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UFC 304’s Caolan Loughran Willing to Fight ‘Overhyped’ Payton Talbott

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Caolan Loughran is not buying into the hype behind Payton Talbott.

Going into his upcoming UFC 304 clash against Jake Hadley (10-3), Loughran (9-1) questioned the hype behind fellow bantamweight prospect Talbott (9-0). While the Irishman acknowledges Talbott’s skillset, he has noticed certain shortcomings in the latter’s game. Loughran claims that while all rising stars in history had their ground game doubted initially, Talbott’s grappling actually got exposed in his debut against Nick Aguirre. Talbott was outgrappled by Aguirre in the first round before coming back to score a third-round stoppage win in his first UFC outing in November 2023.

“Talbott is a good fighter – 100 percent a good fighter. Fair play to him going well, but [expletive] man, cool the jets,” Loughran said at the UFC 304 media day. “I watched his debut. Whenever the Mac [Conor McGregor] was coming up, people were saying when he fights a grappler, he’ll get …

Bobby Green Promises to Punish Paddy Pimblett Over Custom Shorts Slight

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Bobby Green is unhappy about his custom shorts rebuff, while UFC 304 opponent Paddy Pimblett is his own.

Green (32-15) faces Pimblett (21-3) at UFC 304 this weekend in the latter’s home turf of Manchester, England. The two have long been engaged in a feud, which Pimblett claims started with Green secretly recording him while they were in attendance at UFC San Diego in August 2022.

While Green admits that he likely started the beef, he had his reasons. “King” believes he and Pimblett have had a contrasting career trajectory where he had to fight for his dues while “The Baddy” had things handed to him on a silver platter. According to Green, Pimblett doesn’t realize how privileged he is and acts spoiled. Green claims Pimblett caught his attention when he started talking brash, as he let his initial success get to his head.

“I’ve earned my spot. I’ve been here for so long. I think I’m here 12 years now fighting… I call him th…

Leon Edwards Says Michael Page’s Move to UFC was ‘Too Late’

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Leon Edwards doubts Michael Page will challenge for a title in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Page (22-3) made his Octagon debut at UFC 299 this past March, scoring a unanimous decision win over Kevin Holland. “MVP” most recently suffered a unanimous decision loss against Ian Garry in his sophomore promotional outing at UFC 303 last month.

Meanwhile, Edwards (22-3) will defend his welterweight title against Belal Muhammad at UFC 304 in Manchester, England, this weekend. Page recently said that a potential clash with fellow Brit Edwards in the future would be a massive fight in the United Kingdom.

While “Rocky” admits that a fight against Page would indeed be big in the UK, he doubts the former Bellator MMA star rises up the ranks to cross paths with him. Edwards believes Page could have made his way to title contention if he had beaten Garry and followed it up with a win over an elite contender like Shavkat Rakhmonov…

Rinat Fakhretdinov vs. Nursulton Ruziboev Targeted for UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi

A welterweight clash pitting Rinat Fakhretdinov against Nursulton Ruziboev has been targeted for UFC 308.

Both fighters confirmed the bout on social media following an initial report from Marcel Dorff. UFC 308 takes place at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on Oct. 26 and is also expected to include a heavyweight tilt between Ciryl Gane and Alexander Volkov.

According to Fakhretdinov, the booking was not ideal for either fighter.

“Know me and Nursultan were against this fight,” Fakhretdinov wrote on Instagram (via translate). “This fight is not profitable for anyone. I will tell you, we did everything possible to prevent this fight, but we are only fighters. The league always has the final word, so don't throw stones at us. The circumstances have turned out to be. The league has decided for us. But nothing changes, as we were friends with Nursulton, we will be friends, and after the fight I will come to visit him for pilaf (I hope he will invite me)…

Strawweights Iasmin Lucindo, Marina Rodriguez to Clash at UFC 307 on Oct. 5

Iasmin Lucindo will look to add a signature victory to her record when she meets Marina Rodriguez at UFC 307.

Ag.Fight was first to report the strawweight booking, and Lucindo has since confirmed the fight on social media. UFC 307 takes place on Oct. 5 and is expected to be held in Salt Lake City, though the location has not been formally announced. A women’s bantamweight title fight between Raquel Pennington and Julianna Pena has been rumored for the event.UFC 304: Edwards vs. Muhammad Saturday at 10 ET on ESPN+. Order Now! After falling to Yazmin Jauregui in her promotional debut, Lucindo has racked up three consecutive victories in UFC competition. Most recently, the 22-year-old Brazilian outpoined former title challenger Karolina Kowalkiewicz at UFC 301 on May 4.

Rodriguez, meanwhile, has faced many of the division’s top talents during her 13-bout UFC tenure. The muay thai specialist last appeared at UFC 300, where she dropped a split decision …

Muhammad Mokaev More Concerned with UFC Title Than Bigger Fight Purse

Muhammad Mokaev just wants to fight for Ultimate Fighting Championship gold and is not concerned about how much he is paid to do it.

Mokaev takes on Angolan contender Manel Kape at UFC 304 in Manchester, England, on Saturday. Mokaev revealed that his upcoming bout is the last one on his current UFC contract.

Mokaev doesn’t have any expectations for his expected contract renewal, and “The Punisher” is willing to have a one-fight contract if that accelerates his path to a title shot.

Mokaev reiterated his grouse with Steve Erceg getting the last flyweight title shot against Alexandre Pantoja after just three fights in the promotion. Mokaev notes that he didn’t receive the gold bid despite having more finishes in the UFC than “Astro Boy” had total fights in the promotion then.

UFC 304: Edwards vs. Muhammad Saturday at 10 ET on ESPN+. Order Now! Mokaev now just wants a title shot as soon as possible and claims his fight purse isn’t a concern.…

Christian Leroy Duncan Uses Walkout Music to Pay Tribute to Late Friend

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Christian Leroy Duncan’s walkout music was made by his late friend, Joel Daniel Westcarr.

Leroy Duncan is scheduled to face veteran Gregory Rodrigues at UFC 304 in front of a home crowd in Manchester, England, on Saturday. In a "UFC Connected" video, Duncan was seen visiting the grave of Westcarr, who he refers to as Zozo.

“Come to visit my friend Zozo. We’re here at his resting place, which is a place that I always come to,” Duncan said. “He was a very talented music artist. And we’d always say no matter which way we go, we’re gonna see each other at the top.”

Tributes flood in for much loved Joel Westcarr, 20, who was killed in a motorbike crash https://t.co/6Sv2wJ4biQ pic.twitter.com/4Nvw4BoihM

— Daniel Chipperfield (@DanChipperfield) April 4, 2016

Westcarr was a musician who passed away in a tragic motorbike accident on April 3, 2016 at the age of 20. Duncan, who had just started his amateur…

Curtis Blaydes: UFC 304 Bout Against Tom Aspinall Is ‘Real Title Fight’ at Heavyweight

Curtis Blaydes considers his upcoming interim heavyweight title fight against Tom Aspinall at UFC 304 the real title fight in the division.

Lineal champ Jon Jones has been sidelined since pulling out of a scheduled title defense against Stipe Miocic at UFC 295 in November 2023. Aspinall knocked out Sergei Pavlovich in a short-notice title fight at UFC 295 and has since been calling for a unification bout against Jones. However, Jones remains adamant on returning to action against Miocic, who hasn’t fought in over three years. With both Jones and Miocic also teasing retirement after their planned bout, Blaydes doesn’t consider the potential matchup a legitimate title fight.

Blaydes has previously admitted that Aspinall should ideally have been fighting Jones in a title unifier instead of defending his interim strap. However, Blaydes considers his upcoming bout against “Honey Badger” the real title fight at heavyweight. For the perennially elite cont…

Belal Muhammad ‘Smelled Fear’ While Sharing Elevator with Leon Edwards’ Team

Belal Muhammad believes Leon Edwards and his camp are afraid going into their upcoming UFC 304 clash.

Muhammad challenges Edwards for the welterweight title in the main event at UFC 304 in Manchester, England, on Saturday. Muhammad recently ran into Edwards and his crew in an elevator. “Remember the Name” claims Edwards’ coach, Dave Lovell, was the only one talking trash and hopes he attends the press conference.

“I just saw him right now in the elevator. He looked like he was afraid,” Muhammad told MMAjunkie.com. “Him and his brother and his coach, they all look like cowards. His coach was trying to talk a little bit of trash, so I’m hoping that his coach is at the press conference, because I know Leon’s not gonna be able to talk.”

UFC 304: Edwards vs. Muhammad Saturday at 10 ET on ESPN+. Order Now! According to Muhammad, he was with another teammate when Edwards walked into the elevator with a crew of six to seven people. While Muhammad chose …

ABC Approves Rule Changes for 12-to-6 Elbows, Definition of a Grounded Fighter

Finally, the 12 to 6 elbow rule has been eliminated and the grounded opponent rule has been changed.

Andy Foster does it again. pic.twitter.com/uEuY930Mlt

— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) July 23, 2024

The Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts will change in a couple key areas this November.

On Tuesday, the Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports voted unanimously to eliminate a ban on 12-to-6 elbows and update the definition of what constitutes a grounded fighter. The committee included the likes of California State Athletic Commission executive director Andy Foster, Nevada Athletic Commission executive director Jeff Mullen, veteran officials Herb Dean, John McCarthy and Marc Goddard and judges Derek Cleary and Sal D’Amato, among others. Ariel Helwani was first to report the changes on social media.

The downward elbows were often a point of confusion for fighters because it could be difficult to determi…

Francis Ngannou: PFL Targeting Debut vs. Renan Ferreira for Saudi Arabia in October

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Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou appears to be on the verge of making his promotional debut with the Professional Fighters League.

Ngannou, who signed with the PFL last year, has yet to make his debut as he focused on boxing fights against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. “The Predator” discussed his MMA future during an appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast on Tuesday. When asked about his time in boxing and the focus on his upcoming plans, Ngannou revealed that the PFL is working on his first fight with the promotion, and he revealed a potential opponent, date and location for his fight.

According to Ngannou, his relationship with the PFL is “pretty good,” and they are working on his debut to take place against 2023 heavyweight champion Renan Ferreira.

UFC 304: Edwards vs. Muhammad Saturday at 10 ET on ESPN+. Order Now! “It’s working pretty good, we have a good relationship. I will be fighting by the e…

Boxing Star Canelo Alvarez Expected to Fight on Same Day as Noche UFC

It appears that the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s highly-anticipated event at The Sphere will have some competition.

According to a report from ESPN, Canelo Alvarez is in the process of finalizing a deal for a super middleweight title defense against Edgar Berlanga on Sept. 14 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Meanwhile, UFC 306 — also known as Noche UFC — is scheduled to take place on that same day at The Sphere in Las Vegas.

Alvarez is widely regarded as boxing’s biggest star and has headlined fight cards on Mexican Independence Day on six different occasions. The Guadalajara, Mexico, native has won titles at 154, 160 and 175 pounds and has won his last four fights.

UFC 304: Edwards vs. Muhammad Saturday at 10 ET on ESPN+. Order Now! While UFC 306 isn’t likely to have anyone on the card to match the star power of Alvarez, the event has repeatedly been touted as a can’t-miss spectacle by UFC CEO Dana White.

“I’m already $17 million into…

Leon Edwards, Paddy Pimblett to Wear Customized Shorts at UFC 304

These new shorts for Leon Edwards and Paddy Pimblett are 🔥#UFC304 | SATURDAY | 10 ET | ESPN+ PPV pic.twitter.com/1o2qdgv6CB

— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) July 23, 2024

Reigning welterweight champion Leon Edwards and popular lightweight prospect Paddy Pimblett will have a fresh, custom look for their fights at UFC 304 on Saturday.

Both Edwards and Pimblett will be fighting on home soil at the Co-op Live in Manchester, England. Edwards will defend his 170-pound belt against Belal Muhammad in the main event, while Pimblett will lock horns with Bobby Green on the main card.UFC 304: Edwards vs. Muhammad Saturday at 10 ET on ESPN+. Order Now! Edwards will wear special green shorts for his bout, while Pimblett will wear custom orange shorts for his fight. The styles were initially revealed by Chris De Santiago on social media. They can also be viewed on website for Venum, which is the official outfitter of the UFC.

Read more about Leon Edwards, Paddy Pimblett to Wear Customized Shorts at UFC 304

‘Patchy’ Mix to Defend Bantamweight Title vs. Leandro Higo at Bellator Paris on Nov. 16

Patrick Mix will defend his bantamweight crown against Leandro Higo in the Bellator Champions Series Paris headliner on Nov. 16.

The promotion announced the pairing on Tuesday. In the co-main event, Baissangour Chamsoudinov will square off against Oliver Enkamp at welterweight. Bellator Champions Series Paris takes place at the Adidas Arena in the French capital and will air in its entirety on Max in the United States beginning at 11 a.m. ET/ 8 a.m PT.

“Patchy” will take a seven-bout promotional winning streak into his second official title defense. The 30-year-old New Yorker endured some struggles in his last outing but emerged with a split-decision triumph in a rematch against Magomed Magomedov at the most recent Bellator Paris event on May 17. Mix’s record also includes notable triumphs over the likes of Sergio Pettis, Raufeon Stots, Kyoji Horiguchi and James Gallagher.

UFC 304: Edwards vs. Muhammad Saturday at 10 ET on ESPN+. Order Now! Hig…

Sean O’Malley Rips ‘Drug Addict’ Conor McGregor: He Isn’t in Anyone’s GOAT Talk

Sean O'Malley’s went off on Conor McGregor after the Irish star mocked at the bantamweight champion’s explanation for failing a drug test.

O’Malley has tested positive for the banned substance ostarine more than once in his career. The most recent instance occurred in 2019, which led to a suspension. However, O’Malley has consistently denied having used PEDs, claiming the trace amounts found in his sample must have been due to tainted supplements.

While O’Malley couldn’t pin down the supplements that could have contained ostarine, he has found a new potential explanation for his failed tests. O’Malley claims recent studies suggest that ostarine can be transferred through sweat, possibly through sharing garments or gear. “Sugar” believes Ostarine was transferred to him while he was training at another gym, where ostarine use by athletes was public knowledge. O’Malley believes teammates Kyler Phillips and Augusto Mendes, who both faced suspensions fo…

Kayla Harrison Responds to Julianna Pena’s Accusations of PED Use

While Kayla Harrison is irked by Julianna Pena’s accusations of performance enhancing drug use, she is taking it as a compliment.

Pena is expected to challenge Raquel Pennington for the women’s bantamweight title at UFC 307 in Salt Lake City, Utah in October. Meanwhile, Harrison, who made her promotional debut with a submission win over Holly Holm at UFC 300 this past April, is considered to be the top contender for the next shot at the title.

Pena recently hurled accusations of PED use at Harrison and all female fighters in the ex-PFL champion’s gym, American Top Team. While PED allegations are nothing new for Harrison, the two-time Olympic gold medallist judoka can’t help being annoyed. Harrison claims to have been tested for the first time at 12 years of age and has never since failed a single drug test. Harrison claims Pena’s allegations are a built-in excuse for when she beats “The Venezuelan Vixen” in their potential clash in the future.

…

Video: Tai Tuivasa Calls for Leon Edwards-Belal Muhammad Rematch in 2022

Matchmaker Tai Tuivasa knew the rematch between Leon Edwards and Belal Muhammad was bound to happen since 2022 😂 #UFC304 pic.twitter.com/krDISwJMao

— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) July 22, 2024

Tai Tuivasa had an idea that Leon Edwards and Belal Muhammad would cross paths again long before their rematch was booked.

Muhammad will challenge Edwards for the welterweight title in the main event at UFC 304 on Saturday at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, England. The two have unfinished business from their initial encounter in the UFC Fight Night 187 headliner in 2021 that ended in an unfortunate no-contest due to an accidental eye poke from Edwards.

With that being the only blemish in their recent win streaks, Muhammad and Edwards were definitely set on a collision course. Edwards went on to dethrone Kamaru Usman via head kick KO in a shocking upset at UFC 278 in August 2022. Meanwhile, Muhammad dispatched a previously undefeated …

Belal Muhammad Details ‘Priceless’ Training Sessions with Khabib Nurmagomedov

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Belal Muhammad is grateful for the guidance of Khabib Nurmagomedov heading into his first championship opportunity.

Muhammad will receivs his long-awaited welterweight title shot against Leon Edwards in the main event at UFC 304 in Manchester on Saturday. Muhammad recently visited Dagestan to train with Nurmagomedov for his upcoming fight.

Muhammad claims a bit of advice from the former lightweight champion has proven to be invaluable. Muhammad is glad to have the mentorship of “The Eagle,” who he considers to be the MMA GOAT.

“It benefits me everywhere,” Muhammad told Shakiel Mahjouri. “Physically, mentally, spiritually, it just puts me on another level. I said it before and people were making fun of me like, ‘Oh, get off his jock blah blah blah.’ Training with him and getting advice from him is worth 20-30-40-50 days with anybody else. Just being able to feel his strength, feel his pressure, feel his knowledge too that he …

Doo Ho Choi Admits ‘I Started to Doubt Myself’ Prior to UFC on ESPN 60 Victory

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You can forgive Doo Ho Choi if he got a little bit caught up in the moment.

Shortly after he scored a second-round TKO of Bill Algeo at UFC on ESPN 60, Doo Ho Choi gave an emotional post-fight interview to Daniel Cormier in the Octagon on Saturday night.

“This win was a long time coming, and I’ve let a lot of people down. It’s been a while,” Choi said. “But I kept believing in myself. I knew I could do it tonight. I wanted to prove it to people who still believe in me.”

It was Choi’s first promotional triumph since a first-round knockout of Thiago Tavares at “The Ultimate Fighter 23” finale in July 2016. Once regarded as a prospect to watch, “The Korean Superboy” went winless in his next four bouts, though one of those was an all-time classic against Cub Swanson that was eventually inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame.UFC 304: Edwards vs. Muhammad Saturday at 10 ET on ESPN+. Order Now! During a post-fight media scrum, Choi expla…

Brunno Ferreira Says Roman Kopylov Has Withdrawn from UFC Bout on Aug. 24

After two impressive first-round knockout wins in January and June, Brunno Ferreira was excited to return to the Octagon against Roman Kopylov at UFC Fight Night on Aug. 24.

On Monday, however, “Hulk” was informed that his Russian opponent has withdrawn from the fight.

"Once again I received not so good news,” Ferreira said in a video on Instagram. “My fight with Roman Kopylov is off. When I say the Russians don’t want to fight me, that’s the truth. Actually that's the second [time]. [Sharabutdin Magomedov] did the same. Curiously both are strikers.”

UFC 304: Edwards vs. Muhammad Saturday at 10 ET on ESPN+. Order Now! Ferreira ended the video with a question for his followers.

"Why do you think the Russians don’t want to fight me?” he asked. “Maybe because they know how tough I am in grappling and also because I have knockout power. What you guys think?"

Shortly after the video was posted, Sherdog.com spoke to Ferreira, who re…

Jake Paul Doubts Dana White Will Risk Letting Alex Pereira Fight Him

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Jake Paul believes UFC CEO Dana White won’t let Alex Pereira compete in a boxing match against him.

Paul knocked down Mike Perry for the third and final time to earn a technical knockout victory in the sixth round of their boxing match at the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida, on Saturday night. Paul issued an immediate callout to UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira, who then FaceTimed “The Problem Child” expressing interest in the matchup.

Alex Pereira has posted his full FaceTime call with Jake Paul after Paul’s win over Mike Perry last night 📱

Pereira seems eager to make a fight with Paul happen whilst Paul asks if Dana White will let Pereira out of his contract.

pic.twitter.com/UBGa2HqqnW

— MMA Orbit (@mma_orbit) July 21, 2024

While Pereira is seemingly interested in the offer, Paul doubts White will allow it. Paul claims Pereira had to hesitate and look at his manager when he mentioned…

Stipe Miocic Disputes Criticism That He’s Holding Up Heavyweight Division

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While Stipe Miocic empathizes with Tom Aspinall’s situation, he isn’t taking the blame for holding up the heavyweight division.

Miocic was originally scheduled to challenge Jon Jones for the heavyweight title at UFC 295 in November 2023 before “Bones” pulled out of the event due to an injury. A last-minute interim title fight between Aspinall and Sergei Pavlovich was booked to help save the card, and Aspinall knocked out his Russian foe in the opening stanza.

With no timeline in sight for Jones’ return, Aspinall initially called for the champ to be stripped off his title. While Aspinall later called for a title unification clash against Jones, “Bones” remains adamant on fighting Miocic when he returns. Both Miocic and Jones have hinted that they might ride off into the sunset after their potential fight, robbing Aspinall of the chance to fighting “Bones” for undisputed gold. Meanwhile, Aspinall is now slated to defend his interim …

Shavkat Rakhmonov Dismisses Ian Garry’s Callout: ‘It Won’t Even Be Close’

Shavkat Rakhmonov was blatantly dismissive while responding to a callout from Ian Garry.

Garry recently took to social media to suggest a matchup between the undefeated welterweight contenders at the end of 2024.

“December 2024, undefeated vs. undefeated, Garry wrote on Instagram. “Let’s make this happen! [Shavkat Rakhmonov].”

While Rakhmonov did not shut down a potential clash, he mocked Garry’s finishing rate in comparison to his own. The Kazakh contender believes Garry will be no match for him if the fight comes to fruition.UFC 304: Edwards vs. Muhammad Saturday at 10 ET on ESPN+. Order Now! “100% finish rate VS 53% finish rate,” Rakhmonov wrote on X. “It won’t even be close if it happens [Ian Garry].”

100% finish rate VS 53% finish rate. It won’t even be close if it happens @iangarryMMA https://t.co/nJaglUmnBp

— Shavkat “Nomad” Rakhmonov (@Rakhmonov1994) July 21, 2024

Rakhmonov has finished all 18 of his caree…

Free Agent Nathan Maness Hopes to Re-Sign with UFC

At the very least, flyweight Nathan Maness wants an explanation if his contract with the Ultimate Fighting Championship isn’t renewed.

Maness completed his UFC contract with a unanimous decision win over Jimmy Flick last month. While “Mayhem” was expecting to hear from the UFC about a renewal, there has been radio silence since then.

“Honestly, we haven’t really heard anything,” Maness told MMAjunkie.com. “We sent out a couple of different messages. We gave them a couple of weeks after the fight and then we sent out a couple feelers, but we can’t even really get a response. Your guess is as good as mine.”

UFC 304: Edwards vs. Muhammad Saturday at 10 ET on ESPN+. Order Now! Maness’ win over Flick put him on a two-fight winning streak, improving his overall promotional record to 5-2. Maness’ only two losses in the UFC have come against elite Dagestani prospects Tagir Ulanbekov and Umar Nurmagomedov. While Maness believes he has done enough to get…

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