Gilberto Ramírez displayed remarkable skill and determination in a thrilling battle against Arsen Goulamirian, claiming the WBA Super World cruiserweight title with a unanimous decision victory. Facing a naturally bigger opponent in Goulamirian, Ramírez showcased his boxing prowess and adaptability, outmaneuvering and outclassing his opponent throughout the fight. Despite Goulamirian's power advantage, Ramírez remained composed and confident, asserting his dominance from the moment he stepped into the ring. Ramírez's strategy was clear from the start, utilizing his speed and agility to evade Goulamirian's powerful punches while also demonstrating bravery by engaging in close-quarters combat. His chin proved to be rock-solid, absorbing Goulamirian's shots without faltering. Throughout the fight, Ramírez's uppercut proved to be a potent weapon, consistently landing with precision and causing significant damage to Goulamirian. Despite Goulamirian's efforts to increase the tempo and land fight-changing punches, Ramírez remained unfazed, sticking to his game plan and controlling the pace of the fight. The victory is especially significant for Ramírez, who started his career at middleweight and became the first Mexican to win a super middleweight title. This win marks a new chapter in his career as a cruiserweight, showcasing his ability to compete at the highest level in a new weight class. Ramírez's victory is a testament to his skill, determination, and resilience, proving that he is a force to be reckoned with in the world of boxing. Despite suffering a loss in a previous bout against Dmitrii Bivol, Ramírez has shown that he has the potential to achieve even greater success, including his ambitious goal of eventually moving up to heavyweight. With this impressive victory, Ramírez has solidified his place among the elite in the world of boxing and has set his sights on achieving even greater heights in the future.

Michael Zerafa's hopes were dashed by Erislandy Lara in a dramatic bout that ended in a knockout victory for the Cuban champion. Zerafa, initially focused on defense, found himself unexpectedly on the canvas after a devastating combination from Lara. Despite his efforts to regain composure, Zerafa struggled to stand, prompting the referee to call an end to the fight. Lara, known for his strategic prowess, patiently waited for the right moment to strike. His precise punches, including a short right hook followed by a powerful left hand, sealed the victory and left Zerafa reeling. The fight, which ended in the second round with a stoppage at 2:59, showcased Lara's skill and dominance in the ring. Despite a quiet start, Lara's controlled aggression proved too much for Zerafa, who fought valiantly but ultimately fell short. With this victory, Lara's record now stands at an impressive 30-3-3 (18 KOs), solidifying his status as a formidable middleweight champion. Meanwhile, Zerafa, fighting out of Melbourne, Australia, now holds a record of 31-5 (19 KOs), reflecting the challenges he faced against a seasoned opponent like Lara.

Tim Tszyu faced a devastating defeat in his quest to become a unified world boxing champion, falling short against Sebastian Fundora in a thrilling bout at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. In a split decision, the judges scored the fight 116-112, 115-113, 112-116 in favor of Fundora, marking Tszyu's first defeat in 25 fights. The Australian boxer surrendered his WBO super welterweight belt and the vacant WBC strap, missing the chance to etch his name among the sport's elite. The turning point came in the second round when Tszyu inadvertently walked into Fundora's elbow, causing a massive gash on his head. Despite the setback, Tszyu fought on valiantly, but Fundora capitalized on his compromised vision to level the score. Speaking after the fight, Tszyu displayed sportsmanship, acknowledging Fundora's victory. "I told you, I’m an old throwback fighter whatever circumstances. I couldn’t see but all credit belongs to the man who won tonight," Tszyu said. "These things happen. The momentum was rolling. I was swinging hard in the first rounds and then ‘boom’, you’re blinded completely. But, look, this is boxing. This is part of the sport and it happens. Congratulations to Fundora – he’s the new king at 154 (pounds).” Despite dominating the early exchanges and landing heavy blows, Tszyu was unable to secure the win, as Fundora strategically targeted his head while the Australian struggled to clear the blood from his eyes. The fight was a bloody affair, with both fighters sustaining cuts and bruises. Fundora's victory not only cements his status as a formidable boxer but also adds to his family's boxing legacy, as his younger sister Gabriela is also a world champion after winning the IBF flyweight world title earlier this year. The defeat is a setback for Tszyu, but the young boxer has shown resilience and determination throughout his career, and it's likely he'll bounce back stronger from this loss.

Bellator's highly anticipated event in Dublin, the Bellator Champions Series, is set to feature an explosive lightweight bout between Yancy Medeiros and Peter Queally, adding even more excitement to an already stacked fight card. Scheduled to take place on June 22 at the iconic 3Arena, Bellator Champions Series: Dublin promises an unforgettable night of mixed martial arts action. The main event will showcase a thrilling welterweight title clash between reigning champion Jason Jackson and challenger Ramazan Kuramagomedov, drawing MMA fans from around the world. The addition of the Medeiros vs. Queally lightweight showdown adds another layer of intrigue to the event. Both fighters bring a wealth of experience and talent to the cage, making this matchup one to watch. Yancy Medeiros, with a record of 12 wins and 8 losses, is no stranger to the Bellator stage. Despite a recent no-contest result due to a failed drug test, Medeiros has shown his prowess with a unanimous decision victory in his Bellator debut, proving that he is a force to be reckoned with in the lightweight division. On the other side of the octagon, Peter Queally, with a record of 13 wins, 8 losses, and 1 draw, is eager to bounce back from the no-contest outcome in his last fight. Despite competing in front of a supportive home crowd at 3Arena, Queally has faced challenges in securing a victory in recent bouts. However, with the upcoming bout against Medeiros, Queally sees an opportunity to showcase his skills and claim a decisive win on home soil. With the addition of Medeiros vs. Queally, Bellator Champions Series: Dublin promises to deliver an unforgettable night of MMA action, showcasing top-tier talent and thrilling matchups for fight fans worldwide.

In an electrifying debut at PFL 2, Alex Polizzi is set to face off against none other than Impa Kasanganay, the reigning light heavyweight champion, promising a showdown filled with surprises and excitement. Polizzi, with a record of 10 wins and 3 losses, understands the magnitude of his first regular-season fight in the PFL, especially against such a formidable opponent. However, he remains undaunted, embracing the role of the dark horse and expressing his enthusiasm to showcase his skills. Speaking to reporters at Xtreme Couture, Polizzi exuded confidence, stating, “We got the dark horse seed. It’s a chance for me to go in, my debut in the PFL, to show them what ‘Easy Polizzi’ is all about. Whether we win, lose, or draw, like I always say, it’s going to be a good time.” Despite facing a setback with consecutive losses to Yoel Romero and Karl Moore, Polizzi is determined to bounce back and deliver an entertaining performance. Known for his finishing prowess, with eight of his ten wins coming by way of finish, Polizzi promises to bring a unique blend of organized chaos to the Octagon. “I’m always bringing a certain amount of organized chaos,” Polizzi remarked. “So make sure you’re tuning in because I’m going to do some weird stuff. I’m going to have a lot of fun doing it, and like I say all the time, if you guys are having half as much fun watching me as I’m getting out of it, that’s worth the price of admission.” With Polizzi's determination to play spoiler against Kasanganay and his commitment to delivering an entertaining fight, fans can expect fireworks when these two light heavyweight contenders collide at PFL 2.

ONE Championship delivered another instant classic with ONE Friday Fights 57 on March 29, showcasing a night of exhilarating fights at Bangkok, Thailand’s Lumpinee Boxing Stadium. The weekly series, known for its blend of newcomers and rising stars, featured athletes competing for the coveted US$100,000 contract to ONE’s main roster. In the main event, Panrit Lukjaomaesaiwaree faced off against Alexey Balyko in a highly anticipated 140-pound catchweight clash. Panrit, with a professional striking record of 71-29, entered the ring as a seasoned Muay Thai fighter, while Balyko was eager to make his mark. The fight began explosively, with Panrit scoring an early eight-count on Balyko with a powerful left hook. Despite the setback, Balyko displayed resilience and pushed forward with aggressive punches, seeking to turn the tide in his favor. However, Panrit's calculated counter-attacks and strategic maneuvers allowed him to maintain control throughout the match. As the fight progressed, both fighters exhibited exceptional skill and determination, thrilling the crowd with their technical prowess and tenacity. Despite Balyko's relentless efforts, Panrit's early knockdown proved pivotal as the judges awarded him a unanimous decision victory after nine grueling minutes. Panrit's victory not only added another impressive win to his record but also solidified his status as a rising star in the world of Muay Thai. With his eye-catching performance at ONE Friday Fights 57, Panrit has undoubtedly positioned himself as a force to be reckoned with in the highly competitive world of combat sports.

In a high-stakes prelude to UFC Atlantic City's main card showdowns, the weigh-ins brought both excitement and suspense as fighters geared up for their crucial matchups. Headlining the event, Erin Blanchfield and Manon Fiorot set the stage for a captivating clash, weighing in at 125 pounds and 125.25 pounds, respectively. Ranked No. 2 and No. 3 in the UFC Flyweight division, Blanchfield and Fiorot are poised to vie for the coveted No. 1 contender spot and a shot at flyweight gold. In the co-main event, welterweight powerhouses Vicente Luque and Joaquin Buckley hit the mark at 170 pounds each, signaling an explosive battle for supremacy in their division. With Luque's established position and Buckley's knockout prowess, fans anticipate a showdown of epic proportions. Adding to the intrigue, former middleweight champion Chris Weidman successfully weighed in at 186 pounds, ready to reverse his recent slump against the formidable Bruno Silva, also at 186 pounds. Weidman's quest for redemption and Silva's hunger for dominance promise a gripping showdown. Meanwhile, the featherweight bout between Julio Arce and Herbert Burns took an unexpected turn when Arce missed weight, coming in at 147.25 pounds, exceeding the allowed limit. Despite the setback, the fight proceeds, with Arce facing a penalty of 20% of his purse. The main card lineup also features Nurzultan Ruziboev vs. Sedriques Dumas in a middleweight clash, Bill Algeo vs. Kyle Nelson in a featherweight showdown, and Chidi Njokuani vs. Rhys McKee in a welterweight battle, rounding out an action-packed evening of MMA excellence. Stay tuned as these elite athletes step into the Octagon, ready to deliver thrilling performances and etch their names in UFC history. The stage is set for an unforgettable night of fights at UFC Atlantic City.

Former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland is contemplating a move to boxing if he doesn't get a rematch with Dricus du Plessis. Strickland, known as 'Tarzan,' has been inactive since his title defense against 'Stillknocks' at UFC 297 in January, which followed his victory over Israel Adesanya last September. The UFC has been reluctant to book a rematch between Strickland and du Plessis, despite Strickland's repeated calls for it. Reports have surfaced about du Plessis potentially facing Adesanya in Australia later this year, further frustrating Strickland. In a series of posts on social media platform X, Strickland expressed his desire for a rematch with du Plessis, citing the location of their previous bout as a factor in his loss. Strickland believes that if the fight had taken place elsewhere, the result would have been different. "If I can't get my rematch with Dricus, I'm interested in a move to boxing," Strickland wrote. "The UFC fans want me and Dricus to settle it. Dricus wants to settle it. We all know I fought in a dirty liberal country who fucked me. Dana knows it. The UFC knows it. IF IT WAS ANYONE ELSE ON THE ROSTER THE REMATCH WOULD HAPPEN! Do the right thing UFC." Strickland's frustration stems from what he perceives as unfair treatment due to his political views, particularly his support for former President Donald Trump. Despite his loss to du Plessis, Strickland remains confident in his abilities and is willing to explore other opportunities, including a potential move to boxing.

Former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has responded to Georges St-Pierre's recent comments about a potential fight between them, expressing respect for the Canadian fighter. St-Pierre had claimed that he believed he would have beaten Nurmagomedov if they had ever fought, but Nurmagomedov has shown admiration for St-Pierre's skills and mindset. The matchup between Nurmagomedov and St-Pierre was the subject of much speculation after Nurmagomedov retired from MMA. However, despite the excitement among fans, the fight never materialized, leaving it as one of the biggest "what-if" scenarios in UFC history. Speaking on the Pound 4 Pound podcast, St-Pierre shared his thoughts on how he would have approached a fight against Nurmagomedov, highlighting his confidence in his ability to take him down and control the fight in the middle of the octagon. “I learn from this guy a lot. Even hear he talk about me is so interesting. GSP all day,” Nurmagomedov wrote. In response, Nurmagomedov acknowledged St-Pierre's comments, stating that he has learned a lot from him and finds it interesting to hear him talk about their potential matchup. Although the fight between Nurmagomedov and St-Pierre never happened, it remains a topic of speculation and debate among MMA fans. Both fighters have since retired from the sport and have no plans to return to the octagon, leaving the outcome of their hypothetical matchup to the realm of speculation.

In the lead-up to their highly anticipated fight on Saturday at The T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Tim Tszyu and Sebastian Fundora are feeling the pressure as they face off for the WBO and WBC light-middleweight titles. The prospect of fighting Terence Crawford, who is now the mandatory challenger for Tszyu's WBO title, has only added to the stakes of the bout. Tszyu, aiming to defend his title against the late-notice replacement Fundora, recognizes that this fight represents the highest profile of his career so far. However, missing out on the undisputed title fight with Jermell Charlo, which he had long targeted, has only made him more determined to secure a date with Crawford, which he believes would be even more significant. "The stakes are higher," Tszyu, 29, said. "A superfight’s on the way. Greatness and destiny awaits. He’s great. It’s undeniable, what he’s achieved – he’s great. You can’t lie about that. He’s a tremendous fighter, and what he’s done in his career is pretty crazy." Regarding Crawford's potential move up to the 154lbs division, Tszyu believes Crawford has the skills and strength to compete. "I don’t think he’s got a problem with that weight division – it depends who he fights," Tszyu said. "You can never underestimate Crawford, because he’s got the skills." Reflecting on Charlo's decision to move up to super middleweight to fight Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, Tszyu highlighted his own achievements at 154lbs. "Last year proved that I’m the man at 154," he said. "I’m gonna keep cementing myself as the best 154-pounder alive. This is my division."

The undercard for the highly anticipated heavyweight unification clash between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk on May 18 in Saudi Arabia has been finalized, promising an exciting lineup of bouts to complement the main event. Among the key fights on the undercard is the cruiserweight rematch for the vacant IBF belt between former champions Jai Opetaia of Australia and Latvia’s Mairis Briedis. This rematch promises to be a thrilling encounter between two seasoned fighters looking to reclaim the title. Adding to the excitement is a colorful heavyweight clash between undefeated prospects Frank Sanchez and Agit Kabayel. Sanchez, based in Miami, boasts an impressive record with 17 knockouts in 24 fights, while Kabayel from Germany has halted 16 of his 24 opponents. Also featured on the undercard is Moses Itauma, a young heavyweight prospect with an 8-0 record, who will face off against Ilja Mezencev, who has 24 wins and 3 losses with 20 knockouts. In the cruiserweight division, German Michael Seitz will take on New Zealander David Nyika, both undefeated in their professional careers. Additionally, Fury's featherweight stablemate Isaac Lowe will face off against Dubai-based Afghan Hasibullah Ahmadi. Former light heavyweight champion Sergey Kovalev is set to make his return to the ring after a two-year hiatus, facing off against undefeated Las Vegas-based Swede Robin Sirwan Safar. Popular Portsmouth fighter Mark Chamberlain, fresh off a victory over Gavin Gwynne, will return to Saudi Arabia to take on Nigerian Joshua Oluwaseun Wahab in the lightweight division. Rounding off the card is IBF super featherweight champion Joe Cordina, who will face off against Irishman Anthony Cacace in a highly anticipated bout that was rescheduled from the original date. Cordina, with a record of 17-0, will look to defend his title against the tough Cacace, who boasts a record of 21-1.

Oscar Valdez, a man on a mission, returned to the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona, seven months after a bruising defeat to Emanuel Navarette left him emotionally shattered. This time, he sought redemption against Liam Wilson, and redemption he found, clinching the interim 130-pound title with a seventh-round stoppage on Saturday. The journey back to this moment was not an easy one for Valdez (32-2, 24 KOs). After his loss to Navarette, he admitted to being a broken man, even contemplating retirement as he sobbed in the dressing room with his father. But on this night, as he stood victorious over Wilson (13-3, 7 KOs), Valdez's tears were of joy, a testament to his resilience and determination. The bout started with Wilson, hailing from Australia, showcasing his boxing skills, utilizing his height and reach to keep Valdez at bay. However, Valdez's relentless pressure and powerful punches began to take their toll. By the end of the second round, Wilson's nose was bloodied, signaling a shift in momentum. Valdez, known for his Mexican-style brawling, began to close the distance, trading blows with Wilson in close quarters. The Australian, eager to match Valdez's aggression, abandoned his boxing strategy and engaged in a toe-to-toe battle. This played into Valdez's hands, as he was able to land his signature left hook with precision. As the fight progressed, Valdez showcased his versatility, switching between aggressor and counterpuncher. In the sixth round, he caught Wilson with a devastating left hook, followed by a flurry of punches that had the Australian reeling. In the seventh round, Valdez's left hook once again proved decisive, rocking Wilson and prompting the referee to step in and stop the fight. Despite the loss, Wilson displayed great sportsmanship, acknowledging Valdez's skill and vowing to learn from the experience. For Valdez, the victory was not just about reclaiming a title but also about setting an example of resilience and determination. "In boxing, you might lose. In life, you might lose. But you have an obligation to come back strong," he said after the fight, inspiring others with his words and actions.