Long Beach, California - CBN Promotions is gearing up for an electrifying night of boxing on December 9th as their "New Blood" series takes center stage at Infinite Reality Studios, formerly known as Thunder Studios. The main event promises intense action with a 10-round clash for the WBO / NABO featherweight title, featuring Brandon "Leon" Benitez (20-2, 8 KOs) from Queretaro, Mexico, squaring off against Rigoberto Hermosillo (14-4-1, 9 KOs) of Los Angeles, CA. The card boasts another thrilling matchup, as WBC super flyweight Interim world champion Adelaida "La Cobra" Ruiz (14-0-1) of Los Angeles, CA, steps into the ring against Mayela Perez (19-26-4, 10 KOs) hailing from Saltillo, Mexico. Adding to the excitement, super featherweights George "El Yuyu" Acosta (16-1, 3 KOs) of Whittier, CA, and Richard "El Castigo" Medina (15-1, 8 KOs) from San Antonio, TX, will engage in an 8-round battle. The undercard features a lineup of competitive bouts: Bantamweight Mario Hernandez (10-4-1, 3 KOs) of Santa Ana, CA, faces off against Adrian Alvarado (8-1-1, 4 KOs) from Los Angeles, CA in a 6-round bout. Lightweight clash between Adrian Corona (9-1-2, 2 KOs) of Rialto, CA, and Francisco Duque (2-3, 1 KO) from Nuevo Leon, Mexico, also scheduled for 6 rounds. Fontana, CA's undefeated lightweight Anthony Cuba (6-0-2, 3 KOs) takes on Angel Barrera (4-3) from Chicago, IL, in a 6-round showdown. Featherweight contenders Lienard Sarcon (10-0, 4 KOs) from Davao City, Philippines, and Frank Gonzalez (12-4, 6 KOs) of Miami, FL, go head-to-head in an 8-round bout. Super featherweight clash between Mark Magsayo (24-2, 16 KOs) from Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Philippines, and Isaac Avelar (17-6, 10 KOs) of Aguascalientes, Mexico, set for 8 rounds. The evening kicks off with an exciting 4-round super welterweight matchup featuring Nelson Guerrero (Pro Debut) from Coachella, CA, taking on Arturo Herrera of Killeen, TX (0-1). Boxing enthusiasts can anticipate a night filled with high-stakes matchups and compelling action at Infinite Reality Studios.

Arman Tsarukyan is poised to headline UFC Austin on Saturday, locking horns with Beneil Dariush in what promises to be a captivating bout. The matchup holds significant weight for the division, as the victor is likely to find themselves just one win away from a coveted title shot. Currently standing as a substantial betting favorite for the Saturday showdown, Tsarukyan, ranked eighth in the lightweight division, is confident that a triumph over Beneil Dariush will solidify his claim as the best lightweight and position him as the number one contender at 155lbs. Expressing his excitement and confidence, Tsarukyan stated, "I feel amazing, so excited to be here in Austin. Can’t wait to be the best lightweight in the world and to be contender number one for the title," following the UFC Austin ceremonial weigh-ins. Despite his belief in securing the top spot with a victory, Tsarukyan acknowledges that the current titleholder is Islam Makhachev. The two fighters clashed in Tsarukyan's UFC debut, a bout he took on short notice and lost by decision in a highly competitive encounter. Ever since that initial face-off, Tsarukyan has been determined to secure a rematch with Islam Makhachev. A win over Beneil Dariush represents a crucial step toward realizing this goal and earning a shot at the title. However, the pathway to a rematch with Makhachev includes the champion overcoming challenges posed by Charles Oliveira and Justin Gaethje. Tsarukyan, boasting a record of 20-3, enters the octagon on the heels of a TKO victory over Joaquim Silva in June. Prior to that, he secured a decision win against Damir Ismagulov, rebounding from a decision loss to Mateusz Gamrot in his first UFC main event. With a 7-2 record inside the UFC, Tsarukyan has notable victories over fighters such as Olivier Aubin-Mercier, Matt Frevola, and David Ramos, showcasing his credentials as a force to be reckoned with in the lightweight division.

Two weeks after his closely contested majority draw against Robson Conceicao, WBO super featherweight champion Emanuel Navarrete underwent left-hand surgery. The 28-year-old shared a post on Instagram from the Hospital Mexico Americano, depicting himself in a cast and sling, describing the procedure as minor. Navarrete attributed the surgery to a re-aggravation of an old injury sustained during the bout with Conceicao, impacting his ability to finish the fight at full strength. Despite the setback, Navarrete remains optimistic about returning to the ring for new challenges early next year. Among the possibilities is a potential rematch with Conceicao, whom he praised for their intense encounter. After the fight, Navarrete expressed that the 2016 Olympics gold medalist and two-time title challenger deserved another shot. In the thrilling match, Navarrete (38-1-1, 31 KOs) knocked Conceicao (17-2-1, 8 KOs) down twice with powerful right hands in the fourth and seventh rounds. However, Conceicao's relentless pressure and effective punching resulted in a close contest. The final scorecards reflected the competitiveness, with two judges scoring it 113-113 and another favoring Navarrete at 114-112. Navarrete's recent bout with Conceicao followed a decisive victory against former two-weight titlist Oscar Valdez in August and a ninth-round stoppage of Liam Wilson in February. Despite the surgery, Navarrete remains determined to face new challenges and potentially settle the score in a rematch with Conceicao.

The UFC's February schedule is set to ignite with an explosive middleweight showdown as Roman Dolidze prepares to face Nassourdine Imavov in the headlining bout of UFC Fight Night on February 3 at a location yet to be revealed. The announcement of this thrilling matchup, reported initially by MMA Time on Twitter, puts the spotlight on the middleweight division, promising a riveting clash between two formidable fighters. Roman Dolidze, renowned for his remarkable 2022 campaign marked by three emphatic finish victories, had a quieter 2023 with just one fight, ending in a unanimous decision loss to Marvin Vettori at UFC 286 in March. Despite setbacks, Dolidze's stature remains formidable in the division, holding a 4-1 record in his last five outings and securing the No. 7 spot in the UFC middleweight rankings. However, Dolidze's scheduled battles against Derek Brunson and Jared Cannonier failed to materialize. Brunson's departure from the UFC in favor of joining the PFL and Cannonier's injury halted the highly anticipated matchups, leaving Dolidze eager for a chance to re-establish his dominance in the octagon. On the other side of the cage stands Nassourdine Imavov, a fighter who started his 2023 campaign strong with three consecutive victories. Unfortunately, Imavov's momentum was disrupted by setbacks, starting with a unanimous decision loss to Sean Strickland in January and later facing a no-contest ruling against Chris Curtis due to an accidental head clash at UFC 289 in June. With both fighters hungry to reclaim their winning ways and ascend the ranks, this headlining bout promises fireworks, showcasing the sheer talent and determination that fuels the middleweight division's competitive spirit. As fight fans eagerly anticipate the event's venue announcement, the clash between Dolidze and Imavov stands as a testament to the UFC's commitment to delivering thrilling matchups, solidifying February 3 as a date not to be missed in the MMA calendar.

The ongoing feud within the UFC roster seems to have found a new chapter as Sean Brady, amidst his preparations for UFC Austin, expressed a desire to face Ian Machado Garry in his next fight, deeming Machado Garry’s recent actions "wack." Brady, set to face Kelvin Gastelum this Saturday, targeted Machado Garry during UFC Austin's media day, revealing his wish to compete against the Irishman next. Although Brady was initially seeking a fight against Garry before his current matchup with Gastelum was finalized, he now eyes a potential clash after his scheduled bout. Recalling their interactions, Brady shared, “I was asking for the Ian Garry fight before I was given Kelvin, and then me and Vicente were actually DMing.” He spoke highly of Vicente Luque and hinted at a potential bout, should Garry emerge victorious against Luque on December 16 at UFC 296. The spotlight on Machado Garry has intensified recently due to various controversies. Messages allegedly exchanged between UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland and Garry regarding personal matters surfaced, while middleweight contender Brendan Allen accused Garry of questionable conduct post his departure from Kill Cliff FC, likening his actions to adopting a persona similar to Colby Covington's for career advancement. Brady, resonating with Allen's sentiments, criticized Machado Garry’s actions. “The way he just did that, he called him, he had cameras on him like recording him and Luque having a conversation — like, that s*** was wack to me. My teammates are like my brothers, so for me, if you’re at a gym, that’s your f****** family,” Brady expressed. Reflecting on his gym's principles, Brady emphasized, “We’re not going to film everything so God forbid you leave our team and say you did do something to one of our guys if you’re out there posting. And training is training, you know? So you can do whatever you want in training, but you get out there and fight the guy, it’s going to be a completely different story.” Brady’s critique adds fuel to the ongoing tensions within the UFC, signaling potential future conflicts in the octagon as fighters continue to voice their opinions and call out their rivals.

Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill has found himself in legal trouble, facing charges of misdemeanor domestic violence after allegedly assaulting his brother, as reported by TMZ. Hill was taken into custody at a Kent County (MI.) jail in the early hours of Monday and was released on the same day. The state prosecutors have levied a charge of misdemeanor aggravated domestic violence against him, citing the alleged infliction of “serious or aggravated injury” upon his brother, James Anthony Hill Jr. While Hill Jr. is identified as either a current or former resident of the ex-champion’s household, corroborating sources have confirmed the familial relationship between Hill and his brother. The MMA community was informed about the incident through a released mugshot of Hill by a public information officer from Kent County. Additionally, a police report has been requested through a freedom of information request, further delving into the incident. Scheduled to appear in court in January to address the charges, Hill's representative, Brian Butler of Suckerpunch Entertainment, declined to comment on the matter when approached by MMA Fighting. This recent legal issue marks a stark contrast to Hill's previous media appearances. Just last month, Hill made headlines after being part of a protest in New York City. He found himself briefly trapped in a van following an event connected to UFC 295, later being escorted to safety by police and UFC security. Moreover, Hill was among several fighters who publicly supported UFC CEO Dana White following an incident where White was filmed slapping his wife after she slapped him in a nightclub. Hill's contentious stance extended to journalist Ariel Helwani, who expressed a willingness to engage in a physical confrontation over an interview conducted by Helwani with Jiri Prochazka. As the legal proceedings unfold and the MMA community digests this startling turn of events, Hill’s future in the sport remains uncertain, casting a shadow over his once-promising career.

UFC interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, fresh off his spectacular knockout victory over Sergei Pavlovich, has taken a moment to express his love for the sport of boxing while voicing his strong criticism for its current state. In a recent appearance on talkSPORT during his victory tour across various media outlets in the United Kingdom, Aspinall didn't hold back in questioning the direction boxing is heading. “I am a massive boxing fan,” Aspinall began. “I absolutely love the sport of boxing, [but] I absolutely can’t stand the boxing model. Hate it. I hate the way boxing is going at the moment because I love the sport of boxing. I love the science. I love the defensive techniques, which is amazing. I absolutely love watching actual classic, traditional boxers who are defensively brilliant — it’s my favorite thing. The way the sport is going at the moment is absolutely terrible." Aspinall particularly highlighted his frustration with the predictability of boxing events, stating, You can literally look at a card, you can look at an Eddie Hearn show, a Frank Warren show, any other promoter’s show and know — say there are 10 fights on, you can know at least eight of the winners before the bell rings on any of the fights. I can’t stand it. We’re talking about the top guys in the world, none of them are fighting each other. What is this?” Aspinall's candid remarks shed light on the challenges and shortcomings he perceives within the boxing world, adding an interesting perspective from a distinguished combat sports figure like himself.

UFC icon Conor McGregor and his fiancée Dee Devlin are basking in the joy of welcoming their fourth child into the world, marking another milestone in the fighter's personal life. As the undeniable biggest star in the history of mixed martial arts, McGregor's accomplishments inside the Octagon are well-documented. However, his celebrity status extends beyond his fighting career, with fans closely following his life outside the arena. McGregor and Devlin, his partner of many years, have already been blessed with three beautiful children, and the Irishman recently confirmed the arrival of their fourth child via social media. Taking to both Twitter and Instagram, McGregor shared a heartwarming photo of the newborn in a "skin-to-skin" moment, expressing gratitude and admiration for Devlin, referring to her as his hero. The caption read, "Skin to skin. Another chunky healthy boy into the world. Dee you are my hero." Speculation arises about whether this new addition to the McGregor family will follow in the footsteps of his father to become a future UFC champion. Regardless, warm congratulations are pouring in for Conor and his family on the arrival of this latest miracle. While McGregor's MMA career has been the subject of ongoing speculation, with reports suggesting a potential return next summer, it seems unlikely that he will make a comeback in time for UFC 300. Currently, the 35-year-old veteran is prioritizing family time and embracing his role as a new father. As fans eagerly await updates on McGregor's return to the Octagon, the focus for now remains on the joyous moments shared by the McGregor-Devlin family as they embrace the arrival of their newest family member.

Fighters are often celebrated for their speed, power, and technical prowess. However, there's one attribute that's equally important but often goes unheralded – a granite chin. This quality separates the best from the rest and can make the difference between a quick knockout and a legendary comeback. So, who is the boxer with the best chin in boxing, and what makes this attribute so invaluable in the ring? Understanding the Importance of a Good Chin A "good chin" in boxing refers to a fighter's ability to absorb punches, especially power punches, without being knocked down or out. It's an attribute that can't be developed in the gym like strength, speed, or skill. A fighter's chin is largely a genetic predisposition, but that doesn't mean it can't be honed and improved with experience. Having a good chin doesn't mean a fighter can take punches indefinitely. It means they can withstand heavy blows and recover quickly. This quality often allows fighters to stay in the fight, regroup, and launch comebacks that defy the odds. The Boxer with the Legendary Chin: Arturo Gatti When discussing the boxer with the best chin in boxing history, one name that consistently comes up is Arturo Gatti. Known as "Thunder," Gatti was a Canadian-Italian fighter who was celebrated for his warrior spirit and ability to absorb incredible punishment. Gatti's chin was the stuff of legend. He consistently faced some of the hardest hitters in the sport, including "Irish" Micky Ward, Ivan Robinson, and Wilson Rodriguez. His fights were nothing short of brutal, yet he often managed to weather the storm and come back with his own ferocious assaults. Gatti's remarkable ability to take punishment and keep moving forward endeared him to fans around the world. The Science Behind a Good Chin A fighter's chin is not just about genetics; there's also a psychological aspect. Confidence, mental toughness, and an unyielding spirit play crucial roles in taking a punch and continuing the fight. Some fighters can be shaken by a single hard punch, while others use it as fuel to fire back. Physical conditioning also plays a role. Strong neck muscles and good balance can help a fighter absorb punches more effectively, distributing the impact throughout the body. Furthermore, skilled defensive maneuvers, such as slipping and rolling with punches, can reduce the overall force of incoming blows. The Legacy of a Legendary Chin While Arturo Gatti may be the first name that comes to mind when discussing the boxer with the best chin, he's just one example of many fighters who possessed this invaluable attribute. Other legends like Jake LaMotta, Rocky Marciano, and Julio Cesar Chavez also had incredible chins, which allowed them to sustain a career and achieve greatness. In the end, boxing is a sport that demands more than just physical attributes. A boxer's chin, their ability to withstand adversity, and their courage in the face of overwhelming odds are just as important. The boxer with the best chin in boxing history might not be the one with the most victories or titles, but the one who best embodies the spirit of a true warrior, facing the toughest challenges head-on, and proving that sometimes, the ability to take a punch can be just as remarkable as the ability to throw one.

Montenegro native Arben Markasheviq has faced setbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic, disrupting the typical rhythm of a burgeoning fighter's career. Despite turning pro in 2021 and notching a record of 2-0-1 with 1 KO, Markasheviq found it challenging to secure consistent fights in a world still grappling with the pandemic. Markasheviq's frustration with the stop-and-go nature of his career was evident. Following his pro debut against Joshia Villion, the 28-year-old spent significant periods on the sidelines, punctuated by sporadic victories and extended breaks. However, this Friday night at the Melrose Ballroom in Queens, New York, Markasheviq faces Victor Hugo Exner with an unwavering determination. Expressing his desire for a knockout, Markasheviq views this fight as an opportunity to make a statement and overcome the obstacles that have hindered his progress. Despite his relatively young age, Markasheviq recognizes the urgency of his situation in the boxing world and aims to expedite his climb up the ranks in the super middleweight division. Acknowledging that he might be entering his prime sooner than expected, Markasheviq embraces the prospect of skipping the traditional ladder climb. With only a handful of fights under his belt, he is prepared to jump into the fast lane of competition. While some caution against rushing, Markasheviq asserts that he possesses the strength, heart, and skills to compete at a higher level. "I’m at the point where I don’t mind rushing things," Markasheviq stated confidently. "I got the strength, I got the heart, and I got the skills. I can bang with anybody. I’m just taking it step by step, but we will get there." As he looks to secure victory against Exner, Markasheviq sets his sights on a future that promises a swift ascent in the super middleweight division, undeterred by those who advocate for a more measured approach to his career.

As the highly anticipated UFC 297 approaches on Saturday, January 20th, at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, South African fighter Dricus Du Plessis is already contemplating his next move in the MMA world. The main event of UFC 297 will feature a heavyweight title clash between current champion Sean Strickland (28-5 MMA) and the formidable Dricus Du Plessis (20-2 MMA). Strickland, 32, recently claimed the crown by defeating Israel Adesanya in September at UFC 293. Du Plessis, 29, enters the bout on a six-fight winning streak under the UFC banner, with his latest victory being a TKO against Robert Whittaker at UFC 290 in July. In an interview with 'Submission Radio,' Du Plessis revealed his post-UFC 297 plans, stating, "That all depends on how the division opens up. I would still love to fight Israel Adesanya. 100 percent it would be my first choice as a defense. It would be great, but I’m assuming Khamzat (Chimaev) is the guy they’re gonna try and push. So that would be cool (too)." Discussing the potential outcome of his fight with Strickland, Du Plessis expressed confidence in his approach, saying, "I have my style of fighting and he has his style of fighting. In our fight, it’s going to be the guy who imposes his will and fights his fight the best. That’s going to be the winner and that’s going to be me." Analyzing Strickland's fighting style, Du Plessis noted, "His defense is ugly. It’s very weird, but it’s effective. I think he deflects shots beautifully, and I think irritating is a good style. It’s always pushing something out there and it’s such a different style." Concluding the interview, Du Plessis emphasized his confidence in facing Strickland, stating, "I need one shot. I need to land one shot. If (Alex) Pereira can knock him out, I can knock him out even better." As the excitement builds for UFC 297, fans are left anticipating the outcome of the Du Plessis-Strickland clash and what lies ahead for the South African fighter in the light heavyweight division.

Canelo Alvarez, a 33-year-old with an illustrious career, stands on the brink of sporting greatness. His trophy case boasts world titles in multiple weight classes, showcasing his versatility as a junior middleweight, middleweight, super middleweight, and light heavyweight champion. Yet, it's not just the glittering hardware but also Alvarez's exceptional skills that have earned him the status of a pound-for-pound star. Widely considered a once-in-a-lifetime fighter, Alvarez's eye-catching victories have positioned him as a strong contender for the title of the best Mexican boxer of all time. The possession of WBC, WBO, WBA, and IBF 168-pound titles solidifies his reputation as the best super middleweight globally, a fact that surprises no one. However, Alvarez's place in history faces a potential tarnish. The distant echoes of David Benavidez's footsteps were heard a few years ago, gradually growing louder with each passing victory. Benavidez, now with an impressive record and back-to-back wins against Caleb Plant and Demetrius Andrade, has emerged as the clear number one contender. Despite Benavidez's ascent, Alvarez (60-2-2, 39 KOs) has shown limited interest in a potential bout. While acknowledging Benavidez's skill (28-0, 24 KOs), Alvarez has maintained that the 26-year-old has not done enough to earn the right to share the ring with him. However, boxing analyst Teddy Atlas believes Alvarez can no longer ignore the looming challenge, stating that if Alvarez wants to be hailed as one of the greatest Mexicans and the top 168-pounder, he must face Benavidez. Benavidez recently demonstrated his prowess by defeating former two-division champion Demetrius Andrade. Andrade's strategic boxing skills were cast aside as he was forced into a toe-to-toe battle, culminating in a sixth-round stoppage. In anticipation of a potential showdown between Benavidez and Alvarez, Atlas envisions Benavidez employing his usual aggressive style. While success with such a strategy is possible, Atlas warns that Benavidez, the current WBC interim belt holder, must be cautious of Alvarez's formidable firepower. As the boxing world eagerly awaits a resolution to this impending clash, the question lingers: Will Canelo Alvarez rise to the challenge posed by David Benavidez, or will his pristine stature take a significant hit if he chooses to avoid the inevitable confrontation?