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Zuffa Boxing is days away from being introduced to the world, but Dana White is still pushing to grow his newly founded promotion with the potential signing of the recently retired Terence Crawford.

White has been in and around the boxing world since a young age. Rightfully considered a building block in the growth of mixed martial arts as a commercial, globally celebrated sport, the Boston native has now fulfilled his promised venture into boxing, almost a decade after his initial plans.

Now that his promotion is up and running, Dana White will stop at nothing to make it a success. Instead of conforming to the modern era of boxing and its customs, White will focus on pitting the best against the best.

“We’re launching Zuffa Boxing on Friday,” White said in anticipation of the inaugural event of his new company. “I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for boxing.”

“As I always talked about, everybody’s undefeated in boxing. You know, so like, the top three fights on the card, all of the boxers are undefeated. So, it’s going to be, you know, all these undefeated fighters finding out who really [is at the top].”

“After a year of doing this, as we’re looking into [2027], whoever still has 0’s behind their names, it’ll actually really mean something. Because they will have fought the best of the best that are out there.”

Keen to make his product live up to expectations, Dana White has been in talks with some of the sport’s elite.

Related: Alex Pereira confident Oleksandr Usyk fight happens under Dana White’s new boxing promotion

Rumors of significant fighters making the switch over from boxing as we know it to a company-based, UFC-esque approach under White are continuing to grow.

One man White is desperate to sign is arguably the best boxer of his generation, Terence Crawford.

“100% [Crawford’s an all-time great],” White continued. “He decided to retire. I think he should be out there fighting everybody right now. I just think that, yeah.”

“After seeing the masterpiece that he put on that night, he’s so good, man. He’s so talented. And I actually like him. He’s a great guy…”

“We’ll put on some fights here and then see how the things start to progress and play out with stuff that I’m working on right now.”

“I might give him a call in the next six or seven months.” 

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Kayla Harrison’s proposed blockbuster clash against Amanda Nunes was cancelled after the champion was forced to have neck surgery, shadowing the future of the division with uncertainty.

Fans are being treated to a huge welcome back by the UFC after the promotions six week hiatus. The first Paramount card is stacked from top to bottom, but one of its biggest fights was thrown into the abyss just weeks ahead of the January 24 fight night.

Amanda Nunes was prepped and ready to make her return from retirement. ‘The Lioness’ was coming up against the seemingly unbeatable Kayla Harrison, with the pair finally ready to settle who the greatest fighter in women’s MMA truly is.

Since Harrison’s injury, there’s been much talk of a potential interim title being lined up for Nunes in the champion’s absence. Despite the noise surrounding possible opponents for the Brazilian, Dana White has dismissed the chances of that happening.

“This fight is the greatest female fight ever,” White said in reference to Harrison vs. Nunes. “You can’t just throw somebody else in there.”

“You wait until she’s ready and you do the fight.”

Related: Daniel Cormier discourages Amanda Nunes interim title fight following Kayla Harrison injury

With a huge title opportunity falling out, many would want to be compensated by the UFC. 

Interim title fights have become a common way to appease both the fighter and fans in times of turmoil, though that hasn’t been the case with Amanda Nunes. According to Dana White, Nunes has been incredibly easy to work with over the years, and the pair’s relationship hasn’t changed since her return from retirement.

“Amanda’s so awesome to work with. And, you know, I’ve had a great relationship with her since day one. So, yeah. She’s very easy to work with.”

“I do [expect this fight to happen]. It’s looking like Kayla’s surgery went well. She should make a full recovery. And yeah, we should be able to do the fight this year.”

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Since making the switch over to the UFC, Justin Gaethje has been one of the most entertaining fighters to grace the octagon. Nicknamed ‘The Highlight’ for a reason, Gaethje continues to stun fans each time he steps into the cage, but his time competing is almost done.

As he continues on his journey to capture undisputed UFC gold, the 37-year-old is already considered by many to be a legend of the sport. He may not hold the same accolades as some of his peers, but the Arizona native will forever be remembered as a man who was incapable of having a boring fight.

Much of the success he has earned throughout his career, Justin Gaethje attributes to his parents, who have been by his side since the very beginning.

“I just have the most amazing parents,” Gaethje said. “The fact that they’re so, the unconditional love, the unconditional support that they have given me and shown me through my whole life is something that I wish every child could experience.”

“I think it allows me to be so free, you know. My family is so loving. So supportive, all my coaches.”

Despite still having the ability to compete at the highest level, Justin Gaethje confirmed that 2026 will be his final year in the sport.

Related: Watch every Justin Gaethje UFC knockout | Video

As he slowly approaches his 40th birthday, Gaethje believes now is a good time to settle down and have children once his UFC career has come to an end.

“I don’t have kids,” Gaethje continued. “I’ve never been married. I’ve been committed to the game since I left high school in 2007. And I do want children. I want children, but I don’t want children until I can be what my parents were for me.”

“So, I’m almost done with this ride. I think, definitely by 2027, I will be done, and I will be able to move on to those other parts of my life… For one, I can’t find a girl that I trust to have kids with. But outside that, I’ve been so committed to training.”

“I think that’s a reason why I feel just as much hunger and just as much fire in me is because I’m still on the same path as I was when I was a little kid.”

Justin Gaethje plans to leave the sport by 2027 😢

"I do want children, but I don't want children until I can be what my parents were for me. I'm almost done with this ride. I think definitely by 2027 I will be done. I will be able to move on to those other parts of my life."… pic.twitter.com/dT1cm6f832

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) January 21, 2026

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Machine Gun Kelly didn’t pull his punches when responding to Sean Strickland’s earlier comments.

Strickland has a knack for making enemies, often rubbing people the wrong way with his blunt personality. If it’s not a fellow UFC fighter, the 33-year-old is oftentimes feuding with celebrities — social media influencers being the most common opposition.

For the first time since Sean Strickland unleashed a barrage of abuse towards him, Machine Gun Kelly has responded.

“The art of me standing or existing makes people furious,” MGK said during an appearance on the ImPaulsive Podcast. “I don’t know this guy from a crumb of bread.”

“I didn’t now who he was when I met him. I got hip afterwards that he’s insanely racist and homophobic, and just not my type of guy. So, I would have never even wanted to shake hands with him in the first place.”

“He also is just a representative of every person who’s too scared to just be themselves. Because, if you’re comfortable as yourself, you just don’t care who anybody else is and how they are.”

Machine Gun Kelly then attempted to give advice to Strickland, though he doesn’t believe the UFC star will listen.

“He’s so dumb that I’m going to tell him right now. You should not keep saying stuff, because it just makes me look better.”

“But, you’re going to keep saying stuff. So, I know that you’ll react and say more things but you just shouldn’t.”

“As a person who’s just giving you big bro advice, learn this: shut the f*** up and don’t speak on me anymore and live your life. But, you won’t. And I’m going to continue laughing at you because you’re a f***ing idiot.”

Machine Gun Kelly talks Sean Strickland.

Full podcast here:https://t.co/f97Tj3gfyp pic.twitter.com/2BrcrSQ1p1

— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) August 27, 2024

Meeting in the flesh at a Power Slap event spurred one of the strangest internet feuds in recent history.

Strickland has been gunning for MGK’s head since their encounter. It didn’t take long for the UFC standout to respond to the rapper’s comments.

“Getting lectured by a guy who drinks blood and wears a purse,” Strickland said on X. “Dawg, you had a mid-life crisis and tattooed your entire body.”

“The ‘The X community of intolerance’ y’all, I’d hang out with you toxic trolls any day over this c***. Go back to cutting yourself you f***ing weirdo.”

Watch Machine Gun Kelly discuss Sean Strickland feud and more below.

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Things got incredibly personal between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor leading into their fight at UFC 229.

The pair had already been traded shots on social media for years before their eventual matchup six years ago. Though he did well to avoid showing it, ‘The Eagle’ was pushed to the brink by the Irishman’s mental warfare.

Years after the dust settled on the affair, Khabib Nurmagomedov has revealed how he felt toward Conor McGregor in the build-up to their clash.

“It was a very emotional time, but at the same time, it was my feelings,” Khabib said regarding his feud with McGregor. “I really wanted to bite somebody’s heart.”

“I just try to bite his heart, you know. I don’t know maybe you can feel this or not. I am ‘The Eagle’, you know.”

“When Eagle is hungry, it’s not good. He has to hunt… When the promotion promoted this fight, they have to expect something [to happen].”

“When they know all my team and when they know we don’t play. We compete, we don’t play. You cannot play MMA.”

“You can play soccer, you can play American football, you can play hockey, but you cannot play MMA. You have to fight, this is [the] fighting game.”

Related: Conor McGregor vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov intense video footage surfaces

Khabib later spoke of his current relationship with McGregor.

“What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. I just don’t think about this…”

“A lot of people, all the time, they remind me of this situation [with McGregor], but my mind is different in other ways.”

Khabib Nurmagomedov dealt with Conor McGregor and pushed ahead with two more title defenses before calling an end to his career.

While many were sad to see one of the greatest to ever compete hang up the gloves, the Dagestani was just fulfilling the promise of retirement that he made to his mother.

Check out Khabib’s appearance on the Inspire Me Podcast below.

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Former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman has lost his last three fights, but could be one win away from a title shot.  

Usman (20-4) held the 170-pound championship from March 2019 until November 2021.  He successfully defended the title five times before losing to Leon Edwards at UFC 278 in August 2022 by a stunning head-kick knockout late in the final round.  

Usman lost the rematch via unanimous decision and took a short-notice fight against Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 295.  Usman accepted the middleweight bout on nine-days notice.  He came up short on the judges’ scorecards but showed that he’s still at the top of the game even on short notice.   

Belal Muhammad captured the welterweight championship by defeating Edwards at UFC 304 in July.  Usman lost twice to Edwards, and with him out of the way “The Nigerian Nightmare” has a path to a title fight again.   

“If you really look at it, and this is no shade to him because I do respect this dude, but everything he does I do better,” Usman told the Weighing In Podcast.  “Striking, I strike better, cleaner.  I definitely have more power to where I could sit you down.  Grappling, (I’m) more explosive.”

“It’s no shade.  I like Belal, but I’m going to be truthful and honest.  Everything you do, I do better, I’m better at” Usman continued.      

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Family members of UFC and mixed martial arts veteran Benji Radach announced his passing on Monday.  He was 45.  

Radach made his professional MMA debut in March 2001.  He began his career on a 10-fight win streak, finishing eight of his first ten opponents via knockout.  He was signed by the UFC in 2002 and made his octagon debut at UFC 37 in Bossier City, Louisiana.  He stopped Steve Berger with punches but the fight was later ruled a a no contest by the Louisiana Athletic Commission due to Radach holding the fence.

He officially picked up his first octagon win at UFC 37.5 in June 2022, defeating Nick Serra, brother of former welterweight champion Matt Serra, by unanimous decision.  He was defeated by future lightweight champion Sean Sherk in his third promotional appearance at UFC 39.  

After spending some time on the regional circuit, Radach landed in the International Fight League (IFL) in 2007 and fought for the promotion’s inaugural middleweight championship.  He picked up his final career win in October 2004, defeating Murilo Rua via TKO in ElitXC.  

Radach last fought at Bellator 137 in May 2015.  His career record stands at 21–7, 1 NC.  The cause of death remains unknown at the time.      

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UFC 305 took place at RAC Arena in Perth, Australia and was headlined by a middleweight title bout between champion Dricus du Plessis and former two-time titleholder Israel Adesanya.

The championship bout was du Plessis’ first title defense. He captured the championship in January by defeating Sean Strickland via split decision in the UFC 297 main event. Adesanya lost the belt to Strickland in his last outing last September.  

The two did touch gloves despite the intense buildup to the fight.  Adesanya inched forward switching stances.  Du Plessis landed first with a leg kick.  Adesanya answered with a jab.  Du Plessis rushed forward but Adesanya kept his guard high.  Adesanya delivered a hard leg kick.  Du Plessis rushed forward but Adesanya moved away.  Du Plessis landed a right hand.  Adesanya stepped in with a knee to the body.  Adesanya landed a leg kick.  Du Plessis switched stances.  Du Plessis went high with a kick that was blocked.  He changed levels and looked for a takedown.  Adesanya defended the attempt and circled away.  

Adesanya delivered a leg kick tot he body.  Du Plessis pressed forward and connected with a left hand.  Adesanya found the mark with a right hand.  Du Plessis responded with a leg kick.  Du Plessis connected with a right hand.  Adesanya shook his head as if it didn’t land clean.  Du Plessis looked for a left high kick.  Adesanya delivered a hard right hand to the body.  Du Plessis went high with a left kick that was blocked at the bell.  MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for du Plessis.

Adesanya opened the second round with a kick to the body.  Du Plessis pressed forward with back-kick to the body.  Adesanya targeted the body again with a kick.  Adesanya moved forward and du Plessis changed levels and took him down.  Adesanya tried to stand but Du Plessis took his back.  Du Plessis looked for a rear-naked choke.  Adesanya defends the attempt and scrambles to his feet.  

Adesanya landed an elbow on the inside.  Adesanya picked up the pace.  Du Plessis fired back and dove for a leg.  He briefly got Adesanya to the ground.  Du Plessis landed a couple of short hands and continued to work for a takedown.  Adesanya worked his way to his feet but du Plessis remained on him.  Du Plessis tripped Adesanya back to the canvas.  Du Plessis delivered left hands.  Adesanya nearly got free but du Plessis continued to look for a takedown.  MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for du Plessis.  

Adesanya continued to target the body of du Plessis in the third.  Adesanya landed a straight left hand.  Adesanya landed a hard right hand to the body.  Du Plessis responded with a right hand.  Adesanya fired off a head kick that was partially blocked.  Adesanya landed a leg kick and du Plessis rushed forward but missed with a combination.  Adesanya continued to land to the body.  Du Plessis connected with a right hand.  Adesanya landed a nasty elbow.  Du Plessis answered with a heavy left hand.  Du Plessis pressed forward with a combination.  He looked for a takedown but Adesanya defended it.  Adesanya connected with a right hand.  Adesanya tripped but got to his feet.  Du Plessis landed a left hand.  Adesanya reacted with an uppercut.  

Both men look exhausted.  They traded right hands.  Adesanya dug a combination to the body.  Du Plessis drove forward with a right hand.  MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for du Plessis.  

Adesanya inched forward behind his jab to start the fourth round.  Adesanya landed an uppercut.  Du Plessis immediately went for a takedown. Adesanya sprawled and made the champion stand back up.  Adesanya connected with a right hand followed by a kick to the body.  Adesanya connected with an uppercut.  Du Plessis looked to have slowed.  

Du Plessis landed a counter right hand after taking a jab.  Du Plessis delivered a kick to then body and began moving forward.  Adesanya met him with a combination.  Adesanya connected with a check hook.  Du Plessis landed a left hook that made Adesanya retreat.  Du Plessis rushed forward with a right hand that knocked Adesanya down.  Du Plessis pressed forward and landed another shot.  He took Adesanya’s back and locked on a rear-naked choke.  Adesanya tapped out.  The official time of the submission was 3:38 of Round 4.  

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It was Dricus du Plessis’ UFC 290 win over former champion Robert Whittaker that put him over so to speak.  He had beaten Darrin Till and Derek Brunson heading into the Whittaker title eliminator bout but his win over “The Reaper” let everyone know that there was a new face in the top tier of the 185-pound division.

Du Plessis fought for the title in his next fight against then-champion Sean Strickland.  He narrowly defeated “Tarzan” to capture UFC gold.  At UFC 305 on Aug. 18, du Plessis successfully defended the belt for the first time against former two-time titleholder Israel Adesanya.  The win drew the attention of light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira.  

“Coming down to 185 one more time.” Pereira said after watching du Plessis defeat Adesanya.  Whittaker doesn’t think it’s the best idea for Pereira to drop back down to middleweight to take on the champion.  

“Honestly, I don’t think that’s a good fight for him (Pereira),” Whittaker told Submission Radio.  “I don’t think that’s a good fight for him.”  

Having success in a division up is one thing.  It’s pretty common.  Daniel Cormier, Dustin Poirier, Conor McGregor, Jon Jones, etc. have pulled it off.  It can have advantages like speed and not having to cut weight.  But moving down a division hasn’t typically been a recipe for a successful outcome.  It didn’t work out for former lightweight champions Frankie Edgar, or BJ Penn, or former featherweight titleholder Cody Garbrandt, to name a few.  

Related: Ronda Rousey admits she’s not ‘neurologically fit’ for UFC return

“When you move up to light heavyweight, moving back down is tricky,” Whittaker said.  “It’s not like you move up for one fight.  He’s stayed up there.  He’s been fighting up there for awhile now, so it would take a lot out of him to get down.  And Dricus is so strong there.”

“Alex gets hit, and Dricus likes getting hit.  It’s hard to see someone with the amount of power to stop Dricus from walking forward into you,” Whittaker continued.  “Dricus hits hard.  You saw that in the fight with Adesanya.  Adesanya has like a really good chin.  Dricus was still hurting him enough to make him uncomfortable.”

Pereira puts his 205-pound title on the line in the UFC 307 main event against Khalil Rountree Jr. in Salt Lake City on Oct. 5.  Whittaker faces the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 308 on Oct. 26 in Abu Dhabi.  Du Plessis is expected to rematch Strickland in his next title defense.     

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Former two-time middleweight champion Israel Adesanya had the opportunity to become a three-time titleholder when he took on champion Dricus du Plessis in the UFC 305 main event.  It wasn’t to be for “The Last Stylebender.”

It was a hard-fought, back and forth battle with du Plessis coming on strong in the fourth round to finish Adesanya via submission.  After hurting Adesanya with a punch, du Plessis quickly took the former champion’s back and locked on a rear-naked choke.  Adesanya was forced to tap out.  

Following the loss, Adesanya spoke with commentator Daniel Cormier inside the octagon and vowed to return.  “I’m not f***ing leaving,” he said.    

UFC 305 Octagon Interview: Israel Adesanya  

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