The UFC 303 event slated for International Fight Week continues to build anticipation with the recent addition of a compelling women’s bantamweight showdown between Mayra Bueno Silva and Macy Chiasson. Scheduled to take place on June 29 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, UFC 303 promises an electrifying lineup, headlined by the highly anticipated return of superstar Conor McGregor as he faces former Bellator champion Michael Chandler. For Mayra Bueno Silva (10-3-1), this fight marks her comeback after a challenging bout against Raquel Pennington in January for the vacant women’s bantamweight title. Before that setback, Bueno Silva was riding a three-fight winning streak, including a no-contest against Holly Holm that was initially recorded as a win. On the other side of the octagon, Macy Chiasson (10-3) enters the bout fresh off a stellar performance last month, where she secured a first-round submission victory against Pannie Kianzad, earning her a well-deserved $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus. This win came after a tough KO loss to Irene Aldana in 2022, showing Chiasson’s resilience and determination. The addition of Bueno Silva vs. Chiasson adds even more excitement to the already stacked UFC 303 lineup, which includes other thrilling matchups such as Jamahal Hill vs. Khalil Rountree, Andre Fili vs. Cub Swanson, Gillian Robertson vs. Michelle Waterson-Gomez, Carlos Hernandez vs. Rei Tsuruya, and Marc-Andre Barriault vs. Joe Pyfer. With the stage set for an action-packed night of fights during International Fight Week, fans can expect fireworks in the octagon as Bueno Silva and Chiasson clash in what promises to be a captivating battle for supremacy in the women’s bantamweight division.

The world of boxing is buzzing with debate following Shawn Porter's recent comments on Naoya Inoue's path to global stardom. Porter suggested that for Inoue to truly ascend to superstardom, he would need to make a significant impact in America. However, this viewpoint has sparked a discussion about the necessity of cracking the American market for international athletes to achieve greatness. Inoue, also known as "Monster," is only 31 years old but already boasts an impressive record of 26-0 with 23 knockouts, placing him among the sport's elite alongside Terence Crawford. Despite this, Porter's remarks have raised questions about Inoue's status as a global star, as he is already a huge name in Japan and highly respected worldwide. The Japanese star is slated to fight Mexico's Luis Nery in front of a massive crowd of 55,000 at the Tokyo Dome on May 6, further solidifying his status as a top-tier fighter. However, Todd duBoef, vice president of Top Rank, strongly disagreed with Porter's comments, praising Inoue as possibly the greatest fighter he has ever seen and emphasizing his iconic status in the sport. “I totally disagree with that, but that’s his opinion,” duBoef said of Porter’s comments. “Selfishly, I’d love to have [Inoue] in America. He is a phenom. I’ve said this: I think he’s the best fighter I’ve ever seen in my 30 years … complete fighter, because I like an aggressive style, power in both hands, IQ, defense, offense. He does everything. “But he’s in a market that supports him so well, too. He doesn’t need to go to America. [For Manny] Pacquiao, the Philippines is an under-resourced economy. Japan is a fully developed economy, with big stadiums and big media platforms.

UFC's Sean O'Malley has stirred up some buzz, but he's not stepping into the boxing ring just yet. After boxing sensation Ryan Garcia expressed interest in facing O'Malley in an MMA bout, the UFC bantamweight champion revealed that the UFC would allow him to box Garcia if the financial incentives were significant enough. In a recent episode of his TimboSugarShow podcast, O'Malley shared, "They told me you can do a boxing fight, 100 percent, if it makes us enough money." However, O'Malley recognizes the need for a big draw on both sides, comparing it to the Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor showdown. The UFC's decision to let McGregor box Mayweather in 2017 proved lucrative for all involved, and O'Malley is eyeing a similar payday. Despite being a rising star in the UFC and coming off a successful title defense against Marlon Vera, O'Malley believes he needs to further elevate his profile. "I've still got to become bigger. Two more sick performances and then we're talking about being able to do whatever the f*** we want," O'Malley asserted. While O'Malley and Garcia have both made waves outside the ring with their performances and antics, O'Malley is particularly intrigued by Garcia's trajectory following his recent victory over Devin Haney. "I think he's that crazy, he's that good too," O'Malley commented. "He probably trained hard. Some people have different genes. I couldn't do it... He's going to make his money. Let's see where he goes in the next two weeks."

UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier is anticipating that the upcoming fight between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler could potentially make history in more ways than one. McGregor is set to make his highly anticipated UFC return at UFC 303 on June 29th against Chandler, marking their first meeting in the Octagon after previously coaching against each other on The Ultimate Fighter 31 last year. This bout is expected to be one of the biggest fights of 2024, with McGregor returning to action following a leg injury suffered at UFC 264, and Chandler looking to bounce back from a loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 281. During McGregor and Chandler's time away from the octagon, discussions around weight-cutting and the potential addition of new UFC divisions have been on the rise. While the UFC has not announced any plans to add divisions, Cormier believes that the McGregor vs. Chandler fight should be for a belt and presents an ideal opportunity to introduce a new weight class. Speaking on the Good Guy/Bad Guy podcast with Chael Sonnen, Cormier explained the rationale behind launching a 165lb division with McGregor vs. Chandler as the flagship bout. “A lot of time it comes down to being at the right place, at the right time,” Cormier began. “Going back to me, they had no intent of giving me my first championship opportunity. But when Alexander Gustafsson got hurt, I stepped in, and I never left the title picture after. I was reliable. They could always call me and say ‘Hey, you want to fight this guy for the belt?’… “Under the right circumstances, sometimes these things happen faster…I believe that if they’re going to do a 165lb division, it should have a name attached to the weight class that is so big, that it draws people’s attention,” Cormier continued. “Conor McGregor being that name. Michael Chandler, on the other hand, will benefit from being in the right place at the right time, whereas these guys would then fight for the ‘super lightweight’ championship. That’s what I believe it is, and it’s only 10 pounds heavier than 155. Move 170 to 175, move 185 to 195, keep 205, keep heavyweight.” The UFC has not introduced a new weight class since the closure of the women's featherweight division last year following Amanda Nunes' retirement. The McGregor vs. Chandler fight is set to take place at 170lbs, with McGregor returning to the welterweight division for the first time since his victory over Donald Cerrone at UFC 246.

Terence Crawford's pursuit of a fourth division title on August 3rd is set to take place in a more intimate venue, with organizers opting for BMO Stadium over the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, officials revealed on Monday. The move from the massive 75,000-plus-seat Coliseum to the 22,000-seat BMO Stadium allows for a more close-knit atmosphere for the debut U.S. event of Saudi Arabia's Turki Alalshikh. Despite the downsizing, the card has been bolstered with elite talent from Mexico. Alongside Crawford's main event against WBA junior middleweight champion Israil Madrimov, the card will feature Mexico's new WBA 140-pound champion Isaac "Pitbull" Cruz in his first 140-pound title defense. Additionally, former world heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz Jr. is set to make his return to the ring. The formal announcement of the card is scheduled for Wednesday in New York. It was also reported that the Crawford-Madrimov bout will be for the WBO interim junior middleweight title, with champion Sebastian Fundora recovering from a broken nose. Cruz, coming off a thrilling eighth-round stoppage of former champion Rolando "Rolly" Romero, is expected to face Mexico's Jose "El Rayo" Valenzuela. Ruiz's opponent is reportedly former contender Jarrell "Big Baby" Miller, setting up a potentially massive showdown between the two heavyweights. Another anticipated bout for the card is a possible farewell fight for former three-division champion Abner Mares against four-division champion Leo Santa Cruz. While this match has yet to be finalized, Santa Cruz has expressed his readiness to fight following a layoff since February 2022.

Ben Rothwell, a seasoned fighter in the BKFC, is not only focused on winning the BKFC heavyweight championship but also eyeing potential exciting matchups that could elevate both his career and the BKFC brand. Rothwell's immediate goal is to defeat Todd Duffee at BKFC: KnuckleMania 4 in Los Angeles. He sees this as a crucial step toward securing a title shot in the BKFC heavyweight division. In a recent interview with MMA Junkie Radio, Rothwell expressed his determination, saying, "I've got to make it look good, too. I can't just win the belt. I have to stick around and defend it." Looking ahead, Rothwell is intrigued by the prospect of facing well-known fighters in the BKFC, including Roy Nelson, Cain Velasquez, and especially Mark Hunt. Rothwell and Hunt have a history, with Rothwell having suffered a unanimous decision loss to Hunt at UFC 135 in September 2011. Rothwell believes that Hunt, with his reputation for being a tough and dangerous fighter, is closest to signing a BKFC contract among the mentioned names. Regarding a potential rematch with Hunt, Rothwell sees it as a significant opportunity. He mentioned, "He's a name that brings eyes to him, and that's always what's appealing to BKFC is guys that have that following and fight a certain way." Rothwell acknowledges the promotional value that Hunt would bring to such a fight, considering his fan following and fighting style. Rothwell's interest in a rematch with Hunt stems not just from the desire for redemption but also from the potential impact such a fight could have on his career trajectory within BKFC. He emphasized, "It's a fight I would like to get back," highlighting the personal and professional significance of a potential rematch. As Rothwell continues his journey in the BKFC and eyes the heavyweight championship, matchups like a rematch with Mark Hunt add an extra layer of excitement and anticipation for fans and fighters alike.

In the realm of combat sports dreams, the prospect of Mike Perry stepping into a bare-knuckle ring against Conor McGregor has ignited both excitement and speculation. Perry, known for his aggressive fighting style and fearless demeanor, has expressed his interest in a potential showdown with McGregor, citing the Irish fighter's love for throwing hands and his admiration for Perry's performances. The idea gained traction after Perry's impressive victory over Luke Rockhold, where McGregor was ringside and later joined Perry in the ring for a brief faceoff. This interaction sparked discussions and speculation among fight fans about the possibility of a bare-knuckle clash between the two explosive fighters. Perry acknowledges the potential challenges of facing McGregor, not just in terms of the fight itself but also in dealing with McGregor's notorious trash-talking skills. However, Perry remains undaunted, recognizing the allure and excitement such a matchup would bring to the combat sports world. In a recent interview, Perry shared his thoughts on the potential fight, saying, “I think it could be a possibility. When my manager shared it and [he was like], ‘This will happen,’ I was like, whoa, that’s cool." While Perry respects McGregor's ability to engage in verbal warfare, he also believes in his skills inside the ring. He welcomes the opportunity to test himself against McGregor's boxing prowess and sees it as a chance to showcase his capabilities. “Maybe he would rip me apart with the words. I’d be there for it! Let’s go! I’d learn a thing or two for sure, and I’d try to teach him a thing or two in the ring when it came to fighting," Perry remarked. The potential matchup adds another layer of excitement to Perry's burgeoning career in bare-knuckle fighting. Having already called out several notable opponents and faced tough challenges, Perry sees a showdown with McGregor as the ultimate test of skill and determination. As for McGregor, who is nearing the end of his current UFC contract, the allure of a bare-knuckle battle with someone like Perry might be enticing. Known for his willingness to take on new challenges, McGregor could view this as an opportunity to showcase his skills in a different arena. While nothing is set in stone, the prospect of Mike Perry vs. Conor McGregor in a bare-knuckle fight continues to capture the imagination of fight fans worldwide, showcasing the enduring appeal and excitement of combat sports.

Bellator fighter Derek Anderson has been forced to withdraw from his scheduled bout against Cedric Doumbe at the upcoming Bellator Paris event due to a gruesome foot injury sustained while riding his bike. Anderson, who was looking forward to facing Doumbe on May 17 at the Accor Arena in Paris, shared the unfortunate news on social media along with a photo of his injured foot. PFL officials have also confirmed his withdrawal from the fight. In his social media post, Anderson expressed his regret, saying, "Love you all. Hit and run. I’m so sorry I couldn’t make this fight happen. You have no idea. I will not be getting another bike." With Anderson out of the fight, Bellator is now actively searching for a replacement opponent to face Doumbe at the Bellator Paris card in May. This setback is particularly disappointing for Anderson, who was eager to make his return to the cage after a hiatus of nearly three years since his last fight against Michael “Venom” Page in 2021. His only scheduled bout in 2022 was also canceled for undisclosed reasons. As for Doumbe, this turn of events means waiting for a new opponent. Doumbe, a former GLORY kickboxing champion, made a strong impression in his debut with PFL, securing a quick knockout victory. However, he faced a setback in his next MMA bout due to a toe injury that led to a stoppage.

Deiveson Figueiredo, fresh off a dominant victory over Cody Garbrandt at UFC 300, is setting his sights on another former UFC champion, Dominick Cruz, for UFC 303 in June. In a recent interview with Canal Encarada, Figueiredo expressed his desire for the matchup, stating, "Dominick has a big name and everybody knows the history he has in the UFC. He works for the UFC and is always in the spotlight, and I hope to one day get to fight him." Cruz, a seasoned bantamweight veteran with a storied career in both the UFC and WEC, presents an intriguing challenge for Figueiredo. Despite coming off a loss to Marlon Vera in his last fight, Cruz's technical skills and experience make him a formidable opponent. Figueiredo's move to the bantamweight division has been impressive, with victories over Cody Garbrandt and Raulian Paiva. His desire to face Cruz stems from his belief that Cruz could be the key to earning a shot at the bantamweight title. "I think [Cruz] is an opponent that could take me to a title fight," Figueiredo emphasized. Training alongside Bellator legends Patricio Pitbull and Patricky Pitbull in Brazil, Figueiredo has remained focused on his goal of securing a fight with Cruz. He extended his stay in Las Vegas after UFC 300, engaging in recovery work at the UFC Performance Institute to ensure he's in prime condition for his next bout. The timing aligns perfectly for Figueiredo, who is eager to compete at UFC 303 on June 29 in Las Vegas, ideally as part of the card headlined by Conor McGregor. "I’m staying ready," Figueiredo affirmed. "For me, it would be sensational to fight on the McGregor card in June. That depends on [Cruz] signing the contract, and I’ll be ready. I want to fight him. I want to make this fight happen." The anticipation for a potential showdown between Figueiredo and Cruz adds excitement to the bantamweight division, promising fans an enthralling clash between two elite fighters.

Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, renowned actor, and former professional wrestler, has embarked on a new journey, diving into mixed martial arts (MMA) training for his upcoming role in the film "Smashing Machine." After focusing on his wrestling career this year, culminating in WrestleMania XL, Johnson is now preparing to portray the legendary MMA fighter Mark Kerr. "Smashing Machine" will chronicle Kerr's remarkable career in the world of MMA, marking a significant step forward in Johnson's acting endeavors. The movie is expected to offer MMA enthusiasts a compelling glimpse into Kerr's life and achievements. In a recent Instagram post, Johnson shared his excitement for the upcoming training camp, stating, "With WrestleMania behind me, my second training camp of 2024 begins tomorrow for my next role in a film titled The Smashing Machine. My body's banged up from Mania, but no injuries and feeling great – ready to go. Starting my MMA workouts tomorrow. I'm coming into this in pretty good conditioning and cardio shape, but MMA is a different animal. And Mark Kerr was a 'one of one' monster." Johnson expressed his profound respect and admiration for MMA fighters and their culture, particularly those who have battled addiction. "I've lost so many friends (wrestlers) over the years from addiction and mental health struggle – from suicide to, it was just their time to go. This is my love letter to them. Let's get to work," he remarked.

WE is set to host its NXT Battleground event at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, marking the first time the WWE will hold an event at this prestigious venue. The announcement, made by WWE Senior Vice President of Talent Development Creative Shawn Michaels, underscores the ongoing partnership between the WWE and UFC. "We are always exploring new frontiers to showcase NXT, and we are excited to bring Battleground to this world-class event and production facility in partnership with UFC," Michaels commented. The shift in venue and date, from May 26 at the Enmarket Arena in Savannah, Georgia, to June 9 at the UFC Apex, has stirred speculation about the reasons behind the change. NXT Battleground promises a star-studded lineup, featuring top talents such as NXT Champion Ilja Dragunov, NXT Women’s Champion Roxanne Perez, NXT North American Champion Oba Femi, and NXT Tag Team Champions Axiom and Nathan Frazer, among others. This move follows the merger of the UFC's parent company, Endeavor, and the WWE, which led to the creation of TKO. The collaboration between the UFC and WWE has seen several crossover events, including both promotions hosting events in the same city on the same weekend and mutual promotion between fighters. Notably, UFC fighter Michael Chandler has even appeared on WWE programming to promote his fights. It remains to be seen if this event at the UFC Apex is a one-time occurrence or if the WWE plans to host more events at this venue in the future.

The World Boxing Organization (WBO) has declared Terence Crawford's upcoming fight against Israil Madrimov on August 3 as an interim title bout, potentially leading to the victor holding two 154-pound titles. The fight, set to take place in Los Angeles, will see Uzbekistan's Madrimov, the current WBA junior middleweight champion, face off against Crawford, the undefeated three-division champion and top pound-for-pound fighter. The event, to be held at the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, is under the leadership of Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority. This marks Alalshikh's debut in the U.S. boxing scene and is expected to feature an exciting undercard, possibly including Southern California's former world heavyweight champion, Andy Ruiz. The decision to sanction the fight for the interim WBO title comes after the current WBO junior middleweight champion, Sebastian Fundora, suffered a broken nose in his recent victory over Tim Tszyu. Fundora, also the WBC 154-pound belt holder, is medically suspended until late September, and there are doubts about his return to the ring before December. As a WBO "super" champion, Crawford has the right to seek a title shot in adjacent weight classes, and his decision to face Madrimov could lead to him holding the full WBO strap as well. However, if Fundora chooses to fight someone other than Crawford next, he may have to relinquish the belt or risk being stripped of it by the WBO board for not complying with its rules.