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Alexander Volkanovski Doesn’t Regret Recent Decisions Accepting Fights

👊👏Alexander Volkanovski says he doesn't regret fighting Islam Makhachev on short notice and also doesn't regret not taking more time off before fighting Ilia Topuria:

"I don't regret it, that's who I am, that's what made me the champion I was...

If I wasn't the guy who would… pic.twitter.com/0Pzhncx2gM — Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) October 28, 2024

Alexander Volkanovski doesn’t regret the decision to make a quick turnaround ahead of his most recent knockout loss.

Volkanovski replaced Charles Oliveira on 11 days’ notice to challenge Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title at UFC 294 in October 2023. Volkanovski went on to suffer a brutal head kick knockout loss against Makhachev in his second failed double-champ bid. “The Great” put his featherweight title on the line soon after against Ilia Topuria at UFC 298 this past February. Volkanovski went on to lose his strap via another devastating knockout in the secon…

Magomed Ankalaev Thinks UFC is ‘Protecting’ Light Heavyweight Champ Alex Pereira

Magomed Ankalaev is beyond ready for his shot at Ultimate Fighting Championship gold.

After taking a unanimous decision over Aleksandar Rakic at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi this past Saturday, Ankalaev set his sights on light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira. The Dagestani standout has been calling for a fight against “Poatan” for quite some time now, and after his latest victory, it will be difficult to deny him as the division’s No. 1 contender.

“Let’s do it. Alex, stop running away from me. … I have heard that he wants to fight during Ramadan. We are not fighting in Ramadan. Otherwise, after Ramadan or before Ramadan, if he says yes, we will fight him,” Ankalaev said at the UFC 308 post-fight press conference.

Ankalaev confirmed that while there were talks of a matchup with “Poatan” for UFC 300, contracts were never issued so the bout didn’t come to fruition. Instead, Pereira defended his belt with a stoppage of Jamahal Hill in the evening’s…

Javier Mendez: Ilia Topuria Has the Best Boxing in MMA

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American Kickboxing Academy coach Javier Mendez is giving due credit to Ilia Topuria.

Topuria put his featherweight title on the line against Max Holloway in the main event at UFC 308 this past Saturday at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. “El Matador” became the first to knock out Holloway, who had previously proclaimed himself the “best boxer in the UFC.”

After knocking out Alexander Volkanovski to win the title at UFC 298 this past February and defending his strap against Holloway, Topuria has now put himself in “Fighter of the Year” conversations. The undefeated Georgian-Spaniard has been rallying a future double-champ bid against Islam Makhachev since his title win over “The Great.”

After the way Topuria finished Holloway, a clash against Makhachev in the near future doesn’t seem too far-fetched. Speaking of a potential clash between the two, Mendez, who is one of Makhachev’s primary coaches, labeled Topuria the best boxer in all of MM…

Khabib Nurmagomedov Advises Umar Nurmagomedov to ‘Keep Pushing Forward’

Khabib gives Umar Nurmagomedov some advice 💪

"Islam [Makhachev] and I have already been in [Umar's] place. This is called a transition period. Over time, everyone will want to fight you. Just keep pushing forward."

(via. IG / @TeamKhabib) #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/4xk3Tpxt7d — Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) October 28, 2024

Khabib Nurmagomedov recently shared some advice from experience with cousin Umar Nurmagomedov, who is currently rallying for a bantamweight title shot.

Currently No. 2 in the UFC rankings at bantamweight, Nurmagomedov is widely considered the next deserving title contender. Nurmagomedov was also in attendance and given screen time when Merab Dvalishvili dethroned Sean O’Malley via unanimous decision at UFC 306 this past September.

However, Dvalishvili refused to give any immediate recognition to Nurmagomedov as his next potential opponent. “The Machine” has since consistently downplayed …

Robert Whittaker Details Injury Suffered Against Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 308

😳🩸Robert Whittaker talking about his jaw injury:

“It wasn’t a jaw, it were the teeth. The teeth got pushed in.

It was a face crank. His forearm went straight onto bottom tooth. I didn’t even had a moment to the head or anything.”

🎥 @RedCorner_MMA ▫️ pic.twitter.com/GkPAjLMN7O

— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) October 27, 2024

Robert Whittaker isn’t seriously injured following his submission loss against Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 308.

Whittaker and Chimaev met in potential middleweight title eliminator in the co-main event at UFC 308 on Saturday at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Chimaev took Whittaker down early and had barely locked in a face crank when “Bobby Knuckles” quickly tapped 3:34 into the opening round.

Whittaker could be seen telling his corner that there was something wrong with his jaw. Subsequent images of Whittaker’s mouth revealed a ghastly injury that left his teeth scattered. While it initially seemed to be …

Dana White Addresses Possibility of Ilia Topuria-Alexander Volkanovski Title Rematch

All signs seem to be pointing toward an Ilia Topuria-Alexander Volkanovski rematch after UFC 308.

Topuria made his first featherweight title defense on Saturday, as he knocked out Max Holloway in the third round of their headlining clash at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. After the bout, Volkanovski entered the cage to congratulate “El Matador,” seemingly setting the stage for a rematch.

“I told the UFC I wanted to go in [the Octagon]. They let me do that, so I appreciate that,” Volkanovski told ESPN. “Dana [White], Hunter [Campbell], thank you. At the same time, he goes, ‘I want to let him have his moment.’ I’ll give him his moment. I’ll be respectful because his family is in there. I’m like, ‘Mate, I’ve been respectful. I’ve been getting along. I’ve been hugging his family the whole time. We’re good. I’m going to go in there, give him his moment, but at the same time let everyone know what we’re doing, just build that fight up a little bit, just enoug…

Rafael dos Anjos ‘Not Done Yet’ After Suffering Knee Injury in UFC 308 Defeat

Rafael dos Anjos did not get to celebrate his birthday in the way that he imagined.

The former lightweight champion suffered an apparent knee injury early in his 170-pound clash against Geoff Neal at UFC 308, which led to a technical knockout loss 90 seconds into Round 1.

“I think it was on my second kick thrown, me and Neal kicked at the same time and I felt a big snap, a big pop behind my knee,” dos Anjos said in a video on his Instagram stories. “Throughout my whole UFC career, it’s my second time being hospitalized after the fight and it makes me realize how blessed I am. It’s a very tough sport, and going to the hospital only twice in your whole career is a good number.”

Dos Anjos has lost three straight Octagon appearances and four of his last five bouts overall dating back to July 2022. Despite those struggles, the Brazilian veteran plans to continue with his MMA career once he recovers from his latest injury. Dos Anjos did not offer s…

Sharabutdin Magomedov Names Unique UFC 308 Finishing Move

Sharabutdin Magomedov has patented his UFC 308 finishing move.

One of the most entertaining fighters on the middleweight roster, “Shara Bullet” lived up to expectations in his UFC 308 main card clash against Armen Petrosyan on Saturday at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Magomedov kept Petrosyan at bay with his kick-heavy game from the opening bell before landing an electrifying double spinning backfist KO in the closing seconds of the opening frame.

While spinning backfist knockouts are a rarity in general, “Shara Bullet’s” double backfist was a first in UFC history. Magomedov subsequently revealed that it was the first move taught to him by elder brother Marat Magomedov when he started training muay thai. While Magomedov has tried landing it several times throughout his career, he never succeeded until UFC 308.

“When I just started muay thai, this was the first thing that I was shown by my older brother Marat [Magomedov]. I trained it, I tra…

Max Holloway Contemplates Permanent Move to Lightweight After UFC 308

Max Holloway is considering a move up to lightweight for good after his loss to Ilia Topuria at UFC 308.

Holloway suffered the first knockout loss of his career in a failed featherweight title bid against Topuria in the main event at UFC 308 on Saturday at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. “Blessed” appeared to be getting ahead on the scorecards when Topuria caught him against the cage in signature fashion to land the devastating knockout blow in the third stanza.

This was Holloway’s third failed bid to reclaim the strap after losing it to Alexander Volkanovski in 2019. Outside of Volkanovski and Topuria, Holloway has wiped out almost the entire old guard of the featherweight division. With an 0-3 head-to-head record against Volkanovski and the failed bid against Topuria, Holloway feels there is little left for him to do at 145 pounds.

Meanwhile, Holloway earned his latest shot with an iconic BMF title win against Justin Gaethje in a lightweight…

Khamzat Chimaev Willing to Wait for UFC Middleweight Title Shot

Khamzat Chimaev only wants to fight for the middleweight title next, regardless of the opponent.

Chimaev cleared every shadow of doubt about his elite skillset with a dominant first-round submission win over former champ Robert Whittaker in the co-main event at UFC 308 on Saturday at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.

The undefeated Chechen-born Swede made a legitimate case for a title shot with his bonus-winning performance in a matchup that was billed as a potential title eliminator. However, standing in his way is Sean Strickland, who has been insistent on fighting for the title next.

After losing his strap to Dricus Du Plessis via a controversial split decision at UFC 297 this past January, Strickland bounced back with a split-decision win over Paulo Costa at UFC 302 in June. While Dana White had previously promised Strickland the next shot, he said he’ll need some time to think after Chimaev’s win over “Bobby Knuckles.” Strickland meanwhile, l…

Ilia Topuria Plans to Dictate Terms of Volkanovski Rematch: ‘I Choose Everything’

Ilia Topuria responds to Alexander Volkanovski requesting a quick turnaround from him for their rematch:

“Right now he’s gonna have to wait for my time. Right now I’m the one who chooses the time and place.

I choose everything.”

🎥 @ufcontnt #UFC308pic.twitter.com/7gCt5WIG1b

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) October 27, 2024 Ilia Topuria wants a rematch with Alexander Volkanovski next, but the reigning featherweight champion plans on dictating the terms of their engagment.

Topuria dethroned Volkanovski via knockout at UFC 298 this past February. The undefeated champ then put his strap on the line for the first time against Max Holloway at UFC 308 on Saturday at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Backing his words up with action, Topuria scored a third-round knockout win over Holloway, who had never been stopped by strikes before in his entire career.

Volkanovski, who was in attendance for the event, subsequently …

Ilia Topuria Picks Off Max Holloway in Stunning Third-Round Knockout at UFC 308

The Ultimate Fighting Championship looks to have yet another full-fledged European superstar on its hands at 145 pounds.

Ilia Topuria brought down Max Holloway with punches in the third round of their UFC 308 headliner, as he retained his undisputed featherweight championship on Saturday at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Stopped by strikes for the first time in his 34-fight career, Holloway (26-8, 22-8 UFC) met his end 1:34 into Round 3.

Topuria (16-0, 8-0 UFC) broke down the Hawaiian with leg kicks and right hands over the top. Holloway answered with his patented jab, doing all he could to keep the champion at bay with his superior length. It worked for a time. Topuria cracked him with a right hook in the third round and flurried with body-head combinations. A sweeping left hook sent Holloway crashing to the canvas in a semi-conscious heap before the Spaniard closed it out with short punches and hammerfists.

Meanwhile, Allstars …

UFC 308 ‘Topuria vs. Holloway’ Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring

Sherdog's live UFC 308 coverage will begin Saturday at 10 a.m. ET.UFC 308: Topuria vs. Holloway Saturday at 2 PM ET on ESPN+. Order Now! BETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Fakhretdinov (-278), Leal Miranda (+225)Round 1 Welcome fight fans one and all to an early morning blitz of combat, with a baker’s dozen matchups from featherweight to heavyweight—and not a women’s bout on the billing, with the event taking place in the United Arab Emirates. The first pairing of the day, one that will serve like a cup of coffee to get started, takes place in the welterweight division. Originally planning on facing Nursulton Ruziboev, Fakhretdinov (22-1-1, 4-0-1 UFC) will instead welcome Leal (21-5, 0-0 UFC) to the UFC on short notice. The Brazilian is no stranger to large stages, having spent a few seasons in the confines of the Professional Fighters League with Sadibou Sy lording over him. The fighters will be joined in the cage by referee Vitor “Shaolin” Ribeiro, who clocks them i…

UFC 308 Prelims: Geoff Neal Bowls Over Injured Rafael dos Anjos in Abu Dhabi

Geoff Neal probably left the cage with a bittersweet taste in his mouth.

The Fortis MMA mainstay kept his place in the Ultimate Fighting Championship welterweight line, as he was awarded a technical knockout over Rafael dos Anjos after the grizzled Brazilian veteran suffered a knee injury in the first round of their featured UFC 308 prelim on Saturday at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Referee Mark Smith waved it off 1:30 into Round 1, with dos Anos (32-18, 21-15) clutching at his left leg on his 40th birthday.

Neal (16-6, 8-4 UFC) was the aggressor from the start. He dropped the Nova Uniao star with a crisp one-two and even delivered a surprise takedown, though he chose to disengage and stand on both occasions. Soon after, another left hand clanged off the side of dos Anjos’ head, his knee buckling beneath him in an anticlimactic fight-ending sequence. Meanwhile, former Vendetta Fight Nights champion Ibo Aslan dispatched previous…

UFC 308 Bonuses: Five Fighters Collect $50K Awards in Abu Dhabi

Mateusz Rebecki and Myktybek Orolbai were rewarded for painting the canvas red at UFC 308.

Rebecki and Orolbai engaged in a bloody battle in their 160-pound catchweight affair, at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, earning “Fight of the Night” honors and $50,000 apiece. Rebecki landed heavy shots early, causing serious swelling under his opponent’s eye in the opening stanza. Orolbai kept coming, however, even after being dropped and nearly finished in the final stanza. Ultimately, Rebecki emerged with a hard-fought split decision triumph.

Elsewhere, Ilia Topuria padded his bank account with a $50,000 “Performance of the Night” bonus thanks to his third-round knockout of Max Holloway in the featherweight main event. By putting the durable Hawaiian away at the 1:34 mark of Round 3, “El Matador” became the first person to stop Holloway with strikes in his 34-fight professional tenure.

Meanwhile, Khamzat Chimaev garnered a $50,000 “Performanc…

Francis Ngannou Responds to UFC CEO Dana White

Francis Ngannou went OFF on Dana White after his recent comments about his fight against Renan Ferreira 😳

"Dana has lost in this situation... and he cannot stand it. Bro I won everything...

I think the problem is he can't handle this loss. I'm sure he's been praying for my… pic.twitter.com/ec1avI8jhE — Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) October 26, 2024

Francis Ngannou recently went off on Dana White in response to the Ultimate Fighting Championship CEO’s recent comments.

Ngannou exited the UFC in January 2023 over failed contract negotiations. “The Predator” had certain demands, including the freedom to compete in boxing simultaneously, health insurance for fighters and other stipulations to which the UFC didn’t agree.

Ngannou joined the Professional Fighters League soon after and was also made the chairman of PFL Africa. Ngannou made his promotional debut against 2023 heavyweight champ Renan Ferreira at PFL “Battle of the Gian…

Gleison Tibau: Young Khabib More Difficult to Wrestle Than Arman Tsarukyan Is Now

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Gleison Tibau believes former foe Khabib Nurmagomedov is the greatest MMA fighter of all time.

Nurmagomedov faced Tibau in his sophomore Ultimate Fighting Championship outing back in 2012 while the Brazilian was arguably in his prime. A 24-year-old “Eagle” faced one of the toughest tests of his life against Tibau, failing to land a single takedown in 13 attempts. Meanwhile, Tibau landed a takedown on Nurmagomedov and also slightly outstruck him on the feet. However, the undefeated Dagestani prospect went on to earn a controversial unanimous decision win, which many believe should have gone the other way.

Tibau recorded wins over the likes of Rafael dos Anjos, Francisco Trinaldo and Jeremy Stephens over the course of a UFC career that spanned more than a decade. He alternated between wins and losses after his setback against Nurmagomedov and parted ways with the promotion in 2018 on the back of a four-fight slump — which included …

Umar Nurmagomedov: Rumored Yadong Song Matchup at UFC Tampa Is Off

Umar Nurmagomedov (18-0) claims his expected UFC Tampa clash against Yadong Song (21-8) is off.

Nurmagomedov was reportedly close to finalizing a headlining clash against Song at UFC Tampa in December. However, the Dagestani recently said that the booking has fallen through as Song is injured.

Nurmagomedov remains adamant on competing in December or at least before Ramadan, which begins in February 2025. Nurmagomedov was initially rallying for a gold bid against Merab Dvalishvili, who dethroned Sean O’Malley at UFC 306 this past September. However, Dvalishvili has consistently downplayed Nurmagomedov’s claim to a title shot and prefers a rematch against “Suga.” The bantamweight champ recently lost his cool during a Q&A session when a fan asked him if he’s scared to face Nurmagomedov.

Nurmagomedov also responded to Dvalishvili while announcing the cancelation of his booking against Yadong.

“I am always ready, and right now I am waiting for…

UFC 308 Weigh-in Results: All Fighters Make Weight

[embedded content] UFC 308: Topuria vs. Holloway Saturday at 2 PM ET on ESPN+. Order Now!

The Ultimate Fighting Championship featherweight title will be on the line when the UFC returns to Abu Dhabi.

Main eventers Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway both successfully made weight during the UFC 308 weigh-ins. As did the rest of the card, which includes a highly-anticipated fight between Khamzat Chimaev and Robert Whittaker at middleweight. The event will officially move forward with 13 fights in total.

Topuria (15-0) will put both his undefeated record and featherweight championship on the line. "El Matador" is a perfect 7-0 inside the Octagon and is coming off a stunning knockout win over Alexander Volkanovski to claim the belt. The 27-year-old also holds wins over Josh Emmett, Bryce Mitchell and Ryan Hall. Topuria weighed 145 pounds on the dot for his second pay-per-view main event.

Meanwhile, Holloway (26-7) will be looking to reclaim the belt …

UFC 308 Loses Said Nurmagomedov-Daniel Santos Bantamweight Bout

UFC 308 is down to 13 fights.

The Las Vegas-based promotion on Wednesday announced that a bantamweight clash between Said Nurmagomedov and Daniel Santos has been canceled. A specific reason was not given, as a statement revealed that Santos “has been removed” from the fight. Nurmagomedov will not remain on the card against a replacement opponent.

UFC 308 takes place at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi and is headlined by a featherweight title tilt pitting Ilia Topuria against Max Holloway. The main card airs on pay-per-view via ESPN+ at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT. The prelims, which were to include Nurmagomedov vs. Santos, begin at 10 a.m. ET/7 a.m. PT.

UFC 308: Topuria vs. Holloway Saturday at 2 PM ET on ESPN+. Order Now!

After losing his promotional debut, Santos has rebounded to earn back-to-back triumphs over John Castaneda and Johnny Munoz Jr. in UFC competition. Santos also withdrew from a proposed clash against Daniel Marcos last November.

Ilia Topuria: Winning WW Title Would Be ‘Walk in the Park’ vs. Belal Muhammad

"Three years... three belts" 😮‍💨@TopuriaIlia has big plans for the next three years!#UFC308 | Oct 26, 5PM | LIVE on TNT Sports Box Office ➡️ https://t.co/uXQAMHNTBd pic.twitter.com/h8S8uRAWr4

— UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt) October 22, 2024

Ilia Topuria took yet another dig at Belal Muhammad while expressing triple champ aspirations.

Topuria is set to defend his featherweight title for the first time against Max Holloway in the main event at UFC 308 this Saturday at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. “El Matador” recently revealed that his ultimate goal is to become a three-division champ.

“Probably a three-weight world champion, this is my goal,” Topuria recently told TNT Sports. You’re not going to see me in the welterweight division like this, skinny. You’re going to see me different. That’s the goal. Move up to the lightweight division, get that belt, then move up to the welterweight division.”

UFC 308: Topuria vs. …

‘Shara Bullet’ Considers His Style to Be More Entertaining Than Alex Pereira

Sharabutdin Magomedov believes Alex Pereira’s style is nothing extraordinary.

Magomedov’s coach, Gor Azizyan, recently faced some backlash for calling “Shara Bullet” more exciting than Pereira. According to Azizyan, Magomedov has a more versatile striking game than the light heavyweight champ. Azizyan also said that Pereira’s nationality has also played a part in his rapid rise to stardom.

"If we're being fair, Shara is more exciting than Alex Pereira,” Azizyan told Red Corner MMA. “Shara’s striking is more dynamic. Alex Pereira doesn't have that technique — knees, elbows, heels, hands, low kicks, high kicks, and the frequency. Shara can land 60 low kicks, 30 middle and 10 high kicks in one fight… We haven’t seen that from Alex Pereira. He’s closer to America, he’s Brazilian. It’s easy to promote a Brazilian.”

UFC 308: Topuria vs. Holloway Saturday at 2 PM ET on ESPN+. Order Now!

Pereira recently secured his third successful 205-pound title d…

Diego Lopes Hopes Backup Services Aren’t Needed for UFC 308 Main Event

As the backup fighter for the UFC 308 main event, Diego Lopes really wants the original fight to stay intact.

Max Holloway (26-6) challenges Ilia Topuria (15-0) for the featherweight title in the main event at UFC 308 this Saturday at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Because he is the backup fighter, Lopes could have a shot at the title if he has to step in for someone — but the Brazilian is so excited for the fight that he hopes he doesn’t have to replace anyone. However, if needed, Lopes is in perfect shape and willing to serve his duties as the replacement.

“I’m so excited to watch the fight,” Lopes told MMAjunkie.com. “I hope that Friday morning everything [is] OK. The guys stay healthy for their fight Saturday night… I hope this but if they say they need me, I’m waiting… [My] weight is good, every time I have no problem for the weight.”

UFC 308: Topuria vs. Holloway Saturday at 2 PM ET on ESPN+. Order Now!

Topuria defeated Alexander Volkan…

Coach Reveals Aleksandar Rakic Fought Jiri Prochazka While on Antibiotics

😳🤒Aleksandar Rakić's coach reveals Rakíc was on antibiotics when he lost to Jiří Procházka at UFC 300 and believes Rakíc is the only fighter that can beat Alex Pereira:

"At UFC 300 he fought Jiří Procházka on antibiotics...second round when he was sitting on stool he told me… pic.twitter.com/mUimzox1qK

— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) October 22, 2024

Aleksandar Rakic coach Babak Nejadmoghaddam claims the Austrian wasn’t his 100% for his last fight.

Rakic suffered a second-round technical knockout loss against Jiri Prochazka at UFC 300 this past April. While Rakic had already compromised Prochazka’s movement with leg kicks in the first round, “BJP” came from behind to score the TKO in the second stanza. Nejadmoghaddam revealed that Rakic was on antibiotics going into UFC 300. According to his coach, it was Rakic who said that he couldn’t feel his legs when he returned to his corner in between rounds.

UFC 308: Topuria vs. Holloway …

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