Josh Emmett delivered a knockout that will be etched in recent memory at UFC 296. Emmett (19-4 MMA, 10-4 UFC) entered the octagon for his third bout of 2023, eager to break a two-fight losing streak. His opponent, Bryce Mitchell, took the fight on short notice, setting the stage for an unexpected clash. However, Mitchell (16-2 MMA, 7-2 UFC) didn't withstand Emmett's onslaught for long, succumbing to a devastating knockout punch at 1:57 of Round 1. The featherweight showdown marked the opening of the UFC 296 main card at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. From the initial moments, Emmett's reputation for power kept Mitchell on edge. Emmett lunged forward in an attempt to land a body shot, but Mitchell skillfully evaded the initial connection. Regrettably for Mitchell, his defensive success proved short-lived. Emmett closed the distance, unleashing a right hand that found Mitchell's chin. The impact left Mitchell unconscious, prompting an immediate celebration for Emmett. As cameras captured Mitchell on the canvas, his body exhibited seizure-like movements, underscoring the force and intensity of Emmett's knockout blow. Follow fight.tv for more interesting articles like this.

Shavkat Rakhmonov etched his name in history as the first fighter to submit the renowned Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson, keeping his undefeated streak intact and emphatically calling for a title shot in the welterweight division. Rakhmonov, recognized for his striking prowess, strategically nullified Thompson's stand-up game by relentlessly pursuing takedowns. In the second round, Rakhmonov's ground assault proved decisive as he meticulously dismantled Thompson's defense, ultimately locking in a rear-naked choke that forced the seasoned fighter to submit for the first time in his career, just four seconds before the round ended. Reflecting on his victory, Rakhmonov acknowledged Thompson's toughness while confidently declaring his readiness for a title bout. "Stephen Thompson is a very tough opponent. I’m happy I was able to finish him, and I believe I’m worthy of a title shot," Rakhmonov asserted, setting his sights on the welterweight title and challenging the winner of the UFC 296 title fight. Rakhmonov wasted no time imposing his game plan, pressing Thompson against the cage and relentlessly seeking takedowns. Despite Thompson's resilient defense, Rakhmonov continued to chip away, mixing in powerful strikes whenever possible. Thompson showcased his striking prowess, landing heavy kicks and unleashing his signature strikes. However, Rakhmonov's relentless pursuit of the takedown saw him drive Thompson back to the cage repeatedly, displaying determination in executing his strategy. With minutes remaining in the second round, Rakhmonov capitalized on a takedown, swiftly transitioning to a dominant position and attempting a rear-naked choke. Although Thompson initially escaped, Rakhmonov persisted, methodically breaking down his opponent's defense until the opportune moment emerged for another rear-naked choke attempt. This time, Rakhmonov's grip proved unbreakable, forcing Thompson to concede defeat by tapping out, signaling an end to the fight and solidifying Rakhmonov's exceptional victory. Rakhmonov's flawless 18-0 record, coupled with his string of decisive finishes, places him prominently in the welterweight division's title picture. His relentless pursuit of victory without a single fight reaching a decision makes a compelling case for a championship opportunity that may soon be too compelling for the UFC to overlook.

Jesse 'Bam' Rodriguez delivered a triumphant performance that brought him to tears of joy on the canvas. The undefeated San Antonio native showcased his brilliance by outclassing Sunny Edwards, a formidable defensive fighter, ultimately securing victory in the ninth round and unifying the IBF and WBO flyweight titles at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona, this Saturday evening. In a post-fight interview with DAZN’s Chris Mannix, Rodriguez, elated by his victory in the highly anticipated unification bout, exclaimed, “Excuse my language but it’s badass. I worked my ass off for this. I knew it was gonna come. It was just a matter of time.” Matchroom Sport chairman Eddie Hearn's vision to fully unify the flyweight division faced a brief delay due to Rodriguez's challenging return to the weight class. Edwards, who signed with Matchroom with the primary goal of securing unification bouts, engaged in a war of words with Rodriguez in the buildup to the fight. The action-packed showdown unfolded in the DAZN main event in the greater Phoenix area, where Rodriguez effectively utilized his jab to control Edwards’ movement and land powerful left hands. Despite Edwards' complaints of low blows and strategic adjustments, Rodriguez maintained control, showcasing his dominance. Edwards faced swelling under his left eye in the second round, and Rodriguez strategically targeted the area. Edwards bravely fought on, acknowledging Rodriguez’s prowess, stating, “Jesse’s a hell of a fighter. I knew that before the fight. I knew that during the fight and I sure as hell know that after the fight.” Rodriguez's relentless pursuit of victory saw him rocking Edwards in round six, with both fighters exchanging blows in an entertaining frame. Rodriguez's focus and determination remained unwavering, leading to Edwards bleeding in round seven from cuts under his left eye and along the inside of his right eye. In the eighth and ninth rounds, Rodriguez intensified his attack, culminating in a powerful left hand that sent Edwards to the canvas for the first time in his professional career. Despite Edwards' brave attempt to continue, his lifelong head trainer, Grant Smith, made the difficult decision to end the fight due to concerns about Edwards' impaired vision. With Rodriguez securing the win and improving to 19-0 (12KOs), he now holds both the IBF and WBO flyweight titles. Rodriguez's remarkable achievement includes landing a remarkable 62.1% of his power punches, solidifying his position as a dominant force in the flyweight division. Despite Rodriguez's success, he hinted at a potential return to the junior bantamweight division, where he aims to face Juan Francisco Estrada, the king of the 115-pound division. Rodriguez's victory has positioned him as a major attraction in the star-studded 115-pound division, setting the stage for potential blockbuster matchups in the future.

The UFC 296 co-main event was a display of undeniable grappling prowess as Alexandre Pantoja retained his UFC flyweight championship with a relentless ground game, stifling Brandon Royval over five rounds. Pantoja, fully aware of his superior grappling skills, executed a game plan focused on bringing the fight to the ground. Throughout the bout, he showcased a high-level ground game, consistently threatening with submission attempts while maintaining control. Despite Royval's resilient defense, he struggled to mount a significant offense and found himself predominantly defending against Pantoja's grappling onslaught. The judges unanimously scored the fight 50-45, 50-45, and 49-47 in favor of Pantoja, highlighting his dominance in dictating the tempo of the match with his grappling expertise. In his post-fight remarks, Pantoja expressed his mixed emotions, acknowledging the necessity of his strategic approach while admitting his reluctance towards a less entertaining fight. "This is the best show in the world. I love to fight here. This fight is maybe too boring, I don’t like to do that fight but I need to keep this belt for my family, for Brazil," Pantoja stated, emphasizing the significance of securing the title defense despite the less thrilling nature of the fight. From the onset, Pantoja initiated an aggressive pace, continuously pressing forward to engage Royval. Despite a few moments where Royval landed well-timed counterpunches, Pantoja's persistent pressure led to securing crucial takedowns. Throughout the rounds, Pantoja maintained his methodical approach, utilizing ground control and attempting to advance positions. Despite signs of fatigue creeping in as the fight progressed, Pantoja's grappling expertise remained dominant, thwarting Royval's attempts to take control. In the later rounds, Royval showcased resilience, attempting to dictate the pace and land significant strikes. However, Pantoja's well-timed takedowns and ground control thwarted any significant momentum shifts in Royval's favor. As the final bell tolled, Pantoja's relentless ground control and a late takedown solidified his victory, marking a successful inaugural defense of his UFC flyweight championship. Pantoja's performance underscored his worthiness as the flyweight champion, while Royval, despite falling short in his championship bid, showcased resilience and remains a formidable contender in the flyweight division, promising tough challenges for future opponents. For Pantoja, this victory signifies a long-awaited recognition at the top of the 125-pound division, solidifying his status as a dominant force in the UFC's flyweight realm. Meanwhile, Royval's tenacity in defeat sets the stage for his continued pursuit of success in the flyweight rankings.

In the electrifying showdown at UFC 296's main event, Leon Edwards emerged not only as the victor but as a testament to resilience in the face of personal attacks and professional challenges. His clash against Colby Covington wasn't merely a battle in the octagon; it was a test of composure, fueled by Covington's tasteless jabs that cut deep into Edwards' tragedy. The pre-fight insults aimed at Edwards's deceased father, a painful chapter from his teenage years, ignited a storm of emotions within the welterweight champion. Yet, Edwards demonstrated remarkable restraint, channeling his fury into a masterful display of control during the fight. Despite the emotional turmoil, he methodically outclassed Covington, maintaining a composed demeanor and dismantling his opponent round after round. Edwards revealed the emotional toll inflicted by Covington's callous remarks, confessing to backstage tears as he grappled with the anger and grief provoked by the insensitive comments. "He can’t use my dad’s death as entertainment," Edwards asserted, underscoring the gravity of Covington's disrespectful words. Throughout the bout, Edwards showcased his superiority, dominating Covington with precision strikes, calculated takedowns, and impeccable defense. Covington, seemingly lethargic for much of the fight, attempted a late resurgence, only managing to prevent a complete shutout on the scorecards. In the aftermath, Edwards spoke of his motivation to prove himself against Covington's touted strengths, emphasizing his confidence in matching his opponent's endurance and technique. "I knew I was the better athlete," Edwards asserted, highlighting his strategic approach to nullify Covington's anticipated advantages. On the flip side, Covington's lackluster performance and post-fight claims painted a starkly contrasting picture. Despite his bravado and attempts to downplay the loss, Covington's defeat might significantly hinder his prospects of another title shot. His dismissal of the crowd's disapproval and contentious remarks hardly served to redeem his image after such a one-sided outcome. While Edwards didn't secure a definitive finish, his dominance throughout the fight underlined his prowess as a formidable champion. As the dust settles, Edwards appears poised to move forward, leaving behind this emotionally charged showdown, while Covington faces an uphill battle in redeeming himself after this resounding defeat. In the end, beyond the punches and takedowns, Leon Edwards exhibited a champion's resolve—rising above personal adversity to triumph in the fiercest of battles.

On a night packed with anticipation and scrutiny, Jake Paul stepped into the ring at the Caribe Royal Hotel in Orlando, Fla., seeking to silence doubters and make a resounding statement. Facing off against the seasoned professional boxer Andre August, Paul showcased a breathtaking display of skill, culminating in a spectacular first-round knockout at 2:32. In a departure from his previous opponents, August boasted a commendable 10-1 professional record, positioning himself as a formidable challenge for Paul. However, it was Paul's refined movement, strategic body punches, and enhanced boxing repertoire that took center stage. The YouTuber-turned-pugilist exhibited remarkable improvement, commanding the bout from the onset. As the round progressed, Paul's precision was on full display. With calculated precision, he launched a thunderous uppercut, piercing August's defense and sending him crashing to the canvas, signaling the abrupt end of the bout. Post-victory, Paul addressed his critics, attributing the triumph as a response to their skepticism while simultaneously presenting it as a holiday gift to his inner circle. When prodded about his next move, Paul remained cryptic, teasing an impending announcement and refraining from giving attention to those uninterested in facing him. Expressing his focus on an active 2024, Paul highlighted his commitment to growth within the sport, aiming to hone his skills, seize opportunities, and pursue bouts that add value to his evolving career. "More boxing prospects, more experience, more time in the ring, under the bright lights, staying active, and if the money fights want to come, I've got smoke for them too," Paul conveyed to Ariel Helwani post-fight. "But right now, I'm focused on being the best in the world and creating one of the greatest sports stories in the history of sports." With this commanding victory, Paul's professional record extends to 8-1, marking a significant milestone in his boxing journey and affirming his potential as a rising force in the boxing landscape. As Paul sets his sights on a compelling and active 2024, the boxing world eagerly anticipates the next chapter in his pursuit of greatness.

As the showdown between Leon Edwards and Colby Covington looms large at UFC 296, there's more than just the welterweight title on the line - there's also a quarter-million-dollar bet from none other than chart-topping rapper Drake. Known for his high-stakes wagers on UFC main events, Drake has once again taken a considerable gamble, this time placing $250,000 on Leon Edwards to secure a knockout victory over Covington in the much-anticipated headliner of Saturday's UFC pay-per-view spectacle in Las Vegas. Should Drake's bet hit the mark, it would net him an eye-popping $1.2 million. His Instagram post accompanying the wager was explicit in its request: "Headshot pls and thank you @leonedwardsmma." Responding to Drake's backing, Edwards conveyed his readiness with a succinct "let's get it" in the comments section, affirming his determination to come out victorious in this high-stakes encounter. This hefty bet follows Drake's recent loss of $500,000 after banking on Israel Adesanya to secure a knockout against Sean Strickland at UFC 293, only for Strickland to emerge triumphant via unanimous decision. The animosity between Edwards and Covington has escalated, fueled by Covington's disparaging remarks about Edwards' father during Thursday's UFC 296 press conference, which prompted Edwards to retaliate by hurling a water bottle at his adversary. Addressing the fervent fans after Friday's ceremonial weigh-ins, Edwards spared no words, asserting that Covington is "as good as dead" come fight night at UFC 296. With Drake's substantial backing and Edwards' determination to settle the score inside the Octagon, the stakes are higher than ever for this much-anticipated clash, promising fireworks and intense drama as they vie for supremacy in the welterweight division.

UK standout Ellis Barboza expresses elation over the martial arts organization's recent broadcasting agreement with Sky Sports. Barboza, who secured a remarkable third-round knockout against Thongpoon PK Saenchai in his debut with ONE, is enthusiastic about the groundbreaking collaboration set to unfold in 2024. In a post-fight interview, affectionately nicknamed 'El Jefe,' Barboza shared his excitement about being part of ONE Championship during this pivotal moment. The world's largest martial arts organization is set to be featured on Sky Sports, Europe's premier sports broadcaster, in a move that is expected to elevate the global visibility of the sport. "Being part of ONE Championship just ahead of their collaboration with Sky Sports is beyond my wildest dreams," expressed Barboza. "Sky, the powerhouse sports network, holds a special place in the U.K., my home country." Barboza, visibly thrilled about the prospect of Muay Thai reaching a global stage, emphasized the golden opportunity this partnership provides fighters for genuine global recognition. The collaboration between ONE Championship and Sky Sports is poised to bring martial arts enthusiasts and fighters alike to the forefront of international recognition. The much-anticipated partnership is set to debut with ONE Fight Night 18: Superlek vs. Mahmoudi on Friday, January 12. As Barboza continues to make waves in the world of martial arts, the ONE Championship and Sky Sports collaboration promises to further elevate the sport's prominence on a global scale.

Resilience and style collided in a spectacular showdown between Anthony Pettis and Benson Henderson, reaffirming a familiar outcome. The stage was set, the warriors were poised, and history repeated itself as Anthony Pettis and Benson Henderson locked horns for the third time at Karate Combat 43, held at The Expo at World Market Center in Las Vegas. The outcome echoed the past as "Showtime" Pettis emerged victorious once again in a battle that epitomized skill and resilience. From the opening bell, Pettis showcased his trademark style, unleashing a repertoire of dynamic, karate-inspired techniques, including spinning kicks and Superman punches. In contrast, Henderson engaged with calculated precision, employing calf kicks, body shots, and relentless combinations to assert dominance early on. As the rounds unfolded, both fighters escalated their intensity, exchanging aggressive flurries. Henderson dictated the pace, while Pettis adeptly countered with devastating strikes. With the bout seemingly favoring Henderson, the judges deemed a sudden-death sixth round necessary to determine a decisive victor. The high-stakes finale saw a relentless exchange of blows, with Pettis showcasing his resilience and finishing prowess. In a thrilling conclusion, Pettis landed significant shots, asserting his dominance as the round culminated. The judges' scorecards reflected Pettis' resilience and tactical prowess, awarding him a unanimous decision victory, adding another chapter of triumph over Henderson to his legacy. Post-fight, Pettis expressed his desire for a matchup with Karate Combat commentator Georges St-Pierre, yet the decorated MMA legend politely declined the challenge. As the dust settles on this historic trilogy, the world of combat sports remains captivated by the enduring rivalry between Pettis and Henderson, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next chapter in these fighters' illustrious careers.

Chael Sonnen is not holding back in his critique of Ian Machado Garry following Garry's withdrawal from UFC 296. The undefeated Garry (13-0 MMA) was slated to face Vicente Luque (22-9 MMA) in a welterweight bout this Saturday at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas but pulled out earlier this week due to a bout with pneumonia. Despite assurances from Garry's team that he would attend Thursday's pre-fight press conference after missing Wednesday's media day, Garry was once again a no-show, presumably due to his illness. Chael Sonnen, expressed his disappointment with Garry's decision to withdraw and his absence from media events, stating, "I’m disappointed we’re not going to see the fight." Sonnen speculated on the pressure Garry might have felt, especially considering the shift from being a crowd favorite to potentially facing boos. "I thought that Garry had a lot of pressure on him, and how is he going to deal? He’s always had the crowd eating out of his hand," remarked Sonnen. He went on to question Garry's approach to handling the situation, emphasizing that facing adversity, such as boos, is an essential aspect of a fighter's career. Sonnen suggested that Garry missed an opportunity to manage the situation better, saying, "I just think there was a few ways to handle that." He criticized Garry's public relations strategy, describing it as lacking and suggesting alternative ways Garry could have engaged with the media despite not participating in the upcoming fight. Concluding his thoughts, Sonnen noted, "He could have done anything but nothing." The criticism raises the question of whether Garry's decision to skip media events was a missed opportunity, and Sonnen leaves it to the audience to decide whether Garry should have made an appearance despite his withdrawal from the match with Luque.

Tensions ran high at Friday's UFC Seasonal Press Conference as middleweight champion Sean Strickland and challenger Dricus Du Plessis had to be forcefully separated during their intense face-off. The electrifying moment unfolded just ahead of the UFC 296 Ceremonial Weigh-ins, setting the stage for an eagerly anticipated showdown. Scheduled to headline the UFC 297 fight card on January 20th at ScotiaBank Arena in Toronto, the bout marks Sean Strickland's inaugural title defense. The middleweight champion, known for his tenacity and skill in the octagon, will face a formidable challenge in Dricus Du Plessis, adding an extra layer of anticipation to the upcoming event. The altercation during the face-off only fueled the excitement surrounding the highly awaited clash between these two talented fighters. UFC fans can expect fireworks when Strickland and Du Plessis step into the octagon for what promises to be an unforgettable championship bout, as both fighters vie for supremacy in the middleweight division.

Josh Kelly is hoping to make a triumphant return to the ring this weekend, aiming to pave the way for a significant 2024. The WBO's top-rated super welterweight is gearing up to face Colombian powerhouse Placido Ramirez (24-3, 17 KO’s), expressing newfound confidence in his punching power. "I am punching genuinely hard now. I’m not sure if it’s the weight, the maturity, or the belief," shared Kelly (14-1-1, 7 KO’s). "I’m not trying, but I’m putting guys out in sparring and putting people down. It’s starting to go to a whole new level." Reflecting on his victory over Troy Williamson a year ago, a pivotal moment in his career, Kelly emphasized the importance of self-confidence gained since his stoppage defeat to David Avanesyan in 2021. "It’s not believing in yourself now, it’s knowing stuff about yourself," he affirmed. "To be able to go to the next level and challenge for world titles and challenge at the top, you have to know you’ve got that something about you. I’ve been tested plenty of times in the gym, plenty of times in the professionals and amateurs. I know where I’m at. I know where I’m destined to be going. It’s just a matter of time till we get there." Looking ahead, assuming Kelly secures victory against Ramirez, his promoter Kalle Sauerland has ambitious plans for 2024. Despite the aspirations of WBO super welterweight champion Tim Tszyu, Kelly is poised to push for a showdown with the excellent and exciting Australian. "Big fights. Everyone knows I like a domestic blockbuster," remarked Sauerland. "There’s a few names circling about. Chris Eubank Jnr, Conor Benn, I’ve heard about Kell Brook returning. There’s some very, very interesting domestic fights to make. At the same time, there’s big world fights to make. I’ll be honest, I prefer the British ones because they’re big, but we’ll see what we can do." Kelly's hometown showdown sets the stage for what could be a thrilling journey toward championship contention in the super welterweight division.