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Brian Ortega Admires Diego Lopes for Fighting Through Adversity at UFC 303

While Brian Ortega (25-6) already respected upcoming opponent Diego Lopes (16-3), it has only increased because of what the Brazilian did at UFC 303.

Ortega was preparing for a move up to lightweight when he accepted a featherweight matchup against Lopes on two weeks’ notice at UFC 303 this past June. The cut was too much for Ortega and it was announced that the fight fell through after the card had already commenced. In a miraculous turn of events, Dan Ige stepped in to fight Lopes on four hours’ notice. Lopes earned a hard fought unanimous decision win over the gritty “50K.”

Ortega really admires Lopes for accepting a fight on four hours’ notice at a catchweight of 165 pounds.

“The way [Diego Lopes] approaches things, it's very admirable,” Ortega told UFC.com. “To be able to step in on short notice, last-minute, like four hours—just everything that he had to go through, he earned my respect. Not that it wasn't there before, but I had more of …

Alexa Grasso Loves Pressure That Comes With Being Champion

The biggest change Alexa Grasso has felt since becoming champion is the pressure that comes with it.

Grasso became the women’s flyweight champ with a massive upset win over Valentina Shevchenko at UFC 285 in March 2023. The Mexican champ went on to retain her strap with a slightly controversial split draw in a rematch against Shevchenko at Noche UFC in September 2023. Grasso is now set to put her strap on the line against “Bullet” in a trilogy clash in the co-main event at UFC 306 this weekend at the Sphere in Las Vegas.

Speaking of what has changed since achieving championship status, the typically humble Grasso says not much has, apart from the responsibilities. With the strap comes the burden of not losing it. Grasso feels there’s so much at stake now that she cannot afford to not be her absolute best even for a single day. And the 31-year-old loves it.

“It didn't change a lot…I just know that I have more responsibilities,” Grasso recently t…

UFC Chief Content Officer Assures the Sphere Won’t Distract Fighters

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UFC chief content officer and executive producer Craig Borsari assures that the Sphere won’t distract fighters at UFC 306.

Headlined by Sean O'Malley’s bantamweight title defense against Merab Dvalishvili, UFC 306 is set to go down at the Sphere in Las Vegas on Saturday. Also billed as Noche UFC Riyadh Season, the one-of-a-kind event will be the promotion’s first and only venture into the Sphere.

The Sphere boasts a wraparound 16K x 16K resolution, 240-feet tall interior display covering 160,000 square feet, made of 64,000 LED tiles. Also a celebration of the Mexican Independence Day, the event will have movies that will be playing on the entire media plane. This has raised many concerns about fighters getting potentially distracted by the unprecedented magnitude of the event.

However, Borsari revealed that the promotion has already a plan in place to avoid any distraction for fighters. Borsari shared that while there will …

Merab Dvalishvili Credits Hard Work Over Physical Gifts for UFC Success

Merab Dvalishvili (17-4) wants to show the world that greatness can be achieved purely through hard work.

Dvalishvili is riding a 10-fight winning streak, the longest in UFC bantamweight history — a run that would have earned him a title shot long ago if not for his reluctance to fight his friend, former champ Aljamain Sterling. The Georgian now gets his gold bid at long last against Sean O'Malley (18-1) in the main event at UFC 306 at the Sphere in Las Vegas on Saturday.

“The Machine” could become the second Georgian to win a UFC title after Georgian-Spaniard Ilia Topuria knocked out Alexander Volkanovski to win the featherweight title this past February. In addition to the massive implications it would have for his country, Dvalishvili also wants to set an example for hard workers. Known for his relentless cardio, Dvalishvili admits that he isn’t physically gifted and rather relies sheerly on hard work.

“It will be crazy for my country. It m…

Former Coach Says Dvalishvili Will ‘Have to Eat Some Punches’ to Beat O’Malley

Ray Longo has a pretty good handle on what type of skills Merab Dvalishvili brings to the table.

Before Dvalishvili moved his training to Las Vegas, he worked with the Serra-Longo Fight Team in New York. As Dvalishvili prepares to challenge Sean O'Malley for the bantamweight crown in the UFC 306 main event on Saturday at The Sphere in Las Vegas, Longo offered some insight into what “The Machine” will have to do in order to leave with a title belt in his possession.

“He’s going to have to eat some punches to win this fight – period,” Longo said on “The Anik & Florian Podcast.” (transcription via MMAjunkie.com)

“O’Malley is a sharpshooter. If you go in there thinking you’re not going to get hit or you’re just going to do this or do that, I think that’s a huge mistake.”UFC 306: O'Malley vs. Dvalishvili Saturday at 10 ET on ESPN+. Order Now!

While Dvalishvili is the most dangerous wrestler O’Malley has faced thus far during his promotional t…

Contender Series Weigh-in Results: All Fighters Cleared for Week 5

There were no issues on the scales Monday, as all 10 fighters slated to compete on Week 5 of Dana White's Contender Series hit their contracted marks.

The Contender Series takes place on Tuesday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas and is headlined by a light heavyweight showdown between Navajo Sterling (206) and Phillip Latu (206). The card airs on ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Sterling, who made his pro debut in 2022, has kicked off his professional tenure with four consecutive wins. Most recently, he scored a third-round TKO against Professional Fighters League veteran Sam Kei at Hex Fight Series 31 on June 14.

Latu will take a four-fight winning streak into the matchup with Sterling. The 33-year-old Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, native is coming off a second-round TKO victory against former Contender Series competitor Dylan Potter at Cage Fury Fighting Championships 130 on March 8.

Contender Series Weigh-in Results:Navajo Sterling (206) vs. Phillip Latu (206)Kody S…

Sean O’Malley Recalls Living on Tim Welch’s Couch During Early Career

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Sean O'Malley recently recalled the journey that led to him crossing paths with longtime friend and coach Tim Welch.

While always a standout athlete, O’Malley walked away from college football due to his skinny stature and a general disregard for authority. It was one of O’Malley’s classmates’ fathers — who was a boxing coach — that introduced “Sugar” to combat sports.

O’Malley found early success in his amateur career before suffering his first loss, which he absolutely hated. The Montana native then decided to leave his hometown to make a career out of MMA. O’Malley worked for a year at a home for mentally-challenged adults, to save up the money for the move. O’Malley paid off the loan on his Nissan Ultima, and with $2,000 more to his name, drove down to Arizona.

“I knew I could not go pro and make a living or get to where I wanted to get to living in Montana,” O’Malley said on his YouTube channel. “I saved up $2,000. I work…

Daniel Zellhuber Vows To Be First to Knock Out Esteban Ribovics at UFC 306

Daniel Zellhuber (15-1) is confident that he’ll hand Esteban Ribovics (13-1) his first knockout loss at UFC 306.

Zellhuber faces Argentina’s Ribovics on Saturday at the Sphere in Las Vegas. The Mexican has racked up a three-fight winning streak after suffering his lone career loss against Trey Ogden in his UFC debut in 2022. And self-confidence is one aspect Zellhuber has benefitted the most in from this winning streak. “Golden Boy” admits he even had doubts about whether he truly belonged in the UFC after his foiled debut. However, Zellhuber has since been growing in confidence to the point where he now promises to finish Ribovics for the first time at UFC 306.

“I feel that the most important thing that I’ve been finding is self confidence,” Zellhuber told UFC.com. “When you get to the UFC and your first fight is a defeat, that is in my case, I feel that that kind of breaks you mentally a little bit. But I feel that after I lost that fight I was …

Alexa Grasso Appreciates Merab Dvalishvili Embracing Mexican Culture

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Alexa Grasso recently reacted to Merab Dvalishvili taking on the role of honorary Mexican.

Grasso is set to defend her women’s flyweight title in trilogy clash against Valentina Shevchenko at UFC 306 on Saturday at the Sphere in Las Vegas. The card, which is also being billed as Noche UFC Riyadh Season, is the UFC’s yearly tribute to Mexican Independence Day. While the card is primarily built around Mexican fighters, the headliner doesn’t feature feature a fighter with Mexican roots. The UFC 306 main event will see Sean O’Malley defend his bantamweight title against Dvalishvili, who has taken up the role of an honorary Mexican.

The Georgian standout recently visited the Mexican city of Tijuana, where he tried out their dance form and tasted tacos.

Mexico’s own Grasso is glad to see Dvalishvili take up the role of an honorary Mexican.

“I feel it’s funny and it’s really nice that he’s doing that kind of things,” the UFC women’…

Dana White: The Sphere Is the Star of UFC 306

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Dana White has never been so invested in the venue of a fight card as he is in the Sphere for UFC 306.

It all started when White attended a U2 concert with Tom Brady at the Sphere in October 2023. The UFC CEO immediately started obsessing over the idea of hosting a sporting event at the venue — which ultimately led to UFC 306 being held at the venue on Saturday.

Sean O’Malley, who is one of the biggest active stars on the roster, puts his bantamweight title on the line against Merab Dvalishvili in the main event. Meanwhile, women’s flyweight champ Alexa Grasso defends her strap against Valentina Shevchenko in the co-main event of the card, which is also a tribute to the Mexican Independence Day. However, White emphasizes that the venue is the real star of the show at UFC 306. White is so impressed by the Sphere that he is even returning there for an Eagles concert on Sept. 27.

According to White, UFC 306 will feature a movie p…

Alexa Grasso, Valentina Shevchenko Discuss Impact of Fighting at The Sphere

If co-headlining a card centered on a celebration of Mexican Independence Day wasn’t enough, Alex Grasso will also get to take part in the UFC’s groundbreaking effort at The Sphere in Las Vegas.

The reigning strawweight champion, who will face Valentina Shevchenko in the UFC 306 co-main event on Saturday, is looking forward to the experience.

“It’s huge,” she told UFC.com. “Mexico is growing so fast in MMA. We always shine in combat sports, and I think that’s something great. The UFC loves how we fight. We always go forward. This means a lot. It just keeps me thinking that I have to train harder. I feel proud and honored to be there.”

Grasso already has firsthand experience seeing what The Sphere has to offer, but fighting in the venue figures to be something different entirely. During each fight, different worlds will be shown on the massive LED screen.

“I think the experience is going to be huge because I’ve been there. I went to watch a s…

Sean O’Malley Believes He’s ‘Nightmare Matchup’ for Merab Dvalishvili

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Sean O'Malley will close the show for the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s historic card at The Sphere on Saturday, but he won’t be distracted by the spectacle of it all.

“It’s a big fight feel,” O’Malley told TMZ Sports. “It’s the first combat sporting event at The Sphere for the UFC, possibly the last for the UFC. One and done, so it’s a big deal.”

UFC 306 is expected to feature plenty of new production elements at the one-of-a-kind venue, including a movie between fights and different worlds depicted on the massive LED screen during the bouts themselves. However, when O’Malley steps into the cage to defend his bantamweight belt against Merab Dvalishvili in the evening’s headliner, his focus will be only on his opponent.

“I’m gonna show up, get into an Octagon — the same Octagon I always step into — and do what I do,” O’Malley said. “The whole presentation, the whole show, I’m really not going to enjoy it like a bystander. …

Sean Brady Calls Out Ian Garry, Colby Covington After Victory Over Gilbert Burns

Sean Brady issued callouts to Ian Garry and Colby Covington after a win over Gilbert Burns at UFC Fight Night 242.

Brady headlined the first UFC card of his career against Burns at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas on Saturday. Brady went on to outclass Burns in all aspects to grind out a unanimous decision victory, which he acknowledges as the biggest win of his career thus far.

Brady called out Garry in his post-fight Octagon interview, further elaborating on it at the post-fight media scrum. The Philadelphia native believes Garry thinks too highly of himself. Brady also called out former title challenger Covington, whom he considers the easiest matchup in the division. Brady vows to dominate “Chaos” both on the feet and in the ground in a potential matchup.

“I think Ian just thinks that he is f—-ing God’s gift to earth and he’s not. And I feel like everyone in the sport feels the same way,” Brady said. “I mean I’ll fight him, I’ll fight Colby. I th…

Cody Durden Explains New Nickname After Short-Notice Win Over Matt Schnell

Cody Durden changed his nickname shortly before submitting Matt Schnell on four days’ notice.

Schnell was originally scheduled to face Alessandro Costa in a flyweight matchup at UFC Fight Night 242 on Saturday at the Apex in Las Vegas. However, an injured Costa was replaced by Durden and the bout was moved to bantamweight.

After getting rocked in an early exchange, Durden went toe-to-toe in wild slugfests throughout the first round before submitting Schnell with a ninja choke 29 seconds into the second stanza. Durden revealed that he didn’t have much preparation for the fight after having a few extra drinks the previous weekend. Durden spent the whole Monday lazing around, sparred on Tuesday and asked for the short-notice fight, which was granted.

“I didn’t have much preparation,” Durden said during a post-fight media scrum. “I had a few drinks on Sunday, probably more than I should. I laid in bed all day Monday, went back to the gym, sparred…

Short-Notice Sub Sends Cody Durden Home $50K Richer at UFC Fight Night 242

Cody Durden’s latest Ultimate Fighting Championship experience could not have been more fulfilling—personally, professionally or financially.

The 33-year-old Covington, Georgia, native filled in for Alessandro Costa on less than a week’s notice and put away Matt Schnell with a ninja choke in the second round of their UFC Fight Night 242 bantamweight showcase on Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Durden drew the curtain 29 seconds into Round 2, where he countered an ill-advised takedown attempt with the fight-ending choke. The UFC awarded him a $50,000 “Performance of the Night” bonus for his efforts.

Meanwhile, Natalia Silva and Jessica Andrade pocketed $50,000 “Fight of the Night” bonuses in the aftermath of their three-round women’s flyweight co-main event. Silva outstruck the former 115-pound champion to a unanimous decision, walking away with 30-27 marks from all three judges. She now finds herself on a remarkable 12-fight winning streak.

Finally, Jacks…

Usman Nurmagomedov Retains Lightweight Title in Bellator San Diego Main Event

The Bellator MMA lightweight championship was on the line in the main event of Bellator San Diego.

Usman Nurmagomedov put his undefeated record and title on the line against No. 1 contender Alexandr Shabliy. "Peresvet" proved tricky at first as Shabliy (24-4) was able to find a home for his quick right hand. However, Nurmagomedov (18-0, 1 NC) was the more active fighter and would sprinkle in the occasional takedown attempt to pull clearly ahead in the fight in the second and third rounds. The championship rounds would see Nurmagomedov continue controlling the fight, even hurting the challenger with a head kick in Round 4.

After five rounds of action, Nurmagomedov's hand was raised after scores of 50-45, 49-46 and 49-46 were read.Larkin Smashes Chokheli The co-main event saw the 38-year-old Lorenz Larkin take on Levan Chokheli, who was 11 years his junior. "The Monsoon" lived up to his nickname and showed that age is only a number by scoring a quick k…

Sean Brady Leapfrogs Gilbert Burns in UFC Fight Night 242 Headliner

Sean Brady proved that he belongs among the welterweight elite with a hard-fought victory in the UFC UFC Fight Night 242 headliner on Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Brady took a well-deserved unanimous decision over former UFC title challenger Gilbert Burns after five grueling rounds.

Brady (17-1, 7-1 UFC) established his jab early in the opening frame, and he backed Burns (22-8, 15-8 UFC) up against the cage on two occasions. Both men scored brief takedowns, but the round was predominantly contested in the clinch. Burns wobbled the Philadelphia native with a right hook to begin the second round, but Brady wisely tied him up in a clinch and landed one-two combos to the Brazilian’s face after the fighters separated. Brady targeted the inside and outside of Burns’ left leg with kicks as time ticked down. Early in the third round, Burns seemed to be slowing down, and Brady held him against the cage. However, a sudden burst of energy allowed Burns to score with two stro…

UFC Fight Night 242 ‘Burns vs. Brady’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

The Ultimate Fighting Championship returns to its home base of the Apex in Las Vegas Saturday at 4 p.m. ET with UFC Fight Night 242. BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Fletcher (-145), Ramaska (+120)Round 1 Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:Ben Duffy scores the round:Devin Tejada scores the round:Round 2 Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:Ben Duffy scores the round:Devin Tejada scores the round:

Round 3 Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:Ben Duffy scores the round:Devin Tejada scores the round:The Official Result BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Petroski (-278), Budka (+225)Round 1 Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:Ben Duffy scores the round:Devin Tejada scores the round: Round 2 Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:Ben Duffy scores the round:Devin Tejada scores the round:Round 3 Sherdog Scores Jay Pettry scores the round:Ben Duffy scores the round:Devin Tejada scores the round:The Official Result…

Bellator Champions Series San Diego Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Sherdog's live Bellator Champions Series San Diego coverage will begin Saturday at 8 p.m. ET. Round 1 Sherdog Scores Tristen Critchfield scores the round:Tyler Treese scores the round:Mike Pendleton scores the round:

Round 2 Sherdog Scores Tristen Critchfield scores the round:Tyler Treese scores the round:Mike Pendleton scores the round:Round 3 Sherdog Scores Tristen Critchfield scores the round:Tyler Treese scores the round:Mike Pendleton scores the round: The Official Result Round 1 Sherdog Scores Tristen Critchfield scores the round:Tyler Treese scores the round:Mike Pendleton scores the round:Round 2 Sherdog Scores Tristen Critchfield scores the round:Tyler Treese scores the round:Mike Pendleton scores the round:Round 3 Sherdog Scores Tristen Critchfield scores the round:Tyler Treese scores the round:Mike Pendleton scores the round:The Official Result Round 1 Sherdog Scores Tristen Critchfield scores the round:Tyler Treese scores the round:Mike Pen…

UFC 306 at The Sphere to Include Different ‘World’ for Each Fight

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It has been well-documented that UFC 306 at The Sphere in Las Vegas will be an unprecedented event. Now, a few more details have come to light as to what will make it such a spectacle.

The Sphere, a $2.3 billion venue that features a 160,000 square foot LED screen, will include a distinctly cinematic theme for UFC 306 on Sept. 14. According to The Hollywood Reporter, a film celebrating Mexico’s contribution to combat sports will run in chapters on The Sphere’s screen in between bouts.

“At the highest level, we were trying to think about, how do we put on a live MMA fight — 10 fights throughout the night — and not take away from the fight action, not take too much time in between fights where we slow things down, but also tell this other story about the Mexican people and their heritage and their culture, because it’s rich and it’s deep,” UFC chief content officer Craig Bolsari said.

UFC 306: O'Malley vs. Dvalishvili Saturday a…

Dana White Discusses Importance of UFC Establishing Foothold in Mexico

Ultimate Fighting Championship CEO Dana White was a special guest at a recent luncheon hosted by the Latin Chamber of Commerce.

During the session held at the Durango Casino & Resort, White discussed a number of topics with Las Vegas entrepreneurs, including the growth of the promotion and the upcoming UFC 306 event at The Sphere, which is also a tribute to Mexican Independence Day. White also announced a donation to the Latin Chamber of Commerce.

“I love to help small businesses,” White said (quotes via UFC.com). “People who are starting out, I love to hear their stories, what they do, and I love to support them in any way I can. More than just obviously spending money or buying things from them, to help create awareness that they exist and for people to go try their products.”UFC 306: O'Malley vs. Dvalishvili Saturday at 10 ET on ESPN+. Order Now!

White also shared why it was so significant for the UFC to break ground in Mexico and other Lati…

Valentina Shevchenko Explains Why She Agreed to Fight Alexa Grasso at Noche UFC

Valentina Shevchenko feels UFC 306 is not all about Mexican Independence Day.

Shevchenko challenges Alexa Grasso for the women’s flyweight title in the co-main event at UFC 306 on Sept. 14 at The Sphere in Las Vegas. “Bullet” was initially hesitant to accept the trilogy fight on this particular card due to her past experience.

Shevchenko lost her strap to Grasso in an upset submission loss at UFC 285 in March 2023. The two met in a rematch last September at Noche UFC, which was the promotion’s first event to commemorate Mexican Independence Day. The fight ended in a controversial split draw, leading to Grasso retaining her strap. Shevchenko complained that judge Mike Bell scored the fifth round 10-8 in favor of Grasso so that the Mexican champ could retain her belt on the card built around the country’s Independence Day.

So, when Shevchenko was offered a trilogy matchup a year later at UFC 306, which is also tribute to Mexican Independence Da…

Demetrious Johnson Announces Retirement From MMA

Hear what Demetrious Johnson had to say at ONE 168: Denver 🗣️

Tune in to Prime Video and Sky Sports NOW to catch the rest of ONE 168: Denver!#ONE168 | 🔴 LIVE NOW📺 How to watch 👉 https://t.co/NOuJb13LII🇺🇸🇨🇦 Watch Live on Prime 👉 https://t.co/0ZILlG5o3R🇬🇧🇮🇪 Watch Live on… pic.twitter.com/5HOxf6aH4A

— ONE Championship (@ONEChampionship) September 7, 2024

Demetrious Johnson has announced an end to one of the greatest MMA careers of all time on Friday.

Johnson announced his retirement during an appearance at ONE Championship 168 in Denver on Friday. Johnson made his pro debut in 2009 under the King of the Cage banner before moving to World Extreme Cagefighting, which was later acquired by the UFC. “Might Mouse” went on become the inaugural UFC flyweight champion by defeating Joseph Benavidez in a tournament finale in 2012.

This set off one of the most dominant runs in the history of the sport, which included 11 succes…

Israel Adesanya Releases Statement on Public Confrontation in New Zealand

🚨| Israel Adesanya was seemingly involved in a road rage incident, in New Zealand. 😬#MMA #UFC pic.twitter.com/oHAYyZAtnK

— MMA Frenzy (@mma_frenzy) September 5, 2024

Israel Adesanya opened up on a recent heated confrontation involving another individual in New Zealand.

Adesanya was recently filmed getting into a spat with an unidentified person in his home country. The footage shows the former UFC middleweight champ trying to get inside his car while arguing the person who repeatedly flexes his biceps. “The Last Stylebender” appears to spit at the person before the video ends.

While the reason for the altercation is unclear from the video, Adesanya claims the man was trying to coax him into a fight while he tried his best to de-escalate the situation. Adesanya also says he’ll press charges against the man for racially abusing him and threatening violence.

“On Wednesday morning, I was leaving a cafe on K Rd when a p…

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