CM Punk recently took a moment to reflect on his brief but memorable foray into the world of mixed martial arts. Eight years ago, at UFC 203, Punk made his much-anticipated walk to the octagon for his pro debut, which also marked his first-ever MMA fight. Despite his wrestling stardom and massive fan following, Punk's MMA career didn't go as planned, as he was submitted in just over two minutes by Mickey Gall. Now 45 and back with the WWE, Punk is preparing for his first WrestleMania appearance since 2013. During an interview on The MMA Hour, Punk expressed bewilderment at his decision to try MMA, saying, "I asked my wife the other day... 'What the f*** was I thinking?'" Punk was nearly 38 years old when he fought Gall and 39 when he faced Mike Jackson in his second UFC fight, which ended in a decision loss. The result against Jackson was later overturned due to a positive marijuana test by Jackson. The UFC 225 fight against Jackson took place in Punk's hometown of Chicago amidst legal troubles with fellow wrestler Colt Cabana. Cabana had sued Punk for breach of contract and fraud related to a 2014 lawsuit stemming from comments Punk made about WWE doctor Christopher Amann on Cabana's podcast. Despite the legal turmoil and the media attention surrounding his MMA journey, Punk remains proud of his efforts. "I get it, it’s easy to ‘LOL’ and make fun of me," Punk said. "Some people look at that and be like, ‘That’s embarrassing.’ I f****** made the weight. I made the walk. I am 100 percent proud of myself, and I would do it again, because that was me at my absolute worst, and I did it."

Ian Machado Garry is basking in the glow of his seventh consecutive UFC victory, a unanimous decision triumph over Geoff Neal at UFC 298. The Brazilian fighter, known as “The Future,” is relishing life in São Paulo following his latest triumph but has wasted no time in setting his sights on his next opponent: Colby Covington. Speaking to MMA Fighting's Guilherme Cruz at the Tiro Certo Golfe studio in São Paulo, where he was engaged in some indoor golf, Garry expressed his desire to face Covington at UFC 303 on June 29 in Las Vegas. “If Colby wants to fight in his back garden tomorrow, I will fly to Miami and fight him in his back garden,” Garry declared. “I just want him as the opponent. I want him to be a man and step into the octagon and face his fears. Face the man who he’s talked a lot of s*** about, and watch what happens when you get in there." Covington is coming off a loss to welterweight champion Leon Edwards at UFC 296 in December 2023, his third unsuccessful bid for the undisputed title. Despite this setback, Garry views Covington as a formidable opponent and is motivated by the challenge he presents. “I want to fight him because of the following he has, the respect on his name as one of the better fighters in this division and has been for a long time,” Garry explained. “But I also know that even if it was the best Colby Covington we ever seen, he would never stand a chance against me. No matter how good Colby Covington ever could be or would be, he would never be able to beat me. I’m too elite. I’m too fast. I’m too technically brilliant. He just doesn’t stand a chance." Garry is determined to not only defeat Covington but also to retire him from MMA altogether. “The s*** he talks ... I’ll step into that octagon, and I’ll retire him," Garry asserted. "That’s my goal. My whole goal to when I fight Colby Covington is that he never puts on MMA gloves ever again.”

Boxing legend Mike Tyson has sent a chilling message to Jake Paul as they prepare to face off in a much-anticipated comeback fight later this year. The 57-year-old Tyson is set to meet the 27-year-old Paul on July 20 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, in what has become a highly divisive bout among fans. Tyson, who has been training rigorously for the fight, has dismissed critics who question the safety and legitimacy of the matchup. In a recent interview with Reuters (via The Mirror), Tyson hit back at naysayers, accusing them of being "jealous" of the attention he and Paul are receiving. "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," Tyson said. "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?" Tyson also took a shot at current boxers, suggesting they lack the entertainment value to draw a crowd. "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," Tyson added. Despite his criticism of current boxers, Tyson expressed admiration for two modern heavyweights, Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou. He posted an image of Fury's controversial points win over Ngannou from October on Snapchat, noting that it gave him chills and brought back memories of his own battles in the ring. As Tyson gears up for his showdown with Paul, the details of the fight format remain unclear. It is yet to be confirmed whether the fight will be fully professional, a non-judged fight with professional rules, or an exhibition bout. However, bookies have already installed Paul as the early favorite to win, should the fight be judged. With both fighters known for their knockout power and showmanship, the Tyson-Paul matchup is expected to draw significant attention and could potentially redefine the boundaries between professional boxing and entertainment.

The Professional Fighters League (PFL) is set to deliver an electrifying night of mixed martial arts in Newcastle on Saturday, June 8, as Super Middleweight Boxing World Champion Savannah Marshall makes her highly anticipated MMA debut at Utilita Arena. The 2024 PFL Europe Regular Season continues with Bantamweights and Women’s Flyweight fighters vying for a spot in the PFL Europe Playoffs this September. The participants and matchups for these divisions will be announced shortly. PFL CEO Peter Murray expressed excitement about Marshall's debut, stating, “PFL welcomes boxing world champion and combat sports icon Savannah Marshall to the SmartCage for her MMA debut, where she will compete in front of her hometown fans in Newcastle. Savannah and Claressa Shields competed in one of the most-watched women’s boxing matchups in history, and now with Savannah’s MMA debut, the two are on a collision course for a rematch wearing four-ounce gloves and settling the score in the PFL SmartCage." Marshall, who holds the IBF, WBA, and WBO Super Middleweight Boxing World titles, will make her MMA debut in the Women’s Lightweight division. Her transition to MMA follows a high-profile signing that shook the combat sports world in 2023. With 10 victories by knockout in her boxing career, Marshall is expected to bring her power and skill to the PFL, joining a roster that includes Claressa Shields. Marshall’s debut is a key moment for PFLW, the league's women's division, which aims to highlight the exceptional athleticism and achievements of female fighters on a global stage. By joining PFLW, Marshall is elevating the profile of women in MMA alongside Shields, Dakota Ditcheva, Amanda Serrano, Hattan Alsaif, and others. The 2024 PFL Europe Season kicked off with a sold-out show in Paris and will continue with events in Newcastle and Glasgow, culminating in an epic Championship event at a venue to be announced in the near future. The season promises non-stop action and features new elite talent from across Europe looking to make their mark in the PFL and compete for the coveted PFL Europe Championship and $100,000 in prize money.

Suablack, the rising Thai bantamweight Muay Thai sensation, is gearing up for a monumental showdown against Vladimir Kuzmin at ONE Fight Night 21, where he promises to deliver a knockout finish that will reverberate across the global stage. The highly anticipated event, set to air live on Prime Video from Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on Friday, April 5, marks Suablack's return to the spotlight after a string of impressive performances. Having made a name for himself under the ONE Friday Fights banner, Suablack's journey to this pivotal moment has been marked by resilience, determination, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. His standout performances earned him a lucrative contract with ONE Championship, setting the stage for his meteoric rise in the bantamweight division. Suablack's U.S. primetime debut in January showcased his exceptional skills as he secured a decisive victory over Stefan Korodi, solidifying his status as a formidable force in the Muay Thai scene. Now, facing his toughest challenge yet in Vladimir Kuzmin, Suablack is unwavering in his confidence and determination. Despite recognizing Kuzmin as a formidable opponent with a history of impressive victories, Suablack sees flaws in his opponent's game and believes he has the tools to exploit them. In a statement reflecting his unwavering confidence, Suablack stated, “I’m confident on a certain level that I can knock Vladimir out in this fight. My weapons are powerful enough to knock him down to the canvas. I believe I can be the first person to knock him out in ONE.” Suablack's promise to deliver a knockout victory against Kuzmin adds an extra layer of excitement and anticipation to ONE Fight Night 21, where fans can expect fireworks as these two elite athletes clash in a battle for supremacy in the bantamweight division.

Max Holloway, the former UFC featherweight champion, has stirred excitement in the MMA community by advocating for a special figure to present the BMF belt at UFC 300, highlighting the resilience and grit of MMA legend Mark Coleman. The BMF title, originally introduced for the UFC 244 clash between Jorge Masvidal and Nate Diaz, has become a symbol of toughness and honor in the octagon. As Holloway prepares to face Justin Gaethje for the BMF belt at UFC 300, he believes that Mark Coleman, a UFC Hall of Famer, is the ideal candidate to bestow this prestigious title upon the winner. In a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Holloway expressed his admiration for Coleman, especially in light of the challenges Coleman has faced, including a tragic house fire where he saved his parents but lost his beloved family dog, Hammer. Holloway stated, "The only correct answer is Mark Coleman... That’s a real-life BMF. That would be sick if he did it. It would be an honor to get him to do it." The significance of Holloway's endorsement of Coleman extends beyond the symbolic presentation of the BMF title. It underscores the camaraderie and respect among fighters in the MMA community, highlighting the values of courage, resilience, and compassion that define true champions. As the anticipation builds for UFC 300 and the showdown between Holloway and Gaethje, fans are not only looking forward to the explosive fight but also to the moment when the BMF title is bestowed upon the deserving winner by a legendary figure like Mark Coleman. Holloway's sentiments reflect the essence of MMA, where titles and accolades hold meaning not just for the victories they represent but for the stories and individuals they honor along the way.

As UFC 300 approaches, all eyes are on the highly anticipated debut of Kayla Harrison, who is set to face former champion Holly Holm. Cris Cyborg, who has fought both fighters in the past and is currently training with Holm, believes that Holm's speed will be a deciding factor in the bout.' In a recent tweet, Cyborg shared her prediction, stating, “I think Holly Holm’s hand speed and foot speed are going to be too much at the new weight. Kayla spent a lot of camp worried about taking muscle off when the problem is going to be speed." Holm, a seasoned veteran in the sport, is known for her speed and technical prowess. With UFC 300 being touted as one of the most stacked cards of all time, this fight could be a make-or-break moment for Holm's title contention aspirations. While Harrison is relatively new to the UFC, there is a lot of hype surrounding her debut. However, questions remain about how she will fare against a fighter of Holm's caliber. With Cyborg's insight into the matchup, fans are eager to see how the fight will unfold and whether Holm can secure a victory that could propel her back into the title picture.

In a significant move, ONE Championship has secured the signings of two undefeated fighters in the 170-pound division, adding depth and talent to their roster. Alibeg Rasulov from Turkey and Samat Mamedov from Kazakhstan have both inked multi-fight deals with the promotion, signaling their entry into the global MMA stage. The news of Rasulov and Mamedov's signings was confirmed by a promotion official. While their debut fights under the ONE Championship banner have yet to be announced, their undefeated records and impressive fighting styles make them promising additions to the promotion's welterweight division. Alibeg Rasulov boasts an impressive record of 13 wins and no losses. The 31-year-old fighter has showcased his skills in various regional promotions, including ACB's Bekrut Young Eagles series, Road to M-1, and AMC Fight Night. With 10 finishes to his name, including six knockouts and four submissions, Rasulov's well-rounded arsenal makes him a formidable force in the welterweight category. On the other hand, Samat Mamedov brings his undefeated streak of 10 wins to ONE Championship. Having competed primarily for Octagon, a prominent promotion in Kazakhstan, Mamedov has already proven his mettle in the MMA scene. His most recent victory came in December when he submitted UFC alumnus Will Chope in an impressive 61 seconds. With nine finishes in his ten professional fights, Mamedov's dynamic fighting style and finishing ability make him a standout prospect in the welterweight division. The addition of Rasulov and Mamedov underscores ONE Championship's commitment to showcasing top-tier talent from around the world. As fans eagerly await their debut fights, the anticipation is high to see how these undefeated fighters will fare against the competition in ONE Championship's stacked welterweight division.

Renato Moicano, the UFC fighter known for his strategic insights, recently shared his predictions for some of the biggest matchups in MMA, offering a glimpse into the future of the sport. Moicano's analysis covers Conor McGregor's potential success against Michael Chandler, Sean O'Malley's upcoming challenge, and a polarizing welterweight about between Ian Machado Garry and Colby Covington. Moicano's prediction about McGregor facing Chandler is a headline-maker. He believes Chandler's style is tailor-made for McGregor to shine, stating, "I like McGregor in the fight... Chandler is the opponent to make McGregor shine... I think he could get the knockout against Chandler." This insight hints at a potentially explosive comeback for McGregor, adding to the anticipation surrounding their summer showdown. Moving on to Sean O'Malley's upcoming title defense against Merab Dvalishvili, Moicano's analysis is equally intriguing. While he acknowledges O'Malley's skills, especially after his impressive win over Marlon Vera, Moicano sees a tough challenge ahead. "I don't think he beats Merab," Moicano remarked, highlighting the pressure and grappling prowess of Dvalishvili as potential obstacles for O'Malley's title reign. In another prediction, Moicano weighs in on the potential welterweight clash between Ian Machado Garry and Colby Covington. Despite Garry's undefeated record and rising status, Moicano leans towards Covington, citing his wrestling prowess and pressure as decisive factors. "I think Colby wins... the wrestling, the pressure," Moicano stated, suggesting that Covington's experience and style could give him the upper hand in this matchup. These predictions from Moicano provide valuable insights into the dynamics of upcoming MMA fights, fueling excitement and speculation among fans and analysts alike. As these matchups unfold, Moicano's words will be remembered, offering a glimpse into the unpredictable and captivating world of mixed martial arts.

Longtime UFC color commentator Joe Rogan is enthusiastic about Khamzat Chimaev's upcoming challenge in the middleweight division, describing it as a "real" test for the rising fighter. Chimaev initially made his mark in the welterweight division but faced weight-related issues in 2022, prompting his return to middleweight last October at UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi. His scheduled bout against Paulo Costa was replaced by a short-notice fight against former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman, whom Chimaev defeated to enter the middleweight rankings. The Chechen-born fighter's next test is set for June 22 in Saudi Arabia, where he will face former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker in a highly anticipated showdown. "This one, Whittaker vs. Khamzat Chimaev in Saudi Arabia. That one is gonna be f*ckin' wild. That's a wild one. That is a wild fight," Rogan said. "Whittaker vs. Khamzat is legit. That's a real fight. That's a real fight for Khamzat, because's Whittaker's a big dude, he's a big, beefy (middleweight), former champion. That's a real 185er, as opposed to — they gave him Kamaru Usman and Kamaru didn't have a chance to prepare for that. "This is a big one. This is Robert Whittaker with plenty of time to prepare, a guy who is just as legit as they get, just beat Paulo Costa," Rogan added. Chimaev's clash with Whittaker is expected to be a highlight of the UFC's debut event in Saudi Arabia, with both fighters eager to prove themselves in the competitive middleweight division.

UFC is gearing up for an epic showdown at UFC 300, set to take place in two weeks at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. This event promises to be a landmark in MMA history, featuring a star-studded lineup that includes three title fights and a lineup of former UFC champions. Headlining the event is a light heavyweight title fight between Alex Pereira and Jamahal Hill, promising a clash of titans in the octagon. Additionally, fans can look forward to a strawweight title fight between Zhang Weili and Yan Xiaonan, as well as a highly anticipated “BMF” title bout between Justin Gaethje and Max Holloway. The UFC is sparing no expense in promoting this historic event. While the promotion had already released an official trailer for UFC 300 a few weeks ago, a new trailer was unveiled during UFC Atlantic City this past Saturday. This latest trailer delves into the rich history of the UFC, drawing parallels between past and present moments in the sport. It also teases some of the greatest what-if matchups in UFC history, including the long-awaited showdown between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson. The decision to create a second promotional video for UFC 300 underscores the significance of this event in the world of MMA. With a lineup of this magnitude, UFC 300 is shaping up to be a night to remember for fight fans around the world.

Georges St-Pierre, the legendary UFC fighter known for his dominance in the octagon, recently shared a harrowing experience he had with a silverback gorilla during a trip to Rwanda. St-Pierre, who has faced some of the toughest opponents in his career, admitted that this encounter was one he wanted no part of. Speaking on the Pound 4 Pound podcast, St-Pierre recounted the rules his guide had given him before the trekking experience. He explained that if a silverback gorilla looks at you, you don't look back, you don't eat in front of him, and if he comes toward you, you don't run away. Instead, you get out of the way and make yourself in a submissive pose. “I have a funny story,” St-Pierre said on the podcast. “I actually got chased by a silverback gorilla. I was in Rwanda, I did gorilla trekking and we had a guide that was with us. He’s with the same family of gorilla every day and he told us the rules. So if a gorilla looks at you, a silverback, you don’t look at him. You don’t eat in front of him, you don’t take flash photo. And if he comes toward you, don’t run away, just get out of the way and make yourself in a submissive pose, and that’s what happened. He looked at me, he went toward me, and I get out of the way and I put my knees on the floor like this, and I was like, ‘Please, please.’ “My jab is based on a snake,” St-Pierre said. “The snake folds itself in to create a false feeling of security of his prey, so his prey doesn’t know, it thinks it’s safe, but it folds itself and then it launches. It’s like my jab. I fold myself in. [St-Pierre mimes throwing jab.] So I create a false feeling of security to my opponent. It’s an illusion. You think I cannot touch you, but I go ‘ding’ and I touch you.” Now able to laugh about the experience, St-Pierre encouraged others to go on similar adventures, both for the experience and to support wildlife preservation. Former UFC champions Henry Cejudo and Kamaru Usman joked about joining such a trek, with Cejudo stating he would only consider it if he went with St-Pierre himself.