Boxing rivals Ryan Garcia and Conor Benn have reignited their feud, exchanging fiery barbs on social media following Garcia's recent victory. The heated exchange began when Benn expressed surprise at Garcia's sudden interest in a potential bout, stating, "Ryan hasn’t been on my radar." However, Benn wasted no time in accepting the challenge, declaring, "I ain’t no Luke Campbell either, so it’s a fight I’d definitely take next. I’d take it straightaway." The war of words escalated as Benn praised Haney's resilience in a previous fight and extended an open invitation to fight any top contender. Garcia, known for his quick wit, responded with a taunt, suggesting a venue and boasting, "Let’s run it in London at the O2. I will fracture your spleen [sic] and then eat it." The verbal sparring continued as Benn retaliated, claiming he would "smash Garcia’s teeth down his neck." Garcia, undeterred, questioned Benn's fighting prowess, stating, " You know I’m about the business but you can’t even fight in your own country wtf?" This jab was in reference to Benn's past dispute with British boxing authorities over failed drug tests, which led to him fighting abroad. Despite the ongoing feud, Benn remains focused on his career, boasting a flawless record of 23-0 (14 KOs) and expressing eagerness for a significant bout. He emphasized his willingness to face Garcia and other top American fighters who have called him out, stating, "These fights weren’t on the landscape for me, but since they’re all moving up to 147, they don’t want it." While Garcia suggested fighting in London, Benn indicated his preference for a bout in America due to his current situation with British boxing authorities.

Manon Fiorot, with an impressive seven-fight winning streak in the UFC, has her sights firmly set on the women's flyweight title. Despite the ongoing trilogy between Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko dominating the division's narrative, Fiorot is determined to ensure her next fight is for the championship, even if it means taking on a backup role. The anticipated showdown between Grasso and Shevchenko is slated to conclude at UFC 306 on September 16, following their coaching roles on Season 32 of "The Ultimate Fighter" reality series. Fiorot, after her recent unanimous decision victory over Erin Blanchfield, sees herself as the rightful contender for the title. In an interview with MMA Junkie, Fiorot expressed her willingness to step in as a backup for the Grasso vs. Shevchenko bout, stating, "If I have to choose, the best choice for me is to be the backup on the fight...I think the best choice for me now is to be backup for this fight so I can see the fight and perhaps do a faceoff after against the winner. … I think I deserve it." With victories over top contenders such as Rose Namajunas, Katlyn Cerminara, Jennifer Maia, and Mayra Bueno Silva, Fiorot has proven her readiness for a title shot. She asserts her position as the deserving No. 1 contender and is prepared to fight for the title in her next bout. However, Fiorot acknowledges another scenario where she would consider deviating from the title path: if the UFC introduces an interim belt. She asserts her claim to the title contention, emphasizing her consistency and determination to secure her shot at championship glory. As the anticipation builds for the Grasso vs. Shevchenko trilogy, Fiorot remains focused on her goal, poised to seize any opportunity that brings her closer to her ultimate aspiration of UFC gold.

Fresh off his commanding victory at UFC 300, Alex Pereira, the reigning light heavyweight champion, finds himself at a crossroads, contemplating his next move inside the UFC octagon. Despite his hunger for fights and record-breaking performances, Pereira remains patient, with no rush to decide on his next opponent, date, or location. In a recent interview with MMA Fighting’s Trocação Franca podcast, Pereira discussed his options, stating, "It’s hard to answer that. I haven’t thought too much about it yet...If it’s a longer period of time, I’d obviously rather defend my belt." While Pereira entertains the possibility of defending his belt, the allure of testing the waters in the heavyweight division remains enticing. With interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall's upcoming bout in Manchester, Pereira acknowledges the potential for a challenge but leaves the decision in the hands of UFC officials. Acknowledging the social media engagement sparked by Aspinall's post, Pereira remains open to the idea but emphasizes the importance of considering what's best for his career and team. In considering potential opponents, Pereira views Magomed Ankalaev as a viable option for his next light heavyweight title defense. However, Pereira expresses reluctance to meet Ankalaev's call for a fight in October, preferring an earlier date. Despite fracturing two toes during his recent victory, Pereira aims to return to training in early May, signaling his readiness for upcoming challenges. Expressing a preference for November fights, Pereira highlights the appeal of competing in Madison Square Garden, where he boasts a perfect record in pay-per-view headliners. As Pereira deliberates his next move, UFC fans eagerly await news of his next assignment, whether it be a title defense or a venture into the heavyweight division. With his talent and determination, Pereira's journey in the MMA world promises excitement and anticipation for what lies ahead.

ONE Championship 167 is set to feature an electrifying showdown as Canada's rising MMA star, Ben Tynan, faces Italy's Mauro Cerilli in a highly anticipated heavyweight bout, confirmed by a promotion official. The event is scheduled for June 7 in Bangkok, Thailand, promising fans an action-packed night of martial arts excitement. Tynan, boasting an impressive undefeated record of 6-0, has quickly made a name for himself since joining ONE Championship. With a 100 percent finishing rate, including four first-round stoppages, Tynan's prowess inside the cage has garnered attention worldwide. Before his professional career, Tynan showcased his talent with an undefeated amateur record of 8-0, setting the stage for his remarkable rise in the MMA scene. His opponent, Mauro Cerilli, brings a wealth of experience to the octagon as a former Cage Warriors heavyweight champion. Despite a mixed record in ONE Championship, Cerilli has secured notable victories over renowned fighters such as Alain Ngalani, Abdulbasir Vagabov, and Paul Elliott, showcasing his ability to compete at the highest level. The addition of Tynan vs. Cerilli adds further excitement to the already stacked ONE Championship 167 lineup, which includes thrilling matchups such as Champ Stamp Fairtex vs. Denice Zamboanga and Champ Tawanchai PK aenchai vs. Jo Nattawut in muay Thai competition. As the countdown to the event begins, fans eagerly anticipate witnessing the clash between these two heavyweight contenders. With Tynan's unbeaten streak on the line and Cerilli's experience in the cage, the stage is set for an unforgettable showdown in Bangkok. Stay tuned for more updates and coverage as ONE Championship 167 approaches, promising an unforgettable night of MMA action.

Cedric Doumbé, the French kickboxing sensation turned MMA contender, has committed his future to the Professional Fighters League PFL with a multi-fight, multi-year extension, marking a significant move for both Doumbé and the promotion. Fresh off his remarkable debut in PFL, which saw him secure a stunning nine-second knockout, Doumbé is poised to continue his journey with the organization. Despite a setback in his second outing due to a toe injury, Doumbé's potential remains undeniable, prompting PFL officials to secure his services for the foreseeable future. Announcing Doumbé's contract renewal, PFL CEO Peter Murray expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "Re-signing Cedric Doumbe to a multi-year contract extension has been one of our highest priorities...Cedric is a large part of our continued growth in France." In addition to his contract extension, Doumbé's next challenge awaits him at Bellator Paris, where he is scheduled to face seasoned competitor Derek Anderson. Set to take place at the Accor Arena on May 17, the event will be broadcast live on Max in the United States, offering fans an electrifying showdown between two formidable fighters. Doumbé's transition from kickboxing champion to MMA contender has been met with anticipation and excitement. With a proven track record of success, including a dominant reign as GLORY welterweight champion, Doumbé's presence in the MMA arena adds a new dimension to the sport. His upcoming clash with Derek Anderson promises to be a highlight of the Bellator Paris card, featuring an intriguing main event showdown between bantamweight champion Patchy Mix and Magomed Magomedov. As Doumbé continues to carve his path in the world of MMA, his commitment to PFL and his upcoming bout against Anderson signify the next chapter in his journey toward greatness. Fans can expect nothing short of an exhilarating performance as Doumbé showcases his skills on the global stage once again.

Former UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold made a triumphant return to combat sports with a knockout victory over Joe Schilling at Karate Combat 45 in Dubai. The event, held earlier this evening, featured a headline bout between Rockhold and Schilling, two seasoned fighters with impressive resumes. Rockhold (16-6 MMA) came into the fight seeking his first combat sports victory since 2017 when he defeated David Branch at UFC Pittsburgh. Following that win, Rockhold faced a series of setbacks in the UFC, losing three consecutive fights. He later competed in BKFC, where he faced Mike Perry but ultimately quit the fight after suffering dental injuries. Facing Rockhold was Joe Schilling (4-6 MMA, 23-9 Kickboxing), a former Glory middleweight tournament champion returning to action after a hiatus since his knockout loss to Tony Johnson at Bellator 229 in 2019. The bout between Rockhold and Schilling ended in the third round, with Rockhold delivering a decisive overhand right that sent Schilling to the canvas. Rockhold followed up with ground and pound, prompting the referee to stop the fight. In his post-fight interview, Rockhold called out fellow former UFC champion Lyoto Machida, expressing his desire to fight him in the Karate Combat pit. Rockhold taunted Machida, referencing their previous fights and the absence of elbows in Karate Combat. The official result of the bout was declared as a knockout victory for Luke Rockhold in the third round. Rockhold's win has sparked speculation about a potential matchup between him and Machida under the Karate Combat banner. Fans are eager to see if this fight materializes and who would emerge victorious in a clash between these two skilled fighters.

Former UFC flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo has set his sights on another former titleholder as he pursues his path to a bantamweight title shot. Figueiredo, who kicked off UFC 300 last Saturday in Las Vegas with a victory over former bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt, is now 2-0 in his UFC bantamweight tenure following a unanimous decision win over Rob Font in December. Having made the full-time move to the bantamweight division last year after a loss to Brandon Moreno in their flyweight title tetralogy at UFC 283, Figueiredo is determined to reclaim championship form. In a recent interview with Brazilian publication Canal Encarada, Figueiredo expressed his desire for a dream fight against UFC legend Dominick Cruz. "It would be amazing to fight at [UFC 303] in June," Figueiredo stated. "That depends on [Cruz]. If he signs the contract, I’m ready. I want to fight him, and I think he’s a guy who can take me to a title shot." As of now, Cruz has not responded to Figueiredo's callout, nor has he hinted at a potential return to the Octagon. Cruz's last fight was a TKO loss to Marlon Vera in Aug. 2022, preceded by back-to-back decision wins over Pedro Munhoz and Casey Kenney in 2021. Figueiredo's entry into the bantamweight title mix further intensifies the competition in the division. A victory over another former champion like Cruz could bolster Figueiredo's case to UFC matchmakers as a legitimate title threat in the stacked weight class. With his reputation as a dangerous opponent for top bantamweights and flyweights intact, a matchup against Cruz holds the potential to secure Figueiredo a possible No. 1 contender fight and edge him closer to his championship aspirations.

After his impressive victory over Devin Haney, Ryan Garcia has hinted at a potential rematch with Gervonta "Tank" Davis, but only under specific conditions. Garcia, who suffered a defeat to Davis in April 2023, has bounced back with two consecutive wins, including the recent triumph over Haney. Speaking about a potential rematch with Davis, Garcia emphasized his move up to the welterweight division, ruling out a return to the junior welterweight division due to difficulties in making weight. "I’m not doing 140, I’m going to 147. I can’t make 140. My body can’t literally go lower than 143," Garcia stated. Golden Boy promoter Oscar De La Hoya echoed Garcia's sentiments, stating that a rematch with Davis would only be considered under catchweight conditions. "The only way he’s gonna fight Tank Davis is a catchweight at ’45, ’44 just the way they did it to him," De La Hoya confirmed. Despite Davis having the upper hand in their previous encounter, a potential rematch between Garcia and Davis could be highly lucrative, given their popularity and recent successes in the ring.

Arnold Barboza's victory over Sean McComb on Saturday night at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn has sparked controversy and criticism, with many questioning the judges' decision. The split-decision win left the crowd stunned, with boos echoing through the arena before the main event between Haney and Garcia. The outcome of the fight has also drawn attention from fellow fighters, particularly those who Barboza has called out in the past. Shakur Stevenson, the WBC lightweight world champion, took to social media to express his disbelief, stating, "Arnold Barboza should never mention my name." Former two-time junior welterweight world champion Regis Prograis also weighed in, noting that Barboza needed to change his approach in the fight. Stevenson responded to Prograis' observation with a tweet of his own, suggesting that Barboza was losing the fight and labeling the decision as a "robbery." Former IBF featherweight champion Billy Dib joined the discussion, cautioning Barboza against calling out fighters like Stevenson and Teofimo Lopez, stating that Barboza is "nowhere near that level." Prior to his fight against McComb, Barboza had expressed interest in facing Stevenson at the junior welterweight limit. Stevenson, who is planning a return to the ring in July, has yet to respond to Barboza's call-out following the controversial decision.

After a tumultuous build-up marked by concerns about his mental health, Ryan Garcia emerged victorious in a dramatic showdown against Devin Haney at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Despite being unable to claim the WBC super-lightweight title due to failing to make weight, Garcia's majority decision win over Haney was a pivotal moment in his career. The 25-year-old Garcia addressed the skepticism surrounding his mental health, asserting, "This is why people need to stop believing everything on the internet and stop living in a false reality." He expressed frustration at being labeled as "crazy," stating, "I had everybody thinking I was crazy, but at the end of the day who’s the crazy one now?" Garcia, known for his explosive power, became the first fighter to knock down Haney, a testament to his skill and determination. Reflecting on the fight, Garcia admitted to using alcohol as a coping mechanism, revealing personal struggles including a divorce. Despite his victory, he emphasized that his behavior was not something to be emulated, stating, "Don’t necessarily look at me like an example, ‘cause I’m far from perfect." The rivalry between Garcia and Haney dates back to their amateur days, with each winning three fights against the other. Garcia's victory has sparked talks of a potential rematch, as Haney appeared unprepared for Garcia's power. Looking ahead, Garcia expressed interest in moving up to the 147-pound weight class, citing difficulties in making weight. He dismissed the idea of facing Gervonta "Tank" Davis, speculating that Davis would not fight him if he moved up in weight. Garcia's victory over Haney not only solidified his standing in the boxing world but also served as a personal triumph, dispelling doubts about his mental health and showcasing his resilience in the face of adversity.

Rising boxing star David Morrell (10-0, 9 KOs), currently holding the WBA's secondary super middleweight title, is poised to embark on a weight class ascent as he eyes a challenge for the secondary WBA light heavyweight title against Radivoje Kalajdzic (29-2, 21 KOs) on June 22. Morrell's decision to step up to the 175-pound division mirrors that of fellow boxer David Benavidez (28-0, 24 KOs), who is also slated to compete on the same card against Oleksandr Gvodzyk (20-1, 16 KOs) for the WBC interim title at light heavyweight. These anticipated bouts are slated to feature prominently on the undercard of Gervonta Davis' WBA lightweight title defense against Frank Martin. While Premier Boxing Champions is yet to provide official confirmation, the event is expected to unfold in Houston, Texas, with live broadcast coverage on Amazon Prime PPV. Initial reports regarding Morrell's transition to the light heavyweight division surfaced courtesy of journalist Fernando Sabatini, shedding light on the fighter's intentions to challenge himself at a higher weight class. Should Morrell emerge victorious against Kalajdzic to secure the secondary WBA light heavyweight title, he will be required to relinquish his current WBA secondary title in the super middleweight category, as per Sabatini's insights. The decision to move up in weight comes as Morrell, akin to his PBC teammate Benavidez, has encountered frustration in the super middleweight division, largely due to the dominance of undisputed champion Saul "Canelo" Alvarez (60-2-2, 39 KOs). Alvarez is slated to return to the ring on May 4, defending his undisputed championship against former WBO junior middleweight champion Jaime Munguia (43-0, 34 KOs) at the T-Mobile Arena—a matchup eagerly anticipated by fans and pundits alike. Despite Benavidez's longstanding status as a mandatory challenger within the WBC, Morrell finds himself effectively in the same position as Canelo's mandatory challenger through the WBA. However, securing opportunities against marquee names in the division has proven increasingly elusive. A move to the light heavyweight division not only presents Morrell with fresh challenges but also positions him as a contender for a potential showdown against the winner of the highly anticipated undisputed clash between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitrii Bivol.

The roots of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) trace back to ancient civilizations, where various forms of combat were practiced for sport and survival. While pinpointing the exact first MMA match is challenging due to the diverse nature of combat sports throughout history, there are several notable events that laid the groundwork for what would eventually evolve into modern-day MMA. One such event occurred in the early 20th century, with the emergence of "vale tudo" matches in Brazil. Vale tudo, which translates to "anything goes," featured fighters from different martial arts disciplines testing their skills against one another in bare-knuckle bouts. These matches, often held in makeshift rings or open spaces, encompassed a wide range of techniques, including striking, grappling, and submissions. In 1963, the first documented MMA-style event took place in Brazil, known as the "Gracie Challenge." Helio Gracie, a pioneer of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), and his family members issued open challenges to practitioners of other martial arts to test their effectiveness against BJJ. These challenge matches, held at the Gracie Academy in Rio de Janeiro, showcased the effectiveness of BJJ in real combat scenarios and laid the foundation for the development of MMA as a sport. However, it was not until the early 1990s that MMA gained widespread recognition with the inception of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). The inaugural UFC event, held in 1993, featured a tournament-style format where fighters from various martial arts backgrounds competed against each other with minimal rules. The event, marketed as a "no-holds-barred" competition, captured the attention of audiences worldwide and sparked the rise of MMA as a mainstream sport. Despite the UFC's role in popularizing MMA, it is important to acknowledge the contributions of other organizations and events that preceded it. From ancient gladiatorial contests to the vale tudo matches of Brazil, the evolution of MMA is a testament to the enduring appeal of hand-to-hand combat throughout human history. While the exact first MMA match may remain a subject of debate, it is clear that MMA's origins are deeply rooted in the rich tapestry of martial arts history. As the sport continues to evolve and grow in popularity, it is essential to honor its diverse heritage and the countless individuals who have contributed to its development over the centuries.