Martial Arts News

Max Holloway wasn’t shocked by the outcome of Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje.

Topuria was a massive favorite when he put his Ultimate Fighting Championship lightweight title on the line against interim champion Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250. After battling through a body shot in the second round, the latter rallied in the third and fourth rounds to pile on the damage, prompting a corner stoppage before the fifth.

Max Holloway breaks down Justin Gaethje’s boxing performance against Ilia Topuria Having faced both fighters, Holloway wasn’t surprised by the result of the last lightweight fight. He was, in fact, caught off guard by how Gaethje was largely being counted out. However, what left the former featherweight and BMF champion stunned was the way Gaethje handed “El Matador” his first professional loss.

While “Blessed” believed Gaethje could win, he thought “The Highlight” would use his signature leg kicks. Seeing his compatriot outbox Topuria, who is considered one of…

Belal Muhammad believes Max Holloway should initially play it really safe against Conor McGregor.

McGregor (22-6) returns to action after a five-year hiatus from the Ultimate Fighting Championship in a welterweight matchup against Holloway (27-9) in the main event of UFC 329 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. While Muhammad foresees a striking-heavy bout, he believes Holloway should be the one to initiate wrestling against the returning former two-division champion.

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Belal Muhammad explains why Max Holloway should wrestle Conor McGregor early at UFC 329 Muhammad notes that McGregor's form, speed and power are unknown after his long layoff. The former welterweight champion believes “Notorious” could still pose a serious knockout threat in the first two to three minutes, especially considering his move up to 170 pounds.

The 37-year-old also believes the Irish superstar’s gas tank, which was an issue even in his prime, will be an even bigger factor now.<…

Daniel Cormier not only saw his national team crash out of the FIFA World Cup but also lost a bet to Paddy Pimblett.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship Hall of Famer had bet $1,000 on the U.S. to defeat Belgium in the Round of 16 knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup. However, the co-hosts were knocked out via a 1-4 loss to Belgium and Cormier has paid his dues after meeting Pimblett in Las Vegas ahead of UFC 329.

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Daniel Cormier pays Paddy Pimblett after losing FIFA World Cup bet Cormier admittedly let the hype get the better of him after the U.S. defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 in the Round of 32. The former UFC double champ immediately paid Pimblett in cash, saying, “I was filled with unnecessary confidence watching us beat Bosnia and Herzegovina. Sh*t! Bro, I owe you money. I owe you $1,000.”

They are both in Las Vegas, with UFC 329 set to go down at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday, July 11. Pimblett will look to return to winning wa…

Brandon Royval has been serving his community for half a decade.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship flyweight recently revealed that he has been volunteering for five years at the Denver Dream Center, a non-profit organization that helps youth from troubled backgrounds rebuild their lives.

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Brandon Royval’s Denver Dream Center volunteer work before UFC 329 Royval feels privileged to have built personal relationships with less-fortunate kids and watched them grow into young adults. The former title challenger said in the UFC 329 “Embedded” video series:

“The Dream Center is – we pick up the kids in the local area, normally the lower-income area. We bring them, feed them, just create relationships, and check up on everybody… Five years I’ve been a volunteer there. And it’s cool cause most of the kids are in middle school or high school. So I’ve watched them become young adults and handle adversity. So it’s been really cool and a real privilege.”

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Benoit St. Denis claims he is medically cleared to fight at the upcoming Ultimate Fighting Championship event.

St. Denis is set to take on Paddy Pimblett in a lightweight bout in the co-main event of UFC 329 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday, July 11. Hawk-eyed fans recently noticed a small scar on the Frenchman’s right foot in training videos. This instantly sparked speculation of a staph infection, which could potentially lead to the cancellation of the fight.

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Benoit St. Denis shuts down staph rumors before Paddy Pimblett clash St. Denis has assured fans that he doesn’t have a staph infection. “God of War” claims the mark of his foot is merely a scab, which is pretty common. He told RMC Sport Combat:

“No, not at all, I don’t have staph. Everything happens very quickly on social media; it’s crazy. I did have a scab on my foot, yes, but it’s not staph. That’s all it was. These are things that can happen. But the camp was managed very well…

Sean Strickland believes Dustin Poirier is genuinely dealing with mental health issues.

Poirier was recently arrested at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport for threatening to fight a police officer while drunk. Currently out on bail, the former Ultimate Fighting Championship star has since opened up about his alcoholism and depression.

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Sean Strickland explains why he changed his opinion on Dustin Poirier’s struggles Strickland (31-7) initially went off on Poirier (30-10) for claiming to be depressed. The UFC middleweight champion said that “The Diamond” has no right to be depressed as he’s rich and well-loved, while those less fortunate battle each day.

However, Strickland has since changed his stance after speaking to Poirier. He is convinced that the former interim champion honestly regrets his actions and isn’t just trying to clean up his image in the media. Strickland wrote on X:

“I spoke to Dustin and he is legitimately messe…

The Ultimate Fighting Championship’s return to China is scheduled for Aug. 29 at the Shanghai Indoor Stadium and a new flyweight matchup has reportedly been added to the card.

Kevin Borjas (11-5 MMA, 2-4 UFC) is set to face Rei Tsuruya (11-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC), per multiple reports. However, the UFC is yet to confirm the booking.

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Kevin Borjas vs. Rei Tsuruya added to UFC Shanghai card A flyweight matchup between Kevin Borjas and Rei Tsuruya has reportedly been added to UFC Fight Night 286’s lineup.

Borjas, a Dana White’s Contender Series signee, has struggled in the UFC so far, with a 2-4 record inside the Octagon. In the Peruvian’s last fight, he beat Andre Lima by unanimous decision after missing weight.

Meanwhile, Tsuruya earned his spot on the UFC roster via Road to UFC. The Japanese 125-pounder made his promotional debut at UFC 303, beating Carlos Hernandez by decision, before losing to current champion Joshua Van. He then won his next bout…

Greg Jackson believes Gable Steveson has the potential to redefine mixed martial arts.

The 26-year-old Olympic heavyweight wrestling gold medalist is set to make his debut in the Ultimate Fighting Championship at UFC 329 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on July 11. Ahead of his fight against Elisha Ellison, his coach has hyped up what he’s capable of.

Gable Steveson’s olympic wrestling background fuels UFC expectationsSteveson won Olympic gold in heavyweight wrestling at the Tokyo Games in August 2021 and subsequently flirted with the idea of joining the UFC. He turned pro last year and, under the mentorship of Jon Jones, has extended his overall mixed martial arts record to 3-0, winning every fight via first-round finish.

Expectations are sky-high for Steveson as he prepares to make his Octagon debut and coach Jackson believes the Olympian could emerge as a transformational figure in the sport.

“I think, if you're a fan, you're gonna need to tune in to see what …

Conor McGregor and Max Holloway are set to weigh-in live on CBS ahead of their upcoming clash in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

A day before UFC 329 gets underway at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, which will mark McGregor’s long-awaited Octagon return, CBS will air “This Is UFC: McGregor vs. Holloway,” a one-hour live primetime special on July 10.

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UFC 329 weigh-in time, CBS special details and McGregor vs. Holloway coverage CBS will air “This Is UFC: McGregor vs. Holloway,” a one-hour live primetime special, a day before UFC 329. The special, set to air on Friday, July 10, at 9 p.m. ET, will feature McGregor and Holloway’s weigh-ins live.

The special will also include Nate Burleson’s interview with McGregor, an interview with Dana White and additional features that will blend live coverage with storytelling. After airing on the network, it will be available to stream on Paramount+.

UFC 329: McGregor vs. Holloway 2 will then stream on Satu…

Tom Aspinall has made a bold prediction for Conor McGregor’s return to action in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Ahead of McGregor’s highly anticipated rematch against Max Holloway at UFC 329, set for July 11 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, the UFC heavyweight king has shared his take on the matchup. Aspinall is siding with the Irish icon, predicting a quick finish.

Tom Aspinall picks Conor McGregor to score quick KO at UFC 329 Aspinall talked about the upcoming fight between Holloway and McGregor on his YouTube channel. The Brit is encouraged by the latter’s recent interviews, wherein he appears to be in the right mindset.

“I watched a couple of his interviews recently. He seems in a really good place,” Aspinall said. “I know it’s only an interview, but he does seem in a good place. When McGregor’s on form, he’s absolutely unreal. Absolutely unreal.”

Further breaking down the rematch, Aspinall claimed that neither fighter is at their best, with McGregor com…

Max Holloway is eager to remind fans how good a striker he is.

Conor McGregor is set to return to the Ultimate Fighting Championship following a five-year hiatus at UFC 329 on July 11 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas against Holloway, who is confident in his ability to defeat the former two-division champion and showcase his skills.

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Max Holloway explains why he believes he'll outbox Conor McGregor at UFC 329 Holloway has hyped up his boxing ahead of the rematch with McGregor. The Hawaiian is renowned for his relentless pressure, unparalleled cardio, masterful command of distance and volume striking. Meanwhile, his Irish counterpart is known for his power and timing, which took him as far as securing a pro-boxing bout against Floyd Mayweather Jr.

In a new interview with New York Post Sports, Holloway discussed the matchup. He was asked about the prospect of facing a striker who famously boxed Mayweather Jr., revealing his desire to reiterate his clai…

Dustin Poirier has shared intimate details about his father’s struggles with alcoholism and its influence on him.

Poirier (30-10) was recently arrested at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport for public drunkenness. While the former Ultimate Fighting Championship star was traveling to South Florida, he started drinking during the layover in Atlanta. He was then denied entry to his flight, following which he uttered a racial slur and threatened to fight a police officer, got arrested and was later released on bail.

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He recently revealed that the alcohol binge that led to the arrest was partly triggered by memories of his father. “The Diamond” claims his father has been a lifelong victim of alcohol addiction, which led to estrangement from friends and family.

“He’s ruined his marriages; he’s ruined his relationships, his friendships. He’s ruined his relationship with his kids,” Poirier said on “The Diary of a CEO” podcast. “My little broth…