The spotlight is on Brandon Moreno as he steps into the octagon as the betting favorite in the highly anticipated main event of UFC Mexico City, where he will face off against Brandon Royval. Moreno has steadily carved out a reputation as a standout in the world of mixed martial arts, especially in his native Mexico, adding an extra layer of significance to his upcoming bout. The former UFC flyweight champion is poised to reclaim his position as a top contender in the division as he prepares to square off against Royval in the main event. This rematch comes on the heels of Amir Albazi's withdrawal, amplifying the stakes for both fighters as they gear up for their second encounter, which is scheduled just over three years after their initial clash. DraftKings' odds currently favor Moreno to secure a victory and bounce back from his recent loss. In their previous meeting at UFC 255, Moreno emerged triumphant with a first-round finish over Royval, propelling him into a title fight against Deiveson Figueiredo. The impending battle between the two Brandons is expected to be a thrilling spectacle, perfectly fitting for the UFC's return to Mexico. Moreno faces substantial pressure to reaffirm his status as a dominant force in the flyweight division. Meanwhile, Royval is determined to showcase his prowess as a top contender following his unsuccessful bid to dethrone Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 296. The stage is set for an intense showdown between two skilled fighters, each with their own aspirations for victory and championship contention.

In the fast-paced world of MMA, Brazilian powerhouse Alex Pereira is setting his sights on an action-packed 2024, revealing his next opponent and an ambitious goal to break a record held by the legendary Ronda Rousey. Fresh off Magomed Ankalaev's impressive victory over Johnny Walker at UFC Vegas 84, Pereira, also known as "Poatan," wasted no time in announcing his next challenge. Taking to social media, Pereira declared that former titleholder Jamahal Hill is next in line for a showdown, putting the MMA world on notice. However, he reassured Ankalaev that he wouldn't be kept waiting for his shot at the title. In a social media post written in Portuguese, Pereira emphasized, "People, let’s focus on what matters, which is Jamahal, and then I’ll focus on breaking another record and doing two title defenses in the least amount of time." While the UFC is yet to unveil the date for Pereira's return to the octagon, the prospect of facing Hill adds an extra layer of anticipation. The former champion, currently recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon, poses a unique challenge for Pereira. In a bid to etch his name in the history books, Pereira is eyeing a record held by the iconic Ronda Rousey. The current record for the shortest championship turnaround is held by Rousey, who secured a knockout victory over Sara McMann at UFC 170 just 56 days after defending her bantamweight title with an armbar triumph against Miesha Tate at UFC 168. Hill, who hasn't fought since claiming the vacant title in January 2022, stands as a significant obstacle in Pereira's quest for greatness. The title went unclaimed for months before "Poatan" stepped up to challenge Jiri Prochazka at Madison Square Garden, securing a memorable knockout victory. As the MMA community eagerly awaits Pereira's next move, the Brazilian fighter is poised to make waves by conquering Hill and potentially rewriting the record books in the process.

The excitement surrounding the UFC's inaugural event in Saudi Arabia hit a temporary snag as reports suggest the much-anticipated fight night, originally set for March 2 in Riyadh, might be postponed until June. The news, unveiled by Ariel Helwani on "The MMA Hour," points to Saudi Arabia's quest for a more star-studded card than initially offered by the UFC. Sources reveal that the host country sought a deeper and more high-profile lineup, prompting the delay. In a surprising revelation, it was disclosed that Saudi Arabia had invested a substantial $20 million site fee for the event, emphasizing the stakes involved in ensuring a top-notch fight night experience. As of now, the UFC has not officially confirmed any alterations to the event date, leaving fighters and their teams in suspense. No notifications regarding potential changes had been issued as of Monday afternoon, creating an air of uncertainty around the fate of the fights initially scheduled for March 2. Questions linger about whether the matches will proceed at a different location or if an entirely new set of dates will be earmarked for the UFC Saudi Arabia debut. The postponement, if confirmed, will reschedule the showdown between: Muhammad Mokaev vs. Alex Perez Jairzinho Rozenstruik vs. Shamil Gaziev Eryk Anders vs. Jamie Pickett Joel Alvarez vs. Ludovit Klein Javid Basharat vs. Aiemann Zahabi Yanis Ghemmouri vs. Vinicius Oliveira Brendon Marotte vs. Mohammad Yahya Abdul-Kerim Al-Selwady vs. Loik Radzhabov The potential delay adds a twist to Saudi Arabia's MMA landscape, considering the already-packed schedule with a Bellator vs. PFL pay-per-view on Feb. 24 and the Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou boxing spectacle set for March 8. Amid the uncertainty, fight fans are left waiting for the UFC to unveil its revised plans for the Saudi Arabian debut. As the stakes remain high, the combat sports world eagerly anticipates a revamped event that lives up to the expectations set by the substantial investment from the host nation.

In a shocking turn of events, the Brazilian MMA community is grappling with the tragic loss of Diego Braga, a 44-year-old MMA veteran and father to PFL finalist Gabriel Braga. The news emerged on Monday that Diego Braga fell victim to organized crime in Rio de Janeiro, a city where he had dedicated his life to the sport he loved. Diego's fate took a dark turn after he reported the theft of his motorcycle on social media. Determined to retrieve his stolen property, he ventured into a favela, unknowingly crossing paths with members of the criminal organization Comando Vermelho. Mistaken as a rival militia member, Diego paid the ultimate price for his pursuit, losing his life in the process. The Brazilian police swiftly took action, leading to the arrest of 18-year-old Tauã da Silva, who allegedly confessed to his involvement in Diego Braga's tragic death. According to reports, the decision to kill Diego was made by Comando Vermelho members after discovering militia contacts on his phone. Diego Braga, a respected figure in the MMA community, not only fought in the cage but also played a crucial role as a mentor and coach. As the leader of the Tropa Thai team in Rio de Janeiro, he dedicated himself to teaching martial arts to underprivileged children in the favelas. His commitment extended to coaching his son, Gabriel Braga, who reached the PFL featherweight finals in 2023 under Diego's guidance. Diego's impact on the MMA world extended beyond the confines of the cage. Having faced notable fighters like Charles Oliveira, Milton Vieira, and Adriano Martins during his active years, he left a lasting legacy. His coaching prowess was evident as he guided legendary middleweight Anderson Silva in the final stages of Silva's UFC career. In a poignant quote shared before his retirement bout in 2019, Diego expressed the joy of sharing the ring with his son: "My son has cornered me many times in the past, so this is a dream come true for me. He inspired me to fight again." Diego Braga's untimely departure leaves a void in the hearts of the MMA community. His legacy, as a fighter, mentor, and father, will be remembered as a beacon of inspiration for future generations.

In the high-octane world of professional boxing, a groundbreaking idea has set the stage for an unprecedented showdown. The sport, known for its fierce individual rivalries between boxers and promoters alike, could about to witness a historic collaborative spectacle: the five vs five fight card orchestrated by rivals turned potential collaborators, Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing and Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions. The concept of a five vs five fight card is a refreshing twist in the traditional boxing narrative, especially given the history between not just these two men, but their family name. The partnership between Matchroom and Queensberry, often seen as rivals vying for the top spot in boxing promotions, adds an intriguing layer to this event. To be set against the backdrop of Saudi Arabia, a nation rapidly emerging as a global hotspot for boxing, this card would break ground waves in the scene. Riyadh has been strategically positioning itself as a new mecca for boxing, putting on some heavy hitting shows, none bigger than the recent 'Day of Reckoning', which saw some of the biggest names in the scene, on one card. A potential match between Callum Smith and Anthony Yarde could be a headline show, as suggested by Eddie Hearn, both with their defeats to Artur Beterbiev in recent times, both domestically backed fighters and both hungry to climb to the top of the division. This would be one hell of a show, with two very different styles clashing. Another potential match-up garnering attention is between Nick Ball and Raymond Ford with both fighters rapidly becoming rising stars in the boxing world, both known for their skill, agility, and determination. Ball, known for having the more aggressive style and strong resilience, will potentially face Ford, who is celebrated by his fans for his sharp technique and strategic approaches he takes into the ring. This bout could be a classic showdown of power versus precision and an exciting edition to the 5v5 card. This collaboration could revolutionize how boxing promotions operate going forward, creating a more sustainable and accesable world for boxing fans. By showing that even the fiercest of rivals can work together for the greater good of the sport and create good shows for the consumers, Hearn and Warren are setting a new precedent with their hand shook agreement to put on this show. Their partnership could inspire other promoters and stakeholders in boxing to explore similar collaborations, leading to a more unified and prosperous boxing community. But let us know what you think! Join the conversation below in the comments!

Losing weight is a common goal for many people, and for those interested in martial arts, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) can be an effective and exciting way to achieve this. MMA is a full-body workout that combines various martial arts disciplines, such as boxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, and more. It not only helps in burning calories but also improves overall fitness, strength, agility, and endurance. Here are some tips on how to effectively lose weight with MMA: Cardiovascular Training: MMA training involves a lot of cardiovascular exercises like sparring, pad work, and drills that keep your heart rate up. This helps in burning a significant amount of calories during each session, which is crucial for weight loss. Strength Training: MMA also includes strength training exercises like lifting weights, bodyweight exercises, and resistance training. Building lean muscle mass can boost your metabolism, making it easier to burn calories and lose weight. Balanced Diet: A balanced diet is essential for weight loss. Since MMA is a physically demanding sport, it's important to fuel your body with the right nutrients. Focus on eating whole foods like lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. Hydration: Staying hydrated is key for overall health and weight loss. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially before, during, and after your MMA training sessions to replace fluids lost through sweat. Consistency and Patience: Like any form of exercise, consistent training is crucial for seeing results. It's important to be patient and persistent with your MMA training, as weight loss takes time and effort. Rest and Recovery: Adequate rest and recovery are essential for allowing your body to heal and grow stronger. Make sure to get enough sleep and incorporate rest days into your training schedule to prevent burnout and injuries. Seek Professional Guidance: If you're new to MMA or have specific weight loss goals, consider working with a professional coach or trainer who can create a personalized training program tailored to your needs and fitness level. Remember, while MMA can be an effective way to lose weight, it's essential to approach it with the right mindset and commitment to both training and nutrition. Always listen to your body, and if you have any health concerns, consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new exercise regimen.

In a hit out against the UFC President Dana White's recent claims, Oscar de la Hoya, the head of Golden Boy Promotions who boasts names like Ohara Davies and formally Ryan Garcia, has ignited a new discussion in the combat sports world new landscape, where MMA fighters are seemingly making the switch to Boxing. White's claims that the MMA fighters don't make more money in boxing has been laughed off by the boxing legend. In an interview with MMA Mania, de la Hoya remarked, “I think I heard White say something like, 'MMA fighters don't make more money in boxing.' I can only laugh. Are you kidding? Why then do MMA fighters go to boxing?” While MMA, UFC in particular, has surged in certainly popularity over the years, from next to nothing, to one of the worlds biggest sports. But it is undeniable that boxing has consistently been seen as a more lucrative avenue for fighters, with the biggest numbers and money figures being recorded. It's sad to say, but the paychecks of the average boxer, dwarfs even the top MMA athletes. De la Hoya continued, “When Dana says they aren't making more money, that's complete bullshit. They make a ton of money in the ring and that's what matters.” The crossover of fighters like Nate Diaz and Ngannou into boxing is often seen as a testament to the sport's financial pull, with Anderson Silva and countless others also boasting big paydays in the sport. With the most success coming from Anderson Silva, who has amassed a respectable presence in the sport, beating a former world champion in the process. But Francis Ngannou's presence can not be ignored either. Despite holding a record of 0-1, that defeat in his debut came to the hands of world champion Tyson Fury, whom he knocked down in the fight. Many fans believed he won the fight, but he didn't dwell on that long as he now set to fight two-time world champion, Anthony Joshua. There has also been talk of Conor McGregor returning to boxing after his defeat to Floyd 'Money' Mayweather in 2016, a spectacle the world is sure to turn their attention to, and the perfect fight might be there for the Irishman, in another UFC star turned boxer, Nate Diaz. Their feud sells the fight itself and both hold a 0-1 record in the sport, albeit, the difference in opponents should be noted. De la Hoya's comments have reignited the discussion about pay disparity between the two sports, a topic also lead by youtuber turned boxer, Jake Paul. But what do you think about this issue in pay between the two disciplines? Who's side are you on? Let us know in the comments below.

Irish MMA fighter Ryan Curtis has received a generous donation of £25,000 from fellow fighter Conor McGregor after sustaining "life-changing" injuries in a training accident. According to fighter Leah McCourt, Curtis, 31, suffered "a broken back, a broken neck, and a dislocated spine" in the incident. Curtis, who has been a professional fighter since 2015 and has participated in Cage Warriors and Bellator events, received further support from Belfast boxer Michael Conlan, MMA fighters Molly McCann and Dillon Danis, as well as coach John Kavanagh, who also made donations to assist Curtis and his family. McGregor expressed his support for Curtis on social media, stating that he was "sending my support and well wishes" to the Dublin fighter. McCourt, in an Instagram post, mentioned that there is no definite timeline for Curtis's recovery, adding that he will no longer be able to pursue his passion for MMA, a sport to which he has devoted himself since the age of 11. Despite the challenging circumstances, Curtis maintains a positive outlook, as noted by McCourt, who described him as a resilient individual who has faced adversity with determination and optimism. Curtis's partner, Emma, expressed her gratitude for the outpouring of support, describing the response as a testament to his character. She remains hopeful for his recovery and asks for continued prayers from well-wishers. Rhys McKee, Curtis's teammate, spoke highly of his friend, emphasizing his vibrant personality and dedication to his sport. He highlighted the MMA community's unity in rallying behind Curtis, demonstrating their support and solidarity during this difficult time.

Former world champion Parker squared off against rising star Joyce in a battle that would define his future. The kiwi was stopped for the first time in his career and suffered his third defeat in the process. However, the former world champion, who stunned the heavyweight division with his commanding victory over Deontay Wilder, has expressed a desire for retribution. British titan Joe Joyce seemed unbeatable going into the contest because of his powerful jaw, which occasionally seemed to serve as defence. The bout, which at times devolved into a bit of a brawl, was intended initially to pit Parker's skill and undeniable ring IQ against Joyce's might and steel. Parker's strategy was clear early on. To outbox Joyce, using his quick movement and jabs, but Joyce's fortitude was far too great as he spent the fight countering the New Zealander. There was a turning point in the fight when Joyce clearly shook Parker with a series of punches as the former world champions defence was broken down and in the eleventh round, the Brit got the stoppage, becoming the third Brit to defeat parker after Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte, but unlike his countrymen, he became the first beat him by stoppage. The defeat to Joe Joyce marked a turning point in Joseph Parker's career. Far from signaling an end, it ignited a fiery determination within the Kiwi to climb back to the top of the game, and while his first few fights post-defeat were against lower-tier competition, they were crucial for his comeback. The pinnacle of his comeback and most notably was the fight against Deontay Wilder in December of last year. Wilder needs no introduction, the American is one of, if not the most dangerous Heavyweight there has ever been when it comes to power. So it was no suprise that Parker stepped into the ring as an underdog, but what transpired was a display of tactical brilliance as he outmaneuvered Wilder with phenominal footwook, dominating the entire fight and even had the 'Bronze Bomber' scrambling at times, in a shutout points victory. This victory was a loud statement to the boxing world that Joseph Parker was far from finished. Joseph Parker left the ring as victor against one dangerous KO artist, and enters the ring straight away with another. Interestingly on another Anthony Joshua card, a man Parker eyes up for a future rematch and more interestingly, he will be facing a man Joe Joyce knows all too well. This won't be an easy test for Parker, who will be in danger of suffering the same fate as his rival Joyce, if he does not enter the ring with the right gameplan. Joseph Parker today is a different fighter from the one who faced Joe Joyce and that was made clear in the Wilder victory, but he can not overlook Zhang and the dangers he faces. Tides turned when Joyce faced Zhilei Zhang, a formidable opponent who would later become Parker's next challenge where the two will match up on the Anthony Johsua vs Francis Ngannou undercard. The fights against Zhang were a significant test for Joyce. Zhang, known for his knockout power, proved to be a challenge that Joyce struggled to overcome. In both encounters, Joyce was unable to match Zhang's intensity and power and found himself being stopped on both occasions, proving to be huge set backs, on a career seemingly destined for world titles. These losses, particularly to a boxer who is now set to face Parker, add an intriguing dimension to the narrative of a potential Parker-Joyce rematch. It would raise questions about Joyce's current status in the division and for Parker, Zhang's victories over Joyce could provide insights into strategies for a potential rematch with Joyce, beating the man that beat Joyce twice would be huge for the narrative of a rematch. It remains to be seen what will be, and in boxing you never know. Parker has to set his eyes on his current test first, before turning his attention to Joyce. Should he beat the Chinaman, would you like to see him avenge his loss, or would you rather he pursuit other challenges? Let us know in the comments below!

Anthony Joshua has expressed his belief that Oleksandr Usyk will emerge victorious in the upcoming undisputed heavyweight title clash against Tyson Fury. Despite tipping Usyk for the win, Joshua has indicated his preference to face his compatriot in the future. Scheduled to fight former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou on March 8 in Saudi Arabia, Joshua sees the potential for the winner of his bout to earn a shot at the victor of the Usyk-Fury clash on February 17. While Joshua has previously lost his WBO, IBF, and WBA belts to Usyk in 2021 and faced a rematch defeat the following year, he has not fought WBC champion Fury. "I think Usyk edges it," said Joshua, sharing his prediction for the Usyk-Fury bout. "I'm not really bothered. I just want them both to be healthy and leave the ring." Expressing his perspective on the impact of the fight's outcome on his life, Joshua emphasized his focus on the well-being of the fighters. "In terms of how it goes, it doesn't affect my life, in a way," he said. "I'm not like one of those fans that's starts crying because someone won or lost. It is what it is. Tomorrow comes around. Good luck to both of them." Reflecting on his upcoming bout with Ngannou, Joshua highlighted his contrasting style to Fury and emphasized his focus on his own performance rather than comparisons with Fury's fights. "Me and Fury are completely different fighters, stylistically, mentally, physically - all that stuff," he stated. "I'm only going to do what I can do in that ring, and that should be better than what he did." While not measuring himself against Fury, Joshua cautioned Ngannou against drawing too much confidence from his previous performance against Fury. Joshua's remarks showcase his measured approach as he looks ahead to his own bout and the potential future challenges in the heavyweight division. Follow FIGHT.TV for more news and updates.

Erick Rosa, the Dominican Republic's former WBA 'Regular' strawweight champion, has officially vacated his title after a prolonged pursuit to unify the division. His decision brings an end to his quest for a consolidation bout against Thailand's Thammanoon Niyomtrong, the reigning WBA 'Super' titlist. "We appreciate the opportunity and support that the WBA has always given us," Rosa said via quotes provided by Shuan Boxing, his promoter. "We are very happy to have been your 105-pound world champion. We also hope to be able to win the WBA 108-pound world title." Rosa's move to the junior flyweight division reduces the WBA's strawweight titleholders to one, with Niyomtrong now recognized as the sole WBA strawweight titlist. Rosa's pursuit of a consolidation fight faced several hurdles, including two invalidated purse bids and a failed attempt to schedule the bout in Thailand. Despite efforts to reschedule the fight, logistical challenges and scheduling conflicts ultimately led to the fight's cancellation. The 23-year-old southpaw won the interim WBA title in July 2021 and was upgraded to 'Regular' champion in December 2021. However, his quest for a unification bout with Niyomtrong left him inactive for 20 months before he secured a non-title fight in August 2023. Expressing his desire to compete in multiple weight divisions, Rosa stated, "My body has grown, I am much stronger, and giving the minimum weight is no longer so easy for me, so my sights are set on 108 pounds, and I am motivated by the new challenges that I will face." Meanwhile, Niyomtrong, the longest-reigning current titleholder in the sport, has not fought since July 2022. Despite his inactivity, he remains a dominant force in the strawweight division, having successfully defended his title 11 times since June 2016.

Teofimo Lopez, the boxing world's recent retirement mystery, has taken an unexpected turn. After stunning the industry with his decision to walk away at the peak of his career, holding the WBO super lightweight and Ring Magazine titles, Lopez (19-1, 13 KOs) left fans and experts baffled. At just 25 years old, his retirement seemed premature and inexplicable. Initially dismissed as a bluff, Lopez's resolve to leave the sport remained firm, citing issues of compensation and a desire to contribute differently to boxing. Despite challenges from top fighters like Regis Prograis, Subriel Matias, and Devin Haney, Lopez remained resolute in his decision. However, in a surprising twist, Lopez has now revealed that his retirement was a publicity stunt. With a forthcoming fight against Jamaine Ortiz, Lopez has returned to the ring, claiming that his hiatus was a strategic move to generate attention and elevate his profile. “I had to milk the game,” said Lopez . “I wasn’t gonna retire, it was a publicity stunt. You gotta know how to work the media too.” Lopez has candidly admitted to manipulating the media and fans, asserting that his retirement was a calculated tactic to stay in the spotlight. With his trademark confidence and a sly grin, Lopez has shown that in the world of boxing, even a retirement can be part of the game plan.