Former world middleweight champion Joey Giardello was born Carmine Orlando Tilelli in the Bedford-Stuyvesant district of Brooklyn, New York City in 1930. He was raised in South Philadelphia. He took the name Joseph Giardello from a friend’s cousin when he enlisted, under age, in the Army in 1946. He learned to box in the military and turned professional as an 18-year-old in 1948. Giardello had been boxing professionally for 15 years when he won the middleweight crown at age 33 with a decision over Dick Tiger in 1963. He defended his title with a unanimous decision over Rubin ‘Hurricane’ Carter in 1964, then lost it back to Tiger on a decision in 1965. Giardello won 101 fights (33 by knockout), lost 25 times and fought 8 draws. He lost out on his first bid to win the middleweight championship when he fought Gene Fullmer to a draw in 1960. He won a 1963 decision over an ageing Sugar Ray Robinson and also beat leading middleweights Billy Graham. They just dont make them like that any more.

Isaac "Pitbull" Cruz stated that he believes Shakur Stevenson is a great boxer but he moved up in weight believing he deserves everything, but he must win those opportunities by beating the top lightweights to prove his worth. He hasnt taken on the top 5 in the division to believe he is the best.

Eduardo "Rocky" Hernandez is currently ranked #1 in the WBC rankings and really wants the Navarrete v.s Valdez winner. Hernandez is currently the international WBC champ, the issue here is that Navarrete v.s Valdez will be for the WBO world championship and Hernandez is ranked in the WBC and they have a different ranking all together. Although I believe Hernández is a difficult fight for anyone in the superfeatherweight division I believe he still needs to prove himself a little more to get that shot he wants. With all the sharks moving up to the lightweight división, he might get what he wants. It all depends on his promotor at Matchroom.

UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev is leaving no stone unturned in his quest for a formidable opponent. With UFC 294 set to take place in Abu Dhabi on October 21 at the Etihad Arena, Makhachev finds himself without a confirmed rival. However, he has taken matters into his own hands, proposing a thrilling champion versus-champion clash against welterweight titleholder Leon Edwards. Having recently secured a stunning first-round finish against Beneil Dariush at UFC 289 in June, Makhachev is riding a wave of momentum. With the lightweight division's uncertain landscape for the upcoming event, the Russian fighter turned to Twitter to put forth the idea of a historic showdown, aiming to add a second championship belt to his collection. UFC President Dana White had previously hinted at a potential rematch between Makhachev and Charles Oliveira, the man he defeated to claim the title at UFC 280 last October. However, Oliveira expressed his unavailability to face Makhachev in October, preferring a later date in November or December. Another tantalizing option on the table is featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski, who recently showcased his dominance against Yair Rodriguez at UFC 290, successfully defending his featherweight belt. Volkanovski previously pushed Makhachev to his limits in a memorable clash at UFC 284 in February, where Makhachev emerged victorious via decision. Meanwhile, Leon Edwards, the reigning welterweight champion, is expected to defend his title against Colby Covington later this year, further solidifying his position as a top-tier contender. The possibility of Makhachev and Edwards squaring off in the Octagon presents an electrifying spectacle for fans. The clash of champions would not only showcase the remarkable skills of these two exceptional fighters but also elevate the sport to new heights of excitement and anticipation. As the UFC eagerly prepares for UFC 294, the matchup between Makhachev and Edwards hangs in the balance, awaiting official confirmation. Until then, fans can only speculate and anticipate the outcome of this potential clash between two accomplished champions. Stay tuned as the quest for the ultimate showdown intensifies, and the world watches with bated breath to witness the collision of talent and determination in what promises to be an unforgettable event in Abu Dhabi.

Ex world champion Winky Wright was a complete fighter with exceptionally smooth defensive skills. His biggest achievement was when he completely outboxed Felix " Tito" Trinidad over 12 rounds on May 15th 2005 at Las Vegas Nevada USA and Felix Trinidad suffered his second boxing career loss. Felix Trinidad commented " I did my best, his psyche seemed more pummelled than his puffy face" Winky Wright was a great fighter his jab was very strong". Winky Wright commented " People all over said that Felix Trinidad was one of the best and that this was just a stepping stone to rematch with Bernard Hopkins or Oscar De La Hoya but I proved them wrong and with him what I did with Shane Mosley right before the fight I proved that I am one of the best also. Winky Wright displayed dazzling defensive skills and virtuoso performances to earned decision over Felix " Tito " Trinidad. The WBC Middleweight Championship fight between Winky Wright and Felix Trinidad was held at MGM Grand Las Vegas Nevada USA, on May 14th 2005. Very smart Winky Wright put on an all-time great performance in a virtual shutout of Felix Trinidad. With an impressive boxing record of Winky Wright it was clear that he gave to boxing all that it needed and left his footprints on the page of boxing history.

In a surprising turn of events, UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has announced his intentions to train with former rival Jon Jones. After a history of heated exchanges on social media, Adesanya and Jones recently encountered each other, seemingly burying the hatchet and paving the way for an unexpected friendship to blossom. While the two may never face off in an official capacity inside the Octagon, their newfound camaraderie opens the door for a different kind of showdown—one characterized by mutual respect and a shared pursuit of excellence. Adesanya, known for his striking prowess, and Jones, a dominant force in the heavyweight division, possess unparalleled skills that could be enhanced through this collaborative training endeavor. Adesanya confirmed their upcoming training sessions in a recent video on his YouTube channel, stating: "Already, it's in the works [Adesanya and Jones training together]. It'll happen." This tantalizing prospect has captivated fans worldwide, who eagerly anticipate witnessing footage of the two champions honing their craft side by side. The synergy resulting from this unlikely alliance could propel both fighters to new heights, striking fear into the hearts of their adversaries. Their shared competitiveness, already evident in their respective accomplishments, promises to reach unprecedented levels. Adesanya and Jones have demonstrated time and again that they possess the mental and physical fortitude required to excel in the unforgiving world of mixed martial arts. The prospect of witnessing Adesanya and Jones training together is undeniably enthralling. It presents a unique opportunity for these two exceptional athletes to push each other's boundaries and evolve further as fighters. Their collaboration holds the potential to revolutionize their respective divisions and reshape the landscape of MMA. Do you share the excitement surrounding the idea of Israel Adesanya and Jon Jones training together? If a light-heavyweight clash were to materialize, who do you believe would emerge victorious? Share your thoughts and join the discussion as we eagerly anticipate the outcome of this remarkable alliance.

Rampage Jackson, the former UFC light-heavyweight champion, has revealed that he is not interested in being inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame, unless it comes with a pension. The MMA legend, who has been out of action since losing to Fedor Emelianenko in 2019, said he never fought for fame or recognition, but for his own reasons. In an interview with Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour, Rampage Jackson discussed his current role as a representative for the United Fight League (UFL), a new promotion that aims to offer health care and shares to all fighters. He also opened up about his relationship with the UFC, the company that made him a star in the US after his stint in PRIDE. Rampage Jackson said he has no hard feelings towards the UFC, but he also has no desire to return to the promotion or to be honored by them. He said he would only accept a Hall of Fame induction if it came with a financial benefit, such as a pension. “I wouldn’t mind being in the Hall of Fame if it came with something like a pension,” Rampage Jackson said. “But it don’t. This is something that people really haven’t grasped about me and why I fight. I never fought to be in the Hall of Fame, I never fought to be famous.” He added, “Not disrespecting the UFC but I couldn’t care less about a Hall of Fame. In any organization, even if PRIDE had a Hall of Fame, I wouldn’t. I wouldn’t, I would accept it. But it’s not like something like ‘Hey put me in the Hall of Fame, put me in the Hall of Fame’, you understand what I’m saying?” Rampage Jackson, who holds notable wins over Chuck Liddell, Dan Henderson, Wanderlei Silva and Lyoto Machida, said he fought for his own reasons, such as providing for his family and enjoying the sport. He said he never cared about what other people thought of him or his legacy.

In the high-stakes world of professional fighting, time off can feel like an eternity. Just ask Giga Chikadze, the talented UFC featherweight contender who has been grappling with an 18-month layoff. Frustration is mounting for Chikadze, who is growing tired of waiting for his next assignment inside the octagon. Since his unanimous decision loss to Calvin Kattar at UFC on ESPN 32 in January 2022, Chikadze has been sidelined due to a series of injuries. The road to recovery has been a treacherous one, requiring the resilient fighter to undergo a staggering five surgeries. Despite his arduous journey back to full health, Chikadze has been ready and eager to compete for well over a year. However, his return to action has been plagued by misfortune. Chikadze revealed that potential matchups against Sodiq Yusuff, Chan Sung Jung, and Brian Ortega have all fallen through due to injuries sustained by his prospective opponents. These setbacks have left Chikadze in a state of limbo, uncertain of what the future holds for his career. Speaking about his frustrations, Chikadze expressed his disappointment: "It's been a year-and-a-half I've been trying to get a fight. It's a little bit frustrating because I've been training for a year and two months for a fight to prepare... I'm still good. I'm just waiting to come back." Chikadze's determination to return to the octagon is evident. Before his loss against Kattar, the Georgian fighter had showcased his skills with an impressive seven-fight winning streak in the UFC's 145-pound division. However, at the age of 35, Chikadze knows that time is of the essence if he wants to make a lasting impact on the sport he loves. As Chikadze's frustration mounts, fans and fellow fighters are left wondering when he will finally step back into the cage. Will his next opponent be the one who will test his mettle and potentially catapult him back into the title picture? Only time will tell.

Michael Page, one of the most exciting and entertaining fighters in MMA, is no longer under contract with Bellator. The welterweight star revealed on The MMA Hour that his deal with the promotion has expired and he is open to exploring other opportunities in the combat sports world. “I am currently unemployed,” Page said, laughing. “I think it’s time for me to just explore what else is out there. It doesn’t mean I’m not going to go back with Bellator. It just means I want to see what other people think of ‘MVP.’” Page (21-2) said Bellator still has the right to match any new contract offers, but he believes the promotion will respect his wishes if he wants to try something different. He said he has “a lot of options on the table” and he is interested in boxing or bare-knuckle boxing as well. Page also said he will be at The O2 Arena this Saturday for UFC London. “MVP” has been with Bellator since 2013 and holds the record for the most knockouts (11) in the promotion’s history. He has won 17 of his 19 fights in the Bellator cage, losing only to former champion Douglas Lima and in a disputed split decision to Logan Storley for the interim welterweight title in May 2022. He has defeated notable opponents such as Paul Daley, Lima, Derek Anderson, David Rickels, and Evangelista Santos, whose skull he fractured with a flying knee in one of 2016’s best knockouts. Michael Page is looking for a new challenge as a free agent. Will he return to Bellator or will he sign with another promotion? Will he stick to MMA or will he switch to boxing or bare-knuckle boxing? Will he continue to dazzle fans with his flashy and theatrical striking style or will he face tougher competition that will test his skills? These are some of the questions that fans are curious to find out as they follow “MVP” on his journey. Stay tuned for more news on this intriguing story.

Moving forward, Paddy Pimblett aspires to better manage his weight in between bouts. The 28-year-old Liverpudlian is still aiming to make a UFC comeback by the end of 2023 while he is healing from ankle surgery. But Pimblett is also aware of his reputation for gaining weight rapidly in between fight camps, and as the veteran lightweight approaches the crucial next phase of his career, he is aware that his problems with the scale remain a barrier that must be overcome if he is to put his best foot forward in his quest for the UFC title. “I’m hoping to have another three fights in the bag by [the end of 2024], another three wins and be ranked,” Pimblett recently told SLOTHBOXX. “But as I say, we’ll see what happens. People keep asking me, ‘Are you fighting?’ because I’m not that fat at the minute. It’s like, ‘You must have a fight coming up, you lad, you’re normally well fatter than this.’ It’s like, ‘Nah, lad. I’m just not that fat at the minute.’ But that’s what a lot of people keep saying to me, ‘Lad, you’re not that heavy. You must have a fight coming up.’ No, I haven’t. Now I’m just walking around at about [185 to 187 pounds] and I’m not really watching what I eat or nothing. I’m just hobbling around at that weight, which is nice. I’ve plateaued now finally around this weight, so hopefully I’ll never go above [198 pounds] again.” Since making his octagon debut in late 2021, Pimblett has amassed a perfect 4-0 UFC record and has become one of the promotion's biggest breakout stars. His first three stoppage wins against Luigi Vendramini, Rodrigo Vargas, and Jordan Leavitt earned him Performance of the Night accolades, but his most recent decision over Jared Gordon at UFC 282 was roundly criticised as one of the most contentious judging decisions of 2022. Pimblett stated that he is still aiming for a late 2023 UFC comeback, "injury permitting," but he added that he is no longer willing to get "into another fight not 100%."

Jake Paul is not satisfied with just boxing Nate Diaz. He wants to take on the MMA legend in his own sport as well. The controversial YouTuber-turned-boxer has revealed that he offered Nate Diaz $10 million dollars to fight him in the PFL cage after their August boxing match on DAZN. Jake Paul, who suffered his first loss as a boxer to Tommy Fury in February, is confident that he can beat Nate Diaz in both sports. He claims that he signed with the PFL, a MMA promotion that features a seasonal format and a $1 million prize for each weight class winner, in January. He has been training with UFC middleweight prospect Bo Nickal and other MMA fighters to prepare for his potential debut. Nate Diaz, on the other hand, is a former UFC title challenger and one of the most popular and respected fighters in MMA history. He is known for his durable chin, slick jiu-jitsu and trash-talking skills. He has not fought in MMA since September 2020, when he submitted Tony Ferguson in a comeback fight. He has expressed interest in boxing, especially against Jake Paul’s brother Logan Paul, but has not ruled out a return to the UFC or MMA in general. Will Jake Paul and Nate Diaz settle their beef in the ring and the cage? Will Nate Diaz accept Jake Paul’s $10 million offer to fight in the PFL? Will Jake Paul prove himself as a legitimate fighter or will Nate Diaz expose him as a fraud? These are some of the questions that fans are eager to find out as they await the August showdown between the two polarizing personalities. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting feud.

The middleweight matchup between Paulo Costa and Ikram Aliskerov at UFC 291 appears to have been  called off. Costa has dropped out of the competition, so Aliskerov will face a different opponent, claims @judobetter995. Roman Dolidze has stepped up, which will be a difficult assignment given that he will now be competing in Salt Lake City, Utah, at altitude and on 12-days' notice. Dolidze, who recently lost a unanimous decision to former championship challenger Marvin Vettori, will be seeking to rebound in the middleweight class. His four-fight winning streak which had included three straight KO/TKO victories and Performance of the Night bonuses. The original fight was a highly anticipated one because it would be the Dagestani's first opportunity to face a top middleweight after a successful promotional debut. Unknown as to why 'Borrachinha' was kicked out of the event, he seemed to be happy with the new contract he had signed with the UFC. In his most recent contest, Paulo Costa defeated former middleweight champion Luke Rockhold by majority decision at UFC 278 in August of last year.