Martial Arts News

Further reporting has shed light on the operation during which Tim Kennedy was wounded in a Sept. 17 ambush in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

According to MMA Weekly, sources close to the Congolese government said the former Ultimate Fighting Championship middleweight and his fellow contractors were assigned to a ground-clearing operation. Their work was linked to broader efforts to protect mining revenue, combat smuggling and collect taxes for the government.

New report details Vectus Global's Congo operation that left Tim Kennedy wounded and Justin Conaglen deadKennedy reportedly was part of a three-man contractor team alongside former New Zealand Special Air Service member Justin Conaglen and an unidentified contractor. The ambush in South Kivu province left about 20 people dead or wounded, according to sources cited by Reuters.

Conaglen was killed, while Kennedy and the third contractor were wounded. Kennedy reportedly sustained three gunshot wounds to a le…

Islam Dulatov reportedly has his second Ultimate Fighting Championship appearance booked.

According to Marcel Dorff, the German welterweight will face Levan Chokheli at UFC Saudi Arabia on Dec. 5. Dulatov was scheduled to face Wellington Turman in July, but the bout was canceled after Dulatov fell ill.

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Levan Chokheli reportedly faces Islam Dulatov at UFC Saudi Arabia after 23-second debut win Dulatov (12-1) earned his UFC contract on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2024. He knocked out Adam Fugitt in his promotional debut in July 2025, dropping the American with a left hook before finishing him with follow-up punches at 4:06 of the first round.

Chokheli (15-3, 1 NC) also enters the matchup following a first-round stoppage in his UFC debut. The Georgian welterweight needed just 23 seconds to stop Leon Shahbazyan in June.

The promotion has not announced a headliner for UFC Saudi Arabia, though Israel Adesanya vs. Sharabutdin Magomedov has bee…

Floyd Mayweather Jr. is open to a rematch against Conor McGregor.

The unbeaten former boxing champion recently reflected on their 2017 bout, saying it elevated McGregor’s profile and generated considerable financial rewards for both men.

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Floyd Mayweather discusses possible Conor McGregor rematch nine years after 2017 boxing match Mayweather stopped McGregor by technical knockout in the 10th round, improving his professional record to 50-0. He has since competed in several exhibitions and remains interested in facing the Irishman again.

“Actually, I think me and Conor McGregor may lock up again. Yeah, absolutely,” Mayweather said during an appearance on the “PBD Podcast.” “I don’t live with Conor McGregor, he’s not my friend. I don’t have to see him. It’s just when it’s time for us to do business and lock up, let’s do it.”

Mayweather’s exhibition opponents have included Japanese kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa, social media personalities Logan Paul …

Nina-Marie Daniele says she wore a hijab for her interview with Movsar Evloev out of respect.

Evloev is scheduled to challenge Alexander Volkanovski for the Ultimate Fighting Championship featherweight title at UFC 333 on Oct. 24 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Daniele’s decision to wear a hijab while interviewing the Muslim fighter drew criticism online, prompting her response.

Nina-Marie Daniele explains why she wore a hijab for Movsar Evloev interview ahead of UFC 333During the interview, Evloev said his religious beliefs would prevent him from looking at her if she were dressed less modestly. Daniele defended her choice, explaining that she wanted to make him comfortable. She also said participation in her interviews is voluntary and that no one forced her to wear the hijab.

“At the end of the day it’s always about respect,” Daniele wrote on X. “I have so much respect for all my Muslim friends. I love learning about cultures and I’m so grateful for the UFC for givi…

Aaron Pico is learning to be more patient inside the Octagon.

Pico (14-5) is scheduled to face Losene Keita (17-2) at UFC 333 on Oct. 24 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Ahead of the matchup, the former Bellator fighter said he wants to gain experience rather than rush to finish.

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Aaron Pico explains new fighting mentality ahead of Losene Keita matchup at UFC 333 Pico was knocked out in his UFC debut last year before earning his first promotional victory against Patricio Freire. He said he has since adopted a “beginner mentality.”

Pico, who has finished 11 of his 14 professional victories, has worked with coach Roberto Barreiro to develop a more measured approach. Instead of trying to end fights as quickly as possible, he now wants to settle into the action.

“When I say I needed to be humbled, it's not in the fact that I walked or carried myself… I needed to humble myself in the way that I was fighting,” Pico said at the UFC 333 media day. “I was…

Mandel Nallo says his nose-picking gesture at the ceremonial weigh-ins for the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s recent event in Edmonton, Alberta, was a message to his children.

Nallo stopped Nate Landwehr at UFC Edmonton on Oct. 17. Before the bout, however, the Canadian lightweight drew attention by conspicuously picking his nose onstage. He has since explained the gesture.

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Mandel Nallo says his sons inspired UFC Edmonton nose-picking gesture before Dana White's handshake offer Nallo said his sons suggested the gesture as a way to acknowledge them while they watched. That created an awkward moment when UFC CEO Dana White extended his hand before Nallo’s faceoff with Landwehr. Speaking to Ariel Helwani, Nallo explained that refusing the handshake might have looked disrespectful.

“I have two boys; they're 5 and 7... I wanted to notify them that I knew they were watching,” Nallo said. “So I told them, ‘What's something I can do so that you guys can…

Unbeaten welterweight Jacobe Smith will reportedly put his perfect record on the line against Ultimate Fighting Championship veteran Randy Brown.

Smith is coming off a first-round knockout of Bruce Whitehead at UFC 332 on Oct. 3. The 30-year-old needed just 92 seconds to improve his professional record to 13-0. He now faces a more experienced opponent in Brown, who has competed in the UFC since 2016.

Jacobe Smith vs. Randy Brown reportedly set for UFC's Oct. 31 Las Vegas cardBrown has made 22 UFC appearances and is coming off consecutive losses to Gabriel Bonfim and Kevin Holland. According to Marcel Dorff, “Rude Boy” will face Smith, who is 4-0 in the UFC after earning a contract on Dana White’s Contender Series.

The welterweights are slated to meet at UFC Fight Night 292 on Oct. 31 at Meta Apex in Las Vegas. A lightweight matchup between Renato “Money” Moicano and Tom Nolan headlines the card.

Randy Brown vs. Jacobe Smith #UFCVegas123 -…

Alex Pereira has explained his frustration with the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s heavyweight matchmaking.

Pereira (13-4) is scheduled to face Sergei Pavlovich (21-3) at UFC 335 on Dec. 12 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Meanwhile, Josh Hokit (10-0) will face Ciryl Gane (14-2) for the heavyweight title at UFC 334 on Nov. 14 at Madison Square Garden in New York.

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Pereira said he initially expected either a rematch with Gane or a grudge match against Hokit, but he sees the Pavlovich booking as a favorable stylistic matchup.Alex Pereira explains UFC matchmaking frustration and why Sergei Pavlovich is more dangerous than Josh Hokit Pereira lost his UFC heavyweight debut to Gane by technical knockout in an interim title bout at UFC Freedom 250. After Tom Aspinall relinquished the undisputed championship, Pereira said the promotion discussed a title rematch with Gane or a fight against Hokit, who has repeatedly criticized “Poatan.”

Pereira considers H…

Petr Yan believes he has figured out Merab Dvalishvili ahead of their trilogy bout.

Yan is scheduled to defend his Ultimate Fighting Championship bantamweight title against Dvalishvili at UFC 333 on Oct. 24 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Their series is tied 1-1, but Yan expects to replicate his commanding performance in their rematch.

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Petr Yan expects another dominant showing against Merab Dvalishvili in UFC 333 title trilogy Dvalishvili overwhelmed Yan with his wrestling to win their first meeting by unanimous decision in 2023. Yan reversed the result in their December 2025 title rematch, repeatedly defending takedowns and landing effective strikes to reclaim the championship by unanimous decision.

“No Mercy” expects another strong showing in their rubber match.

“We definitely have enough information downloaded from the time we spent together in the Octagon,” Yan said in a pre-fight interview. “But the second victory, obviously, was very do…

Alexander Volkanovski is confident he’ll become the first fighter to defeat Movsar Evloev.

Volkanovski (28-4) will defend his Ultimate Fighting Championship featherweight title against Evloev (20-0) at UFC 333 on Oct. 24 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. The champion believes he presents a “nightmare” stylistic matchup for the unbeaten Russian.

Alexander Volkanovski explains why Movsar Evloev's grappling may fail him in UFC 333 title fight Ahead of their title clash, Volkanovski explained that Evloev relies on his wrestling to escape difficult situations. The Australian champion believes his own grappling skills will deny the challenger that fallback option.

“I think it just doesn’t end well for him,” Volkanovski said in a pre-fight interview. “I don’t mean it in any bad way. I just think I’m the guy to take that zero from him. He’s got incredible skill. He is very effective with what he does… Every time he’s had problems, he could rely on that wrestling and grappling to …

Movsar Evloev says he has pushed himself harder than ever ahead of his first UFC title shot.

Evloev (20-0) is scheduled to challenge Alexander Volkanovski (28-4) for the Ultimate Fighting Championship featherweight title at UFC 333 on Oct. 24 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Ahead of the bout, the unbeaten Russian discussed how his preparations have differed from previous training camps.

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Movsar Evloev details toughest training camp ahead of Alexander Volkanovski title fight at UFC 333 Evloev said he increased his workload across all aspects of training to address any potential weaknesses. He believes that preparation will help him showcase his abilities in Saturday’s main event.

“This preparation is different just because I pushed more than ever,” Evloev said in a pre-fight interview. “And we did more of everything to make sure we didn’t miss anything. He hasn’t beaten anyone like me. There’s many things that make me special, like unique. And I’m abo…

Prop bets are available for the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s upcoming event in Abu Dhabi.

UFC 333 takes place Oct. 24 at Etihad Arena on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, featuring two championship bouts. BetOnline Sports & Casino is offering odds on which matchup will produce the fastest finish and how many bouts will end inside the distance.

Nikita Krylov vs. Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev leads UFC 333 fastest-finish odds at -200Nikita Krylov vs. Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev is the favorite in the fastest-finish market. The matchup is listed at -200, followed by Dominick Reyes vs. Azamat Murzakanov at +200 and Aaron Pico vs. Losene Keita at +300. The two championship bouts — Alexander Volkanovski vs. Movsar Evloev and Petr Yan vs. Merab Dvalishvili 3 — have the longest odds among the nine listed matchups.

The sportsbook has also set an over/under of 7.5 for the number of fights to end inside the distance at Saturday’s event.

The listed odds for the fastest-finish prop are:…