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PFL to Launch Middle East, North Africa Tourney in Saudi Arabia on May 10

Presenting to you your SHOWCASE FIGHTS happening this May 10! 🔥

Showcase Featherweight: 🇪🇬 Mido Mohamed vs Yazeed Hasanain 🇯🇴

Showcase Flyweight: 🇸🇦 Malik Basahel vs Harsh Pandya 🇮🇳

Female Atomweight: 🇸🇦 Hattan AlSaif vs Nada Faheem 🇪🇬 pic.twitter.com/UD1uv6oU2L

— PFL MENA (@PFLMENA) April 25, 2024 The Professional Fighters League is opening up to a region of the world that could use some developing.

The organization announced the commencement of the Middle East, North Africa (MENA) tournament on Thursday, declaring that the first fight card of its season will kick off on May 10. The show will be held at The Green Halls in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and combatants from the bantamweight and featherweight divisions will look to advance to the playoffs with a victory. Broadcast plans for North American audiences have not yet been determined.

Headlining the offering will be a featherweight contest putting local Sau…

Zubaira Tukhugov Shares Memorable Khabib Nurmagomedov Story

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Zubaira Tukhugov recently shared an endearing instance of Khabib Nurmagomedov looking out for him.

Tukhugov and Abubakar Nurmagomedov were the two Nurmagomedov Team members suspended for jumping the cage and attacking Conor McGregor during the infamous UFC 229 brawl. The Nevada State Athletic Commission later reduced their suspension by 35 days after reaching a community service agreement.

However, the reduced sentence was no coincidence as it made them eligible to compete at UFC 242 on Sep. 7, 2019. The Ultimate Fighting Championship was keen on Nurmagomedov defending his lightweight strap against Dustin Poirier in the main event at UFC 242. Meanwhile, “Eagle” refused to return to action until his teammates were cleared to fight on the same bill.

Tukhugov further revealed that Nurmagomedov went to bat for him, insisting on a spot for “Warrior” on the same card. When Dana White instead offered Tukhugov a fight at UFC Mosc…

Jamahal Hill: Referee Herb Dean Let Alex Pereira Take ‘Control of the Octagon’

Jamahal Hill recently shared his take on the now iconic scene where Alex Pereira brushed off referee Herb Dean moments before putting “Sweet Dreams” to down and out.

Hill (12-2) challenged Pereira for the light heavyweight title in the main event at UFC 300 earlier this month. Pereira absorbed a glancing low blow from Hill in the first round, brushed it off, stopped Dean from intervening, and proceeded to knock “Sweet Dreams” out immediately after.

Many, including former double champ Daniel Cormier, have questioned Dean’s handling of the situation, criticizing him for letting Pereira continue right after he had called time. Hill also believes Dean could have done things differently.

According to Hill, the intriguing moment had a role to play in his knockout loss against “Poatan.” Hill claims he slacked a little on hearing Dean call time, giving up angles, while Pereira kept advancing. While Hill doesn’t want to make excuses and credits Pereira for c…

Tatsuro Taira Steps In to Face Joshua Van at UFC 302 in June

The Ultimate Fighting Championship took the pieces of two scuttled fights and made something exceptional.

On Monday, UFC flyweight Joshua Van (10-1) posted on social media that his pairing with Su Mudaerji on UFC 302 was off. The Myanmar-born fighter hoped to stay on June 1 event in Newark, New Jersey, and he has gotten his wish. In on short notice will be ranked contender Tatsuro Taira (15-0). Taira was initially slated to battle Tim Elliott at UFC Fight Night 241 on May 18, but Elliott sustained an injury in training to knock him out of that fight. Van’s management team, Iridium Sports Agency, broke this news on Thursday.

Fury Fighting Championship mainstay Van surged into the UFC with a litany of stoppages on his ledger. While he ultimately went to the scorecards in two of his last three, Van has won eight straight bouts dating back to 2021. In the Octagon, Van introduced himself to the top brass by picking up a split decision over Zhalgas Zhumagulov. A few month…

Arman Tsarukyan Responds to Islam Makhachev’s Ducking Accusations

That’s just not truth. The truth is that you want to fight me on short notice to have an extra advantage. It won’t happen again though. When was the last time you fought 2 times in 6 weeks? @MAKHACHEVMMA https://t.co/c7wTudvyRL

— Arman Tsarukyan UFC (@ArmanUfc) April 24, 2024

Arman Tsarukyan has returned fire at Islam Makhachev in response to the champ recently accusing “Ahalkalakets” of ducking him.

Tsarukyan (22-3) scored an impressive split decision win over former champ Charles Oliveira at UFC 300 in what was essentially a title eliminator.

Immediately after the win Tsarukyan was offered a title shot against Makhachev at UFC 302 on June 1. Tsarukyan turned it down, citing the short notice and the bid has now gone to Dustin Poirier.

When asked about Tsarukyan declining the shot, Makhachev claimed he was already expecting it as the Armenian-Russian has turned him down multiple times in the past.

“I'm no…

Jose Aldo Eyes Boxing Return After UFC 301 Clash Against Jonathan Martinez

Jose Aldo is plotting a return to the Sweet Science following his UFC 301 clash against Jonathan Martinez.

Aldo (31-8) announced his retirement from mixed martial arts in September 2022 and has since competed twice in boxing. “Junior” fought fellow Ultimate Fighting Championship veteran Jeremy Stephens to a majority draw in April 2023 before scoring his first boxing win against Esteban Gabriel Espindola via unanimous decision in July.

It was recently announced that Aldo will be coming out of retirement to take on the surging Martinez (19-4) in a bantamweight tilt at UFC 301 on May 4. While speculations were already floating, Aldo confirmed that the bout in front of his home crowd of Rio de Janeiro is the last one on his UFC contract. The former UFC and World Extreme Cagefighintg featherweight champ is subsequently eyeing a return to pugilism and has already informed the UFC of it.

“That’s basically what I told the UFC a few months ago. I want to d…

MMA Entities Listed Among Forbes’ Most Valuable Combat Sports Promotions

Between mixed martial arts, boxing and professional wrestling, the combat sports industry is a lucrative juggernaut that generates billions annually. There’s a reason why it’s called prizefighting. But between promotions like ONE Championship, the Ultimate Fighting Championship, World Wrestling Entertainment and Matchroom Boxing, how do industry heavyweights compare financially? Forbes released its most valuable combat sports promotions of 2024, and here are the takeaways.ONE Continues Surge Valued at $1.3 billion with an estimated revenue of $140 million, ONE reached new heights when it held its first card in the United States. While still holding a top-tier MMA roster, ONE’s dedication to muay thai, kickboxing and submission grappling is the promotion’s greatest strength.

With the backing of Amazon Prime and Sky Sports, ONE has a span that reaches over 190 countries.UFC Holds Top Spot, Other Leagues Pushing into Top 10 Since 1993, the UFC has ste…

Joaquin Buckley vs. Nursulton Ruziboev Booked for UFC St. Louis Co-Main Event

While he won’t be in the main event, Joaquin Buckley will get to fight at UFC St. Louis as he requested.

Dana White on Wednesday announced that Buckley will lock horns with Nursulton Ruziboev in a welterweight bout that will serve as the UFC on ESPN 56 co-headliner on May 11. UFC on ESPN 56 takes place at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis and will see Derrick Lewis face Rodrigo Nascimento in the evening’s main event.

Buckley will take a three-fight winning streak into the matchup with Ruziboev. In his most recent Octagon appearance, “New Mansa” defeated Vicente Luque via second-round TKO at UFC on ESPN 54 on March 30.

Ruziboev, meanwhile, will drop to 170 pounds after scoring first-round KO/TKO triumphs against Brunno Ferreira and Sedriques Dumas in his first two promotional outings at middleweight. The 30-year-old Uzbekistan native has been victorious in his last 10 professional fights, with all of those wins coming inside of a round.

Cain Velasquez Attempted Murder Trial Scheduled for Sept. 9

Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez will go to trial in September.

Judge Elizabeth C. Peterson set the trial date for Sept. 9 during a hearing on Wednesday in Santa Clara County (Calif.) court. Velasquez, who was in attendance at the hearing, is facing a number of charges, including attempted murder.

Velasquez’s attorney, Renee Hessling, requested another continuance due to incomplete subpoena evidence for the defense. However, prosecutor Aaron French argued against that request, and Peterson ultimately elected to set the trial date for September.

Several other key dates have also been scheduled. A trial readiness hearing is scheduled for June 26, and motions must be filed by Aug. 12 and completed by Aug. 26. Meanwhile, witness lists for the defense and prosecution must be filed by Sept. 4.

Velasquez is facing attempted murder and other charges after allegedy chasing and shooting at Harry Goularte, who has been accused of mo…

ONE 168 Adds Grappling Title Bout, Muay Thai Clash to Sept. 6 Card in Denver

BREAKING 🚨 Tickets are on sale NOW for ONE 168: Denver — and two more super-fights have been announced! Don't wait — get your tickets today 👉 https://t.co/WH4M1Lukm4#ONE168 | Sep 6 at 8PM ET pic.twitter.com/LV5SHEC4SN

— ONE Championship (@ONEChampionship) April 24, 2024

The lineup for ONE Championship’s return to the United States continues to grow, as the Singapore-based promotion has announced the addition of two new matchups to the Sept. 6 card.

In what is being touted as “one of the biggest submission grappling matches in history” by ONE, flyweight (135-pound) grappling champion Mikey Musumeci will challenge reigning lightweight (170-pound) champ Kade Ruotolo in a superfight. Additionally, veteran muay thai standouts Liam Harrison and Seksan Or Kwanmuang will square off in a 140-pound catchweight pairing.

A five-time IBJJF world champion, Musumeci has been victorious in six straight contests since joining ONE in Apr…

Jaleel Willis Steps in to Face Cedric Doumbe at Bellator Champions Series Paris

🚨 𝙊𝙁𝙁𝙄𝘾𝙄𝘼𝙇: Cédric Doumbé takes on USA’s Jaleel Willis at #BellatorParis!

Following the withdrawal of Derek Anderson due to injury, @jaleelwillis1 steps in to challenge @CedricDoumbe in Paris on Friday May 17.

Tickets are on sale NOW, get them while you can! 💨… pic.twitter.com/3dWJBuVrBc — Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) April 24, 2024

Cedric Doumbe has a new dance partner for his Bellator MMA debut.

The promotion announced on Wednesday that Jaleel Willis will replace the injured Derek Anderson and face Doumbe at Bellator Champions Series Paris on May 17 at Accor Arena. Anderson was forced to withdraw from the event after suffering a foot injury during an alleged hit-and-run accident on his bicycle.

The 32-year-old Willis has lost three of his last four Bellator appearances. Most recently, he suffered a first-round knockout loss against Ramazan Kuramagomedov at Bellator 297 in June 2023. Willis has been finis…

UFC Heavyweight Champ Jon Jones Returns to Training After Pectoral Injury

Jon Jones’ comeback appears to have begun in earnest.

The UFC heavyweight champion announced his return to training in a recent Instagram post. In the photo, Jones is posing with coaches Greg Jackson and Brandon Gibson, among others.

“First day back in the gym since my injury, felt amazing,” Jones wrote. “And so it began.”

Jones was supposed to defend his heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic in the UFC 295 main event this past November, but he was forced to withdraw from the bout after suffering a torn pectoral in training. During his hiatus, Jones also elected to undergo surgery on his left elbow to shave down some bone spurs.

Jones is expected to be rebooked against Miocic in the coming months, though a date for that bout remains unclear. “Bones” returned from a three-year absence at UFC 285 to claim the vacant heavyweight belt with a first-round submission of Ciryl Gane in March 2023. Interim champion Tom Aspinall has lobbied ha…

Professional Fighters League Signs Flyweight Prospect Melissa Balic

Welcome to the Professional Fighters League, @melissastatick

She is set to make her PFL Pro Debut in the summer 🔜🔜🔜 pic.twitter.com/OdieUSDaU8

— PFL (@PFLMMA) April 24, 2024

Professional Fighters League has bolstered its flyweight roster with the addition of amateur prospect Melissa Balic.

The organization announced the signing via social media on Wednesday. Balic is expected to make her professional debut sometime this summer.

Anchored at Tiger Schulmann's Mixed Martial Arts in New York, Balic has compiled a 3-1 record as an amateur while competing exclusively for the Flex Fight Series promotion. “Statick” also has some kickboxing experience on her combat sports resume.

The PFL recently added the women’s flyweight division, and this year marks the first time that weight class has been part of the league’s season format.

UFC 304 Officially Announced for Manchester on July 27

It's officially, OFFICIAL 🚨

Manchester, we're coming for ya! 🐝#UFC304 | For more info: https://t.co/c2A7hqsw4q pic.twitter.com/6ULPrOf2bJ

— UFC (@ufc) April 24, 2024

The Ultimate Fighting Championship’s rumored returned to Manchester, England, has been confirmed.

The Las Vegas-based promotion announced Wednesday that UFC 304 will take place on July 27 at the Co-op Live, the largest arena in the U.K. It will be the first sporting event to be held at the Manchester-based venue.

“I’m so excited to get back to Manchester. And no better time than this summer,” said UFC president and CEO Dana White in a release. “We have two champions from the U.K. and fans have been dying for a UFC [pay-per-view] event. So here we come to the largest indoor arena in the U.K. See you soon, England.”

While no bouts were revealed for the card, welterweight champion Leon Edwards and interim heavyweight king Tom Aspinall have been ru…

Jiri Prochazka Wants Alex Pereira Rematch After ‘Early Stoppage’ in First Meeting

Jiri Prochazka believes he still has unfinished business with Alex Pereira.

Prochazka recently scored a bonus-winning knockout victory over Aleksandar Rakic at UFC 300 on April 13. Pereira also defended his light heavyweight strap with a brutal technical knockout win over Jamahal Hill in the main event of the same card. Having suffered a TKO loss against “Poatan” in a bid for the vacant title in November 2023, Prochazka now wants a rematch against the Brazilian at UFC 301, which goes down on May 4 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. While the Czech star is ready to go through one more test if the UFC wants it, he believes he has done enough to deserve a gold bid.

“Like I spoke after the fight, I'm looking for the title fight, for Alex Pereira. And I was able to and am still able to take the fight in Brazil. And I will see,” Prochazka said in an interview with Michael Bisping. “Now it's on the UFC [at] this point. Let's see if there will be necessary to figh…

Tatiana Suarez Hopeful for Title Fight Against Weili Zhang at The Sphere

Tatiana Suarez is hoping to hear soon from the Ultimate Fighting Championship about a title shot.

Weili Zhang defended her strawweight title with a lopsided unanimous decision win over fellow countrywoman Yan Xiaonan at UFC 300 earlier this month. While Suarez hasn’t heard from the UFC yet, she believes she is the next in line for a shot at Zhang. Suarez also hopes to hear good news from the UFC soon, with her manager, Ali Abdelaziz, planning to meet with promotion executives soon.

Suarez believes the only details left to figure out are when and where would Zhang be ready to fight again. While the UFC is rumored to be planning a return to Zhang's home country of China in August, Suarez noted that it’s unlikely to be a pay-per-view card. The 33-year-old hopes to challenge “Magnum” at the UFC’s one-of-a-kind card being planned for Mexican Independence Day in September at The Sphere in Las Vegas.

“Actually, we’re gonna hopefully get some news h…

Belal Muhammad Offers Prediction for Potential Title Clash Against Leon Edwards

Belal Muhammad envisions himself pitching a shutout against Leon Edwards in a potential title clash.

A title fight has evaded Muhammad so far despite him being unbeaten in his last 10 outings. Until recently, it seemed that Muhammad might not get a gold bid at all, as Dana White revealed that “Remember the Name” was not among three names offered to Edwards for a potential title defense at UFC 300.

However, Muhammad's wait for a shot at divisional gold might finally be over. Edwards’ coach, Dave Lovell, recently revealed that the Roufusport product is most likely getting his long-awaited title shot next. According to Lovell, a title fight between Edwards and Muhammad for the UFC upcoming Manchester card in July is all but done.

“The UFC is over here in July. So, no doubt Leon will be on that bill,” Lovell told talkSPORT. “Unfortunately, he couldn’t make the 300 bill for whatever reasons, the lads that was put to him, Shavkat [Rakhmonov], Khamza…

UFC 303 Update: Bantamweights Mayra Bueno Silva, Macy Chiasson to Meet in Las Vegas

A women’s bantamweight showdown pitting Mayra Bueno Silva against Macy Chiasson has been added to the UFC 303 lineup.

The Las Vegas-based promotion announced the booking on Tuesday. UFC 303 takes place on June 29 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and is headlined by a welterweight bout between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler.

Bueno Silva will return to action for the first time since UFC 297, when she dropped a five-round verdict to Raquel Pennington in a 135-pound title bout on Jan. 20. The Brazilian known as “Sheetara” is 5-3-1 with one no contest during her Octagon tenure.

Chiasson, meanwhile, fought for the first time in 18 months at UFC Fight Night 239, where she submitted Pannie Kianzad in the opening stanza on March 16. “The Ultimate Fighter 28” winner has competed at both 145 and 135 pounds while compiling a 7-3 mark in the UFC.

Foot Injury Forces Derek Anderson to Withdraw from Bellator Paris Co-Headliner

The Bellator Champions Series Paris co-main event has taken a hit just shortly after it was announced.

Derek Anderson, who was scheduled to face Cedric Doumbe on May 17, recently revealed that he suffered a foot injury in an alleged hit-and-run accident that will force him to withdraw from the proposed welterweight clash. Doumbe vs. Anderson was officially confirmed on Monday.

“Love you all. Hit and run. I’m so sorry I couldn’t make this fight happen,” Anderson wrote on Instagram. “You have no idea. I will not be getting another bike.”

It is unclear if Doumbe will remain on the card against a replacement opponent. Bellator Champions Series Paris takes place at Accor Arena in Paris and is headlined by a bantamweight title bout between Patrick Mix and Magomed Magomedov.

Anderson, has compiled an 8-4 mark under the Bellator banner since his promotional debut in 2013. Most recently, the Californian returned to action following more than a …

Victor Martinez: Getting Firefighting Job Relieved Pressure on UFC Career

Victor Martinez recently highlighted the importance of a stable job for fighters.

While Martinez has been a licensed firefighter since 2018, he never applied for a job, prioritizing his goal of getting into the Ultimate Fighting Championship. “The Brick” finally earned his ticket to the big league with a unanimous decision win over Jacob Rosales on Dana White’s Contender Series in September 2021. Martinez then got hired by the Hidalgo Fire Department after his UFC debut in February 2023, and the 32-year-old feels things are falling into place for him.

“Man, I had my firefighter license since back in 2018 but I just wanted to focus on getting into the UFC first before getting a job,” Martinez told The AllStar. “So I was just renewing my license every year and I got signed to the UFC [in] 2021 after Contender [Series]. And I was like, ‘OK, I already made this goal happen, let me try getting a job somewhere else, so I started applying in different c…

Michael Chandler Expects Conor McGregor’s Skills to Be Depleted by Long Hiatus

Michael Chandler believes Conor McGregor will not be the same fighter he once was on his return to the Octagon this summer.

McGregor will return to action after a hiatus of almost three years in a welterweight clash against “Iron” in the main event at UFC 303 on June 29 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. “Notorious” last fought in a trilogy bout against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021, suffering a technical knockout loss due to a leg break in the first round.

While the Irishman resumed training in early 2022, it wasn’t until October 2023 that he returned to the UFC’s drug testing pool. Although the former UFC double champ wanted to return at UFC 300, it wasn’t until UFC 303 that his return could be made possible. Chandler believes the long inactivity has taken a toll on McGregor’s timing, movement, and reflexes.

“What I need to work on for this fight is continue to be the best version of myself,” Chandler said on The Shawn Ryan Show…

Alex Pereira: Fighting Magomed Ankalaev in Abu Dhabi ‘Not Best for Me’

Alex Pereira doesn’t like the timing of a potential clash against Magomed Ankalaev in Abu Dhabi.

Pereira recently defended his light heavyweight title for the first time with a brutal Round 1 knockout win over Jamahal Hill in the main event at UFC 300. Ankalaev subsequently claimed that he was offered a title shot against “Poatan” at UFC 300 but turned it down as he was observing Ramadan. Ankalaev also called Pereira out for a clash in Abu Dhabi, which is considered home turf for many Russian fighters. In a post on social media, Ankalaev questioned Pereira’s chin and predicted a first-round knockout.

@AlexPereiraUFC vs me Abu Dhabi

— Magomed Ankalaev (@AnkalaevM) April 14, 2024

@AlexPereiraUFC congratulation, l will stop in the first round by knockout @danawhite @Mickmaynard2 the man doesn’t have a chin

— Magomed Ankalaev (@AnkalaevM) April 14, 2024

The UFC’s annual pay-per-view card in Abu …

Jiri Prochazka Wants to Move to Middleweight After Reclaiming Light Heavyweight Title

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Jiri Prochazka wants to move down a weight class instead of moving up after potentially regaining his light heavyweight title.

Prochazka recently scored a come-from-behind technical knockout victory over top contender Aleksandar Rakic at UFC 300, establishing himself as the No. 1 contender. Prochazka is now eyeing a title shot against Alex Pereira, who dethroned him via TKO at UFC 295 last November, snapping a 13-fight winning streak.

Moreover, once he potentially wins back the light heavyweight title, “BJP” wants to cut down to middleweight. The Czech standout, who usually doesn’t cut more than 10-12 pounds for light heavyweight, believes he can make the cut to 185 pounds with a strict diet.

“Rather than heavyweight, I thought I’d try middleweight because the way I feel my metabolism now and the way my body works in preparation. So, I know that if I adjust my diet to where I feel great and clean, I know I could handle the …

Source: Kirill Grishenko to Return Against Ji Won Kang at ONE Fight Night 23

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Renowned ONE Championship mixed martial arts heavyweight competitors are set to lock horns at ONE Fight Night 23 on July 5.

Sherdog.com learned Tuesday morning that Belarusian heavyweight Kirill Grishenko (5-2, 2-2 ONE) is booked to return against the hard-hitting Ji Won Kang (7-2, 4-2 ONE) in a three-round clash on July 5 at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok.

The bout will mark Grishenko’s return to action following a Round 1 submission loss to grappling savant Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida in August 2022, which was preceded by a Round 2 knockout at the hands of reigning three-division champion Anatoly Malykhin in February 2022.

Meanwhile, Kang has gone 2-2 in his last four promotional outings and will enter on the heels of a Round 2 technical knockout victory over Mikhail Jamal Abdul-Latif at ONE on Prime Video 18 in January. Prior to that, the South Korean suffered his second professional loss against undefeated American Ben Tynan at …

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