- Written by: Rob Watson
- Read Time: 4 mins
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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
- Read Time: 6 mins
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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
- Read Time: 3 mins
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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
- Read Time: 3 mins
- Hits: 273
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
- Read Time: 3 mins
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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
- Read Time: 1 min
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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
- Read Time: 3 mins
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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
- Read Time: 1 min
- Hits: 662
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