Bellator MMA is set to make its much-anticipated return to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and fight fans in the region are in for a treat. The event, scheduled for August 11, promises to be a thrilling night of mixed martial arts action, headlined by a captivating welterweight contender fight. In a clash that has fans buzzing with excitement, former Bellator title challenger Logan Storley will step into the cage to face off against Brennan Ward in a five-round battle at the iconic Sanford Pentagon. While an official announcement from Bellator is yet to be made, multiple insiders with knowledge of the booking have confirmed the mouth-watering matchup, requesting anonymity. For Storley (14-2), a South Dakota native, this fight carries special significance as he returns to his home state once again. However, this time, he will find himself in the spotlight as the headliner, a well-deserved opportunity for the accomplished welterweight. Storley aims to bounce back from a recent title bid disappointment, where he fell short against the talented Yaroslav Amosov at Bellator 291 in February. Despite that setback, Storley boasts an impressive record, having tasted defeat only twice, both at the hands of Amosov. His list of victories includes notable names such as Michael "Venom" Page, Neiman Gracie, and UFC veteran Joaquin Buckley. With his South Dakota roots adding to the allure, Storley will undoubtedly have the backing of the hometown crowd. But standing across the cage will be a man who has defied the odds and emerged as one of the most inspirational figures in the sport. Brennan Ward (17-6) returns after a nearly five-year hiatus caused by severe drug addiction. Ward's journey back to the fight game has been nothing short of remarkable. Since his return, Ward has been undefeated, stringing together impressive victories. Most recently, he showcased his skills at Bellator 290 in February, finishing Sabah Homasi with strikes in the second round. Ward's inspiring comeback story has captured the imagination of fans, and he will undoubtedly enter the cage on August 11 with a fire in his eyes, looking to continue his remarkable run. While the headlining bout has stolen the spotlight, fight enthusiasts eagerly await the announcement of the supporting fights for the August 11 event. Bellator has a reputation for delivering action-packed cards, and there is no doubt that they will continue this tradition when they return to Sioux Falls. Mark your calendars and get ready for an unforgettable night of MMA action. Stay tuned for further announcements as Bellator unveils the remaining bouts that will accompany the highly anticipated clash between Logan Storley and Brennan Ward.

Paige VanZant hasn't fought since she entered the BKFC ring almost two years ago, but despite having a successful online business, she is still motivated to fight. The BKFC president, David Feldman, revealed the organization is still trying to bring VanZant back for at least one more bout, and preliminary talks have started to make that happen. However, there is no official news on when she will compete again. VanZant was last slated to compete in an August battle against Charisa Sigala, however, the match was canceled days before the scheduled BKFC event in London. VanZant has recently been preoccupied with building a new home in Florida and making a perfect life from both her personal website and OnlyFans page. Feldman acknowledges that even he questioned whether VanZant would ever engage in combat again given how much money she is receiving through those channels, but he appears to have received an answer. “Paige, she always comes to fight,” Feldman said. “Some people want to say, ‘She lost twice.’ She lost two close fights. She came to fight both times. She challenged herself both times. She doesn’t have to fight a day in her life ever again and she’s going to live a superstar life. She wants to challenge herself again. “I take my hat off to her. Whatever she’s doing outside the ring, that’s on her own and let her do whatever she’s doing to make that kind of money she’s making, but as far as being a fighter, she keeps wanting to challenge herself and how can you not respect that.”

Following his most recent defeat to Gervonta Davis, Ryan Garcia has teamed up with 2022 trainer of the year Derrick James. The American had been training with Joe Goossen, but after being knocked out by a devastating body shot from "Tank" in the seventh round, he has changed his camps. James' gym is currently full because he also coaches Errol Spence Jr., the undisputed super welterweight world champion, Jermell Charlo, and Anthony Joshua, a former two-time heavyweight world champion. Garcia shared many images of himself training with his new coach on Instagram to make the announcement. He posted the pictures alongside the caption: "New beginning’s. Thank you to @derrickdjames1 @errolspencejr for allowing me to join the team. "Time for the RETURN!!!!!" Garcia indicated that he would be moving up to the 140-pound category after his battle with "Tank" At super lightweight, a number of top-tier competitors are taking the ring, including Regis Prograis, Josh Taylor, and Teofimo Lopez. But most lately, Garcia has come under fire from Rolando Romero, the newly crowned WBA world champion and a former Davis knockout victim. “All I can say is, there’s only been one fight that has been on my mind lately, and that’s me vs. Ryan [Garcia],” Romero said after his latest win. “We got to make that s*** happen."

Joe Rogan is succeeding well so far if his goal was to covertly advertise a future Jon Jones vs. Tyson Fury bout. Joe Rogan discussed a potential fight between these two comedians with Andrew Schulz during a recent episode of "The Joe Rogan Experience." Joe was undoubtedly referring to MMA fights rather than boxing. And he said that if we would lock Fury and Jones into a room then it is quite understandable that Jones would be the man to walk out the room. Regardless, Tyson Fury went on an expletive rant, insulting Rogan for thinking this and also called Rogan a 'midget', and it was decided that the bear had been pricked. That was the initial response, but Jon Jones made the decision to intervene. He did so via Twitter and his response was more of an invitation. He invited Fury to step in to his world and fight Jones in MMA. Dana White is unlikely to consent to this scenario, at least not while Jon Jones is still bound by his contract. Though provocative, picturing a fight between these two is still rather improbable. To begin with, Tyson Fury would not take the chance of fighting the world's baddest guy in an octagon. After winning the Heavyweight Championship match against Ciryl Gane, Jon Jones cemented his status as the unquestioned GOAT in the UFC community. Fury can retort and criticise all he wants, but by cancelling his fight with Oleksandr Usyk recently, he continues to put money before legacy. One has to question whether Fury would be tempted to face Jones in the octagon if Dana White offered him $50 million for a battle.

Anthony Joshua, the renowned British heavyweight boxer, has expressed his reservations about a potential clash with MMA sensation Francis Ngannou, according to boxing promoter Eddie Hearn. Ngannou recently made headlines by parting ways with the UFC, venturing into free agency, and subsequently signing with the PFL. While this move has left many combat sports enthusiasts eager to see the former UFC heavyweight champion back in action, it seems Joshua is not as enthusiastic about the prospect. Hearn, chairman of Matchroom Sport, shed light on the situation, stating that Joshua is currently focused on his professional boxing career and does not wish to deviate from that path with what he perceives as a "gimmicky" fight against Ngannou. In a recent interview with Oscar Willis of TheMacLife, Hearn shared Joshua's sentiments: "I spoke to AJ [Joshua] about the fight [with Ngannou]. He likes it and he gets it. But he is very focused on his boxing career at the moment and he doesn't want to derail that to do something gimmicky. Even though it's dangerous. But [Joshua] wants to prepare for Deontay Wilder." While boxing and MMA crossovers have captured the imagination of fight fans in recent years, Joshua's reluctance to engage in such an endeavor showcases his commitment to his craft and his desire to pursue meaningful challenges within his chosen discipline. His focus remains firmly fixed on preparing for a potential showdown with Deontay Wilder, another formidable heavyweight boxer known for his devastating punching power. Meanwhile, Ngannou's decision to join the PFL comes with significant financial benefits. The Cameroonian-born fighter's opponents will be guaranteed a substantial purse of $2 million. Furthermore, Ngannou's involvement as the chairman of PFL Africa illustrates his ambition to foster the growth of mixed martial arts on the African continent, a region teeming with untapped potential. As the combat sports landscape continues to evolve, fighters like Ngannou are taking bold steps to shape their careers and explore new avenues for success. Ngannou's move to the PFL signifies a shift in power dynamics, granting athletes greater control over their professional destinies. However, it seems that for now, a potential clash between Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou will remain a tantalizing what-if scenario, as Joshua prioritizes his boxing career and his pursuit of high-profile bouts within the ring. While fans may have to wait to witness Ngannou's boxing debut, his presence in the PFL and his commitment to expanding MMA in Africa promise an exciting future for both the fighter and the sport.

In an exciting turn of events, middleweight contender Ikram Aliskerov has been granted a remarkable opportunity to showcase his skills against former title challenger Paulo Costa at UFC 291. The much-anticipated clash is scheduled to take place on July 29 at the Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City. With Aliskerov's recent knockout victory over Phil Hawes, his stock has skyrocketed, and the Combat Sambo world champion is now set to face one of the division's elite competitors. Despite being only two fights into his UFC career, Ikram Aliskerov finds himself thrust into the spotlight with a chance to prove his mettle against a top-ranked contender. Boasting an impressive record of 14-1, with six consecutive victories, the Russian fighter has consistently delivered exciting finishes. His only setback came in a knockout loss to the highly regarded Khamzat Chimaev in 2019, a defeat that fueled Aliskerov's determination to climb the middleweight ranks. Paulo Costa, also known as "Borrachina," is undoubtedly one of the most explosive and tenacious fighters in the middleweight division. Coming off a thrilling victory over former champion Luke Rockhold at UFC 278, Costa demonstrated his ability to engage in exhilarating battles and emerged victorious with a Fight of the Night performance. However, his UFC contract expired after that fight, leaving fans uncertain about his future in the promotion. The anticipated showdown with Robert Whittaker for UFC 284 fell through, with Costa claiming he never agreed to the bout. Citing discontent with his pay, Costa openly expressed his desire for fair compensation, highlighting the long-standing issue of fighter pay in the sport. When Aliskerov steps into the octagon to face Costa, he will undoubtedly face the toughest test of his career. The fight promises to be a thrilling clash of styles, with Aliskerov's technical prowess and knockout power pitted against Costa's aggressive and relentless approach. With Costa's reputation as a heavy hitter and Aliskerov's proven ability to finish fights, fans can expect fireworks from the opening bell. Will the rising star Aliskerov defy the odds and solidify his position among the middleweight elites? Or will Costa unleash his ferocious power and reclaim his status as a top contender? Fight fans around the world eagerly anticipate the outcome of this high-stakes clash, as both fighters step into the octagon with their sights set on victory at UFC 291.

Following four months of ambiguity, Francis Ngannou's destiny is finally clear. After failing to reach a new agreement with the world's top mixed martial arts organization, "The Predator" has finally found a home in the Professional Fighters League (PFL). This week, information about the signing of the Cameroonian and the specifics of the contract were released. Most importantly, Ngannou's deal gives him the freedom to finish his long-awaited boxing endeavour, which he is anticipated to undertake later this year before making his PFL debut in the middle of 2024. But even though "The Predator" is scheduled to stay out of the ring for the upcoming season, some have put their names in the running for his first MMA fight outside of the Octagon. Along with the flexibility to box and the influence he'll have in the promotion outside of his fight obligations, Ngannou's PFL contract reportedly has a clause requiring all of his opponents to make at least $2 million. Rob Wilkinson, a light heavyweight, is presumably pursuing the money after winning half of that sum with championship success in the 2022 campaign. Following the announcement of Ngannou's arrival, the Australian, who destroyed Omari Akhmedov in November to earn the 205-pound title, used his Instagram Stories to make his case for a potential "champ vs. champ" fight in 2024. Wilkinson will now face Ty Flores on June 8 because his original opponent, Will Fleury, tested positive for a restricted drug as a result of the first round of matchups.

The first defence of Zhang Weili's (23-3) second reign as UFC Women's Strawweight Champion is scheduled for this coming weekend. In November of last year, "Magnum" reclaimed the championship after defeating Carla Esparza at UFC 281. Since then, she has been anticipating the first challenger to her most recent reign at the top of the division, and that person has now emerged. Many anticipated Zhang's countrywoman Yan Xiaonan to be the next in line for a championship shot following her recent knockout victory against former divisional queen Jéssica Andrade. Dana White swiftly expressed his wish to have the two Chinese fighters face off in their native nation later this year, but he also said on Tuesday that Amanda Lemos (13-2-1) will be getting the next opportunity. White made the announcement while outlining a number of significant fights for the promotion's summer schedule. Aljamain Sterling vs. Sean O'Malley for the bantamweight title will be the main event of UFC 292, which is scheduled for Boston on August 19. Zhang vs. Lemos will be the co-main event.

The combat sports world is buzzing with excitement after PFL's recent signing of former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou. The Predator made headlines earlier this year when he parted ways with the UFC, becoming the first champion to leave the organization since BJ Penn in 2004. His signing with the PFL has sparked intrigue and speculation, with fighters and fans eagerly anticipating his next move. Ngannou's decision to join PFL came as a surprise to many, but it opens up a world of new possibilities for the powerful striker. In addition to competing in the PFL and helping lead a fighter advocacy board, Ngannou revealed his intention to explore the realm of boxing. The Cameroonian fighter has already sparked interest from notable boxers such as Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury, hinting at potential crossover bouts that could captivate the combat sports community. The signing of Ngannou naturally reignited discussions about his tumultuous departure from the UFC. After a falling out with UFC President Dana White, it seemed unlikely that Ngannou would ever return to the promotion. However, his new home in PFL has led to an intriguing proposition from an unexpected source. Enter Jake Paul, the controversial YouTube star-turned-boxer. Paul took to social media to propose a monumental event: a PFL vs. UFC card. Paul's vision includes marquee matchups like Ngannou against former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones and a clash between dominant women's champion Amanda Nunes and PFL standout Kayla Harrison. He also called for a showdown between UFC welterweight Leon Edwards and former kickboxing champion Cedric Doumbe. Not to be left out, Paul himself expressed interest in stepping into the cage to face UFC fan favorite Nate Diaz. While this ambitious crossover event captures the imagination, it's important to note that Ngannou's promotional debut in the PFL won't occur until 2024. In a recent interview with Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour, Ngannou shared his plans to make his boxing debut before stepping into the PFL cage. This delay allows the promotion to potentially sign another high-caliber heavyweight to face the hard-hitting Ngannou. It's worth mentioning that Ngannou's contract stipulates that his opponent will earn a whopping one million dollars to face him, highlighting the immense value and drawing power of the heavyweight star. Although Ngannou has temporarily closed the door on a potential clash with the legendary Jon Jones in the octagon, as he mentioned in a recent interview, he remains open to any opportunity to square off against the former light heavyweight champion. The possibility of Ngannou and Jones sharing the ring or cage remains an enticing prospect that fans can only dream of at this point. As fight enthusiasts eagerly await the future showdowns involving Ngannou, Jake Paul's audacious proposal has added another layer of excitement to the mix. The idea of a PFL vs. UFC mega event featuring some of the biggest names in combat sports is undeniably enticing. While logistical challenges and contractual obligations may complicate the realization of Paul's vision, it serves as a reminder that the world of combat sports is filled with surprises, and anything is possible.

In a highly anticipated clash, former UFC middleweight champion Alex Pereira is stepping up to the light heavyweight division to face none other than Jan Blachowicz, the former titleholder in the weight class. This thrilling matchup is scheduled to take place as the co-main event at UFC 291 on July 29 at the prestigious Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City. The announcement made by UFC President Dana White has sent shockwaves throughout the MMA community, as fans eagerly await this epic showdown. Pereira is leaping the 205-pound division after suffering a knockout loss to the current middleweight champion, Israel Adesanya, at UFC 287. Despite the defeat, Pereira showcased his resilience and determination throughout the fight and displayed his respect for Adesanya backstage. With this move up in weight, Pereira aims to make an immediate impact and establish himself as a threat in the light heavyweight ranks. Following his loss to Adesanya, Pereira expressed his interest in competing in the light heavyweight division, and it seems his wish has been granted. Both Pereira and White hinted at this new direction, and now the Brazilian-born fighter has a confirmed date, location, and a formidable opponent awaiting him. This matchup will undoubtedly test Pereira's skills and versatility as he takes on the experienced and battle-tested Jan Blachowicz. Before his encounter with Adesanya, Pereira had been on an impressive winning streak in the UFC. Victories over Andreas Michailidis, Bruno Silva, and Sean Strickland propelled him to the top of the middleweight division. It was his sensational fifth-round TKO win over Adesanya at UFC 281 in November that earned him the middleweight championship and solidified his reputation as one of the most dangerous strikers in the promotion. However, standing across the octagon from Pereira will be the seasoned Polish fighter, Jan Blachowicz. The 40-year-old Blachowicz is coming off a draw against Magomed Ankalaev in a thrilling contest for the vacant light heavyweight title at UFC 282 in December. This result left Blachowicz with a 1-1-1 record in his last three outings, highlighting his ability to compete at the highest level. The clash between Pereira and Blachowicz promises to be an enthralling battle between two elite athletes, each possessing their own unique skill set. Pereira's striking prowess combined with Blachowicz's well-rounded game and veteran experience sets the stage for an exhilarating contest that could potentially shake up the light heavyweight division. UFC 291 is shaping up to be an extraordinary event, with this highly anticipated matchup adding even more excitement to the already stacked card. Fight fans from around the world will be eagerly watching as Pereira steps into the light heavyweight division for the first time, seeking redemption and the opportunity to make an immediate impact in his new weight class. Meanwhile, Blachowicz will be looking to solidify his status as one of the division's elite fighters and make a triumphant return to the win column. As the countdown to UFC 291 begins, the MMA community can't help but speculate about the outcome of this captivating matchup. Will Pereira's explosive striking be enough to overcome Blachowicz's seasoned experience and all-around skill set? Or will the former light heavyweight champion remind everyone why he once held the title? One thing is certain: when these two warriors step into the cage on July 29, fight fans will be treated to an unforgettable clash that will leave a lasting impression in the annals of UFC history.

Aljamain Sterling, the UFC bantamweight champion, will make a short turnaround in time for UFC 292, the promotion's first visit back to Boston in four years. The promotion's customary venue for events in Boston, TD Garden, will host UFC 292 on August 19. ESPN+ will broadcast the pay-per-view event. On Tuesday afternoon, UFC President Dana White made the announcement about the event on the promotion's YouTube account. The No. 1 bantamweight in the MMA Fighting Global Rankings, Sterling, defends his belt against No. 3 Sean O'Malley as projected. Following Sterling's championship defence against former champion Henry Cejudo earlier this month, the two squared off. The bantamweight champion has decided to make room for a quick return versus O'Malley. “Supposedly, from what I’m being told behind the scenes, Dana is really going to stack this card,” Sterling said. “And if he stacks this card, that’s a good motivator in itself to be on a big card, because you don’t get pay-per-view points if you’re not the champ. So it’s like, there’s a lot of things that go into this. And to drag a guy like O’Malley down, what’s this guy going to do to me? Really? “I’m not trying to be disrespectful, it’s a subtle jab, but it’s the truth. It’s a fight, anything could happen. But at the end of the day, I think we all know what his kryptonite is, and it’s unproven in the octagon. We’ve seen him one time on his back and he was like a fish out on land. ‘Chito’ [Marlon Vera] smashed him and sent him home. I think ‘Chito’ might have hit him one time, and his eyes rolled back in his head. That’s not a good sign.” In the co-headliner, No. 1 ranked strawweight Zhang Weili defends her title against No. 5 Amanda Lemos, who’s won her past two fights including a stoppage of Marina Rodriguez in her most recent appearance.

The promotion revealed the whole main card for its return to Salt Lake City, Utah on July 29, 2023, as well as a few preliminary matches. Two of the top fighters in the lightweight division, Dustin Poirier (29-7, 1 no contest) and Justin Gaethje (24-4), square off in the main event. Dana White, the president of the UFC, insisted that the Baddest Motherf—ker (BMF) championship from UFC 244 in November 2019 was a one-time event, but it will return for Poirier vs. Gaethje 2. When Poirier and Gaethje first met in April 2018, it resulted in an incredible fight that many people considered to be the best fight of the year. In the end, "The Diamond" triumphed over "The Highlight," scoring a technical knockout with punches in the fourth round. Since then, each fighter has challenged for the title of undisputed UFC champion, but in their rematch, Jorge Masvidal's belt would be up for grabs. Former UFC Middleweight champion Alex Pereira (7-2) makes his Octagon Light Heavyweight debut in the co-main event. None other than Poland's Jan Blachowicz (29-9-1)—the previous 205-pound champion—will be standing in "Poatan's" way. In the current official standings for the category, Blachowicz is ranked third. Also back in action at UFC 291 will be one-time Middleweight title challenger, Paulo Costa (14-2), taking on rising prospect, Ikram Aliskerov (14-1). Costa will have back-to-back fights in Salt Lake City, defeating Luke Rockhold via unanimous decision in Aug. 2022.