UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland is making headlines once again, showcasing his trademark chaotic energy just weeks before his upcoming title defense at UFC 297. After an eventful period that saw him capture the middleweight championship, engage in a highly-publicized rivalry with Dricus du Plessis, and even have a physical altercation with him at UFC 296, Strickland's recent appearance on Theo Von’s podcast has further boosted his popularity. Despite his growing fame, Strickland remains focused on his upcoming bout, where he is set to defend his title against du Plessis later this month. However, amidst his preparations, Strickland has been involved in a lighthearted fireworks battle with Nina-Marie Daniele, adding a touch of his signature unpredictability to the lead-up to his fight in Toronto. In a recently released video, Strickland and Daniele are seen engaging in a playful fireworks exchange, with Daniele commenting on the event, "Why would anyone with a brain do this? I don’t know. Was it fun? Hell yes. That was fun as f—. Did we get hurt? We absolutely got hurt. Everyone got burned." According to Daniele, the duo used 196 roman candles with three shots each, resulting in nearly 600 fireworks being fired during their playful skirmish. Recounting the experience, Daniele revealed, "I got burned. I got shot in the ass. I got burn marks on my jeans straight to my f—ing glute, bro. Sean got burnt the most because he decided to play shirts vs skins and he was the only one with no shirt on. Doesn’t make sense but that’s Sean for you." As Strickland's antics continue to capture attention, fans are eagerly anticipating his upcoming title defense at UFC 297, where he will once again step into the octagon to defend his middleweight championship against du Plessis. Follow FIGHT.TV for more interesting stories like this.

Former UFC light heavyweight standout Alexander Gustafsson has left the door open for a potential return to active competition, despite being on a four-fight losing streak in his recent outings. Gustafsson, known for his impressive skills in the octagon, came close to capturing the UFC championship during his career. However, he fell short of claiming the title, though he remains highly respected within the MMA community. The Swedish fighter's last appearance was a knockout loss to Nikita Krylov in the summer of 2022. Since then, Gustafsson has been out of the spotlight, leading to speculation about his future in the sport. As he approaches his 37th birthday next week, Gustafsson has provided an update on his plans. "I’m going to be here much more now and focus a little bit on myself and my own training and mainly get back in shape," Gustafsson revealed to Frontkick Online. "I don’t think about the competing part so much. If it comes, it comes, so time will tell." Despite his current focus on personal training, Gustafsson expressed his love for the sport and his willingness to consider a return to the octagon if the right opportunity arises. "If a fight is on the table, let’s talk about that and see how it feels and take it from there," Gustafsson stated. "I have the contract with the UFC. I have been with the UFC since 2009, so it’s been a while. I’m still in the business. I’m still under contract. If I fight, it would be in the UFC." Gustafsson's comments suggest that while he is not actively seeking a fight at the moment, he remains open to the possibility of making a comeback to the UFC if the circumstances align.

Teofimo Lopez Jr. has voiced his disappointment with Arnold Barboza Jr.'s recent attempts to secure a fight, expressing concerns not only about Barboza's in-ring performance but also his approach to promoting a potential bout. Lopez, a two-division lineal champion and reigning 140-pound king, did not mince words when discussing Barboza's recent stoppage win over Xolisani Ndongeni after eight rounds. "Barboza needs to focus on getting better because he looked terrible," Lopez told reporters, offering his assessment of Barboza's performance. The history between Lopez and Barboza traces back to their time under Top Rank, with Lopez's team considering Barboza as a potential future opponent. However, despite initial discussions, a fight between the two never materialized. Lopez went on to claim the 140-pound championship by defeating Josh Taylor, while Barboza has struggled to attract top-tier opponents. The tension between the two escalated when Lopez and his team attended Barboza's debut under Golden Boy Promotions at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. After Barboza's fight, he and his team encountered Teofimo Lopez Sr., resulting in a heated exchange of words. The situation intensified when Barboza grabbed Lopez Sr., prompting a strong reaction from Lopez Jr. "If you touch my father, I'm gonna lay hands on you," Lopez warned. "There are certain ways he's gotta know how to get the fights. Physical is not gonna be the one. I love everyone, but I'm worse than Mike Tyson if you really want to test me. Whatever they were trying to do ain’t it." Lopez is currently preparing to defend his lineal/WBO junior welterweight crown against former amateur rival Jamaine Ortiz. Their scheduled 12-round championship bout will headline an ESPN show on February 8 at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas during Super Bowl week.

UFC CEO Dana White has revealed two highly-anticipated lightweight matchups set to take place later this year, promising fans a series of electrifying fights across upcoming blockbuster events, including UFC 299 and UFC 300. In a recent announcement, White confirmed that UFC 299, scheduled for March 9 in Miami, will feature a co-main event showdown between the third-ranked lightweight contender Dustin Poirier and the twelfth-ranked Benoit Saint-Denis. Saint-Denis boasts an impressive five-fight win streak, with all victories coming by finish before the third round. He has boldly claimed to be the new BMF (Baddest Motherf*****) of the UFC and will have the chance to prove it against Poirier, known for his relentless fighting style. Both fighters have agreed to a five-round bout, adding an extra layer of excitement to their matchup. For UFC 300, the top-ranked lightweight contender Charles Oliveira is set to face off against the fourth-ranked Arman Tsarukyan in a highly-anticipated bout to determine the number one contender in the division. Originally slated to fight champion Islam Makhachev, Oliveira will now vie for the top contender spot against Tsarukyan, who is coming off a notable knockout victory over Beneil Dariush. The winner of this bout will earn the opportunity to challenge Makhachev upon his return from injury later this summer. White concluded his announcement by teasing more exciting matchups to come and promised further updates after the matchmaking process on Tuesday, signaling a thrilling period ahead for UFC fans and the lightweight division in particular.

Promoter Oscar De La Hoya has expressed his hopes that his star client Ryan Garcia will benefit from his recent training sessions with boxing legend Floyd Mayweather Jr., particularly in terms of improving Garcia's defensive skills. In response to a video on social media showing Garcia going on a late-night run with Mayweather, De La Hoya, who has had a longstanding rivalry with Mayweather both inside and outside the ring, offered positive remarks. "That's awesome," De La Hoya told ESNews. "Look, I always praise a fighter, a young fighter who wants to soak up all that information from a legend, from an icon. So when I saw Ryan running with Floyd, I was like yeah, ask him questions about defense, about, you know." De La Hoya also emphasized his support for another of his fighters, Vergil Ortiz, stating, "In the meantime, I'm gonna promote Vergil Ortiz who’s gonna knock everyone out … so I'm glad that Vergil comes to me and gets information and soaks it in. If Ryan wants to go with Floyd, and not to me, so be it, it’s great. Because that’s another legend. Different styles but another legend. So it’s all information that these young fighters are soaking in, which is great." Despite the ongoing legal disputes between De La Hoya and Garcia, including a lawsuit over Garcia's contract, Garcia fought under the Golden Boy banner in December, defeating Oscar Duarte in eight rounds at Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Garcia has a history of maintaining a friendly relationship with Mayweather, although this has occasionally led to tensions with De La Hoya. Garcia clarified on social media that while Mayweather is mentoring him, his primary coach remains Derrick James, and he urged people not to judge him based on appearances. "Floyd is mentoring me, And I love and respect him, he is so authentic so stop judging him," Garcia wrote. "Judging a book by its cover will stop you from reading but Derrick James is my coach, and I love him too." The training sessions with Mayweather mark another chapter in the evolving career of Ryan Garcia, who continues to navigate his professional journey under the guidance of Oscar De La Hoya and amidst the influences of boxing legends like Floyd Mayweather Jr.

In the world of MMA, dominance is measured not only by victories but also by the ability to conquer multiple weight divisions. Anatoly Malykhin, the reigning ONE heavyweight and light heavyweight MMA world champion, stands on the brink of history as he gears up to face Reinier de Ridder in ONE 166: Qatar. Malykhin's prowess in the ring is undeniable. His two-division conquests have solidified his status as one of the sport's elite. Yet, despite his accomplishments, he remains humble and cautious, acknowledging the challenge that lies ahead. The highly anticipated clash against De Ridder, the current ONE middleweight MMA world champion, presents Malykhin with the opportunity to etch his name into the annals of MMA history. However, he refuses to boast prematurely, acknowledging that his debut in the middleweight division demands respect for its competitors. During a candid conversation with ONE Championship, Malykhin displayed humility and respect for his opponents. Refraining from self-aggrandizement, he humbly stated, "I can’t say that [being the best] about myself in the middleweight division because this will be my first fight in this weight, and it would be arrogant to say that I’m the best without ever having fought in it." The Russian powerhouse's commitment to sportsmanship and fair play shines through his words. His quest for a third-world title isn't just personal glory; it's an aspiration to break barriers and achieve what no one has before—simultaneous domination in three weight classes. As the countdown to ONE 166: Qatar begins, the MMA world eagerly anticipates witnessing history unfold in the Lusail Sports Arena. For Anatoly Malykhin, the pursuit of greatness isn't about claiming superiority prematurely—it's about earning it through sweat, resilience, and honor inside the cage.

The Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship heavyweight division has been electrified by a fiery challenge, as Ben Rothwell sets his sights on a battle for the coveted championship currently held by Mick Terrill. Despite not yet securing a title shot in BKFC, Rothwell is adamant that the belt belongs in his collection and has sent an impassioned message to Terrill, urging him to defend what Rothwell believes to be rightfully his. Rothwell, with over two decades of experience and a repertoire of more than 50 fights, transitioned to BKFC with impressive victories, but his quest for the title hit a snag when an illness forced the cancellation of his bout against Todd Duffee last December. Feeling snubbed of an opportunity that he believes should have been his, Rothwell's focus remains steadfast on Terrill, the current heavyweight titleholder. In Rothwell's eyes, Terrill's possession of the belt equates to holding onto what rightfully belongs to him. He points out that a year ago, Terrill had committed to facing Rothwell for the belt, setting the stage for what he describes as the fight he's always desired. Terrill, known for his success in the bare-knuckle arena with a 7-1 record, secured the BKFC heavyweight title with a victory over Arnold Adams. Despite Terrill's accomplishments, Rothwell sees the showdown between them as the defining moment for the division, dismissing the idea of matchups involving lower-weight class fighters masquerading as heavyweights. In Rothwell's view, the fight with Terrill is the epitome of what the heavyweight division stands for—a clash between two titans, showcasing raw power and skill. Expressing his eagerness to confront Terrill, Rothwell is unambiguous about his intentions, willing to fight anywhere and at any time to claim what he believes is rightfully his. Rothwell's message to Terrill is clear and direct, calling for a monumental clash that would undoubtedly captivate the BKFC audience. With his eyes fixed on the championship, Rothwell's determination is unwavering, challenging Terrill to rise to the occasion and defend the belt if he wishes to prove his worth as a true champion.

Francis Ngannou, the former UFC heavyweight champion, is gearing up for his second professional boxing match against ex-champ Anthony Joshua, but he remains the underdog, according to the opening odds released for their upcoming bout. The fight, reportedly scheduled for March 9 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has garnered attention as Ngannou seeks to make a mark in the boxing world. Anthony Joshua: -500 Francis Ngannou: +325 These odds indicate that Joshua is heavily favored to win the bout, with an 83 percent chance of victory implied by the odds. A $100 bet on Joshua would yield a $20 return. In contrast, Ngannou is seen as the underdog with a 25 percent chance of winning, offering a potential return of $325 on a $100 bet. Despite being the underdog, Ngannou's odds are more favorable than they were for his previous boxing match against Tyson Fury, where he opened at +750 against Fury's -1400. Despite a valiant effort that included knocking Fury down, Ngannou lost via split decision in a highly competitive bout. The matchup between Joshua and Ngannou comes after Joshua's planned fight with Deontay Wilder fell through following Wilder's loss to Joseph Parker. With the change in opponents, Ngannou now finds himself in a pivotal position, aiming to make a statement in the boxing world. A press conference to formally announce the Joshua vs. Ngannou fight is scheduled for January 15 in London, adding to the anticipation surrounding this high-profile bout.

UFC bantamweight standout Song Yadong has urged middleweight champion Sean Strickland to set a positive example following controversial comments made by the champion about China. Strickland, known for his outspoken nature, recently stirred controversy by suggesting that China's major exports were plastic and COVID-19. In response to Strickland's comments, Yadong, who hails from Heilongjiang, China, expressed his disapproval on social media. Addressing the champion directly, Yadong emphasized the importance of discussing facts rather than relying on baseless stereotypes. He urged Strickland, as an athlete, to focus on setting a good example by avoiding unfounded remarks. Yadong is currently gearing up for a significant fight against former UFC bantamweight champion Petr Yan at UFC 299 in Miami. The 26-year-old fighter has been on an impressive run with back-to-back victories over Ricky Simon and Chris Gutierrez. With a record of 21-7-1 in MMA, Yadong has established himself as a formidable force in the bantamweight division. Meanwhile, Strickland is preparing to defend his middleweight title against Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 297 in Toronto on January 20th. The American fighter recently claimed the championship with a unanimous decision victory over Israel Adesanya at UFC 293. Prior to that, Strickland secured wins against Nassourdine Imavov and Abusupiyan Magomedov, aiming to extend his winning streak to four matches. As tensions rise between the two fighters, the UFC community awaits the outcome of Yadong's challenge to Strickland's remarks and looks forward to their upcoming fights as they continue to make waves in the MMA world.

UFC commentator Joe Rogan has responded to comedian Katt Williams' recent callout, expressing his willingness to have Williams as a guest on his popular podcast, the Joe Rogan Experience (JRE). Williams, a longtime funnyman, called out Rogan during a guest appearance on 'Club Shay Shay' with NFL legend Shannon Sharpe. Williams remarked that he believed Rogan had not invited him on his podcast due to his comedy style and language. The clip of Williams' callout quickly went viral on social media, prompting Rogan to address the situation. Taking to 'X,' Rogan captioned the clip and expressed his admiration for Williams, stating, "I love Katt. He's one of my favorite comics, and I'd love to have him on. We talk about him all the time. If he's down, I'll make it happen." Rogan's podcast, the Joe Rogan Experience (JRE), is renowned for its wide-ranging discussions with guests from various fields, making it one of the most popular podcasts globally. As of now, Katt Williams has not responded to Rogan's invitation. Aside from his stand-up comedy career, Williams is known for his roles in films such as 'Friday After Next,' 'Choices 2,' 'Norbit,' 'First Sunday,' and 'Scary Movie 5.' The invitation has sparked curiosity among fans, with many wondering if Katt Williams will accept Rogan's offer to appear on the JRE podcast. Follow FIGHT.TV for more interesting news like this.

Heavyweight contender Zhilei Zhang is eagerly awaiting the outcome of the upcoming clash between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk on February 17 in Saudi Arabia. The highly anticipated bout will determine the undisputed heavyweight champion, with the IBF, IBO, WBA, WBO, and WBC world titles at stake. As the WBO's mandatory challenger to the Fury-Usyk winner, Zhang is closely monitoring the preparations of both fighters. While he refrains from making a definitive prediction, Zhang emphasizes the importance of proper preparation, particularly citing Fury's recent struggles in a boxing match against MMA veteran Francis Ngannou. Despite securing a split decision win after being knocked down in the third round, Fury's performance raised concerns for Zhang. "I don’t know [who will win Fury-Usyk], anything can happen, and my experience in the business tells me that until you hear the opening bell, anything is possible. If someone feels like they are not themselves, then they could call the fight off. I’m unsure if it happens," Zhang commented. Reflecting on Fury's bout with Ngannou, Zhang sees it as a crucial wake-up call for the champion. He warns that Fury must train diligently and focus on his preparations to avoid being in trouble against Usyk. Despite his cautionary tone, Zhang remains uncertain about the outcome, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of boxing. Currently, Zhang leans towards Usyk as the potential victor, citing his belief that skills and dedication are essential in boxing. With his recent successes, including back-to-back stoppage victories over Olympic silver medalist Joe Joyce of the UK, Zhang is eager to secure his shot at the world title and is closely following developments in the heavyweight division.

Oscar De La Hoya, the Hall of Fame former six-division champion and current chairman of Golden Boy Promotions, has set his sights on Las Vegas, where he once reigned as the sport's biggest draw. De La Hoya intends to invest heavily in local boxing events, aiming to make Las Vegas a central hub for Golden Boy-branded shows. The recent Vergil Ortiz-Fredrick Lawson DAZN headliner at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas marked the beginning of this ambitious plan. "Holly and I built this place to bring back boxing," he said. "We want to bring all the big shows that Golden Boy does to Vegas." De La Hoya revealed plans to construct a 2,500-3,000 seat venue called Apex, which will serve as the host for Golden Boy's more intimate shows. Although still under construction, Apex is expected to become Golden Boy's official headquarters in the coming months. Las Vegas holds a special place in De La Hoya's career, with more than half of his 45 professional fights and 22 world title fights taking place in the city. His Pay-Per-View headliners in Las Vegas have consistently drawn massive audiences, contributing to his legacy as one of boxing's most iconic figures. While Golden Boy has primarily operated from its California base or in Texas, its collaboration with Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) for the Gervonta Davis-Ryan Garcia Showtime PPV event at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas marked a significant milestone. The event became the highest-grossing boxing event of 2023, generating over $120 million in live gate and PPV revenue. In 2024, Golden Boy plans to expand its reach beyond California, with shows scheduled in Las Vegas and Phoenix. De La Hoya emphasized the importance of Las Vegas in his plans to grow boxing, stating, "When I started looking into Vegas, I said let's do something serious, something that’s going to be impactful." De La Hoya's vision extends beyond merely bringing boxing back to Las Vegas; he aims to elevate the city's status as a premier destination for top-tier fights. With a rich history in the city and ambitious plans for the future, De La Hoya and Golden Boy are poised to make a significant impact on the boxing scene in Las Vegas and beyond.