Before Superlek Kiatmoo9 challenges Jonathan Haggerty for the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title, he is taking on a significant side quest. The reigning ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion will clash with Kongthoranee Sor Sommai under Muay Thai rules at ONE Friday Fights 68. The event airs live in Asian primetime from the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on June 28. Superlek is widely regarded as one of the top pound-for-pound strikers in the world today. The Thai superstar is currently riding high on a nine-fight winning streak that dates back to 2021. His stellar run includes triumphs over marquee names such as Danial Williams, Rodtang Jitmuangnon, and Takeru Segawa. Moreover, Superlek has authored four highlight-reel knockouts across both Muay Thai and kickboxing during this stretch. Despite his success, Superlek is never one to settle into complacency. His assignment at ONE Friday Fights 68 takes place just three months before stepping up in weight to face Haggerty at ONE 168: Denver on September 6. This upcoming bout against compatriot Kongthoranee Sor Sommai is far from a mere tune-up fight. Kongthoranee has firmly established himself as one of Thailand’s top talents, making waves under the ONE Friday Fights banner since his debut in February 2023. The 28-year-old left a lasting impression in his maiden appearance, knocking out Gingsanglek Tor Laksong in the second round. Since then, his all-action approach led him to build an 8-1 win-loss slate. His most recent triumph came this past April when he earned a lucrative six-figure contract with ONE Championship after a memorable win against Jaosuyai Mor Krungthepthonburi. Reflecting on his decision to accept the fight, Superlek said, “It’s not just about the titles or the wins. It’s about constantly testing myself against the best. Kongthoranee is a formidable opponent, and this fight will only sharpen my skills as I prepare for Haggerty.” Kongthoranee is determined to seize this opportunity. He aims to take Superlek’s #1 spot in the flyweight Muay Thai rankings, which could mark the most significant win of his career. “Fighting Superlek is a dream come true. He’s a legend, but I believe in my skills and my training. This is my chance to show the world what I’m capable of,” Kongthoranee stated. As the countdown to June 28 continues, fans eagerly anticipate a clash of titans at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium. Superlek’s journey to maintain his dominance while preparing for his upcoming title challenge against Haggerty adds an intriguing narrative to this high-stakes bout.

Edson Barboza is set to reclaim his position in the main event spotlight. The seasoned featherweight contender successfully made weight on Friday morning ahead of UFC Vegas 92, marking his fourth time headlining a UFC event. Barboza tipped the scales at 145.5 pounds, while his opponent, Lerone Murphy, weighed in at 146 pounds, officially confirming their bout. This event is particularly significant for Murphy, as it marks his debut in a UFC main event. The British standout was the first to step onto the scale, signaling his readiness for this pivotal moment in his career. The weigh-in results were largely smooth, with all 24 fighters competing on Saturday successfully making weight. The only moment of concern involved UFC newcomer Oumar Sy, who initially weighed in at 207.5 pounds, 1.5 pounds over the light heavyweight limit for his fight with Tuco Tokkos, who came in at 205.5 pounds. Sy was granted a second attempt and successfully made 206 pounds after stripping down and weighing in behind a box cover. The main card for UFC Vegas 92 features a lineup of exciting matchups: Edson Barboza (145.5) vs. Lerone Murphy (146): Barboza, a veteran with a reputation for thrilling fights, looks to leverage his experience against Murphy, an up-and-coming talent eager to make a statement in his first main event. Khaos Williams (170) vs. Carlston Harris (169.5): This welterweight bout promises fireworks as both fighters are known for their explosive power and finishing abilities. Themba Gorimbo (170.5) vs. Ramiz Brahimaj (170.5): A compelling clash at welterweight, with both fighters looking to climb the ranks with a decisive victory. Adrian Yanez (136) vs. Vinicius Salvador (136): This bantamweight contest features Yanez, a fighter renowned for his striking, against Salvador, who aims to make a mark in the division. Luana Pinheiro (116) vs. Angela Hill (115.5): A women’s strawweight showdown, Pinheiro faces the veteran Hill in what promises to be a tactical battle. With all fighters on point, UFC Vegas 92 is set to deliver an action-packed night of fights. Fans can expect high-level competition and potential highlights as these athletes look to make their mark in the Octagon.

Denys Berinchyk is set to make Saturday a significant day for Ukraine as he prepares for a crucial fight. Oleksandr Usyk will kick off the day by facing Tyson Fury for the undisputed heavyweight title in Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, at the Pechanga Arena in San Diego, Berinchyk (18-0, 9 KOs) will take on Emanuel Navarrete (38-1-1, 31 KOs) for the vacant WBO lightweight title in a main event fight broadcast on ESPN. Berinchyk, a 2012 Olympic silver medalist, is making his United States debut and fighting for a world title for the first time in his nine-year professional career. Navarrete, a former three-division titlist, will be making his debut in the lightweight category. The last time Berinchyk fought was in August, as part of the co-main event for Usyk’s knockout win against Daniel Dubois. In that fight, Berinchyk secured a unanimous decision victory over Anthony Yigit in a hard-fought contest. Confident in his abilities, Berinchyk believes another clean sweep is possible. "All of the Ukrainian people believe in me and Oleksandr, and we feel this. It's a very special moment for us," he told. Despite being the underdog with odds at +400, Berinchyk is optimistic about his chances against Navarrete, who is favored at -600. Navarrete's recent performance, a majority draw against Robson Conceicao in November, has given Berinchyk confidence. Navarrete dropped Conceicao twice but struggled with a left-hand injury, allowing Conceicao to outland him 213 to 116. "This is my weight class, and I’ve been boxing at 135 pounds my entire career," Berinchyk said. "I will be smarter than Navarrete and show him different styles." Balancing his life as both a boxer and a defender of his country, Berinchyk, like Usyk and several other Ukrainian boxers, has been involved in territorial defenses, frequently traveling to the front lines during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine over the last two years. He often dons military fatigues during his ring walks. A win against Navarrete could elevate Berinchyk's career, placing him in a glamour division that includes titleholders like Gervonta Davis (WBA), Shakur Stevenson (WBC), and Vasiliy Lomachenko (IBF). Berinchyk has expressed his readiness to fight his former Ukrainian amateur teammate Lomachenko, who recently secured a dominant stoppage win against George Kambosos Jr. Lomachenko’s stance on the war has complicated his reputation among fellow Ukrainians, and Berinchyk seeks the honor of defeating him in the ring. Berinchyk mentioned that he has not spoken to Lomachenko for nearly four years and chose not to elaborate further on their relationship. "It's big money – nice," Berinchyk said about the prospect of fighting Lomachenko. "And this money can be donated to the Ukrainian army. But first, we must do our work on May 18."

Jonas Bilharinho is set to make a significant mark in the Bellator cage this Friday, facing Yves Landu in Paris. This moment represents the pinnacle of a tumultuous journey for the Brazilian fighter. Bilharinho caught the MMA world's attention with a spectacular spinning wheel kick TKO against Canaan Kawaihae at Dana White’s Contender Series in November 2021. This victory improved his professional record to 9-1-1, with almost all his wins coming by stoppage. Despite White praising the finish, Bilharinho was not signed to the UFC roster. Reflecting on that night, Bilharinho shared, “It was a surprise for me, right? Everybody thought it was a done deal [after the KO], that he would sign me. When he said he would not sign me, the entire arena reacted the same way, ‘Ohhhh’. I think the only person that knew he wouldn’t sign me was [White] and whoever else he mentioned it before the announcement.” White expressed mixed feelings about the decision, acknowledging Bilharinho’s talent and potential but ultimately deciding to let him explore other opportunities. “You saw the kid has speed, he has hands, he’s a talented guy,” White said in 2021. “The spinning kick was a spectacular finish... The kid’s stock went up tonight. He’s 9-1, maybe one of these other organizations pick him up... He’ll pick up a couple of fights in LFA...and we’ll take a look at him again.” Bilharinho faced setbacks post-DWCS, including a decision loss to an overweight Jose Delano in Rio de Janeiro. However, he bounced back with a decision win over Pedro Lopes and a second-round body kick knockout against Caio Machado, eventually securing a contract with Bellator. Now 33 and a decade after becoming a two-division champion in Jungle Fight, Bilharinho credits his managers for a “great” three-fight deal with Bellator. He is open to future opportunities with PFL but is thrilled to be part of Bellator. Facing Yves Landu, a seasoned French featherweight with a 20-9 record, Bilharinho anticipates a challenging fight. Landu, known for his striking power, has won his last four fights in Bellator. “My teammates even joked that it’s like when you choose the same characters to fight each other on Mortal Kombat... He has dangerous knockouts, high kicks, and flying knees... I want to show I’m here to stay. I fight smart, but I’m always looking for the knockout. I want my fight to end in a highlight.”

Shakur Stevenson prepares to headline an ESPN event against Artem Harutyunyan on July 6 in Newark, N.J., Stevenson's focus is on one thing: securing a showdown with WBA champion Gervonta Davis. Stevenson, 26, is no stranger to big fights and high stakes. Holding titles in three divisions and being a unified world champion in the junior lightweight division, Stevenson has faced tough competition. Yet, one name eludes him – Gervonta Davis. Davis, 30, has been vocal about his willingness to fight elite competition. However, Stevenson is growing increasingly impatient with Davis' claims and wants action, not words. "How many times is he going to say he is going to fight an elite fighter and not fight them?" Stevenson recently remarked. "He [is] 30 years old now, bro is 30, talking about he is going to fight me. He said next, okay, well, do it." Stevenson's frustration stems from not just the lack of big fights but also the emergence of young talents in his weight class, including Davis, Devin Haney, Teofimo Lopez, and Ryan Garcia, whom he has yet to face. "Are you really going to fight me or just going to keep saying what you are going to do to somebody?" Stevenson challenged Davis. "Shut up and fight me." Stevenson believes the path to making the fight is simple: Davis just needs to send a contract. "All you got to do is send an offer," Stevenson asserted. "You are the A-side, I know. I am not saying I am the A-side, you’re the [person] with all the notoriety, however it go – but I am right here though. I am not going nowhere as soon as you say let’s fight, I am right here, let’s fight." Stevenson also took a dig at Frank Martin, who pulled out of a scheduled fight against him for the vacant WBC lightweight title last November. Stevenson ended up winning the title over Edwin De Los Santos in a less-than-stellar fight. Martin has not fought since last July. "What did Frank Martin do to be elite?" Stevenson questioned. "Frank Martin is a dude who signed up to fight me, got famous for signing up to fight me, and then [didn’t] fight me." As Stevenson prepares for his upcoming bout, his eyes are set on a bigger prize – a showdown with Davis. For Stevenson, it's not just about winning; it's about proving himself against the best in the world.

Bobby Green warned Paddy Pimblett that he shouldn’t have mentioned his name, and now he has the opportunity to prove why. UFC CEO Dana White announced on Thursday that Green and Pimblett will face off on July 27 at UFC 304 in Manchester, England. This highly anticipated matchup comes on the heels of Green’s emphatic victory over Jim Miller last month at UFC 300. Following that win, Green (32-15-1) called out Pimblett (21-3), escalating tensions between the two fighters. “(I called him out) because he called me (out). He shouldn’t have said my name,” Green stated at the UFC 300 post-fight news conference. “He should have kept it to those other guys. This guy right here will find you. And when I line it up, and I get the sights right, you’re going to pay dearly.” Green has won three of his last four fights. His dominant performance against Miller was a strong comeback after a first-round loss to Jalin Turner last December. Green is known for his unconventional fighting style and relentless pressure, making him a formidable opponent for Pimblett. Pimblett, a 29-year-old British star and former Cage Warriors champion, remains unbeaten in his five UFC bouts. In his most recent fight, Pimblett secured a unanimous decision victory over Tony Ferguson last December. This victory added to his growing reputation, especially since Green had previously dominated and submitted Ferguson in their July 2023 encounter at UFC 291. The showdown between Green and Pimblett is expected to be electrifying, with both fighters eager to assert their dominance. Pimblett’s flashy style and charismatic presence have made him a fan favorite, but Green’s experience and tenacity present a serious challenge. The Manchester crowd will undoubtedly be buzzing with excitement as Pimblett fights on home turf. In a division brimming with talent, this fight could significantly impact both fighters’ careers. A win for Green could reignite his career, while a victory for Pimblett would solidify his status as a rising star in the UFC.

It’s been a couple of months, but Curtis Blaydes finally got the answer he was hoping for. Blaydes (18-4), who secured a second-round TKO victory over Jailton Almeida at UFC 299 in Miami, will get his rematch with interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall (14-3). UFC CEO Dana White announced Thursday that Blaydes will face Aspinall at UFC 304, scheduled for July 27 in Manchester, England. This highly anticipated bout will serve as the co-main event on a card broadcast on pay-per-view, ESPN, and ESPN+. Blaydes and Aspinall first met in July 2022 in London. Unfortunately, the fight ended abruptly just 15 seconds in when Aspinall suffered a devastating knee injury, giving Blaydes a TKO victory without landing a single strike. After a year-long recovery, Aspinall made a triumphant return, defeating Marcin Tybura in just 73 seconds. He then captured the interim heavyweight title by stopping Sergei Pavlovich in 69 seconds this past November. After his win over Almeida, Blaydes made it clear that he wasn’t interested in fighting someone like Ciryl Gane next. Instead, he had his sights set on Aspinall and a shot at the interim heavyweight title. His persistence has paid off, and the stage is now set for an explosive rematch. The winner of Blaydes vs. Aspinall will likely face the victor of the upcoming heavyweight championship bout between Jon Jones and former champ Stipe Miocic. However, there is speculation that the winner of Jones vs. Miocic could retire after their fight, adding another layer of intrigue to the heavyweight division's future. Blaydes' determination and Aspinall's quick resurgence promise a thrilling showdown at UFC 304. The fight fans have eagerly awaited this rematch, and the outcome will significantly shape the heavyweight title picture moving forward. Aspinall will look to prove his previous injury was a fluke, while Blaydes aims to cement his claim to the heavyweight throne.

After an agonizing wait, Belal Muhammad will finally get his opportunity to rematch Leon Edwards for the UFC welterweight title. The highly anticipated bout is set to take place at UFC 304 on July 27 in Manchester, England. Muhammad (23-3) has been persistently pushing for a rematch with Edwards (21-3), and his efforts have paid off. UFC CEO Dana White announced the exciting matchup Thursday on social media. Edwards, currently classed as a champion of the division in the latest UFC welterweight rankings, will attempt to make his third consecutive title defense. He initially claimed the welterweight gold in August 2022 with a stunning knockout of Kamaru Usman, followed by a successful title defense in an immediate rematch. “Rocky” Edwards continued his dominance by defeating Colby Covington with a lopsided unanimous decision at UFC 296 in December. Despite rumors of headlining UFC 300 against fighters like Islam Makhachev, Shavkat Rakhmonov, and Khamzat Chimaev, it is the No. 2-ranked Muhammad who finally gets his shot at the title. Muhammad has earned this opportunity with an impressive 10-fight unbeaten streak, which includes victories over top contenders such as Gilbert Burns, Sean Brady, Vicente Luque, and Stephen Thompson. Reflecting on their first encounter at UFC Fight Night 187 in March 2021, the fight was halted in the second round when Edwards accidentally poked Muhammad in the eye, resulting in a no-contest. Edwards has often claimed that he was on his way to a comfortable victory that night, while Muhammad insists he was just getting warmed up, having accepted the fight on short notice. UFC 304 promises to be a night of high-stakes action and intense rivalries. Edwards will look to solidify his reign as the welterweight champion, while Muhammad aims to achieve his long-awaited dream of capturing UFC gold.

The official weigh-ins for Bellator Champions Series: Paris is complete, with all but one fighter successfully hitting their marks. This event promises thrilling matchups, including a highly anticipated title fight and a series of compelling bouts. In the main event, Patchy Mix (19-1) will defend his bantamweight title in a rematch against Magomed Magomedov (20-3). Both fighters successfully made championship weight at 135 pounds, setting the stage for an intense showdown. The co-headliner features French superstar Cedric Doumbe (5-1) taking on Jaleel Willis (16-5) in a 175-pound catchweight bout. Doumbe tipped the scales at 175.5 pounds, while Willis came in slightly under at 174.6 pounds, ensuring their fight proceeded as planned. However, not all fighters gained weight without issues. Thibault Gouti (17-6), set to face Archie Colgan (9-0) at lightweight, missed the mark. Gouti weighed in at 157.7 pounds, over the 155-pound limit, and will be fined a percentage of his purse. Colgan, meanwhile, was on point at 154.9 pounds. Gregory Babene and Costello van Steenis also made weight for their middleweight clash, as did Jonas Bilharinho and Yves Landu for their featherweight bout. The weigh-ins took place at the Bellator host hotel, setting the stage for Friday’s event at Accor Arena in Paris. The full Bellator Champions Series: Paris weigh-in results included: MAIN CARD: Champ Patchy Mix (135) vs. Magomed Magomedov (135) – for the bantamweight title Cedric Doumbe (175.5) vs. Jaleel Willis (174.6) Gregory Babene (185.7) vs. Costello van Steenis (185.8) Jonas Bilharinho (145.9) vs. Yves Landu (145.4) Archie Colgan (154.9) vs. Thibault Gouti (157.7) Louis Sutherland (265.9) vs. Slim Trabelsi (239.5) Fans can expect a night of high-stakes fights and unforgettable moments as Bellator Champions Series: Paris takes place at Accor Arena.

BKFC president David Feldman is singing the praises of Conor McGregor as the perfect partner for the organization. McGregor, the former UFC double champion, recently revealed his stake in BKFC, a move that has stirred considerable excitement within the combat sports community. In an exclusive conversation with 'MMA Junkie,' Feldman opened up about why McGregor's involvement goes beyond just financial backing: "While there's no shortage of people investing in combat sports these days, finding the right partner is key. We didn't want Conor McGregor just for his money; we wanted his input, his persona, his ability to make waves and elevate the sport." Feldman highlighted McGregor's sharp business mind and innovative ideas, emphasizing that BKFC is eager to tap into his creative energy: "Conor has a wealth of ideas and business savvy. He's built an empire around his career, and we want him to bring that same energy to BKFC. We want to make some noise and shake things up." According to Feldman, McGregor's association with BKFC opens up a world of possibilities, including lucrative sponsorships, television deals, and strategic partnerships. Feldman believes that McGregor's star power and vision for the sport will be instrumental in BKFC's growth: "There are endless opportunities in sponsorships, TV deals, and various investments, and Conor McGregor is a game-changer in all these areas. His name, his passion for the sport, and his vision for its future are all huge assets for us." Addressing potential conflicts with McGregor's UFC commitments, Feldman explained that while there were initial concerns, both parties have found a way to work together: "We had some initial reservations, considering Conor's ties to the UFC and his existing fights with them. But we've ironed out the details and found a way to make it work." The highly anticipated UFC 303 event featuring Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler is set to take place on Saturday, June 29th, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

One of the best wrestlers in UNC history is entering the world of MMA. Two-time NCAA Division I wrestling champion Austin O Connor is putting the gloves on and making his professional debut. O’Connor, 25, will step into the cage on June 9, facing Camden Fontenot (3-1 amateur) in a featherweight bout at Fury FC 91 in Rosenberg, Texas. Born and raised in Illinois, O’Connor joined the University of North Carolina wrestling team in 2017 after clinching four straight state championship victories in high school. His collegiate career was nothing short of spectacular, winning NCAA championships in 2021 at 149 pounds and in 2023 at 157 pounds. Additionally, he was a five-time All-American and a three-time ACC champion, solidifying his legacy as one of the top wrestlers in UNC history. However, O’Connor’s journey took a turn due to the lack of an ideal weight class in the Olympics. Following his sixth and final year of eligibility, he turned his attention toward MMA. “I kind of fell at a bad weight (for the Olympics). I was kind of an inbetweener,” O’Connor recently told MMA Junkie Radio. “I always had an interest in MMA and was connected with the right people and everything. I just kind of started chasing that down instead of wrestling.” Various ends of the MMA community reached out to O’Connor for training and management purposes, from JacksonWink to Bo Nickal to Vayner Sports. Ultimately, he found a mentor in former UFC double champion Daniel Cormier. “I felt like he was somebody I could trust and somebody I looked up to,” O’Connor said. “He’s somebody that’s gone through the same thing as me. … I like that he kind of keeps his team small and in the wrestling community.” Preparing for his professional debut, O’Connor has been cross-training at Valle Flow Striking (VFS) Academy in Bensenville, Ill., and American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) in San Jose, Calif. Simultaneously, he continues to work as an assistant wrestling coach for the University of Illinois wrestling team. The debut fight at Fury FC 91 will be available to stream on UFC Fight Pass, offering fans a chance to witness O’Connor's transition from NCAA wrestling champion to MMA fighter. With a stellar wrestling background and guidance from one of the sport's greats, O’Connor is set to make a significant impact in the MMA world.

Trainer Robert Garcia supervised Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez's sparring session in Riverside, California, yesterday as the boxer prepares for his upcoming WBC super flyweight bout against Juan Francisco Estrada. The Estrada-Rodriguez fight, scheduled for June 29 at Footprint Center in Phoenix, is one of the most highly anticipated bouts of the year. Rodriguez, hailing from Texas, boasts an undefeated record of 19-0 with 12 knockouts, while Estrada holds a record of 44-3 with 28 knockouts. Despite Rodriguez's rising star, there are already talks linking him to a potential superfight in September against Japan's unified super bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue at Wembley in London. However, Garcia is solely focused on the upcoming challenge with Estrada. “Everything’s going well,” Garcia commented on Rodriguez's preparation. “It [Estrada]’s a great challenge for Bam. Bam does what Bam wants. Bam told me ‘if it’s not Estrada, I’d rather wait a few months for a fight’. He said he didn’t want to fight if it was not Estrada, so we got him the fight and Estrada’s a very experienced fighter, pound-for-pound, he’s a Mexican legend. He might be the most talented Mexican in the world right now. I’m not saying the best, because we have guys like Canelo, but he might be the most talented at the moment.” Estrada, at 34 years old, is highly respected in the boxing world. He turned pro in 2008 and in his last fight in December 2022, he defeated Roman Gonzalez via a majority decision, marking his second victory over the future Hall of Famer. “It’s a great challenge,” Garcia stated regarding the upcoming fight with Estrada. “But that’s what Bam likes. He likes those challenges. He doesn’t want to hold back, fighting guys that nobody knows, that don’t mean anything for him. He wants to fight the best.” While there is speculation about a potential fight with Inoue, Garcia emphasized that their focus remains on Estrada for now. “We have to focus on Estrada right now. We have to focus on what’s next,” Garcia added.