Former middleweight champion Alex Pereira is set to embark on a momentous journey as he steps into the light heavyweight division for the first time in his MMA career. Tonight's UFC 291 promises to be a colossal night for Pereira, both figuratively and quite literally. Having held multiple Glory kickboxing titles, Pereira has now set his sights on the former light heavyweight champion, Jan Blachowicz, in the co-main event of the eagerly anticipated PPV in Salt Lake City, UT. Stepping onto the scales, Pereira's massive frame at 6'4" was a sight to behold, even for a light heavyweight. Gone was the haunting look that often accompanied his weigh-ins at 185 lbs, replaced with a more robust and healthy appearance. Despite Blachowicz being a formidable 6'2", Pereira's imposing figure made it hard to believe he once fought in a lower division. The transition to light heavyweight seems almost natural for him, given that it still lies within a weight range lighter than his kickboxing days. Pereira's journey to this point has been one of continuous transformation. From starting his career at 187 lbs, he made a significant leap to 200 lbs when he competed in the WAKO World Championships in 2013. Subsequently, he conquered Glory's light heavyweight division, securing the 209 lbs title by defeating Ertugrul Bayrak in 2019. No stranger to adapting his weight for competition, Pereira made the swift switch to MMA after losing his Glory title to Vakhitov in 2021. In just two months, he shed approximately 25 lbs, showcasing his versatility and dedication to his craft. With his towering height and seemingly effortless ability to bulk up, some fans speculate whether Pereira might one day grace the heavyweight division. Could he possibly become the UFC's first-ever three-division champion? It's an intriguing prospect that sparks curiosity and anticipation among MMA enthusiasts. As UFC 291 approaches, all eyes will be on Alex Pereira, the kickboxing sensation turned MMA contender. His transformation from middleweight to light heavyweight is nothing short of awe-inspiring. The octagon awaits to witness the outcome of this thrilling match-up, where Pereira's potential seems boundless.

In a dramatic turn of events, Paulo Costa's journey to UFC 294 has been riddled with ups and downs, as the fan-favorite Brazilian middleweight reveals the truth behind the canceled UFC 291 bout against Ikram Aliskerov. Costa disclosed that he had known for quite some time that the highly anticipated matchup with Aliskerov wasn't going to materialize. The UFC had used the announcement as part of a negotiation tactic during a stand-off over Costa's new contract. Speaking on The MMA Hour, Costa explained, "It was like 99 percent chance of not happening...they don’t have any other fighter available to fight you now. Something like that.” While Costa acknowledges Aliskerov's talent, he believed the young prospect needed to take more significant strides in his career before facing the big names. As fate would have it, both fighters were later removed from UFC 291 and rebooked in separate bouts for UFC 294. Costa now gears up to face the formidable Khamzat Chimaev, a fight that has been brewing amidst a heated feud. The road to this showdown, however, was not without its difficulties. Costa has been sidelined for 14 months, and the negotiations for the Chimaev fight were at times tumultuous. Initially skeptical about the proposed October date, Costa implored the UFC to find him an opponent, suggesting names like Strickland or Cannonier. Yet, those options were part of the promotion's other plans. The situation left Costa in limbo with no fights on the horizon, but a ray of hope emerged when the UFC proposed a bout against Jan Blachowicz. Unfortunately, that plan fell through due to Blachowicz's unavailability, and Costa found himself contemplating his future as a free agent. Amidst the tension, veteran MMA manager Tiki Ghosn stepped in to help bridge the gap between Costa and the UFC. Though both sides pushed hard, they managed to find common ground, culminating in a contract renewal and the confirmation of the Chimaev clash—a fight that UFC President Dana White himself championed. As the dust settles, Costa remains unfazed by the UFC's previous use of the Aliskerov fight as a negotiation tactic. He looks forward to making a triumphant return against Chimaev and putting the past behind him. The stage is set for an explosive showdown as Paulo Costa and Khamzat Chimaev prepare to collide at UFC 294. Fans can't wait to witness the resolution of Costa's long-standing contract dispute and the culmination of the fiery rivalry between the two middleweights. Stay tuned for an electrifying night of action on October 21 in Abu Dhabi.

Felice Herrig, the former UFC strawweight contender, has made a triumphant return to the combat sports arena by winning her pro boxing debut against Veronika Dmitriyeva last weekend. Herrig, who retired from MMA in June 2022, faced the Russian fighter at Riverside Ballroom in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on Saturday night. The 38-year-old American dominated the fight and forced Dmitriyeva to quit after the fourth round, earning a technical knockout victory. Herrig celebrated her win on social media and reflected on her long and diverse career in fighting. She said: “Fourth round TKO. This officially marks my 20th year fighting and my 55th fight. I have competed in pro kickboxing, Muay Thai, MMA and now boxing. My one true love has always been boxing. I’m so happy to do what I love. The number 55 represents an exciting change that is more aligned with your true path and that your angels are nearby sending you positive energy to help you on your way. And I felt that. I was truly happy out there.” Herrig, who goes by the nickname ‘Lil’ Bulldog’, started her MMA career in 2009 and joined the UFC in 2014 after appearing on The Ultimate Fighter 20. She was once ranked among the top 10 strawweights in the world and had notable wins over Alexa Grasso, Justine Kish and Cortney Casey. However, Herrig suffered a series of setbacks in her MMA career, including a torn ACL that sidelined her for nearly two years. She also lost four consecutive fights in the UFC, most recently to Karolina Kowalkiewicz at UFC Vegas 56 in November 2021. Herrig announced her retirement from MMA shortly after that fight, saying that she had lost her passion for the sport. Herrig has since focused on other ventures, such as creating an OnlyFans account where she sells her used sweat socks and other items to her fans. She also revealed that she had always wanted to pursue boxing, which was her first love in combat sports. Herrig has now fulfilled her dream of becoming a pro boxer and has shown that she still has a lot of fight left in her. She has not announced when she will return to the ring, but she has certainly made a statement with her impressive debut. Watch Live Pay Per View On Fight.tv only $2.00 a month MMA/Boxing/Kickboxing and MORE by clicking here.

Derrick Lewis is one of the most entertaining fighters in the UFC, not only for his knockout power but also for his hilarious interviews and social media posts. The heavyweight contender, who is set to face Marcos Rogério de Lima at UFC 291, has recently shared his list of the top 3 BMF’s (Baddest MotherF**kers) to ever compete in the UFC. Lewis (26-11 MMA) will be looking to snap a three-fight losing streak when he takes on ‘Pezao’ (21-9 MMA) in the preliminary card of UFC 291, which will take place on Saturday, July 29th at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Lewis has suffered defeats to Tai Tuivasa, Sergei Pavlovich and Sergey Spivak in his last three outings, while Lima has won his last two fights against Andrei Arlovski and Waldo Cortes-Acosta. The main event of UFC 291 will feature a highly anticipated rematch between Justin Gaethje and Dustin Poirier for the BMF title, which was first introduced by Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal in 2019. The BMF title is a symbolic belt that represents the toughest and most badass fighter in the UFC, regardless of weight class or rankings. During UFC 291 fight week, Lewis spoke to ESPN MMA’s Brett Okamoto and revealed his picks for the top 3 BMF’s in the UFC history. Lewis, who is known for his humorous and candid answers, had a hard time naming the fighters and admitted that he only knows them by their faces and skin color. He said (laughing): “You askin’ the wrong guy that question. I don’t really even know these fighters. Lemme see. I just know 'em, by faces and skin color…Of course I know Jon Jones, I believe (he’s) one of the top…Anderson Silva. The third guy, lemme see…Imma say myself.” Lewis chose Jon Jones and Anderson Silva as two of his top 3 BMF’s, which is not surprising considering their legendary careers and accomplishments in the UFC. Jones is widely regarded as one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time, having dominated the light heavyweight division for years and holding the record for most title defenses in that weight class. Silva is also considered as one of the best ever, having reigned as the middleweight champion for seven years and holding the record for most consecutive wins in the UFC. However, Lewis also included himself in his list, which shows his confidence and self-belief as a fighter. Lewis has earned 20 of his 26 wins by knockout or technical knockout, making him one of the most dangerous strikers in the heavyweight division. He also holds the record for most knockouts in UFC heavyweight history with 12. Lewis may not have a belt around his waist, but he certainly has a lot of fans who love his personality and fighting style. He may not be the most technical or skilled fighter in the UFC, but he is definitely one of the most entertaining and badass fighters in the sport. What do you think of Derrick Lewis’ list of top 3 BMF’s in the UFC? Do you agree or disagree with his choices? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below! Watch Live Pay Per View On Fight.tv only $2.00 a month MMA/Boxing/Kickboxing and MORE by clicking here.

Robert Whittaker envisions a situation in which Sean Strickland will be his next opponent. After Israel Adesanya stated that Dricus Du Plessis had a foot issue, Strickland (27-5 MMA, 14-5 UFC) was mentioned as a potential title contender for the middleweight champion at UFC 293 on September 9 in Sydney. Du Plessis (20-2 MMA, 6-0 UFC) became the No. 1 contender after TKOing Whittaker at UFC 290, but Whittaker (25-7 MMA, 15-5 UFC) believes he may face Strickland next since Adesanya hasn't scheduled his next championship defence yet. “Remember, we ruled out Sean Strickland because we thought he was fighting Izzy in September,” Whittaker said on his MMArcade Podcast. “But that doesn’t look to be happening anymore. I can’t see Sean Strickland jumping Dricus if they don’t fight September. I’m not going to rule him out of the discussion of my next fight. We’re going to have to wait and see.” Whittaker's defeat by Du Plessis was his first at 185 pounds besides defeats to Adesanya in title fights. He has already returned to the gym while he watches the middleweight championship to unfold in the near future. “It’s one of those things – the division is kind of backed up at the moment and there’s a lot of moving pieces that are just not moving in the way I want them to,” Whittaker said. “But regardless, I’m going to focus on just getting back into that winning track. I’m excited for the training. I’m back in training already. I’ve been back in the gym hustling and I am more eager than ever to get back in there. So I don’t know who it’s going to be, but we’ll wait and see.”

Tonight we just might see the fight of the year or even the best fight in the last 10 years. Im just judging based on both of their styles and I really dout they will disapoint anyone. Both will come to fight , Spence being the bigger and more technicle of the two , I see him being able to box Crawford into a decision win. On the other hand if Crawford wins its by KO early in the fight, before the 6th round, but my money is on Spence because he has the better resume but tonight we will find out who the very best 147lbs fighter on the planet really is. I got Spence by decision. If Crawford wins its by early KO , but I dout it, I see Spence winning and outsmarting Crawford to a decision win.

Tonight in Las Vegas, the undisputed welterweight match between Spence and Crawford will take place. Spence and Crawford both reached the championship weight limit when they weighed in on Friday, coming in at 147 pounds and 146.8 pounds, respectively. An explosive incident occurred at the weigh-ins, during which Plant, a former IBF super-middleweight champion, struck Charlo. In a video, Plant can be seen slapping Charlo, setting up a fight between the two sets of entourages. Security then escorted 'Sweethands' out of the premises, and just before the film stops, Charlo is heard conversing with a security guard. After weighing in, Spence took to social media to share his thoughts on Plant punching Charlo. "Caleb & Jermall promoting the #SpenceCrawford fight tomorrow in their own way," he tweeted. UFC superstar Conor McGregor also reacted to the video of Plant hitting Charlo as he questioned both sides. On Twitter, he wrote: "Get back here this second Sir, you're going nowhere till we settle this dispute here and now. Wtf is going on there? Clean cracked and let's him walk out? No. nope. Not a f**kin' hope." As for Charlo, he was linked with a showdown against Canelo Alvarez, who eventually opted to take on his twin brother, Jermell. The real action, meanwhile, gets underway tonight as WBA (super), WBC and IBF champion Spence meets WBO kingpin Crawford for all the marbles.

Pablo Dano was a little iron man of the ring, a quick fisted 5'1" terror, with seemingly inexhaustible stamina and durability. During a career that saw him fight the top men from flyweight to junior lightweight. Dano held the rare distinction of never had been stopped in over 200 fights!!! Born on July 12, 1908, in Bato, Leyte, Philipines, Dano started his fighting career in 1924, at the early age of 16. For the first three years of his professional career, Dano fought exclusively in his homeland of the Philipines, but in 1927 he ventured to America, where his busy and aggressive style made him an instant hit with the fans around the world. Dano was one of the first of a wave of filipino fighters from various weight divisions, who stormed the American rings during the late 20's and 30's. During his career, Dano fought many elite fighters, champions and hall of famers such as: Jhonny McCoy, Corporal Izzy Schwartz, Newsboy Brown, Little Pancho, Peppy Sanchez, Midget Wolgast, Juan Zurita, Speedy Dado, Chalky Wright, Henry Hook, Lou Scalica, Baby Arizmendi, Aurel Toma, Georgie Pace, Tommy Forte, Manuel Ortiz, and Tony Marino. However, he was never ever to secure a world title for himself. The highpoint of Dano's career came when he won a version of the world bantamweight title. On March 26, 1935, Dano stopped his fellow filipino Young Tommy in the 8th round to win the California State Bantamweight Title. Dano had his final fight on April 8, 1941 when Billy Banks out-pointed him over six rounds. Pablo Dano's final record is 114-57-39 with 37 knockouts. The little iron man lived till November 23, 1994, when he passed away aged 86 years old. A boxing great who never won a world title.

The YouTube sensations KSI and Logan Paul are set to return to the boxing ring in October, but not as opponents. The two internet stars, who have a combined following of over 50 million subscribers, will headline the first PRIME card, a new venture by their hydration company. KSI and Logan Paul first met in the ring in August 2018, in an amateur bout that drew millions of viewers and ended in a draw. They had a rematch in November 2019, this time as professionals, and KSI emerged victorious by a split decision. Since then, the two have become close friends and business partners, launching PRIME, a drink that claims to enhance performance and recovery. Earlier this year, PRIME signed a promotional deal with the UFC, making it the official hydration partner of the mixed martial arts organization. Now, PRIME is branching out into boxing, with KSI and Logan Paul as the main attractions. The event will take place at the AO Arena in Manchester, England, and will be broadcast on DAZN pay-per-view, by Misfits Boxing. The opponents for KSI and Logan Paul have not been announced yet, but there are some rumors circulating in the boxing world. KSI has been linked to a potential fight with Tommy Fury, the younger brother of heavyweight champion Tyson Fury and a reality TV star. Logan Paul has been inactive since his exhibition bout with Floyd Mayweather in June 2021, which ended in a no-contest. Some fans have speculated that he might face another celebrity or an MMA fighter. Regardless of who they face, KSI and Logan Paul are expected to generate a lot of interest and revenue for their PRIME card. The two YouTubers have proven their ability to attract attention and entertain audiences with their personalities and skills. Whether they can deliver another thrilling performance in the ring remains to be seen.

Controversially, the unified world champion Seniesa Estrada successfully defended her WBA and WBC minimum weight world titles by defeating Argentina's Leonela Yudica by unanimous decision in a decision that is causing much controversy on social networks.

The undefeated North American Andrés Cortés obtains his first professional title by defeating Xavier Martínez by knockout in 7 rounds in a fight held in Las Vegas. In this way, Cortes, a boxer from the Top Rank company, continues on his way up towards a world title opportunity.

In a disappointing turn of events, fans' excitement for a thrilling welterweight clash between Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson and Michel Pereira has been dashed. UFC 291 was slated to host this highly anticipated matchup on the main card, but UFC reporter Megan Olivi delivered the unfortunate news before the ceremonial weigh-ins in Salt Lake City. The culprit behind this disappointment was Pereira's failure to make weight during the official weigh-ins. The Brazilian fighter tipped the scales at 174 pounds, a troubling three pounds over the welterweight limit, leading to the bout's cancellation. This is not the first time Pereira has encountered weight issues in his UFC career. Back in September 2019, he missed the mark by a pound at UFC Vancouver, where he suffered a unanimous decision loss to Tristan Connelly. On the other side, Thompson, a two-time welterweight title challenger, was looking forward to making his 2023 debut. Having secured a victory against Kevin Holland via TKO in December 2022, Thompson was eager to continue his momentum in the octagon. Addressing the situation on social media, Wonderboy shared his thoughts, drawing comparisons to his experience with another weight-missed bout against Darren Till in 2018. Thompson's post highlighted the disparity in consequences, with Till gaining a controversial majority decision win and later receiving a title shot. As of now, it remains uncertain whether Thompson and Pereira will get a chance to reschedule their showdown or if they will move on to new opponents. Nevertheless, fans can still expect an action-packed main card, as a heavyweight bout between Derrick Lewis and Marcos Rogerio de Lima has been promoted to fill the void. While disappointment lingers over the cancellation of Thompson vs. Pereira, the show must go on. UFC 291 promises to deliver plenty of excitement and adrenaline, leaving fight fans eagerly anticipating every moment in the Octagon.