- Written by: Connor Malone
- Hits: 61
The lights of T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas shone brightly on June 29, as the highly anticipated main event of UFC 303 unfolded. Alex Pereira (11-2) and Jiri Prochazka (30-5-1) squared off in a thrilling clash that ended with a stunning knockout, courtesy of Pereira's lethal head kick.
The fight, broadcast live on ESPN+ pay-per-view, delivered everything fans hoped for. Pereira, who has quickly cemented his place among the elite fighters in UFC history, did not disappoint. Coming into the fight as one of the few athletes to have claimed UFC titles in two different weight classes, Pereira showcased his prowess once again.
In the second round, just 13 seconds in, Pereira executed a flawless head kick, followed by a barrage of punches, leading to a TKO victory over Prochazka. This victory marked another successful title defense for Pereira, who had previously knocked out former champion Jamahal Hill at UFC 300.
- Written by: Rob Watson
- Hits: 49
When the UFC is in a bind, there’s one name they can always count on: Alex Pereira. Once again, the Brazilian powerhouse has answered the call to action, stepping in to save UFC 303 after Conor McGregor’s withdrawal due to injury.
UFC President Dana White announced on Thursday that McGregor, who was set to face Michael Chandler in the main event on June 29, is out with an undisclosed injury. Instead, Pereira will take on former light heavyweight champion Jiri Prochazka, ensuring that the highly anticipated event remains a blockbuster.
Pereira's readiness to step up is nothing new. When UFC 295's headliner between Stipe Miocic and Jon Jones fell apart, it was Pereira who stepped in to deliver an unforgettable performance at Madison Square Garden. When UFC 300 needed a headliner, Pereira was there again, defeating Jamahal Hill in a thrilling match. Now, with McGregor out, Pereira once more dons the mantle of the UFC’s go-to savior.
The announcement came while Pereira was in Australia, enjoying a mix of fan engagements and training sessions. Even though he was busy, he didn't hesitate when the call came in. “Yeah, I should be able to make that,” he said, nonchalantly glancing at his watch.
- Written by: Connor Malone
- Hits: 117
Conor McGregor's highly anticipated return to the Octagon will have to wait. UFC President Dana White announced on Thursday that McGregor, who was set to face Michael Chandler in the main event of UFC 303 on June 29, has been forced to withdraw due to an injury sustained during training camp. The nature of McGregor's injury was not disclosed in the brief social media video.
White, however, ensured fans that UFC 303 will still feature an electrifying main event. Replacing McGregor vs. Chandler, light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira will now take on Jiri Prochazka in what promises to be a thrilling showdown during International Fight Week.
Speculation about McGregor's status began to swirl when a press conference scheduled for June 3 to promote the bout was abruptly canceled. The UFC released a statement on the morning of the event, providing no details but confirming that the press conference would not take place. This fueled rumors that something was amiss, which were confirmed by White’s announcement.
- Written by: Connor Malone
- Hits: 61
Khamzat Chimaev's highly anticipated UFC clash with Robert Whittaker in Saudi Arabia has been derailed. UFC CEO Dana White announced on Thursday that Chimaev will not compete on June 22 due to a severe illness.
"Unfortunately, Khamzat Chimaev is out of the fight next weekend in Saudi Arabia," White stated. "Violently, and I mean violently, ill. So he's going back home and hopefully he gets well soon."
Stepping into the spotlight is middleweight contender Ikram Aliskerov, who will now face former middleweight champion Whittaker in what promises to be an electrifying showdown.
"This guy is 15-1. His only loss in a 16-fight pro career is to Khamzat Chimaev," White said. "So this dude is a legit contender in only his third UFC fight. If he gets a knockout against Robert Whittaker, he'll go into a tie for the longest active UFC knockout streak... We offered everybody in the division this fight. Nobody would take it except Robert Whittaker. The main event is badass. This should be a great fight."
- Written by: Rob Watson
- Hits: 83
Sean O’Malley didn’t intend to start a feud with Conor McGregor, but as the saying goes, work until your idols become your rivals.
In May, McGregor unleashed a social media tirade, blasting boxer Ryan Garcia after he tested positive for the banned substance ostarine following a win over Devin Haney. In his rant, McGregor also took a shot at O’Malley, who tested positive for the same substance in 2019.
A few weeks later, McGregor retracted some of those comments during a live stream, saying, “I like Sean O’Malley” and explaining that O’Malley “kind of got caught in the crosshairs” when he was criticizing Garcia.
Despite McGregor's public retraction, O’Malley hasn’t personally spoken to the former two-division UFC champion but remains a fan, even if they are currently at odds.
- Written by: Rob Watson
- Hits: 60
UFC veteran Nick Diaz is gearing up for his second attempt at a successful comeback. The former Strikeforce welterweight champion, who has competed for UFC gold against notable fighters like Carlos Condit and Georges St-Pierre, has only entered the Octagon once since 2015.
Following a drug test controversy after his bout with Anderson Silva, Diaz's return to the UFC was delayed until UFC 266 in 2021, where he faced Robbie Lawler. In that fight, Diaz struggled to find his form and ultimately did not rise to his feet after being dropped in the third round, prompting many to speculate about his potential retirement.
However, Diaz hinted at future bouts and has now officially announced his return. UFC CEO Dana White recently confirmed the main card for the promotion's return to Abu Dhabi on August 3. One of the featured bouts will be a welterweight clash between Diaz (26-10, 2 NC) and the #14-ranked Vicente Luque (22-10-1).
- Written by: Rob Watson
- Hits: 233
In a surprising turn of events, light heavyweight contender Khalil Rountree has confirmed his withdrawal from the UFC 303 co-main event against former champion Jamahal Hill. Rountree, who is currently ranked eighth in the division, has been placed under a “temporary suspension” after testing positive for the banned substance DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone).
Rountree was set to make a high-stakes return to the Octagon next month during International Fight Week, co-headlining UFC 303 alongside Hill. However, the fighter announced on his official Instagram account that he will no longer participate due to the suspension.
“I can’t wait to break the news to you all, but I will not be fighting at UFC 303 due to the use of a banned substance,” posted Rountree. “I did not do this on purpose and I am doing everything I can to resolve this situation.”
According to Rountree, the banned substance entered his system inadvertently through a custom-tailored supplement service from a trusted company. The mix-up led to him ingesting DHEA, which is prohibited at all times under the UFC’s anti-doping policy.
- Written by: Rob Watson
- Hits: 219
The anticipation is building as UFC prepares for its first visit to Manchester, England since 2016. The main card for UFC 304 has been unveiled, promising an action-packed night at the Co-op Live on July 27.
In the headline event, Leon Edwards will defend his welterweight title against Belal Muhammad. This highly anticipated rematch comes after their first bout ended in a no-contest due to an accidental eye poke. Edwards, currently on a 13-fight unbeaten streak, looks to solidify his dominance since claiming the welterweight crown from Kamaru Usman at UFC 278. His opponent, Muhammad, brings his own impressive 10-fight unbeaten streak into the Octagon, eager to prove himself and settle unfinished business.
The co-main event will feature Tom Aspinall defending the interim heavyweight title against Curtis Blaydes. Aspinall, who won the interim belt by defeating Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295, will make his first defense. Originally, Jon Jones was slated to headline UFC 295, but an injury led to the creation of the interim title bout. Blaydes, fresh off a knockout victory over Jailton Almeida at UFC 299, will challenge Aspinall, marking his first title fight in his mixed martial arts career.
- Written by: Rob Watson
- Hits: 141
As Anthony Smith gears up for UFC 301, he's not shying away from addressing the online trolls who have been targeting him.
Known for his role as a UFC analyst and frequent presence on podcasts, Smith has become accustomed to criticism from online commentators. Often, these critics resort to insults whenever they disagree with his opinions. However, Smith refuses to let the negativity affect him.
During a media day for UFC 301, Smith didn't hold back in his response to the trolls. "Some of it is the position I put myself in as being an analyst," he explained. "Fans are stupid. They are. Like, you guys write an article and they don’t read the article. They just read the headline and they just make up the rest in their head. If they actually read it, almost everything I say makes a lot of sense."
- Written by: Rob Watson
- Hits: 115
Get ready for another explosive showdown in the Octagon as Jamahal Hill wastes no time in booking his next fight just six days after UFC 300!
Hill, known for his electrifying performances, is set to square off against Khalil Rountree at UFC 303 on June 29 at the iconic T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. This highly anticipated event will be headlined by none other than the legendary Conor McGregor facing off against the formidable Michael Chandler in what promises to be a blockbuster matchup.
Fresh off his bout against Alex Pereira on April 13, Hill was eager to bounce back and wasted no time in securing his next challenge. Despite his valiant effort, Hill fell short in his quest to regain championship status, succumbing to a first-round knockout by the reigning champion Pereira. Nevertheless, with a record of 12 wins and 2 losses in his MMA career, including 6 victories in the UFC, Hill remains a force to be reckoned with in the light heavyweight division.
- Written by: Rob Watson
- Hits: 130
Dana White's Concerns Dispelled: Fan Involved in Altercation with Arman Tsarukyan Will Not Pursue Legal Action Against UFC
Following UFC 300, Dana White expressed apprehension about potential legal repercussions stemming from an altercation involving a fan and fighter Arman Tsarukyan. However, White can breathe a sigh of relief as the fan in question, identified as Obed Ardon, has confirmed that he has no intention of filing a lawsuit against the UFC.
In an exclusive statement to Bloody Elbow, Ardon clarified his stance, stating, "I will not sue. That never crossed my mind." He emphasized that his primary concern during the incident was not being ejected from the event.
The altercation, captured during the UFC 300 pay-per-view broadcast, occurred as Tsarukyan made his walkout to the cage at T-Mobile Arena. Tsarukyan, flanked by security and Nevada Athletic Commission officials, paused to throw a punch into the crowd.
- Written by: Rob Watson
- Hits: 96
In a night filled with anticipation and excitement, UFC 300 shattered records and captivated audiences worldwide with a spectacular display of mixed martial arts prowess. From the moment the doors opened at the iconic Kaseya Center, it was evident that history was in the making.
The sold-out venue, boasting a capacity crowd of 19,165 enthusiastic fans, set the stage for an unforgettable evening of combat sports action. As attendees poured into the arena, the air buzzed with anticipation, eager to witness the culmination of months of buildup and speculation.
The financial success of UFC 300 was equally staggering, with ticket sales alone raking in a remarkable $14,142,904 in revenue. This unprecedented figure solidified UFC 300 as the highest-grossing event in the history of the Kaseya Center and positioned it as the fourth highest-grossing UFC event of all time. The overwhelming demand for tickets underscored the undeniable allure and appeal of the UFC brand, resonating with fans across the globe.
- Written by: Rob Watson
- Hits: 472
UFC President Dana White has officially announced that MMA legend Mark Coleman will play a pivotal role in the historic UFC 300 event, presenting the BMF title to the victor of the highly anticipated showdown.
In a momentous collision set for Saturday night, Max Holloway and Justin Gaethje are slated to vie for the coveted BMF championship. With Gaethje seeking to etch his name in the annals of history as the inaugural title defender, Holloway aims to showcase his prowess against elite competition in the lightweight division.
The significance of this encounter is underscored by the involvement of Mark Coleman, a revered figure in the world of MMA. Coleman's recent heroics, including his courageous act of rescuing his parents from a house fire, have further endeared him to fans and fighters alike, elevating his stature to that of a true icon
- Written by: Rob Watson
- Hits: 98
In a fiercely contested showdown at UFC Fight Night 240, Brendan Allen emerged victorious in a hard-fought battle against Chris Curtis at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Despite facing formidable opposition, Allen clinched the win via split decision (47-48, 48-47, 49-46) in a momentum-shifting affair that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
The bout unfolded as a closely contested exchange, with both fighters showcasing their skills in the kickboxing range. While Allen managed to find success with his grappling and submission attempts, he struggled to land significant strikes against his resilient opponent.
Curtis, known for his relentless resilience, consistently bounced back from exchanges, delivering powerful shots that kept Allen on his toes. Despite enduring several precarious moments, Allen demonstrated remarkable resilience, weathering Curtis's onslaught and displaying unwavering determination throughout the fight.
As the bout entered its final moments, both fighters showed signs of exhaustion, with Curtis appearing to suffer a right leg injury in the closing seconds. Following the official decision, Curtis was stretchered away from the cage, adding a dramatic twist to an already intense encounter.
- Written by: Rob Watson
- Hits: 134
UFC Vegas 90 experienced a significant shakeup ahead of Saturday's anticipated event at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. What was slated to be a stacked fight card featuring 13 thrilling matchups was abruptly reduced to 12 bouts following a tumultuous official weigh-in on Friday.
The unfortunate turn of events unfolded when women's strawweight contender Cynthia Calvillo failed to make weight for her scheduled bout against Piera Rodríguez. Calvillo tipped the scales three pounds over the limit, registering at 119 pounds, ultimately leading to the cancellation of the highly anticipated matchup.
This isn't the first instance of Calvillo encountering weight-related issues in her UFC career. With two prior instances of missing weight, Calvillo's struggle to meet the required limit raises concerns about her future in the division. Adding to the controversy, Calvillo's past indiscretions include a positive test for marijuana metabolites following her UFC 219 defeat to former champion Carla Esparza.
While Rodríguez successfully made weight at 116 pounds, Calvillo's failure to meet the stipulated requirements cast a shadow over the event. However, Calvillo wasn't the only fighter to face weight-related challenges on Saturday.
- Written by: Rob Watson
- Hits: 108
In the dynamic world of mixed martial arts, speculation runs rife, and Chael Sonnen is never one to shy away from offering his insights. Recently, the focus has shifted to the possible trajectory of rising stars Bo Nickal and Sean Strickland within the UFC. Sonnen's keen eye and analytical prowess have led him to ponder the likelihood of a showdown between these two formidable athletes.
At the heart of Sonnen's musings lies the enigmatic UFC 300 event, slated to be a landmark moment in the promotion's history. As the anticipation mounts for this monumental occasion, fans and pundits alike eagerly await the unveiling of the fight card and the matchups that will define the evening's spectacle.
One name that has consistently cropped up in discussions surrounding UFC 300 is Bo Nickal. Hailed as one of the most promising prospects in the sport, Nickal's meteoric rise through the ranks has captured the imagination of the MMA community. With an impeccable record and a pedigree forged in the fires of collegiate wrestling glory, Nickal's potential knows no bounds.
However, the placement of Nickal on the main card of UFC 300 has raised eyebrows and sparked speculation. Could the UFC be strategically positioning Nickal for a significant challenge that will propel him to greater heights? Sonnen seems to think so.