Beneil Dariush, a top-ranked lightweight contender in the UFC, is set to face former UFC Lightweight Champion Charles Oliveira in a highly anticipated bout at UFC 289. With this pivotal matchup on the horizon, Dariush has been promised a shot at the UFC Lightweight Championship if he emerges victorious. Confident in his abilities and trusting in the UFC, Dariush believes that the promotion will honor their commitment to him should he defeat Oliveira. However, there is a lingering doubt that if the promised title shot doesn't materialize, he may take listen to some advice given to him by former interim UFC Lightweight Champion Justin Gaethje. “I’m going to take them at their word,” Dariush said of the UFC. “If it’s not so, I’m going to take Justin Gaethje’s advice and possibly riot.” Gaethje, who has experienced the highs and lows of the fight game, offered Dariush some guidance in case the UFC fails to deliver on their promise. While Dariush remains optimistic about his prospects, he may cause a scene or take a stand if he doesn't receive what has been assured to him. During an interview with MMAFighting, “UFC is not the type to often give their word,” Dariush said. “Before I fought Mateusz [Gamrot], I had a feeling they weren’t going to give me the title shot, so I said, ‘Hey if I beat this guy, I get a title shot right?’ They said, ‘We don’t know,’ basically. “This time when I was talking to them, they said if I beat Charles Oliveira, I am the No. 1 contender. It’s not often they give me their word. This time they did.” The upcoming UFC 289 event holds immense significance for Dariush, as it serves as a platform for him to prove his worthiness for a shot at the coveted lightweight title. The stakes are high, and Dariush understands the opportunity that lies before him. A win over Charles Oliveira, a formidable opponent, and a highly respected figure in the division, would undoubtedly solidify Dariush's claim to a title fight. With his impressive skill set and determination, Dariush has the potential to make a strong case for his championship aspirations. The stage is set, the fighters are ready, and the world watches with bated breath as Beneil Dariush steps into the Octagon on June 10. The outcome of this pivotal bout will not only shape the future of the lightweight division but also determine whether Dariush's trust in the UFC and his aspirations for a title shot will be realized.

Curtis Blaydes, a longstanding contender in the UFC's heavyweight division, is aiming to make a triumphant return by the end of the summer after suffering a TKO defeat at the hands of Sergei Pavlovich. Blaydes, who has faced setbacks in his pursuit of a title shot against the likes of Francis Ngannou and Derrick Lewis, fell short once again in his recent clash with the Russian sensation. The first-round finish delivered by Pavlovich left fans wondering about Blaydes' future in the sport. However, instead of succumbing to self-pity, Blaydes has taken a measured and determined approach in the face of adversity. In a recent interview, Blaydes acknowledged the need for mental and strategic adjustments following a devastating loss. He understands the importance of learning from his defeats and using them as fuel for growth and improvement. “Always after a TKO or KO, you wanna adjust the brain because I’m always thinking about the future. That’s always a part of it… I’m not one of those guys, after a loss, especially a TKO, I’m not looking to hop right back in there just to prove to the world.” “I know I’m good, I just had a bad day at the office. I think it’s in my interest to approach this with delicacy. I don’t want to rush it so yeah I’m not really in a hurry. There’s going to be matchups and yeah I’m looking to fight at the end of the summer.” Blaydes possesses undeniable talent, skill, and athleticism, making him a formidable force in the heavyweight division. However, to cement his legacy and claim his spot among the greats, he must overcome the final hurdle that has eluded him thus far. The question now lingers: what does the future hold for Curtis Blaydes? Who will be his next opponent upon his eagerly anticipated return to the Octagon? With his sights set on a return by the end of the summer, fans eagerly await Blaydes' comeback and the opportunity to witness his evolution in the ring. As the date draws nearer, anticipation builds, and the world of mixed martial arts braces itself for the re-emergence of a true contender. What lies ahead for Curtis Blaydes remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: his journey is far from over. The future holds the potential for redemption, triumph, and the realization of his ultimate aspirations. Stay tuned as the story of Curtis Blaydes continues to unfold within the unforgiving realm of the UFC's heavyweight division.

A former UFC champion is reportedly set to make his return after more than two years away from the Octagon. According to Damon Martin of MMA Fighting, former middleweight titleholder Chris Weidman will face Brad Tavares at UFC 292 on Aug. 19 at the TD Garden in Boston. It will be his first fight since he suffered a horrific compound fracture and a broken leg in a fight against Uriah Hall at UFC 261 in April 2021. Weidman's devastating injury came just seconds into his fight against Hall when he threw a leg kick. Hall checked it, and Weidman's leg snapped from the impact. He was immediately taken to the hospital for surgery, and a rod was placed in his leg to stabilize the broken bones, according to Martin. He had to undergo a second surgery to have a plate inserted in his leg, but Martin noted that he "continued to rehabilitate the injury with the intention of returning to fighting." The 38-year-old recently participated in a grappling match in March, and his return to competition understandably made him emotional. "These last two years have been the hardest years of my life," Weidman said after his match, per Martin. "I don't want to cry, I'm not going to cry, but I don't know if you know this, but I snapped my leg in half in April 2021, and I wasn't sure I was ever going to be able to compete again in anything, and so to able to come out here put a show for you guys, win or lose, is truly a dream." Weidman will be facing a fellow veteran in Tavares, who has a career record of 19-8 and has lost his last two outings. UFC 292 will be headlined by Weidman's longtime friend and teammate Aljamain Sterling, who will be looking to defend his bantamweight championship against Sean O'Malley.

David Benavidez's father and trainer Jose Benavidez Sr claims that their objective is not money but rather the chance to compete against Mexican boxing legend Saul "Canelo" Alvarez. “Give us the bare minimum, give Canelo what he wants, we just want the opportunity,” Benavidez Sr. told Mill City Boxing. “We have to prove ourselves first. Pay is not a problem, we will take the minimum." Benavidez is the WBC's mandatory challenger at 168-pounds, while Canelo holds the undisputed crown with all four of the major sanctioning titles around his waist. Canelo's manager and trainer, Eddy Reynoso, just received a sizable offer from Sampson Lewkowicz, who represents Benavidez. According to reports, the offer was worth about $50 million. But Benavidez and his group don't care about money. “When everyone says 'payday', we don't give a damn about 'payday'. We care about history," Benavidez Sr. said. "We need that fight to make history and show people that we are the best at 168. He needs us, we need him. The only thing he needs for his legacy is [to fight] David Benavidez, to shut everyone up. Everybody wants to see the fight. I think we are [facing Canelo] at the right time. David is too strong, too big, too young. Canelo has too many miles." And if Canelo thinks he's the best, Benavidez Sr. thinks he should prove it by accepting the toughest challenges available. "I think he is the best and when you are at that level you have to fight anyone," Benavidez Sr. said. "When you're a champion, you fight anyone, that's what makes a champion."

Back in the day when boxing was on the London Prize Ring Rules and the boxers would fight bare knuckle, they would condition parts of their bodies that boxers dont work on now a days. Back then boxers would condition their hands and knuckles and even their faces, putting them in a mixture of brine(cow urine), vinager, and sea salt. They would put that mixture everyday to thicken skin to resist cuts and hand injuries. They had their smelly way of doing things but it worked . It was a common practice back in the day. The great John L Sulivan would swear by it to tuffen him up before fights, he was the best heavyweight in his day.

Ilir Latifi is the most recent fighter to be dropped from the UFC roster. The company did not sign the seasoned heavyweight and light heavyweight when his most recent contract ended in May of this year. UFC representatives confirmed the news. Latifi has been dropped off the roster for the time being, however, he may be re-signed in the future. When his colleague Alexander Gustafsson was forced off the event in 2013, Latifi accepted a last-minute bout against Gegard Mousasi and became the first African fighter to compete in the UFC. He was defeated by future light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz in a unanimous decision loss, but he stayed with the UFC and managed two straight victories before that. After switching to heavyweight in 2020, he eventually defeated Tanner Boser and Aleksei Oleinik twice before losing a decision to Derrick Lewis. The following fight, Latifi's last in the UFC, saw him lose by split decision against Rodrigo Nascimento at the most recent UFC Vegas 73 event. Latifi can now join any organization as a free agent as he is no longer a member of the UFC roster.

a, former rivals, are reportedly planning to train together. Pereira defeated Strickland via first-round KO in a crucial middleweight contest in July 2022. 'Poatan' received a chance to defend his middleweight belt after winning. In November 2022, Pereira defeated Israel Adesanya by way of a fifth-round TKO to win the UFC middleweight championship. However, in a subsequent rematch against Adesanya in April 2023, he dropped the title by second-round knockout. Alex Pereira disclosed that Sean Strickland would train with him for a week during an appearance on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani. Glover Teixeira and Brazilian fighter Pereira frequently practise together in Danbury, Connecticut, in the United States. America's Strickland often practises in Las Vegas, Nevada, in the United States. During his interview, 'Poatan' revealed via his translator that Strickland will be coming to Danbury to train with him. Pereira's translator stated: "I'm actually giving you breaking news right now, Ariel... He [Pereira] holds no grudge against nobody. Sean Strickland is coming for one week, for training next week with him, for his next fight... Yep. Sean Strickland is coming to Danbury, Connecticut... He [Pereira] says that he's gonna learn English with Sean Strickland."

WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman ordered a title elimanator between Wilder and Ruiz since november of last year and yet nothing has happend. WBC has been pacient with both fighters to make an agreement but its almost has been a year and nothing yet. If an agreement cant be made and that fight doesnt happen this year. The spot will go to the fighter on the #3 spot, and guess who that is? None other than Anthony Joshua. God knows it might even be A.J to fight Fury for the title.

Micheal Conlan stated to be devastated from loss to Lopez. He regrets not sticking to the game plan and not listening to his corner's advice. He made a mistake wanting to go toe to toe and slugging it out with Lopez. He feels the fight was stopped at the right time because he felt he wasnt going to be able to continue after that final uppercut. He still doesnt know if he will retire after this fight, he is real upset but he will take some time off to think things through and make the right decisión.

Former UFC interim champion Tony Ferguson is gearing up for a legal battle as he pleads not guilty to a misdemeanor DUI charge following a harrowing truck crash in Hollywood. The 39-year-old fighter was arrested in the early hours of May 7 after his truck allegedly collided with two parked cars outside a nightclub. However, Ferguson is refusing to back down and entered a not-guilty plea during his recent arraignment on June 1. According to reports, Ferguson's truck struck the parked vehicle, causing it to flip onto its side. Thankfully, the occupants of the truck escaped the wreckage with only minor injuries, thanks to the swift response of first responders. The aftermath of the crash was captured on video, showing a tow truck operator skillfully flipping the overturned truck back onto its wheels, which had precariously perched atop the two cars involved in the collision. TMZ reported that one of the damaged cars belonged to a rapper named Cash Gotti, who was left devastated after finding his Mercedes likely totaled. The incident took a tumultuous turn as Ferguson was described as "very uncooperative" upon his arrest. However, despite his legal troubles, the UFC has booked Ferguson to face Bobby Green at UFC 291 on July 29 at the Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City. Ferguson, who rose to fame after winning Season 13 of "The Ultimate Fighter," is currently experiencing the lowest point in his career, having suffered five consecutive losses against formidable opponents such as Justin Gaethje, Charles Oliveira, Beneil Dariush, Michael Chandler, and most recently Nate Diaz at UFC 279 in September. While Ferguson navigates the legal process, he remains determined to return to the octagon and prove his resilience. The upcoming fight against Bobby Green provides an opportunity for him to turn the tide and re-establish his dominance in the lightweight division. As fans eagerly await the outcome of Ferguson's legal proceedings, the fighter's undeniable spirit and unwavering dedication to his craft serve as a testament to his determination to overcome adversity. Only time will tell if Ferguson can reclaim his former glory and revive his career amidst these challenges, but his not-guilty plea sets the stage for a fierce battle inside and outside the ring.

A classic fight between youth versus experience. This weekend we will see whats expected to be a good fight between two of the best middleweights in the world. Former WBO superwelterweight champion Jaime Munguia takes on the crafty veteran Sergey Derevyanchenko. Winner might just get a World Title shot. Stay tuned!

IBF champion Joe Cordina and WBC champion O'shaquie Foster are in negociations for a unification fight between the two. Both teams stated that if all goes well next week they will make it official.