Gegard Mousasi, the seasoned MMA fighter, is making headlines for his candid remarks regarding his frustrations with the PFL. In an exclusive interview with MMA Fighting, Mousasi opened up about his ongoing battle with the promotion since its acquisition of Bellator, highlighting the lack of communication and the refusal to book him for fights. Despite not stepping into the cage for almost a year, Mousasi adamantly asserts that he is not retired. His last bout in Bellator against Fabian Edwards in May 2023 ended in a decision loss, but Mousasi has been eager to compete again. However, since PFL took over Bellator, he claims to have been left in the dark with no clarity on when he might be scheduled for a fight. "The problem is we cannot get ahold of them," Mousasi stated. "They refuse to answer us back. I’ve been training, I’ve been ready. But like I said, they don’t promote me, or people think I’m retired actually. People don’t even know." Mousasi's frustration stems from the lack of response and action from PFL, despite his efforts to reach out and express his readiness to fight. He revealed that even attempts to secure a bout with Derek Brunson went unanswered, leaving him in limbo. The situation is exacerbated by Mousasi's understanding of the contractual obligations between him and PFL. He believes that as a former champion and a top-ranked fighter, he should have been prioritized for fight bookings. However, the perceived silence and lack of engagement from the promotion have left him questioning their intentions. "I know I have a contract with them. I know they are obligated to give me those fights. I’m just waiting and I don’t know. Just waiting, what can I do?" Mousasi expressed. Mousasi's manager, Nima Safapour, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the disappointment in the way PFL has handled Mousasi's career. "Since the outset, they have made no effort to promote him or book him," Safapour stated. "To the point where I have to assume, they don’t have the intention of booking him even though they have an obligation." The veteran fighter emphasized the importance of clear communication and transparency in fight promotions, urging PFL to provide him with a definitive answer regarding his future fights. His desire for resolution is palpable as he navigates this challenging period in his career.

As anticipation builds for Ryan Garcia's upcoming bout with Devin Haney at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, last-minute negotiations are underway concerning Garcia's weight ahead of the weigh-in. According to boxing expert Dan Rafael, Garcia has tipped the scales at 143.2 pounds, exceeding the super lightweight title limit by 3.2 pounds, just hours before the ceremonial weigh-in scheduled for 2pm ET. Reports indicate that Garcia is poised to agree to a penalty of $500,000 for every pound he surpasses the contractual weight limit. Concerns over Garcia's ability to meet the 140-pound limit have loomed throughout the week, with observations from BoxingScene's Declan Warrington suggesting Garcia appeared more aligned with the welterweight division at the start of fight week. Despite the weight discrepancy, a spokesman for Golden Boy, Garcia's promoter, confirmed that Garcia would uphold the agreement made at the final press conference, stating, "Ryan has weighed in over his contractual weight. He will honor the handshake made at the final press conference yesterday. We have a fight." In response to the negotiations, Haney took to Twitter to affirm that Garcia had complied with the stipulated penalty, tweeting, "Ryan honored the 500k per pound." With tensions rising and the bout drawing near, all eyes are on Garcia as he navigates the final stages of preparation for what promises to be an electrifying showdown in the ring.

David Taylor, the Olympic gold medalist in wrestling, finds himself at a crossroads as he eyes a potential transition to MMA, a move that has drawn both intrigue and cautionary words from former UFC champion Daniel Cormier. In an exclusive interview with MMA Fighting, Taylor hinted at the possibility of stepping into the cage while remaining focused on his immediate goal of securing a spot on the 2024 U.S. Olympic wrestling team. Taylor, known for his dominant performances in wrestling, expressed his interest in MMA, stating, "That door’s not closed. I’m interested in it. Right now, my focus is being an Olympic champion. If that happens, it’s time to re-evaluate and see what’s next." He acknowledged the challenges of transitioning to MMA but emphasized his belief in his abilities to succeed in a new arena. The Olympic champ's potential move to MMA comes after training stints at Factory X under coach Marc Montoya, where he explored the crossover between his wrestling skills and MMA techniques. Taylor's accolades in wrestling, including a three-time World Wrestling Championships winner and his impending quest for a second Olympic gold, make him a compelling prospect in the MMA world. However, Daniel Cormier, a two-time Olympian and UFC Hall of Famer, offered words of caution, urging Taylor to stay focused on wrestling and mentor the next generation of athletes. Cormier emphasized the mental and physical demands of fighting, noting, "You have to be a little crazy to fight." While Taylor remains intrigued by the prospect of MMA, Cormier's advice underscores the challenges and risks associated with transitioning from a decorated wrestling career to the unpredictable world of mixed martial arts. As Taylor navigates this decision, his dedication to wrestling and his aspirations in MMA continue to spark discussions among fans and experts alike.

The stage is set for an electrifying showdown as Sergio Pettis and Kyoji Horiguchi prepare to face off in a highly anticipated rematch at RIZIN 47, scheduled for June 9 at the prestigious Yoyogi First Gymnasium in Tokyo, Japan. The announcement has sent shockwaves through the MMA community, setting the tone for an action-packed event. RIZIN, known for delivering thrilling matchups, also unveiled additional exciting fights for the event. Former champions Kleber Koike and Juan Archuleta are set to collide in a compelling 145-pound showdown, while Karshyga Dautbek and Tetsuya Seki are geared up for a featherweight clash that promises fireworks inside the cage. The rematch between Pettis and Horiguchi holds significant intrigue, especially after their previous encounter. Horiguchi, fresh off winning the RIZIN bantamweight title, faced Pettis for the Bellator strap in December 2021, dominating the fight until a surprising knockout in the fourth round turned the tide in Pettis' favor. Now, Horiguchi seeks redemption as he moves back up to 135 pounds to settle the score with Pettis. For Pettis, this rematch marks a crucial moment in his career. After losing the Bellator belt to Patchy Mix in November 2023, Pettis is eager to bounce back and reclaim his status as a top contender in the bantamweight division. His impressive victories over notable names like Patricio Pitbull and Archuleta have showcased his skills and determination to succeed. The co-main event featuring Kleber Koike and Juan Archuleta adds another layer of excitement to RIZIN 47. Archuleta, a former Bellator bantamweight champion, returns to the featherweight division following a title loss, determined to make a statement against Koike, who is known for his grappling prowess and recent submission victory. As the MMA world eagerly awaits RIZIN 47, fans can expect a night filled with adrenaline-pumping action, epic rematches, and potential title implications in multiple weight classes.

In a surprising turn of events leading up to their highly anticipated championship bout, Ryan Garcia has found himself in hot water after missing weight for his clash against WBC titleholder Devin Haney at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The incident, reported by veteran boxing journalist Dan Rafael, has added an extra layer of drama to an already intense matchup. Garcia's failure to meet the 140-pound limit by more than three pounds has raised concerns among fans and experts alike. This misstep is part of a series of erratic behaviors exhibited by Garcia in recent months, sparking speculations about his readiness and focus for the fight. Dan Rafael's report revealed that Garcia tipped the scales at 143.2 pounds, rendering him ineligible to contend for the super lightweight title. What makes this oversight even costlier for Garcia is the pre-fight agreement made between him and Haney. During a press conference just a day before the weigh-in, both fighters agreed that any weight miss would result in a hefty penalty of $500,000 per pound. Despite the setback, Garcia and Haney upheld their agreement, with Haney confirming on social media that Garcia had fulfilled his financial obligation. Golden Boy Promotions, Garcia's promotional company, issued an official statement addressing the situation and confirming that the fight will proceed as scheduled. Additionally, Garcia has reportedly paid Haney the penalty for missing weight, ensuring that the championship bout remains intact. The incident has sparked discussions within the boxing community about the importance of discipline and professionalism leading up to high-stakes fights. As the showdown between Garcia and Haney approaches, the spotlight is not just on their skills in the ring but also on their ability to handle the pressures of the sport outside it.

Veteran contender Luis Ortiz (34-3, 29 KOs) has thrown down the gauntlet, challenging rising prospect Jared Anderson (17-0, 15 KOs) to a high-stakes showdown. The call-out from Ortiz, aged 45, comes in response to Anderson's recent victory over Ryad Merhy in a lackluster 10-round unanimous decision bout at the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas. The challenge was prompted by Anderson's promoter, Bob Arum, who took to social media earlier in the week, seeking a formidable opponent for the young heavyweight sensation. Arum's tweet stated, "We're looking for a heavyweight who thinks he can actually beat Jared Anderson... There's no one he would be reluctant to fight at this point." In a swift response, Ortiz, known for his Cuban heritage and impressive track record, seized the opportunity, declaring his willingness to face Anderson in the ring. Addressing Arum directly in Spanish, Ortiz conveyed his eagerness for the challenge, expressing confidence that a bout between him and Anderson would deliver fireworks and present a formidable test for the rising star. Despite Ortiz's age advantage of 21 years over Anderson, the Cuban veteran has demonstrated his resilience and punching power, boasting wins over reputable opponents like Charles Martin and a recent first-round knockout victory over Francisco Cordero.

Teofimo Lopez (20-1, 13 KOs), the WBO super lightweight champion, has taken to social media to vent his frustration with his promotional company, Top Rank, over what he perceives as unsatisfactory offers. Lopez's discontent comes on the heels of his lackluster performance against Jamaine Ortiz (17-2-1, 8 KOs) in Las Vegas last February. Despite retaining his title with a unanimous decision victory, Lopez faced criticism from fellow boxers like Terence Crawford and Gervonta Davis for his subpar showing. Amidst the criticism, speculation swirls around Lopez's next bout, with no confirmed date for his title defense. Reports suggest a potential matchup with Canadian Steve Claggett (38-7-2, 26 KOs) in Miami, Florida, tentatively scheduled for June 29. Expressing his frustration on social media, Lopez questioned the nature of the offers he's received from Top Rank, indicating dissatisfaction with the negotiation process. This isn't the first time Lopez has voiced grievances against his promotional team. Following his victory against Josh Taylor (19-1, 13 KOs) last July, Lopez briefly announced his retirement before retracting the decision. Lopez has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with Top Rank and ESPN, claiming he's been underpaid despite generating substantial revenue for the network. His recent outburst on social media underscores growing tensions between the boxer and his promotional company.

In a thrilling bout at UFC 300, Charles Oliveira and Arman Tsarukyan delivered a showdown that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Despite Oliveira's relentless efforts, Tsarukyan emerged victorious via a split decision at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. However, Oliveira's perspective on the fight provides insights into the intense grappling exchanges that took place. During an interview with Canal Encarada, Oliveira revealed his thoughts on a critical moment in the fight, saying, "30 seconds [left], it was tight, one of the submissions I like the most, D’Arce choke. I thought he went out, that’s why I had my tongue out, joking, you know? But I don’t know, it’s part of the game." Oliveira, known for his submission prowess with six of his 21 career submissions coming via guillotine choke, expressed regret over not being able to finish Tsarukyan with that move in the opening round. He acknowledged Tsarukyan's resilience, stating, "Arman was a super tough guy. I connected some strikes, had bad and good moments. Three rounds, three submissions locked in, and time ran out. It wasn’t meant to be." The fight's outcome, tied at 19-19 in all three scorecards going into the final round, left Oliveira contemplating the judges' decision. Despite his efforts to finish the fight, he acknowledged the unpredictability of judges' scoring, especially in close contests. Looking ahead, Oliveira expressed eagerness to return to training but emphasized the importance of strategic planning with his managers Diego Lima and Jorge Patino. He entertained the idea of potential rematches with Max Holloway and Justin Gaethje but remained focused on the next steps in his career. "We don’t need to get desperate [to return]," Oliveira remarked. "A fight with Max Holloway would be wonderful, but he will definitely go back to his weight class to fight for the 145 title. Justin Gaethje hurt his nose, so we have to think [what’s the next move for me]." As Oliveira reflects on his performance and plans his next move, fans eagerly anticipate his return to the octagon, where he continues to showcase his skills and resilience in the highly competitive UFC lightweight division.

At just 18 years old, Adrian Lee is poised to make a significant impact in the world of mixed martial arts as he prepares for his professional debut at ONE 167, scheduled for June 8 at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand. Lee, hailing from a renowned MMA family that includes ONE Championship champions Christian Lee and former atomweight titleholder Angela Lee, is set to showcase his skills in the lightweight division against Antonio Mammarella, with the event airing on Prime Video in the United States. Adrian Lee's journey into MMA is not just about his aspirations but also about continuing the legacy established by his family. Growing up in Hawaii, he trained alongside his siblings under the guidance of their father, creating a strong foundation in martial arts that has become a hallmark of the Lee family. His sister Angela, a former ONE atomweight champion, gained widespread recognition as one of the faces of the ONE Championship before stepping away from the sport to prioritize her mental health. Meanwhile, Christian Lee has made waves in the lightweight and welterweight divisions, capturing titles and establishing himself as a dominant force in the promotion. Adrian's older sister Victoria also made her mark in ONE Championship before her untimely passing in 2022, further solidifying the family's deep connection to the sport. In his debut bout, Adrian Lee faces Antonio Mammarella, an opponent with a 1-0 professional record and extensive experience as an amateur fighter. The matchup not only marks Lee's introduction to the professional MMA scene but also serves as a testament to his dedication and readiness to carry on the family tradition of excellence inside the cage. As ONE 167 approaches, with a thrilling atomweight title fight between Stamp Fairtex and Denice Zamboanga headlining the event, all eyes will be on Adrian Lee as he takes his first steps toward what promises to be a promising career in ONE Championship.

As International Fight Week 2024 approaches, UFC fans are gearing up for an electrifying event headlined by the highly anticipated showdown between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler at UFC 303. Adding to the excitement are two newly announced matchups that promise thrilling action for fight enthusiasts. Middleweight prospect Joe Pyfer is set to make his return to the octagon following his first UFC loss to Jack Hermansson in February. Pyfer, known for his explosive style and five-fight win streak before the setback, will face off against Canadian powerhouse Marc-Andre Barriault. Barriault, with a 2-2 record in his last four fights, brings a blend of striking prowess and grappling skills, making this middleweight clash a must-watch for fight fans. In the strawweight division, submission specialist Gillian Robertson aims to continue her momentum after a recent victory over Polyana Viana. Robertson's next challenge comes in the form of longtime UFC veteran Michelle Waterson-Gomez. Despite Waterson-Gomez's experience and years on the UFC roster since 2015, she has faced difficulties in recent bouts, losing her last four fights and holding a 1-6 record in her past seven outings. The upcoming matchup against Robertson presents a crucial opportunity for Waterson-Gomez to turn the tide and reignite her UFC journey. The addition of Pyfer vs. Barriault and Robertson vs. Gomez-Waterson to the UFC 303 lineup highlights the diversity and competitiveness of the MMA event, with more matchups expected to be announced in the lead-up to the event. Stay tuned for updates as the countdown to UFC 303 continues.

In a recent interview on "The MMA Hour" with Ariel Helwani, UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria dropped a bombshell regarding his potential showdown with Max Holloway. Topuria, who recently claimed the belt from Alexander Volkanovski, insists that he will only accept a fight with Holloway if the BMF title is also on the line. After Holloway's stunning knockout victory over Justin Gaethje at UFC 300, both fighters expressed interest in facing each other. However, Topuria's condition adds a unique twist to the narrative, emphasizing the significance of the BMF belt in their potential matchup. "Without the BMF belt, I don’t want him at all," Topuria stated firmly during the interview. "If not, I’m going to fight with Volkanovski, who deserves the rematch more than him." Topuria's stance reflects his confidence as the reigning champion and his desire for a fight that carries significant weight in the MMA world. He believes that Holloway's possession of the BMF belt adds prestige to their potential clash and ensures a high-stakes showdown. Despite Holloway's impressive UFC career, including a record for most fights without being knocked down, Topuria remains undaunted. He asserts that he is superior in all aspects of the fight game and is prepared to back up his words when they eventually meet inside the octagon. While the timing of the fight is yet to be finalized, Topuria hinted at a potential matchup at UFC 306 in Las Vegas, further adding to the anticipation surrounding this potential bout.

Sky Andren has emerged as a formidable force in the world of weightlifting, fighting not only for personal achievement but also for recognition of his community. Andren recently showcased his prowess at the revered "Master Cup," a pinnacle event in the weightlifting calendar. Hailing from the heart of the United States, Andren has become a symbol of pride for many Americans who have been underrepresented in the weightlifting arena. With a passion for the sport matched only by his dedication to breaking down barriers, Andren has tirelessly worked to elevate his skills and raise awareness about the importance of inclusivity in athletics. The "Master Cup" stands as a testament to excellence in weightlifting, drawing competitors from across the globe to compete on one of the most prestigious stages in the sport. For Andren, it was not just an opportunity to showcase his talent but also to shine a light on the need for greater recognition of his community within the weightlifting world. Despite facing stiff competition, Andren's performance was nothing short of inspiring. His strength, technique, and unwavering resolve captivated the audience and earned the respect of fellow competitors. With each lift, Andren not only pushed his own limits but also challenged perceptions, proving that diversity is not just welcomed but celebrated in the world of sports. Andren's journey to the "Master Cup" serves as a reminder that true champions are not defined solely by their medals but by their courage to stand up for what they believe in. As he continues to break down barriers and pave the way for future generations, Andren embodies the spirit of American resilience and determination. Sky would like to thank Fight.tv and Competitive nation!