Sean Brady delivered a highlight-reel ending at UFC on ESPN 52, securing a convincing victory over Kelvin Gastelum through a nasty kimura submission in the third round. The Moody Center in Austin, Texas, witnessed Brady's dominance unfold on the main card as he controlled Gastelum (18-9 MMA, 12-9 UFC) for the first two rounds, showcasing his wrestling prowess. However, the audience expressed their desire for more action, responding with boos as Brady (16-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC) mounted Gastelum without inflicting significant damage. It was in the third round that Brady, determined to finish the job, executed a flawless kimura submission, forcing Gastelum to tap at 1:43 of Round 3. Brady, 31, marked his third UFC submission, displaying a refined technique as he isolated Gastelum's right shoulder and secured the victory with precision. This victory was particularly significant for Brady, who rebounded from his first career loss – a TKO defeat against Belal Muhammad at UFC 280 in October 2022. Despite two failed bookings after the loss, Brady made a strong comeback at UFC on ESPN 52. On the other side, Gastelum, 32, returned to welterweight after making championship weight on the scale and presenting himself in peak physical condition. Despite his efforts, Gastelum's record dipped to 2-6 in his last eight outings, marking a challenging period for the seasoned fighter.

After a 17-month hiatus, Miesha Tate made a triumphant return to the octagon, showcasing dominance in her bantamweight bout on the UFC on ESPN 52 prelims at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas. Tate (21-9 MMA, 7-6 UFC) secured victory over Julia Avila (9-3 MMA, 3-2 UFC) by submission at 1:15 of Round 3. From the onset of the fight, Tate exhibited superior grappling skills, employing strong wrestling and launching frequent submission attempts against Avila. Despite Avila's initial resistance to submission tries, she succumbed early in Round 3 when Tate executed a rear-naked choke, prompting a swift tap from her opponent. Post-fight, the fired-up Tate credited her success to the hard work invested in her training camp, fueled by motivation drawn from persistent mentions of "retirement" by MMA enthusiasts. However, despite her commanding performance, Tate appeared to suffer a leg injury and was carried out of the cage by her fiancé, Johnny Nunez. Tate, 37, now holds a record of 2-2 since her return from retirement in 2021. In her previous outing, she attempted a flyweight bout, resulting in a one-sided loss to Lauren Murphy in July 2022. Tate, expressing her commitment to the bantamweight division, plans to continue competing at this weight class. For Avila, 35, the return to competition after a hiatus due to pregnancy ended in disappointment. Having not competed since June 2021, she now holds a record of 1-2 in her most recent three bouts. Despite the setback, Avila's journey continues, and she looks ahead to future challenges in the competitive bantamweight division.

Deiveson Figueiredo showcased his versatility and skill set in the 135-pound weight class, securing a unanimous decision with scores of 30-27 across the board. Breaking away from his historic four-fight series with Brandon Moreno, Figueiredo faced a different opponent for the first time since November 2020. Throughout the three rounds, Figueiredo displayed a combination of striking and grappling techniques, effectively shutting down Font's offensive attempts. While Figueiredo initially struggled with the striking range, he gained confidence as the fight progressed. In the second round, he asserted control with a mix of striking and takedown attempts, leaving Font cautious and on the defensive. The final round saw Font making a desperate effort, but Figueiredo's left hook left him staggered. Despite Figueiredo's attempts to finish the fight, Font survived until the final bell. For Font, the victory was a crucial one, breaking a streak of three losses in his past four fights. Notably, his defeats came against high-caliber opponents, including Figueiredo, Cory Sandhagen, Marlon Vera, and UFC Hall of Famer Jose Aldo. With this win, Figueiredo expressed his satisfaction with the move to the bantamweight division and confidently called for significant challenges at 135 pounds. The 35-year-old former champion, who was 1-2-1 in his previous four fights against Moreno, demonstrated resilience and signaled a new chapter in his career. In a post-fight interview, Figueiredo stated, “I feel great representing 135. I did some great things at 125, but I felt great at 135. This show tonight was for you." Despite Font's hardship in recent fights, the victory adds another former UFC champion to his list of conquests, alongside his May 2021 triumph over Cody Garbrandt.

In a dramatic turn of events at UFC Austin's co-main event, Jalin Turner's impressive early stoppage victory over Bobby Green was clouded by controversy as referee Kerry Hatley allowed the punishment to linger far beyond reasonable limits. The disputed stoppage unfolded at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas, at 2:49 of Round 1, leaving a sour note despite Turner's dominant performance. Turner, seizing the opportunity on short notice, swiftly wobbled Green with a powerful overhand right. The subsequent onslaught saw Green crumble to the canvas, turning belly down as Turner unleashed a relentless barrage of 19 consecutive, unanswered punches. Astonishingly, the referee's intervention came only after Green had been rendered visibly unconscious by the 17th strike, with two more forceful blows finally prompting a reaction. The questionable stoppage triggered widespread criticism within the MMA community, with commentary from Brendan Fitzgerald, Daniel Cormier, and Michael Bisping reflecting the collective dismay at the prolonged beating endured by Green. While Turner celebrated a victory that snapped a two-fight skid, the controversy surrounding the stoppage stole some of the spotlight. Notably, Green, who was initially slated to face Dan Hooker in a five-round bout, suffered a two-fight winning streak setback due to the untimely end of the contest. As Green rose to his feet under his power, the visible effects of the absorbed damage raised concerns about fighter safety. The aftermath of this co-main event is sure to reignite discussions about the importance of timely and accurate officiating in the sport, leaving fans and fighters alike with mixed emotions about the outcome at UFC Austin.

In a brutal showcase of bare-knuckle combat, Mike Perry claimed the title of the new "King of Violence" at BKFC 56, dethroning former UFC champion Eddie Alvarez in a thrilling headliner that ended with Alvarez's corner throwing in the towel after the second round. Perry, now boasting an impressive 4-0 record in BKFC, displayed unwavering resilience as he absorbed Alvarez's relentless strikes with apparent ease while retaliating with his own punishing blows. The fast-paced and intense four-minute battle left no doubt about Perry's dominance in the ring. Post-fight, Perry expressed his desire for more high-profile challenges, and none other than Conor McGregor found himself in the crosshairs. The self-proclaimed "King of Violence" wasted no time calling out the biggest name in the UFC, citing his victory over Alvarez, whom McGregor had previously fought for a world title. “Conor McGregor would be a great matchup,” Perry declared. “I just beat somebody he fought for a world title. Who’s bigger than that, though? There’s nobody bigger than Conor McGregor except me?” This bold challenge adds another layer of intrigue to Perry's burgeoning legacy in BKFC. Having left the UFC in 2021, Perry has seamlessly transitioned into becoming the face of BKFC, with a string of victories over notable opponents. The potential showdown with McGregor teased during a faceoff back in April, has captured the imagination of fight fans and BKFC president David Feldman alike. Feldman has expressed the dream of seeing McGregor step into the BKFC ring, and what better opponent than the newly crowned "King of Violence"? As Perry revels in his victory and eyes new challenges, the prospect of a clash with McGregor elevates the excitement surrounding both fighters, setting the stage for a potential blockbuster event that could reshape the landscape of combat sports.

In a dazzling display of resilience and skill, Ryan Garcia made a triumphant return to the ring, delivering an eighth-round knockout to Oscar Duarte at the Toyota Center in Houston. The victory comes as a much-needed redemption for Garcia, who faced adversity both inside and outside the ring in recent months. The bout showcased the "King Ry" that fans had come to know before his defeat to Gervonta Davis in April. Garcia, now under the tutelage of Derrick James in Dallas, exhibited the prowess that earned him respect in the boxing world with previous victories over Luke Campbell and Javier Fortuna. Garcia's journey back to glory wasn't without its challenges. Parting ways with trainer Joe Goossen, relocating from Los Angeles to Dallas, and navigating a turbulent relationship with Golden Boy Promotions added layers of complexity to his comeback narrative. Against Duarte, Garcia displayed a combination of stick-and-move boxing and powerful punches, controlling the fight with a varied arsenal. Duarte, a tough Mexican with limited skills, struggled to contend with Garcia's movement and precise strikes. Despite a brief resurgence from Duarte in the middle rounds, Garcia's superior technique prevailed. The knockout blow came in the eighth round, a left hook to Duarte's temple, followed by a relentless flurry of punches. While Duarte valiantly attempted to rise, referee James Green intervened, signaling the end of the contest. In his post-fight reflections, Garcia expressed gratitude to Derrick James for their successful collaboration in their inaugural bout together. Looking ahead, Garcia sets his sights on the deep junior welterweight division, calling out WBA titleholder Rolando Romero. "This was our first fight together. We'll build off of this and get better. I'm committed to becoming a world champion," Garcia declared, outlining his ambitions for the future. With the setback against Davis fading into the past and a renewed sense of purpose, Garcia aims to continue his journey toward the top. As he eyes potential matchups with the division's elite, Garcia remains focused on building his legacy step by step under the guidance of Derrick James.

In a jaw-dropping display of skill and power, Arman Tsarukyan announced his arrival as a force to be reckoned with in the lightweight division by delivering a lightning-fast knockout to Beneil Dariush in just 64 seconds in the UFC Austin main event. Long hailed as a prospect destined for the title, Tsarukyan seized the opportunity to showcase his talents against a top-ranked opponent, and he did so with undeniable flair. From the moment the fight began, Tsarukyan exuded confidence, trading shots with Dariush on the feet. The finishing sequence was a thing of beauty – a knee that narrowly missed its mark, swiftly followed by a thunderous right hand that sent Dariush's head spinning, ultimately crashing him to the canvas. Tsarukyan wasted no time, unleashing a barrage of follow-up shots until the referee deemed it enough, bringing the fight to a halt at a mere 1:04 in the opening round. “I was expecting a knockout,” Tsarukyan declared after the electrifying victory. “I don’t want to win a decision. I just wanted to perform very well, knock him out, go home, and get a title fight." Tsarukyan's confidence was evident as he invited Dariush to engage in a striking battle. Despite Dariush's early strong kicks, Tsarukyan showcased readiness for any challenge thrown his way. His precise combinations and calculated approach paid off as he found his range and executed the fight-ending sequence. With this triumph marking his third consecutive win, Tsarukyan undoubtedly leaps up the rankings, making a strong case for a title shot. Eager for redemption, Tsarukyan expressed a desire for a rematch with UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, whom he faced in his octagon debut four years ago. “Hopefully, the next fight is going to be for the title,” Tsarukyan declared. “If not, it doesn’t matter, one more fight. I’m going to be a champion, trust me guys." In a division stacked with talent, Tsarukyan's thunderous knockout has set the stage for an exciting journey ahead, leaving fans eager to witness the rise of this dynamic and determined fighter.

Beneil Dariush has publicly revealed that he made two separate offers to Dustin Poirier for a lightweight main event, both of which were turned down by the former interim UFC lightweight champion. Dariush, who held an impressive eight-fight win streak before succumbing to Charles Oliveira in June at UFC 289, is set to enter the octagon against Colby Covington at UFC Austin. Meanwhile, Arman Tsarukyan, with two consecutive wins in his recent bouts against Damir Ismagulov (24-3 MMA) and Joaquim Silva (12-4 MMA), is also gearing up for UFC Austin. During a pre-fight news conference on Wednesday, Dariush expressed his efforts to secure a matchup with Poirier, stating, "I've seen interviews with Dustin, and he's not really interested in fighting me. I don't get him excited, I guess, the way he puts it. My understanding is when Jon Jones got hurt, they were hoping to boost (UFC 295) up with Dustin Poirier and myself, and they called him and he wasn't interested." The 34-year-old continued to reveal that the attempts were made for the upcoming UFC Austin date as well. Dariush stated, "I believe they even tried for this date. This is what I was told. I'm not sure what he was told on his side, but they were also given the option to fight this date with me, and he turned down both of them. That's what I've been told." In conclusion, Dariush acknowledged the inability to force someone into a fight, expressing his understanding of Poirier's selective approach to his matchups. Despite the disappointment of not securing a bout with Poirier, Dariush remains focused on his upcoming fight against Colby Covington, emphasizing that he won't beg for a fight if Poirier isn't interested. Poirier, coming off a defeat against Justin Gaethje in July at UFC 291, holds a record of 29-8 MMA, with two wins and two losses in his last four fights. His recent decision to decline the offers from Dariush adds an intriguing layer to the evolving lightweight landscape in the UFC.

Former United States President Donald Trump has confirmed his attendance at UFC 296, extending his support to Colby Covington as the welterweight contender prepares to face Leon Edwards later this month. The upcoming bout marks Covington's return to the octagon since securing a unanimous decision victory over Jorge Masvidal in March. Leon Edwards, nicknamed 'Rocky,' enters the fight on the heels of a significant triumph over Kamaru Usman, securing a unanimous decision win this spring, marking his second victory against 'The Nigerian Nightmare.' The notable presence of Donald Trump at UFC 296 stems from his close friendship with Colby Covington. The former President, a known UFC enthusiast, has attended multiple events in 2023 and is now gearing up to witness Covington's clash with Edwards. Colby Covington shared his recent meeting with Donald Trump on Instagram earlier this week, unveiling the former President's plans to attend the highly anticipated fight. While the two have maintained a longstanding friendship, this will mark the first instance of Donald Trump attending one of Covington's fights. During the Instagram post, Trump expressed his anticipation for the event, declaring, "I just want to say we're going to be watching Colby. An incredible career. So it'll be a great night, and I look forward to it. Traveling out there, we're going to root you on. You're going to be fantastic." Offering words of encouragement, Donald Trump addressed Covington directly, saying, "Let's put it together. We have to. Good luck Colby, go out there and win." The presence of the former President is expected to add a unique dimension to an already high-stakes showdown, as Colby Covington seeks to make a triumphant return to the welterweight scene.

Get ready for a sizzling clash in the middleweight division as Anthony Hernandez and Ikram Aliskerov gear up for a high-octane battle at UFC 298. The explosive matchup, confirmed with sources close to the situation, is set to unfold on February 17 at the iconic Honda Center in Anaheim, California. Hernandez, carrying a formidable record of 11-2 with 1 no-contest, enters the octagon on a blazing four-fight win streak. His recent victories include impressive stoppages of Edmen Shahbazyan, Marc-Andre Barriault, and Rodolfo Vieira, with the latter securing a Submission of the Year. Affectionately known as "Fluffy," the 30-year-old veteran is determined to continue his winning streak, despite setbacks against the likes of Kevin Holland and Markus Perez. Standing across the cage is the formidable Ikram Aliskerov, boasting a stellar record of 15-1. Hailing from Dagestan, the 30-year-old has made waves in the middleweight division with his UFC career, delivering first-round knockouts against Phil Hawes and Warlley Alves. While Aliskerov's lone professional loss came at the hands of Khamzat Chimaev in a 2019 Brave FC bout, he remains an intriguing up-and-comer with the potential to disrupt the division's hierarchy. UFC 298's headline act features a featherweight title bout between the seasoned UFC champion Alexander Volkanovski and the undefeated contender Ilia Topuria, promising fight fans an electrifying night of mixed martial arts action. However, it's the Hernandez vs. Aliskerov clash that stands out as the potential show-stealer, destined to ignite the middleweight division and leave fans clamoring for more.

In a thrilling revelation for MMA fans, the UFC has set the stage for an exhilarating showdown between former flyweight champion Brandon Moreno and rising star Amir Albazi. The highly anticipated bout is slated as the co-main event for UFC Fight Night on Feb. 24, promising an intense five-round battle that will undoubtedly keep fans on the edge of their seats. Moreno, a seasoned fighter with an impressive record of 21-7-2, expressed his eagerness for a high-stakes encounter with Albazi (17-1), deeming it the "logical" next step in his illustrious career. Following his title loss to Alexandre Pantoja in a spectacular Fight of the Year contender at UFC 290, Moreno is back with a vengeance, fully recovered from a broken hand and ready to use Albazi as a stepping stone to reclaiming gold. The upcoming event, expected to unfold in the vibrant atmosphere of Mexico City, adds another layer of excitement to the matchup. While the official announcement is pending, insiders with knowledge of the situation confirm that the contract for this compelling flyweight contest has been inked. Amir Albazi, ranked third in the UFC flyweight standings, poses a formidable challenge for Moreno. Riding high on a wave of success since his octagon debut in July 2020, Albazi's most recent triumph over Kai Kara-France by a narrow split decision in June solidified his reputation as a rising force in the division. As UFC Fight Night makes a triumphant return to Mexico City after a hiatus since September 2019, fight enthusiasts can anticipate witnessing the clash of titans at the Arena Ciudad de México. With broadcast plans still shrouded in mystery, one thing is certain – this event promises to be an unmissable spectacle, redefining the landscape of the flyweight division.

Montreal, Quebec - Eye of the Tiger Promotions (EOTTM) is set to kick off its second event on the 2024 calendar with a thrilling night of boxing on January 25th at the Cabaret du Casino de Montréal. The spotlight will shine on world contender Erik Bazinyan as he faces off against veteran Billi Facundo Godoy in a highly anticipated clash for the NABF and WBA Continental North America titles. Additionally, Albert Ramirez, making his Quebec debut, aims to secure the WBA International belt in a compelling showdown against American southpaw Charles Foster. Bazinyan (31-0, 22 KOs), a rising star based in Montreal, has climbed the rankings, currently holding impressive positions at #2 WBA, #3 WBC, #3 WBO, and #4 IBF. The Armenian-born boxer showcased his prowess with three bouts in 2023, notably triumphing over Alantez Fox and Ronald Ellis. In his first challenge of 2024, Bazinyan will face the resilient Argentine veteran Godoy (41-7, 20 KOs), known for enduring a 10-round bout against John Ryder. Marc Ramsay, Bazinyan's trainer and EOTTM's development director, commented on the strategic choice of Godoy as an opponent, stating, "It's important to keep him active while selecting opponents that will allow him to continue his progression, and that's precisely what Godoy represents. The Argentine notably withstood John Ryder's charges for 10 rounds, which is no small feat. So, it'll be an interesting challenge for us." Godoy, with 48 fights and extensive experience, seeks to claim Bazinyan's NABF title and secure the WBA Continental North America title. The clash promises to be a battle of strategy, precision, and power. In the evening's semifinal, light heavyweight Ramirez (17-0, 15 KOs) enters the Quebec ring for the first time in an eliminator bout for the #2 spot in the WBA rankings, vying for the vacant International title. The Venezuelan southpaw, ranked 4th in the WBA, 6th in the WBC, and 7th in the WBO, faces the disruptive Foster (22-1, 12 KOs). Foster, aiming to slow Ramirez's progression, brings a unique challenge as one of the few southpaws in the division. Ramsay expressed confidence in Ramirez's journey, stating, "Albert Ramirez now needs to face higher-quality opponents, and that's precisely what we have in Foster, who has previously come to Montreal as a sparring partner for Artur Beterbiev. He showed then that he was a very resilient boxer and displayed discipline in training." Boxing enthusiasts can anticipate a night of high-stakes matchups and intense competition at the Cabaret du Casino de Montréal on January 25th.