Jon Jones, the UFC heavyweight champion, was not happy with Ariel Helwani for mentioning his previous statements about Francis Ngannou. Jones (27-1 MMA) had to pull out of his planned UFC 295 title defense against Stipe Miocic due to a pectoral injury he sustained in training. This happened just days before Ngannou, the former UFC heavyweight champion, faced Tyson Fury, the WBC heavyweight champion, in a boxing match. Ngannou lost a close split decision to Fury, but impressed many with his performance. Ngannou was a guest on the MMA Hour, hosted by Helwani, shortly after his bout with Fury. Helwani asked him about Jones’s remarks, which implied that Ngannou was afraid to fight him. “Francis had the opportunity to face me, and he opted out of the opportunity. If anyone should be criticized, it’s Francis Ngannou. If I’m correct, he was offered the biggest contract in heavyweight history. He had the opportunity to be the guy to dethrone me.” Jones had said earlier. “He (Ngannou) didn’t believe in himself. He wasn’t willing to gamble on himself. Calling yourself the baddest man on the planet from across the street? Who does that?” Jones did not appreciate Helwani bringing up those comments and vented his frustration on Instagram. “You’re such a backstabbing sh*t talker bro and you wonder why I haven’t given you an interview in years @arielhelwani” Jones wrote. “And Jon Jones says you were looking what?” Helwani later apologized to Jones and clarified his intention. “Sorry, I didn’t finish my thought there. That’s my bad. But that’s what I was referencing. Hope you make a speedy recovery, Jon.” Helwani said. What do you think of Jones’s reaction to Helwani’s question?

In the world of grappling, sometimes speed is of the essence, and no one demonstrated this better than multi-time grappling champion Craig Jones at Polaris 26. Headlining the event, Jones faced none other than UFC middleweight Gerald Meerschaert, and it was a match that left fans in awe. Craig Jones, also known for his role as the grappling coach of UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski, wasted no time in asserting his dominance. From the very start, he pounced on Meerschaert's back as they hit the mat. With precision and control, Jones hunted for a rear-naked choke submission, ensuring that Meerschaert had no means of escape. Gerald Meerschaert, a UFC middleweight with a record for the most submissions in his division, put up a valiant effort to fend off Jones. However, the Australian grappling sensation maintained relentless pressure, refusing to let go of his grip on the ground. It was only a matter of time before the unyielding pressure paid off, with Jones finally sliding his arm under Meerschaert's chin and locking in the submission. In a matter of moments, the choke was secured, and Meerschaert had no choice but to tap out. The clock showed a mere 1 minute and 19 seconds into the match when the victory was declared for Craig Jones. With a remarkable track record as one of the finest grapplers in the sport, Jones was understandably the heavy favorite going into this matchup. Having claimed numerous Polaris titles and secured second place at the prestigious ADCC Submission Fighting World Championships, Jones continues to prove that his skills are in a league of their own.

Saturday night in Brazil, Jailton Almeida demonstrated his mastery of both, as he took on the formidable Derrick Lewis in a heavyweight bout that had fans on the edge of their seats. Almeida undeterred by the reputation of his opponent, former heavyweight title challenger Lewis, seized control and emerged victorious with a unanimous decision (50-44, 50-44, 50-45) in the main event of UFC Fight Night 231 at Ginasio Do Ibirapuera in Sao Paulo. According to UFC Stats, Almeida spent a staggering 21 minutes and 10 seconds controlling Lewis during the fight, leaving Lewis with just 57 seconds of control in return. The tone for the entire fight was set within the first minute, as Almeida swiftly took Lewis down with a double-leg takedown and lifted "The Black Beast" off his feet. Almeida maintained a dominant position, working on submissions, notably an arm-triangle choke. However, Lewis displayed a remarkable ability to evade danger and prevent any substantial damage. Throughout the grueling 25-minute battle, Almeida remained in control, and Lewis, despite brief moments of resistance, often found himself back where he started. Lewis attempted to land powerful strikes at the start of each round, with his corner calling for the uppercut, but he struggled to make a significant impact. The most explosive moments of the fight came in the final moments of the third round when Almeida appeared to stun Lewis. As the fight went on, Lewis improved his takedown defense, but it was not enough to shift the momentum. Almeida secured a well-deserved unanimous decision and immediately set his sights on a match against former interim champion Ciryl Gane. With this impressive victory, Almeida maintains his perfect UFC record, moving to 4-0 in the promotion's heavyweight division. Meanwhile, Lewis, who signed a lucrative eight-fight promotional deal in September, now stands at 1-4 in his last five bouts.

In the world of pro wrestling, anything can happen, and Logan Paul's recent victory at WWE's Crown Jewel certainly proved that point. After a spectacular showdown with Dillon Danis at Misfits Boxing's The PRIME Card, Paul seized the opportunity to challenge Rey Mysterio for a shot at the WWE U.S. title. This Saturday, the showdown everyone had been waiting for finally took place, and it was nothing short of spectacular. Paul and Mysterio engaged in a thrilling championship match in Saudi Arabia that had fans on the edge of their seats. The bout was filled with a flurry of athletic and high-flying maneuvers that kept the audience electrified. As the match reached its climax, Mysterio set up Paul for his iconic "619" finishing move, and it seemed like the title was slipping through Paul's fingers. However, in a shocking turn of events, Paul revealed a pair of brass knuckles hidden up his sleeve. With Mysterio mid-air, ready to deliver the final blow, Paul landed a brutal punch using the concealed brass knuckles. The impact was devastating, and it secured him the pinfall, making him the new U.S. title holder. Logan Paul's journey in the world of WWE has been nothing short of impressive. From his unforgettable battle with Universal Champion Roman Reigns at the 2022 Crown Jewel event to his recent victory, he has shown that he's more than just a social media sensation. In April, Paul renewed his contract with WWE, signing a new multi-year deal, which suggests that we may see more of him on WWE television and premium live events in the coming years. Paul's shocking win at Crown Jewel leaves us all wondering what's next in his pro-wrestling career. Will he defend his U.S. title, and will he become a prominent figure on the road to WrestleMania 2024? One thing is for sure, Logan Paul's presence in the WWE continues to be a game-changer, and his journey in the squared circle is far from over.

Netflix is interested in entering the boxing scene, and Jake Paul could be their first star. The sport is in a strange situation right now. Showtime decided to stop airing combat sports earlier this year. This didn’t surprise Bellator MMA, but boxing fans were shocked. This includes Jake Paul, who had several fights on the network. Currently, ‘The Problem Child’ has a contract with DAZN, but it’s unclear how long it will last. Jake Paul is expected to fight again on December 15th against an unnamed opponent. There is no word on who it will be, but it probably won’t be Nate Diaz. Whoever Jake Paul fights in December, it might be his final fight on DAZN. According to the Wall Street Journal, Netflix is reportedly planning to join the boxing world. They want to stream fights in the future, and the YouTuber is a logical first choice. The report also mentioned more than just Jake Paul. Netflix is reportedly considering hosting a fight with fighters from Premier Boxing Champions. The group of boxers led by Al Haymon is without a network after the Showtime announcement last month. However, that might change soon. Besides Netflix, Amazon Prime is also reportedly interested in signing Premier Boxing Champions and getting into the boxing business. Jake Paul would be a huge signing for either platform, as they explore the world of combat sports.

Dana White, the UFC CEO, missed Francis Ngannou vs. Tyson Fury, as he revealed to Donald Trump Jr. on Thursday, when he was a guest on Trump Jr.’s Triggered video podcast. Despite his problems with Ngannou, White praised the former UFC heavyweight champion for lasting the whole fight with the heavyweight boxing champion, who edged him out by a close split decision last Saturday in Saudi Arabia. “The fact that he went 10 rounds with Tyson Fury is crazy,” White said. “He just went 10 rounds with Tyson Fury, Conor [McGregor] made it 9 or 10 with Floyd, Anthony Pettis just beat Roy Jones Jr. – I know Roy is friggin’ 60 years old or whatever, but I don’t know what the hell is going on. It’s crazy. “I didn’t see the fight, but the fact that he went 10 rounds is unbelievable.” When Trump Jr. asked him about the chances of UFC fighters switching to boxing for bigger paychecks and how Ngannou’s departure “damaged” the UFC, White was unexpectedly courteous for someone who swore “The Predator” would never fight in the octagon again.

A new champion will emerge in the UFC women’s division. On January 20, Mayra Bueno Silva and Raquel Pennington will face off for the UFC women’s bantamweight title that is currently vacant at UFC 297. Bueno Silva (10-2-1, 1 NC) had her biggest MMA victory wiped out in her last fight when she tested positive for ritalinic acid, which led the Nevada Athletic Commission to change her second-round submission of Holly Holm to a no-contest. Ritalinic acid is a key urinary metabolite of methylphenidate, also known as Ritalin, a common drug for ADHD treatment. Bueno Silva said to MMA Fighting in August that she has been taking the ADHD medication for three years. Bueno Silva, 32, is MMA Fighting’s top-ranked bantamweight in the world. She has not lost in the UFC since returning to 135 pounds in 2022, beating Wu Yanan, Stephanie Egger, and Lina Lansberg, besides the Holm outcome. Pennington (15-8) is on a five-fight winning streak as she enters her second UFC title fight. Her streak features wins over ranked opponents Ketlen Vieira, Macy Chiasson, and Pannie Kianzad. The 35-year-old veteran is MMA Fighting’s third-ranked bantamweight in the world and has a 12-5 record in the octagon since joining the UFC in 2013 after competing on The Ultimate Fighter 18. Pennington lost by fifth-round TKO to former champ Amanda Nunes, who has since retired, in her first UFC bantamweight title fight in May 2018. UFC 297 will be held in Toronto. The main event and the venue for the event are still to be announced.

Fabricio Andrade, also known as "Wonderboy," is a fighter who thrives on challenges. Having previously claimed the ONE Championship bantamweight title in spectacular fashion by defeating John Lineker, Andrade is now setting his sights on another remarkable feat. On Friday night, he will step into the ring to challenge Jonathan Haggerty for the vacant ONE bantamweight kickboxing title in Bangkok. The journey to this title bout took an unexpected turn when Andrade was initially offered the chance to face Petchtanong Petchfergus for the kickboxing belt. However, Petchtanong's suspension and title stripping due to testing positive for anabolic steroids metenolone and noldenone altered the course of Andrade's path. Reflecting on the opportunity, Andrade shared, "The opportunity to become a two-sport champion, the first one to cross over from MMA to striking, interested me. Petchtanong ended up failing an anti-doping test, and they switched the opponent." While Andrade's MMA record stands at 9-2 with one no-contest, his kickboxing record is an impressive 29-1. Despite the challenges posed by transitioning between different combat sports, Andrade is confident in his capabilities, emphasizing that his extensive experience in kickboxing will serve as an advantage in the upcoming bout. Andrade explained, "The biggest difference this time is that I had to adapt to shorter rounds, three minutes instead of five, and bigger gloves. I liked it. It was a very long training camp, and I had plenty of time to adapt. I'm feeling very comfortable. I'm remembering those days where I fought kickboxing. I don't have to worry about defending takedowns." What makes Andrade's journey even more remarkable is his motivation. He acknowledges that the financial rewards for kickboxing are lower compared to MMA, but his decision to embrace this challenge is fueled by the desire to make history rather than financial gain. "The kickboxing purse is lower than the MMA purse," he acknowledged. "I'm doing this more for the challenge itself, because it's something no one has ever done, more than the financial side of it." Andrade's plan extends beyond this kickboxing challenge. He intends to return to MMA after Friday's bout, with the possibility of pursuing additional titles in various disciplines. With a wealth of opportunities in his weight class, including kickboxing, Muay Thai, and MMA, Andrade envisions a future where he could potentially become a multi-discipline champion. As he embarks on this extraordinary journey, Fabricio Andrade's determination and unwavering spirit serve as an inspiring testament to the boundless possibilities within the world of combat sports. His pursuit of history and the desire to push his own limits make him a remarkable figure to watch in the ever-evolving landscape of ONE Championship.

The road to championship glory in the PFL has been a rollercoaster ride for Marina Mokhnatkina, but the talented fighter is brimming with confidence as she prepares to make a statement at the 2023 PFL Championships. Following a mixed bag of results in the 2022 season, including a loss to the formidable Kayla Harrison, Mokhnatkina has her sights set on the ultimate prize. In 2022, Mokhnatkina split her appearances in the PFL, with her only loss coming against the previously unbeaten Kayla Harrison, who went on to claim the lightweight title and the coveted $1 million prize. However, the Russian fighter showcased her resilience and determination by securing three impressive victories over Yoko Higashi, Evelyn Martins, and an armbar finish of Amber Leibrock. These performances have earned her a spot in the 2023 PFL Championships, where she is set to face the reigning 2022 PFL champion, Larissa Pacheco. This highly anticipated bout is scheduled to take place on November 23 at The Anthem in Washington D.C. During a media scrum at Xtreme Couture, Mokhnatkina exuded confidence as she spoke about the upcoming clash, stating, "It will be a good fight – two dangerous girls." Pacheco's recent campaign includes three wins and two straight finishes in less than a minute, making her a formidable opponent. However, Mokhnatkina is determined to create her own upset. Reflecting on her 2022 struggles, Mokhnatkina attributed them to suboptimal training camps and personal issues. Nevertheless, she believes that she is now better prepared and more focused than ever. In her own words, "This season, I see I can become champion and I can take this belt." Mokhnatkina's journey to redemption and championship glory in the 2023 PFL Championships promises to be a compelling storyline for MMA fans. As she steps into the cage on November 23, she aims to showcase her true potential and prove that she has what it takes to claim the PFL title.

Mark Zuckerberg, the founder and CEO of Meta, has revealed that he recently suffered a torn ACL while sparring in preparation for a "competitive MMA fight" slated for early next year. Zuckerberg, a dedicated jiu-jitsu practitioner, has long been associated with the world of mixed martial arts and the UFC, making this injury a significant setback in his quest for a new challenge. Zuckerberg's journey into the MMA world isn't a recent development. He has actively participated in jiu-jitsu tournaments and even went as far as renting out the UFC APEX in October 2022 for a private viewing of UFC Vegas 61, showcasing his keen interest in the sport. Notably, he has trained alongside UFC stars such as featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski and former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya, highlighting his dedication to honing his skills. Earlier this year, Zuckerberg was briefly linked to a potential fight against fellow tech mogul Elon Musk. The prospect of a clash between the two tech giants garnered immense attention, with even UFC CEO Dana White expressing his eagerness to be a part of it. However, Zuckerberg ultimately called off the proposed fight, claiming that Musk wasn't genuinely committed to a real bout. Elon Musk, on the other hand, recently stated on Joe Rogan's podcast that he remains open to the idea of fighting Zuckerberg "anytime, anywhere, any place, any rule." It's a tantalizing proposition, but Zuckerberg's unfortunate ACL injury has cast a cloud of uncertainty over his MMA ambitions for the foreseeable future. Despite this setback, Zuckerberg's determination to test his mettle in the world of competitive MMA remains evident. As he embarks on the path to recovery, MMA enthusiasts and tech aficionados alike will be keeping a close eye on the developments in this unique and unexpected chapter of his life.

ONE Championship CEO Chatri Sityodtong caused a lot of controversy when he stated that his organization has the best strikers in the world, unlike the very “sloppy, mediocre-ish striking” Sityodtong says he’s seen in the UFC. ONE Championship not only features MMA, but also has several divisions in both Muay Thai and kickboxing, which are clearly striking-based sports. Sityodtong thinks that factor only supports his claim. He said the gap in levels between ONE and the UFC is “not even close.” Jonathan Haggerty, the current ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world champion, agrees with his boss about the striking in ONE compared to other organizations, including the UFC. “One million percent — ONE Championship is the home of the greatest strikers, in my opinion,” Haggerty told MMA Fighting. “I believe the best strikers are on the ONE Championship roster, for sure.” It’s difficult to dispute that logic, since ONE promotes two striking-based sports that don’t exist in the UFC. Haggerty’s opinion is also reasonable considering the opportunity that ONE finally gave to many of the best Muay Thai and kickboxing practitioners in the world, who were previously struggling to get exposure on a global scale, let alone earn substantial financial rewards. Haggerty has it all these days. He not only dominated the flyweight Muay Thai division in ONE, he also moved up a weight class and pulled off one of the biggest shocks in promotional history when he knocked out two-time Lumpinee Stadium Fighter of the Year, Nong-O Gaiyanghadao, to win the bantamweight title.

According to Zuffa documents that were recently made public, CM Punk got a huge paycheck for his first Octagon appearance in 2016. One of the hot topics in the MMA world right now is fighter pay. With the anti-trust lawsuit likely going to court, things are getting more interesting. In the last few days, MMA fans have learned some surprising numbers through social media. Those numbers include the earnings of various fighters, such as CM Punk. As many people are aware, former WWE & AEW champion CM Punk switched from pro wrestling to mixed martial arts after he quit WWE. Sadly, he failed to win in either of his Octagon fights. Still, he seemed to make a lot of money, as per this report from Bloody Elbow. “CM Punk earned $1,042,736 for his UFC defeat to Mickey Gall, based on Zuffa documents obtained by Bloody Elbow.” It has been known for a long time that CM Punk is a big MMA fan. He has been very involved in the sport for a while, from fighting to commentating. However, he could not turn that into success in the cage, but some would say that does not matter at this point. After all, he managed to walk away with over $1 million in a performance that saw him lose by submission to Mickey Gall at UFC 203