Ex-UFC champion Luke Rockhold is on the cusp of embarking on a new chapter in his combat sports journey. Following his recent TKO loss to Mike Perry at BKFC 41, Rockhold hinted at an imminent career move, expressing his excitement about the possibilities that lie ahead. Since parting ways with the UFC in 2022, the former Strikeforce and UFC middleweight champion has savored the advantages of free agency. Commentating at Karate Combat 40 alongside UFC Hall of Famer Bas Rutten, Rockhold revealed that he is far from done with fighting, though his next destination remains uncertain. However, recent developments suggest that Rockhold's path is becoming clearer. Embracing his newfound freedom, Rockhold shared: "It's the best... I can fight wherever I want, and whatever appeals to me the most is where I'm gonna go. The opponent, the stage, the situation, and of course, the payday. But this is looking good" (Cageside Press). When asked about the possibility of signing with Karate Combat, the 38-year-old fighter acknowledged that discussions have taken place. While remaining pragmatic, Rockhold expressed his preference for action over mere words, stating: "Talk is talk, but I like to walk the walk. We're talking. We're not walking yet, but maybe we can get to run soon. We're setting kick records; you know what I mean? Coming off the couch. Easy" (Cageside Press). Rockhold's journey has been one of twists and turns. After a brief retirement following his Fight of the Night battle against Paulo Costa at UFC 278 in August 2022, Rockhold reemerged to face Perry in a bare-knuckle boxing match, which did not yield the desired outcome. Fortunately for Rockhold, his BKFC contract allows him the flexibility to explore various combat sports such as MMA, boxing, and grappling, excluding bare-knuckle boxing. With this newfound liberty, he now has the opportunity to seek out fresh challenges and pursue avenues that align with his aspirations. As Rockhold prepares for his next move, fans and pundits alike eagerly await the announcement that will shed light on the next chapter of his storied career. The anticipation surrounding his decision is palpable, as he explores potential opportunities and considers the factors that matter most to him. In the world of combat sports, Luke Rockhold's next career move is poised to make waves. Stay tuned for updates on this exceptional athlete's future endeavors.

Henry Cejudo, a former two-division UFC champion, thinks he still has plenty of time to accomplish his mixed martial arts ambitions. Cejudo, who won the freestyle wrestling gold medal at the 2008 Olympics, retired from competition in 2020 after successfully defending his bantamweight title against Dominick Cruz. However, "Triple C" is back in the mix three years later. The former 125-pound and 135-pound champion made his Octagon comeback last month at UFC 288, when he attempted in vain to unseat Aljamain Sterling in the main event of the pay-per-view. Cejudo has since recommitted himself to the goal of more ring success, even if it initially seemed as though a quick return to retirement was in the cards. On August 19, he will face Marlon Vera in UFC 292. "My body's good, Brett. With my mind, it's just like, fed up. I could retire tomorrow. I could never fight again and be okay," Cejudo said. "It's all about the mind. My body could go for the next 10 years, honestly. I've taken care of my body. I stretch every day. "Yeah, I get fat and I get big, but I've never had any injuries. My knees have always been good. Aside from ripping my shoulder in the Marlon Moraes fight... other than that, I got a good 10 years if I want to," Cejudo continued. "Do I want to do 10 years? I don't think so. But I'm here to have it all or I don't wanna be part of it."

Everyone has an opinion about the monumental battle between Jake Paul and Nate Diaz that is coming up, but Michael Bisping has one that is hot off the press. The former UFC middleweight champion provided a fiery take on how he expects the fight to unfold on his Believe You Me Podcast. In response to a film of Eddie Hearn from Matchroom Boxing, Bisping stated that he agrees with Hearn that Paul will defeat Diaz decisively. "Jake's the bigger, more explosive guy and that's why he's picked this fight, you know what I mean, and I hope I eat more words of course I do but it's a very, very smart match-up. It's a very smart pick." Although Bisping praised Nate Diaz for being a "badass" and "real fighter," he feels that Jake Paul has the advantage due to a number of variables. The former UFC champion noted that although he can see the bout lasting longer than Eddie Hearn anticipated, Diaz fighting so far outside of his weight class will be a tremendous benefit for the YouTuber-turned-boxer.

In a thrilling clash that promises fireworks, Shavkat Rakhmonov and Kelvin Gastelum are set to go head-to-head in the co-main event of an exhilarating UFC card on September 16. The T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas will bear witness to this explosive welterweight showdown, which forms part of a spectacular show celebrating Mexican Independence Day. The announcement of this highly anticipated matchup came directly from UFC president Dana White, adding to the excitement already surrounding the flyweight title rematch between champion Alexa Grasso and the dominant Valentina Shevchenko. Rakhmonov, boasting an unblemished record of 17 wins and zero losses, has been on a meteoric rise through the UFC rankings. With an awe-inspiring 100 percent finishing rate, he has left a trail of defeated opponents in his wake. Rakhmonov's most recent triumphs have been nothing short of exceptional, as he submitted both Geoff Neal and Neil Magny in successive performances. Now, he sets his sights on Gastelum, aiming to further solidify his presence in the welterweight division. For Gastelum, this matchup marks a pivotal moment in his career. Once hailed as a future contender in the middleweight division, he faced challenges making weight, leading to a move up to the 185-pound class. It was there that Gastelum truly made his mark, securing impressive victories over the likes of Michael Bisping, Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza, and engaging in a memorable Fight of the Night spectacle against Chris Curtis. Now, Gastelum returns to his former weight class, ready to dive headfirst into the welterweight pool and test his skills against the undefeated Rakhmonov. The anticipation surrounding this fight is palpable, as two dynamic fighters clash in a battle of skill, determination, and willpower. Both Rakhmonov and Gastelum specifically requested this showdown, and their wishes have been granted by the UFC, a testament to the promotion's dedication to delivering the fights fans crave. Mark your calendars for September 16, as Shavkat Rakhmonov and Kelvin Gastelum prepare to unleash their full arsenal of striking, grappling, and heart inside the hallowed confines of the Octagon. The stage is set for a captivating showdown that will undoubtedly captivate fight enthusiasts around the world.

In a recent interview on The Fighter vs. The Writer, UFC veteran Matt Brown expressed his dismay and frustration at the proposed UFC fight between tech moguls Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg. Brown, known for his fearless fighting style and candid opinions, called upon the MMA community to see through what he believes to be a publicity stunt. Amidst the growing hype surrounding the potential showdown, Brown voiced his skepticism, stating, "They're not going to f****** fight... Everybody talks that s***. We're talking about them right now. Twitter's talking about them. Everybody's forgetting about all the f****** garbage bulls*** that they've done in their lives." Brown's comments reflect a sentiment shared by many who question the authenticity of the proposed fight. Both Musk and Zuckerberg, influential figures in the tech industry, have faced their fair share of controversy and criticism throughout their careers. Brown's plea for the MMA community to exercise critical thinking urges fans to consider the motives behind the fight's promotion. "It's a P.R. f****** scandal. I'm asking the MMA community to be more intelligent than this. Can we see through this?" Brown emphasized. As speculation continues to swirl, it is worth pondering who would emerge victorious if the bout were to take place. While opinions vary, the clash between two individuals primarily known for their contributions to the business world entering the Octagon seems improbable to some. However, it is crucial to remember that the world of combat sports has witnessed unexpected events in the past. Nonetheless, the prospect of Musk, the SpaceX and Tesla CEO, and Zuckerberg, the Facebook founder, stepping into the MMA arena seems more like a work of fiction than a legitimate athletic contest. Matt Brown's outspoken stance serves as a reminder to not get swept away by the sensationalism of such an idea. Instead, he encourages the MMA community to focus on true fighters and genuine competition within the sport. While the Musk vs. Zuckerberg fight may capture the attention of social media and generate buzz, Brown urges fans to exercise their intelligence and discernment. As the MMA community considers the possibility, it's crucial to scrutinize the motivations behind this proposed matchup and maintain a genuine appreciation for the authenticity and dedication that the sport of mixed martial arts represents.

Israel Adesanya and Dricus Du Plessis have different versions of what happened when they trained together in Thailand. In recent interviews, the ‘Last Stylebender’ has revealed that he and Du Plessis have a history—with both men having previously trained at the same gym nearly 10 years ago. From what Adesanya recalled, ’Stillknocks’ got the better of him on the ground, while he bested Du Plessis on the feet. “I remember this. We actually sparred,” said Adesanya on IMPAULSIVE. “Hey, sparring is sparring. Also, you know what? I’m coming from China. I was doing kickboxing over there. I had no MMA, nothing. I was just kickboxing. I had MMA already, but it wasn’t sharp. It was blunt. My jiu-jitsu was blunt, very blunt. “So when we’re sparring—I don’t know if we did two rounds or one,” continued Adesanya. “It was so long ago as well. This is 2014. So long ago. I remember like on the grappling, he had me. But on the striking, I just messed him up.” According to Du Plessis, only half of that recollection is true. When discussing the reigning UFC champion during an interview with The Schmo, Dricus Du Plessis confirmed he outgrappled Israel Adesanya. Everything else, though, he claims is false. “We trained in Thailand together,” said Du Plessis. “I think I was 19 years old at the time. He had quite a record in MMA already back then. I was 3-0 when we trained together. He said I beat him in the grappling exchanges. He is 100 percent correct in that. I did manhandle him in the grappling and wrestling exchanges, but we did not do a single round of striking together. Not one. “That was his way of saving himself, saying, ‘Yeah, but I beat him in the striking.’ We never did striking together,” continued Du Plessis. “Not one round. When we sparred, we grappled and we wrestled. We never did one single round of striking together. Not as far as I know and that’s something you would remember.”

It was announced this past week that the former two-time Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Strawweight champion will make her Flyweight debut at UFC Paris on Sept. 2, 2023. Standing in “Thug’s” way will be the No. 2-ranked contender and France native, Manon Fiorot. Namajunas, 30, hasn’t fought since dropping her Strawweight title to Carla Esparza via split decision (watch highlights) in May 2022. Since then, the title changed hands once again and old faces have returned. Concerning the latter, highly-touted contender, Tatiana Suarez, successfully got back in action with a second round guillotine of Montana De La Rosa at Flyweight in Feb. 2023 (watch highlights). Now returning to Strawweight for a showdown with Jessica Andrade, Suarez was hoping to get her hands on Namajunas at some point but will now have to wait. “It’s really the craziest thing I’ve ever seen,” Suarez said on The MMA Hour. “I’ve been wanting to fight her. Because I’m like, ‘Yeah, I’m back to 115 – maybe I could fight Rose,’ and it’s like, she’s going back to 125. I’m like, crazy. “I think she totally dodged me,” she laughed. “No, I’m messing. Not at all. I think this was her plan all along. I wouldn’t even say that if I thought that. “Whenever I say I want to fight her, it’s not because I want to go beat her up, or something like that, I don’t like her,” she concluded. “I just think she’s such a good fighter. Like, I’ll watch her and I’m like, amazed because how great she is.”

In a remarkable turn of events, Bellator featherweight fighter Cris Lencioni has emerged from the grips of the intensive care unit, signaling a glimmer of hope in his arduous journey toward recovery. However, his path forward remains uncertain, as doctors grapple with the complexities of his condition. Lencioni's wife, Marca, recently disclosed that her husband suffered brain damage alongside cardiac arrest and a heart attack during a training session on June 8 in Spokane, Wash. Currently in a "state of disordered consciousness," Cris Lencioni, at the age of 28, exhibits signs of responsiveness despite the challenges he faces. A heartwarming video posted on social media accounts captures the dedicated efforts of medical professionals working diligently to stimulate his reactions. Notably, Lencioni manages to elicit a smile after receiving a tender kiss from his loving wife, Marca. Having been released from the ICU last Friday, Lencioni's doctors hold cautious optimism for his recovery, yet the true extent of his rehabilitation remains an enigma. Marca explained that the uncertainty stems from the intricate nature of the brain and the specific condition her husband finds himself. Lencioni's physical prowess and overall health before the incident have left medical professionals hesitant to predict the course of his recovery. A neurologist attending to his case concurred, emphasizing that the outcome ultimately hinges on Lencioni's willpower and determination. Marca Lencioni expressed unwavering faith in her husband's ability to surmount this immense challenge, recognizing him as a fighter not only within the ring but in all aspects of his life. She acknowledged the complexity of the situation and the arduous road ahead, underscoring the need for ongoing support. To assist with the overwhelming medical costs, the Lencioni family has launched a GoFundMe campaign, aiming to raise $250,000. At the time of writing, the initiative has garnered nearly $33,000, demonstrating the collective solidarity and generosity of the MMA community and beyond. Sadly, Lencioni's upcoming bout against James Gallagher at Bellator 298, scheduled for August 11, has been canceled due to his incapacitation. However, the focus now shifts from the ring to the fighter himself, as friends, fans, and fellow athletes rally behind him, lending their unwavering support during this tumultuous period. While the road ahead may be filled with uncertainties, one thing remains abundantly clear: Cris Lencioni's determination and fighting spirit will undoubtedly guide him as he embarks on the path to redemption, inspiring countless others along the way.

Heavyweight champion Tyson Fury showed off his abilities by emphatically sparring with his younger brother Tommy Fury, despite a startling weight differential. Tyson unleashed powerful blows during their enthralling sparring match, and his ferocious roars reverberated throughout the training facility. But Tommy Fury, who is no new to the boxing ring himself, showed that he was not to be outdone by scoring a number of excellent knockouts of his intimidating older brother. Fans were in awe of the fierce exchange after Tommy quickly published a video of their intense interaction on his Instagram account. This rigorous training session couldn't have come at a more important time as Tommy Fury seriously gets ready for his next fight against YouTube sensation turned professional boxer KSI. The fight with KSI is approaching, and Tommy Fury's trainer and father, John Fury, recently teased that this eagerly awaited match would soon be announced in an interview. "We're on the brink of finalizing the deal," John Fury disclosed. "The Sauerlands and I are nearing an agreement, and I believe an official announcement is imminent. In an interview with his promotional organisation Misfits Boxing on YouTube, KSI himself went on to confirm this, saying: "I am training for that fight.

UFC featherweight contender Ilia Topuria is still receiving accolades after putting on one of the best performances seen inside the Octagon this year. Topuria made the most of the opportunity presented to him at the promotion's fifth event, which was broadcast on the ABC television network, this past weekend in Jacksonville. In five rounds, the Georgian-Spaniard destroyed former interim championship challenger Josh Emmett. "El Matador" has moved up to the top five at 145 pounds thanks to the resounding unanimous decision. Teddy Atlas, a renowned boxing coach and analyst, discussed the most recent UFC main event between Emmett and Topuria on the most recent episode of his podcast. The 66-year-old Staten Island native has coached numerous ring champions, so he undoubtedly knows a thing or two about striking. He was extremely supportive of Topuria's efforts in Jacksonville in light of this. "Topuria, he reminds me with his striking a little of Volkanovski, where he's so solid technically, he's so buttoned-up with his approach, his overall approach, that it just reminded me of him a little bit," Atlas said. "Topuria was always in control. Never ahead of himself, never got reckless. Like I said, he's technically solid... good timing, uses his jab very well to set up punches and to control range... When Topuria throws, he makes everything count... This fight man right here appreciated it and was very impressed."

Canelo is arguably the most wanted man in boxing. I think we know why$$$$$, if you look at these top 168lbs fighters the only one to pose a danger is Benavides then maybe Morrell. Benavides ofcourse being the most dangerous of them all, but I still believe he will fall short if he fights Canelo. Morrell 's best bet is to try and box Canelo and try to mímic a Lara but lets be honest he doesnt have Lara's talent or quickness. So thats why I see a Canelo on his throne for a while still. We will see if im wrong this year with the PBC contract, Benavides is included in the 3 fight deal.

Eric Esch began his fighting career on the Toughman Contest scene in Arkansas in the early 1990s and went on to become a five-time World Toughman Heavyweight Champion with a record of 56–5 with 36 by KO. He received the nickname "Butterbean" when he was forced to go on a diet (consisting mostly of chicken and butterbeans in order to meet the Toughman 400 pound weight limit under the new age trainer Prozay Buell. He made his pro boxing debut on October 15, 1994, beating Tim Daniels by decision in Birmingham, Alabama. He soon developed a a hugh following and became known as "King of the 4 Rounders". Butterbean ran up a string of wins, mostly by knockout, before being stopped in two rounds by Mitchell Rose on December 15, 1995. He went on the road, around the United States, winning 51 consecutive fights, including against Peter McNeeley. While the majority of his opponents were technically limited he racked up wins and early in his career, he did move up the ranks to win the IBA Super Heavyweight Championship on April 12, 1997, with a second round TKO of Ed White in Las Vegas,Nevada. He made five successful title defences before relinquishing his championship in 2000. After his five-year winning streak was brought to an end with a defeat by heavyweight Billy Zumbrun in August 2001, he lost on points. He fought his first ten rounder against 52 year old former world heavyweight champion the great Larry Holmes in Norfolk, Virginia on July 27, 2002. While Holmes won by decision , Esch was credited with a controversial knockdown in the final round, which was later shown in filmed replays as not being a knockdown, no punch having landed, and it was a slip and Holmes only reeled against the ropes. This was one of only three fights in a 109-fight career that was scheduled for more than four rounds. He kept fighting in other disaplines like MMA and Kickboxing when he left boxing. He always attracked the masses because he came to fight and he had that one punch KO power.