Ilia Topuria could make his first UFC lightweight title defense on November 15 at UFC 322, according to hints from his manager. The 28-year-old champion stunned fans in June by knocking out Charles Oliveira at UFC 317. Shortly after that victory, a potential clash with Paddy Pimblett was teased in the cage, though UFC president Dana White indicated Pimblett wouldn’t be next in line. Topuria’s manager later posted online, seemingly confirming a bout against former interim champion Justin Gaethje, writing: “Say goodnight Gaethje… #AndStill #UFC322.” Gaethje, who last fought in March at UFC 313 against Rafael Fiziev, had previously stated…
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Raymond Muratalla bypassed mandatory challenger Andy Cruz after negotiations collapsed over a money dispute. Muratalla, 28, will instead defend his IBF title voluntarily against Floyd Schofield. Schofield Gains Spotlight Schofield, 23, recently knocked out former IBF super featherweight champion Tevin Farmer in the first round. Farmer, 35, had lost two close decisions to William Zepeda before facing Schofield. Schofield’s victory surprised fans and raised his profile as a rising contender. Strategic Choice for Muratalla Muratalla’s promoters at Top Rank chose Schofield over Cruz due to his relative inexperience. Cruz’s 140-9 amateur record and 2020 Olympic gold would have challenged Muratalla’s…
The ninth season of Dana White’s Contender Series delivered another action-packed night in Las Vegas. Quick knockouts and decisive finishes lit up the cage. A format with proven success Since 2017, the show has given fighters the chance to earn a UFC contract. Several past participants even became champions. Known as “the ultimate job interview,” the series runs five fights weekly over ten weeks. Each fighter aims to impress UFC boss Dana White and secure a deal. Last season, the UFC handed out 42 contracts across ten events. That was slightly fewer than the 46 awarded in 2023. Episode three…
Beterbiev Lined Up for Next Challenge David Benavidez’s next opponent has been confirmed as Artur Beterbiev, according to trainer Jose Benavidez Sr. The fight is set to follow their individual bouts on the November 22 DAZN card at the ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Beterbiev is scheduled to face Deon Nicholson on the undercard, marking his first fight since losing a majority decision to Dmitry Bivol earlier this year. Potential for Beterbiev to Main Event If Anthony Yarde, Benavidez’s primary opponent on November 22, suffers an injury during training, Beterbiev could be promoted to the main event to face…
Former WBO lightweight champion Keyshawn Davis petitioned the sanctioning body to rank him #1 at 140. If approved, Davis could face Alfredo Santiago for the interim belt while Teofimo Lopez negotiates with Shakur Stevenson. Boxingscene’s Lance Pugmire reported Davis’ request to the WBO. Weight Issues Strip Davis of Title The WBO stripped Davis of his lightweight crown on June 6, 2025. He weighed 139.3 lbs, 4.3 over the lightweight limit, before his scheduled defense against Edwin De Los Santos. Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz canceled the fight, citing safety concerns for De Los Santos. Davis lost his title without defending it, raising…
Former UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold is aiming for a decisive return in his Misfits Boxing 22 bout against Darren Till this weekend in Manchester. Rockhold, who has enjoyed a mixed post-UFC career—including a knockout win over Joe Schilling and a loss to Mike Perry in BKFC—promises a fast finish this weekend. “I’m putting you down in 3 [rounds], D,” he declared on Instagram, predicting he will stop Till within three rounds. A former submission threat in MMA, Rockhold has also scored notable knockouts in the UFC, including his four-round win over Chris Weidman for the middleweight title. Despite focusing…
Sean O’Malley admits that modeling himself after Conor McGregor motivated him but also caused setbacks. The bantamweight star has often praised McGregor, admiring both his fighting style and the magnetic presence that turned him into a global icon. O’Malley compared his own growing fame to McGregor’s, believing he could reach similar recognition. Despite his respect, tensions surfaced last year when McGregor mocked O’Malley over his 2019 ostarine suspension. The comment disappointed O’Malley and led to a brief social media exchange. Emulating McGregor Cost Him Identity On a recent episode of Between Rounds, O’Malley reflected on trying to replicate McGregor’s persona.…
Ortiz Returns to Action in Texas Undefeated Vergil Ortiz Jr. (23-0, 21 KOs) is scheduled to defend his WBC interim junior middleweight belt against Erickson Lubin on November 8 at the Dickies Center in Fort Worth, Texas. The fight, promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, will be broadcast live worldwide on DAZN. Ortiz, coming off a strong decision victory over Israil Madrimov in February, will have the advantage of fighting on home soil. Negotiation Challenges and Alternate Opponents Initially, Ortiz aimed to face WBO champion Xander Zayas, but negotiations with Top Rank failed to meet the deadline last Friday. Ortiz’s team…
Mexican authorities released boxer Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. as he awaits trial for alleged cartel ties. His lawyer, Ruben Fernando Benitez, confirmed Chavez Jr. returned home to his family in Hermosillo, Sonora. A judge allowed the 39-year-old former champion to continue his legal process outside detention. Legal Proceedings Underway Chavez Jr. appeared in court on Saturday, where Judge Enrique Hernandez Miranda reviewed the case. Benitez stated prosecutors presented no evidence to support the charges against his client. Chavez Jr.’s legal team and family have consistently denied all cartel-related accusations. Background and Allegations Chavez Jr. faced detention by U.S. immigration authorities…
A career of dual championships Daniel Cormier dominated both the light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions. He captured championship gold in each weight class. After knocking out Stipe Miocic in their first meeting, Cormier faced Brock Lesnar in a staredown that ended with a shove from “The Beast.” The tense moment inside the Octagon sparked fan interest, but the fight never materialized before Cormier retired from professional MMA. The fight that slipped away During an appearance on “Club Shay Shay,” Cormier reflected on missing a massive payday against Lesnar. He explained that WWE lured Lesnar back, preventing the bout from happening.…