Islam Makhachev has expressed his confidence that Khabib Nurmagomedov would be victorious over Sean Strickland if he ever returned to the UFC. Khabib Nurmagomedov retired from mixed martial arts over three years ago, leaving behind an undefeated record in his professional career. Many fans hoped that he would come back someday, but it seems unlikely that he will. His friend and training partner Islam Makhachev, on the other hand, is the current lightweight champion, after he defeated Charles Oliveira last year. He will defend his title for the second time against Alexander Volkanovski this weekend. In spite of his preparation, he has taken some time to state (via Instagram) that he thinks that Khabib Nurmagomedov would have no trouble beating UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland if he came back. “Today I was asked: ‘Can Khabib come back and beat Sean Strickland in a championship fight?’. I can answer with certainty that he can do it with ease. It’s been three years since Khabib retired, but he never skips a training session. I can say without doubt, if he wants to, it’ll be effortless for him.” Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov have a close relationship, as we all know. However, it’s a bold claim to suggest that he can move up 30 pounds in weight and still beat the middleweight champ

The UFC has decided to release nine fighters from its roster, including John Makdessi, a longtime lightweight contender. MMA Fighting confirmed the news with a source close to the situation, after Twitter user Roster Tracker first reported it. Makdessi (18-9) had a disappointing run in his last four UFC fights, losing three of them by decision to Francisco Trinaldo, Nasrat Haqparast and Jamie Mullarkey. He had a 11-9 record in the UFC since 2010, when he made his debut. The Canadian fighter recently shared his pay breakdown on social media, revealing that he only took home $28,461.65 of his $58,000 show money, after paying taxes, medical, airfare, and other fees. Fialho (16-8, 1 no contest) was knocked out four times in a row in less than two years, leaving the UFC with a 2-5 record. He lost his last fight to Tim Means by third-round TKO in September, but earned a Fight of the Night bonus for his performance. Goldy (6-4) only won one of her five UFC fights, losing her last two to Molly McCann and Mizuki Inoue. Fletcher (10-3) and Lutz (12-4) finished their four-fight UFC contracts with only one win each. Young (13-8), who faced future champion Alexander Volkanovski in his first UFC fight, was cut after four consecutive losses. He failed to make weight and was submitted by Gabriel Miranda in his last bout. Buys (9-6), who was signed from Dana White’s Contender Series, lost all four of his UFC fights. Deaton (17-7, 2 no contests) also went 0-2 in the UFC. Kirk (11-6), who pulled off an upset win over Makwan Amirkhani in his UFC debut, was released after two losses to Damon Jackson and Esteban Ribovics.

UFC fighters Walt Harris and Daniel Rodriguez have been hit with suspensions from the Nevada Athletic Commission (NAC) for testing positive for banned substances. Both fighters are veterans of the UFC who have had their ups and downs in their careers, but this is a major setback for them. According to MMA Junkie, Harris and Rodriguez were tested out of competition on June 24, 2023, and the results came back positive for drostanalone and its metabolites. Drostanalone is an anabolic steroid that enhances performance and muscle mass. The NAC official who informed MMA Junkie of the suspensions said that Harris received a one-year suspension and a $392.60 legal fee fine, while Rodriguez received a six-month suspension and a $157.04 legal fee fine. Since the tests were out of competition, there were no purse fines involved. Harris will be able to return to action on June 24, 2024, while Rodriguez will be able to return on Jan. 28, 2024. It is unclear how the UFC will react to these suspensions and what consequences they will have for the fighters’ careers. Harris will be 41 years old when his suspension ends, while Rodriguez will be 37 years old. Both fighters may face difficulties in finding opponents or getting opportunities in the UFC. Harris and Rodriguez have not commented on their suspensions yet.

In a groundbreaking move, the UFC has made a significant addition to its roster by signing the highly acclaimed Invicta FC atomweight champion, Rayanne dos Santos. This exciting development comes straight from the insiders of the mixed martial arts world, and fans can't wait to see Dos Santos step into the octagon. Dos Santos, a Brazilian fighter with a stellar professional record of 14 wins out of 20 fights, is set to make her mark in the UFC as a strawweight. Her impressive career boasts eight victories by first-round submissions, showcasing her formidable skills in the sport. While the UFC has yet to announce a specific date or opponent for dos Santos' debut in the octagon, the anticipation surrounding this signing is already building. With her remarkable fighting abilities and determination, dos Santos is expected to be a formidable contender in the strawweight division. Although dos Santos experienced a setback with a decision loss to Denise Gomes in a strawweight bout on Dana White's Contender Series in August 2022, she quickly rebounded. She went on a remarkable three-fight winning streak, culminating in her capturing the Invicta FC title with a victory over Jillian DeCoursey in May. This 28-year-old MMA prodigy began her professional journey in 2015, training under the mentorship of UFC veterans Iuri Alcantara and Ildemar Alcantara in her native Para, Brazil. Her relentless pursuit of excellence led her to relocate to the United States to train at Renzo Gracie Texas, a clear indication of her dedication and ambition to become a force to be reckoned with in the world of mixed martial arts. Her journey from the Invicta FC cage to the UFC octagon promises to be an exciting one. Stay tuned for more updates on dos Santos' journey to UFC stardom.

The boxing world is about to get shaken once again as Jake Paul, the social influencer turned boxer, has just revealed his plans for an electrifying return to the ring on December 15. While he's yet to announce his opponent, the excitement surrounding this announcement is palpable. In a press release, Jake Paul confidently declared, "8 fights in the boxing game and I'm already its biggest name. I've proved that I can headline the biggest global events and defy the odds. PPV after PPV after PPV, and I'm just getting started. My mission is to be a world champion, and I'm willing to do whatever it takes to get there. December 15th is the next step on my journey, and I promise you're not going to want to miss it." Jake's last bout took place in August when he went head-to-head with UFC veteran Nate Diaz, emerging victorious with a unanimous decision. This victory was a crucial rebound after his first career loss in a split decision to Tommy Fury in February. After watching his brother, Logan Paul, in action this past Saturday night, Jake is once again on the hunt for his next opponent. He mentioned both KSI and Tommy Fury as potential matchups, and his interest in a rematch with Fury was evident. "The Tommy Fury rematch is right there," Jake stated. "I'm going to show ya'll how to take a loss, come back, win against Nate Diaz, and win again when it's time to put it all on the line." And, of course, the long-standing rivalry with KSI is still very much alive. These two have exchanged verbal blows for years, and fans can expect an explosive encounter if they ever step into the ring together. With December 15th quickly approaching, we can only speculate who Jake Paul's next opponent will be.

Paddy Pimblett is ready to make an impact against Tony Ferguson at UFC 296. Pimblett will face Ferguson on Dec. 16 in his first fight in a year. It’s a crucial fight for both of them, as Pimblett has a lot of hype while Ferguson is on a seven-fight losing streak. Pimblett knows he has to finish ‘El Cucuy’ and make a statement to show he deserves a top-15 spot. “I have to stay focused, especially after my last performance,” Paddy Pimblett told The Schmo. “My only goal right now is to go out and stop Tony Ferguson in the first round, you know what I mean. Make a statement, let everyone know what they missed out on, and then I’ll move on to ranked opponents in the new year.” Paddy Pimblett is not only confident of making a statement against Tony Ferguson, but he’s also calling this The Baddy 2.0. Pimblett thinks the time off has been beneficial for him and he’s sure he will impress at UFC 296. “As I said, I have something to prove, it’s been a long time since I’ve been in the cage. When I fight, it will be over a year since I’ve been in the cage. The training I’ve done to improve and I’m just a different fighter. It’s going to be The Baddy 2.0, a new legendary fighter is going to emerge,” Pimblett said. Paddy Pimblett has a 20-3 record going into his UFC 296 fight against Tony Ferguson. He’s undefeated in the UFC with a 4-0 record and coming off a disputed decision win over Jared Gordon last December. Before that, he defeated Jordan Leavitt by submission, Kazula Vargas by submission, and Luigi Vendramini by KO

In an unexpected twist for fight fans, Joe Rogan, the iconic voice of the Octagon, will not be making the journey to the UAE for UFC 294. Instead, fans tuning in to the much-anticipated event on October 21, 2023, inside Abu Dhabi's Etihad Arena will hear a fresh, yet familiar voice on the commentary team. Stepping into Joe Rogan's shoes is none other than former lightweight contender, Paul Felder. Felder will join the dynamic commentary duo of retired heavyweight Daniel Cormier and the ever-reliable play-by-play man Jon Anik. The trio is set to provide viewers with insightful analysis, in-depth commentary, and an unrivaled passion for the sport. While Rogan's absence from the octagon is a significant change, the UFC 294 broadcast team has ensured that fans won't miss a beat. Brendan Fitzgerald will host the pre- and post-fight shows, accompanied by the experienced duo of former UFC middleweight Chael Sonnen and the "Contender Series" mainstay Laura Sanko, who will offer their expert insights. Megan Olivi, renowned for her backstage interviews, will continue her vital role in bringing post-fight reactions and exclusive insights from the fighters. And of course, the legendary Bruce Buffer will maintain his iconic position as the ring announcer with his trademark enthusiasm. This weekend's blockbuster pay-per-view card is set to be nothing short of sensational. The main event will feature a highly-anticipated lightweight rematch between the reigning 155-pound champion, Islam Makhachev, and the current featherweight kingpin, Alex Volkanovski. The co-main event will be a clash of titans as former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman takes on middleweight phenom Khamzat Chimaev. As the Octagon prepares for UFC 294, fans around the world are gearing up for a night of epic face-punching action. So mark your calenders and don't miss a single second of an epic event.

The UFC is set to kick off the new year in style, with an exciting bantamweight showdown that promises fireworks. Season 28 winner of The Ultimate Fighter, Macy Chiasson, is all set to lock horns with the formidable Ketlen Vieira at UFC's first Vegas card of 2024 on January 13. While the UFC has yet to announce the headlining attraction for the event, the matchup between Chiasson and Vieira is enough to keep fans on the edge of their seats. Both fighters have impressive records and are eager to make their mark in the bantamweight division. Macy Chiasson, with a professional record of 8-3, is no stranger to the UFC Octagon. With six wins in the promotion, she has shown her mettle against some tough competition. However, Chiasson's last outing didn't go as planned, as she fell to a TKO loss against Irene Aldana in September 2022. Now, she's determined to bounce back and re-establish herself as a contender. With notable victories over fighters like Norma Dumont and Marion Reneau, Chiasson is eager to regain her momentum. On the other side of the cage, Ketlen Vieira boasts an 8-3 record in the UFC and an impressive 14-3 overall in her career. Vieira's recent decision win over Pannie Kianzad showcased her resilience and determination. She managed to rebound from a split decision loss to Raquel Pennington, which had temporarily halted her impressive winning streak against former UFC champions Miesha Tate and Holly Holm. Vieira's ability to adapt and learn from her losses makes her a dangerous opponent for anyone in the division. As fight night approaches, the anticipation for this bantamweight clash is reaching a fever pitch. In the competitive world of MMA, Vieira and Chiasson have shown time and again that they have the heart and skills to take on any challenge. UFC's first card of 2024 is set to be a thrilling start to the year for fight fans around the world.

It's not uncommon for fighters to find themselves in unexpected situations. The sport is filled with twists and turns, and fighters must be prepared to adapt to whatever challenges come their way. Kamaru Usman, the former UFC welterweight champion, is no stranger to adversity, and he's about to face one of the toughest challenges of his career on short notice. Khamzat Chimaev, originally scheduled to fight Paulo Costa, suddenly found himself without an opponent due to Costa's elbow surgery. But, as they say, when one door closes, another one opens, and in this case, the door opens to Kamaru Usman. The UFC CEO, Dana White, even sweetened the deal by announcing that the winner of Usman vs. Chimaev would earn a shot at the UFC Middleweight Championship. Usman acknowledges Chimaev's incredible talent, describing him as strong, fast, and versatile, capable of wrestling, grappling, and striking. However, he is quick to remind everyone that he possesses those same qualities. In his own words, "But so do I." What's striking about Usman is his humility and down-to-earth perspective. When asked about the notion that Chimaev is unbeatable, he responded with a wisdom that transcends the Octagon. "At the end of the day, we're all human beings," Usman said. "Everyone feels invincible until someone pokes that balloon." It's a reminder that even the most formidable fighters have vulnerabilities, and every giant can be toppled. This philosophy keeps Usman grounded and focused on the task at hand. He understands that success in the UFC requires dedication and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. While Usman has the chance to secure a 185-pound title opportunity and become a two-division champion, he remains steadfast in his commitment to the present moment. "I've got a mountain in front of me that I have to scale," he said. "We'll get through that first and then we'll worry about what's next." With Israel Adesanya on hiatus, the UFC middleweight division has become a bit more open. Regardless of who emerges victorious in the Usman vs. Chimaev bout, UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland is poised to face a significant challenge. Usman and Strickland already shared the Octagon in 2017, with Usman winning via unanimous decision. That encounter serves as a reminder that in the world of MMA, anything can happen, and no one is truly invincible.

Jon Jones has nothing but respect for Israel Adesanya’s decision to take a long break from MMA. Adesanya, also known as “The Last Stylebender”, recently revealed that he plans to step away from the sport for a while after a disappointing loss to Sean Strickland at UFC 293. Strickland outclassed Adesanya in the striking department for five rounds, ending Adesanya’s second stint as UFC middleweight champion. Adesanya’s focus was also questioned after reports emerged that he pleaded guilty to a drunk driving charge in New Zealand over an incident that happened three weeks before UFC 293. Adesanya said in his statement that he is not using that as an excuse for the Strickland loss, but he made it clear that he needs a break from fighting after having a busy schedule for the past few years. Jones, who has been in a heated rivalry with Adesanya for years, showed his support for Adesanya’s choice on social media on Sunday. Jones himself took a long break from 2020-2023 that resulted in him making a successful comeback this past March at UFC 284 where he won the vacant heavyweight title with a dominant submission win over Ciryl Gane. Adesanya and Jones have recently settled their differences and even expressed their interest in training together.

Following a lackluster performance against Logan Paul in Saturday’s Misfits Boxing: Prime Card main event that ended with him desperately disqualifying himself in the final round with an illegal choke attempt, Danis took to social media with a lot to say. That includes a two-word statement that might shock many MMA fans: “UFC next.” Saturday’s Prime Card co-main event was Danis’ first fight of any sort since 2019, when he last fought for Bellator. He went 2-0 in the MMA promotion, finishing both opponents in the first round. Despite displaying nothing for most of the six-round fight against a barely better Paul, that didn’t stop Danis from boasting about his performance, and taking a jab at former UFC star Nate Diaz. Paul’s brother Jake Paul beat Diaz by unanimous decision this past August and at one point had Diaz in trouble after landing a knockdown in Round 5."

Kamaru Usman is ready for his short-notice UFC 294 fight against Khamzat Chimaev. Chimaev was supposed to face Paulo Costa on October 21 in Abu Dhabi. Costa’s elbow surgery ruined those plans. The silver lining for fight fans is that a more than worthy opponent has stepped in, former UFC welterweight champion Usman. Kamaru Usman recently talked to TMZ Sports and confessed that he thinks Khamzat Chimaev is a gifted athlete. However, “The Nigerian Nightmare” trusts in his own skills. “He’s very talented. He’s strong, he’s big. He’s quick, he can wrestle, he can grapple, he can strike. He has it all,” Kamaru said, “But so do I.” Usman then dismissed the idea that Chimaev is unstoppable. “We’re all human beings at the end of the day,” Usman said. “Everyone feels invincible until someone bursts that bubble.” Usman has an opportunity to win UFC gold in another weight class if he defeats Chimaev to earn a 185-pound title shot, but he isn’t looking past UFC 294. “It’s obvious,” Kamaru said. “I have a huge obstacle in front of me that I need to overcome. We’ll deal with that first and then we’ll think about what’s next.” The middleweight title scene has become more unpredictable now that Israel Adesanya is taking a break. No matter who wins the Usman vs Chimaev fight, UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland will face a tough test. Usman and Strickland met in the Octagon in 2017. Usman won that fight by unanimous decision."