Merab Dvalishvili doesn’t understand the animosity getting lobbed his way by fight fans as well as his boss, UFC CEO Dana White, regarding his friendship with Aljamain Sterling, especially now that Sterling is no longer the UFC bantamweight champion. In the aftermath of Sterling’s shocking title loss to Sean O’Malley at UFC 292, White issued a scathing rebuke of Dvalishvili’s approach to his career, even going so far as to question why Dvalishvili got into MMA if his loyalty toward his longtime friend and training partner Sterling was going to hinder his road to the belt. White’s words drew criticism from some, as O’Malley’s victory seemingly cleared up the Team Serra-Longo dilemma that Sterling and Dvalishvili faced, but they left Dvalishvili more confused than anything else. “I don’t understand it,” Dvalishvili said of White . “Maybe I don’t understand, maybe I don’t know. I’m a [real] fighter and what I know I deserve. “My job is to fight and I’m ready to fight, and that’s all I know.” Dvalishvili, 32, currently rides a division-best nine-fight win UFC streak and is the top-ranked bantamweight on the promotion’s own rankings aside from O’Malley and Sterling, however it appears as if that may not be enough to get him the title shot he’s long coveted. Following O’Malley’s victory, the new champ skipped over Dvalishvili as a contender and instead called out No. 6 ranked Chito Vera for his first title defense. The UFC has yet to formalize O’Malley vs. Vera as the division’s next championship bout, but if that is the direction the promotion takes, it’ll leave Dvalishvili as the odd man out. And after tearing through a gauntlet longer than any non-champion has in UFC bantamweight history, Dvalishvili can’t help but feel aggrieved by how the situation appears to be playing out.

Ryan Bader is the reigning Bellator heavyweight champion, but he doesn’t know how long he will hold that title. The MMA promotion is facing rumors of a possible sale, which could affect the fate of its fighters and events. Bader was supposed to defend his belt against Linton Vassell at Bellator 300 on Saturday, but the fight was scrapped after Vassell pulled out due to an injury. Bader was left without an opponent, and without a clear idea of what’s next for him. “I’ve had some talks with my manager about ‘what ifs,’ but really nobody knows what’s happening,” Bader told MMA Fighting. "So what you can do, keep that on the outside and take care of your job. Put yourself in the best position moving forward with a merger or who knows what happens. Are we all free agents? Are we merging with PFL? We don’t know. “You can think of all different scenarios, but none of them may be true. What we have to do is keep our heads down and think about the fight in front of us, and put ourselves in the best position to get your contract picked up, or if you’re a free agent, a new contract. Being the heavyweight champion has a little bit of weight going into that.” Bader admits that he is interested in facing Ngannou, who is widely regarded as one of the most powerful and dangerous strikers in MMA history. “That’s definitely something that would get me excited,” Bader said. “He’s a beast, he’s a challenge, and he’s got a big name. And obviously, the money is good too. I’m not afraid of anybody, I’ve fought the best in the world, and I would love to test myself against him.”

Jake Paul has been making headlines with his boxing matches against former MMA fighters, such as Ben Askren, Tyron Woodley, and Nate Diaz. The YouTuber-turned-boxer has been undefeated in his professional boxing career so far, and has been calling out bigger names in the combat sports world. One of those names is Matt Riddle, a former UFC middleweight contender who had a controversial run in the promotion, before switching to professional wrestling with the WWE. Riddle was recently released by the WWE, and is now a free agent in the combat sports market. According to a report by Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Jake Paul and Matt Riddle are in preliminary talks for a potential fight next year. The report did not specify if the fight would be a boxing match or an MMA bout, as both options are possible. Jake Paul has not fought in MMA yet, but he has expressed interest in doing so in the future. He signed a deal with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) earlier this year, and hinted that he would make his MMA debut in the cage soon. He also claimed that he has been training in various martial arts disciplines, such as wrestling, jiu-jitsu, and muay thai. Matt Riddle, on the other hand, has not fought in MMA since 2013, when he was released by the UFC after testing positive for marijuana. He then signed with Bellator MMA, but never fought for them, as he decided to pursue a career in professional wrestling instead. He joined the WWE in 2018, and became a popular star on their shows, such as NXT, Raw, and SmackDown. However, he was let go by the WWE last month, due to budget cuts. If Jake Paul and Matt Riddle do agree to fight each other, it would be a huge spectacle for the fans of both boxing and MMA. It would also be a test of skills and styles for both fighters, as they have different backgrounds and experiences in combat sports. Jake Paul would have the advantage in boxing, while Matt Riddle would have the edge in grappling and wrestling.

Belal Muhammad has made it clear that he's willing to take on a formidable challenge – Kamaru Usman – but only if he's compensated like a champion. Muhammad, who solidified his position as the No. 1 contender with a convincing victory over Gilbert Burns at UFC 288 in May, found himself bypassed for a title shot by Colby Covington. Covington is set to face current welterweight champion Leon Edwards in the main event of UFC 296 on December 16. UFC CEO Dana White hinted at a future fight for Muhammad, but the fighter has laid out his conditions. He stated, “We’re throwing stuff out at (the UFC). I’m willing to fight Sean Strickland at 185. I’m willing to go up there; that’s a title fight. So, I have a guarantee for a title fight." However, Muhammad's willingness to take on Kamaru Usman comes with a catch. He firmly believes that facing Usman, a fighter often considered one of the most challenging opponents in the division, warrants compensation befitting a champion. Muhammad pointed out that fighting Usman is a risk, as he may not receive a title belt even if he emerges victorious. However, a victory over Usman would undoubtedly elevate his resume, potentially placing him in the conversation alongside legendary welterweight fighters like Georges St-Pierre. He plans to remain prepared for both Edwards and Covington in case one of them is forced to withdraw, leaving him with an opportunity to step in. Muhammad has even decided to forgo a grappling match scheduled for ADXC 1 on October 20 to avoid any potential injuries that could jeopardize his plans. While he has yet to be officially named as a backup fighter, Muhammad's confidence is unwavering. He believes that the UFC has already acknowledged his status as the next in line for a title shot. He stated, "I don't need to be the backup, but if they want me to, of course. I'm down if they're paying."

The stakes were high, the tension palpable, but for Ilima-Lei Macfarlane, the Bellator 300 weigh-ins turned into a nail-biting drama that may leave her career on a bittersweet note. On the eve of this eagerly awaited event, Macfarlane stepped onto the scales with her hopes set on securing the flyweight title in her bout against longtime friend and reigning champion, Liz Carmouche. However, the scales delivered a cruel verdict as Macfarlane missed the flyweight limit by 1.6 pounds. Her first attempt revealed a weight of 127.4 pounds, a disheartening start to the proceedings. A second try saw her slightly closer at 126.6 pounds, but still outside the allowable limit. With one more chance to make weight, Macfarlane's third attempt brought her in at 128.2 pounds. In the world of mixed martial arts, making weight is not merely a formality but a crucial component of the sport's integrity. With Macfarlane unable to meet the flyweight limit, the flyweight title hangs in the balance. The bout will now proceed as a five-round non-title catchweight match, with only Liz Carmouche eligible to exit the cage as the champion. The drama surrounding Macfarlane's weigh-in is a reminder of the challenges athletes face in maintaining their weight and conditioning for high-stakes fights. It's not the first time Macfarlane has grappled with this issue; she previously missed weight in August 2022, weighing in at 129 pounds for a non-title flyweight bout against Bruna Ellen. Despite that setback, she managed to secure a unanimous decision victory. While Macfarlane's quest for the flyweight title may be temporarily derailed, the rest of the Bellator 300 card remains intact. Headlining the event is Usman Nurmagomedov, who successfully weighed in at 154.8 pounds for his lightweight title defense against Brent Primus. Additionally, Cris Cyborg weighed in at 144.6 pounds as she prepares for her fifth consecutive title defense against Cat Zingano in the featherweight division.

The latest buzz in the MMA community is the upcoming showdown between two fierce fighters, Derek Brunson and Ray Cooper III, scheduled to take place at the PFL finale card on November 24 in Washington D.C. This matchup promises to be an electrifying clash of middleweight titans and is set to headline an action-packed night of fights. Derek Brunson, a seasoned UFC veteran, recently found a new home in the PFL after an impressive 11-year run in the Octagon. He wasted no time securing a multi-fight deal with the PFL and is now gearing up for his debut in the promotion. While Brunson has previously competed at light heavyweight, he's returning to his roots at 185 pounds for this bout. With notable victories over the likes of Darren Till, Kevin Holland, and Edmen Shahbazyan, Brunson is no stranger to high-stakes competition. His arrival in the PFL is sure to add another layer of excitement to the middleweight division. Standing across from Brunson in the cage will be none other than Ray Cooper III, a two-time PFL champion with a reputation for explosive performances. Cooper has been a dominant force in the PFL for the past five years, capturing championship gold twice in the welterweight division. However, the struggle to make the welterweight limit led him to move up to middleweight, where he's poised to make a significant impact. Cooper's recent victories include impressive wins over notable fighters like Rory MacDonald and stunning knockouts of Jake Shields and UFC middleweight contender Chris Curtis. But that's not all that the PFL finale card has to offer. The event will showcase championship bouts across six different weight divisions, making it a night of high-stakes competition. Additionally, fans can look forward to the return of the unstoppable Kayla Harrison as she takes on former Bellator champion Julia Budd. Mark your calendars for November 24, because you won't want to miss this epic showdown.

Jorge Masvidal may have parted ways with the UFC, but he is still making waves in the combat sports world with his own promotion: Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA. The promotion, which features both bareknuckle boxing and MMA bouts, has been putting on exciting events since its inception in 2021. The next event, scheduled for November 10, will be the biggest one yet, as it will feature no fewer than 12 former UFC fighters on the card. Masvidal’s Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA – November 10 Alan Belcher vs. Roy Nelson – for vacant heavyweight title Randy Costa vs. Jason Knight Dillon Cleckler vs. Alex Nicholson Joel Bauman vs. Curtis Millender Sasha Palatnikov vs. Francisco Trinaldo Hector Lombard vs. Chris Sarro Ago Huskic vs. Joshua Weems Brandon Davis vs. Joe Penafiel Carl Seumanutafa vs. Chase Sherman James Freeman vs. Tyler Hill Dennis LaBruzza vs. Javanis Ross Which fight are you most excited for? Comment and let us know.

Jon Jones is gearing up for his first heavyweight title defense when he faces Stipe Miocic in the main event of UFC 295 from Madison Square Garden on Nov. 11. The fight is one of the most anticipated bouts in MMA history, as it pits arguably the greatest fighter of all time against the greatest heavyweight of all time. Jones, who vacated his light heavyweight title last year to move up to the heavyweight division, has been bulking up and adding muscle to his frame. He made his heavyweight debut in March, when he submitted Ciryl Gane in the first round with a dominant wrestling performance. Now, Jones is preparing for a different challenge in Miocic, who is known for his boxing skills and durability. Miocic is a former two-time heavyweight champion, who lost his belt to Francis Ngannou in March by knockout. To get ready for Miocic, Jones has brought in an interesting training partner: grappling legend Gordon Ryan. Ryan is widely regarded as the best no-gi grappler in the world, having won multiple titles and medals in prestigious tournaments such as ADCC, EBI, and IBJJF. . Jones posted a photo of himself and Ryan on his Instagram account, along with a caption that took a dig at Miocic. “Meanwhile Stipe over there preparing for a boxing match,” Jones wrote. The caption suggests that Jones plans to use his wrestling and grappling advantage over Miocic, who has never been submitted in his MMA career. Out of Miocic’s four losses, three came by knockout and one by decision. Miocic is also a former NCAA Division I wrestler, but he has not faced anyone with the grappling credentials of Jones or Ryan. If Jones can defeat Miocic at UFC 295, he will cement his legacy as the greatest of all time and possibly retire from the sport

Islam Makhachev, the reigning lightweight kingpin, has his sights set on a future showdown that could see him vying for a second belt against the victor of the upcoming welterweight title bout between Colby Covington and Leon Edwards. As the UFC gears up for the much-anticipated UFC 296 showdown between Covington and Edwards in December, the stakes are higher than ever. But it's not just the welterweight gold that's up for grabs; it's the tantalizing prospect of a super fight that has the MMA world on edge. Covington, never one to shy away from making bold claims, recently stirred the pot by accusing Makhachev of avoiding him. The confident "Chaos" believes that a clash with the dominant 24-1 champion would be a walk in the park. Makhachev, however, appears unfazed and ready to take on all comers. While Makhachev has hinted at a future move up to welterweight, the ongoing banter with Covington may expedite his journey. His immediate focus, however, remains on his upcoming fight against Charles Oliveira at UFC 294 on October 21. "I don't know what the UFC has planned, but my dream fight is for the second belt," Makhachev expressed to ESPN. "I really believe I can beat [the winner of Edwards vs. Covington]. It's going to be a hard, tough fight against a big guy. But I believe I can finish those guys." Makhachev's desire for a champion vs. champion showdown echoes the history-making bout between BJ Penn and Georges St-Pierre in 2009 at UFC 94. While Makhachev and Covington might not yet have the legendary status of those past fighters, they are both determined to etch their names in the annals of MMA history. "I hope [Covington] wins, because I don't know what Leon says about [fighting me]," Makhachev stated. "I've never heard Leon say he wants this fight. But Colby wants it. That's why I want Colby to win, and we can meet one day." Makhachev's confidence in facing Covington is evident. He envisions a clash of wrestling styles, with his Dagestan wrestling prowess up against Covington's U.S. wrestling background. It's a matchup that promises to be a battle of wills and skills. As Makhachev readies himself for the upcoming rematch with Oliveira, UFC fans are eagerly awaiting the outcome, with the possibility of a champion vs. champion super fight hanging in the balance. Whether it's destiny or pure determination, the future of MMA could be shaped by this ambitious quest for greatness.

The anticipation in the world of mixed martial arts is reaching a fever pitch as Conor McGregor, the charismatic Irish superstar, drops a hint about his possible return to the Octagon. In a recent Instagram post, McGregor revealed that he has taken the crucial step of initiating the process to re-enter the USADA testing pool, fueling speculations of his comeback. McGregor's hiatus from the sport began after his unfortunate leg injury during a fight with Dustin Poirier in July 2021, resulting in a TKO loss. Since then, fans and pundits alike have eagerly awaited news of the Irishman's return to the UFC. While McGregor's coach on Season 31 of “The Ultimate Fighter” reality series hinted at a potential fight against Michael Chandler, the delay in confirming the bout was attributed to McGregor's absence from the USADA testing pool. USADA mandates that fighters must provide a minimum of two negative samples over six months before they become eligible to compete. Although there is the possibility of an exemption granted by the UFC, McGregor's decision to officially re-enter the pool signals a significant step forward in his journey back to the cage. Michael Chandler, McGregor's potential opponent, is also on standby, eagerly awaiting the call to action. In a recent interview, Chandler stated his expectation to square off against McGregor at UFC 300, tentatively set for April. This projected timeline aligns perfectly with McGregor's potential return if he has indeed initiated the USADA testing process. "Best I can say, UFC 300 could possibly be what everyone is probably looking at," Chandler remarked. "So, right around that six-month mark from there would make a lot of sense, but I haven't set a date. I'm just a foot soldier ready for that phone call, and when that phone call comes in, I go to work." As fans hold their breath in anticipation, McGregor's return to the Octagon inches closer to reality. The Irishman's journey is not just about a fight; it's about resuming his quest for greatness. In the world of mixed martial arts, McGregor's presence is electrifying, and with his potential return, the sport is poised for another chapter in the epic saga of "The Notorious."

Derek Brunson, the former UFC middleweight contender, is the latest to embark on an exciting journey to a new destination. According to his manager, Ali Abdelaziz of Dominance MMA, Brunson has officially signed with the PFL and will enter their highly anticipated $1 million light heavyweight tournament, slated to kick off in 2024. In an interview with “The Schmo,” Abdelaziz shared this electrifying news, igniting the MMA community's curiosity. While Brunson's promotional debut date and opponent remain shrouded in mystery, the move itself speaks volumes about his determination to make a significant impact in his new home. The transition to PFL comes after Brunson departs from the UFC in September. At the time, it seemed like Brunson was on the cusp of the final bout of his six-fight deal, initially signed in December 2019. In a surprising twist, Brunson's departure coincided with his scheduled fight against Roman Dolidze at UFC 295, as Abdelaziz hinted that it was a mutual decision. Derek Brunson, at the age of 39, arrives at PFL with a wealth of experience and a reputation as a fierce competitor. Despite his recent two-fight skid, with losses to top-tier opponents Jared Cannonier and Dricus Du Plessis, Brunson's career has been a rollercoaster of thrilling victories and challenging defeats. Over his 21 appearances in the UFC, dating back to the Strikeforce merger in late 2012, Brunson has showcased his skills by defeating notable names in the sport. His victories include the likes of Lyoto Machida, Darren Till, Kevin Holland, and Uriah Hall, highlighting his versatility and tenacity as a fighter. As Derek Brunson transitions to the PFL, fans and pundits alike eagerly await the unfolding of this exciting chapter in his career. The $1 million light heavyweight tournament promises to be a platform where Brunson can continue to demonstrate his fighting prowess and vie for glory in one of MMA's most lucrative competitions.

Jake Shields, a former UFC title contender and a veteran of the sport, is in trouble with the law for allegedly attacking Mike Jackson, a former UFC fighter and a social media personality. The two have been feuding online for months over various issues, and their conflict turned violent when they crossed paths at the UFC Performance Institute in December. According to reports, Shields has been charged with misdemeanor battery for his role in the scuffle, which led to both of them being kicked out of the facility. Jackson decided to press charges against Shields, and the Las Vegas police have issued a warrant for Shields’ arrest. Shields has not publicly addressed the situation, and his criminal record is not significant. Shields and Jackson have been trading insults and threats on social media for a long time, mostly over their political and racial views. They also have different career paths, as Shields is still active in MMA, while Jackson has focused on his online presence and celebrity boxing. The bad blood between Shields and Jackson may not be over yet, as they could still face each other in a cage or a ring to settle their score. However, for now, Shields has to deal with the legal consequences of his actions, which could land him in jail.