In the electrifying co-main event of UFC Vegas 79, Bryce Mitchell demonstrated what it truly means to be a tenacious warrior. Despite a severely busted eye and the relentless strikes from Dan Ige, Mitchell's indomitable spirit and grappling prowess prevailed, securing a victory that will be remembered in UFC history. From the outset, it was evident that Mitchell was facing a formidable opponent in Ige, who showcased lightning-fast hands and precision punches. Mitchell, however, had a relentless game plan in mind—dragging the fight to the ground. Although Ige repeatedly shrugged off his takedown attempts, Mitchell's persistence paid off towards the end of the first round. With just over a minute remaining in the opening stanza, Mitchell finally grounded Ige, landing in a dominant mount position. The crowd held their breath as Mitchell unleashed a flurry of strikes, but Ige weathered the storm and survived to see another round. The second round brought even more drama as Ige unleashed a thunderous shot that left Mitchell with a nasty cut over his right eye and significant swelling. Just when it seemed that the tide was turning in Ige's favor, Mitchell charged forward with an impeccable takedown into the mount, seizing control once again. As the final round approached, Mitchell showed no signs of letting up. He wasted no time taking Ige down, giving himself ample time to work his grappling magic. Ige, on the other hand, found himself trapped in a relentless defensive battle with no clear escape from Mitchell's clutches. Even when Ige managed to stand, Mitchell's grappling prowess quickly brought the fight back to the canvas. These grappling exchanges were the defining moments of the contest, showcasing Mitchell's dominance over Ige as the final bell rang. The judges' scorecards reflected Mitchell's excellence, with a unanimous decision of 30-27, 29-28, and 29-28 in his favor. It was a testament to Mitchell's resilience and skill, bouncing back from his first career loss against the formidable Ilia Topuria. As the final chapter of this thrilling co-main event unfolded, Mitchell's victory propelled him to a 7-1 record in the UFC, firmly establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with in the featherweight division. Ige, although valiant in his efforts, saw his two-fight win streak halted by Mitchell's grappling prowess.

Yesterday Zhilei Zhang disposed of a tuff, top contender named Joe Joyce for the second time, only this time Zhang took him out in the 3rd round by KO. Zhang at 40 years old retained the intrim heavyweight WBO world championship making him a WBO mandatory for world champion Oleksandr Usyk. Zhang is a very avoided heavyweight being an over 6'3" southpaw and an ex olímpic medal winner I can see why. For Usyk to beat Zhang he will have to use his great footwork and not trade shots with Zhang because getting into a brawl wont workout in his favor. He will have to use his speed and movement to beat a powerfull Zhang that appears to be on fire right now.

When it comes to the fierce battleground of middleweight MMA, one name is currently shining brighter than the rest: Johnny Eblen. At Bellator 299's main event in Dublin's 3Arena, Eblen put on a show that left the world in awe. After a "vicious third-round beatdown," Eblen cemented his status as a force to be reckoned with. The opening rounds of the bout saw Eblen seize control, showcasing his striking prowess with high-volume punches and kicks, while relentlessly pursuing takedowns. Fabian Edwards, no slouch himself, countered with ferocious clinch work and a devastating elbow that opened a gash over Eblen's eye. The fight seemed to hang in the balance as the cut threatened to disrupt Eblen's rhythm. But true champions rise above adversity, and Eblen was no exception. In the blink of an eye, Eblen unleashed a thunderous right hook that sent Edwards to the canvas. With the precision of a surgeon, Eblen finished the fight with an onslaught of ground-and-pound, leaving no doubt about his dominance. With this emphatic victory, Eblen extended his professional record to a perfect 14-0, raising eyebrows across the MMA world. The co-main event witnessed Aaron Pico's spectacular demolition of Pedro Carvalho. Pico's hype proved justified as he dropped Carvalho multiple times, securing a first-round victory and propelling himself closer to a title shot. In a closely contested women's featherweight bout, Sara Collins remained undefeated, edging out Sinead Kavanagh in a split decision that showcased the resilience of both fighters. The night also marked the end of an era as Daniel Weichel retired from his storied 57-fight career, laying his gloves down in the cage after a unanimous decision loss to Mads Burnell. Burnell's relentless pressure and combinations proved too much for the veteran, making it a memorable farewell for Weichel. And in a spectacular opener, Levan Chokheli delivered a Knockout of the Year contender with a devastating front kick that sent Sabah Homasi to dreamland in the first round. Chokheli's win streak continues, hinting at even greater challenges on the horizon. Bellator 299 was a night filled with exhilarating moments and unforgettable performances, but Johnny Eblen's dominant display will surely be etched in MMA history as one of the defining moments of his career.

Mateusz Gamrot secured a victory at UFC Vegas 79, albeit not in the manner he had hoped for, as Rafael Fiziev endured a horrific leg injury during the second round. What initially appeared as a fiercely contested battle between two top-tier lightweight fighters took a dramatic turn when Fiziev unleashed a powerful right-leg kick that Gamrot successfully blocked. Before Fiziev could even place his foot back on the canvas, he visibly winced in agony and collapsed. Gamrot swiftly followed him down to land some punches, prompting referee Herb Dean to intervene and halt the fight. Upon reviewing the footage, it was evident that Fiziev's left leg had twisted or suffered an injury as he planted it to execute the kick, ultimately leading to the unfortunate end of his night. The official stoppage occurred at 2:03 in the second round. After the match, Gamrot commented, "Naturally, this wasn't the outcome I had envisioned. To be honest, during my preparation for this fight, my goal was to have a stronger defense against his kicks. I diligently trained my defense in the gym. I wish Rafael a speedy recovery. A win is a win. I emerged victorious tonight, and I'm eagerly anticipating my next challenge." Before the injury, Gamrot and Fiziev had delivered an exciting performance. They both had their moments in the opening round, trading blows on their feet and engaging in grappling exchanges. The pace was intense from the start, with Fiziev launching rapid and powerful strikes and kicks from a distance, although Gamrot managed to land a few solid punches. However, it wasn't until the second round that Gamrot finally secured a takedown, although Fiziev swiftly escaped and returned to his feet. It was during this sequence that Fiziev attempted the kick that ultimately led to his injury. As soon as Fiziev's leg gave way, he collapsed to the canvas in evident pain. Medical personnel examined his leg before he was assisted out of the octagon by his coaches, limping backstage for further medical attention. The highly anticipated lightweight showdown concluded on a somber note, but Gamrot moves forward with the victory and has his sights set on the upper echelons of the division. Can Gamrot move forward and eventually have a shot at the title? Comment and let us know. Follow fight.tv for all the latest news and updates

In the fast-paced world of mixed martial arts, where fighters constantly seek to make their mark on the sport, an exciting clash is on the horizon. Top-tier middleweights Jared Cannonier and Roman Dolidze are set to square off this winter, promising fans a battle that could shake up the division. The matchup between Cannonier and Dolidze has been confirmed for December 2 at a yet-to-be-announced Fight Night event, which is likely to take place at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas. This bout, often referred to as a "contender's fight," holds immense significance for both fighters as they vie for a shot at the middleweight title. Jared Cannonier, who recently served as a backup for the middleweight title fight between Israel Adesanya and Sean Strickland at UFC 293, nearly found himself stepping into the spotlight after Strickland's altercation with a fan. Cannonier's last bout in June showcased his prowess as he outpointed Marvin Vettori, a one-time middleweight title challenger. This victory marked his second win since his unsuccessful title bid against Adesanya. Roman Dolidze, on the other hand, shares a common opponent with Cannonier in Marvin Vettori. In his most recent outing in March, Dolidze faced Vettori and fell short in a decision loss, ending his impressive four-fight winning streak. Before this setback, Dolidze had been in the conversation for a title shot, making this upcoming clash against Cannonier a critical opportunity to reclaim his position as a contender. As the middleweight division continues to evolve, the winner of this high-stakes encounter could find themselves in contention for the title, currently held by Sean Strickland. With Strickland weighing multiple options for his first title defense, including a potential rematch with Adesanya, the path to championship glory is wide open. Jared Cannonier vs. Roman Dolidze is not just a fight; it's a chance for both warriors to stake their claim in one of the most competitive divisions in the UFC. As the winter approaches, the octagon is set to blaze with the intensity of their battle, and fight fans can eagerly anticipate the sparks that will undoubtedly fly when these two middleweight titans collide.

Rob Font, the No. 7 ranked contender in the bantamweight division, had expressed his desire to introduce the formidable Deiveson Figueiredo to the 135-pound world, and his wish has come true. In a clash that promises fireworks, Font and Figueiredo are set to square off on December 2, at a UFC Fight Night event that is yet to announce its location or venue. Font, aged 36, may have experienced some recent setbacks, with three losses in his last four outings, but he remains a force to be reckoned with in the division. His most recent bout, a 140-pound catchweight showdown against Cory Sandhagen, ended in a unanimous decision loss, but Font stepped up to the plate on short notice, showcasing his warrior spirit. He redeemed himself earlier with a first-round TKO victory over Adrian Yanez, expressing his desire to take on Figueiredo in a battle that promises excitement. Figueiredo, aged 35, is no stranger to the spotlight, having faced Brandon Moreno in a flyweight title-fight tetralogy that captivated fans worldwide. Although he emerged from those four bouts with a record of 1-2-1, his resilience and determination were undeniable. However, a third-round doctor's stoppage TKO loss in January at UFC 283 signaled a change on the horizon. Figueiredo, who had openly discussed a move to the bantamweight division following his loss to Moreno, is now poised to make that transition a reality. As the location and venue of UFC Fight Night on December 2 remain undisclosed, one thing is certain: this matchup is destined to be one of the highlights of the event. Fans can expect an exhilarating showdown that could have a significant impact on the bantamweight rankings.

Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou has revealed the series of events that led him to join the Professional Fighters League (PFL). After staying out of the octagon for an extended period, with his last victory over Ciryl Gane in January, Ngannou's contract with the UFC reached its conclusion, making him a sought-after free agent. In the wake of this, discussions promptly commenced with various organizations, including PFL, Bellator, ONE Championship, and even engagements with professional boxers. Ngannou, in particular, secured the boxing opportunity he desired, as he is set to face Tyson Fury in an eagerly awaited bout scheduled for October. Nonetheless, his agreement with the PFL remained somewhat under the radar following his signing in May. In a recent appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience, the former UFC champion provided a detailed account of his journey through the free agency process. Francis Ngannou initially refrained from actively pursuing discussions with promoters after his negotiations with the UFC reached a conclusion. However, the PFL soon initiated contact with an offer that not only met his expectations but exceeded them in numerous aspects. During an interview with Joe Rogan, Ngannou described the PFL's approach, stating, "A few days after my initial meeting with the PFL, they presented a proposal. When they outlined the structure of the offer, I found it to be quite favorable. They took into account various factors, ensuring that it was a comprehensive proposal. While there are always aspects open to negotiation in any contract, I was already content with the way they had structured it. However, I chose not to rush into signing it at that moment and decided to take some time." Continuing, Ngannou recounted, "Subsequently, I engaged in discussions with Chatri Sityodtong of ONE Championship. It was a positive meeting as well, but when they forwarded their contract a few days later and I compared it to the PFL's offer, the disparity was stark. It was like night and day. Without a doubt, the PFL's offer stood out as the superior option." Should Francis Ngannou have remained with the UFC or did he make the right call? Comment and let us know.

In the ever-evolving landscape of mixed martial arts, the UFC continues to deliver jaw-dropping matchups, and the latest announcement for UFC 296 is no exception. Former interim lightweight champion Tony Ferguson is set to square off against the rising star Paddy Pimblett, and the MMA world is buzzing with excitement. Paddy Pimblett, the 28-year-old sensation from the UK, was initially uncertain about his return to the octagon this year after an ankle injury suffered during a controversial win over Jared Gordon at UFC 282. However, fate has granted him a golden opportunity to test his mettle against one of the biggest names he's ever faced. While the timing of the matchup may not be ideal, Pimblett's determination to make his mark on the sport is undeniable. On the other side of the cage stands Tony Ferguson, a fighter who needs no introduction. Despite a recent string of setbacks, including six consecutive losses, Ferguson remains a tenacious and resilient force in the lightweight division. His last outing, a submission loss to Bobby Green at UFC 291, raised questions about his future in the sport. Ferguson, however, attributed his defeat to an eye poke, signaling his unwavering determination to overcome adversity. The anticipation surrounding this fight extends beyond the octagon. Fans and fellow fighters alike had urged Ferguson to consider retirement following his recent struggles. Yet, the former interim champ remains steadfast in his pursuit of redemption, refusing to be defined by his losses. As UFC 296's fight card takes shape, this matchup between Ferguson and Pimblett adds an extra layer of intrigue to the event. With White's earlier announcement of a welterweight title fight between Leon Edwards and Colby Covington as the headliner, the December pay-per-view promises to be a night filled with electrifying bouts.

ONE Championship, the world’s largest martial arts organization, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with DirecTV, the leading provider of satellite television in the U.S. The partnership will enable ONE Championship to broadcast its events to millions of viewers across the nation via DirecTV For Business. DirecTV For Business is a service that delivers premium sports and entertainment content to bars and restaurants nationwide. Through this service, ONE Championship will be able to reach a wider audience and showcase its exciting and action-packed cards to more fans. “Mixed martial arts continues to grow in popularity across the country, so we’re excited to deliver ONE Championship events to bars and restaurants nationwide,” said Mike Wittrock, DirecTV’s Chief Sales and Service Officer. “Our ability to deliver ONE Championship to customers across the country on their existing equipment further validates our leadership in sports and entertainment by offering customers premium content.” ONE Championship has been expanding its presence in the North American market, with monthly shows available on Amazon’s Prime Video. Now, with the partnership with DirecTV, ONE Championship will also have its events featured on television screens of countless bars and restaurants across the U.S. “ONE Championship has one of the most passionate fan bases in the world, and we always strive to make our programming as convenient and accessible as possible,” Tai Morshed, ONE Senior Vice President for U.S. Strategy and Operations, said. “This partnership with DirecTV allows us to work with another best-in-class partner while expanding ONE’s presence in the U.S. by making our events available in the commercial marketplace.” The first event to be broadcasted on DirecTV For Business will be ONE Fight Night 14: Stamp vs. Ham, which will take place on Friday, September 29. The event will feature a stacked lineup of bouts, headlined by a clash between Stamp Fairtex and Ham Seo Hee for the ONE Interim Atomweight MMA World Title. In the co-main event, Allycia Hellen Rodrigues will challenge Smilla Sundell for her ONE Women’s Strawweight Muay Thai World Title. ONE Championship fans can look forward to watching these thrilling matches and more on DirecTV For Business, as well as on Amazon’s Prime Video. With this partnership, ONE Championship aims to revolutionize the world of combat sports broadcasting and bring its unique brand of martial arts entertainment to more viewers in the U.S. Who's your favorite fighter in ONE? Comment and let us know.

In the world of combat sports, every fighter's journey is a unique tale of grit and determination. Jake Hager, the former WWE champ known as Jack Swagger, recently penned the final chapter of his MMA adventure, and it's a story worth reflecting upon. With a candidness that's as refreshing as it is rare, Hager announced his retirement from MMA, leaving us with a memorable quote: "Bellator was jerking me off." Hager's foray into MMA, particularly in Bellator, was nothing short of captivating. His debut in January 2019 sent shockwaves through the sport, as yet another professional wrestler sought to make his mark in the cage. Two consecutive victories followed, demonstrating that he possessed the tenacity and skill to compete at a high level in this unforgiving arena. However, Hager's journey was not without its share of challenges. His third bout ended in a no-contest due to repeated accidental groin kicks, a testament to the unpredictability of MMA. Yet, it was his fourth and final Bellator fight against Brandon Calton that truly showcased his warrior spirit. Hager weathered a storm, nearly getting knocked out in the second round, but he clawed his way back to secure a hard-fought victory on points. This gutsy performance earned him the respect of not only his pro-wrestling colleagues but also fans of the sport. In a world where retirements are often shrouded in ambiguity, Hager's honesty stands out. He revealed that he retired due to frustrations with Bellator, a sentiment that many athletes may keep behind closed doors. His departure from MMA, while bittersweet, is accompanied by the assurance that he's focusing on his first love—wrestling. As the MMA landscape continues to evolve, with rumors of Bellator's potential acquisition by the PFL, Hager's retirement serves as a reminder of the sport's constant flux. The future may hold intriguing possibilities, not just for Hager but for the MMA world at large. Jake Hager's journey through the MMA ranks may have been shorter than some, but it was undeniably impactful. With his candidness and memorable parting words, he leaves a lasting impression, reminding us that in the world of combat sports, honesty and determination are qualities worth celebrating.

In the electrifying world of mixed martial arts, it's not often that two fighters from different combat styles come together for a showdown that has fans buzzing with anticipation. But that's precisely what's happening as Stephen Thompson and Shavkat Rakhmonov have agreed to throw down at UFC 296. Thompson, a seasoned welterweight contender, announced his acceptance of the UFC's offer to face the undefeated Rakhmonov at the upcoming pay-per-view event. The news sent shockwaves through the MMA community, and fans can already feel the excitement building. What makes this matchup even more intriguing is the history behind it. Rakhmonov had been proposed as a potential opponent for Thompson in the past, but the stars hadn't aligned until now. Thompson had previously expressed reservations about the fight, believing Rakhmonov would only resort to grappling. However, time has a way of changing perspectives, and after Rakhmonov's impressive submission victory over Geoff Neal at UFC 285, it seems both fighters are now ready to put their skills to the test. Thompson's last appearance in the octagon, a fourth-round TKO over Kevin Holland, showcased his resilience and striking prowess. It was a much-needed win that put him back on the winning track after two consecutive losses to formidable opponents like Belal Muhammad and Gilbert Burns. On the other side of the octagon stands Shavkat Rakhmonov, an unbeaten sensation with a UFC record of 5-0. His meteoric rise through the ranks has earned him the sixth spot in the UFC Rankings, while Thompson holds steady at No. 7. This matchup is not only a battle between two elite fighters but also a clash of styles and philosophies, promising fans an unforgettable fight night. As fight fans around the world eagerly await UFC 296, the showdown between Thompson and Rakhmonov is poised to be a memorable moment in MMA history. In December, the MMA world will be treated to a spectacle that exemplifies the essence of competition and the pursuit of greatness in the cage.

The UFC returns to Las Vegas on September 23, 2023, with a stacked card headlined by a lightweight clash between Rafael Fiziev and Mateusz Gamrot. Both fighters are on impressive winning streaks and looking to break into the top five of the division. Fiziev (12-2) is a former Muay Thai champion who had won four straight fights in the UFC, including a unanimous decision over former lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos, but lost his last fight to the great Justin Gaethje. The Kazakhstan native is known for his explosive striking, especially his powerful kicks and punches. He has six knockouts in his career and has never been finished. Gamrot (22-2-1) is a former KSW champion and is coming with decision win over Jalin Turner. The Polish fighter is a well-rounded mixed martial artist who can grapple, wrestle, and strike with equal proficiency. He has nine submissions and five knockouts in his career and has only lost once by split decision. This fight promises to be a thrilling contest between two rising stars who have different styles but similar goals. Fiziev will look to use his striking advantage and keep the fight on the feet, while Gamrot will try to close the distance and take the fight to the ground. Both fighters are durable and confident, so expect fireworks from start to finish. The co-main event features a featherweight bout between Bryce Mitchell and Dan Ige, two fighters who are also looking to climb the rankings. Mitchell (15-1) is a submission specialist who has won five straight fights in the UFC, including four by rear-naked choke. Ige (17-6) is a former contender series winner who has won two of his three fights in the UFC, including a knockout over Gavin Tucker in his last fight. The main card also includes a women’s strawweight bout between Marina Rodriguez and Michelle Waterson-Gomez, a welterweight bout between Bryan Battle and AJ Fletcher, and a featherweight bout between Ricardo Ramos and Charles Jourdain.