Georges St-Pierre, the revered UFC legend, has definitively put an end to swirling rumors suggesting his participation in an MMA superfight in 2024. Known among hardcore mixed martial art enthusiasts as one of the sport's greatest fighters of all time, St-Pierre boasts an impressive record that places him alongside other esteemed contenders like Anderson Silva and Jon Jones. Regardless of personal preferences, St-Pierre's undeniable legacy stands as a testament to his extraordinary career. However, lingering "what if" scenarios have persisted regarding the conclusion of St-Pierre's illustrious run. Many fans and pundits had hoped to witness him face off against formidable opponents such as Khabib Nurmagomedov, yet, for various reasons, such matchups never materialized. Addressing the recent buzz surrounding a potential "superfight" in 2024, a topic teased by UFC President Dana White, St-Pierre unequivocally dismissed any speculation about his involvement. In a recent interview, St-Pierre affirmed, "Absolutely not. I promise you. I always told myself that I would not fight in a cage after the age of 40. I don’t say I will never compete in any combat sport event, but fighting in a cage professionally in a serious thing for my legacy, I will not do it. There is something I care more about [than] my legacy, [which] is my health." Expressing concern for athletes in combat sports who tend to retire later in their careers, St-Pierre emphasized the importance of prioritizing health over legacy. He remarked, "I think it’s a shame a little bit because they tarnish not only their legacy, they tarnish their health. I think it’s important for an athlete to prepare their retirement early, before they retire, so when they retire, they know where to go, to do something out of their life." With this declaration, St-Pierre resolutely affirms his commitment to a post-40 retirement from professional cage fighting, prioritizing his well-being over any potential bouts that could shape his legacy.

Newly crowned WBC super lightweight champion Devin Haney expressed his desire for a highly anticipated bout against Gervonta Davis, considering it the biggest fight in boxing. However, Haney is skeptical about the likelihood of the match materializing due to Davis' apparent reluctance and disparaging comments. While discussing potential opponents during his post-fight press conference, Haney acknowledged the possibility of a lucrative encounter with Ryan Garcia but conveyed pessimism about facing Davis. Haney criticized Davis for undermining the potential bout, stating, "Tank don't wanna fight because if he really wanted to fight, then he would be trying to build up the fight, instead of trying to knock it down or say I'm only selling because of this or because of that." Haney emphasized that Davis' negative approach contradicts the spirit of making the fight a significant event for boxing. Despite Davis' success in his seventh-round knockout of Garcia, Haney believes Davis has not taken the necessary steps to promote a potential showdown between them. Davis' recent bout against Garcia reportedly became the most financially successful event of 2023 in the United States, drawing around 1.2 million Pay-Per-View buys and generating an estimated $22.8 million in ticket sales. In contrast, Haney's victory over Prograis showcased his drawing power, attracting a crowd of over 16,000 to Chase Center. Bill Haney, Devin's father and trainer, addressed the ongoing narrative created by Davis and his team, urging fans not to be misled. He emphasized Devin's representation of boxing culture and what the sport should stand for, challenging the narratives created by Davis and his team. A potential matchup between Haney and Davis faces a weight hurdle, requiring Davis to compete above the lightweight limit of 135 pounds. Haney, formerly the undisputed lightweight champion, moved up to the super lightweight division, relinquishing his lightweight titles due to the physical challenge of meeting the lightweight limit.

In September 2017, the boxing world bid farewell to Hall of Fame fighter Andre Ward, who retired at the age of 33 with an impeccable record of 32 wins. The decision followed Ward's triumphant defense of his light heavyweight titles, where he defeated Sergey Kovalev in a rematch three months prior. Ward attributed his retirement to the toll the sport had taken on his body, stating "I am leaving because my body can no longer put up with the rigors of the sport, and therefore my desire to fight is no longer there." As the 2004 Olympics gold medalist seamlessly transitioned from the ring to the broadcast booth, a rising star in the boxing world, Canelo Alvarez, began his ascent through the divisions that Ward had previously conquered. Alvarez, the current undisputed super middleweight champion and former light heavyweight titlist, started competing at 168 pounds in 2018 and made his mark at 175 pounds in 2019 with a knockout victory over Kovalev. In a recent interview with sports commentator Stephen A. Smith, the now 39-year-old Ward expressed doubt that a bout with Alvarez would have materialized had he remained active during those years. According to Ward, his name was never mentioned alongside Alvarez until the Mexican fighter faced Kovalev, whom Ward suggested was not in his prime. Ward, who has previously criticized Alvarez's resume, acknowledged Alvarez's strategic approach to selecting opponents but questioned mentions of him among all-time great fighters. Meanwhile, Alvarez, boxing's top earner and an international star, responded to critics urging him to face David Benavidez. Alvarez emphasized his track record against top opponents and asserted his position as the sport's reigning king. While fans have clamored for a potential comeback from Ward to face Alvarez, the former champion admitted to contemplating a return but has not followed through. Ward stated, "It's like I've had to retire multiple times. I've had to talk myself off the ledge [of coming out of retirement] multiple times. It's not easy." Despite six years of retirement, Ward noted that no one has called his name, leaving the boxing legend to ponder the reasons behind the lack of interest in a potential comeback.

Francis Ngannou, gained widespread recognition in the boxing world last October when he faced WBC titlist Tyson Fury in a thrilling 10-round "crossover" bout in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The former UFC heavyweight champion surprised fans by landing a hook in the third round that dropped Fury, showcasing Ngannou's legitimate punching power. In a recent interview with Shannon Sharpe on the Club Shay Shay podcast, Ngannou admitted that Fury packs a significant punch, emphasizing that boxers generally possess more formidable striking abilities compared to mixed martial artists. Ngannou acknowledged feeling the impact of Fury's shots and expressed the sentiment of being impressed, saying, "He hits pretty good. Punchers [in MMA] are not as strong as boxers." Despite dropping Fury in the third round, Ngannou clarified that he never believed he had Fury in serious trouble. According to Ngannou, the punch's impact was lessened by Fury's shoulder, stating, "It wasn't a strong punch, so I knew that he's gonna get up. It was a punch that hit his shoulder first before it hit his temple." Ngannou maintained his aggressive approach throughout the bout, explaining, "I was there to fight and to win. He's the champion. I had to go after him. My game plan was not to count him and to survive. My game plan was to fight and to win and to dictate my own rule. I'm coming after you to win. In order to do that, I have to walk [toward him]." Despite being under contract with the PFL, Ngannou has expressed interest in a rematch with Fury. However, a rematch seems unlikely in the near future, as Fury is currently focused on preparing for the undisputed heavyweight championship against unified champion Oleksandr Usyk on Feb. 17 in Riyadh.

ONE Championship electrified fight fans with an all-Muay Thai spectacle at the historic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on December 9. The ONE Fight Night 17 card boasted an impressive seven knockouts out of eight fights, treating the audience to a night of intense action and unforgettable moments. The pinnacle of the evening was reached in the main event, where Roman Kryklia delivered a crushing knockout blow to Australia's Alex Roberts, securing the inaugural ONE Heavyweight Muay Thai World Title. The Ukrainian powerhouse, already holding the ONE Light Heavyweight Kickboxing World Title, added another feather to his cap with a stellar performance. The title clash unfolded with a competitive opening round, featuring a knockdown by Kryklia and a resilient response from Roberts with a well-timed elbow. However, Kryklia's speed proved decisive in the second round, as a lightning-quick left hook landed just 25 seconds in, clinching victory and the coveted heavyweight Muay Thai strap. The triumph earned Kryklia not only a new title but also a US$50,000 performance bonus. While Kryklia's knockout stole the spotlight, the co-main event between "Smokin'" Jo Nattawut and Luke Lessei delivered a compelling showdown that left fans on the edge of their seats. In Lessei's ONE debut, the American came out swinging, but it was Nattawut's relentless assault that won over the judges. The clash between the two warriors has already become a strong contender for "Muay Thai Fight of the Year." Adding to the night's accolades were standout performances by U.K. sensation Jacob Smith and Russian knockout artist Dmitry Menshikov, both earning performance bonus awards for their respective victories. As the curtain falls on ONE Championship's U.S. primetime series for 2023, the Muay Thai spectacle in Bangkok will undoubtedly linger in the memories of fight enthusiasts, leaving them eagerly anticipating the next chapter in ONE Championship's global combat sports journey.

Bare-knuckle boxing sensation Mike Perry is already eyeing his next challenge, and this time it's aimed at none other than UFC veteran Nate Diaz. Perry's dominance in the BKFC ring has solidified his status as one of the sport's biggest stars, rivaling even those within the UFC. Known for his fearless approach and a willingness to take on formidable opponents, Perry is eager to continue his streak by facing high-profile names. Expressing his interest in a potential clash with Nate Diaz, Perry shared his thoughts during a recent interview on The MMA Hour. "I want to fight bare-knuckle. I love it. I do love it. At the same time, I’m still interested to maybe put a boxing glove on, and Nate boxed Jake, and it didn’t go his way. So a fight with me definitely makes sense. I would love to fight a Nathan Diaz, but I think I win that," stated Perry confidently. Highlighting the reluctance of some fighters to step into the bare-knuckle arena, Perry challenged his potential opponents to face the raw challenge. "These guys are afraid to do no gloves. They really are afraid. I’m like, come test yourself. It’s good to be afraid. I’m not saying that’s a bad thing. I want to be afraid when I’m about to fight because it’s going to make me do even better. Be a man. My first act as king is men got to stand up. Grow some balls." Asserting his position as the money fight and attributing it to the success of BKFC, Perry acknowledged the possibility of switching back to gloves if the right opportunity arises. "I’m the guy. I’m the money fight. It’s because of BKFC. It’s because the show they put on. It’s because the promotion they’re doing. They’re killing it with me. We’re killing it together, but if the biggest fight out there is a fight that needs to get made with gloves on, of course, I would do it. That would be a play date." Follow Fight.tv for all the latest news and updates from the world of MMA.

Ilia Topuria expresses unwavering confidence in delivering a masterpiece of a performance against featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski. The clash for the UFC featherweight championship promises to be a highlight of the year, with Topuria aiming to make the most of his moment. While some skeptics question the speed at which Topuria has ascended to this title fight, the contender remains unfazed and poised to showcase his skills against the formidable champion. In a recent statement, Topuria highlighted his strategic approach for the bout, emphasizing the art of hitting without being hit. "I think it’s perfect, it’s going to be a masterpiece," Topuria remarked on his matchup with Volkanovski. "To hit and don’t get hit. That’s what you will see in this combat, you’ll see an authentic mixed martial artist." Detailing his approach, Topuria emphasized patience and a keen eye for openings. "I’ll be there with a lot of patience, looking for any opening," he explained. "I’ll be there to take advantage, but the most important thing for me is to stay patient all the time. Stay ready, don’t make unnecessary efforts. The finish will come without pushing it too much. I don’t have any doubt that the finish will come, and it will be one of the easier fights of my career so far." Known for his unwavering self-belief, Topuria recognizes the challenge in facing a seasoned champion like Volkanovski. However, he remains resolute in his conviction that this bout will mark a significant milestone in his career. As the countdown to UFC 298 begins, the anticipation for this clash between Topuria and Volkanovski continues to build, with fight fans expecting nothing less than a potential masterpiece in the octagon.

Heavyweight contender Deontay Wilder reaffirms his belief that Tyson Fury engaged in foul play during their highly contentious rematch in 2020. Despite his claims of Fury's alleged cheating, Wilder attributes newfound happiness to the psychedelic plant medicine Ayahuasca. The pair's initial encounter in 2018 ended in a controversial split draw, with Fury hitting the canvas twice. The 2020 rematch took a one-sided turn, as Fury dropped Wilder twice and secured a seventh-round stoppage. Their third showdown in 2021 saw both fighters tasting the canvas, with Fury going down twice and Wilder thrice, leading to an eleventh-round stoppage. Wilder, unsatisfied with the outcomes, has consistently accused Fury of manipulating the fight, even suggesting that Fury tampered with his gloves by loading them with weights. Despite the lack of concrete evidence supporting these claims, Wilder remains resolute in his accusations. In a recent interview, Wilder offered insights into his mindset, revealing the impact of Ayahuasca on his life. He spoke of a sense of release and increased happiness since undergoing Ayahuasca experiences, urging others to explore this alternative path to self-discovery. “It isn't so much what I think Fury did; it was what I know he did. But God said, ‘victory is not yours, it's his,’ so I walk on that path. What has helped me a lot with life and what has made me happier is Ayahuasca," shared Wilder. “This is the happiest I've ever been," Wilder declared. Addressing concerns about his well-being, he clarified that his intermittent absence from the boxing scene does not indicate depression but a deliberate choice to explore diverse aspects of his life. Wilder highlighted his versatility outside of the boxing ring, delving into music, business ventures, and property development. He emphasized the necessity of multiple income streams, particularly with eight children to provide for. As Wilder continues his journey beyond boxing, the echoes of his accusations against Fury persist, adding another layer to the ongoing saga between the two heavyweights.

Khalil Rountree delivered a powerful performance at UFC Vegas 83, held at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Saturday night. The 33-year-old light heavyweight contender secured a third-round knockout victory over former UFC title challenger Anthony Smith, potentially earning himself a shot at a top 5 matchup in the division. From the opening bell, Rountree showcased his striking excellence, effectively keeping Smith at bay with crisp jabs, hard leg kicks, and strategic body work. Despite Smith's attempts to engage in dirty boxing and clinch work along the cage, Rountree's agility and striking precision kept him in control. Towards the end of the first round, Rountree landed a significant shot that visibly rocked "Lionheart" Smith. Maintaining relentless pressure in the second round, Rountree continued to penetrate Smith's guard with a barrage of strikes, causing significant damage to his opponent's face. The third round witnessed the culmination of Rountree's dominance as he unleashed a vicious left hand that left Smith stumbling and eventually on the canvas. With a hand raised, Rountree poised to deliver more damage, but the referee intervened, signaling the end of the bout. Having secured his fifth consecutive victory in the Octagon, with four of those victories coming by way of knockout, Rountree, a former Ultimate Fighter standout, appears to have found his stride. The win over Smith positions him as a formidable force in the light heavyweight division, signaling his readiness to face the upper echelon of contenders. The Saturday night showdown affirmed Rountree's ascent in the division and sets the stage for an anticipated top 5 matchup in his future.

Rafael Espinoza defied the odds to claim the WBO featherweight title, overcoming a knockdown to secure a majority decision victory against the highly favored Robeisy Ramirez. Having dreamt of headlining in the Cuban-populated Miami area where he sought refuge after defecting in 2018, Ramirez faced the towering challenge presented by the 6'1" Espinoza. Despite his aspirations, Ramirez couldn't navigate the test posed by Espinoza's unyielding determination and height advantage. Trainer Ismael Salas demanded a tactical adjustment from Ramirez, emphasizing lateral movement. While Ramirez adhered to the directive to some extent, he found himself consistently outworked by Espinoza, who had the added challenge of an early foot injury. Espinoza's relentless spirit shone through, fueled by thoughts of his two-year-old daughter. The underdog remained the busier fighter, even as Ramirez focused on body work, causing concern in Ramirez's corner due to his low output. The fight took a dramatic turn in round four when Ramirez delivered a powerful right hook, sending Espinoza to the canvas. The crowd erupted, but Espinoza displayed resilience, rising before the count, and making it to the bell. The momentum swung in Ramirez's favor in the subsequent rounds, with an apparent knockdown ruled a push in round six. However, Espinoza's leg seemed to give way whenever Ramirez connected upstairs. Despite moments of dominance from Ramirez, Espinoza demonstrated his own resolve, staying competitive. As the final rounds unfolded, Espinoza's determination intensified, with Ramirez on the defensive. In a surprising turn, Espinoza landed a series of power shots in the last minute of the final round, culminating in a combination that sent Ramirez to the canvas. The judges' scorecards reflected Espinoza's remarkable effort, with scores of 115-111 and 114-112, overshadowing the questionable 113-113 card. Espinoza improved his record to a perfect 22-0, securing the WBO title in his first-ever title fight. For Ramirez, this marked his first defeat since turning professional in August 2019, snapping a thirteen-fight win streak. Despite the setback, both fighters expressed openness to a rematch, with Espinoza graciously extending the opportunity for Ramirez to regain his title. In defeat, Ramirez displayed humility, expressing respect for Espinoza as a true Mexican warrior. The potential for a rematch looms large, promising another chapter in this unexpected featherweight saga.

In a compelling showdown at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Devin Haney delivered a masterful performance, claiming the WBC championship belt in the junior welterweight division with a commanding unanimous decision win over Regis Prograis. In a clash that epitomized the clash of styles, Haney's calculated control clashed with Prograis' renowned power. Despite Prograis' early attempts to unleash his potent strikes, Haney's ring generalship and precision ultimately dictated the rhythm of the bout. The third round saw Haney's power manifest as a crisp straight right sent Prograis to the canvas, signaling Haney's seamless transition to the 140-pound category with newfound authority and force. However, it wasn't merely the display of power that defined Haney's triumph. A glaring disparity in speed saw Haney consistently fire off combinations, evading Prograis' counters with swift agility, establishing a dominance that persisted throughout the fight. In the sixth round, another thunderous right hand from Haney rattled Prograis, nearly sending him to the canvas again. Haney's relentless pressure left Prograis struggling to find any foothold in the fight. Haney's remarkable performance not only secured the WBC title but also raised speculation regarding his future ascent to the welterweight division, as pundits pondered how long before he would leap. As the final rounds unfolded, Haney's dominance persisted, although Prograis managed to withstand the onslaught. Despite the absence of a finish, Haney's comprehensive display solidified his status as a daunting force in the junior welterweight realm. This victory marks Haney's entry into the 140-pound category following a remarkable tenure as the undisputed lightweight champion, culminating in a unanimous decision win over Vasiliy Lomachenko. Eager for fresh challenges, Haney articulated his intent to conquer the 140-pound division, setting his sights on potential blockbuster matchups. Among them, a bout against Teofimo Lopez Jr. looms large, with the two pugilists engaging in verbal jousting and their convergence in the same weight class fostering prospects of an enthralling showdown. Lopez, the reigning WBO champion, recently hinted at a matchup with IBF champion Subriel Matias, further fueling anticipation for potential clashes in the division. Haney's quest to claim the mantle in the 140-pound division promises an enticing array of matchups, poised to elevate his standing and propel his ascent up the pound-for-pound rankings.

In the pulsating aftermath of UFC Vegas 83, Song Yadong asserts his prowess, eyeing the summit of the bantamweight division and signaling his readiness to face Petr Yan after a commanding victory over Chris Gutierrez. The echoes of victory reverberated through the UFC APEX as Song Yadong, despite falling short of a finish, showcased a masterful display of control and dominance against Chris Gutierrez in the main event. Yadong's relentless five-round performance, accentuated by a formidable ground and pound, secured an undeniable victory with judges' scorecards reading 50-44, 50-45, and 50-45 in his favor. Post-fight, while Yadong expressed disappointment over the relocation of the event from China, he exuded contentment with the win, emphasizing his unwavering pursuit of the bantamweight championship. "I really wanted to fight in China, that’s my home. In the top 15, no one takes the fight but I’m coming to get the belt," Yadong stated, asserting his intentions to ascend the divisional ladder. Engaging in a high-octane clash against Gutierrez, Yadong faced a tactically nimble adversary, maneuvering adeptly while showcasing striking prowess. Despite Gutierrez's elusive movement and striking exchanges, Yadong's transition to wrestling and ground control was pivotal in cementing his dominance throughout the bout. While the initial rounds saw both fighters trade potent leg kicks without either establishing a distinct advantage, Yadong's calculated takedowns and ground game became instrumental in steering the momentum in his favor. As the bout progressed, Yadong's power shots found their mark, particularly in the fourth round, when a stiff punch rocked Gutierrez, enabling Yadong to unleash a barrage of strikes and transition to ground and pound. With his grappling superiority evident, Yadong methodically maintained control, asserting dominance over Gutierrez in every grappling exchange. The victory marks Yadong's notable ascent, now boasting a 5-1 record in his last six fights, with his lone loss against perennial contender Cory Sandhagen. Looking ahead, Yadong wasted no time in targeting former bantamweight champion Petr Yan, responding to Yan's dismissive reaction to the fight with a callout, signifying his intent to challenge the division's elite. As Yadong basks in the glory of his triumph, the bantamweight landscape awaits a potential clash between the rising force of Yadong and the formidable stature of Petr Yan, signaling an enthralling chapter in the division's unfolding narrative.