The former champion is on the brink of another opportunity to reclaim the middleweight title. At the official weigh-ins for UFC Saudi Arabia, held in Riyadh, Robert Whittaker was the first to hit the scale, weighing in at 186 pounds for Saturday’s main event. His short-notice opponent, Ikram Aliskerov, also made weight, registering at 184 pounds. Aliskerov stepped in with just a week's notice to substitute an ill Khamzat Chimaev. Originally set to fight in the co-main event of UFC Vegas 93, Aliskerov now meets a tough challenge in Whittaker. Despite the short preparation time, both fighters are geared up for an intense battle. In a positive turn for UFC officials, all 22 fighters scheduled for UFC Saudi Arabia successfully made weight. This comes as a solace after several previous bouts were altered or canceled. The only weigh-in drama this week involved Kelvin Gastelum, who admitted he was struggling to make the 170-pound limit. Gastelum, who recently moved back to welterweight after previous struggles with weight cuts, requested his bout against Daniel Rodriguez be changed to a middleweight fight. Both fighters made weight, with Gastelum at 184.5 pounds and Rodriguez at 184 pounds. Here are the official UFC Saudi Arabia weigh-in results: Main Card: Robert Whittaker (186) vs. Ikram Aliskerov (184) Sergei Pavlovich (260) vs. Alexander Volkov (258) Kelvin Gastelum (184.5) vs. Daniel Rodriguez (184) Shara Magomedov (185.5) vs. Antonio Trocoli (185.5) Johnny Walker (206) vs. Volkan Oezdemir (206) Preliminary Card: Nasrat Haqparast (156) vs. Jared Gordon (156) Muhammad Naimov (145.5) vs. Felipe Lima (145.5) Rinat Fakhretdinov (170.5) vs. Nicolas Dalby (171) Kyung Ho Kang (136) vs. Muin Gafurov (136) Magomed Gadzhiyasulov (205) vs. Brendson Ribeiro (205) Xiao Long (136) vs. Chang Ho Lee (136) With all fighters successfully making weight, UFC Saudi Arabia is set for a thrilling night of fights. Fans can look forward to a series of exciting matchups, headlined by the clash between Whittaker and Aliskerov.

Let’s delve into the reasons why many UFC fighters face financial challenges despite their fame and success in the octagon. Fighter Pay and Structure: The UFC pays fighters based on a tiered system, with higher earnings for main event fighters and champions. However, the base pay for most fighters is relatively low. Fighters often compete only once or twice a year, which limits their income. Additionally, injuries can keep them sidelined, affecting their earnings. Sponsorship deals are restrictive, preventing fighters from capitalizing on income independently from the UFC. Lack of unionization means fighters have limited bargaining power regarding pay and benefits. Extravagant Lifestyles: Some fighters, despite earning millions, fall into financial trouble due to overspending. Excessive spending on cars, houses, clothes, and parties can drain their finances. The allure of a lavish lifestyle can lead to poor financial decisions, especially when fighters lack financial literacy. Healthcare and Retirement: UFC fighters are independent contractors, not employees. As a result, they don’t receive health insurance, pensions, or sick pay. Injuries sustained during fights can have long-term consequences, affecting fighters’ ability to earn and save. Financial Responsibility: Many fighters are the sole breadwinners for their families. Balancing training costs, living expenses, and supporting loved ones can be challenging. Some fighters lack financial education and struggle to manage their money effectively. Case Studies: Fighters Who Faced Financial Strife Jared Cannonier: Despite being a top-ranked middleweight, Cannonier faced financial difficulties due to injuries. He spent money on gyms, taxes, and family expenses without a consistent revenue source. Estimated net worth: $1 million. Mike Perry: Perry, a welterweight, made headlines for his extravagant lifestyle. His spending habits led to financial strain, even though he earned well in the UFC. Lack of financial planning and discipline contributed to his financial woes. In summary, UFC fighters grapple with financial challenges due to pay structures, lifestyle choices, and the absence of safety nets. It’s essential for fighters to prioritize financial literacy, plan for the future, and seek professional advice to avoid financial pitfalls. 🥊💰

Jorge Masvidal isn't just focused on settling his rivalry with Nate Diaz in their upcoming July 6th boxing match, he's already eyeing the big payday fights that could follow. This bout marks a rematch of their heated UFC 244 "BMF" clash, but this time, they'll trade the octagon for the boxing ring. After defeating Diaz in their first encounter, Masvidal aims to definitively end their feud and make a triumphant return to the boxing world. However, tensions between Masvidal and Diaz have only escalated after a recent brawl erupted between their teams at a press conference. Any remaining respect seems to have vanished, promising an explosive fight night. While Diaz undoubtedly commands his attention, Masvidal isn't letting the grudge match cloud his vision. He's already set his sights on lucrative boxing ventures, calling out none other than Logan Paul and Floyd Mayweather for potential future fights. "One fight I would like, because it would break the internet, is Logan Paul," Masvidal revealed in a recent interview. He acknowledges Paul's impressive showing against Mayweather, highlighting the potential for another exciting clash. "After that, maybe fight one of these boxing legends, like a Floyd or a Pacquiao," Masvidal continued, upping the ante even further. Paul, fresh off his victory over Bellator fighter Dillon Danis last year, is aiming for a return by year's end, potentially setting the stage for a showdown with Masvidal. Mayweather, although officially retired after defeating Conor McGregor in 2017, has remained active in exhibition bouts, most recently against Paul himself. Masvidal's callouts suggest a clear intention to extend his fighting career beyond MMA, having retired from the sport in 2023. A dominant win over Diaz could be the key that unlocks a world of lucrative opportunities in the world of professional boxing.

Ryan Garcia's career has taken a hard blow. The 25-year-old American has been suspended for one year by the New York State Athletic Commission after failing a drug test before his April 20th fight with Devin Haney. Garcia tested positive for ostarine, a banned substance for enhancing muscle growth, in two separate tests.  This results in his victory over Haney being overturned and recorded as a no-contest, restoring Haney's undefeated record. The punishment doesn't stop there. Garcia will forfeit his £950,000 purse for the fight and pay a £7,900 fine.  His boxing license will be suspended until April 2025, and he must pass a clean drug test before returning to the ring. Garcia maintains his innocence, claiming the positive test stemmed from a "contaminated" supplement. He responded to the news with a defiant message on social media, stating his "retirement" was temporary and he'll simply "come back out" after the suspension. This incident casts a shadow over Garcia's future. Despite the setback, he remains a major star in American boxing with only one loss on his 25-fight record (excluding the overturned victory). Meanwhile, Haney regains his unblemished record of 31 wins. He reacted positively to the commission's decision, highlighting his desire for a clean rematch with Garcia once the suspension lifts. "Once this suspension is over, Garcia let's run it back," Haney declared. "Clean on an even playing field. Biggest fight [in] boxing." This saga has left fans with a bittersweet taste. While the sport upholds its anti-doping regulations, the potential for a future, clean clash between Haney and Garcia offers an intriguing prospect.

Kade Ruotolo, a jiu-jitsu phenom who recently stepped into the world of mixed martial arts, has made waves with his latest career decision. Ruotolo, alongside his brother Tye, has opted to compete in the Craig Jones Invitational (CJI) over the ADCC championships. This decision marks a significant shift in the jiu-jitsu community and was not made lightly. Speaking on The MMA Hour, Ruotolo revealed the rationale behind this pivotal choice. "That was a super tough decision for my brother and I,” Ruotolo said. “We were getting pulled between ADCC and that new CJI. So we were really kind of torn in both directions and made our decision to go with CJI." One of the major factors influencing their decision was the substantial financial incentive offered by CJI. "There’s a couple of reasons [why we chose to go there], it didn’t narrow it down to one thing," Ruotolo explained. "First, not to state the obvious, $1 million is $1 million, [that’s] just so much money. ADCC has the accolades and prestige, but with this new CJI coming into play, a lot of the hefty competitors, a lot of the sick names have left already and gone into this next division." Moreover, the opportunity for both brothers to compete in the same division, yet on opposite sides of the bracket, was a compelling aspect. "So I reckon my brother will be on one side of the bracket, I’ll be on the other so if all goes well, we’ll meet in the finals and have an awesome war there," Ruotolo said. Kade Ruotolo's recent success in his MMA debut at ONE 167, where he submitted Blake Cooper in the first round, has only bolstered his confidence. With aspirations to fully immerse himself in MMA in the future, Ruotolo is keen on maximizing his earnings now, and the CJI offers a lucrative platform to do so. "ADCC is the most prestigious no-gi tournament since they started,” Ruotolo acknowledged. “I wouldn’t say that they’re in trouble, I would say they should probably try to listen to the athletes in a sense where you see a lot of these guys move to CJI. One of the main [and] obvious reasons is you got to ADCC, you get the gold medal, you go through all the wars, and it’s only $10,000 for the winner. I think it’s $10,001 for the CJI, and then obviously $1 million to win." For Ruotolo and many others, the financial benefits of competing in CJI are clear. "If you’re coming from money, it’s not too big a deal, you want that prestige, you want that title, but the majority of us aren’t coming from money. We’re all trying to be first-generation millionaires. ... From a financial standpoint, it really makes sense to do this," Ruotolo concluded. As the Ruotolo brothers prepare for the Craig Jones Invitational on August 16 and 17, the jiu-jitsu world watches with keen interest. Their choice underscores a growing trend where financial considerations weigh heavily in the decision-making processes of top athletes.

Undefeated MMA fighter Michelle Montague is steadily making a name for herself in the sport, thanks to guidance from elite fighters Kayla Harrison and Mayra Bueno Silva. Training out of the American Top Team, Montague (4-0) aims to extend her perfect record when she faces Karolina Sobek at Bellator Champions Series: Dublin at 3Arena in Ireland. Training in Coconut Creek, Florida, Montague sharpens her skills with some of the world's top fighters. UFC competitors Harrison and Silva have shared vital advice with the New Zealand-born featherweight, stressing the importance of patience in every aspect of her training and fighting career. “When you’re in camp, you have to have patience,” Montague expressed. “Whether it’s in the transitions or whatever, just the key thing I remember all the time, and I think about it probably every training session, is patience. Like taking that moment to breathe, whether it’s between rounds, during the round, or in certain positions or even waiting for fight news. The term ‘patience,’ I think, covers it all.” Montague’s professional MMA career has been spotless so far, with all her victories achieved via rear-naked choke. Despite her success, she admits that her skills are still developing. Her confidence is bolstered by training with championship-caliber partners like Harrison and “Sheetara.” Her upcoming match against Sobek (4-2) will be her first fight in ten months. While the long wait has tested her patience, it has also allowed her to fully absorb the teachings from her mentors, preparing her for a more active fight schedule. “I think that recipe is forever growing, especially as you get more skills across the board,” Montague said. “That’s never going to be complete for I feel like any fighter, just based on who you fight and who you’ve become. Especially women don’t develop or mature completely in athletics until they’re 30, and I just turned that. It’s an interesting thought, because yeah, (I’m) young in the professional career, absolutely, but not that young in life." As Montague continues to grow and refine her skills, the advice from Harrison and Silva remains central to her journey, guiding her through the intricacies of a burgeoning MMA career.

In a move that underscores the unpredictable nature of mixed martial arts, Antonio Trocoli has stepped in on just three days' notice to fight Shara Magomedov at UFC Saudi Arabia. The sudden change in the fight card has electrified fans and fighters alike, adding an extra layer of excitement to an already highly anticipated event. Antonio Trocoli, a Brazilian MMA fighter known for his resilience and adaptability, has never shied away from challenges. This time, however, he’s pushing the boundaries of his readiness by agreeing to fight with almost no preparation time. Trocoli’s decision comes after Magomedov’s original opponent had to withdraw, leaving a gap that needed to be filled swiftly. Trocoli, known for his grappling prowess, faces a daunting challenge in Shara Magomedov, who has built a reputation for his striking skills. The contrasting styles promise an intriguing matchup. Magomedov’s striking technique will be tested against Trocoli’s grappling, making for a classic striker versus grappler showdown. UFC Saudi Arabia, set against the backdrop of the Kingdom’s burgeoning interest in mixed martial arts, has already generated significant buzz. Trocoli’s last-minute inclusion adds to the event’s unpredictability and excitement. The fight's outcome could have implications for both fighters' careers, with Trocoli aiming to make a statement and Magomedov looking to solidify his standing. Trocoli’s willingness to step in on short notice is a testament to the unpredictable and dynamic nature of MMA. It highlights the fighters' dedication and readiness to seize opportunities whenever they arise. This bout encapsulates the spirit of the sport, where preparation meets opportunity in the most unexpected ways. As fight night approaches, the MMA community is abuzz with speculation and anticipation. Will Trocoli’s resilience and grappling skills overcome the striking prowess of Magomedov? Fans will be glued to their screens to find out.

In a rare and honest revelation, MMA veteran Joilton Lutterbach has admitted to using performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs). Lutterbach (38-10) was scheduled to fight the undefeated Shara Magomedov (12-0) at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, but was removed from the event after failing a drug test. Antonio Trocoli, a Dana White’s Contender Series alum, has been named as his replacement. Initially, Lutterbach mentioned that the anti-doping commission pulled him from the fight due to a substance found in his urine. He has now confessed to using PEDs months earlier, believing his system would be clean by the time he received the surprise UFC call. Lutterbach, whose career includes 48 fights across various combat sports such as Karate Combat, muay Thai, and kickboxing, has also competed in prominent promotions like KSW, Cage Warriors, and the PFL. Despite this setback, he remains hopeful about his return to the sport after serving his suspension. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges in combat sports regarding PED use and the rigorous measures in place to maintain a fair playing field. Lutterbach’s public admission is uncommon and marks a moment of transparency in a sport often clouded by secrecy around doping.

Bivol vs. Beterbiev: David "The Monster" Benavidez sent a clear message after his victory over Oleksandr Gvozdyk this weekend: the super middleweight champion has his sights set on undisputed light heavyweight glory. Benavidez, undefeated in 29 fights with a staggering 24 knockouts, declared his intention to challenge the winner of the highly anticipated Bivol vs. Beterbiev unification bout. This bold claim puts him directly in the crosshairs of Light Heavyweight king Dmitrii Bivol. Bivol vs. Beterbiev: Bivol, fresh off a dominating technical knockout win last month, acknowledged Benavidez's challenge with a tone of respect. Recognizing the young fighter's talent and ambition, Bivol praised Benavidez's confidence and drive. However, Bivol remained focused on the task at hand. While admitting to past sparring sessions with Benavidez, he downplayed their importance. Bivol emphasized that sparring serves as a training ground for developing skills, not a battle for dominance. "It's about improvement," Bivol stressed. "You're trying things your coach tells you. You might not get it right away, but eventually you do, and that's a small victory." Bivol's measured response suggests he is laser-focused on his upcoming clash with Beterbiev. While acknowledging Benavidez as a potential future foe, Bivol remains grounded, prioritizing his current challenge. This sets the stage for an intriguing future in the light heavyweight division. Will Benavidez successfully navigate the super middleweight gauntlet and eventually challenge the winner of Bivol vs. Beterbiev? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Benavidez has made his intentions known, and the light heavyweight elite are on notice.

Ryan Garcia took to social media on Wednesday night to announce his retirement from the sport. This news comes amidst reports of a potential suspension for Garcia due to failed drug tests surrounding his April 20th victory over Devin Haney. The New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) has indicated that Garcia's win could be overturned to either a no contest or a disqualification victory for Haney. This would be a significant development in the fight against performance-enhancing drugs in boxing. Garcia's social media posts leading up to his retirement announcement painted a picture of a troubled athlete. He cited personal struggles, including his mother's illness, a potential lawsuit, and the ongoing battle with Haney, as reasons for his decision. "Boxing will be alright without me... But sucks I was fun in the game... And it was fun to punch people" ... "I MAY RETIRE IM DONE WITH THIS GAME" ... "Forget I existed everyone" ... "I'm outty" "Y'all may catch me out and about but as far as boxing I don't know... There is so much corruption I'm over it... I may do acting or singing... I'll still be training but I'm hurt and I'm done with it and everyone... The sad part is I'm a great boxer... And I entertain and knock people out... I'm sad bc I love boxing... Praying for everyone and I hope everyone has a great life" "I'm officially retired." Devin Haney's father and trainer, Bill Haney, reacted swiftly to Garcia's retirement, accusing him of avoiding potential consequences. "Everybody's been protecting him," Haney said. "In 48 hours your boy, Ryan Garcia, will be suspended..." The news of Garcia's retirement further complicates the upcoming WBC junior-welterweight title defense. With Top Rank's underwhelming bid for Haney's fight against Sandor Martin, a potential matchup between Haney and WBO titlist Teofimo Lopez is now being explored.

Jared Warren is gearing up for a fierce rematch at BKFC 62, set to take place this Friday at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, FL. The event, which will be streamed live worldwide on The BKFC App, will see Warren face JoMi Escoboza for the vacant BKFC World Light-Heavyweight Championship. Their first encounter in 2022 ended with Warren winning by decision. Reflecting on that fight, Warren noted, “He backpedaled a lot. He’s the only guy that I’ve beaten who I didn’t knock out, and that was mainly because he kept running away. This time, I plan on hunting him down and finishing him.” When asked if he expects Escoboza to adopt the same tactics this Friday, Warren chuckled and said, “I hope not. He claims he’s going to come forward this time, and I hope he does. He might start aggressive, but I bet he’ll revert to his old ways and backpedal once I land a few hits.” With his sights set on victory, Warren already has a special spot prepared for the BKFC belt. “I’ve got a nice spot on the wall ready for it,” he shared. “It’ll be next to some other medals and achievements, but this will definitely be the crowning achievement of my career.” As fight night approaches, fans are eagerly anticipating whether Warren will make good on his promise to hunt down Escoboza and seize the BKFC World Light-Heavyweight Championship in their much-anticipated rematch.

Jake Paul is taking a significant gamble by fighting Mike Perry just months before his highly anticipated bout with Mike Tyson. Paul (9-1) is set to face former UFC fighter turned bare-knuckle boxer Perry (0-1) in an eight-round cruiserweight boxing match on July 20 in Tampa, Florida. Originally, Paul was scheduled to fight Tyson on July 20 live on Netflix, but the bout was postponed to November 15 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, after the boxing legend experienced an ulcer flareup. Despite the rescheduling, Paul remains committed to facing Perry first. "This guy is a f*cking lunatic. He’s undefeated in bare-knuckle, which is probably the craziest sport in the world. Not to mention, this fight has been brewing for years. …I think this fight is going to have some amazing press conference moments and really entertaining stuff that comes from it, but it is a major risk. I’m literally potentially sacrificing the biggest moment of my career, the biggest payday of my career if I lose to Mike Perry. But for some reason, these are the positions that I like to put myself in.” Paul is coming off back-to-back first-round knockouts of Andre August in December and Ryan Bourland in March. He is confident in his ability to finish Perry, despite Perry's reputation as a tough opponent. "Platinum" Perry has only been knocked out once in 22 professional MMA fights, although he was knocked out in his lone professional boxing match. "My official prediction for the fight: Three rounds or less," Paul said. "Calling it now. These guys can’t hang with me, nobody’s really been able to see my skill from the past year. I’ve had new coaches, development has gone f*cking amazing, and I’m excited to put on a performance on July 20." With his fight against Perry on the horizon, Paul is eager to prove his mettle before stepping into the ring with Tyson. The outcome of the July 20 bout could have significant implications for Paul's career and his much-anticipated showdown with Tyson.