Ruiz Sr. tells ESPN KnockOut that the decision to leave Premier Boxing Champions, which Julius Julianis disclosed last night, was mutual. Ruiz (35-2, 22 KO), who has only competed twice since his catastrophic rematch with Anthony Joshua in 2019, is unsure of his future plans. Filip Hrgovic and an interim IBF title fight were set to take place, and the sanctioning body even agreed to bend its own regulations regarding purse bids for interim titles because of "mutual interest," but that proposal was subsequently withdrawn yesterday. The other significant choice was a WBC final eliminator against Deontay Wilder, which was ordered by Mauricio Sulaiman shortly after Ruiz and Wilder's wins over Luis Ortiz and Robert Helenius, respectively. Although it's still conceivable, Julianis claims that PBC was attempting to put it together, raising questions about whether Ruiz is actually going after it. Right now, all we can do is watch to see where Ruiz goes. Although 33 is not particularly ancient by heavyweight standards, he has displayed an odd lack of urgency to get back into the mix, and there hasn't been much to get excited about in terms of his career lately.

Khamzat Chimaev’s coach Andreas Michael believes that a fight between his trainee and Connor McGregor would be blockbuster fight. Few fighters have entered the MMA scene with the style and pace of Chimaev. After utterly crushing his opponents in 2020, "Borz" was propelled to the top of the welterweight division and is now firmly established as a major contender. Chimaev's high-profile fight with veteran fighter Nate Diaz this past September was called off due to recent weight difficulties, but a return to the welterweight division may be possible given the appropriate opportunity. With several returning to work, including Conor McGregor, things are looking up for the greatest UFC stars in 2023. Andreas Michael, the coach of Chimaev, thinks a contest between the two would be about as significant as it gets. “That is a megafight,” Michael told Submission Radio. “At the end of the day, it’s not me that’s making weight. If Khamzat feels that he wants to go down to welterweight, I believe that he can do it. He can do whatever he wants. If you put your mind to it, you can do whatever you want. Piece of cake." “It would be a blockbuster. It would be an amazing fight, box office hit pay-per-view. That is — what a fight that would be, wow.” Before there is talk of Chimaev vs. McGregor, the Irishman must first complete The Ultimate Fighter 31 as a coach alongside Michael Chandler. After the season's end, McGregor and Chandler are expected to square off at an undisclosed weight later this year, most likely at 155 or 170 pounds. On the other hand, Chimaev keeps looking for what's next after defeating Kevin Holland in his shake-up fight following his weight infractions in September. Chimaev's next fight in the cage appears to be at middleweight, but he will first concentrate on Ramadan. Michael would like to see his protégé compete for the title, but the most practical scenario is for him to face a top competitor.

Gervonta Davis and Ryan Garcia have finally announced their long-awaited showdown in Las Vegas on April 22. After months of prolonged negotiations, two of the most exciting talents in American boxing will share the ring as they put their unbeaten records and proud reputations at stake. The venue for the fight in Vegas is still to be confirmed, with the MGM Grand Garden Arena and T-Mobile Arena being considered, although organisers have explored the possibility of bringing it to Allegiant Stadium, the home of NFL franchise the Las Vegas Raiders. Davis, 28, and Garcia, 24, will meet at a contracted catch weight of 136 pounds for their 12-round, non-title fight. Davis has won 26 of of his 28 fights by knockout, while Garcia has 19 stoppages in his 23 wins. The duo were set to take interim bouts before they fought, but only Davis pressed ahead with that plan as he defeated Hector Luis Garcia by ninth-round technical knockout in Washington on January 7. Garcia was linked with a fight against Filipino southpaw Mercito Gesta, but he ultimately decided to skip that bout in favour of heading straight into the Davis fight. In his last fight, Garcia knocked out Javier Fortuna in the sixth round, flooring the Dominican southpaw on three occasions before forcing the stoppage in Los Angeles on July 15.

Scott Coker, the president of Bellator, has a plan to give Francis Ngannou a couple things off his list if they reach an agreement. Ngannou is still a free agent after leaving the UFC earlier this year. He has been stripped of the UFC heavyweight championship, which will now be fought between Ciryl Gane and Jon Jones. During his free agency, Ngannou has received numerous offers from MMA and boxing promotions. He's talked to the PFL, Bellator, and other major organisations. The lack of contract flexibility was a major cause for Ngannou's departure from the UFC. He wanted to box and compete in MMA at the same time, but the two parties couldn't agree. Coker said: “I think we have great company to offer both sides of the combat sports business that he’d like to, which is MMA and also box. I think we’re a great fit. There’s ongoing discussions, so we’ll see what happens.” Showtime, Bellator's primary television partner, hosts the majority of the world's elite boxing events. The network has hosted boxing contests starring some of the sport's top names, including Gervonta Davis, Jake Paul, and Artur Beterbiev. Ngannou has great goals for his boxing career, including potential fights with Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder. According to Ali Abdelaziz, Ngannou wants about $30 million to compete in boxing. If so, he would compete for the title of highest-paid boxer with individuals like Wilder and Canelo Alvarez. Ngannou is in talks with Bellator about signing with them, and they may be one of the few organisations that can provide him what he wants.

Mixed Martial Arts is a sport that is known for its intensity and brutal nature. However, some actions are considered unsportsmanlike, even in the world of MMA. One such action is hitting an opponent below the belt. This is something that happened in the recent fight between John Lineker and Fabricio Andrade, and Lineker is already preparing for the rematch for the vacant bantamweight title. Although the first clash between both the rivals more than lived up to the expectations it had generated, it also came to an extremely depressing conclusion. Andrade landed a low blow on Lineker, which led to a stoppage in the fight. Lineker was clearly in pain and could not continue his fight and it resulted in a no-contest. On this week's Trocaço Franca podcast, Andrade stated that he was "astonished" that his fellow Brazilian had consented to rematch following the first fight for the bantamweight title concluded as a no-contest because of an unintentional cheap shot. Lineker quips about his only worry this time is to safeguard his groin in a quick chat with Trocaço Franca. “He’s a talented guy, a tough one, so I have to work hard,” Lineker said. “I’ll predict a third-round finish again. And don’t hit me in the nutsack again, Fabricio [laughs].” Many fans were unhappy with Andrade's actions. The strike was that much powerful that it shattered Lineker’s protective cup. However, Lineker seems to be taking a different approach to the rematch. To prevent similar occurrences in the future, Lineker took the proactive step of obtaining a more durable cup before the world title rematch. John Lineker stated in a South China Morning Post interview: “Yes, I bought a steel cup so that won’t happen again.” The lucrative zeroes in Lineker and Andrade's promotional win-loss statistics are now in jeopardy because their first fight resulted in a no-contest. Lineker has three knockouts and a perfect record of 4-0 in the ONE Championship. Andrade, in contrast, has a record of 5-0 with three knockouts and one victory via submission. Ultimately, MMA is a sport that is built on toughness and resilience. Fighters are expected to be able to take a certain amount of punishment, but there are limits to what is acceptable. Low blows are not something that fans or opponents want to see, and Lineker's decision to wear a steel cup may be seen as an attempt to skirt the rules.

Mixed Martial Arts has taken the world by storm over the past few decades, and there have been many great fighters that have graced the Octagon. But who among them is the greatest of all time? It's a debate that has raged on for years, and one that will likely continue for years to come. Whenever there is any debate going on regarding the GOAT of the octagon, Jon Jones is on the top of the list every time, ahead of other legends like Khabib Nurmagomedov, Georges St-Pierre, and Anderson Silva. While rankings and opinions may differ, there's no denying that Jones has had an incredible career thus far. Jones made his debut in 2008 and quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the light heavyweight division. His unique fighting style, which included his incredible reach and striking ability, made him a nightmare for opponents. He won the UFC light heavyweight championship in 2011 and defended it numerous times. However, Jones' career has not been without controversy. He has faced multiple suspensions and legal issues outside the Octagon, which have tarnished his reputation to some extent. Nevertheless, his skills in the cage are undeniable. Jon Jones was recently questioned about his top five UFC competitors in an appearance with RMC Sport. The 35-year-old chose to list himself first, before rivals like Georges St-Pierre and Anderson Silva. "My top 5? Let's see here. If I'm allowed, I would say myself, Anderson Silva, Georges St-Pierre, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and Jose Aldo. Those are my favorites at least." One of Jones' biggest rivals in the sport has been Khabib Nurmagomedov. Despite being ranked behind Jones on the all-time great list, Nurmagomedov retired from MMA in 2020 with a perfect record of 29-0. His dominant grappling and ground-and-pound style made him a nightmare for opponents, and he quickly established himself as one of the greatest fighters of all time. Georges St-Pierre and Anderson Silva are two other fighters that are often mentioned in the GOAT conversation. St-Pierre dominated the welterweight division for years, winning the title multiple times and defending it on nine occasions. Silva, on the other hand, was known for his incredible striking ability and holds the record for the longest title reign in UFC history. While it's impossible to definitively say who the greatest MMA fighter of all time is, there's no denying that Jones, Nurmagomedov, St-Pierre, and Silva are among the most dominant fighters to ever grace the sport. Their legacies will continue to be discussed and debated by MMA fans for years to come.

Jake Paul thinks Nate Diaz, a former UFC champion, will be his next opponent after he defeats Tommy Fury on Sunday. When discussing the possibility of squaring off against Diaz, Paul stated the following on The MMA Hour: "I think [Nate Diaz's team is] ready. I'm getting through Sunday and we're gonna line that one up ASAP. I think that's next. Probably mid-year, maybe sometime summer. "I think that's what the fans want, and that's who I want. There's been a lot of back and forth, we've said our stuff, but it's time to get down to business." Even though Paul vs. Diaz would probably be a big draw in the world of combat sports, Paul must first face Fury, who is undoubtedly the toughest opponent of his brief boxing career thus far. Paul has a perfect record of 6-0 in six professional fights, but to this point, he has only fought a YouTuber, a former NBA player, and a few former MMA fighters. The first professional fighter he has faced will be Fury. Uncertainty surrounds whether Paul's contest with the younger half-brother of heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury will have any effect on a potential encounter with Diaz, but the UFC veteran is unquestionably in Paul's sights. Paul added that he would like to face Diaz in both a boxing match and MMA fight, but noted he isn't certain if Diaz is open to that: "I want to do one fight boxing, one fight MMA, but I'm not sure if Nate's team is like fully aligned on that yet. Or I don't know if they realize how serious I am about that. I think they thought I was just doing it for hype, but I'm dead ass." Diaz, 37, has been a professional MMA fighter since 2004, and he first entered into UFC in 2007 as part of The Ultimate Fighter. Despite competing against some of the biggest stars in the sport, including McGregor, Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone, Benson Henderson, Rafael dos Anjos, Anthony Pettis, and Jorge Masvidal, Diaz never took home a UFC championship. At UFC 279 in September, Diaz competed in his final match under his deal with the organization and defeated Tony Ferguson by fourth-round submission. Diaz was a fan favorite throughout his UFC career because of his frank demeanor and propensity for exciting fights, which made him seem like the ideal opponent for Paul and a perfect match for the world of boxing.

The highly anticipated heavyweight fight between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk appears to be on the brink of collapse, with negotiations hitting a major snag. The hopes of taking advantage of the vast money available in Saudi Arabia have reportedly vanished, as Fury's team is said to have asked for too much money. As a result, there is talk of moving the fight to Wembley Stadium in London, but even that option seems unlikely. According to Eddie Hearn, there's no way for the Fury-Usyk fight to take place in the UK because the money isn't there for that kind of fight to make either fighter happy. Fury's dad, John Fury, has added fuel to the fire, saying that Usyk needs to forget about a 50-50 deal and treat Tyson like the "great champion" he is. This has been interpreted by many as a message to Usyk to accept a smaller payout and to treat Fury like royalty from Buckingham Palace. However, Usyk is the one with all the belts, while Fury's lone WBC title was won after he defeated Deontay Wilder in a fight that saw Wilder put over by a rabbit punch. Usyk is not the type of fighter to be intimidated by Fury's bluster or John Fury's messages, and he will not be treated like a second-class citizen. Many people believe that Fury is intentionally fouling up the negotiations because he wants no part of a fight with Usyk, who is all wrong for him. Instead, they believe that Fury wants the easy money against boxing novice Francis Ngannou, who has never fought inside the squared circle. The question of who is the A-side in this fight is a contentious one. John Fury believes that Tyson is the A-side and that Usyk is not worthy of a 50-50 split. However, others argue that Usyk is the one with all the belts and that Fury is just a one-belt champion. Regardless of who is the A-side, it's clear that both fighters are determined to get what they believe they deserve. In the end, it remains to be seen whether the Fury-Usyk fight will take place or not. With negotiations appearing to be on their last legs, it's clear that both fighters will have to make some compromises if they want to make this fight happen. Whether they are willing to do so remains to be seen.

Derek Chisora, a former WBC heavyweight title challenger, has spoken out against the WBC’s decision to offer YouTube star Jake Paul a place in their cruiserweight rankings. In an interview with The Mail, Chisora suggested that if Paul were to be given a ranking position, all current WBC champions should vacate their belts and join a different federation. Paul is set to take on Tommy Fury, brother of heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, in a highly anticipated fight in Saudi Arabia on Sunday. The victor of the bout is expected to be awarded a place in the top 40 of the WBC’s cruiserweight rankings. Chisora, who is helping to promote the event, has spoken out against the WBC’s decision, calling it unfair to other fighters who have been working hard to earn their ranking positions. He argued that Paul, who has only faced non-boxing opponents in the ring, has not earned the right to be ranked among professional boxers. Chisora’s comments are likely to spark a debate among boxing fans and professionals about the value of belts and rankings in the sport. While belts are seen as a symbol of a fighter’s achievement and status in the sport, some argue that they have become too commercialized and that rankings are often arbitrary and based on politics rather than merit. Chisora also questioned the importance of belts in boxing, saying that they do not pay the bills for most fighters. He quoted former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson, who famously dismissed the importance of belts in the sport. The upcoming fight between Paul and Fury has generated a lot of hype, with many fans eager to see whether Paul can prove himself against a professional boxer. However, Chisora’s comments suggest that not everyone in the boxing world is convinced of Paul’s legitimacy as a professional fighter. Regardless of the outcome of the fight, Chisora’s comments are a reminder that the world of boxing is not just about belts and rankings, but also about hard work, dedication, and respect for the sport. While Paul may be a popular figure among younger audiences, it remains to be seen whether he can earn the respect of the boxing community as a whole.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has become a global phenomenon over the past few decades, and as its popularity has grown, so too have its audiences. With its thrilling mix of martial arts, athleticism, and high-stakes drama, the UFC has captured the imaginations of millions of fans worldwide. While there have been many incredible fights throughout UFC history, one stands out as the most watched fight of all time: the UFC 229 main event between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor. The fight took place on October 6, 2018, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was a highly anticipated match, pitting the undefeated Russian champion Nurmagomedov against the charismatic Irishman McGregor, who was making his return to the Octagon after a two-year hiatus. Leading up to the fight, tensions between the two fighters had reached an all-time high, with a number of heated confrontations and trash-talking exchanges taking place during the pre-fight press conferences and promotional events. This only served to further hype up the fight and generate even more interest from fans around the world. On the night of the fight, the T-Mobile Arena was packed with a record-breaking crowd of over 20,000 fans, with millions more tuning in to watch the action unfold on pay-per-view television. From the opening bell, it was clear that Nurmagomedov had the upper hand. He dominated the first two rounds, taking McGregor down to the mat and using his superior grappling skills to control the fight. But in the third round, McGregor rallied, landing a number of hard punches and nearly finishing Nurmagomedov with a guillotine choke. Despite the setback, Nurmagomedov remained composed and focused. In the fourth round, he took McGregor down once again, eventually locking in a tight neck crank that forced the Irishman to tap out. After the fight, Nurmagomedov scaled the fence of the Octagon and charged into the crowd, sparking a chaotic brawl that resulted in multiple suspensions and fines for both fighters and their teams. The fight between Nurmagomedov and McGregor was a perfect storm of high-stakes drama, intense rivalry, and incredible athleticism. It was watched by an estimated 2.4 million pay-per-view buyers in the United States alone, making it the most-watched UFC fight of all time. But beyond the spectacle and the hype, the fight also showcased the incredible physical and mental toughness required to succeed in the world of mixed martial arts. Both fighters put their bodies and minds on the line in pursuit of victory, and the result was a thrilling display of skill, strategy, and heart. In addition to the physical benefits of martial arts, such as improved strength, agility, and endurance, many practitioners also report significant mental health benefits from their training. Martial arts can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve self-confidence and self-esteem, and promote greater mindfulness and focus. In a world where mental health issues are becoming increasingly common, martial arts can offer a valuable tool for promoting greater well-being and resilience. By cultivating a strong mind and body through disciplined practice and training, individuals can learn to better manage the stresses and challenges of everyday life. The UFC 229 main event between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor will go down in history as one of the greatest fights of all time. But beyond the record-breaking viewership numbers and the intense rivalry between the two fighters, it also serves as a powerful reminder of the incredible physical and mental benefits that martial arts can provide.

On Friday, 25th February 2023, Bellator MMA presents a highly anticipated welterweight matchup between undefeated Yaroslav Amosov and the hard-hitting Logan Storley for the title unification at Bellator 291 in Dublin, Ireland. In November 2020, the reigning champion defeated Storley by a split decision in a tough back-and-forth grappling fight. This was Storley's lone loss in his professional career. The two will now run the event back, and they have 10 additional minutes to determine the undisputed champion. Yaroslav Amosov, a Ukrainian mixed martial artist, holds a perfect record of 26-0. Known for his grappling skills, Amosov has quickly climbed the ranks in the Bellator welterweight division. He won the title in June 2021 by defeating Douglas Lima. When Russia annexed Ukraine, he was scheduled to face Michael Page in his first championship defense, but he decided to against it and withdrew from the fight. Amosov went to protect and serve his nation under fire. Meanwhile, Storley (14-1) has experienced a stellar renaissance. Three years after succumbing to Amosov during their very first meeting, the American has won three straight fights, including a decision victory versus Michael "Venom" Page for the interim welterweight title. Logan was awarded a shot for the gold strap following the Ukrainian decision to withdraw. This bout between Amosov and Storley promises to be an exciting matchup for fans of mixed martial arts. Both fighters are known for their grappling abilities, so it will be interesting to see if they decide to keep the fight standing or try to take each other down to the mat. Amosov has shown that he has good striking, so he may try to keep the fight on the feet and use his superior technique to out-strike Storley. However, Storley's wrestling could be a significant factor in the fight, and he may look to take Amosov down and ground-and-pound his way to victory. One thing is for sure; this fight is not to be missed. Both fighters are highly skilled and have the potential to become champions in the Bellator welterweight division. It will be interesting to see how they match up against each other and who comes out on top.

In the world of combat sports, the rivalry between YouTubers KSI and Jake Paul has been one of the most talked-about topics. The two internet celebrities turned professional boxers have been going back and forth, calling each other out and building up hype for a potential fight. But now, it seems like the long-awaited bout between KSI and Jake Paul might happen. According to reports, KSI has accepted Jake Paul's offer for a winner-takes-all fight at the end of 2023. This news comes just days after KSI announced that he would be leaving boxing after he beats "fraud" Jake Paul. KSI has been vocal about his desire to take on Paul in the ring, and it seems like he is finally getting his wish. “Every time I would see Jake win a fight, it just angered me,” KSI said. “Because I’m there like, he’s not that good! He’s not as good as everyone thinks he is. For me, personally, I think he’s a fraud. I think he’s a fraud and I’m the guy to expose him. “But at the time I had to just focus on music, while this is all going on. Then I was like, ‘You know what? Screw it. I’m going to come back into boxing, I’m going to slow down the music, come through, destroy Jake, and even though I’m doing everything else ... I’m still going to come in boxing, knock him out, and go back to doing what I was doing before.’' For those who may not be familiar with the feud between KSI and Jake Paul, it all started back in 2018 when KSI fought Logan Paul in a highly publicized boxing match. KSI won the fight, but the drama didn't end there. Jake Paul, Logan's younger brother, began calling out KSI on social media, claiming that he was the better boxer and that he would defeat KSI in a fight. Since then, the two have been going back and forth, with KSI even releasing a diss track aimed at Jake Paul. But now, it seems like all that trash talk might lead to an actual fight. The winner-takes-all stipulation of the proposed fight adds an extra layer of excitement to what is already a highly anticipated match. Both KSI and Jake Paul have a lot on the line, with the winner taking home all the money earned from the fight. “So the fighter purses are winner-takes-all, 100 percent,” KSI said. As for KSI, he has stated that he plans to retire from boxing after the fight with Jake Paul as he intends to create a legacy over money. It's unclear what his plans are for the future, but it's clear that this fight is going to be a huge moment for both KSI and Jake Paul, as well as for the world of combat sports. But even though Paul will be given a ranking by the WBC assuming he defeats Fury this Saturday, KSI has no fantasies regarding facing absolute top boxers if he manages to dispatch Jake Paul. “I ain’t fighting Riakporhe. I ain’t fighting all these cruiserweights. They’re killers! Hell no.”