The world of combat sports is about to witness the rise of a young prodigy as Johan "JoJo" Ghazali, at just 16 years of age, is set to make his official ONE Championship debut at ONE Fight Night 17 on December 8. What makes this debut even more remarkable is the fact that Ghazali, often dubbed a Muay Thai sensation, became the youngest fighter ever to sign a six-figure deal with the prestigious organization back in October. At the famed Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, fans and enthusiasts alike will be treated to an electrifying showdown as Ghazali steps into the ring against the formidable Edgar Tabares in a flyweight Muay Thai bout. The official confirmation of this much-anticipated matchup came directly from ONE officials, setting the stage for an event that promises fireworks. Ghazali's path to the main roster was paved with brilliance. Over the course of just eight months, he showcased his immense talent and grit while competing in the ONE Friday Fight series. During this incredible run, Ghazali left spectators in awe with three sensational knockouts, including a blistering 16-second finish in his debut. However, it was his vicious liver shot against Russian opponent Temirlan Bekmurzaev in the second round that truly set the young fighter apart, earning him not only a well-deserved contract but also a bonus. "This is crazy," Ghazali exclaimed after securing the contract. "I turn 17 next month, and I guess I have a ONE Championship contract before I even have my driver's license. This is crazy." Drawing comparisons to reigning ONE flyweight champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon, Ghazali's rapid rise in the world of Muay Thai is reminiscent of a legend in the making. Rodtang began his journey in the ring at the tender age of 8, winning his first major title by the time he was 19. Now, Ghazali looks to follow in his footsteps and continue building on the momentum that earned him the ONE Championship contract. As the date approaches, all eyes will be on the young JoJo Ghazali as he steps into the spotlight on December 8, ready to leave his indelible mark on the world of combat sports.

In the ever-evolving world of mixed martial arts, the UFC is known for its constant roster changes and the departure of some of its most promising fighters. Taila Santos, the Brazilian flyweight sensation, is the latest to join this list as the UFC recently decided to part ways with her. The news of Santos' release from the organization was confirmed by multiple sources, with Twitter user Roster Tracker being the first to break the story. Taila Santos had made quite a name for herself in the flyweight division, and her journey was filled with highs, lows, and unforgettable moments. Santos's path to the UFC title was nothing short of remarkable. Over a span of 14 months, she climbed the ranks with impressive victories over Molly McCann, Gillian Robertson, Roxanne Modafferi, and Joanne Wood. Her crowning achievement came when she faced the indomitable Valentina Shevchenko for the flyweight title in June 2022. Although she narrowly missed capturing the gold, Santos took the champion to a highly contested split decision in a bout that had fans on the edge of their seats. However, her recent UFC journey had its share of challenges. In her most recent fight, Santos suffered an unfortunate unanimous decision loss to Erin Blanchfield. The match faced multiple delays due to visa issues, as both of her cornermen, including her husband, encountered difficulties entering the United States. Taila Santos leaves the UFC with a 4-3 record in the promotion but boasts an impressive 19-3 overall record in her professional MMA career. Her time in the UFC was a testament to her talent and determination. As one chapter closes, another may soon open for Santos, and her journey in the world of mixed martial arts is far from over. Taila Santos has left her mark, and her determination and resilience will undoubtedly lead to new opportunities in the future. As the octagon door closes behind her, it's only a matter of time before we see her rise again in the world of combat sports."

Raush Manfio, the former PFL lightweight champion, has announced his departure from the PFL. He fought his last bout for the promotion in June, when he lost to his friend and teammate Natan Schulte. Manfio vs. Schulte was a strange fight that lacked any action or aggression. The two fighters seemed reluctant to hurt each other due to their close relationship. After the fight, the PFL suspended both Manfio and Schulte from the 2023 season for inactivity during their fight. Schulte was replaced by Shane Burgos in the PFL Playoffs because of the suspension. It is unclear if Schulte is still under contract with the PFL or if he will also explore other options. “What’s up guys! I want to share with you I’m not been part of PFL anymore, we have amazing years over there but now it’s time for something new,” Manfio posted Monday. “I’m really grateful for every friend I did over there! And now? Where you want to see me fight ??? Share here at the comments. I’m really anxious to know what’s going next!” Manfio won the 2021 PFL lightweight championship by defeating Loik Radzhabov by unanimous decision. He also beat Clay Collard, Anthony Pettis, and Don Madge during his stint with the league. Manfio is now a free agent and could attract interest from other major organizations. The UFC might be a potential destination for him, as he could join their stacked lightweight division.

Sean O’Malley is eager to face Marlon Vera again and prove that he is the better fighter. “I’m super pumped for this fight,” O’Malley said Monday on The MMA Hour after UFC CEO Dana White confirmed the rematch for UFC 299. “I wanted this fight. It’s just perfect. It’s the right time. After the first fight, everyone was like, ‘You need to get that rematch, you need to get that rematch.’ And I said, ‘I’ll get that rematch when I feel like it, when it’s time. When it’s time for that rematch, I’m going to ask for it and I’ll get it.’ I could’ve gotten that rematch anytime I wanted. I was like, it’s not the right time yet. Now is the right time, so I’m just very hyped for this fight.” “I don’t want to talk him down too much, because I’ve got to hype up the fight,” the UFC bantamweight champion added. “But I’m going to destroy this guy.” The rematch between O’Malley, 29, and Vera, 30, was finally announced on Monday as part of a series of announcements by White. The two are set to clash in March as the probable main event of UFC 299.

The UFC has revealed its plans for the first quarter of 2024, with three exciting title fights scheduled for January, February and March. UFC CEO Dana White confirmed the news on social media on Monday, announcing the matchups for the middleweight, featherweight and bantamweight divisions. The first title fight of the year will take place at UFC 297 in Toronto, where UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland will face his first challenger, Dricus du Plessis. Strickland (28-5) shocked the world by dethroning Israel Adesanya in September, while du Plessis (20-2) earned his title shot by stopping former champ Robert Whittaker in the summer. Both fighters are on six-fight winning streaks and have proven to be finishers in the octagon. The next title fight will be at UFC 298, where UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski will return to his natural weight class after failing to capture the lightweight belt from Islam Makhachev. Volkanovski (26-3) suffered two losses to Makhachev in 2023, the second one being a devastating knockout, but he is still unbeaten in his other 13 UFC bouts. He will defend his featherweight crown against Ilia Topuria, a rising star who has won all six of his UFC fights, including a recent decision over Josh Emmett. The third title fight will be a rematch between UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley and Marlon Vera at UFC 299. O’Malley (17-1, 1 NC) claimed the belt by knocking out Aljamain Sterling in August, but he still has a score to settle with Vera (21-8-1), who handed him his only professional loss by TKO in 2020. Vera has been on a tear since then, defeating top contenders like Rob Font, Frankie Edgar, Pedro Munhoz and Dominick Cruz.

Chihiro Suzuki is the name on every MMA fan's lips as he delivered a jaw-dropping performance at RIZIN Landmark 7, joining the conversation for "Knockout of the Year" in 2023 with a sensational upkick knockout that secured him the RIZIN featherweight title in Azerbaijan. In the main event of RIZIN Landmark 7, Suzuki squared off against Vugar Karamov in a battle that will be etched in the annals of MMA history. The bout took a thrilling turn in the opening round when Karamov managed to get Suzuki on his back, appearing to seize the upper hand. But Suzuki's defensive acumen came to the forefront, and he demonstrated remarkable resilience and awareness. In a moment that will be replayed for years to come, Suzuki transformed his defensive posture into a ferocious offense, delivering an up kick that landed with devastating precision, leaving Karamov in dire straits. From his back, Suzuki then unleashed a relentless barrage of punches, securing the title in one of the most unforgettable knockout sequences ever witnessed. The 24-year-old Suzuki's remarkable victory marks his seventh consecutive win, a streak that was launched with his sensational knockout of Bellator featherweight champion Patricio Pitbull in July. His impressive performance in the RIZIN cage has led to a record of 7-1 with 1 no-contest over nine appearances, and he now boasts 12 professional MMA victories. Karamov, who captured the title in July with a first-round submission victory at Super RIZIN 2, entered the contest as the reigning champion. However, his reign was short-lived as Suzuki's remarkable upkick knockout signaled a changing of the guard in the RIZIN featherweight division. Chihiro Suzuki's historic performance at RIZIN Landmark 7 has not only etched his name in MMA folklore but has also sparked conversations about a potential "Knockout of the Year" award, proving once again that in the world of mixed martial arts, anything can happen, and the future of the sport is bright with talent like Suzuki on the rise.

In a dramatic turn of events, Jorge Masvidal, the renowned UFC fighter, has finally found closure in a legal battle that stemmed from a brutal assault on his former friend and opponent, Colby Covington. The Miami incident, which unfolded in March 2022, saw Masvidal plead guilty to misdemeanor battery as part of a plea deal, signaling the end of a long-running saga that had escalated well beyond the octagon. This plea deal, orchestrated between Masvidal and prosecutors, resulted in two felony charges being dropped, and the fighter being sentenced to time served. While he must cover the court fees tied to the case, the good news for Masvidal is that he won't face any jail time as a consequence of the agreement. The legal resolution is a stark contrast to the fiery rivalry that had persisted between Masvidal and Covington, even after their memorable clash at UFC 272. Just weeks following their fight, a shocking incident unfolded outside a Miami steakhouse. Masvidal, the aggressor, left Covington with a broken tooth and a concussion. Colby Covington unreservedly identified Masvidal as the perpetrator, recounting that he had been struck twice during the assault. At the time, Masvidal maintained his innocence, but his arrest and subsequent charges painted a daunting picture. Facing multiple felony charges, including aggravated battery and criminal mischief, Masvidal risked up to 15 years in prison and a hefty fine of up to $10,000 if convicted on all counts. However, the plea deal has now drawn the curtain on this prolonged legal battle. While their rivalry may continue in the world of MMA, the courtroom drama has come to a close. For Jorge Masvidal, this legal resolution brings a sigh of relief and a chance to refocus on his fighting career. The Miami showdown has ended, but the fighting spirit in the octagon lives on.

Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson, a two-time welterweight title challenger, recently found himself in a precarious situation when his scheduled fight with Michel Pereira at UFC 291 was canceled due to Pereira's weight miss. Now, as he prepares for his UFC 296 bout with Shavkat Rakhmonov, Thompson has shared an update on the situation. "After Pereira missed weight for the welterweight tilt in July, I opted not to take the fight, and thus, I wasn't paid for making weight myself," Thompson explained. But what transpired after the cancellation has brought Thompson a sense of closure and contentment. He shared the good news on "The MMA Hour" with Ariel Helwani, saying, "That was all wild and crazy, but me and the UFC, and my management, we've settled everything. So everything's great. We settled with something we were both happy with, and that was it." While the exact financial details weren't disclosed, the 40-year-old fighter expressed his satisfaction with the resolution and a sense of understanding regarding the delays due to the UFC's busy schedule. Thompson's optimism has been well-founded, as he now gears up for a pivotal divisional contest against Shavkat Rakhmonov on a stacked year-end pay-per-view card. Thompson's journey from the canceled fight in July to the upcoming clash with Rakhmonov has been a rollercoaster. He had hoped for a matchup with former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman but ended up with a fight against the surging contender Rakhmonov, who's known for his undefeated record and a 100 percent finish rate. Reflecting on the past few months, Thompson shared, "It has been pretty crazy with a lot of things that could've happened but didn't. The UFC, or at least Kamaru Usman, had different plans, so I was kind of left with nobody, and then they offered me Shavkat." For Stephen Thompson, the upcoming bout with Shavkat Rakhmonov is more than just a chance to put the past behind him—it's a golden opportunity to take a big step toward one last shot at a world title. With his signature striking and unwavering determination, Wonderboy continues to carve his path in the fiercely competitive world of mixed martial arts, settling scores, and chasing dreams.

Alex Pereira, the former GLORY light heavyweight and middleweight champion, has been inducted into the GLORY Kickboxing Hall of Fame. He is the third fighter to receive this honor, after Semmy Schilt and Joe Valtellini. Pereira, who is from Brazil, had a stellar career in GLORY, where he won 11 fights and lost only four. He defended his middleweight title more times than anyone else in the division’s history. He also became the first and only fighter to hold two GLORY belts at the same time. Scott Rudmann, the co-founder and Vice Chairman of GLORY, praised Pereira in a press release. He said: "Alex Pereira was one of the greatest champions in GLORY history. His accomplishments in the GLORY ring speaks for themselves, as the only man ever hold the champions belt in two weight classes simultaneously. “Alex continues to make huge waves in combat sports with his successful shift to MMA, and he continues to bring awareness back to the stand-up combat. He devotes time and money to community service in his home country of Brazil, and he is a wonderful guy, always humble about his enormous accomplishments. We’re proud to have in the GLORY Hall of Fame.” Pereira is also known for his epic rivalry with Israel Adesanya, who is now the UFC middleweight champion. The two fought twice in GLORY, with Pereira winning both times. The second fight ended with a vicious knockout by Pereira. The feud continued in the UFC, where Pereira challenged Adesanya for the middleweight title. Pereira knocked out Adesanya again to become the new champion, but Adesanya avenged his losses in their rematch.

Armen Petrosyan, the UFC fighter, was forced to withdraw from his scheduled bout with Rodolfo Vieira at UFC Sao Paulo on Saturday night, after falling ill backstage. His management team claimed that he was poisoned in Brazil, and that his blood sugar level dropped drastically. The news was shared by his management company on Instagram, in a post that was later deleted. They wrote: “Why was Armen Petrosyan’s fight canceled? Shortly before the duel, Armen felt bad. He was seriously poisoned in Brazil. Sugar has dropped sharply. It should be noted that the same poisoning happened to Roman Kopylov. There is even a suspicion from what products. Armenians have an even more serious situation.” They also praised the UFC matchmakers, especially Mick Maynard, for being supportive of Petrosyan. They revealed that Petrosyan had agreed to face a different opponent, after Vieira pulled out of the fight a few days ago. However, Vieira was later reported to be ready, and the original match-up was restored. But then, Petrosyan’s health condition worsened, and he had to cancel the fight. The management company said that the UFC was understanding of Petrosyan’s situation, and offered to reschedule the fight or give him a new opponent, once he recovers. They also said that Petrosyan’s sugar level was returning to normal.

Brock Lesnar, the former UFC heavyweight champion, made over $11 million for his last two fights in the Octagon. Lesnar (5-3, 1 no contest MMA) fought Mark Hunt at UFC 200 in July of 2016, and won by unanimous decision. However, the result was changed to a no contest after Lesnar tested positive for clomiphene, a banned substance. Lesnar earned $8,000,000 for that fight. Before that, Lesnar faced Alistair Overeem, the former Strikeforce and Dream heavyweight champion, at UFC 141 in December of 2011. Lesnar lost by first round TKO, but still made $3,000,000. The documents were obtained by BloodyElbow. The payouts for Lesnar’s final two UFC fights were revealed in court documents from the anti-trust lawsuit against the UFC by former fighters. Lesnar went back to the WWE after his fight with Hunt, and became the Universal Champion. There are rumors that Lesnar might come back to the UFC for UFC 300 in April of 2023, a historic event that could feature Conor McGregor as the main event. However, nothing has been confirmed yet.

Elves Brener seized his opportunity to shine on the main card after he knocked out Kaynan Kruschewsky with a devastating left hand at UFC Sao Paulo on Saturday. Brener and Kruschewsky got the chance to open the main card after the fight between Rodolfo Vieira and Armen Petrosyan was scrapped. Brener did not disappoint as he landed a perfect left hook behind Kruschewsky’s ear that sent him crashing to the mat. Kruschewsky was unconscious before he touched the ground and the referee quickly stopped the fight at 4:01 in the first round. Brener celebrated his impressive victory and called out UFC president Dana White. “This is my home, I always wanted to fight here,” Brener said after the win. “I’m ready for anyone, Dana. Give me a top 15 opponent.” The fight was expected to be a thrilling clash between two Brazilian sluggers who were throwing heavy punches at each other. It seemed like a matter of time before one of them would land a knockout blow. The decisive moment came when Brener dodged a punch from Kruschewsky and countered with a massive right hand. Then he followed up with the left hand that ended the fight in an instant. The win improves Brener’s record to 3-0 in the UFC and 16-3 overall as he keeps making a name for himself in the octagon.