Boxing icon Manny Pacquiao is gearing up for an exciting return to the ring, facing RIZIN featherweight champion Chihiro Suzuki in a three-round boxing exhibition at Super RIZIN 3 in Saitama, Japan, on July 28. The thrilling announcement was made during RIZIN 47 in Tokyo, creating a wave of anticipation among combat sports enthusiasts. This exhibition match, featuring "special standing bout rules," will be contested at a catchweight of 150 pounds, with three-minute rounds. Despite being an exhibition, the bout promises intense action, as it pits one of boxing’s most celebrated figures against a rising MMA star. Pacquiao, who holds a stellar professional record of 62-8-2 with 39 knockouts, last fought officially in 2021 in Las Vegas, where his three-fight winning streak was snapped by Yordenis Ugas. However, he bounced back with a victory over DK Yoo in an exhibition match in South Korea in December 2022, proving his enduring prowess. Suzuki, with an MMA record of 13-3 and one no-contest, has been on a hot streak in RIZIN, remaining unbeaten in his last nine fights, with eight wins. The no-contest came from a submission loss to Kleber Koike, which was overturned due to Koike's missing weight. Suzuki is also set to fight Takanori Gomi in a boxing match on June 23, just a month before his bout with Pacquiao. This exhibition is a must-watch event, blending the best of boxing and MMA. Fans can expect a captivating clash as Pacquiao’s legendary skills face off against Suzuki’s dynamic talent and determination. With both fighters eager to showcase their abilities, the July 28 event promises to be an unforgettable spectacle in combat sports history.

The grappling world is abuzz with anticipation! After a health-enforced hiatus, the pound-for-pound king, Gordon Ryan, is set to make a triumphant return at WNO 24 in Austin, Texas. Buckle up, fight fans, because this isn't just any comeback – it's a clash of titans. Ryan, the reigning WNO Heavyweight Champion and ADCC Super Fight Champion, hasn't graced the mats in months. But fear not, his competitive spirit burns brighter than ever. Boasting a staggering 55-match unbeaten streak, Ryan's dominance remains unmatched.  With the prestigious 2024 ADCC World Championships looming in August (and a grudge match with Yuri Simoes already brewing), the pressure is on for grappling's biggest star. But Ryan isn't one to shy away from a challenge. On just a few weeks' notice, he'll face a formidable foe – the two-time ADCC Trials Champion, Josh Saunders.  This Aussie powerhouse is a force to be reckoned with, mirroring (and potentially even surpassing) Ryan's raw physical strength in key areas. Remember the name, Josh Saunders. This WNO debut marks his audacious attempt to dethrone the king himself. Get ready for a clash of styles! Ryan, the master of escapes, leg locks, guard passing, and back attacks, will square off against Saunders, the athletic marvel known for his blend of size and agility. This June 20th showdown promises to be an epic battle for grappling supremacy. Will Ryan reclaim his throne with a dominant performance? Or will Saunders pull off the unthinkable and usher in a new era? Don't blink, fight fans – history might be made in Austin!

Kai Asakura has officially vacated his RIZIN bantamweight title to join the UFC. The announcement came during Sunday’s RIZIN 47 event in Tokyo, marking a significant shift in the career of the two-time RIZIN champion. Asakura, who holds a 13-3 record in RIZIN, moves to the UFC after consecutive wins over Yuki Motoya and Juan Archuleta, reclaiming his title in December 2023. The UFC has yet to confirm Asakura’s signing or provide details on his debut fight. However, Asakura made his intentions clear: “I am giving up my belt and going to the UFC. I think there will be an announcement from the UFC soon, but it’s official that I’m going. This should be exciting news, but right now I feel very lonely. I believe that thanks to RIZIN, I, who was originally no one, was recognized as a fighter, a martial artist, a man. And last year, on New Year’s Eve, it was Mr. Sakakibara who accepted my selfish request to go to the UFC without a single defense. I would like to thank Mr. Sakakibara from the bottom of my heart for his support. Thank you very much.” Asakura’s time in RIZIN has been marked by notable victories over fighters like Kyoji Horiguchi, Manel Kape, and Ulka Sasaki. Reflecting on his journey, Asakura said, “There’s a regret that I lost three main games in a row on New Year’s Eve, but I also became a champion twice. I love RIZIN and its fans. I will definitely become a champion at UFC and I will bring fans from all over the world with me, so make sure to look forward to it. I hope you will continue to support me.” Asakura’s transition to the UFC is set to bring new excitement to the bantamweight division, and fans eagerly await his debut. With his impressive record and determination, Asakura is poised to make a significant impact in the octagon.

Kyoji Horiguchi achieved a triumphant redemption in a captivating main event at RIZIN 47, held at the Yoyogi National Stadium in Tokyo on Sunday. Horiguchi earned a unanimous decision win against Sergio Pettis, avenging his 2021 defeat in Bellator. Their first bout at Bellator 272 saw Pettis snatch a dramatic spinning back fist knockout to claim the Bellator bantamweight title after trailing on the scorecards. This time, Horiguchi effectively blended striking and wrestling, controlling the first two rounds and keeping Pettis off balance. The third round saw Pettis mount a strong offensive, knocking Horiguchi down with a short hook as the RIZIN flyweight champion advanced. However, Horiguchi weathered the storm and secured the unanimous decision, laying to rest the memory of his previous loss. In the co-main event, former Bellator and RIZIN bantamweight champion Juan Archuleta was swiftly defeated by former RIZIN featherweight champion Kleber Koike Erbst. Archuleta caught a lackluster kick from Erbst and took him down, but Erbst immediately rolled into a leg lock. After a scramble, Erbst locked in a heel hook, forcing Archuleta to tap out. The event featured several standout performances. Przemyslaw Kowalczyk extended his undefeated streak to 4-0 with a skillful armbar submission over Mikio Ueda. Razhabali Shaydullaev maintained his perfect record at 10-0, winning via first-round rear-naked choke against Koji Takeda. Bellator veteran Spike Carlyle returned to winning form with a first-round rear-naked choke submission over Kyung Pyo Kim. Main Card Results: Kyoji Horiguchi def. Sergio Pettis via unanimous decision Kleber Koike Erbst def. Juan Archuleta via submission (heel hook) — Round 1, 2:08 Przemyslaw Kowalczyk def. Mikio Ueda via submission (armbar) — Round 1, 2:08 Razhabali Shaydullaev def. Koji Takeda via submission (rear-naked choke) — Round 1, 4:43 Spike Carlyle def. Kyung Pyo Kim via submission (rear-naked choke) — Round 3, 1:11 Karshyga Dautbek def. Tetsuya Seki via KO (body shot) — Round 1, 3:11 Noah Bey def. Johnny Case via unanimous decision Genji Umeno def. Mamoru Uoi via unanimous decision (modified kickboxing match) Sho Patrick Usami def. Kazuki Tokudome via TKO (punches) — Round 1, 2:29 RIZIN 47 delivered high-level action and showcased elite talent, reaffirming the promotion's reputation for thrilling fights.

Less than a week separates Frank Martin from a collision course with destiny. On fight night at the MGM Grand, the 29-year-old (18-0, 12 KOs) faces a triple threat: his first world title shot, a pay-per-view debut, and a potential history-making upset against the undefeated champion, Gervonta "Tank" Davis (29-0, 27 KOs). Davis is boxing royalty in waiting. Nicknamed "Tank" for a reason, he's the sport's golden boy, headlining pay-per-view events one after another. Canelo Alvarez might still be king, but Davis' meteoric rise is impossible to ignore. But Martin isn't fazed by the glittering lights surrounding Davis. He sees this fight as his chance to rewrite his own narrative. A self-described "late bloomer" who started boxing at 17, Martin has always been the underdog. His journey involved years of grinding in regional fights before a collaboration with trainer Derrick James propelled him onto the national scene. His breakthrough came in 2022 with a dominant win over Michel Rivera, solidifying his place as a contender in the stacked lightweight division. While Davis entered the professional ranks with a decorated amateur background and instant hype, Martin's path was paved with sweat and perseverance. The oddsmakers might favor Davis, but Martin is undeterred. "I believe in myself," he declares, a quiet fire burning in his eyes. Despite a near year-and-a-half layoff, Martin expects the best version of Davis, the one known for finishing fights with frightening efficiency. He envisions fight night as his grand unveiling, a chance to showcase the arsenal that's been under construction for years. "Everyone knows what 'Tank' brings," Martin says, a hint of defiance in his voice. "But they haven't seen my full package yet." This fight is more than just a title shot; it's a clash between two contrasting paths to the top. Can the underdog derail the hype train? Will the boxing world witness a new star emerge from the shadows?  The lights of Las Vegas are ready to shine on a showdown that promises fireworks. Buckle up, fight fans, because this one's going to be a barnburner.

Polaris, known for its exciting grappling tournaments, has announced its first-ever gi grand prix scheduled for September 7th, 2024. The promotion has been ramping up its focus on tournaments, including men's and women's grand prix events, which have produced memorable moments and highlights. The decision to introduce a gi grand prix comes after the success of a fantastic absolute grand prix in late 2023. While continuing to host regular tournaments, Polaris remains true to its roots by featuring superfights as the main attraction in other events. Polaris 28, set to feature a series of superfights culminating in a main event between Yoel Romero and Owen Livesey, is a testament to this approach. Despite the anticipation building for Polaris 28, the promotion is already planning its next event. The announcement of the gi grand prix at Polaris 29 is expected to be well-received by fans, particularly as it will take place towards the end of the year when there are no major IBJJF events to compete with. The gi grand prix at Polaris 29 will see eight elite grapplers vying for a grand prize of $25,000, one of the largest prizes ever offered for a gi tournament. For comparison, The Crown awards $15,000 per division, and BJJ Stars stages gi tournaments with a prize of R$100,000, equivalent to under $20,000. This makes Polaris 29 a lucrative opportunity for gi competitors to earn more than many have ever made in a single night. The only comparable prize can be found in the IBJJF Absolute Grand Prix, which awards $40,000 to the winner but is held only on rare occasions. Polaris announced the gi grand prix for Polaris 29 in a recent post on their official Instagram account, generating excitement among the grappling community.

Daniel “Chucky” Barrera faced a formidable challenge but emerged victorious against Christian Robles in a closely contested bout on Friday at the Chumash Casino in Santa Ynez, California. The 22-year-old Barrera, who now holds a record of 7-0-1 with 4 KOs, secured a unanimous decision win with scores of 77-75 (twice) and 79-73. However, Barrera acknowledged the difficulty of the match. His opponent, the 27-year-old Robles (8-3, 3 KOs), proved to be a determined and rugged adversary throughout the eight rounds. “I knew this guy Christian was going to be tough,” said Barrera, who had sparred with Robles earlier this year. “He was tougher than I expected.” Barrera attributed his slow start to the unfamiliarity of an eight-round bout and a cut he sustained in the fifth round, which bled throughout the fight. Robles’ aggressive style posed significant challenges for Barrera, who prefers a counterpunching approach. “I got head-butted most of the time,” Barrera said with a chuckle. “But it is boxing. It happens. He was very rugged, very awkward as well. When you think he is going to do this, he does something else. So it was hard to pick up on his timing. “Like I said, I have things to work on. Instead of one shot, I need to answer with three or four shots.” Barrera hinted at a potential return in August, with BoxRec listing a 360 Promotions card for August 31 at the Chumash Casino in Santa Ynez. If he is cleared to fight after Friday’s cut, this event could feature his next match. Barrera has already fought three times this year, including twice at Chumash. Reflecting on his performance, Barrera expressed his intention to continue fighting eight-round bouts for the foreseeable future. “I already felt the mistakes in there,” Barrera said. “I talked with my team in the back room after the fight, and we know what we have to work on.”

Ryan Garcia has found himself in trouble once again. The 25-year-old boxer was arrested on Saturday afternoon on suspicion of felony vandalism at the Beverly Hills Waldorf Astoria. Alleged Incident TMZ Sports released footage of a shirtless Garcia being escorted in handcuffs by law enforcement. According to the report, authorities apprehended Garcia for allegedly causing damage to property in his hotel room and a hallway. The video showed Garcia with his head covered by a helmet. Manager's Response Garcia’s manager, Guadalupe Valencia, spoke to BoxingScene on Saturday evening, stating he was preparing a news release in response to the arrest. Valencia mentioned that he could not confirm the accuracy of all details in the TMZ report, as they were still gathering information. Turbulent Year Garcia, who previously held a news conference for his 2023 fight against Gervonta Davis at the same hotel, has experienced a tumultuous year. Despite securing a surprising victory over the previously unbeaten WBC lightweight champion Devin Haney in April, Garcia's triumph was overshadowed by controversies. He weighed in over the bout’s 140-pound limit, forfeiting the title, and subsequently tested positive for the banned substance ostarine in two pre-fight drug tests. Potential Consequences The New York State Athletic Commission is currently deliberating potential penalties for Garcia, including suspension, fines, and possibly changing his victory over Haney to a no-contest or a disqualification loss, as requested by Haney’s attorney. Personal Struggles On social media, Garcia has expressed distress over his mother’s recent breast cancer diagnosis. TMZ reported that police conducted a welfare check on Garcia at the hotel on Wednesday following a concern raised by one of his family members. Dispute with Promoter Earlier on Saturday, Garcia publicly criticized his promoter, Golden Boy, and streaming partner DAZN, accusing them of not paying his full share from the Haney fight. Haney appeared to confirm this claim with a post on social media. Under the Influence TMZ reported that Garcia seemed to be under the influence at the time of his arrest but complied peacefully with law enforcement.

Savannah Marshall's MMA debut at PFL Europe 2 was a resounding success, showcasing her skills and setting up a highly anticipated rematch. On Saturday, Marshall headlined the event against Mirela Vargas at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle, England. Despite a few challenging moments, Marshall secured a first-round TKO victory, demonstrating her power and adaptability in the cage. Vargas, a former accomplished kickboxer, initially posed a threat with her leg kicks, repeatedly taking Marshall off her feet. However, the "Silent Assassin" quickly rebounded, unleashing a series of effective boxing combinations. Vargas then attempted to leverage her BJJ purple belt for takedowns and grappling, but Marshall's training with UFC interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall paid off as she consistently got back to her feet, nearly taking Vargas’s back at one point. Ultimately, Marshall's power punching overwhelmed Vargas. She delivered a heavy combination, followed by a relentless barrage of hooks and uppercuts that forced the referee to stop the contest. The victory highlighted Marshall's potential in MMA, adding to her impressive combat sports resume. Following her win, Marshall wasted no time addressing top pound-for-pound female boxer and former opponent Claressa Shields, who was present cage side. "Where’s me pal, Claressa?" Marshall shouted. "See that? That’s how you get up off the floor, babe!" Shields, who also competes in PFL with a 2-1 record, previously fought Marshall in boxing in 2022, winning a unanimous decision to claim the undisputed middleweight title. The two fighters' rivalry added excitement to the evening as Shields entered the cage and seemingly agreed to an MMA rematch. "Are we getting it on in the cage or what?" Marshall challenged. "Let’s do it. Full MMA rules. Let’s go!" The potential MMA showdown between Marshall and Shields promises to be a thrilling encounter, bringing together two of the most formidable women in combat sports for another epic clash.

In a standout performance at UFC Louisville, 19-year-old prospect Raul Rosas Jr secured a significant victory over Ricky Turcios, showcasing his evolving skills inside the octagon. The bout began with high tension as Turcios refused to touch gloves and shouted an expletive at Rosas. However, this resistance did little to stop Rosas, who took Turcios down within the first minute of the opening round. Turcios managed to escape and even took Rosas' back, nearly locking in a rear-naked choke. Rosas demonstrated his strength by surviving the attempt and reversing positions, nearly securing a submission of his own before the round ended. In the second round, Rosas wasted no time resuming his aggressive strategy. After another swift takedown, he secured a body triangle, positioning himself for a rear-naked choke. Despite Turcios' efforts to resist, Rosas expertly adjusted his hold, slipping the choke under Turcios' chin. The pressure proved too much, and Turcios tapped out at 2:22 of the second round. After his victory, Rosas expressed his excitement and ambition. “Dana, $100g’s, it’s time to go big!” he exclaimed. “I’m 19 years old now. I want to buy my mother a house; it would be such a blessing to be able to do it right now. I don’t know who [is next], but September in the Sphere baby, let’s go!” Rosas' maturity and composure in the fight demonstrated his rapid development as a fighter. His ability to execute a strategic game plan and adapt under pressure highlighted his potential as a rising star in the UFC. With UFC 306 set to take place at the Sphere in Las Vegas to celebrate Mexican Independence Day, Rosas has positioned himself as a prime candidate for the card, looking to build on his impressive 9-1 record.

Nassourdine Imavov achieved the biggest victory of his career in the UFC Louisville main event, though not without a touch of controversy. The match was held at the KFC Yum! Center saw Imavov triumph over Jared Cannonier, but the nature of the stoppage left many fans questioning the outcome. Imavov appeared to be rolling towards a knockout when referee Jason Herzog footed in and halted the fight at 1:34 in the fourth round. The end came after Imavov landed a powerful right hand that left Cannonier on wobbly legs. Imavov then unleashed a calculated combination while carefully avoiding any potential counterattack from Cannonier, who was still dangerous despite his precarious state. As Imavov continued his offensive onslaught, Cannonier turned his back and sought some breathing room. Although Cannonier remained conscious and on his feet, Herzog decided he had noticed enough and ceased the contest. The decision was met with boos from the crowd, but Imavov defended Herzog's call. “I was ready to continue the fight if the fight was willing to continue,” Imavov said after the win. “The referee, that’s his job, that’s what he does on a daily basis. So I think he did the right decision but I was ready to keep going if that was the decision.” Before the controversial stoppage, the middleweights had engaged in a back-and-forth battle through the first three rounds. Cannonier came out aggressively in the opening round, mixing head-hunting with clinch work to slow down Imavov. Imavov displayed good speed, catching Cannonier with slick combinations, while Cannonier responded with stiff punches of his own. Cannonier’s strategy included frequent returns to the clinch, aiming to wear down Imavov over five rounds. However, Imavov found success with a stinging right hand that consistently tagged Cannonier. Cannonier retaliated with heavy shots, forcing Imavov to remain cautious and avoid overextending himself. The decisive moment came in the fourth round when Imavov stunned Cannonier with a well-timed counter right hand. Imavov later explained that he had identified this tendency in Cannonier’s game and exploited it during the fight. Despite the controversy, Imavov secured a significant win, becoming the first middleweight to finish Cannonier. Now, Imavov has his sights set on a rematch with former champion Sean Strickland. “My goal is to get the belt,” Imavov stated. “I’d like to fight Sean Strickland in Paris. So Sean Strickland, if you want to do it, come to Paris and we’re going to fight together.” Their first encounter took place at light heavyweight, with Strickland earning a unanimous decision victory in January 2023. Imavov is eager for a rematch, but it remains to be seen if Strickland will accept the challenge.

Phil De Fries showcased his dominance once again in the octagon by successfully defending his heavyweight title against UFC veteran Augusto Sakai at KSW 95. The event, held with much anticipation, saw De Fries solidifying his reign with a performance that left fans and critics alike in awe. From the opening bell, it was clear that De Fries had come prepared. Utilizing his superior grappling and striking skills, he managed to control the fight's pace, never giving Sakai a moment to breathe. De Fries' strategy was evident: keep Sakai on the back foot, wear him down, and wait for the perfect opportunity to strike. In the second round, De Fries' relentless pressure paid off. He managed to take Sakai down with a well-executed double-leg takedown, landing in a dominant position. From there, he unleashed a barrage of strikes, forcing the referee to step in and stop the fight, awarding De Fries a TKO victory. The crowd erupted in cheers as De Fries stood tall, his heavyweight belt secure around his waist. Sakai, despite the loss, showed immense sportsmanship. He acknowledged De Fries' superior performance and vowed to come back stronger. KSW 95 proved to be a thrilling event, with De Fries' performance being the  highlight of the night. Fans are already speculating about who will challenge the dominant champion next. With his current form, De Fries looks set to continue his reign at the top of the heavyweight division for the foreseeable future.