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.

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.

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.

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.

The roar of the Las Vegas crowd still echoes in Paddy Pimblett's ears. A year ago, at UFC 282, "The Baddy" emerged victorious against Jared Gordon, but the celebrations were muted by the sting of controversy. A razor-thin decision, heated post-fight comments, and accusations of robbery cast a shadow over Pimblett's triumph.

Now, as UFC 296 descends upon the T-Mobile Arena, Pimblett returns from a frustrating year on the sidelines, carrying the weight of unfulfilled promises and simmering public scrutiny. His sights are locked on a different battle cry – redemption. Across the Octagon stands UFC legend Tony Ferguson, "El Cucuy," a weathered warrior whose shadow still looms large over the lightweight division.

Pimblett knows this is more than just a fight. It's a crucible. A chance to silence the critics, rewrite his narrative, and prove that the fiery persona is fueled by something more than bravado. The past year has been an internal storm, a constant replay of missed opportunities and misunderstood intentions. "We're only judged on your last fight," he acknowledges, a hint of frustration lingering in his voice. "I get that. But I never had the chance to set things right."

Ian Garry, a rising star in the UFC's welterweight division, has quickly gained notoriety for his exciting fighting style and outspoken personality. However, recent events have shed light on a darker side to the young fighter, involving acrimonious gym exits, controversial sparring sessions, and public feuds with fellow fighters.

Garry's journey began at Kill Cliff FC, a Florida gym where he trained alongside Brendan Allen. However, their relationship soured after Garry's departure, with Allen criticizing Garry's attitude and persona. Allen accused Garry of being "young," "misled," and "whack," claiming that his overconfidence stemmed from a history of acrimonious exits from gyms. Allen went further, stating he possessed video evidence of dominating Garry in sparring, suggesting that Garry's public persona didn't match his actual skills.

Colby Covington, the outspoken welterweight known for his unwavering support for Donald Trump, has ignited further controversy by throwing his weight behind Conor McGregor's potential political career. With Ireland facing pressing challenges like immigration, McGregor has announced his intention to run for President, aiming to tackle the nation's issues head-on.

In a recent interview with Mirror Fighting, Covington expressed his unwavering support. "I think Conor would be a great leader," he declared. "He has those leadership qualities, world championship mentality, and most importantly, he believes in freedom. He doesn't want to see his people hurt or the streets of Ireland burning. He's already a world-class fighter, one of the best we've ever seen, and the biggest draw the sport has ever known."

Not everyone, however, shares Covington's enthusiasm. Critics of McGregor point to his history of controversial behavior, legal troubles, and inflammatory statements. They question his suitability for the highest office in the land, arguing that his fiery personality and lack of political experience could exacerbate Ireland's already complex challenges.

Luana Santos' move to bantamweight hit a snag as she missed weight at the official weigh-ins for UFC Vegas 83, coming in at 139 pounds, three pounds over the 135-pound limit. This resulted in her bout with Stephanie Egger proceeding at a catchweight, with Santos forfeiting 20 percent of her purse as a penalty.

Santos, who recently competed at flyweight with a victory over Juliana Miller, had previously made appearances at bantamweight before her UFC debut.

For Egger, this marks the second consecutive fight in which her opponent has missed weight. In her last bout, she faced Irina Alekseeva, who was four pounds over the bantamweight limit.

Despite these weight issues, the bantamweight headliners Song Yadong and Chris Gutierrez successfully made weight. Gutierrez's weigh-in had a bit of drama, requiring extra time for him to strip down and successfully hit the scale at 136 pounds.

In the ongoing UFC antitrust lawsuit, further details are emerging about the behind-closed-doors business tactics employed by the promotion. The lawsuit aims to expose the UFC's alleged use of underhanded methods to prevent fighters from seeking better contracts with rival promotions.

While instances of fighters feeling pressured by the UFC have been recounted before, especially after matchmaker Joe Silva's departure, the latest information sheds light on the involvement of top executives.

Notably, a recent revelation includes a text message exchange between UFC owners Dana White and Lorenzo Fertitta during a period when fighters Gilbert Melendez and Eddie Alvarez sought to leave the promotion. The UFC managed to retain them through various contractual clauses.

In the revealed messages, White expresses his admiration for Fertitta's handling of the situation: “Bro, u know i love u to fukn death as it is but what u pulled off this week with Melendez and 'other dude' is fukn BAD ASS! Fukn cutthroat nasty business like u see in movies!!”

Conor McGregor, the renowned UFC star, is contemplating a potential run for the presidency in Ireland amid recent political turmoil. The athlete, known for his outspoken nature, has been vocal about societal issues, particularly in the aftermath of a tragic incident in Dublin involving the stabbing of three children and a carer. The ensuing riots, fueled by claims that the suspect was a foreigner, led to anti-immigrant sentiments and chants. McGregor's social media posts addressing these events are currently under investigation by the police for alleged hate incitement.

In response to the investigation, McGregor accused the authorities of making him a scapegoat, stating on Twitter, "Attempt to scapegoat me all you wish. If it makes you feel better, I will take it." He released a formal statement urging the government to take action and address the issue of racism. McGregor emphasized the need for serious policy reforms related to Ireland's immigration and refugee processes, calling on leaders to act in the best interest of the citizens and the country's future.

UFC Fight Night on Saturday may not have been initially hyped as a show-stopper, especially when competing with the high-stakes drama of several college football conference championship games over the weekend. However, the event unfolded in a way that exceeded expectations, leaving a lasting impression on fans and fighters alike.

Despite the stiff competition from college football, the UFC Fight Night delivered a pair of knockouts that stole the headlines and showcased the unpredictability that makes mixed martial arts so compelling. This was particularly noteworthy considering the other high-profile sporting events vying for viewers' attention.

In the lightweight division, Drakkar Klose faced off against Joe Solecki, entering the bout with the momentum of two consecutive victories. What transpired in the octagon was nothing short of spectacular, as Klose secured a knockout within the first two minutes of the fight. However, this wasn't just any knockout; it was a highlight-reel moment that would be replayed for days to come.

Klose demonstrated his versatility by taking Solecki down early in the first round. As Solecki attempted to counter with an armbar, he found himself on the receiving end of a fight-ending move. Klose lifted Solecki off the mat and executed a slam that sent him crashing down headfirst, resulting in an immediate knockout. The sheer athleticism and precision of the move left both fans and fellow fighters in awe.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is set to captivate fight fans once again as it returns to ESPN+ for the highly anticipated UFC Austin, taking place at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas. Scheduled for tonight (Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023), the event promises a night of thrilling action and compelling matchups that will keep fans on the edge of their seats.

Headlining the event is a pivotal Lightweight bout between two top contenders, Beneil Dariush and Arman Tsarukyan. The co-main event features a clash between experienced fighters Bobby Green and Jalin Turner. This main card is brimming with potential Fight of the Night contenders and exciting narratives that will undoubtedly capture the attention of MMA enthusiasts worldwide.

Arman Tsarukyan, currently ranked No. 8, is no stranger to high-stakes matchups. In his first foray into the Octagon, Tsarukyan faced none other than the current Lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev, in 2019. Although he fell short on the judges' scorecards, Tsarukyan showcased his resilience and determination against a future pound-for-pound talent. Since then, he has compiled an impressive 7-1 record, earning him the chance to headline his second UFC event. With aspirations to break into the Top 5, Tsarukyan faces a formidable opponent in Beneil Dariush.

In a recent installment of the "This Past Weekend" podcast hosted by comedian Theo Von, a noteworthy exchange unfolded with UFC CEO Dana White. Von recounted a peculiar incident where sponsors, including Peloton, demanded the removal of an episode featuring an interview with Democratic presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. White, visibly surprised by the sponsors' objection, questioned the rationale behind it, considering Kennedy to be a "smart guy" with "common sense" despite never having met him in person.

Expressing his disdain for Peloton's decision, White vehemently exclaimed, "F— you, Peloton." To underscore his stance, White took action and shared an Instagram story from a UFC gym, showcasing the replacement of Peloton machines with Echelon bikes. The move was a testament to White's commitment to stand against perceived corporate interference.

Von, unwavering in the face of Peloton's pressure, kept the controversial interview with Kennedy on YouTube, where it garnered over 920,000 views. This defiance highlighted the clash between artistic freedom and corporate influence in the realm of podcasting.

Colby Covington is setting the stage for UFC 296 with a deliberate absence of emotional flair. Despite the controversies surrounding the decision to grant him a third opportunity at the undisputed welterweight title, Covington remains stoic. After two previous setbacks against Kamaru Usman, he now finds himself tasked with the challenge of dethroning Leon Edwards, the man who brought an end to Usman's reign with a last-gasp head kick at UFC 278 in Salt Lake City last August.

While Edwards celebrated his victory with a heartwarming and emotional post-fight display, Covington suggests that such reactions indicate a level of surprise at the moment. In a recent interview with UFC.com's Gavin Porter, Covington looked ahead to his clash with Edwards at the December 16 pay-per-view, expressing his belief in the inevitability of his rise to the welterweight throne.

Anticipating the gold around his waist, Covington assures fans that they won't witness tears or a freak-out, emphasizing that he fully expects the triumph. "I’m prepared and I know that I am the best fighter on planet Earth at welterweight in the UFC right now," Covington said. "It’s going to be like I expected it. This is not about the destination; it’s about the journey to me. I’ve had a great journey and I’ve developed a lot."

Former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker is cautioning Brendan Allen to take a more measured approach before seeking matchups with top contenders. Allen, who secured a submission victory over Paul Craig in UFC Fight Night 232's headliner last Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, expressed his desire for a No. 1 contender fight. Mentioning Jared Cannonier, Khamzat Chimaev, and Whittaker himself as potential opponents, Allen's ambitions face skepticism from Whittaker.

Former UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway remains open to the possibility of a rematch with Conor McGregor. The two fighters clashed in a featherweight bout at UFC Fight Night 26 in August 2013, where McGregor secured a unanimous decision victory.

Since then, their paths haven't crossed again. McGregor, recovering from an injury sidelining him since July 2021, is nearing his return. Holloway believes that a rematch is inevitable, considering he is always on McGregor's shortlist.

Holloway shared his thoughts with ESPN, acknowledging that McGregor might be irked by the fact that he couldn't finish him in their initial encounter. Despite their past bout, Holloway holds respect for McGregor and is glad to see his return to the sport.