UFC Middleweight Champion Dricus du Plessis is putting talks of a light heavyweight move on hold. Despite recent victories over Sean Strickland and Robert Whittaker, du Plessis believes he has unfinished business at 185 pounds. "There's more work to be done" at middleweight, du Plessis declared on episode 55 of "The Sias du Plessis Show". He acknowledges the public's desire for a clash with Israel Adesanya, stating, "There's a lot of history there. There's animosity there. I don't see why we are not fighting." Adesanya, the former middleweight champion, is a natural target for du Plessis.  Their rivalry has simmered since their heated exchange at UFC 296, adding an extra layer of intrigue to a potential fight. Another intriguing matchup could be with Khamzat Chimaev, who is set to face Robert Whittaker on June 22nd. Chimaev's meteoric rise has captivated the MMA world, and du Plessis admits, "If you look at the greats, the boogeyman, everybody seems to be scared of Khamzat. I would love that fight." While a rematch with Strickland wasn't on the UFC's immediate radar, du Plessis remains open to the idea. "Stillknocks" says he'd be happy to run it back with Strickland if the opportunity arises. Dricus du Plessis seems intent on solidifying his reign at middleweight before looking to conquer new territory. Fans can expect him to defend his title against the division's top contenders, potentially setting the stage for future "champ-champ" glory.

Savannah Marshall, a boxing champion with a stellar record, is venturing into new territory as she prepares for her professional MMA debut. The spotlight is on her as she steps into the cage, not just to conquer her immediate opponent but with an eye on a potential rematch that could rewrite history. Marshall's transition to MMA has been a rigorous process, marked by intense training and a steep learning curve. Speaking about her journey, Marshall shares, "Training has been hard – real hard. It’s been a massive change, but one I’ve really enjoyed." Her pro debut is set against Mirela Vargas, a seasoned fighter with a solid record. The event, PFL Europe 2, is scheduled to take place in Marshall's home turf of Newcastle, England, adding an extra layer of anticipation and support from her fans. Reflecting on her decision to enter MMA, Marshall reveals, "I thought about MMA more than a decade ago, but at the time decided it wasn’t what my journey should be." However, the year 2024 presents a new opportunity, aligning Marshall with the PFL where Claressa Shields, the only woman to defeat her in boxing, also competes. Marshall's eyes are set on a potential rematch with Shields, but she remains focused on the task at hand. "All I can take from Claressa’s fight is that I can point out what she struggled with," Marshall remarks, showing her strategic mindset and determination to learn and adapt. As Marshall gears up for her debut, she acknowledges the shift in her goals. "All I wanted to be was undisputed and have all the belts, and that’s what I’ve done," she says, referring to her boxing achievements. "This is a new journey for me. This is a new checklist. This is a new set of goals." The MMA world awaits Savannah Marshall's debut with bated breath, curious to see how this champion boxer translates her skills and determination into the cage. Will her journey lead to a rematch with Shields, or will new challenges and triumphs await her in the world of mixed martial arts?

The world's largest martial arts organization, ONE Championship, is gearing up for another explosive year with the highly anticipated return of the ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Grand Prix. The announcement, made via social media, has ignited excitement amongst fans as it promises a clash of titans in the combat sports world. This revival comes as no surprise.  ONE Championship's featherweight kickboxing division is widely regarded as one of the deepest and most talented in all combat sports.  The previous Grand Prix solidified this reputation, serving unforgettable moments and launching the career of Chingiz Allazov. Allazov, a dark horse at the start, battled his way to the Grand Prix title.  His momentum didn't stop there.  In January 2023, he dethroned the reigning champion, Superbon, to claim the coveted ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Championship.  This accomplishment cemented his position as the pound-for-pound king of kickboxing. As anticipation reaches a fever pitch, ONE Championship has teased a glimpse of potential participants through social media materials.  Superstars like Masaaki Noiri, Superbon (seeking redemption), the legendary Giorgio Petrosyan, and the powerful Marat Grigorian are all rumored to be involved. However, the true brilliance of this Grand Prix may lie in the names yet to be confirmed.  Icons like Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong, the phenom Tawanchai PK Saenchai, and of course, the reigning champion, Chingiz Allazov, could potentially join the fray.  Should these athletes answer the call, the upcoming Grand Prix would undoubtedly be etched in history as the most stacked kickboxing tournament ever witnessed. The return of the ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Grand Prix promises a spectacle of skill, power, and unwavering determination. Fans around the world are eagerly awaiting the official date announcement and the chance to witness combat sports history in the making.

Logan Paul is taking legal action against boxer Ryan Garcia for spreading misinformation about his Prime Hydration drinks. On Thursday, Paul announced that his company filed a defamation and libel lawsuit against Garcia in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas. This move comes in response to statements Garcia made about Prime in recent months. “I’ve had to spend the last couple months dismantling ridiculous claims about Prime, and it’s become obvious — Prime is under attack. Why?” Paul wrote. “We’re a threat. Prime is the most disruptive beverage in history and our competitors feel the pressure. It’s likely that we’ve been targeted as the victim of a smear campaign. Clout chasers know they can use Prime’s goodwill for attention & views. People don’t like me or KSI. That’s fine. But if you don’t like Prime, don’t drink it. No need to lie about the facts in an attempt to stay relevant.” Paul launched Prime alongside KSI, his former boxing rival turned friend. The brand quickly exploded, with sales surpassing $1.3 billion by the end of 2023. Recently, Prime even surpassed Gatorade as the top-selling hydration drink in Walmart stores. However, with success has come scrutiny. In 2023, a lawsuit was filed against Prime alleging the drink contained per and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known as “forever chemicals” that don’t break down in the body and can cause health issues over time. Paul has publicly refuted these claims and even threatened legal action against a TikTok influencer who highlighted the lawsuit. While that influencer may face legal repercussions, Paul’s legal team is currently focused on Garcia. Paul’s statement outlined Prime’s success and directly addressed the lawsuit against Garcia. “Today we begin to hold those accountable who’ve damaged our brand for attention while we correct the narrative,” Paul wrote. “We’re here to stay and will continue to change the world of hydration with bold flavors and creative innovation. P.S. Ryan Garcia thinks the Earth is flat. P.S.S. Ryan Garcia tested positive for [performance-enhancing drugs].” Paul’s latter remarks reference Garcia’s recent drug-testing issues after he tested positive for Ostarine, a banned anabolic agent, following his win over Devin Haney. The lawsuit identifies Garcia as a professional boxer with a history of stirring up controversy to promote his fights and personal brand, including by attacking other high-profile individuals and brands. It also states that Garcia was previously on good terms with Prime but decided to embark on a campaign of spreading lies about Prime, its hydration drink, and one of Prime’s owners, Logan Paul.

Kayla Harrison has carved out an impressive career in MMA following her stellar achievements in judo, where she became a two-time Olympic gold medalist. Transitioning to MMA in 2018, Harrison initially worked as a cage side reporter and commentator for the PFL before making her debut in the cage. Her dominance was immediate and consistent. Harrison, 33, compiled a 15-1 record in the PFL and secured two lightweight titles from June 2018 to November 2023. However, in 2024, Harrison made a significant career move by parting ways with the PFL to sign with the UFC. PFL founder Donn Davis, while proud of the promotion’s ability to attract talent, did not expect Harrison to leave. He compared her departure to a contrast between two NBA superstars. “Some people at the very, very, very top of their career are LeBron James and some at the very, very top are Kevin Durant and they’re both otherworldly basketball players, but who they are is very different as people,” Davis said on WEIGHING IN. “One wants to lead and change their sport and wherever they are is the best in the world. The other is a follower who needs validation and we couldn’t do anything about that.” Harrison recently made her UFC debut at UFC 300, competing at Bantamweight for the first time. Criticized for facing lower competition levels in the PFL, Harrison faced a significant challenge in her UFC debut. Despite her reluctance towards weight-cutting, Harrison accepted the challenge and faced former UFC champion Holly Holm. Demonstrating her signature dominance, Harrison secured a second-round rear-naked choke victory over Holm. Davis views Harrison's departure as an outlier in the broader competitive landscape between the UFC and PFL. He emphasized the distinct promotional strategies and successes of the PFL. “A marketing and promotion job, nobody better at that than Dana White,” Davis said. “So, how PFL markets and promotes is different. We don’t have a Dana White system here. We have a different marketing and promotion system. How we build our fighters, how we market and develop our product. We’re doing a pretty good job of that. This year, we’re 45 percent of UFC’s audience with $0. They spend $200 million a year (laughs). We do it differently." Davis highlighted recent signings to the PFL, including Paul Hughes, Dakota Ditcheva, and Cédric Doumbé, noting the promotion's success in attracting talent. “When you get to the promoter jobs, where did [Paul] Hughes just sign? Last time I checked, it was PFL, not UFC. Where did Dakota [Ditcheva] sign? Where did Cédric Doumbé just re-sign? So, we haven’t lost a signing. Period. Why do fighters want to come here? We get to them earlier. We offer them more control. We offer them more flexibility. We’re winning." Despite losing a star like Harrison, Davis remains confident in PFL's approach and growth, asserting that fighters are increasingly choosing PFL for its unique opportunities and supportive environment.

Lightweight boxing is set for a clash of contrasting styles on June 15th, as Frank Martin (18-0, 12 KOs) challenges Gervonta "Tank" Davis (29-0, 27 KOs) for the WBA lightweight title at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. The fight, available on pay-per-view, pits a hungry contender against a decorated champion. Martin, a 29-year-old Detroit native, has always embraced the underdog role. "I have been an underdog since I started," he says, brushing aside any mention of his later start in boxing compared to Davis, who began training at age 7. Coming off a dominant win against Artem Harutyunyan last year, Martin is riding a wave of momentum. His breakout performance against Michel Rivera in 2022 solidified his status as a rising star. "This is a blessing," Martin declares. "An opportunity to show the world what I'm capable of. I appreciate Gervonta for taking this fight. They made a mistake." Undefeated Davis, also 29, enters the fight on a three-fight knockout streak, including a dominant victory over Ryan Garcia earlier this year. Though highly ranked pound-for-pound, Davis has shown vulnerabilities in past bouts against Isaac Cruz and Leo Santa Cruz. This gives Martin a glimmer of hope. "I'm ready to go out there and shock the world," Martin proclaims. This lightweight showdown promises fireworks, with Martin aiming to pull off a major upset and Davis determined to maintain his championship reign.

Gegard Mousasi has been released from his contract with PFL and Bellator after threatening legal action over unresolved issues with the organization. On Thursday, officials from both promotions confirmed Mousasi's release. “Bellator has released Gegard Mousasi from his agreement. We wish him all the best in his next fighting chapter,” stated Mike Kogan, head of fighter operations, in a statement from the organization. Mousasi, a former two-time middleweight champion in Bellator, has been vocal about his dissatisfaction since Bellator was acquired by PFL at the end of 2023. He claimed that PFL executives told him his salary was too high based on a contract he signed under Bellator's previous ownership. Additionally, he alleged that communication from PFL had been virtually nonexistent, leaving him in limbo regarding future fights.3 During an appearance on The MMA Hour on Wednesday, Mousasi escalated his complaints and hinted at legal action due to the ongoing contract issues and the lack of fight bookings since PFL's acquisition of Bellator in December. Following his remarks, Mousasi's contract was terminated. His management team responded to the release with a statement. “We will not comment on the merits of the alleged release at this time for obvious reasons,” stated Nima Safapour, founder of Moments Sports Consultancy. “However, we believe there is a greater lesson here that our community should pay close attention to. For an organization that repeatedly claims to be ‘fighter first,’ we now truly see how PFL treats their fighters, especially their legends.” At 38 years old, Mousasi is now a free agent. He remains eager to continue his career after being a top contender in the UFC before joining Bellator in 2017, where he became a two-time middleweight champion. His most recent fight, a decision loss to Fabian Edwards in May 2023, marked his final appearance under the Bellator banner.

Former world champion Amir Khan believes that Josh Taylor’s illustrious career may be on the brink of a significant downturn as he prepares for his highly anticipated rematch with Jack Catterall. The two fighters will meet at the First Direct Arena in Leeds, over two years after their controversial bout in Glasgow where Taylor narrowly retained his undisputed super-lightweight title through a split-decision victory that many felt should have gone to Catterall. A Non-Title Showdown to Settle Scores This Saturday's clash is set to be a non-title contest, a stark contrast to their previous encounter. Taylor, now 33, has faced a series of injuries and lapses in discipline, raising questions about his current form. Catterall, who knocked Taylor down in their 2022 bout, is coming into this fight with renewed determination. Taylor, meanwhile, has fought only once since then, losing his WBO title to Teofimo Lopez in New York. Amir Khan’s Insight from Experience Amir Khan, who has sparred with Catterall and shares a history as a super-lightweight world champion, draws parallels between Taylor’s current state and his own experiences. Khan, whose career declined after a knockout by Saul “Canelo” Alvarez in 2016, recognizes the toll that tough fights can take. “Josh Taylor’s had a lot of wars in his career,” Khan noted. “I know that, being in that same position – towards the end of my career I started feeling that. He’s had hard fights with big, tough opponents. I don’t think he’s got it in the tank anymore.” Seeking Redemption The controversy of their last fight adds fuel to Catterall’s drive for victory. “He was cheated in the last fight,” Khan said. “So this time he’s going to want to take revenge in a big way. I got Catterall winning the fight – on points.” A Legacy in Jeopardy Taylor, who has been compared to British greats like Khan and Ricky Hatton, faces a critical test. “Both me and Ricky probably would have been a bit too much for him,” Khan commented, noting that Taylor’s recent struggles with domestic fighters suggest he may not be at his peak. “Not to sound disrespectful – I respect him a lot. But he’s having problems with domestic fighters.” As the rematch approaches, the boxing world watches closely to see if Josh Taylor can defy the odds and silence his critics, or if Jack Catterall will finally claim the victory many believe he deserved all along.

Following PFL's acquisition of Bellator MMA at the end of 2023, the promotion promised a new era of mixed martial arts. However, for Mousasi, this new era has been marred by frustration over a lack of fights and communication from the organization. After attending a PFL event in Paris without making any progress in booking a fight, the former Bellator middleweight champion has reached his breaking point. “At this moment, I’m like, listen, if someone doesn’t want me, I’m like, ‘F*** it. Let’s go.’ But my team around me is like, ‘F*** it, we’ll sue them.’ If it was up to me, I would just go, but I don’t know. We’ll see. The team around me is not that happy. So I think there is going to be legal action against them." Mousasi has not competed since dropping a decision to Fabian Edwards at Bellator 296 in May 2023. The former champion signed a new contract with Bellator before the acquisition, but he claims PFL officials were unaware of this contract. This oversight has left Mousasi without a fight offer. “Yeah, [I feel disrespected] because they don’t even want to pick up the phone and talk to us,” Mousasi continued. “It’s not even funny anymore. It’s the worst organization so far. I’ve fought in a lot of organizations, this is the worst one.” Mousasi believes financial issues are behind the lack of communication and fight opportunities. He suggests that PFL is struggling to pay Bellator fighters, who typically command higher salaries. “I think they bought Bellator but they don’t have the financial means to pay the fighters,” Mousasi said. “Whoever is not necessary, they will just not let them fight. Especially fighters that make a lot of money. Because Bellator fighters make more." The 38-year-old fighter expressed his reluctance to engage in legal battles during the twilight of his career, but he feels he may have no other choice if PFL continues to stonewall him. “I’ve talked to legal counsel, I’ve talked to managers, lawyers, other people who worked for Bellator, I know I have a contract,” Mousasi said. As Mousasi prepares to potentially take legal action, the MMA world watches closely, eager to see if PFL will address his grievances and allow him to fight again.

The reigning ONE Lightweight Submission Grappling World Champion, is set to transition from grappling sensation to mixed martial arts contender. On June 7, Ruotolo will step into the Circle for the first time as a professional MMA fighter at ONE 167: Tawanchai vs. Nattawut II, facing off against Hawaiian slugger Blake Cooper. The bout, taking place at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand, promises to captivate fans from both the grappling and MMA communities. Kade Ruotolo: From Grappling Greatness to MMA Ruotolo has already achieved extraordinary success in the world of grappling. He holds an undefeated record in ONE Championship, the ONE Lightweight Submission Grappling World Title, and the distinction of being the youngest-ever ADCC World Champion. Despite his deep roots in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Ruotolo is eager to expand his horizons and tackle the challenges of mixed martial arts. Reflecting on his upcoming debut, Ruotolo expressed his enthusiasm to onefc.com, saying, “Oh man, it’s a whole different world, that’s for sure. I’ve been falling in love with it more and more every single day, though. It’s something new. It’s exhilarating. Not that jiu-jitsu isn’t. I love jiu-jitsu, my adrenaline is always pumping, but it’s a different type of exhilarating. It’s hard to almost explain it. I’m just extremely excited and excited to show the world what I can do.” Showcasing His Exciting Style Kade Ruotolo is renowned for his relentless aggression and inventive submission techniques in grappling, and he intends to bring the same electrifying style to his MMA fights. Facing Cooper, he aims to demonstrate his dynamic approach and thrill fans with his performance. “I want to give a show. I want to have fun out there. Obviously, I want to get the finish, and I truly believe that I will get that finish,” Ruotolo stated. “Just like my jiu-jitsu matches, I want there to be more of a reason than just the win for people to watch my matches. I want people to be excited, to be wowed, and I want to entertain. That’s the goal on June 7.” Training for a New Challenge Preparing for his clash with Blake Cooper, Ruotolo has incorporated striking and MMA practices into his routine, complementing his BJJ training. With the support of respected MMA coaches Erik Paulsen and Tyler Wombles, the transition has been smooth for the lightweight grappling champion. Ruotolo is confident that he and his brother, current ONE Welterweight Submission Grappling World Champion Tye Ruotolo, possess the grappling techniques and mental fortitude well-suited for MMA. This self-assurance will be put to the test as he steps into the Circle for his MMA debut.

After a successful run in both the UFC and Bellator, Lorenz Larkin is now aiming to complete MMA’s triple crown. Larkin (25-8) will make his highly anticipated PFL debut on June 28 at Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The promotion announced Wednesday that Larkin will face Alan Dominguez (11-6) in a three-round welterweight showcase bout at 2024 PFL 6. Larkin, a seasoned MMA veteran, has managed to stay relevant in the sport despite having sparse bookings since his departure from the UFC in 2016. The 37-year-old fighter has demonstrated consistent performance in recent years, boasting a record of 7-1 with one no-contest in his last nine fights. His last outing in the cage saw him suffer a split decision loss to former Bellator welterweight champion Andrey Koreshkov in July, marking his first defeat in nearly six years. Alan Dominguez, 27, may not have an extensive resume, but he has shown significant promise recently. Dominguez is currently riding a three-fight winning streak and holds the title of Lux Fight League welterweight champion. Over his last six fights, he has compiled an impressive 5-1 record, earning him the opportunity to compete in the PFL. This bout marks a pivotal moment for both fighters. For Larkin, it is a chance to prove that he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level and potentially secure another championship title in a third major promotion. For Dominguez, it represents an opportunity to elevate his career and showcase his skills on a larger stage. As the fight date approaches, excitement continues to mount for what promises to be an electrifying matchup at PFL 6. Both fighters have a lot at stake, and their clash on June 28 will undoubtedly be one to watch.

Ryan Garcia’s recent victory over Devin Haney is now overshadowed by controversy following his latest drug test results. On Thursday, lab results reportedly confirmed that Garcia’s B-sample, collected for his fight against Haney, tested positive for the banned substance ostarine. Renowned boxing reporter Dan Rafael broke the news on Twitter after tests conducted by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (VADA) confirmed the presence of the substance. Ostarine is an anabolic agent banned at all times for athletes due to its performance-enhancing effects. The positive B-sample result further substantiates the initial findings from Garcia’s A-sample, which had already tested positive. It is rare for A-sample and B-sample results to differ, making this confirmation expected yet troubling for Garcia. Garcia’s bout against Haney took place in Brooklyn, placing the decision on potential penalties in the hands of the New York State Athletic Commission. Consequences for Garcia could include suspension, fines, or even the overturning of his majority decision win. Haney’s team has preemptively filed a letter with the commission, requesting Garcia’s disqualification and hoping to convert Haney’s loss into a victory or, at the very least, a no-contest. The banned substance ostarine has been a notable cause of positive tests across various sports, including the UFC, with fighters such as Sean O’Malley, Marvin Vettori, and Nicco Montano previously testing positive. Although Garcia was initially flagged for the 19-Norandrosterone metabolite, suggesting the presence of nandrolone, further analysis cleared him of this specific infraction. Despite the controversy, Garcia has consistently denied any wrongdoing. After the B-sample results went public, Garcia responded defiantly through a series of tweets, which were later deleted. His vehement denial underscores the tension surrounding the situation. The positive drug test taints what was otherwise a career-defining moment for Garcia. His performance against Haney, which included three knockdowns, was lauded by many and marked a significant achievement in his boxing career. However, the doping allegations cast a shadow over this accomplishment. There is no word yet on when the New York State Athletic Commission will address Garcia’s positive test or what specific repercussions he might face. The boxing community awaits further developments as Garcia’s situation unfolds.