The boxing world is reeling after news that Ryan Garcia's B samples confirmed positive results for the banned substance ostarine. This comes after Garcia's initial victory over Devin Haney, Bill Haney's son, at the April 20th fight in Brooklyn. Garcia, who floored Devin Haney three times before securing a majority decision win, now faces potential consequences for the doping violation. Both his April 19th and 20th samples tested positive for ostarine. While Garcia maintains his innocence and blames contamination, the positive B sample results add another layer of controversy to the fight. Bill Haney, unsurprisingly, has taken a strong stance against Garcia. "Clearly, there's nothing you can do with this guy but get him out of the sport," Bill Haney told TMZ. He further criticized the situation, calling it "terrible for sports in general" and a blow to the integrity of boxing. Beyond potential sanctions from the New York State Athletic Commission, which could include a suspension, fines, or even a reversal of Garcia's win, Bill Haney also questioned the possibility of a rematch. "I don't know what to tell them," Haney Sr. said, referencing his children. "The Haneys – we're fair. We believe in hard work, and I feel undermined." Garcia's behavior throughout the situation, from the pre-fight build-up to the post-fight doping revelation, has left the Haney camp feeling disrespected. Bill Haney expressed his disappointment, stating, "For [Garcia] to sign up to [test positive] and now to make a mockery of the sport, it's just terrible." The future of Garcia's career and the validity of his win over Devin Haney now rests with the New York State Athletic Commission. One thing seems certain: the boxing world will be closely watching the fallout from this doping scandal.

As the anticipation builds for UFC 303, Leon "Rocky" Edwards has made his intentions clear: he wants Conor McGregor next. Fresh off his impressive streak, Edwards is set to face a formidable opponent in the octagon, but his eyes are already on the future. Should he emerge victorious, he has his sights set on one of the most notorious figures in MMA history. In an exclusive interview, Edwards did not mince words about his ambitions. "That’s the fight,” Edwards declared. “The fans want it, I want it, and I believe it’s the perfect match-up. Conor’s a legend in this sport, and taking him on would be a monumental moment in my career.” Edwards, currently on a significant winning streak, has been a rising star in the UFC welterweight division. His precision striking and relentless pace have made him a formidable opponent for anyone in the cage. With a potential victory at UFC 303, Edwards believes he has earned the right to a high-profile bout with McGregor. McGregor, known for his charismatic persona and explosive fighting style, has been relatively quiet since his last outing. However, his name still carries immense weight in the MMA world, making any potential fight involving him a blockbuster event. Edwards vs. McGregor would undoubtedly draw massive attention from fans and media alike, promising an electrifying encounter. The prospect of this fight isn’t just about the competition; it’s also about the legacy. Edwards understands that facing McGregor isn’t just another bout – it’s an opportunity to cement his name in the annals of UFC history. “To be the best, you have to beat the best. Conor has been the pinnacle of this sport for years, and defeating him would be a defining moment for me,” Edwards emphasized. For McGregor, a fight with Edwards could represent a chance to reaffirm his dominance in the sport. After all, a victory against a top contender like Edwards could propel him back into the title picture. On the other hand, Edwards sees this as his moment to shine, to prove that he belongs among the elite and to possibly carve out his path to a title shot. As UFC 303 approaches, the MMA community buzzes with speculation and excitement. Will Edwards secure the win and set the stage for a showdown with McGregor? One thing is certain: the potential clash between these two titans of the sport has all the ingredients for an unforgettable fight night.

Francis Ngannou's fighting future is on hold as he grieves the tragic loss of his young son earlier this month. The former UFC heavyweight champion took to social media on May 1st to express his heartbreak, leaving fans and the MMA community concerned about his well-being. Ngannou's coach, Dewey Cooper, confirmed that fighting is the furthest thing from the fighter's mind right now. "We're not even thinking about fighting at all," Cooper said, emphasizing the devastating nature of Ngannou's loss. "There is nothing in this world... that is more tragic that your kid passing away." Ngannou's recent foray into boxing has been impressive. He pushed Tyson Fury to the limit in his debut and displayed power against Anthony Joshua in their February bout, though ultimately losing in the second round. However, Cooper emphasizes that Ngannou's focus is solely on healing. "He's taking it day by day," Cooper continued. "My heart is just with him. I just wish him healing and somehow to be able to live with this." While Cooper himself is involved with Mike Tyson's upcoming fight, he remains in touch with Ngannou, offering support during this difficult time. "We talk," Cooper added. "I would like to see him do whatever his heart desires." He acknowledges Ngannou's successful MMA career and his impressive boxing debut against Fury. The heavyweight division is currently abuzz with Usyk's undisputed champion status and the upcoming clash between Hrgovic and Dubois. While Cooper previously hoped for a rematch with Fury, he acknowledges Usyk's skills and predicted his win over the former champion. With the heavyweight scene in flux and Ngannou's grief still fresh, it remains unclear whether and when the fighter will return to the ring. Fans and the MMA community stand by, offering their support and hoping for Ngannou's strength during this challenging time.

In a groundbreaking move, Brazilian jiu-jitsu icon Bia Mesquita is gearing up for her highly anticipated MMA debut on June 15 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Mesquita, renowned for her unparalleled success in the world of jiu-jitsu, is set to step into the cage against Jorgina Ramos in a bantamweight showdown at Spaten Fight Night. The news of Mesquita's transition to MMA has sent shockwaves through the combat sports community, with enthusiasts eagerly awaiting her foray into a new realm of competition. With multiple world titles to her name, including two in the absolute division, Mesquita has etched her name in the annals of jiu-jitsu history. Her accolades extend beyond the IBJJF circuit, encompassing triumphs at prestigious tournaments such as the Pan-American and European championships, as well as securing major titles in Abu Dhabi. Mesquita's journey to the MMA stage has been marked by determination and grit. Following her induction into the IBJJF Hall of Fame, she made the pivotal decision to join forces with American Top Team in Florida, signaling her intent to conquer new horizons. Her transition gained momentum after a spectacular victory over former UFC champion Miesha Tate in a grappling match in December 2022, showcasing her prowess and adaptability. The upcoming bout against Jorgina Ramos serves as a pivotal moment in Mesquita's career, as she looks to translate her mastery of jiu-jitsu into the unforgiving landscape of mixed martial arts. Ramos, armed with her own arsenal of skills and experiences, promises to provide a formidable challenge for Mesquita in the cage. Spaten Fight Night promises to be an electrifying event, with Mesquita's debut adding an extra layer of excitement to an already stacked card. Headlined by a riveting boxing clash between Anderson Silva and Chael Sonnen, the event will also feature the debut of Silva's son Kalyl Silva and the presence of 2020 Olympic gold medalist Hebert Conceição. With the spotlight firmly fixed on her, Mesquita stands poised to make an indelible mark in the realm of MMA.

The Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) stormed back into Mexico on Saturday night, electrifying a sold-out crowd at the Auditorio Explanada in Puebla. The event, streamed live worldwide on The BKFC App, was a night of raw power and thrilling finishes. Main Event Mayhem: Mexico City's Rodolfo Rubio delivered a dominant performance in the bantamweight main event, knocking out Monterrey's Luis Rey Gallegos three times within the first round. The fight ended with a spectacular KO at the 1:35 mark. Co-Main Event TKO: Tijuana's Julian Fernandez emerged victorious in the cruiserweight co-main event. His opponent, Juarez's Lino Sanchez, was forced to retire due to an eye injury sustained in the first round, resulting in a doctor's stoppage TKO win for Fernandez. Knockouts, Decisions, and Draws: The night was packed with action across the card. Brazilian Donny Matos secured a unanimous decision victory over Mexico City's Roman Cordova in a featherweight clash. In the middleweight division, Luis Castaneda dominated with a unanimous decision win against Rudo Tovar after two knockdowns in the fourth round. Debutants Carlos Giner and Juan Alvarez thrilled the crowd with a swift lightweight encounter, with Giner securing a first-round KO within 32 seconds. The action continued on the main card with a second-round TKO victory for Cesar Vazquez against Eduardo Meneses in their bantamweight matchup. The middleweight fight between Puebla's Mario Martinez and Guadalajara's Sergio Perez ended in a majority draw, with Martinez landing the fight's lone knockdown in the first round. Plenty of drama unfolded in the remaining bouts. Puebla's Roberto Sinko battled back from a fourth-round knockdown to win a split decision over Beto Saniba in a lightweight contest. The bantamweight clash between debutants Juan Campos and Jose Lopez ended in a split draw, while Nicolas Diaz secured a unanimous decision victory over Marcelo Antonio Perez in the flyweight opener. BKFC's Mexican Return a Success: BKFC Fight Night Mexico proved to be a night of excitement and raw fighting spirit. With knockouts, stoppages, and close decisions, the event solidified BKFC's growing presence in the combat sports landscape.

Josh Taylor has experienced the full spectrum of boxing's highs and lows over the past five years. The 33-year-old Scotsman reached the pinnacle of the sport from 2019 to 2021, defeating a string of top contenders like Ivan Baranchyk, Regis Prograis, Apinun Khongsong, and Jose Ramirez. These victories crowned him as the king of the 140-pound division and propelled him to international stardom. However, the years that followed were less kind. In 2022, Taylor struggled in a controversial decision win against Jack Catterall, which damaged his reputation. The following year, he faced Teofimo Lopez and was decisively outclassed, losing his titles and facing a significant career setback. Adding to his woes, a rematch with Catterall was postponed twice due to Taylor's injuries—first a foot injury and then an eye issue. These setbacks only fueled his frustration. Now, Taylor has the opportunity to reclaim his former glory. He is set to face his English rival, Jack Catterall, for a second time on Saturday night at the First Direct Arena in Leeds. “It’s just another fight week and on Saturday it’s just another fight,” Taylor stated at a Thursday news conference. “I am looking forward to putting all this to bed and moving on with my career and proving that the last time was just an off night." Taylor is determined to bounce back and dismiss the notion that a single defeat defines a fighter's career. He also pointed out a significant difference in how losses are perceived in boxing compared to other combat sports. “Look at the history of boxing. All the great fighters of the past have taken defeats and come back and won world titles again. Just because you take one defeat, it doesn’t mean you are a finished fighter." Taylor remains confident in his abilities and his future in the sport. “Just because you take a loss it doesn’t mean that you are a bad fighter. I still feel that I am at the top of the game and on Saturday, I take care of business and I am back in the picture and winning my titles back.” As Taylor prepares for this pivotal rematch, he aims to prove that his past struggles were mere setbacks and that he still belongs among the elite in the boxing world. Saturday's bout is not just another fight; it's a crucial step in Taylor's journey to rebuild his legacy and reclaim his titles.

Leandro Higo has been promised the next shot at Bellator bantamweight champion Patchy Mix, following the aftermath of Bellator Paris on May 17. Higo revealed this exciting development to MMA Fighting on Thursday. Higo, who flew to Paris as the backup fighter for the Mix vs. Magomed Magomedov bout, watched the five-round contest from cageside at the Accor Arena. During his in-cage post-fight interview, Mix expressed his interest in facing Higo. Backstage, Bellator executive Mike Kogan confirmed Higo was next in line for a title shot. “[Mix] called me out and Mike Kogan said I was the next challenger,” Higo said. “We don’t have a contract yet but he said that, and I hope it happens. It definitely will happen. When Mike Kogan says something, it happens. His word is enough.” Higo's recent performances have been impressive. He submitted Nikita Mikhailov with a guillotine choke in 2023 and moved up to 145 pounds to face James Gallagher in Ireland, where he won a unanimous decision in enemy territory. If Higo challenges for the Bellator title again, it will be more than six years since his first opportunity, which ended in a loss to Darrion Caldwell. Higo offered to be the backup for the Bellator Paris main event, anticipating that Magomedov might withdraw last minute due to his training camp during Ramadan. He was rooting for Mix to avoid a trilogy bout between Mix and Magomedov or a potential Magomedov vs. Raufeon Stots rematch. “It was a close fight to score,” Higo said of the Bellator Paris main event. “Patchy Mix won the first two, and the fifth was back and forth, and I think he ended up winning because [holding] the belt carries a weight. I think it was close. I’m not gonna lie, I was rooting for Patchy Mix to win. I will never root for Russians. [Laughs.]” While a date for the championship clash has yet to be confirmed, Higo is eyeing one of the shows in September or October. Bellator has a September 7 card in San Diego, a London show the following week and a return to Chicago on October 12. Patchy Mix boasts a Bellator record of 9-1 and has defeated his last seven opponents, including notable finishes of Magomedov, Stots, and Sergio Pettis, along with a decision victory over Kyoji Horiguchi. “Patchy Mix is, to me, the greatest bantamweight in Bellator history for what he’s done and who he’s beat,” Higo said. “He’s fought the best fighters in Bellator and beat them convincingly. And it will be great to fight and dethrone him in his prime.”

ONE Friday Fights 64: Another explosive edition of ONE Championship's weekly fight series, ONE Friday Fights, rocked Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand on May 24th. The 12-fight card showcased the best of Muay Thai, MMA, and submission grappling, with highlight-reel finishes and thrilling battles keeping fans on the edge of their seats. Here's a breakdown of the night's most captivating moments: Gheirati Stays Perfect: Iranian striker Gheirati maintained his undefeated run in ONE Championship with a second-round knockout victory over Jordan Godtfredsen in the bantamweight Muay Thai main event. A well-placed push kick found its mark on Godtfredsen's face, sending him crashing to the canvas for good. Gheirati now boasts a perfect 4-0 record in ONE. Petmuangsri's Power Proves Too Much: Petmuangsri Wankhongohm MBK showcased his devastating kicking power in his flyweight Muay Thai clash with Denphuthai MC Superlek Muaythaik. A single, powerful kick connected with Denphuthai's hand, forcing him to throw in the towel and hand Petmuangsri a TKO victory in the first round. Petmorakot Wins Wild Brawl: Petmorakot Sitnayoktaweeptaphong and Dieselnoi Liamthanawat delivered a thrilling catchweight Muay Thai war. Despite early knockdowns from Petmorakot, Dieselnoi's relentless pressure kept him in the fight. Ultimately, the judges awarded Petmorakot the win via unanimous decision. Lamsing Edges Out Dabdam in Action-Packed Fight: Lamsing Sor Dechapan and Dabdam Por Tor Tor Thongtawee put on a striking spectacle in their catchweight Muay Thai bout. Lamsing's high pressure and well-timed elbows gave him the edge throughout, securing him a unanimous decision victory. Got's Leg Attacks Earn Split Decision Win: Got Taipetburi emerged victorious in a close battle against Robocop Radgoldgym. Got's strategy of targeting Robocop's lead leg with body kicks throughout the fight proved successful, as he earned a split-decision win. Petninmungkorn Debuts with Impressive Knockout: Petninmungkorn Captainkaneboxing announced his arrival in ONE Championship with a spectacular knockout win over Akkaradet Guaybangkorlaem in their atomweight Muay Thai clash. A thunderous right hand sent Akkaradet crashing to the canvas, giving Petninmungkorn a first-round knockout victory in his debut. Teeyai Back in the Winner's Circle: Teeyai PK Saenchai wasted no time in dispatching Shuto Sato in their catchweight Muay Thai contest. A single, devastating overhand right hook landed flush on Sato's head, securing Teeyai a knockout victory within the first minute of the fight. This electrifying edition of ONE Friday Fights solidified its reputation as a breeding ground for thrilling combat sports action. With a diverse range of disciplines and top-tier athletes, ONE Friday Fights continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

Marlon "Chito" Vera is set to face off against former UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo in a highly anticipated bout at UFC Abu Dhabi on August 3. This pivotal 135-pound matchup is poised to be a significant fight for both athletes as they aim to solidify their standings in the bantamweight division. Vera, who recently fell short in his quest for UFC gold, is looking to rebound and re-establish himself as a top contender. His last outing saw him drop a unanimous decision to bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley at UFC 299 in March. Despite the setback, Vera remains the only fighter to have defeated O'Malley in the octagon, a testament to his skill and determination. Before his title shot, Vera earned a decision victory over Pedro Munhoz at UFC 292, showcasing his resilience and earning the opportunity to compete for the championship. Multiple sources have confirmed that verbal agreements are in place for Vera to face Figueiredo at UFC Abu Dhabi. Ag. Fight was the first to report on the pairing, highlighting the excitement surrounding this matchup. Deiveson Figueiredo, a two-time UFC flyweight champion, has made an impressive transition to the bantamweight division. Since moving up to 135 pounds, Figueiredo has delivered stellar performances, including a dominant decision win over Rob Font at UFC Austin last December and a second-round submission victory over former bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt at UFC 300 in April. These victories have positioned Figueiredo as a formidable contender in his new weight class. The bout between Vera and Figueiredo adds to the excitement of UFC Abu Dhabi, which features Cory Sandhagen vs. Umar Nurmagomedov in the main event. With both fighters eager to climb the ranks and possibly secure another title shot, this matchup is expected to deliver fireworks. As fight night approaches, fans are eagerly anticipating what promises to be a thrilling encounter between two of the bantamweight division's most dynamic fighters. Vera and Figueiredo are both known for their aggressive styles and determination, making this a must-watch fight for MMA enthusiasts around the world.

British heavyweights Joe Joyce and Derek Chisora are set to collide in a highly anticipated match at London's O2 Arena on July 27. This thrilling bout, announced by Queensberry Promotions, has been years in the making and promises to be a classic clash of titans. Joe Joyce (16-2, 15 KOs), a 2016 Olympic silver medallist, has been eyeing a fight with Chisora since 2019. Joyce's recent return to the ring saw him securing a 10th-round knockout victory over Kash Ali in March. This victory came after back-to-back knockout defeats to Zhilei Zhang, which significantly affected his position in the heavyweight rankings. Despite his win against Ali, Joyce appeared to be far from his prime form, raising questions about his readiness for the upcoming bout. Before his defeat to Zhang, Joyce was on the brink of world title contention. He delivered the first knockout defeat to Joseph Parker and claimed notable victories over Daniel Dubois and Carlos Takam. These achievements cemented his reputation as a formidable force in the heavyweight division. On the other side of the ring, Derek Chisora, 40, brings a wealth of experience. Chisora last fought in August, where he secured a win over Gerald Washington in London, bouncing back from his third defeat to Tyson Fury. Known for his resilience and relentless fighting style, Chisora remains a dangerous opponent for any heavyweight contender. Promoter Frank Warren expressed his excitement for the matchup, stating, "This is a proper old-school heavyweight fight that seems to have been a long time in the making. I remember it being talked about strongly even before we teamed up with Joe and it has always struck me as a natural and obvious fight to make." Warren hinted at significant opportunities for the victor, while the stakes are equally high for the loser. "Two top London heavies fighting it out for a place back at the top table promises to deliver a cracking scrap. The winner is right back in business, with no real place to go for the loser." As fight night approaches, fans eagerly await what promises to be a fierce and electrifying contest. Both Joyce and Chisora are determined to prove their mettle, making this a must-watch event for boxing enthusiasts worldwide.

Sebastian Fundora, the newly crowned WBO junior middleweight champion, finds himself in hot water. His decision to pursue a fight with former welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. instead of the mandatory challenger could result in him losing his newly acquired WBO title. The WBO championship committee is scheduled to meet next week to address Fundora's situation. According to a boxing official familiar with the matter, Fundora has a contractual obligation to face the undefeated WBO "super" champion Terence Crawford next. Crawford is currently set to fight WBA junior middleweight titleholder Israil Madrimov on August 3rd. Should Fundora refuse to fight Crawford, the WBO has a clear plan. The committee will elevate the Crawford-Madrimov bout to a full-fledged WBO title fight, effectively stripping Fundora of his belt. This scenario puts Terence Crawford in a powerful position. A victory over Madrimov would not only solidify his status as a four-division champion but also keep the door open for a highly anticipated clash with Saul "Canelo" Alvarez later this year or early next year. Importantly, he would retain his WBO title regardless of whether he pursues the Canelo fight. "Crawford will be afforded that privilege," stated the official, highlighting Crawford's advantageous position. Fundora now faces a crucial decision. Does he risk losing his WBO title by pursuing a potentially lucrative fight with Spence Jr., or does he fulfill his mandatory obligation and face Crawford in what promises to be a thrilling battle for championship glory?

Rising welterweight contender Ian Machado Garry is setting his sights on dismantling Michael "Venom" Page's unorthodox style at UFC 303. The all-British clash is set for June 29th in Las Vegas and serves as a key lead-in to the massive pay-per-view main event featuring Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler. UFC president Dana White announced the Garry vs. Page matchup on Friday, sparking intrigue due to the contrasting styles and personalities of the fighters. Both welterweights are relatively new to the UFC after successful stints in other promotions, and haven't shied away from controversy during their careers. Garry, known for his well-rounded skillset, plans to exploit the weaknesses in Page's flashy, karate-based approach.  In a recent Instagram post, Garry wasted no time in issuing a playful pre-fight jab, stating, "About to snake charm a snake charmer." Garry has every reason to feel confident.  He boasts an undefeated record of 14-0 in his professional career, with a perfect 7-0 mark within the UFC Octagon.  His recent victories include a close split decision over Geoff Neal at UFC 298, a dominant performance against veteran Neil Magny, and impressive TKO finishes over Song Kenan and Daniel Rodriguez. While Garry is on a tear, Page shouldn't be underestimated.  He enters UFC 303 with momentum of his own, having secured a stunning debut victory over Kevin Holland at UFC 299 earlier this year.  A win over Garry could propel him into the welterweight title picture.