In a quest to affirm his readiness for a UFC title shot, Shavkat Rakhmonov braces himself for a pivotal clash against Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson this Saturday at UFC 296, where victory could propel him closer to a championship opportunity in the fiercely competitive welterweight division. Rakhmonov, undefeated since his debut in the UFC, remains undeterred by the challenge posed by Thompson. Despite already asserting his belief in being championship material, the Kazakh fighter approaches the bout with the renowned veteran as another chance to underscore his readiness for the coveted title shot. In an interview with The MMA Hour, Rakhmonov affirmed, "I’m already ready to fight for the title, and the win over Stephen Thompson will be another reason to prove that I’m ready." The 29-year-old fighter maintains a relentless focus on the task at hand, refusing to get ahead of himself amidst the tantalizing prospect of a championship contest. The welterweight division's title picture currently appears enigmatic, with Leon Edwards and Colby Covington headlining UFC 296 to resolve their feud. However, Rakhmonov's stellar performances and trail of decisive victories have positioned him as a formidable contender in the mix. Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to face a seasoned competitor in Thompson, Rakhmonov acknowledges the significance of the bout, emphasizing, "Even though he’s on the other side, he’s 40 years old, I still believe he’s a high-level athlete." Originally scheduled to face Kelvin Gastelum, Rakhmonov's anticipation for an active return to the Octagon intensified after the matchup fell through due to Gastelum's injury. Eager to test his mettle against established names in the division, Rakhmonov welcomes the challenge Thompson presents, valuing the chance to compete against a seasoned campaigner. As the anticipation builds for UFC 296, Rakhmonov remains focused on the immediate task while maintaining aspirations for the future. The Kazakh fighter's meteoric rise in the division's rankings positions him as a potential future title challenger, but he remains grounded, emphasizing his readiness if the opportunity for a championship bout arises in 2024. "Only God knows, but I wish to fight for the title next year," Rakhmonov asserted, underscoring his ultimate goal to clinch the welterweight belt and bring pride to his homeland of Kazakhstan through his remarkable journey in the UFC.

UFC welterweight contender Colby Covington has set his sights on UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland, hinting at the possibility of a future clash between the two fighters. Sean Strickland, known for his controversial persona, recently secured the middleweight championship by defeating Israel Adesanya earlier this year. Colby Covington, who is no stranger to divisiveness, is gearing up for a return to the cage as he prepares to challenge Leon Edwards for the UFC welterweight championship this weekend. While Covington's immediate focus is on the welterweight division, speculation is growing about a potential move up to middleweight in the future. In a recent interview with Code Sports, Covington didn't hold back in expressing his thoughts on Strickland, stating, "Absolutely, he’s pretending to be everything he wishes I was. So, I’d love to slap Sean Strickland around. I think he’s just a pathetic excuse of a human being. The guy literally has no fricking IQ, that guy is so f***ing stupid. The things he says, like, he needs to get his mouth wired shut, and I’m the guy to do it. So, the UFC knows I’m the one that can end these guys that hate the company and hate the world. I would love to fight Sean Strickland." Covington's remarks suggest a potential grudge match fueled by personal animosity. However, for this exciting contest to materialize, several factors must align, starting with both fighters securing victories in their upcoming title fights over the next few months. The prospect of Covington and Strickland facing off adds an extra layer of anticipation to the unfolding narratives within the UFC's welterweight and middleweight divisions.

The heavyweight division is set to witness a thunderous collision as Tai Tuivasa and Marcin Tybura are geared up for a colossal showdown at UFC 298, promising a spectacle of power and determination at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. Amidst the fervor of the UFC's upcoming pay-per-view event scheduled for February 17, this monumental clash marks a pivotal moment for both fighters. Tuivasa, known for his striking prowess and previous remarkable victories, aims to regain momentum after a recent series of setbacks. Despite a meteoric rise with a five-fight win streak, including an emphatic finish against Derrick Lewis, Tuivasa encountered a tough phase, enduring three consecutive losses to formidable opponents. Entering the octagon off the back of a two-fight winning streak, Tybura's quest for resurgence suffered a setback in his previous outing against Tom Aspinall at UFC London. However, his consistent performances, boasting a 7-2 record in his last nine appearances, position him as a formidable adversary in the heavyweight landscape. Tybura's victories over Greg Hardy and Walt Harris highlight his capability to deliver impressive stoppage wins. UFC 298's high-octane lineup is anchored by a featherweight title bout between Alexander Volkanovski and Ilia Topuria, promising an evening packed with thrilling matchups and adrenaline-fueled action. However, the Tuivasa vs. Tybura collision stands out as a heavyweight showdown that's set to captivate fans, featuring two determined fighters striving to reclaim their momentum and ascend the divisional ranks once again. As the anticipation mounts for UFC 298, Tuivasa and Tybura brace themselves for an electrifying battle inside the octagon. With their sights set on redemption and resurgence, these heavyweights are poised to deliver a riveting performance that could potentially shape the future landscape of the UFC's heavyweight division.

UFC heavyweight contender Sergei Pavlovich issues a stern warning to his division counterparts as he prepares for his comeback after a setback in his recent bout. Regarded as a top star in the UFC's heavyweight division for the past few years, Pavlovich faced a challenging situation last month when he accepted a short-notice fight against Tom Aspinall for the interim championship. Despite landing some notable shots, the Russian fighter found himself overmatched, ultimately succumbing to a knockout defeat as Aspinall claimed the interim gold. While Aspinall enjoys his championship status, Pavlovich is now in the process of reassessing his strategy and identifying areas for improvement. At 31 years old, Pavlovich acknowledges the considerable journey still ahead of him in the realm of mixed martial arts, emphasizing the necessity for adjustments to compete at the highest level. In a recent tweet, Pavlovich conveyed a resolute message to potential future opponents, stating, "Fresh, clean air, forest, the most ideal place to recharge. Don’t relax, I’ll be back soon! #ufc #Moscow." Recognizing the importance of taking a step back to reflect and consider his options, Pavlovich understands that there is a myriad of formidable heavyweights awaiting him in the octagon. The anticipation builds as fans await news of the UFC's matchmaking for Pavlovich's return, curious to witness the caliber of opponents he will face. While the title picture in the heavyweight division currently appears complicated, Pavlovich remains determined to work his way back into contention, acknowledging that a string of victories may be necessary to solidify his standing in the championship race.

Eddie Hearn, the renowned promoter of former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, expressed keen interest in orchestrating a showdown with MMA veteran Francis Ngannou. Ngannou sent shockwaves through the combat sports world back in October when he nearly dethroned WBC world champion Tyson Fury in a non-title boxing match, marking his professional debut in the ring. The former UFC champion's performance exceeded expectations as he dropped Fury in the third round and posed a significant challenge throughout the bout. Despite the valiant effort, Fury ultimately secured a narrow ten-round split decision victory. Following the spectacle, Hearn extended an olive branch to Ngannou's team, expressing his enthusiasm for discussions surrounding a potential bout with Anthony Joshua. However, the British promoter revealed that he received no response, leading him to believe that Ngannou might be holding out for a rematch with Fury, pending the green light. Fury, currently on a collision course with WBO, IBF, IBO, and WBA world champion Oleksandr Usyk in an undisputed bout scheduled for February 17, appears to be the focal point of Ngannou's immediate boxing future. Hearn shared insights during an interview with The MMA Hour, stating, "I reached out to Francis Ngannou’s team, and I said, ‘Just to let you know, we’re up for discussing the Francis Ngannou [vs.] AJ fight. I never heard back from them. So I think probably, knowing the business, I would say that probably Fury-Ngannou is almost probably agreed to post Fury-Usyk already." Predicting Ngannou's trajectory, Hearn speculated that the MMA sensation might opt for a lucrative bout in the spring or summer of 2024, potentially within the confines of the PFL. Subsequently, he anticipates Ngannou's much-anticipated clash with Tyson Fury towards the end of 2024, with the mindset that such marquee matchups will be instrumental in propelling Ngannou's career to new heights.

Former WBC super lightweight champion Regis Prograis is contemplating a late entry into a new sporting arena—mixed martial arts (MMA). The 34-year-old expressed his desire to explore a second career in MMA during a post-fight press conference following his 12-round unanimous decision defeat to Devin Haney at Chase Center on Saturday night. Prograis, who began his boxing journey at the age of 17, disclosed that his longstanding interest in MMA had been hindered by his position as a world champion in boxing. He pointed to the example of three-division women's champion Claressa Shields, who successfully branched out into MMA while still dominating in the boxing ring. The New Orleans native clarified that his consideration of MMA is not a sudden decision, stating, "It’s not all of a sudden, that’s why. I been had that on my mind for a while. But I was a champion, so it’s like you can’t just give it up as a champion." Prograis emphasized that he won't earnestly pursue MMA until he achieves his goal of becoming a three-time 140-pound champion in boxing. "I wanna do that, but I do wanna be a three-time champion before I do that. Three-time at 140, and then after that, I do wanna go ahead and switch to MMA. But three-time champion first," Acknowledging that his late start in boxing, triggered by Hurricane Katrina forcing him to move to Houston in 2005, did not deter him from achieving success, Prograis aims to secure his third belt before venturing into the world of MMA. Despite his recent defeat to Haney, Prograis remains a formidable force in the boxing arena, having previously claimed the WBA and WBC titles in the highly competitive 140-pound division.

Anticipation is building as super middleweight contender Michael Oliveira gears up to make a significant impact in the division. At 33 years old, Oliveira boasts an impressive record of 22 wins and 2 losses, with an astounding 16 knockouts under his belt. Eager to reclaim the spotlight, he is determined to showcase the skills that initially labeled him as a world title contender after winning his first 16 fights. Having relocated from Miami, where he spent some time after leaving his native Brazil, Oliveira now calls Denver home. Set to make his return in March, he is scheduled for a 170 lbs bout but plans to campaign at 168 in the super middleweight division. Oliveira's resurgence is backed by the expertise of renowned matchmaker Jon Beninati. Speaking on the collaboration, Oliveira stated, "I am now back with internationally known matchmaker Jon Beninati, and he helped me with coaches and potential sponsors. John has been around a lot of world champions, so I know he can help me. I have been training every day and working on my conditioning and getting my weight down." Expressing his strategic approach to the comeback, Oliveira outlined his plan: "I am thinking of two or three fights to get back, and then I will look for a significant opportunity." While Oliveira may have been relatively inactive in the past decade due to injuries, he utilized his time wisely. The former Brazilian soccer player transitioned into a different arena, becoming a Police Officer in Denver. Now, with a renewed focus on his boxing career, he is ready to capitalize on this second chance in the squared circle. Reflecting on his journey, Oliveira acknowledged his growth: "I feel that I was young and did not take advantage of the people that I had around me. I am more mature, and I have developed my man strength. I feel that given the proper opportunity, I will knock it out of the park." As the boxing world awaits his return, Michael Oliveira is determined to make waves in the super middleweight division in the coming year.

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is a dynamic and exhilarating sport that demands a combination of skills from various disciplines. For beginners eager to step into the world of MMA, mastering the fundamentals is crucial for building a solid foundation. In this guide, we'll explore key strategies and tips on how to get better at MMA as a beginner. Learn the Basics of Each Discipline: Focus on Cardiovascular Conditioning: Master Basic Techniques: Consistent Strength and Conditioning: Sparring and Drilling: Work on Flexibility and Mobility: Study Fight Footage: Mental Toughness: Seek Professional Coaching: Participate in Amateur Competitions: Once you feel confident in your skills, consider participating in amateur competitions. These events offer valuable experience, allowing you to apply your training in a controlled yet competitive environment.

Henry Cejudo is set to face Merab Dvalishvili, as announced by Cejudo himself in a recent video on his YouTube channel. The much-anticipated clash between Cejudo and Dvalishvili is scheduled to take place on the same card headlined by a featherweight title bout featuring champion Alexander Volkanovski and Ilia Topuria. UFC 298, set to unfold in two months, is shaping up to be an eventful night. During the video announcement, Cejudo revealed that the outcome of his bout with Dvalishvili will determine the contender to face the winner of the Sean O’Malley vs. Marlon Vera matchup, as reported by MMAFighting. “This fight’s going to decide who’s actually going to eventually fight the winner of Chito Vera versus Sean O’Malley,” Cejudo stated enthusiastically. “I’m excited. I’m not sure if we’re going to co-headline this fight with Ilia Topuria and Alexander Volkanovski, but either way, this fight is absolutely going to be bonkers.” Acknowledging the challenge ahead, Cejudo admitted that he anticipates a tough battle against Merab Dvalishvili. “I give him respect, and I give all my opponents respect, especially Henry Cejudo,” responded Dvalishvili during the UFC Vegas 83 post-fight show. “He’s the greatest champion, he was after [Aljamain Sterling] beat him. I’m excited. This is going to be a big test for me. Even if I feel I don’t need the test anymore. “I have a nine-fight win streak, and I beat whoever they give me, whoever they put in front of me. I think I deserve to fight for a title fight, but they give me another test in Henry Cejudo. I’m thankful. I have to do my best. I have to beat him, and I have to earn it again, the title fight, and hopefully this time I will fight for the title, and whoever will be the winner of Chito Vera and Sean O’Malley, I will fight next.” Follow fight.tv for more news and stories like this.

Fresh from his dominant reign in the lightweight division, Islam Makhachev sets his sights on a colossal challenge, eyeing a clash with top contender Justin Gaethje as he seeks to pursue a second championship belt and evade rematches within the division. Following his decisive victory over Charles Oliveira in a spectacular display of skill and determination last October, Makhachev's resolve to venture into uncharted territories sees him prioritizing new contenders over rematches. With his initial rematch against Oliveira thwarted due to an unfortunate injury to the featherweight champion, Makhachev pivots toward new challenges, singling out Gaethje as a prospective opponent. Expressing his intentions in a recent interview, Makhachev underscored the significance of exploring fresh matchups to establish himself as a multifaceted champion. "If you want to [be a champion] in a good way, you have to add new names," affirmed Makhachev. "There is Gaethje, who I would say deserved a fight. I think it would be more interesting to fight him. I think in March, maybe." While Makhachev's recent victories showcased his dominance, including a win over the emerging talent Arman Tsarukyan, his focus has shifted toward securing a second title in a different weight class. Contemplating the pursuit of a second belt, Makhachev's ambition extends beyond the lightweight division, aiming to etch his name in the annals of history by conquering new horizons. "The second belt is the fight of a dream. This is what motivates me at the moment," articulated Makhachev, emphasizing his aspiration to claim multiple titles and defend them successfully. Amidst the clamor for potential rematches and title defenses, Makhachev's hunger for bigger challenges resonates as he eyes the ultimate feat in his fighting journey. While Gaethje awaits a potential shot at the winner of Makhachev vs. Oliveira 2, the champion's aspirations transcend conventional challenges within his division. As Makhachev sets his sights on the monumental goal of acquiring dual championships and defending them, the landscape of his aspirations in the UFC propels him toward a path of unprecedented achievement and legacy-building.

In a bid to expedite his pursuit of a title fight, Bellator middleweight champion Johnny Eblen has set his sights on a potential bout against UFC veteran Derek Brunson, eyeing a clash that promises fireworks at the upcoming PFL pay-per-view event in early 2024. Despite the absence of his division within PFL, Eblen seeks to capitalize on the opportunity to fight on the promotion's card by stepping in as a backup. However, with the title bout featuring Leon Edwards and Colby Covington, Eblen's pursuit for a champ vs. champ showdown will remain unfulfilled, leading him to explore other options, with Brunson emerging as a prime candidate for an exhilarating matchup. Eblen expressed eagerness for a showdown against Brunson, recognizing his opponent's illustrious tenure in the UFC and the prospect of adding a seasoned veteran's name to his resume. "I would love to fight him," affirmed Eblen. "The guy has fought everybody. The who’s who in MMA, UFC veteran coming over to PFL, it would be a great matchup for me." Responding to Eblen's callout, Brunson, fresh off a successful PFL debut, conveyed his openness to the bout, acknowledging Eblen's prowess and embracing the challenge. "Johnny Eblen is a top guy, a top fighter," remarked Brunson. "I’m confident in my abilities to get the win there." Eblen, aiming to solidify his standing as one of the premier middleweights in MMA, recognizes that facing established names from the UFC would bolster his reputation and combat the perceived notion that he solely competes against non-UFC competition. "Since I’m not in the UFC, I’m going to take any UFC vet out," asserted Eblen. "That’s what I have to do to solidify my name, so I’m going to continue to do that." While a potential bout with Brunson is at the forefront, Eblen also keeps an eye on Bellator's Aaron Jeffrey as an alternative challenger, emphasizing his desire to compete frequently and showcase his skill set during his prime years. As the anticipation builds for PFL's event, the potential clash between Eblen and Brunson emerges as a tantalizing prospect, holding the promise of an enthralling battle between two seasoned fighters from different promotions vying for supremacy in the middleweight realm.

With an unyielding drive for championship glory, Belal Muhammad sets the stage for his long-awaited title opportunity, stepping in as the backup for the UFC 296 main event featuring Leon Edwards defending the welterweight title against Colby Covington. A testament to Muhammad's relentless pursuit of the welterweight championship, his role as the backup for the upcoming title clash between Edwards and Covington at UFC 296 underscores his unwavering determination to seize the coveted title shot. Riding a remarkable ten-fight unbeaten streak, Muhammad's commitment to attaining championship status is evident as he stands ready to hit the scales and weigh in as a contingency plan, poised to step in should an unforeseen circumstance sideline either Edwards or Covington. Sources close to the situation confirmed Muhammad's role as the backup, a move that aligns with his unyielding resolve to secure his shot at gold, following an impressive victory over Gilbert Burns earlier in the year. Despite assurances of becoming the division's No. 1 contender post that win, Covington's prior commitment to the title shot delayed Muhammad's path to the championship. Eager to showcase his worthiness for the title, Muhammad now awaits his opportunity post-UFC 296, aiming for a showdown with the victor in 2024. Edwards, in anticipation of his title defense, addressed Muhammad as a potential contender, acknowledging their previous clash that ended in a no-contest due to an accidental eye poke. Expressing a willingness to face Muhammad again, Edwards noted, "That’s easy work. That’s easy money. If he is the guy next, he’s the guy. But does anyone want to see that? Probably not but if he’s the guy, then I’ll happily silence him." While Muhammad remains vigilant as the backup for the main event, former UFC flyweight champion Brandon Moreno will serve as the contingency for the co-main event, where Alexandre Pantoja defends his title against Brandon Royval. As the stage is set for UFC 296, Muhammad stands at the ready, determined to solidify his status as the rightful challenger for the welterweight throne.