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MMA: Mixed Martial Arts

The UFC 313 media day live stream will feature the biggest stars from Saturday’s pay-per-view event in Las Vegas.

In the UFC 313 main event, UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira will try to retain his title against Magomed Ankalaev.

The UFC 313 media day will also feature top four fighters competing in the UFC Fight Pass Invitational 10 on Thursday night – Nicky Rodriguez, Renato Canuto, Victory Hugo, and Oliver Taza.

The UFC 313 media day schedule is as follows:

1:50 p.m.: Nicky Rodriguez

2 p.m.: Renato Canuto

2:10 p.m.: Victor Hugo

2:20 p.m.: Oliver Taza

2:30 p.m.: Magomed Ankalaev

3 p.m.: Ignacio Bahamondes

3:15 p.m.: Rafael Fiziev

3:30 p.m.: Iasmin Lucindo

3:45 p.m.: Mauricio Ruffy

4 p.m.: Justin Gaethje

4:15 p.m.: Jalin Turner

4:45 p.m.: Amanda Lemos

5:15 p.m.: King Green

5:30 p.m.: Alex Pereira

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The newly appointed FBI Director, Kash Patel, is considering implementing mixed martial arts (MMA) training as a mandatory requirement for agents, and one former agent supports the idea.

This initiative is part of Patel’s broader agenda, which includes aligning the bureau with the Trump administration’s priorities and enhancing the physical fitness of its personnel.

In addition to this proposed training regimen, Patel is reportedly focused on removing agents who do not align with the administration’s goals. The emphasis on physical fitness, particularly through MMA training, is seen as a way to ensure agents are prepared for the physical demands of their roles.

Jody Weis, a former FBI special agent in charge and former superintendent of the Chicago Police Department, has publicly expressed support for the idea, indicating that he believes it would be a beneficial addition to agent training.

“You know, I actually do like it,” Weis told The National News Desk’s Jan Jeffcoat. “I probably wouldn’t have made it my first call to the field offices, but I like the idea.”

Weis believes that while FBI agents receive training in arrest procedures and defensive tactics, incorporating mixed martial arts (MMA) skills would provide a valuable enhancement. He specifically highlighted the potential benefits of agents learning MMA fighting techniques, with a particular emphasis on jiu-jitsu.

“Most fights will end up on the ground, so it just makes sense to me to incorporate some MMA training — maybe Brazilian jiu jitsu to give the agents options besides strikes and weapons,” Weis told Jeffcoat. “For example, if properly applied, a naked choke or an arm bar could help gain compliance without having to use pepper spray or use a baton. And, I think, more importantly, this type of training can boost the confidence and safety for the agents.”

Jody Weis acknowledged the controversial nature of chokeholds, noting their “bad press” and the fact that many police departments have prohibited their use. However, he went on to say it pales in comparison to current tactics.

“As someone who’s been sprayed with pepper spray (and) who’s been choked out, if you give me the option of those two, I’ll take being choked out any time,” he said. “It’s far less painful. It’s got to be incorporated throughout their career. I think that applies in all sports.

According to ABC News, citing anonymous sources, FBI Director Kash Patel is reportedly exploring the possibility of establishing a formal partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the UFC, led by UFC CEO Dana White.

This potential collaboration is notable given White’s vocal support of President Donald Trump, who has frequently attended UFC events and been seen alongside White.

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MMA: Mixed Martial Arts

When it comes to the argument about who is the best pound-for-pound fighter in the sport, Dana White finally conceded in January that Islam Makhachev had done enough to surpass Jon Jones, but his opinion might change again after UFC 313.

On Saturday night, Alex Pereira returns to action looking for the fourth consecutive defense of his light heavyweight title when he faces Magomed Ankalaev in the main event. Since winning the title with a knockout in 2024, Pereira has followed that up with three more devastating finishes and if he’s able to do the same thing to Ankalaev, it’s possible he takes over that top spot in the mythical pound-for-pound rankings.

“He’s one of the biggest stars in the sport right now, if not the biggest star in the sport,” White said about Pereira on First Take. “What makes this weekend great is Ankalaev is a very serious threat to him. This is probably the toughest fight he’s ever had. His team always talks about his takedown defense and that the fans don’t really know how good it is. We’re going to find out how good it is this weekend.

“This is a tough fight for Alex. Alex comes out of this the way he’s come out of every other fight, he might be the pound-for-pound best fighter in the world.”

Based on the MMA Fighting Global Rankings, Pereira currently sits at No. 2 behind Makhachev so it’s entirely possible that he could potentially jump to the top spot with a standout performance.

Ankalaev has long been considered one of the best light heavyweights in the world and he arguably should have already fought Pereira but timing and circumstances have prevented the matchup from happening until now.

The fight serves as Pereira’s fifth straight main event and seventh headlining spot overall since he joined the UFC roster back in 2021.

White praised Pereira for his rapid ascension up the ranks while providing fans with a new favorite fighter who always brings the action every time he competes. Add to that, White says that Pereira is ready and willing to face anybody the UFC throws at him — including potential fights at heavyweight.

“Alex is that guy for us right now,” White said. “The thing that people love about Alex is obviously his fighting style. He tries to knock your head off. People love that. He was on vacation in Australia and a fight fell out and we needed him. He literally left vacation and came and fought. This guy will literally fight anybody, anywhere, any time.

“He comes in, he’s pure violence. He tries to knock you out. Doesn’t duck anybody. Has moved up a weight class, is willing to move up to heavyweight and fight whoever.”

When it comes to heavyweight, Pereira has acknowledged on more than a few occasions that he’s interested in possibly challenging Jon Jones in a champion versus champion fight. Jones has also expressed interest in the fight and while White has shied away from that matchup in the past, he didn’t totally shut down the idea on Wednesday.

“He’s willing to fight [Jon Jones]. He’s willing to fight anybody right now,” White said about Pereira.

“Jones will fight anybody, too. Don’t let the internet fool you about Jon Jones. He does want to do [the fight with Alex Pereira].”

White added that he’s currently targeting “this summer” for Jones’ return, although it’s much more likely the UFC wants him to face Tom Aspinall next in a heavyweight title unification bout than throwing down with Pereira. Of course anything is possible, especially if Pereira torches Ankalaev and once again calls for the Jones fight as his next challenge.

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MMA: Mixed Martial Arts

Dana White has officially taken a huge step into the world of boxing.

On Tuesday, the UFC CEO alongside Saudi Arabian combat sports promoter Turki Alalshikh announced they have officially signed a deal to start a new boxing league under the TKO banner. WWE President Nick Khan is also part of the executive board.

“We have just done a deal to start a new boxing league with Turki, who absolutely loves the sport of boxing,” White said in a video on social media.

“I am very happy today,” Alalshikh said. “I am very happy today. I give the flag of boxing to the best man who can handle it. We have a tough job now, but I am sure he will be delivering to the people and the fans the magnificent league and get boxing great again.”

“The model is proven to deliver the fights that the fans want to see,” White said. “The best will fight the best and the fighters will continue to move up the rankings and become world champions. We will continue to make announcements on where you can watch and all the rest of the details on the business as we get closer to the launch.”

Saudi entertainment conglomerate Sela is also a partner in the deal, according to a press release. Sela was also involved in the recent Anthony Joshua vs. Daniel Dubois event at Wembley Stadium in London, as well as Terence Crawford’s title defense against Israil Madrimov in Los Angeles.

The announcement was a formality at this point, with TKO President and COO Mark Shapiro recently saying the organization was in negotiations with Saudi Arabia to fund a new boxing promotion. Shapiro also teased the possibility of two major cards that could take place in 2025 and 2026 as part of the deal.

““This is a strategic opportunity to reimagine the sport of boxing globally,” Shapiro said in Tuesday’s press release. “TKO has the deep expertise, promotional prowess, and longstanding relationships. Turki Alalshikh and Sela share our passion and vision for evolving the current model. Together, we can bring the sweet science back to its rightful place in the forefront of the global sports ecosystem.”

Alalshikh’s The Ring magazine shared the announcement, which featured more details of the agreement.

The new promotion will feature:

A highly structured system to develop new talent from around the world, including athlete combines and academies.

Access for all boxers to the UFC Performance Institute, the world’s leading combat sports performance training, research, rehabilitation, and nutrition center.

TKO’s production, media, and promotional expertise, to deliver both in-arena experiences and top-tier, state-of-the-art broadcasts to fans around the world.

In the past, White has frequently criticized boxing cards for being top heavy with little attempt to build compelling undercards for the fans, which he has always seen as a strength of the UFC business model.

Alalshikh dabbled in creating a more MMA-esque card with an event on Feb. 22 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, that was dubbed “The Last Crescendo.” The lineup featured multiple title bouts, headlined by a thrilling undisputed light heavyweight championship rematch between Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev.

It is not yet known what the new venture will be titled and fighter signings, dates, and locations are pending, with the announcement stating details are to “be revealed in the coming months.”

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