spotlight in this edition is the headliner between Dricus Du Plessis and Israel Adesanya.

Saturday’s lineup is topped by a championship rematch, with middleweight kingpin Du Plessis (21-2) looking to add a first successful defense to his reign, which got underway with a victory over Sean Strickland at UFC 297 in Toronto, Canada, this past January. He earned that shot with a monumental triumph over the highly regarded Robert Whittaker during last year’s International Fight Week in Las Vegas.

If “Stillknocks” is to continue his rule atop the 185-pound mountain, he must record a victory over the returning Adesanya (24-3). “The Last Stylebender” will be making his comeback 11 months on from losing the middleweight gold in shocking fashion to Strickland in Sydney.

The Nigerian-New Zealander will be back competing on Australian soil once again, with Perth’s RAC Arena potentially hosting his historic crowning as three-time champ should he hand his South African rival the first loss of his career on MMA’s biggest stage.

Ahead of that contest Down Under, fans can catch a preview in the full episode of UFC 305 Countdown on the promotion’s YouTube channel.

UFC 305 Countdown: Full Episode

And below, check out the full card for this weekend’s numbered event.

Main Card:

• Middleweight Championship Main Event: Dricus Du Plessis (C) vs. Israel Adesanya
• Flyweight Co-Main Event: Kai Kara-France vs. Steve Erceg
• Lightweight: Mateusz Gamrot vs. Dan Hooker
• Heavyweight: Tai Tuivasa vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik
• Welterweight: Li Jingliang vs. Carlos Prates

Preliminary Card:

• Heavyweight: Junior Tafa vs. Valter Walker
• Featherweight: Joshua Culibao vs. Ricardo Ramos
• Women’s Flyweight: Casey O’Neill vs. Luana Santos
• Featherweight: Jack Jenkins vs. Herbert Burns

Early Preliminary Card:

• Lightweight: Tom Nolan vs. Alex Reyes
• Welterweight: Song Kenan vs. Rick Glenn
• Flyweight: Stewart Nicoll vs. Jesus Aguilar

Be sure to keep it right here on MMANews.com this week for all the updates and news on UFC 305!

Continue Reading VIDEO: UFC 305 Countdown Episode Ahead Of Dricus Du Plessis vs. Israel Adesanya at MMA News.

MMA News

Two weeks after the UFC’s public release of Muhammad Mokaev following UFC 304, the drama involving the undefeated flyweight continues.

Mokaev posted a message to his X (formerly Twitter) account on August 10, giving a thank you message to other promotions, including the PFL, Brave CF, RIZIN, Karate Combat, and ACA.

Mokaev claimed that the organizations all reached out to him and he is contemplating his next move — with one ultimate goal in mind that does not involve any of them.

“I appreciate [you] for believing in me, now I will sit down with my team and take the best option not on money wise but that could let me go back to the UFC ASAP!” Mokaev posted.

PFL Executive Claims The Promotion Never Reached Out To Muhammad Mokaev

Hours after Mokaev’s message, former Bellator matchmaker and current PFL executive Mike Kogan took to his Instagram Stories to refute “The Punisher’s” claim. Kogan insisted that the PFL is not among those who have contacted Mokaev.

“This story is a lie – no one from PFL or Bellator spoke to the dude or even showed an [ounce] of interest,” Kogan posted.

Kogan’s message would go along the comments Ray Sefo made last week at the PFL post-fight press conference in Nashville, where he remarked that Mokaev was a “pain in the ass” and that he had no interest in him.

It should be noted, however, that Sefo is a part of Xtreme Couture, where Manel Kape trains at. “Starboy” and Mokaev had public altercations in the lead-up to their UFC 304 bout, which the Dagestan-born Brit ultimately won in a fight that was heavily scrutinized and widely branded lackluster.

At the UFC 304 post-fight press conference, UFC CEO Dana White publicly announced that Mokaev would not be re-signed by the promotion, stating that the PFL would get a great undefeated talent.

MMA commentator Ben “The Bane” Davis would go on to report an anonymous tip he received that Mokaev attempted to use PFL for contractual leverage prior to the expiration of his UFC contract.

Davis’ report was refuted by Mokaev’s team, though “The Punisher’s” response to Sefo on social media — claiming he wouldn’t take the PFL’s deal anyway — has sparked confusion regarding the situation.

• Read More: Sean O’Malley On Muhammad Mokaev’s UFC Expulsion: ‘Make The UFC’s Life Hell For Fight Week…’

Continue Reading PFL Executive Debunks Muhammad Mokaev’s Claim The Promotion Reached Out To Him: ‘No One Showed Even An Oz Of Interest!’ at MMA News.

MMA News

UFC Fight Night takes place tonight from the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, and MMA News has you covered with all the results and highlights! 

In the main event, top-ten ranked heavyweights Marcin Tybura (#8) and Serghei Spivac (#9) will clash. While in the co-main event, Damon Jackson will face Chepe Mariscal in a featherweight matchup. 

Three fighters failed to make weight at the weigh-ins. Mariscal missed the featherweight limit by 3.5 pounds, Chelsea Chandler missed the women’s bantamweight limit by 5 pounds, and Danny Barlow missed the welterweight limit by .25 pounds. 

Make sure to catch all the UFC Fight Night results and highlights as they happen below! 

Main Card (ESPN/ESPN+, 7PM ET): 

• Heavyweight Main Event: Marcin Tybura vs. Serghei Spivac
• Featherweight Co-Main Event: Damon Jackson vs. Chepe Mariscal
• Welterweight: Danny Barlow vs. Nikolay Veretennikov
• Bantamweight: Chris Gutiérrez vs. Quang Le
• Women’s Bantamweight: Yana Santos vs. Chelsea Chandler
• Bantamweight: Toshiomi Kazama vs. Charalampos Grigoriou

Preliminary Card (ESPN/ESPN+, 5PM ET): 

• Women’s Bantamweight: Karol Rosa vs. Pannie Kianzad
• Heavyweight: Jhonata Diniz vs. Karl Williams
• Featherweight: Youssef Zalal vs. Jarno Errens
• Women’s Strawweight: Stephanie Luciano vs, Talita Alencar

Continue Reading UFC Fight Night: Marcin Tybura vs. Serghei Spivac 2 Results & Highlights (5 PM ET)  at MMA News.

MMA News

TJ Dillashaw recently escalated his critique of Anthony Smith, backing up all of his previous fault-finding of the former UFC light heavyweight title challenger.

Smith might have faced a sobering reality regarding his hopes for a second run towards the title after enduring a challenging unanimous decision loss to short-notice replacement Roman Dolidze at UFC 303 in June.

Interestingly, the former UFC bantamweight champion was highly critical of “Lionheart’s” performance during his appearance on the JAXXON PODCAST with former UFC champions Rampage Jackson and Luke Rockhold last month. Dillashaw mocked Smith’s moniker, bluntly stating that the 36-year-old Texan will never become champion because he lacks the resilience to persevere.

Smith swiftly responded to Dillashaw’s pointed remarks during an episode of the BELIEVE YOU ME Podcast. “Lionheart” didn’t hold back, taking a scathing jab at the 38-year-old Californian’s positive performance-enhancing drug test in 2019, which resulted in a two-year suspension from the UFC.

However, the exchange of verbal jabs didn’t end there. Dillashaw has returned with a fresh barrage of critiques, once again labeling Smith as a quitter…

Dillashaw Thinks Smith Becomes Defensive When Judged

During his recent appearance on the JAXXON PODCAST, Dillashaw sought to defend his previous comments about Smith, arguing that he lacks the attributes of a true championship contender—a reality Smith himself has acknowledged.

The bantamweight veteran further noted that while Smith frequently criticizes other fighters, he doesn’t handle criticism directed at himself with the same grace.

Smith competed for the light heavyweight title in March 2019 against Jon Jones at UFC 235. In that bout, “Lionheart” decided to continue after being struck by an illegal knee from Jones and ultimately lost by unanimous decision.

Following his defeat to “Bones”, Smith struggled to find his footing, unable to gain any significant momentum in his subsequent outings.

• Read More: Anthony Smith Feels Leon Edwards More Improved Than Belal Muhammad Ahead Of Rematch: ‘He Was So Good On His Feet That Colby Didn’t Even Want To Shoot’

Continue Reading TJ Dillashaw Criticises Anthony Smith: ‘He Doesn’t Have That Dog In Him…’ at MMA News.

MMA News

Alex Pereira has gained massive popularity in the UFC, not just for his fighting style and consistency, but also for his cold walkouts to the Octagon. He starts with a hobbled, limping walk and then mimics shooting an arrow towards the opponent while screaming at them.

Unlike stars such as Israel Adesanya, “Poatan” has used the same walkout since his debut at UFC 268. In return, fans regularly appreciate and imitate him on social media platforms and it is unlikely that he would change his walkout going forward.

Pereira has also used the same walkout song in his UFC fights, and here’s everything to know about it…

The Story Behind Alex Pereira’s Walkout Song

Itsári by Brazilan heavy metal band Sepultura is the song Pereira has used for all his UFC walkouts. In the Xavante language, Itsári means “Roots” and the instrumental track is an ode to Brazilian traditions.

Like the song, Pereira’s walkout routine is also inspired by his indigenous history. His first kickboxing coach was indigenous and after enquiring his parents about it, the UFC light heavyweight kingpin became aware of his cultural heritage.

In an interview with ESPN MMA in November 2022, “Poatan” explained how he came up with his UFC walkout theme and song:

“My first teacher had indigenous roots. I went home the same day and asked my mom. She said my grandparents were indigenous. It made me feel more confident. We wanted to resurrect my origins and indigenous culture. I made a ritual with a bow and arrow. Then a sequence with the indigenous music and that’s how it started.”

Pereira’s bow and arrow sequence depicts an early ritual in his culture. When matched with Itsári and his stoic face, it undeniably becomes one of the most intimidating walkouts in UFC history.

The former UFC middleweight champion proudly represents Brazil’s indigenous Pataxo tribe through walkouts, face paint, and interviews. He’s also popularized terms like Chama from Portuguese and Poatan from Tupi in MMA circles.

• Read More: Umar Nurmagomedov Touts Bellator Champion As Islam Makhachev’s UFC Lightweight Successor

Continue Reading What Is Alex Pereira’s Walkout Song In The UFC? at MMA News.

MMA News

Magomed Ankalaev was announced to be returning at UFC 308 in October but the opponent had some left scratching their chins.

The 32-year old contender is ranked as the #2 in the division behind the former champion and the last man to challenge Alex Pereira for the light heavyweight title, Jiří Procházka.

Though he does have a no contest from his first fight with Johnny Walker and a draw against Jan Błachowicz, Ankalaev is undefeated since his UFC debut and has won ten in a row (excluding the two previously mentioned blemishes).

Following his win in a rematch with Walker earlier this year, many expected that Ankalaev would be next the title challenger after Jamahal Hill’s failed attempt to reclaim the belt at UFC 300.

Though it makes sense why Pereira would then instead be booked for a rematch with Procházka on late notice at UFC 303, Ankalaev would surely then be the next one up.

However, he is now set to face Aleksandar Rakić, who is coming off of a loss to Procházka, in Abu Dhabi.

Robert Whittaker Jokes That Magomed Ankalaev May Simply Not Be In The UFC’s Good Books

In a recent episode of his MMArcade Podcast, former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker gave his reaction to this fight being put together.

Whittaker, who will also feature on UFC 308 in a co-main event clash with Khamzat Chimaev over five rounds, was also surprised to see Ankalaev back in action against someone other than Pereira.

He laid out how there are two thought processes behind this fight with one being that “Poatan” has earned a rest and his number one contender would rather be active in the mean time.

Whittaker also laid out how this decision may have been made due to the relationship that Ankalaev currently has with the UFC, which has been rocky to say the least in recent years.

“Pereira deserves a break, he took that second fight with what’s his name and won it in outstanding fashion and then his toe was broken so he deserves a break. I guess I can look at it like… UFC really don’t like Ankalaev. Like when he fought against Błachowicz to that draw, they were just like cross his name out. They’re like yeah, like he didn’t have great rapport after that fight right. So that or it’s exactly as you said, Pereira needs some time out, Ankalaev doesn’t want to sit out forever. Or, bear with me here, they’re prepping him to fight Aspinall.”

Read also: ‘Predator Is On The Hunt’ – MMA Fans React To Confirmation Of Francis Ngannou’s PFL Debut, Renan Ferreira Clash

Continue Reading Whittaker On Pereira’s Next Title Defense: ‘UFC Really Don’t Like Ankalaev…’ at MMA News.

MMA News

Israel Adesanya faces a new test when he returns at UFC 305 to try and reclaim the middleweight title in a fight with Dricus Du Plessis.

“The Last Stylebender” has had his rivals in the past and whilst his story with Alex Pereira has defined big parts of both men’s careers, and the likes of Marvin Vettori and Sean Strickland weren’t big fans of his, this one is different.

No opponent has been able to bring this kind of intensity out of the former champion quite like Du Plessis has. due to his comments on bringing the title back to Africa.

This opens up the debate whether Adesanya fights best when he’s relaxed or amped up.

Megan Anderson Says That Israel Adesanya’s Emotion Could Help Or Hinder Him At UFC 305

In a recent preview video of the UFC’s return to Perth on her own YouTube channel, former UFC fighter Megan Anderson spoke about the war of words between Du Plessis and Adesanya.

Things appeared to have calmed down (a little) on this front if their most recent encounter was anything to go by but there is clearly still some tension there which could come back around on fight week.

Anderson believes that Adesanya’s previous interactions with the champion don’t paint the best image for him unless, of course, he can use this dislike of Du Plessis to raise his game another level.

“If anything has shown us, anytime these two get together, Israel reacts incredibly emotionally. He is saying things that we’ve never heard him say before, he is really just going out there and just being so incredibly passionate about this. How much of that is Dricus really revving up this whole rivalry between them and this is getting under Israel’s skin, we’re going to find out. But, whether it hurts him or helps him perform, that’s the biggest question for me.”

Read also: Coach Dismisses Outcome Of Decade-Old Sparring Session Between Adesanya & Du Plessis: ‘We’ve Heard Stories Of AJ Being Knocked Out In Boxing…’

Continue Reading Former Fighter On Du Plessis Getting Under Adesanya’s Skin: ‘Reacts Incredibly Emotionally’ at MMA News.

MMA News