The best boxing matchup to appear on the 2023 schedule has a date and venue set. The highly anticipated Stephen Fulton-Naoya Inoue championship battle will take place on May 7 at Yokohama Arena in Inoue's native Yokohama, Japan, according to BoxingScene.com. Inoue, who recently relinquished his uncontested bantamweight title in order to compete for a championship in a fourth weight class, will face Fulton as he defends his undisputed WBC/WBO junior featherweight crown. Inoue will compete in the outstanding match for the second time in his hometown arena, which has a capacity of 17,000 and is anticipated to be packed to the gills, and for the fourth consecutive time in his home nation. In his eight-plus year pro career, Fulton will compete for the first time outside of the United States. Since entering the championship picture, Philadelphia's Fulton (21-0, 8KOs) has repeatedly called for huge fights, particularly clashes with Inoue and fellow 122-pound undisputed champion Murodjon "MJ" Akhmadaliev (11-0, 8KOs), who is in possession of the WBA and IBF straps. Both fighters have stayed on his radar for some time now, even after his most recent performance on June 4 in Minneapolis, where he dominated former WBA/IBF champion Danny Roman over twelve lopsided rounds. Inoue will compete in the spectacular event for the second time in his hometown arena, which has a capacity of 17,000 and is anticipated to be packed to the gills, and for the fourth consecutive time in his home nation. In his eight-plus year pro career, Fulton will compete for the first time outside of the United States. Since entering the championship picture, Philadelphia's Fulton (21-0, 8KOs) has repeatedly called for huge fights, particularly clashes with Inoue and fellow 122-pound undisputed champion Murodjon "MJ" Akhmadaliev (11-0, 8KOs), who is in possession of the WBA and IBF straps. Both fighters have stayed on his radar for some time now, even after his most recent performance on June 4 in Minneapolis, where he dominated former WBA/IBF champion Danny Roman over twelve lopsided rounds. Inoue’s previous appearance at Yokohama Arena produced perhaps the most iconic knockout of his storied career. A 70-second blitzing of former bantamweight titlist Juan Carlos Payano was held in front of his adoring hometown faithful, which launched the World Boxing Super Series bantamweight tournament. He won the bracket outright, dethroning unbeaten IBF tltlist Emmanuel Rodriguez in the May 2019 semifinal before claiming the WBA belt from Nonito Donaire in the first of their two fights at the famed Saitama (Japan) Super Arena in November 2019. Since then, Inoue has competed twice in the United States before making three straight appearances in Japan. The WBC title was added to his collection after his second-round knockout of Donaire in their rematch on June 7 at Saitama Super Arena. Butler's brief WBO reign was ended by him in their historic match on December 13 in Tokyo.

The recent admission of UFC Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones makes his performance against Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 even more astonishing. In UFC 285, Jones triumphantly defeated Gane through submission in the opening round. Gane was quickly dispatched by him thanks to a powerful takedown that had him tap out against the cage. Jones was back in the Octagon after a three-year hiatus, and he overpowered Gane during the brief exchanges. Upon winning the battle, Jones was overjoyed, but it didn't stop him from being critical of himself. He acknowledged that during his brief time in the cage, his hitting felt out of rhythm in his Octagon interview with Joe Rogan. “There’s always a slight feeling out process,” Jones said. “I was dealing with a slight injury before this fight, and I didn’t really spar many times. I sparred a total of three times in this training camp. I did a lot of smart drilling, but I didn’t spar a lot.” Jones didn't disclose the nature of the injury that prevented him from practising his setup before UFC 285. Jones likely won't require much time off to recover from his mystery injury after taking down Gane. For his first title defence as the heavyweight champion, he plans to face Stipe Miocic. Miocic has made hints that the Jones fight, which might occur at UFC 290, might be his last outing in the octagon. For more articles like this, follow our website fight.tv

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) has been gaining popularity over the years due to the intense action and impressive display of athleticism by fighters. One of the most exhilarating aspects of MMA is the knockout, where a fighter delivers a powerful blow that sends their opponent crashing to the canvas. While there have been numerous amazing knockouts in MMA history, one stands out among the rest. The most widely considered best knockout in MMA history is by Edson Barboza against Terry Etim at UFC 142 in 2012. Barboza, a Brazilian fighter with a background in Muay Thai, was up against Etim, a British fighter known for his long reach and technical striking ability. In the first round, both fighters were exchanging solid shots, but in the second round, Barboza unleashed a kick that will be remembered forever. As Etim charged forward, Barboza threw a spinning wheel kick that landed flush on Etim's chin, sending him crashing to the mat in an instant. The kick was so powerful that Etim was already unconscious before hitting the canvas. This knockout was not only impressive but also significant due to the level of skill required to execute such a move. The spinning wheel kick is one of the most challenging strikes to land in MMA, requiring impeccable timing and precision. Barboza's ability to execute the kick with such accuracy and force was a testament to his skills as a striker. Furthermore, this knockout made a massive impact on the MMA community, with fans and fighters alike astounded by the beauty and brutality of the strike. It also helped establish Barboza as one of the top strikers in MMA and propelled him to the upper echelon of the lightweight division. Since this fight, there have been many knockouts in MMA that have come close to matching the sheer brilliance of Barboza's spinning wheel kick. However, it still remains the benchmark for knockouts in the sport. It is highly unlikely that we will see a more perfect execution of the spinning wheel kick in MMA history. Hence for me, the best knockout in MMA history is undoubtedly Edson Barboza's spinning wheel kick against Terry Etim at UFC 142. The combination of skill, power, and timing required to execute such a maneuver makes it a remarkable feat in the sport's history. For more articles like this, follow our website fight.tv

In the co-main event of UFC 285 on Saturday at T-Mobile Arena, Alexa Grasso (16-3-0) defeated Valentina Shevchenko (23-4-0) by submission at the 4:34 point of the fourth round. She thus became the new undisputed flyweight champion of the world. Grasso, 29, defeated a strong opponent to become the first Mexican woman to claim a championship belt in the UFC. Prior to competing against Grasso, Shevchenko, 34, had effectively defended her title seven times in a row. Because she was once dismissed as merely a boxer, Grasso's fourth-round submission shows how much she has developed as a complete martial artist Shevchenko failed a takedown try early in the fourth round. Shevchenko had previously held Grasso under control with her ground dominance. Grasso was on the prowl in the fourth round as Shevchenko kept backing up and looking for a counter strike. Shevchenko fought off a takedown attempt from Grasso, who then took some damage while looking for a big hit. The Mexican fighter then jumped on Shevchenko's back after avoiding a kick with a minute to go in the fourth round. Grasso overcame numerous early setbacks to make it a competitive fight that she brilliantly ended. She joined fellow Mexican Brandon Moreno as a current UFC champion by forcing her flyweight opponent to submit with a rear naked chokehold.

Jon Jones ended a three-year sabbatical from the UFC with a convincing win over Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 in Las Vegas. Considered one of the greatest UFC fighters, Jones has moved up to the highest weight class on his return, and it took him less than a minute into the first round to take Gane to the mat. The 35-year-old won with a guillotine choke at 2:04 to seal the win. "When I was a light heavyweight, people would say Jon is a lot stronger than what he appears to be", Jones said. "Now that I have been powerlifting and living a martial arts lifestyle, I really truly believe I am the strongest heavyweight in the heavyweight division. Some of my best performances are going to be coming in the next few years." Jones took his time entering the octagon as he played to the sold-out audience because this was his first fight in three years and his first in the heavyweight category. The former light heavyweight champion said it was important to cement in his own mind that he deserved the mantle of greatest ever. Jones did exactly that as Tom Brady, another GOAT, looked on. The day of the battle, Brady flew in from Florida and spent time with defensive end Chandler Jones of the Las Vegas Raiders. "There is no doubt that Jon Jones is special, he is the GOAT. He is undefeated. He has fought all the best competition. Dealing with him is like dealing with an artist," Dana White said. "I don't know what's going to happen next. I am happy we got to see what we saw tonight. I am a big believer in ring rust. We didn't see any ring rust tonight. He went in there and made it look like nothing. He is a freak of nature, and he is the best ever."

In the world of professional fighting, anything can happen. The thrill of watching two skilled athletes battle it out in the octagon is unlike anything else. This year, UFC 285 promises to be no exception, with a highly anticipated matchup between Jon Jones and Ciryl Gane. But the excitement doesn't stop there. Music mogul Drake has just thrown down a massive wager on the outcome of the fight, betting $500,000 on Jones to take home the win. This is a bold move for the Grammy-winning artist. But the main question is, the curse will continue or not? Drake, the popular musician known for placing enormous bets on bouts but not always coming out on top, added a more sizable stake to support Jones in his forthcoming bout against Ciryl Gane on Saturday. On Saturday, Drake shared two betting on his Instagram page, suggesting that he had wagered $500,000 on a Jones victory, with $250,000 going towards a possible submission and the remaining $250,000 going towards a knockout. Regarding Drake's betting history, he has consistently struggled to predict MMA fights, and that's why the label "curse" has persisted with him. Drake notoriously wagered a staggering $2 million on Israel Adesanya to defeat Alex Pereira, but "The Last Stylebender" was finally defeated by knockout in the last and fifth rounds. Also, he has lost wagers on Jose Aldo, Justin Gaethje, and Jorge Masvidal in the past. Drake hasn't entirely fallen short over the years, winning with Adesanya previously when he participated at UFC 276 and placing a sizable parlay on Paddy Pimblett and Molly McCann before their battles at UFC London. But his losses undoubtedly receive more attention than his wins. At UFC 285, Jones is attempting to make a comeback after a three-year hiatus and also attempt to claim the title of heavyweight champion after the longest reign in UFC history by retaining the light heavyweight belt. It was still uncertain as to whether Drake's wager will be successful or not. So, what makes Drake so confident in Jones' ability to come out on top? Jones is no stranger to the UFC, with an impressive record of 26-1-0. Known for his powerful strikes and takedowns, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters of all time. Jones has the experience to cope with the extreme situation which Gane lacks and that factor can win Drake his bets.

The victor of this Saturday's championship match will encounter one of the most accomplished heavyweight competitors in UFC history. The very next heavyweight championship fight will feature Stipe Miocic, a former two-time UFC heavyweight champion, UFC president Dana White told the media on Friday. The unoccupied gold would be contested on Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena by Jon Jones & Ciryl Gane. "He's absolutely the next one," White said of Miocic. "So, whoever wins on Saturday night will face Stipe next." Miocic, who holds the record for the most consecutive heavyweight title defenses in UFC history, lost his belt to Francis Ngannou in March 2021. Since then the American has been out of action. He was considered to be the potential candidate to welcome Jon Jones into the heavyweight division back in December 2022. But the bout didn’t come to fruition due to Miocic's unavailability. Miocic had been pushing for a chance to face the victor of Saturday's heavyweight match. Miocic declared his preference for the winner in July after UFC revealed the Jones-Gane fight in January. White made no mention of when Miocic could receive his chance. The main event of the UFC for July is most probably UFC 290. On July 8, it will take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. On Saturday, Jones will compete in his first heavyweight bout. Moreover, he will be competing for the first time since winning over Dominick Reyes at UFC 247 to defend his light-heavyweight title in February 2020. The 35-year-old's weight on Saturday night was 248 pounds. This is the first time following failing a unification match against Francis Ngannou in January 2022, Gane is vying for the heavyweight championship. He backed up the loss by prevailing over Tai Tuivasa at a UFC Fight Night event on September 3 in Paris. Miocic is no stranger to facing elite competition, having defeated the likes of Ngannou, Daniel Cormier, and Alistair Overeem in his career. His experience and championship pedigree make him a formidable opponent for anyone in the division. With the heavyweight title picture still somewhat murky, Miocic's next opponent is uncertain at this time. However, there is no denying his talent and determination to regain the belt, and fans are eagerly awaiting his return to the octagon.

Tyson Fury, the WBC heavyweight champion, is supporting Deontay Wilder to dominate the heavyweight division. Fury fought Wilder three times in total, with their most recent meeting occurring in 2021. The two fighters engaged in a contentious twelve-round split draw in 2018. In order to reach the final bell, Fury survived two knockdowns. Early in 2020, Fury defeated Wilder in a rematch by securing two knockdowns and ending the fight in the seventh round to win the WBC championship. It was pure fireworks in the third encounter. Fury was dropped twice, but Wilder was knocked out in the eleventh round after being downed three times. Fury thinks Wilder's lethal one-punch power was avoided because of his stature. "I think my sheer size and weight has a lot to do with him not being able to knock me out cold. He hits a guy 6ft 3ins and 225-pounds, they're nailed to the canvas. But a guy 6ft 9ins and 277-pounds - size matters," Fury said, according to The Sun. After losing consecutive fights to Fury, Wilder has since recovered. He defeated Robert Helenius in one round last October, with one strike knocking Helenius out completely. The WBC mandated that Wilder and former unified champion Andy Ruiz square off in a championship qualifier last year. Despite ongoing negotiations between the two parties, the competition remains unresolved. Fury would select Wilder to defeat them, regardless of whether Ruiz or another top fighter at the weight is involved. "My most formidable opponent was Deontay Wilder. All three times it could've been curtains for me at any second. He knocked out every single person that he ever fought, apart from me. I'd back him to beat everybody in the division apart from myself," Fury said.

Lawrence Phillips just delivered a stunning knockout that could go down as one of the best of 2023. Phillips completely outclassed opponent Ben Parker at a ONE Championship Friday Fights event in Bangkok with a highlight-reel slam that rendered Parker unconscious 18 seconds into the contest. Watch the thrilling conclusion above. Parker stepped in to bridge the distance after getting a kick to the body, which proved to be a fatal miscalculation as Phillips promptly secured a body hold and pulled Parker into the air. Parker was forcefully thrown to the ground by Phillips, who then stood up as soon as he realised the battle was done. Phillips' professional career began with two straight first-round finishes. He defeated Dan Trejo in his MMA debut last February by way of a first-round knockout. He signed a six fight contract with ONE last May. He was (7-0) in his amateur career. Parker, 40, was making his professional debut.

Mixed martial arts is a sport that attracts a diverse range of athletes from different backgrounds, each with their unique personalities and fighting styles. While some fighters are loved and celebrated by fans, others are not so fortunate and have to endure constant criticism and even hatred. One such fighter who has faced the wrath of the fans is Colby Covington. Colby Covington is a polarizing figure in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA) and is widely regarded as one of the most hated fighters in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). From his controversial statements and political views to his brash personality and aggressive fighting style, Covington has made a name for himself both inside and outside the octagon. So, why is Colby Covington hated so much? Here are some reasons: 1. Controversial Statements: Covington is known for his controversial statements and trash-talking, often targeting his opponents, other fighters, and even entire countries. His statements are often racially charged and derogatory, which has led to a lot of backlash from fans, fighters, and the media. Covington has even received death threats for some of his statements, which shows the extent of the hate he has generated. 2. Political Views: Covington is a vocal supporter of former President Donald Trump and has made several public appearances with him. He has also expressed support for other conservative figures and policies, which has alienated a significant portion of the MMA fan base, which is generally more left-leaning. 3. Brash Personality: Covington is known for his brash personality, which includes trash-talking, showboating, and over-the-top celebrations. While this may be entertaining for some fans, it has also rubbed many people the wrong way, especially when coupled with his controversial statements. 4. Aggressive Fighting Style: Covington is a pressure fighter who likes to keep his opponents on the back foot. He is known for his high-volume striking and relentless pace, which can be exhausting for his opponents. While this has helped him win fights, it has also made him an unpopular fighter among some fans, who prefer more technical and calculated fighting styles. Despite the backlash he has received, Colby Covington has continued to embrace his role as the most hated fighter in the UFC. He has used his notoriety to gain more attention and has even adopted the nickname "Chaos" to lean into his controversial persona. In conclusion, Colby Covington is a divisive figure in the world of MMA due to his controversial statements, political views, brash personality, and aggressive fighting style. While some fans enjoy his antics, many others find them distasteful and offensive. Regardless of whether you love or hate him, it is hard to deny that Covington is one of the most talked-about fighters in the sport today. For more articles like this, follow our website fight.tv

Dana White, the president of the UFC, recently declared that potential negotiations with Francis Ngannou, their former heavyweight champion, are off the table in the future. Francis Ngannou of Cameroon left the UFC early this year, giving up the heavyweight title. The two sides were unable to reach an agreement after months of tense talks. Ngannou defeated Stipe Miocic via knockout to claim the heavyweight championship. He then faced Ciryl Gane, a longtime training partner, to defend his UFC heavyweight world championship. Ngannou clarified that he was interested in testing out boxing, but it wasn't just for the money or for that reason. The 36-year-old athlete stated that he was fighting for sponsors, health insurance, and a seat at the UFC's top table for competitors. Ngannou reportedly received a contract offer from the UFC worth over $8 million per bout. The vacant heavyweight title will be decided at UFC 285 between legendary fighter Jon Jones and previous interim champion Ciryl Gane. In a news conference held prior to UFC 285, Dana White stated that Francis Ngannou would never return to the organization. The head of the UFC stated: “No, no. We negotiated with him for years. It’s over, that’s over. He’ll never be in the UFC again … Yeah, I never say never, but I’ll give you a never on that one. We tried.” Ngannou is presently weighing offers from numerous different MMA and boxing promotion companies. Fans of combat sports eagerly anticipate Francis Ngannou's next move as they watch it unfold from all over the globe.

Eddie Hearn, the promoter for world champions Katie Taylor and Chantelle Cameron, is exploring the possibility of matching them in a high-stakes showdown on May 20 in Dublin. This would be a rare occurrence, with two undisputed champions facing off in a highly anticipated bout. Katie Taylor, the undisputed lightweight champion, was scheduled to face Amanda Serrano in a rematch. However, it was recently revealed that Serrano suffered an injury and was unable to compete on the May date. Taylor took to social media on Thursday to issue a public challenge to Cameron, who holds the undisputed crown at 140-pounds and is coming off a solid decision win over Jessica McCaskill. Taylor aims to fight in the month of May and is unwilling to sit around until August or September, which is when the Serrano rematch would likely secure a new date, according to Hearn. The veteran promoter believes there is a very good chance of the showdown coming off, as both boxers are now pushing for the fight. “Katie will fight anyone. I guess the only fighter there has ever been a question mark over whether she would fight her or not is Chantelle Cameron. But behind the scenes, I know Taylor has always been up for that,” Hearn told Metro.co.uk. The potential bout between Taylor and Cameron is generating a lot of excitement among boxing fans. Both fighters are known for their incredible skills, with Taylor being one of the most dominant fighters in the sport and Cameron emerging as a force to be reckoned with in recent years. If the fight does go ahead, it would be a major event for women’s boxing and could go down as one of the biggest fights in the sport’s history. The match-up between two undisputed champions is a rare occurrence in boxing, and it is sure to capture the attention of fans all over the world. Hearn is confident that the fight can be made, and negotiations are currently underway to finalize the details. “Now we are in talks with DAZN to see if we can make it happen. Both sides have agreed, they haven’t agreed on the money yet, but that is something we hope we will be able to overcome, but I think there is a very good chance you see that fight on 20 May,” he said. With both fighters eager to get into the ring and prove themselves, this could be a fight for the ages. Fans will be eagerly anticipating any news about the potential showdown between Taylor and Cameron, and it remains to be seen whether it will indeed take place on May 20.