The countdown is on for the 2024 ADCC World Championship, set to take over Las Vegas in August 2024. This prestigious event promises to be an unforgettable spectacle for grappling fans worldwide. A Legendary Legacy The last ADCC event in 2022 was nothing short of legendary. With over 10,000 fans in attendance and numerous records shattered, the excitement for 2024 is already building. The upcoming championship is poised to exceed all expectations, featuring top-tier athletes and intense competition. Unprecedented Divisions ADCC 2024 will showcase five male divisions, each boasting 16 elite athletes. In a groundbreaking move, this year will also feature three female divisions with eight athletes each—the first time in nearly a decade. Only the best grapplers can compete, with participants selected through a rigorous process. The Road to ADCC: Qualification Criteria Not just anyone can qualify for ADCC. The selection is based on two stringent criteria: Invitations: Half of the athletes in each division receive invitations based on their previous ADCC performances, success in ADCC-affiliated events, or an established reputation as top-tier grapplers. Trials: The remaining athletes must earn their spot through the grueling ADCC Trials. ADCC holds eight trials events globally, allowing competitors from four regions to prove their mettle and secure a coveted spot in the championship. Superfight Showdown: Gordon Ryan vs. Yuri Simoes The first two athletes invited to ADCC 2024 have already been announced, setting the stage for an epic showdown. The reigning superfight champion, Gordon Ryan, will face off against the reigning absolute champion, Yuri Simoes. Gordon Ryan earned his spot by defeating Andre Galvao via submission in the 2022 superfight, solidifying his status as the reigning ADCC champion. Yuri Simoes, the absolute titleholder, will challenge Ryan in what promises to be a thrilling battle. Reigning Champions: 2022 Gold Medalists The following athletes clinched gold at ADCC 2022, earning their invitations to the 2024 World Championships. While their participation status is yet to be confirmed by ADCC, their previous performances guarantee a fierce competition: 2022 66kg Champion: Diogo 'Baby Shark' Reis (confirmed) 2022 77kg Champion: Kade Ruotolo (confirmed) 2022 88kg Champion: Giancarlo Bodoni (confirmed) 2022 -99kg Champion: Kaynan Duarte (confirmed) 2022 +99kg Champion: Gordon Ryan 2022 -60kg Champion: Ffion Davies 2022 +60kg Champion: Amy Campo Don’t Miss Out! Mark your calendars and prepare for an incredible showcase of skill, strength, and strategy. The 2024 ADCC World Championship is not just an event; it's a celebration of the best in grappling. Stay tuned for more updates and be sure to secure your tickets early for this must-see championship in Las Vegas!

The UFC world was rocked this week with the announcement that Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler, a highly anticipated showdown, has been officially cancelled for UFC 303 on June 29. Fans who were eager to see the recent Ultimate Fighter 31 coaches face off will have to wait as McGregor has been sidelined due to an injury. Speculation around the fight's cancellation began after a pre-fight press conference was abruptly called off. McGregor later issued a statement explaining the cancellation was due to "a series of obstacles outside of our control." Despite some hope that the fight would go on as planned, the UFC was already preparing for the worst-case scenario. Ultimately, McGregor’s injury confirmed the fears, ending what would have been his first fight since his leg injury against Dustin Poirier in 2021. The cancellation leaves Michael Chandler in a difficult spot. Having put his career on hold to wait for this fight, Chandler now faces an uncertain future. His last appearance in the octagon was back in 2022, and with this latest development, he may be looking at a two-year hiatus before his next bout. However, the UFC 303 event is far from a disappointment. UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira steps up on short notice to headline the event in a thrilling rematch against Jiri Prochazka. This fight, originally rumoured to take place later this summer, now serves as the main event of International Fight Week 2024. Pereira, a former middleweight champion, has been unstoppable since moving to the 205-pound division. He captured the light heavyweight title with a knockout victory over Prochazka in 2023 and defended it with a decisive win over Jamahal Hill at UFC 300 in April. Now, Pereira will look to reaffirm his dominance against a determined Prochazka, who seeks redemption after a knockout victory over Aleksandar Rakic at the same UFC 300 event. UFC CEO Dana White announced these changes, ensuring fans that the reshuffled UFC 303 card will still deliver an electrifying night of fights. Despite the setbacks and changes, the event promises to keep the excitement alive for MMA fans worldwide.

The anticipation for UFC 303 is ramping up as the promotion has announced thrilling new matchups, promising an electrifying night of fights. Among the headliners, Diego Lopes will take on Brian Ortega, while Anthony Smith steps in to replace Jamahal Hill in an about against Carlos Ulberg. Fans are eagerly awaiting the featherweight showdown between Diego Lopes and Brian Ortega. Lopes, known for his aggressive fighting style and relentless pace, faces a formidable opponent in Ortega, who has a reputation for exceptional grappling skills and knockout power. This matchup is sure to be a tactical battle, with both fighters bringing their unique strengths to the octagon. In an unexpected turn of events, Anthony Smith will replace Jamahal Hill to fight Carlos Ulberg. Hill, who had to withdraw due to injury, will be missed, but Smith’s inclusion has added a new layer of intrigue to the event. Smith, a seasoned veteran, brings a wealth of experience and a versatile skill set to the fight. Ulberg, a rising star, is eager to showcase his talents against a seasoned competitor like Smith. This fight promises to test Ulberg’s potential and Smith’s resilience. Fans are already buzzing about the potential fireworks this matchup could deliver. UFC 303 is shaping up to be a must-watch event with these exciting new bouts added to the card. The combination of experienced fighters and rising stars ensures a night of unpredictable and thrilling action. As the fighters prepare to step into the octagon, the anticipation continues to build among fans and analysts alike. With these matchups, UFC 303 is set to deliver high-octane action and memorable moments. Be sure to mark your calendars and witness the drama unfold live.

Leonard Ellerbe has stepped down as CEO, with former Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer stepping into the role. The announcement, made by Floyd Mayweather Jr. on Thursday, has sent shockwaves through the boxing community. Mayweather, the undefeated five-division champion and the driving force behind Mayweather Promotions, shared the news via Instagram, extending heartfelt gratitude to Ellerbe for his years of service and leadership. Ellerbe’s departure is effective immediately. “Mayweather Promotions would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Leonard Ellerbe for his exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication over the years,” Mayweather wrote. “Leonard has been an integral part of our team, contributing to numerous business endeavors that have played a pivotal role in the success of Mayweather Promotions. “After years of hard work and dedication, Leonard has made the heartfelt decision to step down as CEO to spend more time with his family and loved ones. We have the utmost respect for his decision and are incredibly grateful for his leadership that has helped shape Mayweather Promotions into the thriving organization it is today.” Ellerbe, a trusted adviser to Mayweather since the early days of his illustrious career, has been the only person to hold the CEO title at Mayweather Promotions. While rumors of his exit had circulated, the official confirmation still came as a surprise. The appointment of Schaefer, a prominent figure in the boxing world, adds an unexpected twist. Schaefer, who collaborated with Oscar De La Hoya at Golden Boy Promotions from 2000 to 2016, later founded Ringstar Sports and Probellum, with mixed results. Despite this, his past success with Mayweather’s major fights ensures a promising partnership as he steps into his new role. “Floyd and I have been friends for a long\ time, and we have obviously had great success,” Schaefer told on Thursday. “I was very fortunate to promote many of his biggest fights, breaking pay-per-view records, and there was always a mutual respect between the two of us." Schaefer lauded Mayweather’s achievements in the ring and emphasized the fighter’s broader influence. “He’s a global icon, he’s a global brand,” Schaefer said. “He has, like – what? – 30 million Instagram followers. To put that in perspective, that’s twice Tom Brady’s. That just shows you the kind of reach Floyd has. He really is a brand. And I think there’s a tremendous opportunity to expand that brand within boxing and outside of boxing as well.” Eager to blend his business expertise with Mayweather’s unparalleled talent-scouting skills, Schaefer is optimistic about the future. “Floyd can speak with these fighters because he knows the ins, the outs, the ups and downs, the good, the bad and the ugly,” Schaefer said. “I’m going to be spending a lot of time with Floyd, sitting down, going through all of that and putting together the right plan to continue to build these fighters up. He has the best eye for talent." Schaefer is not just enthusiastic about his new role but also about the overall trajectory of boxing. He envisions potential collaborations, including with Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority chairman Turki Alalshikh, a major power broker in the sport.

On Thursday night, PFL 4 delivered an action-packed event at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. The main event featured a highly anticipated heavyweight trilogy matchup between Linton Vassell and Valentin Moldavsky. In a closely contested battle, Vassell emerged victorious via split decision, landing more damaging blows and dropping Moldavsky with a big knee. Despite the victory, Vassell missed out on the heavyweight playoffs due to an earlier loss in the regular season. Moldavsky, already locked for the playoffs, will face teammate Oleg Popov in the semifinals. In the co-main event, Dakota Ditcheva put on a spectacular performance against Chelsea Hackett, earning the No. 1 seed in the flyweight playoffs. Ditcheva dropped Hackett almost immediately and maintained relentless pressure, finishing the fight with a ruthless body shot. Ditcheva's dominant win sets up a playoff showdown with Jenna Bishop. The featured fight saw Denis Goltsov secure his place in the fifth PFL playoffs with a dominant victory over Thiago Santos. Goltsov caught Santos with a check hook early, dropping him and following up with ground control and punches until the referee stopped the bout. Goltsov enters the playoffs as the No. 1 seed at heavyweight and will face Tim Johnson in the semifinals. The main card opener featured Liz Carmouche earning a spot in the flyweight playoffs with a dramatic comeback victory over Kana Watanabe. In a rematch of their 2021 Bellator bout, Carmouche was on the brink of an upset until she locked in an armbar in the final 10 seconds to secure the win. On the prelims, Oleg Popov and Taila Santos both clinched spots in the heavyweight and flyweight playoffs, respectively, further intensifying the competition in the PFL playoffs.

Mikey Musumeci's victory over Gabriel Sousa at ONE 167 on Prime Video last Friday, June 7, marked a pivotal moment in his distinguished career. Competing at bantamweight, the reigning ONE Flyweight Submission Grappling World Champion needed just over three minutes to defeat Sousa in front of a sold-out crowd at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand. In this highly anticipated rematch, "Darth Rigatoni" forced his Brazilian rival to submit with a rare calf slicer. The victory was not only a display of technical skill but also an intensely personal and emotional triumph for Musumeci. After the match, Musumeci's emotions overflowed, leading to an unusually fiery post-fight interview. The American grappling star admitted that his anger had taken over, underscoring how much the rematch with Sousa meant to him. Sousa had persistently harassed Musumeci, discrediting his achievements and accusing him of avoidance. These provocations deeply affected Musumeci, bringing back memories of similar encounters from his childhood. This connection to his past fueled his determination to win decisively. “It was just more about me finally shutting him up. The day before, he tried to make me flinch. He was walking chest out with me. And he brought out a part of me from when I was a kid,” Musumeci explained. “I’m not really a tough guy, and my whole life competing with these alpha-macho people, and they always would act tough, and I like action. So it just brought out me as a kid, always dealing with this type of people.” With his redemption achieved and the burden of his initial loss to Sousa lifted, Musumeci is now ready to move forward. His victory at ONE 167 not only showcased his technical prowess but also highlighted the emotional journey behind his win. As he continues his career, this triumph over Sousa will undoubtedly stand as a testament to his resilience and determination.

The historic first UFC card in Saudi Arabia has experienced a major shake-up in its main event. Khamzat Chimaev, initially slated to headline, has been forced to withdraw after falling "violently ill." Stepping in for Chimaev is rising middleweight prospect Ikram Aliskerov, who will now face former UFC champion Robert Whittaker on June 22 in Riyadh. UFC CEO Dana White announced the lineup change on Thursday, marking a significant shift in the highly anticipated event. Chimaev, who had been aiming for a title shot with a win over the seasoned Whittaker, will have to delay his ambitions until he recovers. For Aliskerov, this marks the opportunity of a lifetime. Originally scheduled to compete in the co-main event at UFC Vegas 93 this Saturday at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Aliskerov will now face Whittaker in the main event in Saudi Arabia. The 31-year-old Russian has been dominant in his UFC run, dispatching his first two opponents in under five minutes combined, with knockouts over Warlley Alves and Phil Hawes. His only career loss came in 2019 to Chimaev. Whittaker, known for his technical skills and resilience, now faces a different challenge with Aliskerov stepping in. The former middleweight champion's experience will be tested against the rising star's aggressive style. The UFC Saudi Arabia event, now headlined by Whittaker vs. Aliskerov, is set to be a historic occasion on June 22. The change in the main event adds an element of unpredictability, with Aliskerov poised to seize the biggest opportunity of his career.

With a high-profile boxing match against Mike Tyson set for November, Jake Paul is aiming to make his MMA debut beforehand at UFC 303, targeting bantamweight champion Sean O'Malley. Initially scheduled to face Tyson on July 20, Paul's fight was postponed to November 15 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, due to a medical issue with the boxing legend. Now, Paul is looking to stay active by stepping into the cage for the first time, targeting a crossover bout between the UFC and PFL later this month. “100% will kill O’Malley in MMA,” Paul wrote on X. “He’s a small man. PFL Vs UFC June 29th.” O'Malley, the current UFC bantamweight champion, fights at 135 pounds. In contrast, Paul, who is preparing for a heavyweight boxing bout against Tyson, weighed in at 200 pounds for his last fight against Ryan Bourland in March. This size disparity adds an intriguing, albeit highly improbable, element to Paul's challenge. Paul signed a multi-fight contract with the PFL in January to compete in their Super Fight pay-per-view events. Initially, PFL CEO Pete Murray indicated that Paul would make his MMA debut in 2025 following the Tyson fight. However, with the postponement of the Tyson bout, Paul seems eager to accelerate his timeline. While the prospect of Paul fighting O'Malley in the octagon is virtually non-existent, the possibility of Paul making his MMA debut against a more appropriately sized opponent under the PFL banner remains. UFC 303, already facing uncertainty due to the potential cancellation of the Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler main event, could see some unexpected shake-ups if Paul's plans come to fruition. PFL is set to host 2024 PFL 6 on June 28, just a day before UFC 303. Given the promotion's previous statements on handling Paul’s MMA debut, it seems unlikely he would fight on such short notice. However, Paul's unpredictable nature means anything is possible.

The highly anticipated bout between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler at UFC 303 is facing significant uncertainty, leaving fans and the promotion in a state of anxiety. The UFC 303 main event, scheduled for June 29 in Las Vegas, hit a major roadblock last week when a planned Dublin press conference was abruptly postponed without explanation. This sudden change sparked concerns about the fight's viability, leading to widespread speculation and reports that the UFC was considering alternative plans for their marquee International Fight Week event. Ariel Helwani provided an update on the fluctuating optimism surrounding the fight. Initially, there was a great deal of positivity, with assurances that the fight would proceed as planned. However, Helwani revealed that the UFC has been exploring backup options, indicating the fight's precarious status. Despite these initial reassurances, the situation has become increasingly murky. "There was some concern, there was some doubt, there were roadblocks," he said. As the week progressed, it became clear that the UFC was reaching out to fighters and managers to explore potential replacements. The primary concern appears to be with McGregor, as Helwani noted that Chandler was still ready to proceed with the fight. This ongoing uncertainty has left many wondering whether the fight will actually take place. Helwani concluded with a sobering assessment, stating, "I would say this fight is very much in limbo. The UFC is working very, very hard right now to figure out a Plan B. The Plan B could be someone stepping in to fight Chandler, the Plan C could be a whole new fight." While the exact nature of the obstacles remains unclear, Damon Martin confirmed with sources that the fight is jeopardized due to an issue with McGregor. With UFC 303 just a few weeks away, the promotion faces the daunting task of securing a suitable replacement on such short notice.

Former UFC bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz isn't shying away from calling out his long-desired opponent, Jose Aldo.  With Aldo's recent return to the Octagon at UFC 301 sparking fan interest in a potential clash, Cruz is voicing his frustration. A Matchup Fans Crave: "That fight would be a banger," Cruz declared on the Overdogs Podcast, "and I'm definitely open to it." The possibility of this matchup has eluded fans for years, dating back to their WEC days when both dominated their respective weight classes. Questionable Reasons for Saying No? Cruz takes issue with Aldo's reported reason for declining the fight - Cruz's current unranked status. "I took myself out of the rankings," Cruz explained, "but that doesn't mean I wouldn't fight a ranked opponent.  Fighting ranked fighters is what I get paid to do." He further criticizes Aldo's choice of opponent, Jonathan Martinez, who also wasn't ranked at the time of their fight (though Martinez currently holds the 14th spot).  "So the ranking excuse doesn't hold water," Cruz stated. Free Agency Maneuvers? Cruz suggests Aldo might have had other motives.  "Maybe he just wanted to fight someone who wouldn't be a tough challenge and potentially jeopardize his free agency negotiations," Cruz speculated. The Fight Lives On: Regardless of the past, Cruz remains hopeful. "Ultimately, he needed to fulfill his contract the way he saw fit," Cruz acknowledged. "But hopefully, this fight can still happen before one of us hangs up the gloves." Whether Cruz's assessment of Aldo's motivations is accurate remains unclear.  One thing is certain - fans are eager to see this potential dream matchup come to life.

The BJJ world is caught in a chokehold of surprise. Ralek Gracie, a name synonymous with both grappling glory and financial controversy, has emerged from a seven-year competitive slumber. His target? The Craig Jones Invitational (CJI) +80kg division and its cool $1 million prize. But there's a twist - Gracie claims he'll use the money to pay off the debts owed to athletes by his defunct promotion, Metamoris. Metamoris: From Gleaming Showcase to Ghost Town Metamoris was once the crown jewel of professional grappling. Under Ralek Gracie's leadership, it hosted legendary clashes between icons like Renzo Gracie and Kazushi Sakuraba.  Epic moments like Josh Barnett's win over Dean Lister are still replayed with reverence.  However, financial mismanagement and accusations of unpaid athlete purses tarnished Metamoris' reputation. By 2017, the promotion had folded, leaving behind a trail of disgruntled competitors and broken promises. A Self-Styled Savior in a Gi? Gracie's return is a martial arts soap opera in the making.  His announcement casts him as a white knight - a BJJ Robin Hood aiming to right his wrongs. "The curse has been lifted!" he declares on Instagram, praising CJI founder Craig Jones for "challenging the status quo." One key detail? Craig Jones himself hasn't commented on this supposed partnership. Promises, Promises... Will They Materialize? Skepticism hangs heavy in the air.  Clark Gracie, Ralek's cousin and a Metamoris creditor, echoed the doubts of many on social media.  "Does this mean we finally get what we're owed?" he questioned.  Clark's pointed comment underscores the lingering distrust surrounding Metamoris' unresolved debts. A Glimmer of Hope, or Just Hype? Despite the controversy, Ralek Gracie outlines a future for Metamoris.  "Reconcile with all athletes and partners," he vows, "and bring back Metamoris sooner than later." The BJJ community is watching with cautious optimism, but the path ahead is littered with obstacles. A Pivotal Point for BJJ? Ralek Gracie's million-dollar gamble is a high-stakes roll.  Can he recapture past glory after such a long absence from competition?  Will his promise to settle Metamoris debts become a reality?  Only time will tell.  One thing is undeniable - Ralek Gracie's return to the spotlight has sparked a critical conversation about athlete compensation and financial responsibility in BJJ.  This could be a turning point for the sport, or simply another flashy maneuver in a career filled with them. The outcome remains to be seen, but the BJJ world is waiting with bated breath.

It seems Israel Adesanya is gearing up for a return to the octagon, setting the stage for an anticipated showdown later this year. The former UFC middleweight champion is expected to challenge his rival and new champion, Dricus du Plessis, with the promotion reportedly targeting UFC 305 on August 18 in Perth, Western Australia. Adesanya recently took to his YouTube channel, “The Last Stylebender,” to discuss his potential return. He shared insights into the new elements of his strength and conditioning program and revealed a fresh mindset for his fighting career. “How excited am I to get back in the octagon? I’m excited,” Adesanya said. “I’m excited, it’s been a year — almost a year, like 11 months by the time I get back in the octagon. People are like, ‘Oh, I hope you get the belt back, I hope you get the belt back,’ I have belts. I don’t need any more belts. I’m coming for heads. That’s what I want to do." In his most recent bout, Adesanya lost the middleweight title to Sean Strickland in the main event of UFC 293 this past September. This marked his second loss in his past three fights. After initially losing the title to multi-time opponent Alex Pereira at UFC 281 in November 2022, Adesanya bounced back with a brutal knockout win over Pereira five months later at UFC 287. Dricus du Plessis, Adesanya’s expected opponent, has been on an impressive nine-fight winning streak. He captured the middleweight gold at UFC 297 in January, defeating Strickland via split decision. Adesanya's approach to his return has been measured and deliberate. He promises that when he steps back into the octagon, it will be in an emphatic fashion. “I’m excited to come back, but everything comes at its own time,” Adesanya said. “So right now it’s just the time for training, chilling, working, relaxing, healing. And then when it’s time, time for killing.” With Adesanya’s focus sharpened and his determination renewed, fans can expect a thrilling battle when “The Last Stylebender” steps back into the cage, aiming not just for belts, but for the heads of his opponents.