- Written by: Rob Watson
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In a groundbreaking announcement, UFC CEO Dana White revealed the first three official fights for UFC 300, slated for April 13 in Las Vegas. Former light heavyweight champion Jiri Prochazka is set to clash with Aleksandar Rakic, while former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling makes a move to featherweight to face Calvin Kattar. Adding to the excitement, top prospect Bo Nickal is set to square off against Cody Brundage.
Dana White emphasized that these bouts, while not designated as the main or co-main event, contribute to making UFC 300 one of the most significant events in the promotion's history. The anticipation surrounding these matchups suggests a night filled with intense action and unpredictable outcomes.
- Written by: Rob Watson
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As the countdown to UFC 300 continues, the struggle to create an unforgettable fight card persists, weaving a tale of challenges and surprises that could define the historic event. Amidst the difficulties, UFC CEO Dana White tantalizingly hinted at the possibility of a super fight, elevating the anticipation to unprecedented levels. Rumors are rife that MMA trailblazer Ronda Rousey has been offered a substantial sum to step back into the octagon, adding a layer of star power and intrigue to the already complex narrative.
The UFC's journey to assemble a stacked card for UFC 300 faces hurdles, yet the potential return of UFC veteran Jim Miller and the rumored inclusion of megastar Conor McGregor provide a sense of excitement and nostalgia. Miller's potential presence adds a touch of seasoned grit to the mix, while McGregor's possible comeback injects the event with the star power it needs to reach new heights.
- Written by: Rob Watson
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Colby Covington, known for his outspoken nature, initially attributed ring rust to his lackluster performance against Leon Edwards at UFC 296 after nearly two years away from the octagon. However, in a recent revelation on the PBD podcast, Covington disclosed that he also suffered an early fight injury, impacting his performance significantly.
According to Covington, he broke his foot within the first 30 seconds of the fight when Edwards' elbow blocked his initial kick. Despite the pain and swelling, Covington kept the injury hidden from his coaches in the corner, fearing the broadcast would pick up the information, potentially reaching Edwards.
"I broke my foot in like the first 30 seconds of the fight, that people don’t know about yet – the X-rays will start coming out," Covington explained. "The first minute of the fight. I have the picture on my phone, the exact moment where it landed on his elbow."
- Written by: Rob Watson
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In a shocking turn of events at the UFC 296 press conference, Colby Covington stirred controversy with offensive comments targeting fellow fighters, including Leon Edwards. Former light heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill joined the chorus of disapproval, taking to social media to express his disdain for Covington's behavior.
Covington's verbal jabs went beyond the typical pre-fight banter, touching sensitive subjects like mental health and invoking the tragic loss of Edwards' father. The usually composed Edwards couldn't contain his anger, responding with a thrown water bottle as tensions escalated.
Jamahal Hill, known for his calm demeanor inside the octagon, didn't mince words in his criticism of Covington. In a recent tweet, he not only voiced support for Edwards but also condemned Covington's conduct. Hill emphasized that someone displaying such behavior should not hold a championship belt.
- Written by: Rob Watson
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In a shocking turn of events at the UFC 296 pre-fight ceremony, No. 3-ranked welterweight contender Colby Covington stirred controversy with boorish antics that went beyond the usual pre-fight banter. During his mic time, Covington not only stumbled through his scripted routine but also took a disgraceful shot at Leon Edwards' deceased father.
"On Saturday night, I'm going to bring you to a place you never want to be," Covington provocatively declared. "I'm going to bring you to the seventh layer of hell. We'll say 'what's up' to your dad while we're there."
Unsurprisingly, this led to a physical altercation onstage, marking one of the darker moments in UFC press conference history.
- Written by: Rob Watson
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In a major heavyweight rebooking, Curtis Blaydes is set to square off against Jailton Almeida at UFC 299 in the first quarter of next year, according to sources confirmed by ESPN on Tuesday. While the UFC is yet to make an official announcement, sources reveal that the bout has been signed. Although UFC 299's official date and location remain unconfirmed, the event is scheduled for March.
ESPN's heavyweight rankings position Blaydes at No. 5 and Almeida at No. 8 globally. Initially slated to face off on Nov. 4 in the main event of UFC Sao Paulo, the bout was disrupted when Blaydes withdrew for undisclosed reasons, leading to Derrick Lewis stepping in as a replacement.
Blaydes (17-4, 1 NC) recently experienced a knockout loss to Sergei Pavlovich in April, breaking a three-fight winning streak. The 32-year-old, based in the Chicago area, has encountered defeats only from power punchers Pavlovich, Francis Ngannou, and Lewis in his seven-year UFC career.
- Written by: Rob Watson
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Ian Machado Garry's anticipated presence at the UFC 296 media day took an unexpected turn on Wednesday. Originally slated to initiate the question-and-answer session, the 26-year-old Irish prospect failed to show up. In a surprising twist, Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson took the lead, and as other fighters made their appearances, Machado Garry remained conspicuously absent.
UFC officials, later confirming Garry's unavailability to MMA Fighting, provided no immediate explanation. Despite multiple attempts to reach out to Garry's representative, Lloyd Pierson, for comments, there was no response.
In the lead-up to his clash with Vicente Luque, Garry found himself entangled in various controversies. Notably, UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland directed harsh criticism toward Garry and his wife, Layla Machado Garry. Strickland labeled Layla a "sexual predator" due to their age difference—Ian is 26, while Layla is 40. Strickland also targeted a satirical 11-page book she authored on marrying a professional athlete, sharing alleged direct messages from Garry threatening legal action.