In the world of MMA, change is often met with mixed reactions. However, Oktagon MMA is set to redefine the fight experience by introducing open scoring for all matches, marking a significant shift in how bouts will be evaluated and perceived. The announcement made by the European promotion on Wednesday created ripples of anticipation among fans and fighters alike. This revolutionary move is set to debut at Oktagon 51, a highly anticipated event slated to commence from Prague's esteemed O2 Arena. Open scoring entails revealing the judges' scores after each round, not only to the fighters and their coaches but also to the spectators both in attendance and those tuning in remotely. This transparency aims to provide a clear picture of the fight's trajectory, preventing any ambiguity about where each fighter stands in the eyes of the judges. For years, athletes have clamored for this system, yearning for insights into their performance mid-bout, especially in closely contested matches where a single round might tip the scales. Conversely, critics argue that this transparency might encourage fighters in a dominant position to coast in the latter rounds to secure a victory, knowing they have a comfortable lead. Oktagon MMA's decision to implement open scoring reflects a bold step toward enhancing fairness and transparency in MMA. While Invicta FC in the United States has adopted a similar practice, it remains a rarity in the realm of combat sports, often requiring approval from state athletic commissions. The upcoming Oktagon 51 event, headlined by UFC veterans Bojan Veličković and Andreas Michailidis, promises not only high-octane action but also the groundbreaking debut of open scoring. The stakes are high, with the victor of the welterweight tournament walking away with a hefty €300,000 payday. As Oktagon MMA boldly pioneers this change, the eyes of the MMA world are firmly fixed on Prague, eagerly anticipating how this shift will influence the sport's future dynamics. The era of open scoring in MMA has dawned, ushering in a new chapter of transparency and engagement for fighters and fans alike.

Chael Sonnen has made bold predictions about the return of former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya to the UFC. Adesanya has been absent from the Octagon since his defeat to Sean Strickland in September, where he lost his middleweight title in a one-sided decision. Despite initial jests about a lengthy hiatus until 2027, Adesanya has since hinted at an earlier comeback. Sonnen, speaking on his YouTube channel, claimed to have insider information about Adesanya's return. According to Sonnen, Adesanya and the UFC have reached an agreement for his return, with plans for him to face the winner of the upcoming bout between Sean Strickland and Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 300. "The reason that Strickland and Du Plessis was rushed to the marketplace is because the winner is going to take on Izzy at UFC 300," Sonnen revealed. While emphasizing that the deal is not finalized, Sonnen expressed confidence in the likelihood of this matchup. He also stressed the importance of Adesanya making his intentions clear before the Strickland vs. Du Plessis fight, to avoid any perception of favoritism in his opponent selection. The middleweight title bout between Strickland and Du Plessis is scheduled for UFC 297 on January 20 in Toronto. Sonnen highlighted the significance of this matchup, noting that a clash between the winner and Adesanya at UFC 300 would be a highly anticipated event with compelling storylines for both potential opponents. Israel Adesanya, with a professional record of 24-3, is known for his impressive UFC tenure, having defended his middleweight title five times. His upcoming return is eagerly awaited by fans and pundits alike, as he seeks to reclaim his status as one of the most dominant forces in the division.

Former UFC fighter Dan Henderson drew parallels between Jon Jones, widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters in MMA history, and controversial cycling figure Lance Armstrong. Henderson, who almost faced Jones in the Octagon before an injury intervened, shared his thoughts on Jones's legacy in mixed martial arts. When asked about Jones's standing as the greatest of all time (GOAT) in MMA, Henderson expressed reservations. "In my mind, yeah," Henderson responded. "It would be tough to [call Jones the GOAT], I mean, yeah, I mean, it'd be like calling Lance Armstrong and cycling... and Jon Jones tested positive more than once also." Henderson's comparison to Lance Armstrong, who faced doping allegations during his cycling career, suggests that Jones's legacy is tainted by his multiple failed drug tests. Jones has been marred by controversies both inside and outside the cage, contributing to a polarizing perception of the fighter. The discussion also touched on comparisons between Israel Adesanya and Anderson Silva. Henderson acknowledged Adesanya's achievements but noted that Silva's impact in the sport was greater. He pointed out that while Adesanya had not tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs like Silva, Jones had tested positive on multiple occasions. "It just put a checkmark on him, an asterisk, whatever you want to call it," Henderson remarked, alluding to the tarnished reputation that comes with failed drug tests in professional sports. Henderson's remarks provide a candid perspective on the complexities of assessing fighters' legacies in MMA, highlighting the impact of doping scandals on athletes' reputations and the ongoing debate over the sport's greatest of all time.

Former UFC star Paige VanZant seems poised for a potential return to Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), signaling that she might not be finished with competing in the ring just yet. Since her last fight in July 2021, where she suffered a unanimous decision loss to Rachel Ostovich in BKFC 19, VanZant has been absent from combat sports. Despite plans for a comeback last October against Charisa Sigala, the fight never materialized, leading to a period of quiet from VanZant regarding her fighting future. However, she has found success with the subscriber platform OnlyFans, disclosing earlier this year that she earned more in her first day on the platform than in her entire UFC career. This financial success has fueled speculation about her future in combat sports. In a recent interview with MMA Fighting, VanZant revealed that she is considering a return to BKFC in 2024. Although nothing is official yet, she expressed her desire to find the passion and spark for fighting that made her successful in the past. "I feel like I'm in a position where I'm just having fun working out and training right now," VanZant said, emphasizing her current focus on personal growth and enjoyment of the sport. While she remains open to the timing of her return, VanZant affirmed that her next fight would be in bare-knuckle boxing. "It's definitely bare-knuckle [next], and I don't know if it's down the road in six months, I don't know if it's down the road a year. I just haven't decided yet," she stated, highlighting her deliberate approach to her comeback. Expressing her love for bare-knuckle boxing, VanZant emphasized her determination to achieve success in the sport. "I've now gone 10 rounds in bare-knuckle boxing and I'm searching for that victory. I'm searching for a lot of things in bare-knuckle boxing that I haven't accomplished, and it will be with BKFC again," she concluded, signaling her intent to continue her career in the sport.

British heavyweight boxer Joe Joyce is gearing up for a comeback in 2024, setting his sights on what he describes as a "once-in-a-lifetime" fight if he emerges victorious. Joyce has been relatively sidelined in the heavyweight conversation following two surprising defeats to Chinese heavyweight Zhilei Zhang, both ending in knockouts. The first bout was halted by a ringside doctor due to an eye injury, while the second saw Joyce knocked out by a powerful right hook, despite entering the ring at his career-heaviest weight. The end of the year witnessed significant victories for Daniel Dubois against Jarrell Miller and Joseph Parker against Deontay Wilder on the Day of Reckoning card. Notably, Joyce has previously defeated both Dubois and Parker, offering him a chance to re-enter the spotlight in 2024. Expressing his eagerness to return to winning ways, Joyce stated, "I'm confident, but it would be good to get in there, get a nice win on home turf, then possibly to explore other avenues that have sprung up in a once-in-a-lifetime kind of way." When asked to elaborate, Joyce hinted at the possibility of seizing an opportunity similar to the one unfolding that night. Presumably, Joyce has his sights set on a potential first-time showdown with Anthony Joshua or rematches with Dubois and Parker to regain his standing in the division. However, Dubois has already outlined three preferred opponents for his next fights, omitting Joyce from the list. Joyce's comeback and pursuit of a marquee bout in 2024 promise to add excitement to the heavyweight landscape. Follow FIGHT.TV for more interesting news stories.

Junior welterweight titlist Subriel Matias has stirred up controversy by targeting Teofimo Lopez and branding him a "coward" as talks of a potential unification fight between the two continue to swirl. Matias, the IBF 140-pound titlist hailing from Puerto Rico, and Lopez, the WBO 140-pound titlist from Brooklyn, New York, are reportedly in negotiations for a blockbuster clash next summer to unify their junior welterweight belts. In a recent social media post, Matias (20-1, 20 KOs) revealed that while Lopez had accepted an offer to fight in February, he himself would not be ready due to issues with his hand. Matias is coming off a dominant sixth-round stoppage victory over previously unbeaten Shohjahon Ergashev just last month, further bolstering his credentials as a formidable force in the division. In an interview with Matchroom Boxing uploaded on their YouTube channel, Matias didn't mince words when addressing Lopez's character. "He's a coward," Matias asserted. "He says that he's offered to fight me, and he knows the reason why he made that offer is because I recently fought and I won't be ready and prepared for that fight. If he's a man of his word, then he will take the fight with me." Matias didn't stop there, also directing a message to Lopez's outspoken father-trainer, Teofimo Lopez Sr. "And a message for his dad, stop talking so much sh!t," Matias continued. "If he wants to fight me, he can fight me. There's dates there, there's April, March, if he wants to face me, stop being a coward. Stop talking sh!t and make sure that he'll face me." Lopez (19-1, 13 KOs), a former unified lightweight champion who recently clinched his 140-pound title with a unanimous decision victory over Josh Taylor, is expected to face Jamaine Ortiz on Feb. 8 in Las Vegas ahead of Super Bowl weekend.

Former super middleweight champion Carl Froch has altered his initial prediction for the upcoming undisputed heavyweight showdown between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk. The highly anticipated fight is scheduled to take place on February 17th in Saudi Arabia. Initially, Froch had favored Fury to secure a close decision victory over Usyk, citing Fury's size advantage as a key factor. However, his prediction has since changed following Fury's recent performance against former UFC champion Francis Ngannou in a non-title crossover boxing match last October. In that bout, Ngannou, making his professional boxing debut, surprised many by holding his own against Fury, even scoring a shocking knockdown in the third round. Despite this, Fury managed to eke out a narrow split decision win. This performance has raised concerns for Froch about Fury's mental state and dedication to training. Expressing his apprehension, Froch stated, "I’m picking Usyk for that one, just because of where Tyson Fury is mentally. Hopefully Fury can have a good camp and rekindle some of his old greatness in terms of when he fought Deontay Wilder three times." Froch highlighted Fury's recent struggles with weight management and motivation, suggesting that these factors could hinder his performance against Usyk. Usyk, on the other hand, comes off a successful title defense in August, where he traveled to Poland and secured a knockout victory over mandatory challenger Daniel Dubois, retaining his WBO, IBF, IBO, and WBA heavyweight titles. Froch's revised prediction reflects a significant shift in expectations for the upcoming clash, with the former champion now leaning towards Usyk as the favorite to emerge victorious in what promises

Tyron Woodley, the former UFC welterweight champion, is on a quest—one that extends beyond the boundaries of the octagon. In a recent revelation, Woodley shared his efforts to launch his own fight promotion, The Realest International Promotion (TRIP), aiming not only to compete but also to revolutionize the combat sports landscape. With aspirations to provide legendary fighters their due recognition and compensation, Woodley extended a generous offer to none other than Georges St-Pierre, a revered figure in MMA history. However, St-Pierre, known for his decorated career as a former UFC welterweight and middleweight champion, declined the lucrative proposal. Despite Woodley's insistence, St-Pierre has adamantly expressed his disinterest in returning to the realm of competitive fighting. Woodley's ambition doesn't stop with St-Pierre; he also extended an enticing offer to Nick Diaz, a notable name in the MMA circuit. While Diaz didn't outright reject the proposal, his response remains ambiguous as he simply acknowledged the gesture by liking the comment. In Woodley's own words during an interview with TMZ, "I’m looking to fight guys that are legendary to me... [I] thought were GOATs, and now that the money is coming to the sport, I want to go to those people first to get them paid with me because it’s a partnership." Emphasizing that TRIP isn't solely about combat, Woodley envisions a multifaceted approach, showcasing various forms of artistry. The promotion aims to delve into realms beyond mixed martial arts, embracing music, cryptocurrency, e-sports, boxing, and diverse cultural events like concerts and festivals. For Woodley, this venture symbolizes more than just fights in a ring; it's about championing artistry in its myriad forms and providing a platform for athletes and artists to flourish. In his pursuit, Woodley underscores the importance of partnerships and business acumen, highlighting that this venture isn't just a staged spectacle but a genuine collaboration aiming to revolutionize the fight industry. As Woodley ventures into this new chapter, he carries a vision that amalgamates sports and art, challenging norms, and redefining the way fans experience combat sports and entertainment. "It’s not choreographed," he asserts, reinforcing the authenticity and organic essence at the core of his promotion. For Woodley, TRIP signifies an opportunity not just for himself but for all those he seeks to elevate within the realm of art and combat.

Colby Covington, the outspoken welterweight contender, has never been one to shy away from the spotlight. Fresh off a disappointing loss at UFC 296, where he faced Leon Edwards, Covington is already eyeing a different kind of battleground—one entrenched in the world of politics. In a recent appearance on the PBD Podcast, Covington shared aspirations that extend far beyond the octagon. Inspired by former President Donald Trump, whom he reveres as a mentor and role model, Covington envisions a trajectory in politics after his fighting days. With unyielding confidence, Covington likened himself to Trump, expressing his desire to follow a similar path in the realm of politics. "I do believe I’m the Donald Trump of the UFC," Covington boldly proclaimed. "I definitely would like to run for Congress in a few years...I think that I can do great things for this Republican and Conservative movement." Covington's ascent in the fighting world has been synonymous with his allegiance to Trump and the Republican party. His controversial comments and unabashed insults directed at opponents have stirred both admiration and criticism. The fallout from his remarks before the Edwards bout, where he made disparaging comments about Edwards' late father, ignited a wave of debate and scrutiny surrounding his conduct. Despite the setback in his recent fight and the ensuing speculation about retirement, Covington remains resolute about his future. Dismissing retirement as a consideration at this point, he firmly believes in his capabilities both inside and outside the cage. As he continues to fight, Covington envisions a potential future as the Governor of Florida, where he currently resides. For Covington, the transition from the fight game to politics seems like a natural progression. He sees himself as more than just a fighter, expressing his aspirations to leverage his intellect and convictions in political arenas like Congress or the Senate. Unapologetic for his polarizing antics, Covington stands by his approach, asserting that his unique persona and marketing tactics make him one of MMA's more captivating figures. Reflecting on his recent loss, he believes it's helped elevate his profile, underscoring the entertainment he brings to the sport. Covington's journey promises to be a dynamic one, as he continues to embrace controversy, challenge norms, and pave his own path—undaunted and unrelenting in his pursuit of both MMA glory and a potential political legacy.

In the adrenaline-fueled realm of MMA, dreams meet determination, and aspirations collide with sheer willpower. Enter Anatoly Malykhin, a formidable force aiming to etch his name in the annals of fighting history. The stage is set, the stakes are high, and the date is marked—March 1st will witness an electrifying clash as Malykhin challenges reigning ONE Championship middleweight titan, Reinier de Ridder, in the pinnacle event of ONE 166, hosted in the vibrant setting of Lusail, Qatar. Why is this showdown so extraordinary, you ask? Well, picture this: Malykhin, already a reigning champion in the heavyweight and light heavyweight divisions under the esteemed ONE banner, seeks to etch a milestone unlike any other in MMA lore—the coveted distinction of becoming the world's first three-division champion! Ranked within the tops in not one but two weight classes, Malykhin's meteoric rise within ONE Championship has been nothing short of awe-inspiring. Achieving the seemingly impossible, he clinched titles in both the heavyweight and light heavyweight divisions within a mere five bouts. Now, his sights are firmly set on a third conquest—the middleweight throne. The ONE middleweight division boasts a unique weight limit of 205 pounds, adhering to the promotion's no-dehydration system. And here’s where the plot thickens—De Ridder, a former dual-title holder in both the 205 and 225-pound categories, faces the relentless challenge from the undefeated 13-0 Russian powerhouse, Malykhin, aiming to seize De Ridder's remaining crown. Malykhin's track record speaks volumes—a flawless 100 percent knockout rate since entering ONE, vanquishing formidable opponents like Arjan Bhullar and Kirill Grishenko. At 35, he's showcased an unrivaled prowess, never once allowing a fight to reach the judges' scorecards. As the countdown begins, the anticipation swells, promising an exhilarating clash of titans. Brace yourselves, fight aficionados, for a spectacle destined to redefine limits, as Malykhin and De Ridder prepare to script a chapter of MMA history in their relentless pursuit of glory.

The UFC lightweight division is simmering with anticipation as reigning champion Islam Makhachev responds to a recent callout from Justin Gaethje, issuing a cautionary message that hints at the gravity of the challenge Gaethje might be seeking. In a bold move on social media, Gaethje directed his sights at Makhachev and UFC CEO Dana White, expressing his readiness for a clash with the 155-pound titleholder. Referencing their respective electrifying knockouts in 2023 – Gaethje's triumph over Dustin Poirier at UFC 291 and Makhachev's dominant victory against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294 – Gaethje threw down the gauntlet, suggesting a high-stakes showdown between them. Responding to Gaethje's callout, Makhachev issued a terse but impactful warning on the same platform, underscoring a cautionary tone that hinted at the potential consequences Gaethje might face if their paths were to cross inside the octagon. While UFC CEO Dana White has hinted at a title shot for Charles Oliveira, the aftermath of Oliveira's withdrawal from UFC 294 might alter the trajectory of title contention. Makhachev's preference for fresh matchups over rematches signals a potential opening for Gaethje, given his recent two-fight winning streak, to position himself favorably for a shot at the coveted lightweight title. Having previously contested for the undisputed championship, Gaethje faced defeat against Makhachev's mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, in October 2020. This latest callout appears to be Gaethje's bid to reclaim championship glory and carve a different outcome this time around. Makhachev's cryptic response to Gaethje's challenge adds fuel to the fire, intensifying speculation about the future of the lightweight division. As the chess pieces align for potential matchups and title implications, the brewing tension between Makhachev and Gaethje sets the stage for a possible clash that could redefine the division's landscape and offer fans a thrilling spectacle inside the UFC's hallowed octagon.

In the realm of MMA, anticipation swirls around the potential return of two titans: Michael Chandler and Conor McGregor. However, as fans yearn for their clash, Chandler speculates that McGregor might be employing strategic delay tactics to evade a showdown with him, opting instead for what Chandler dubs as an "easier fight." The buildup for their collision began during The Ultimate Fighter 31 season, where both Chandler and McGregor served as coaches. Despite the anticipation brewing during the season, the anticipated showdown between the coaches never materialized. McGregor's absence from the USADA testing pool contributed to the delay, hindering Chandler's prospects of facing him in the octagon. "I think right now he’s trying to wait me out," Chandler stated on Steve-O’s Wild Ride! podcast, insinuating that McGregor might be strategically biding his time to avoid a showdown with a formidable opponent like Chandler. The delay has kept Chandler on the sidelines following his last fight against Dustin Poirier in November 2022, leaving him eager for a return to action. McGregor's recent fights against Poirier, resulting in consecutive TKO losses, and a subsequent leg injury at UFC 264 have significantly stalled his momentum. Meanwhile, Chandler remains keen on facing McGregor but senses reluctance on McGregor's part, hinting that McGregor might opt for fights perceived as less challenging, such as a potential matchup against Nate Diaz. Chandler's frustration with the delay is evident as he emphasizes the importance of McGregor fulfilling his commitment to their impending clash. The narrative surrounding McGregor's return to the octagon raises questions about his willingness to face Chandler, especially as McGregor maneuvers to reclaim his former status following a string of challenging outcomes in recent bouts. "It looks really bad on everyone’s part if Conor comes back and doesn’t fight me," Chandler expressed. He perceives McGregor's potential avoidance as detrimental to both their legacies and the sport's credibility, urging McGregor to step up to the challenge and fulfill their impending showdown. As the MMA world eagerly awaits McGregor's return and potential matchups, Chandler remains poised and ready, eager for a significant and career-defining showdown with the former champion. The ball now rests in McGregor's court as fans clamor for resolution in this captivating narrative of potential rivalry within the octagon.