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It would appear that UFC Middleweight Champion Dricus Du Plessis’ entire team has been reaping the benefits of his title crowning.

Du Plessis completed his rise to glory in mixed martial arts’ premier promotion as an undefeated fighter inside the Octagon this past January in Canada, where he headlined the UFC 297 pay-per-view in competition for Sean Strickland’s belt.

The pair went the distance in a competitive and back-and-forth affair, which “Stillknocks” ultimately won by way of split decision, extending his promotional record to 7-0 and ascending him to the middleweight mountaintop.

In addition to achieving his own title ambitions, Du Plessis became the first South African to bring UFC gold back to his nation. And that fact has evidently encouraged his teammates to raise their game now that they have the chance to share a gym with the 185-pound kingpin…

Du Plessis: Team CIT Has Found ‘Another Level’ After UFC Title Win

During an interview with Fox West Texas, Du Plessis spoke about how he’s been enjoying life as a champion thus far.

After noting that his crowning in Toronto earlier this year has only increased his personal drive for more success on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage, “Stillknocks” pointed to the positive impact it’s also had on his team as a whole.

“It’s been great. It’s been everything that I expected, everything that I hoped for, and better,” Du Plessis said. “And training-wise, once I got that belt, I got a fire under me. A lot of people might think once you win that belt, you lose some of that hunger. I always said it, becoming UFC champion is not my end goal, not at all. … There’s a new hunger. There’s that championship hunger because now I’m defending my throne, and I’ll do anything to defend that throne.

“In training, the team, everybody’s stepped it up because now they’re going up against the world champion. Everybody wants to land a shot on the world champion,” Du Plessis continued. “If you can give the world champ a hard time, you’re not far off getting that big shot. My team’s amazing. The coaches, everybody’s stepped it up. Everybody realized, we are now world champions and we should behave as such when it comes to training, recovering. … Just another level.”

Du Plessis will look to spur Team CIT on to an even higher level by successfully defending his place on the middleweight throne at the expense of Israel Adesanya next month inside Perth’s RAC Arena, which plays host to the UFC 305 PPV.

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• Read More: Dricus Du Plessis On ’10-8′ Trash Talk Win Over Israel Adesanya, Post-UFC 305 Prediction

Continue Reading Dricus Du Plessis On How UFC Title Win Has Improved His Team: ‘Everybody Wants To Land A Shot On The World Champion’  at MMA News.

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Having seen a portion of the fanbase turn against him, UFC lightweight Paddy Pimblett expects to reverse that at the expense of Bobby Green.

Pimblett broke onto the scene in a big way following his UFC signing in 2021, winning his debut via knockout and subsequently recording two memorable submissions on home soil at London-held UFC Fight Nights in 2022.

But just as his following grew and rise to stardom accelerated, the tide appeared to turn when “The Baddy” made his pay-per-view debut opposite Jared Gordon in Las Vegas later that year.

While all three scorecards went in his favor, many cried robbery and began to dismiss the Liverpudlian as a legitimate threat to those high up the 155-pound ladder. And having suffered a foot injury, Pimblett had to wait a full year to answer his critics.

Last December at UFC 296, he remained unbeaten by getting the better of former interim champion Tony Ferguson. But having once again gone to a decision, and given the length of “El Cucuy’s” losing streak entering the bout, the result appeared to do little to stifle “The Baddy’s” detractors.

He’ll have another chance to do so at the upcoming UFC 304 pay-per-view event in Manchester, England, where Pimblett is set to share the Octagon with ranked opposition for the very first time.

And with a violent victory over Bobby “King” Green on July 27, the former Cage Warriors champ expects the “fickle” MMA fans to start backing him once again…

Pimblett: It’s ‘Popular’ To Hate On Me Right Now

During a recent interview with Ben Fowlkes for Yahoo! Sports, Pimblett looked ahead to his opening assignment of 2024 and first outing on home soil in two years.

When asked about some of the backlash he gets from the fans for topics ranging from in-cage performances to weight gain in-between his Octagon appearances, Pimblett suggested that it’s simply “popular” to speak negatively about him.

But with a dominant and emphatic display at the expense of Green at UFC 304, “The Baddy” expects his former supporters to return.

“Haters are gonna hate. I don’t give a f*ck what people on the Internet say, lad. I see people comment stuff all the time,” Pimblett said. “It’s a popular thing at the minute to hate on me. Ever since that Jared Gordon fight, it’s popular. Before that fight, I was the best thing since sliced bread. I was great, everyone loved me. Then I have a close decision that three judges decided I won — not me, I didn’t pick the winner — and everyone turns on you.

“That’s the thing in this sport, lad. MMA fans are so fickle. It’s one of them. I come out in this fight and knock Bobby Green, everyone will be back on side,” Pimblett added.

Pimblett will look to make good on his promise to finish Green inside the distance. More so than regaining fan support, that’s in order for “The Baddy” to debut in the lightweight rankings and begin his planned four-fight path to the title.

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• Read More: Paddy Pimblett Explains Willingness To Box Jake Paul As Current UFC Contract Nears Its End: ‘It’s All About Money…’

Continue Reading Paddy Pimblett: ‘Fickle’ MMA Fans Will Be Back On My Side After I Knock Bobby Green Out At UFC 304 at MMA News.

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Paddy Pimblett will look to go undefeated in six Octagon appearances when he returns at UFC 304 on July 27.

His fight with King Green is sure to draw lots of attention, like all of Pimblett’s fights have since the former Cage Warriors champion signed to the promotion and debuted back in 2021.

“The Baddy” quickly became a big name on the UFC roster, but he has recently hinted at the idea of taking his huge profile elsewhere in order to cash in on a big payday.

Pimblett revealed that his clash with Green in Manchester will be the last on his UFC contract, suggesting that he could be tempted to step inside a boxing ring if someone was to offer him a lot of money to do so.

Paddy Pimblett Open To Boxing Jake Paul Once His UFC Contract Expires

During a recent interview with BestOnlinePokerSites, Pimblett once again referenced how he could be tempted to step through the ropes if he gets the right offer.

The Scouse fighter was giving his opinion on Jake Paul’s return to the ring this Saturday night against Mike Perry. He gave props to “The Problem Child” before stating that he also wouldn’t mind stepping in there with him, referencing his mindset when it comes to the fight game.

“Give Jake Paul his dues for that one. I didn’t think he’d fight someone like Mike Perry. He’s fought a load of f****** clowns. Anderson Silva and Tyron Woodley when they were both over 40, Anderson’s a Thai boxer and Woodley’s a wrestler – but Mike Perry is a boxer, he’s a striker, he’s got hands. So I’ll be honest, Jake Paul has gained a little bit of respect from me.

“If Jake Paul sends a contract over for a couple of million dollars and wants to fight me, let’s do it. We’re prize fighters at the end of the day. That’s what people forget. We do this to get paid. It’s all about money.”

In the same interview, Pimblett also gave his reaction to Conor McGregor downplaying the card for UFC 304, which will see the Octagon return to the North of England.

The lightweight contender responded and again referenced wanting to compete in a boxing match if he receives an offer after this next contest.

“That’s a mad one, and I really like Conor – but if anyone ever put his name on a contract and sent it to me, I’d be like, cha-ching! You never know. We’ll see what happens. I’ll be negotiating after this fight. One of these f*****g stupid influencers might get on and want to have me a boxing match for a couple of million. And I’ll be in!”

• Read More: Muhammad Mokaev Believes UFC Didn’t Want Him To Take ‘American Star’ Jon Jones’ Youngest Champ Record

Continue Reading Paddy Pimblett Explains Willingness To Box Jake Paul As Current UFC Contract Nears Its End: ‘It’s All About Money…’ at MMA News.

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Jon Jones has found himself arguing with fans on social media fairly regularly during his recovery process before he hopes to return later this year.

The UFC heavyweight champion is expected to face former champ Stipe Miocic after their fight at UFC 295 was cancelled due to Jones’ injury.

In the meantime, many fans believe that his next opponent should instead be Tom Aspinall, who won the interim title and will now be defending it at UFC 304 later this month.

Though the case has been made for Aspinall, Alex Pereira also became a part of the conversation following another dominant performance from the light heavyweight champion at UFC 303.

A former UFC champion at both heavyweight and light heavyweight believes that Jones’ toughest test is also likely to be his next one.

Randy Couture Says Experienced Stipe Miocic Has The Best Chance Of Beating Jon Jones Right Now

In a recent interview with InsideFighting, Randy Couture gave his take on who presents the biggest challenge to Jones and the heavyweight title right now.

Despite giving Aspinall and Pereira their dues, Couture pointed out how their experience competing at the top of the heavyweight division does leave a few question marks next to both men in potential match-ups with “Bones”.

With that in mind, “The Natural” sided with the man that many believe to be the best UFC heavyweight of all time, former champion Miocic.

It has been three years since Miocic last competed inside the Octagon but Couture chose to go with the tried and tested competitor at this current time.

“I think right now, because of experience, Stipe’s probably got the best shot at beating Jon. Aspinall has that raw physical ability and is still green enough and young enough that he’s going to be tough for Jon to deal with, especially if Jon waits any longer because he’s getting stronger and stronger each time out and I think the longer Jon waits, the better he’s going to be, he’s going to be in full stride by the time that fight happens so it’s interesting. Pereira has some things to prove, moving up is no easy task.

“It’s one thing to cut weight and move down and there’s still some questions there even but moving up and dealing with the bigger guys, and Jon’s answered that question already dealing with the bigger guys, it’s a different thing… certainly has all the ability in the world, Pereira does, and he’s a hell of a competitor and he’s just demonstrated that again. I think anybody’s crazy if they don’t think you better strap them on if you’re stepping in there with him because he’s gonna bring it.”

Read also: Alistair Overeem Favors Jon Jones To Beat Tom Aspinall But Names 50-50 Matchup For Him: ‘That Was The Fight To Make…’

Continue Reading Former UFC Heavyweight Champion Names Who Has The Best Chance To Beat Jon Jones Out Of Stipe Miocic, Tom Aspinall, & Alex Pereira at MMA News.

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Beneil Dariush entered the UFC Hall of Fame as a part of the 2024 class, as the fifth winner of the Forrest Griffin Community Award.

Dariush received praise for the work he has done with multiple organizations to help those living in the likes of Iraq and Haiti.

Standing on the stage alongside legends of the sport, the active lightweight contender came away with a few moments that he will always remember fondly.

One of those was being able to stand there alongside Frankie Edgar, who was a big inspiration for his own career, and was inducted into the Modern Wing.

Another moment was an observation that Dariush made about some former rivals burying the hatchet with one another.

Beneil Dariush Recalls Heart-warming Exchange Between Chael Sonnen, Wanderlei Silva & ‘Shogun’ Rua

In a recent interview with Submission Radio, Dariush reflected on one particular moment that stayed with him from the Hall of Fame ceremony.

Chael Sonnen has had his fair share of iconic rivalries, with many of his biggest fights coming against Brazilian opponents.

International Fight Week saw Sonnen get inducted for his first fight with Anderson Silva, alongside two other Brazilian legends in Wanderlei Silva and Mauricio “Shogun” Rua.

Dariush recalled how he was able to watch them all interact with one another as he reflected on how much their dynamic has changed over the years.

“The other cool part was “Shogun” was there and Wanderlei was there, we’re all from the same gym right. Three guys from basically Kings or Chute Boxe or from that lineage to get awards was cool and finally, at one point, I saw, it was like this.

“Wanderlei was sitting here, “Shogun’s” here and Chael was right here in the middle and I’m behind them all and I just thought to myself, bro, 10 years ago if this situation was happening, I don’t think Chael would be getting out of this room alive but look at them now. Hanging out, speaking to each other and just being gentlemen. That was probably the coolest part to see, everybody’s moved on from the drama from previous.”

Read also: Dustin Poirier Limits Opponent Options For Next Fight To 7 Major Names: ‘Definitely One Of Those Guys’ 

Continue Reading Beneil Dariush Recalls Memorable Moment With UFC Hall Of Famers At 2024 Induction Ceremony: ‘Chael Wouldn’t Be Getting Out Of This Room Alive’ at MMA News.

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After signing with the PFL in May of 2023, there is still no news regarding when Francis Ngannou will be making his debut in the SmartCage.

Several factors have led to this postponement like the success he had against Tyson Fury in boxing and the tragic loss of his son earlier this year.

The one big development regarding his career in the PFL was the recent announcement that PFL Africa will launch in the second quarter of 2025, with the former UFC heavyweight champion acting as the Chairman.

This was a crucial aspect in his decision to sign with the promotion following his UFC departure but Randy Couture believes it may have been even more significant regarding his future in the PFL.

Randy Couture Says Francis Ngannou’s PFL Africa Role Has Been Crucial To His Continued Involvement

In a recent interview with InsideFighting, PFL commentator Randy Couture said that the confirmation of PFL Africa could have helped to keep Ngannou with the promotion.

The former UFC light heavyweight and heavyweight champion stated that he believes that Ngannou may have felt at odds with the promotion after the PFL vs Bellator Champions event earlier this year.

When Renan Ferreira stopped Ryan Bader in the main event, the PFL looked to set up the Brazilian as their big-money signing’s debut opponent in the SmartCage but Ngannou didn’t seem overly enthused by the idea.

Couture says that it can’t be underestimated how much this role as Chairman of PFL Africa means to Ngannou because of his want to give back to others who come from similar backgrounds.

“I think there’s been a little blip after the boxing and Fury and then losing in the next one and they were pushing him to say, ‘Yes I want to take on Renan Ferreira,’ the winner of this champions vs champions and Francis was there at cage side and I think that rubbed Francis the wrong way a little bit.

“But, at the end of the day, this opportunity to be the Chairman for PFL Africa is what kept him there [at PFL] and I think it means a lot to him. As much as him continuing to develop his legacy and establish himself as one of the best heavyweight mixed martial artists in the world and certainly an amazing boxer at this stage of things too, I think this chairmanship in Africa means a lot to him and he wants to do something special for his countrymen.”

Read also: UFC Commentator: ‘I Consider There To Be Two Undisputed UFC Heavyweight Champions Right Now’

Continue Reading Randy Couture On Why Francis Ngannou Was ‘Rubbed The Wrong Way’ By PFL: ‘There’s Been A Little Blip After The Boxing’ at MMA News.

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Former interim UFC lightweight champion Dustin Poirier looks set to fight again, and there’s a select few names he sees as suitable opponents.

Retirement was among the most prominent talking points leading into Poirier’s third shot at the undisputed throne last month at UFC 302, where Newark’s Prudential Center played host to his enthralling battle with Islam Makhachev.

“The Diamond” hinted pre-fight that it could mark his farewell win or lose, and his Octagon interview in the aftermath of being submitted in the fifth and final round suggested it was the end of a memorable career.

But in the weeks since, Poirier has had somewhat of a change of heart, revealing that he’s actually leaning toward another appearance in the cage in an attempt to exit the sport on a win.

And by the sounds of it, “The Diamond” has a small group of possible foes in mind…

Poirier’s Next Opponent ‘Definitely’ On Anik Shortlist

During a recent appearance on the Anik & Florian Podcast, Poirier further addressed talk of his retirement and the potential for one final fight post-title defeat to Makhachev.

“After the Islam fight, when I got back home, I thought like, ‘Maybe this is it.’ And then a few weeks went by, injuries started hurting less and less post-fight, and I was like, ‘I gotta do this again.’ I’ve never lost two in a row. I can’t leave this sport on a loss,” Poirier said. “But at the same time, I wanna be 100 percent in it if I’m gonna do it again because I don’t want to disrespect the sport.”

And with close to confirmation that “The Diamond” will indeed feel the Octagon canvas beneath his feat at least one more time, Anik presented a list of potential opponents for the Louisianan.

Poirier was asked whether he expects his next rival to come from a shortlist of seven major names — Nate Diaz, Conor McGregor, Alexander Volkanovski, Justin Gaethje, Max Holloway, Charles Oliveira, and Colby Covington.

“100 percent,” Poirier said. “Yeah, for sure. If I do fight again, and when I do fight again, it’ll be definitely one of those guys you just said.”

Poirier has direct history with all but former featherweight kingpin Alexander Volkanovski, having already fought McGregor, Gaethje, Holloway, and Oliveira, trained with Covington before his bitter split from American Top Team, and had a previously booked showdown with Diaz fall through.

It remains to be seen which big name will get the call for what could be “The Diamond’s” farewell. But whoever it is, the matchup will no doubt be highly anticipated should it come from that seven-figure list.

• Read More: Fanmio CEO Releases Statement After Being Sued By Nate Diaz, Accuses Ex-UFC Star Of ‘Salacious & Defamatory’ Claims

Continue Reading Dustin Poirier Limits Opponent Options For Next Fight To 7 Major Names: ‘Definitely One Of Those Guys’  at MMA News.

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At UFC 304, Tom Aspinall will become the first interim title holder to defend his belt in eleven years.

The Brit made the most out of a late notice opportunity at UFC 295 where he stepped into the co-main event to face Sergei Pavlovich for the belt due to Jon Jones’ injury that postponed his fight with Stipe Miocic.

In most circumstances, Aspinall would now be the next in line to face the returning Jones in a title unification clash but “Bones” is still looking to reschedule his fight with Miocic for later this year.

With Aspinall looking to avenge his loss to Curtis Blaydes in the co-main event on July 27, some may argue that him defending the interim title is less significant than being the undisputed champion.

Jon Anik believes that whilst there may be two champions in the division, Aspinall defending the title would be just as significant despite him being the interim titleholder.

Jon Anik Says That Tom Aspinall Will Be Defending The Undisputed Championship Against Curtis Blaydes

In a recent interview with InsideFighting, UFC commentator Jon Anik gave his thoughts on the lay of the land right now in the heavyweight division.

He spoke about how Israel Adesanya considered his title unification clash with Robert Whittaker to count as a title defense despite him coming in as the interim champion.

In the same vein, Anik believes that Aspinall getting his hand raised in Manchester later this month counts in his mind as a title defense of the undisputed championship.

He sees it that whether the title says interim before it or not, there are two equal UFC heavyweight champions right now.

“Interim championships are a very powerful thing in my mind even if maybe in the past I’ve said that the belt should be silver, I consider there to be two undisputed UFC heavyweight champions right now and Tom Aspinall’s one of them. He’s defending his undisputed title as far as I’m concerned and for those that have the archaic philosophy maybe that a champion is not really the champion, and it’s my opinion that it’s archaic, but if a champion doesn’t defend their belt at least one time, then they are not the champion.

“I mean Alex Pereira never defended his UFC middleweight champion and nobody would dispute that he wasn’t the middleweight king. But, if Tom Aspinall defends the interim championship, as far as I’m concerned, that is an undisputed championship title defense.”

Read also: Kamaru Usman Calls For Leon Edwards’ ‘Killer’ To Come Out At UFC 304: ‘If You Know You’re The Top Dog…’ 

Continue Reading UFC Commentator: ‘I Consider There To Be Two Undisputed UFC Heavyweight Champions Right Now’ at MMA News.

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It’s rare that a week goes by where Sean Strickland isn’t starting up a new beef with someone via social media.

Whether he’s trading words with someone online or causing controversy by sparring someone that is not skilled enough to be in there with him, the former UFC middleweight champion is always producing talking points.

His latest public feud has been with public speaker and athlete David Goggins, due to comments that Strickland made about Goggins’ military career.

Goggins went as far as to challenge the 185-pound contender to three days of spending a training camp with him in exchange for three sparring rounds in boxing.

One fellow member of the roster is tired of Strickland’s antics and believes that he is only doing this to make himself heard – since he isn’t the champion anymore.

Belal Muhammad Says Sean Strickland Is Chasing Clout After Losing UFC Title

Belal Muhammad spoke in a recent interview with The Schmo about his thoughts on Strickland’s recent beef with Goggins.

The number one welterweight contender has never seen eye-to-eye with the often unfiltered former champion and this is no different.

Muhammad, who is set to challenge Leon Edwards for the title at UFC 304 later this month, is very much over what he sees as Strickland’s attempts to grab more attention.

He also dared Strickland to take Goggins up on his offer in order to really put his money where his mouth is.

“I wouldn’t call it a [real] beef. That’s what Sean is right? He’s a troll. Nobody cares what he says anymore because he doesn’t have the belt anymore. so now he’s just starting to attack these other guys with bigger followings and things like that, just to get attention.

“I knew what he was from the beginning, he’s fake. He’s not this tough guy that he says he is or this crazy guy that he says he is. He’s just doing stuff for clout and if he’s a man, challenge David Goggins dude… David Goggins’ workout, let’s see if you push through. Let’s see how big your heart is.”

Read also: Kamaru Usman Calls For Leon Edwards’ ‘Killer’ To Come Out At UFC 304: ‘If You Know You’re The Top Dog…’ 

Continue Reading UFC Welterweight Slams Sean Strickland For Inciting Social Media Beef To Get Attention: ‘If He’s A Man, Challenge David Goggins…’ at MMA News.

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Given how he performed at UFC 303, welterweight contender Michael “Venom” Page says he wouldn’t have wanted his hand raised.

Page had his plans for a quick rise toward an all-English championship showdown with Leon Edwards stalled by Ian Garry at the International Fight Week pay-per-view late last month in Las Vegas.

The pair opened the main card, going the full three-round distance in a fight that left many in the community disappointed and less than satisifed.

That sentiment is shared by Page himself, a former Bellator veteran who was left frustrated with some of the decisions he made when sharing the Octagon with “The Future” at T-Mobile Arena.

Despite that, “MVP” was competitive throughout and even had some backing him to earn the nod on the scorecards. For UFC CEO Dana White, the bout played out in a manner that would have left a draw as a fair result.

Page, however, would have been unhappy to have been given anything but a defeat on the scorecards…

Page Relieved Not To Have Won With UFC 303 Performance

During an appearance on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani last week, Page looked back on his sophomore display in the UFC, which came four months on from a successful debut at the expense of Kevin Holland in Miami.

The Londoner acknowledged that some thought he did enough (42.5 percent of 372 submitted fan scorecards on MMA Decisions). But Page says he would not have been in a celebratory mood had the three judges cageside seen things the same way.

“It’s nice to hear people kind of rooting for me,” Page said of those who scored the bout in his favor. “But regardless, I didn’t perform well. So if I somehow managed to get the win, I wouldn’t have been happy with that anyway. If it was somehow a draw, I still wouldn’t have been happy with that.

“I focus on me, and I did not perform the way I should have performed. I made so many mistakes; just silly things,” Page continued. “Yeah, so I wouldn’t have been happy with that. For me, I lost the fight. That’s the reality of it, regardless of what everyone’s saying. I should have done X, Y, Z, and I’m just eager to get back in.”

With that, Page will look to emerge victorious with an emphatic performance next time out. And given the extra motivation he’s touting post-UFC 303, he’s seemingly looking to return to winning ways and get his title ambitions back on track before the end of 2024.

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• Read More: 4 Positives & 2 Negatives From UFC Fight Night: Rose Namajunas vs. Tracy Cortez

Continue Reading Michael Page ‘Wouldn’t Have Been Happy’ With Being Given Win In Ian Garry Fight At UFC 303: ‘I Did Not Perform’ at MMA News.

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