Cris Cyborg, renowned in the MMA world for her dominance, is ready to showcase her boxing skills as she gears up for a high-stakes bout against Widnelly Figueroa at Green Bay Fight Night on April 27, 2024. This eagerly anticipated matchup promises excitement and intrigue as Cyborg aims to continue her undefeated streak in professional boxing. The stage is set for Cyborg's next combat sports appearance, and it's not within the confines of an MMA cage this time. Instead, Cyborg (3-0) will headline the main event at The Watering Hole in Green Bay, Wisconsin, facing off against Figueroa in a two-round boxing showdown. The fight, promoted by Roughhouse Promotions and Salomon Becerra, will see Cyborg stepping into the ring with 10-ounce gloves, contesting at 154 pounds. Expressing her anticipation for the upcoming fight, Cyborg emphasized her dedication to honing her boxing skills and delivering thrilling performances for her fans. In a press release, Cyborg stated, “I want to prove to the people in Boxing that my KO power in MMA can translate into KO power with the bigger gloves... I’m looking to bring excitement to Women’s Boxing like I’ve done in WMMA.” Cyborg's journey in professional boxing has been nothing short of impressive, with victories over Simone da Silva, Gabrielle Holloway, and Kelsey Wickstrum in her previous bouts. Now, she faces Figueroa, a tough opponent with a record of 0-2 but considerable experience in the ring. With a win over Figueroa, Cyborg aims to continue her pursuit of a significant matchup against Cecilia Braekhus, the top-ranked super welterweight according to BoxRec. This bout signifies Cyborg's determination to make her mark in the boxing world, showcasing her versatility and skill across different combat sports disciplines. While Cyborg's MMA career has also been illustrious, including recent victories like her first-round TKO of Cat Zingano at Bellator 300, her focus, for now, is on boxing and the challenges it presents. Despite her hopes for a champion vs. champion bout against Larissa Pacheco, the MMA landscape has yet to materialize such a matchup, prompting Cyborg to excel in the boxing realm. As the countdown begins for Cyborg vs. Figueroa at Green Bay Fight Night, fans and enthusiasts alike eagerly await a thrilling spectacle, with Cyborg's power and precision poised to take center stage in the boxing ring.

Ben Shalom, the man behind Boxxer promotions, remains unfazed by reports of Frank Warren's challenges in agreeing on terms for a potential fight between Anthony Yarde and Joshua Buatsi. Despite Warren's comments about the need for Yarde and his team to accept the existing agreement, Shalom is optimistic that a solution will be reached. The promoters have already settled on a 50-50 purse split for the fight, which is expected to take place in London in June. The bout between the rival light heavyweights has garnered significant attention in British boxing circles, with Shalom acknowledging its status as one of the most sought-after matchups in the country. While acknowledging the complexities of negotiations, Shalom expressed confidence that both Yarde and Buatsi are eager for the fight to happen. He emphasized that it is normal for promoters and fighters to seek the best terms for themselves but noted that there is a positive outlook for the bout. Shalom highlighted Buatsi's recent victory over Dan Azeez and Yarde's impressive performance against Marko Nikolic as indicators of the fighters' readiness for the bout. He reiterated that the fight has been agreed upon by the promoters and expressed hope that a final agreement between the fighters could be reached soon. With everyone involved eager to see the fight happen, Shalom remains optimistic about the outcome and looks forward to sitting down with all parties involved to finalize the details.

Liz Carmouche, a seasoned MMA veteran, finds herself in a unique and uncertain position as she transitions from being a Bellator champion to competing in the PFL. Her unexpected trilogy fight with Juliana Velasquez and the ambiguity surrounding her Bellator title status add layers of intrigue to her upcoming challenges. Carmouche's journey took an unexpected turn when Bellator was sold to PFL, prompting her to shift gears and join the PFL's season-long tournament. Despite her initial mixed feelings about the sale, Carmouche saw the potential for greater financial rewards and the opportunity to add another belt to her collection in a new promotion. In an interview with MMA Fighting, Carmouche expressed her excitement about the prospect of competing in the PFL and the chance to secure a $1 million prize at the end of the season. However, the uncertainty surrounding her status as the Bellator flyweight champion remains a lingering question mark. "I don’t know either," Carmouche admitted with a laugh when asked about her Bellator title. "My answer is we’re both still in limbo. It’s weird, but at the same time, it’s kind of fun. You get a clean slate every year." Adding to the intrigue is Carmouche's trilogy fight with Juliana Velasquez, a former Bellator champion whom Carmouche has defeated twice before. The unexpected matchup surprised Carmouche, who initially expected to face Taila Santos in the tournament. Despite the familiarity with Velasquez, Carmouche is not taking the fight lightly. She acknowledges Velasquez's determination to avenge her previous losses and sees the trilogy as an opportunity to improve her performance and secure her spot in the tournament. "Even with two wins over Velasquez... I still was not happy with how I performed," Carmouche explained. "Opportunity No. 3, I get to clean that up... It’s not just a third rematch. It’s a rematch to get to a million dollars." Carmouche's journey from Bellator to PFL, coupled with the uncertainties and challenges she faces, adds an element of excitement to her upcoming fights. As she navigates this new chapter in her career, Carmouche remains focused on proving herself and chasing victory in the competitive world of MMA.

Reigning ONE Strawweight Muay Thai World Champion Prajanchai PK Saenchai is gearing up for a historic showdown as he sets his sights on the ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World Championship, currently held by Jonathan Di Bella. The highly anticipated clash is scheduled to headline ONE Friday Fights 58: Superbon vs. Grigorian II, promising an electrifying battle between two elite strikers. Ahead of the event, Prajanchai shared his thoughts on facing the undefeated Di Bella, acknowledging his opponent's strengths in footwork, punching accuracy, and knee strikes. However, Prajanchai remains undaunted, expressing confidence in his own speed and striking abilities honed through his extensive career in Muay Thai. Prajanchai emphasized, "Jonathan Di Bella’s strengths are quick footwork plus his fast and accurate punches. He also has dangerous knee strikes. But on the other hand, he has many weaknesses – but let’s find out in the ring. I’m not worried about his speed at all because I am confident in my speed, as well. So, this fight will be decided by who has more fight IQ." Reflecting on his transition from Muay Thai to kickboxing, Prajanchai highlighted the appeal of seeking new challenges in the sport. With over 500 Muay Thai fights under his belt, the allure of competing in small gloves in ONE Championship presented an exciting opportunity for growth. Prajanchai seamlessly adapted to the nuances of kickboxing, aligning his style to fit the ruleset while maintaining his signature striking prowess. Prajanchai's confidence and adaptability make him a formidable challenger for Di Bella's title. As the countdown to their showdown begins, fans eagerly anticipate witnessing these two elite fighters collide in the ring.

In a surprising turn of events, boxing legend Mike Tyson has stepped into the limelight once again, this time defending his upcoming match against Jake Paul amidst criticism about the age gap between them. Tyson's bold stance and confidence in drawing massive viewership highlight the evolving landscape of combat sports and the allure of unconventional matchups. The clash between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson is set to captivate audiences as the latest spectacle in the boxing world. Despite concerns about Tyson's age—he will be 58 by the time of the fight—Tyson remains unfazed, emphasizing the immense popularity and attention the bout has already garnered. Tyson's response to the backlash echoes his unwavering belief in the entertainment value of the matchup. In an interview with Reuters, Tyson exclaimed, “I’m 58 and what? I’m getting billions of views from just talking to somebody about fighting. Everybody, even most of the athletes, they’re jealous, that’s whack... I say in your prime you couldn’t draw a million people, man. What are you talking, you couldn’t sell out an arena. Who at 58 could sell out an 80,000-seat arena?” The bout between Paul and Tyson represents a convergence of different eras and styles in boxing. While Tyson acknowledges the novelty of the matchup, he also underlines the commercial appeal and widespread interest it has generated, challenging critics who question its legitimacy. It's worth noting that this won't be Tyson's first post-retirement fight, having previously engaged in an exhibition bout with Roy Jones Jr. in 2020. The outcome of that match scored a split draw, further fueling interest in Tyson's return to the ring. Despite the unconventional nature of the Paul vs. Tyson fight, it undeniably commands attention and promises to be a spectacle. Tyson's comments about Paul's appeal and the broader appeal of the fight underscore the evolving dynamics of combat sports and the importance of entertainment value in attracting audiences. As Tyson aptly puts it, “Why you think he wants to fight me and not anybody else? Everybody wants to fight him, all the boxers want to fight him. But if he fought them, the only people that will come are the people that like him. The other guys, their parents might not even come watch them. That’s just keeping it real. They’re too boring for their children to watch, it’s like watching grass grow.” The Paul vs. Tyson showdown is poised to be a must-watch event, showcasing the convergence of athleticism, entertainment, and star power in modern-day boxing.

UFC fighter Joaquin Buckley has stirred up controversy with his recent comments about Ariel Helwani and the MMA media. After securing a significant victory over Vicente Luque, Buckley appeared on Ariel Helwani's MMA Hour show for MMA Fighting. However, instead of discussing his win, Buckley used the platform to criticize Helwani and the media's treatment of fighters. During the interview, Buckley accused Helwani of asking questions that could potentially damage a fighter's career. He expressed his displeasure with how the media portrays fighters, feeling that they often diminish their character and humanity. “So I was just doing Ariel Helwani’s show and to be honest, I’m not a big fan of Ariel because when he be having fighters on, he be like, setting them up with questions that could potentially hurt a mother******’s career if you say the wrong thing. At the end of the day, this is a business and Ariel, yeah he’s great at what he does for his job, right, but for me, I feel like he been enticing certain things within the industry that could hurt certain fighters.” Reflecting on his appearance, Buckley admitted that he should not have participated in the interview, as it led him to feel out of character. Despite his criticism, Buckley acknowledged Helwani's talent but believes that the media, in general, could do more to promote fighters in a positive light. Buckley's comments have sparked discussion within the MMA community about the role of the media in promoting and representing fighters. As Buckley looks ahead to his future in the UFC, his outspoken views may continue to generate attention and debate.

Trainer Robert Garcia has thrown his hat in the ring to train former unified world welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. (28-1, 22 KOs) following Spence's recent split with his longtime trainer Derick James. The rift between Spence and James was confirmed last week, with James admitting that he and Spence had not been in communication for weeks. This development comes after Spence's challenging bout against Terence Crawford (40-0, 31 KOs) last July, where he suffered a devastating stoppage defeat in his quest to become the undisputed welterweight champion. In a recent interview with 210 Boxing, Garcia expressed interest in training Spence, citing his successful work with Marcos Maidana as a potential model for Spence's future success. "If he reached out to me, I would definitely consider speaking and talking to him," Garcia said. "I would love to, because those are challenges for me, too. Look at Marcos Maidana. He had the best paydays of his life when he came to me. Sometimes fighters need something like that. Maybe Spence needs something like that." Garcia praised Spence's fighting style, stating that he believes Spence was once one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. He suggested that with some fine-tuning, Spence could reclaim his former status. "He already has a great style," Garcia remarked. "It’s just little touches. Honestly, it would be a challenge for me, too. ... I would love to talk to him about putting something together."

Justin Gaethje is gearing up for a showdown against Max Holloway at UFC 300, where Holloway is moving up to lightweight to challenge Gaethje for the BMF title. Gaethje, known for his knockout power, anticipates a tough fight against Holloway, who has never been dropped or knocked out in his MMA career. In a UFC 300 promo video, Gaethje expressed his respect for Holloway as a legend and acknowledged him as the epitome of a BMF. Despite this, Gaethje is focused on his job and aims to "f**k him up." He believes he won't be able to knock Holloway out like he did to Dustin Poirier in his last fight but instead expects to inflict enough damage to force a doctor stoppage, saving Holloway from further harm. “No one steals the show quite like the highlight. Carnage, chaos, probably some blood and adrenaline coursing through the veins, that is what you are going to get from me. My ability to create damage is second to none,” Justin Gaethje said on a UFC 300 promo video. “Max Holloway is a legend, probably the only person on the UFC roster that checks every single box of being a BMF so I have a lot of respect for him. However, this is my job and I’m going to try and f**k him up. I will finish Max, he may not go away the traditional way, but I think I will inflict damage to where the doctors need to stop it. We are about to paint a violent picture and no two better guys to go out there and put on a show.” Despite his confidence, Gaethje respects Holloway's durability, believing he will be a tough opponent to put away. A TKO win by doctor stoppage at UFC 300 could solidify Gaethje's position as the next title contender in the lightweight division.

Michael Bisping, the former UFC middleweight champion turned analyst, has raised concerns about Khamzat Chimaev's upcoming matchup against Robert Whittaker in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Bisping's insights shed light on the potential challenges Chimaev might face, especially in the championship rounds, making this fight a must-watch for MMA fans worldwide. The highly anticipated showdown between Chimaev (13-0) and Whittaker (25-7) is set to take place in a five-round headliner on June 22, airing on ABC. This marks Chimaev's first five-round fight in his UFC career, a factor that Bisping believes could significantly impact the outcome of the bout. During a segment on his "Believe You Me" podcast, Bisping expressed his concerns regarding Chimaev's stamina and endurance against an experienced fighter like Whittaker. He stated, "Automatically if you’re in the corner of Khamzat Chimaev, you’ve got to be concerned. One thing Robert Whittaker is not going to do is run out of gas. He’s a very, very experienced fighter fighting at the highest level for a long time." Bisping's analysis delves into the tactical aspects of the fight, highlighting Chimaev's aggressive style and tendency to dominate early in his bouts. However, he also pointed out Chimaev's past fights against top-tier opponents like Kamaru Usman and Gilbert Burns, where he showed signs of slowing down in later rounds. Against Whittaker, known for his endurance and ability to go the distance, Bisping believes this could pose a significant challenge for Chimaev if he fails to secure an early finish. Whittaker's track record in championship rounds adds another layer of complexity to the matchup. Having gone the full 25 minutes multiple times, including impressive victories over formidable opponents like Yoel Romero, Whittaker has showcased his ability to maintain a high pace and tactical approach throughout extended fights. The Riyadh event promises to be a thrilling spectacle for MMA fans, with Chimaev looking to solidify his status as a rising star in the sport and Whittaker aiming to reclaim his position at the top of the middleweight division.

In a candid interview with Valeria Lipovetsky, former UFC bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey revealed shocking details about her concussion history and how it affected her iconic fight against Holly Holm at UFC 193. Rousey's revelations shed light on the challenges athletes face and the toll it takes on their careers and mental well-being. Rousey's admission of being concussed before the Holm fight adds a new layer of understanding to the bout's outcome. She confessed, "My mouthguard was bad. I literally came into that fight concussed from slipping down some stairs already after all these years of concussions." This admission speaks volumes about the physical and mental hurdles Rousey faced leading up to the fight, where she ultimately suffered a devastating head kick from Holm, ending the fight in the second round. The interview also delved into Rousey's struggles with concussions throughout her career, spanning from her judo days to her time in MMA and WWE. She highlighted the pressure to perform despite neurological damage and the toll it took on her cognitive abilities. Rousey's candidness about her experiences with concussions provides a sobering reminder of the risks athletes face in combat sports and the importance of prioritizing their long-term health. Furthermore, Rousey expressed her disillusionment with fans and media after her losses, particularly citing the backlash she faced after her defeat against Amanda Nunes at UFC 207. She shared, "I know that I’m the greatest fighter that has ever lived. But when it got to a point where I’d just taken so much neurological damage that I couldn’t take it anymore, suddenly everything that I accomplished meant nothing." This introspective look into Rousey's mindset sheds light on the emotional toll of a high-profile career in combat sports. The interview also touches on the complexities of athlete oversight by regulatory bodies like athletic commissions. Rousey's decision not to disclose her concussion history before fights raise questions about the adequacy of pre-fight medical evaluations and the challenges athletes face in balancing transparency with career goals. Ronda Rousey's interview with Valeria Lipovetsky provides a raw and introspective look into the challenges faced by elite athletes, the impact of concussions on performance, and the complexities of athlete well-being in combat sports.

South African UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis is setting his sights on a blockbuster showdown with two-time champion Israel Adesanya, with hopes of headlining UFC 305 in Australia. As reports circulate about the UFC's interest in booking du Plessis vs. Adesanya as the main event for UFC 305 in Perth, Australia, du Plessis took to social media to call out "The Last Stylebender" and reignite their long-standing rivalry. Du Plessis' journey to the top of the UFC middleweight division culminated in a split decision victory over Sean Strickland at UFC 297 in January, where he claimed the title. Immediately after the win, du Plessis expressed his desire to face Adesanya at UFC 300, but an injury prevented that matchup from happening. Despite the initial setback, both du Plessis and Adesanya have expressed their eagerness to face each other, and reports suggest that Adesanya is open to the idea of fighting du Plessis at UFC 305. The rivalry between du Plessis and Adesanya dates back to du Plessis' challenge to Adesanya when the latter was the middleweight champion. Du Plessis vowed to become a true African champion and bring the belt back to Africa instead of New Zealand, sparking a heated feud between the two fighters. Their anticipated clash was initially set for UFC 293 in Sydney, but du Plessis' unavailability led to Sean Strickland stepping in and upsetting Adesanya. Now, almost a year later, the stage is potentially set for du Plessis and Adesanya to finally settle their differences in Australia at UFC 305. UFC 305 is scheduled to take place on August 18 at RAC Arena in Perth, Australia, promising an electrifying matchup if du Plessis' challenge to Adesanya is accepted.

In a recent turn of events, the upcoming UFC Vegas 91 event has seen a change in its main event lineup as Manel Kape is forced to withdraw, paving the way for Matheus Nicolau to face off against Alex Perez in an eagerly awaited headliner. The announcement, made by UFC on Tuesday, shook up the fight card for UFC Vegas 91, scheduled to take place on April 27 at the UFC APEX. Originally slated to compete against Kape, Nicolau will now test his skills against Perez in a five-round battle that promises fireworks for fight fans. This isn't the first time Kape vs. Nicolau has faced setbacks. Initially scheduled for UFC Vegas 84 on Jan. 13, the matchup was canceled due to Kape missing weight by three and a half pounds, leading to its rescheduling for UFC Vegas 91. However, with Kape's withdrawal, Nicolau steps up to face a new challenge in Perez. Nicolau, boasting a record of 19 wins, 3 losses, and 1 draw, is determined to bounce back from his recent defeat against Brandon Royval. Ranked No. 11 in MMA Fighting's flyweight rankings, Nicolau brings a wealth of experience and notable victories to the octagon, including wins over Tim Elliott and John Moraga. On the other side of the octagon, Alex Perez enters the spotlight hungry for redemption. Despite suffering three consecutive defeats, Perez remains a formidable force in the flyweight division. Perez has faced tough competition, including battles against current champion Alexandre Pantoja and former champ Deiveson Figueiredo. As the new headliner for UFC Vegas 91, Nicolau vs. Perez promises to deliver high-octane action and intense competition. Fight fans can expect a thrilling matchup between two top-ranked flyweights vying to make a statement in the division.