As the year 2023 begins, former two-division UFC title challenger Chael Sonnen has identified what he believes to be the biggest possible MMA fight. Former dominant light heavyweight champion Jon Jones, who Sonnen was defeated by back in 2013, is on one side of the fight. "Bones" has been absent from the Octagon since vacating the title in search of a new challenge at heavyweight following a successful defense against Dominick Reyes in 2020. Sonnen provided his assessment of the heavyweight title picture in a recent video uploaded to his YouTube channel. Rumor had it that UFC planned a interim title fight between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic at December's UFC 282 pay-per-view which failed to materialize, the promotion will possibly turn its attention to booking "Bones" opposite reigning champion Francis Ngannou. If that pairing comes together this year, Sonnen believes the UFC will have the opportunity to promote the biggest fight in MMA history. “We have three heavyweights… Who gets left out?” Sonnen said. “I’m talking about Francis, I’m talking about Jones, I’m talking about Stipe… Dana said, ‘When Jon comes back, he does it at heavyweight and his first fight back will be a title fight.’ He’s never wavered on that. “If that statement is still accurate, I think that Jon’s safe (from being left out)… Francis appears to be safe in that he hasn’t been stripped,” Sonnen added. “We heard the rumor that Jones and Stipe were going to fight for an interim championship. We’ve heard a rumor that Jones and Curtis (Blaydes) were going to fight… Jon Jones versus Francis, I think, is the biggest fight you can put on in our industry.” With that, it appears the stumbling block to Jones’ 2023 return will be Ngannou’s place in the promotion. While he’s been on the sidelines for a year owing to knee surgery, “The Predator” has also been locked in a contractual dispute that will likely come to a head soon enough.

Phil Baroni, a former professional wrestler and current UFC fighter, is accused of killing his fiancée last weekend at a hotel in San Pancho, Mexico. Tribuna de la Baha, a Mexican news organisation, was among the first to report on Baroni's arrest. In a hotel room on Sunday, local police discovered the body of a lady who had been Baroni's romantic partner. Baroni had earlier approached police officers outside and reported his girlfriend as being unconscious. According to Baroni, his girlfriend suffered severe head injury after being knocked over in the restroom during a physical altercation between him and his girlfriend. After things had calmed down, Baroni stated that the woman had asked for smokes and beer, which he obtained before returning to the room and finding her unconscious. In the early 2000s, Baroni competed in the UFC, where he won three of his first four fights. He last competed in the UFC at UFC 125, where Brad Tavares knocked him out in the opening round. During his MMA career, Baroni competed in ONE, DREAM, Bellator, and PRIDE in addition to the UFC. His most recent fight was in 2019 against Sai Wang at Rebel FC 9. Baroni fought fellow UFC veteran Chris Leben in bare-knuckle boxing competition. Later, he changed careers and started competing in professional wrestling, making appearances in GCW Bloodsport and Pro Wrestling Syndicate. Baroni is being held by officials in Valle de Banderas, Mexico as they continue their investigation.

Following his recent graceful farewell from MMA, Luke Rockhold has already made noises about a possible comeback in 2023. At UFC 278 this past August, the former middleweight champion of the UFC made a remarkable comeback to the 185-pound weight class in a fight against Paulo Costa. Although Rockhold ultimately lost by unanimous decision, it was one of his most courageous displays in his illustrious career. He received recognition as the Fight of the Night and some well-deserved appreciation from the fight sceptics. Since 2018, Rockhold, who turned 38 this past October, had dropped his last three fights inside the Octagon. For most athletes, that shortage of success results in a promotional pink slip, but Rockhold is a proven veteran of MMA and someone who probably will forever have a spot in the UFC if he possesses the willingness to perform. However, as we have observed among all combat sports, retirement declarations hardly ever take hold. And based on Rockhold's most recent social media post, it appears that he may soon join that trend. The former middleweight champion of the UFC, Rockhold, has a 1-4 record since winning the title in 2015. His defeat against Costa was the latest in a string of three losses, that also consisted of a failed yet another attempt at light heavyweight against former champion Jan Blachowicz. He's got a 16-6 record. Although Rockhold and UFC president of promotions Dana White have already had tense exchanges, if the former middleweight champion is sincere about making a comeback, UFC is probably going to pick up the call. And anyway, Rockhold is still a well-known character in this area and a contentious character who benefit both parties regardless of his opponents. If the fan favorite Luke Rockhold has still desire left for the return, the fight should be against Nick Diaz. Diaz is kind of in a similar condition like Rockhold. Both are highly respected and admired by the MMA fans and could produce a hell of a revenue if the agreement is reached with them. We'll have to wait and see whether Rockhold wishes to join the sport again so soon after quitting.

Recently UFC veteran Donald Cerrone in an appearance on Brendan Schaub's Thiccc Boy Studio, stated that YouTuber turned boxer Jake Paul is a legitimate boxer and that he admires his commitment. The former MMA star made it abundantly obvious that the possible cash prize would be tempting and hard to refuse. He left the door open for a return to combat sport if Jake Paul is interested in an exhibition boxing match. Jake Paul doesn't seem to be interested in waiting around for a prospective boxing battle against Donald Cerrone too, unfortunately. Jake expressed that he would rather face a young gun instead of challenge retired combat sports icons. The Problem Child was alerted of Cerrone's remarks and queried regarding them during a recent interview with The Schmo. “I don’t know, I’m kind of tired of beating these old dudes up like that, you know what I’m saying,” “I’m just trying to get someone in there who is younger, but they’re all scared. They’re just trying to protect their record.” Paul just defeated 47-year-old Anderson Silva by a unanimous decision. In Glendale, Arizona, they engaged in an eight-round fight in October of last year. Since switching to professional boxing in 2020, Paul has a 6-0 record. He has faced many well-known MMA competitors and has won by defeating Ben Askren, Tyron Woodley (2), and Silva. After a disappointing 2022 in which he only stepped into the ring once after attempting to challenge Hasim Rahman Jr. and Tyson Fury but failing, Paul has declared his ambition to compete in three-fight this year. The "Problem Child" has declared his desire to rise to the top of the game and win the title of world champion, but to do so, he will have to compete against boxers who have a natural affinity for the sport. One of them is Fury, who is still in a prime position to take on Paul in February. According to the promoter of the British fighter, Frank Warren, an agreement between the teams is almost complete.

Matchroom boxing chairman and owner, Eddie Hearn is excited about the prospect of Conor Benn scuffling with Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis in the ring. The undefeated British star, Benn has had his issues outside the ring, the most recent one was his fight cancelled at the last moment with his rival, Chris Eubank Jr. The pair was right on the path to reigniting the rivalry which was started by their respective parents back in the 90s. But a failed drug test just a few days before the actual altercation resulted in the fight being called off. Since then, Benn has been striving to get his name clear with his case under trial in the VADA and the WBC courts. Meanwhile, his promoter, Hearn has other ideas stored for his return with the lightweight sensation Tank Davis topping that list. Hearn says his eyes light up every time he hears the duo named side by side. “I love the fight between Conor Benn and Gervonta Davis. Why not?” said Eddie Hearn. Davis has fought previously at 140, overpowering Mario Barrios so fighting at this weight or near won’t be much problem for the Baltimore native. But Davis is already loaded with the bigger fights that come his way in 2023. He needs to finish that business before he can think of Benn's fight. “Gervonta Davis has fought at light welterweight. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind fighting at 147 or close to [that]” Hearn added. Davis is expected to clash against Ryan Garcia in April 2023. Davis has vowed to become the modern-day great and if he wants to accomplish that dream, Benn could be one of the puzzles which he needs to solve before he can drive for that ultimate goal.

The no.2 ranked UFC Bantamweight, ‘Sugar’ Sean O’Malley has named a few fighters that will certainly suit Conor McGregor on his possible return to the octagon in 2023. The former two-division champ, Conor McGregor has been recovering from a leg injury that he suffered during his scramble with Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021. It was an even contest at the end of the first round before the ring doctor called a stoppage to the contest considering the gravity of the situation. Now, the ‘Notorious’ is back on track and is nearing an appearance in the octagon over a year. While McGregor is busy completing his rehab, the Bantamweight title contender O’Malley has picked out the fighters that will match the requirements of the Dublin-born McGregor for his highly anticipated comeback. “The biggest fight, as far as pay-per-view sales I’d say Nick Diaz, would be the biggest,” O’Malley said in an interview with Helen Yee. O’Malley believes there are other fighters who could be put against McGregor but those names will tilt the favour away from the Notorious. “Realistically, maybe Jorge [Masvidal], Michael Chandler… no easy fights though,” O’Malley said. Diaz and McGregor have had a history between them as the two went back and forth with each other during UFC 196, McGregor’s first fight with Nick’s brother, Nate Diaz. ‘Sugar’, Sean O’Malley feels the fight could be a massive hit only if the duo come on the same page.

Tito Ortiz is reportedly in talks to compete in a boxing match against fitness influencer Big Boy. After defeating Chael Sonnen in 2017, Ortiz made headlines by announcing his retirement from mixed martial arts. The following year, the former champion joined Golden Boy MMA and agreed to take on Chuck Liddell in three fights. Ortiz ultimately prevailed via knockout in the opening round and eventually joined Combate Global. In his 2019 promotional debut, he defeated veteran WWE star Alberto Del Rio through submission. Later, Ortiz made a brief excursion into politics by holding the position of Mayor pro tempore in Huntington Beach. But in June of last year, Tito Ortiz quit his job and entered the ring to fight Anderson Silva. He ultimately lost against "The Spider" in round one and was eliminated, however he appears to still be interested in fighting. A recent boxing bout challenge from Big Boy, a bodybuilding influencer, was issued to the former MMA champion. According to Ortiz's Instagram post, he still has some fight left in him and would be open to a match this year. “This Big Boy cat … he said that I called him out. I never called this guy out,” Ortiz told his Instagram followers. “This guy is talking out of the side of his neck. I’ve never had any problem against him, or with him, I like the guy. He said I called him out which is completely false.” He continued, “The guy wants smoke, let’s light this shit up, let’s do it. I’ve done nothing since I fought Anderson. I still got fight left in me. If this guy wants smoke, make it happen.”

Alexander Volkanovski, the current UFC featherweight champion, has acknowledged that his underdog status is fully deserved before defending his lightweight belt. Volkanovski will compete for Islam Makhachev's lightweight title at UFC 284, which the Dagestani won in October at UFC 280. Volkanovski appears to be the underdog among many in the MMA world despite his featherweight credentials, prior experience battling at heavier weights, unblemished UFC record, and active 22-fight winning run. That is undoubtedly represented in the odds, which now have the Australian at +275 against Makhachev's -330. And while Volkanovski is confident he will defy the odds on fight night in Perth, he isn't questioning everyone's pre-fight predictions. Volkanovski recently spoke with John Hyon Ko of The AllStar about his upcoming challenge on February 11 and how people will see it. Volkanovski agreed that there is cause for concern regarding his chances. However, he is urging those who doubt Makhachev's invincibility to continue to hold the same perspective should he prove them wrong. “I want challenges. These challenges are making me better,” Volkanovski said. “Sitting there and protecting records has never been how I was… Every fight’s a risk. I would rather take on bigger challenges, challenges that people think can’t be done. At the end of the day, that just moves you forward. “People are gonna doubt me — and they should. This isn’t an easy challenge. But just remember that you are putting him on this pedestal… acting like it can’t be done,” Volkanovski added. “Just remember that. Don’t forget about that. When I get this job done, don’t start changing this narrative.”

Floyd Mayweather is aware that his career as a top-level boxer is over; the self-proclaimed best boxer of all time stated in an interview that he was already retired. Mayweather Jr.'s most recent fight was on July 26, 2017 against Conor McGregor, in which the American came out with his hand up, ending his professional career with a record of 50 wins and 27 knockouts, with no draws or losses. Since then, "Money" has devoted himself to putting on exhibition fights, in which he has performed admirably despite the fact that he has never faced a dangerous opponent. Floyd recently stated in an interview with The Sunday Telegraph that his days as a top-level boxer are over. "My career in real boxing is over. I'm retired," he commented. "I'm still making smart investments, connecting with the right people and generating generational wealth," he assured. "That's what's important to me, and that's what I want to keep doing." "In February we're looking forward to coming here and doing a showcase for the fans in the U.K., because I never had the opportunity to come here when I was boxing as a pro," he added. "So I hope it will be in February. I will come and do an exhibition if possible." "I had my first real fight in 1987. I've been a great pro, at the top, I've been the greatest fighter and I've broken every record in the sport of boxing," he concluded. Is Floyd Mayweather considered one of the greatest boxer in the history of the sport?

Dana White has apologized profusely after being caught on camera slapping his wife Anne in the face during a New Year's Eve brawl in a Mexican club. The 53-year-old White, who is estimated to be worth $500 million after building the UFC into a global money-making franchise, has been married to his wife since 1996 and they have three children together. They were having a New Year's Eve party at El Squid Roe in Cabo San Lucas. White appears to say something to Anne, who responds by slapping him. He then slaps her back before splitting up with her. Fronting up about the incident to TMZ, the UFC chief said: 'My wife and I were out Saturday night on New Year's Eve. Unfortunately that is what happened.' 'I am one of the guys who says there is never, ever an excuse for a guy to put his hands on a woman and now here I am on TMZ talking about it. 'This is one of those situations that is horrible. I am embarrassed. We have three kids and since the video popped up, we have shown the kids and we are more focused on our family right now. 'People are going to have their opinions on this and people's opinions would be right, especially in my case. You don't put your hands on a woman, ever.' His wife Anne is quoted by TMZ as saying: 'To say this is out of character for him is an understatement -- nothing like this has ever happened before. 'Unfortunately, we were both drinking too much on New Year’s Eve and things got out of control, on both sides. We’ve talked this through as a family and apologized to each other.' White stated in 2014 that UFC fighters who were violent to women would not be allowed to return. 'There’s one thing that you never bounce back from and that’s putting your hands on a woman,' he said. 'Been that way in the UFC since we started here. You don’t bounce back from putting your hands on a woman.' Where White goes from here will be closely watched in the coming days. The next UFC event is scheduled for January 14 in Las Vegas, and he is normally expected to attend in person.

The YouTube sensation Jake Paul clinched one of the most famous victories of his boxing career when he fought Former UFC middleweight champion, Anderson Silva, in a boxing match. The Problem Child extended his unbeaten run to 6-0 which includes his wins over Tyron Woodley x2 and Ben Askren. Even though he is endorsed for his hard work but many of them highly complain about his legitimacy and belief that Jake Paul’s fights are fixed. Despite such allegations, Paul is striving hard for the betterment of combat sports and athletes, especially UFC. Jake Paul has been voicing the issues publicly for a very long time. Jake Paul made a handshake deal with MMA legend Anderson Silva before their boxing match: If Silva ended up winning, Paul would then challenge him to a kickboxing match; however, if Paul gained the upper hand, Silva would assist Paul in starting a fighter's association to support MMA fighters, primarily UFC fighters, get decent salaries and medical services. And Paul says the fighter's union is moving forward in full force after beating Silva by a majority decision. “I’m very confident it happens and Anderson will help,” Paul recently told Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour. “I think he’s a man of his word, and this is needed. It’s been needed for so long. Right now we’re talking with lawyers to get everything set up and figure out the structure and start to ideate on what this union looks like and how it will be operated.” Paul's positive campaign towards Dana White and the UFC on the subject of athlete compensation and healthcare has been among the pillars of his journey into combat sports. Paul purportedly invested in Endeavor, the parent company of the UFC, and repeatedly attempted to negotiate with White to modify the UFC's compensation system, all to no effect. Although Paul publicly supports UFC fighters and advocates for improved compensation and healthcare, some fighters do not share their positive opinions of him. That might be problematic for a man trying to organize warriors as a union. And for this specific purpose, The YouTube star shook hands with an agreement to help him spread the message. “I think that’s where people like Anderson Silva joining really helps, because they respect him,” Paul said. “I think that fighters, regardless of if they hate me or love me, I’m trying to help them. They just should see that because I’m continuing to help fighters nonstop. They should see the things I’ve done for Amanda Serrano, the situation she was in. “I just want to help. So they can hate me, or not really even respect me, but we should be on the same team. That’s the whole point of this union — let’s band together and be strong as one. I might not even like a certain fighter that wants to be in the union, but it doesn’t matter. I’m putting my ego aside because this is going to benefit all of us.”

Khamzat Chimaev has been looking around for his options as his future looks uncertain in UFC welterweight division. Borz was subjected to meet UFC legend Nate Diaz in the main event of UFC 279, but he was unable to meet the scale and eventually fought Kevin Holland in a catchweight bout after the shuffle of the main card. The Swede has hinted about his move to middleweight, but no one seems to know who Khamzat Chimaev's next opponent will be. Khamzat Chimaev has been calling out the newly crowned middleweight champion Alex Pereira but it's too early to award a title fight to Chimaev after a series of the event affected his reputation in UFC’s opinion. Given recent comments made by Daniel Cormier, Chael Sonnen agreed with the former double champ and added his remarks on why Paulo Costa should think about challenging Chimaev for the opportunity to challenge Robert Whittaker. Paulo Costa’s bout versus #1 ranked middleweight Whittaker recently got canceled at UFC 284 due to failure to reach an agreement. Sonnen suggested that the Brazilian should compete and earn a spot on the squad rather than sitting back and waiting out his deal in order to win a championship. "I'm just reminding you, I'm just setting the stage for you. 'Cause Paulo has two ways to do it, he can take a fight, he's done. Or he can not take the fight and just wait out the clause, which he said was early summer, he said it was June. And I think that the smartest move, if it is in fact June, the smartest move is to wait till June. If you are prized fighter and you wanna stay in the rankings, you wanna pursue a dream, you gotta get in there." Later Sonnen brought attention to Cormier's remarks regarding Khamzat Chimaev and proposed that "Borrachinha" challenge the Chechen-born Swede over Whittaker. "But now you're in a situation when you said no to Whittaker, if you're gonna say yes to somebody else, and that's what your move is, it would only make sense that whoever you agree to is an easier fight than Whittaker. And I'm not sure, when Daniel suggested Chimaev, that Daniel meant it in that way but possibly he did. Possibly Daniel just stated that his opinion is that Chimaev is not as tough as Robert Whittaker." A great big and nasty test awaits as Chimaev prepares to clash in the middleweight division and there are physically tougher fighters than Borz. His recent callouts Paulo Costa and Alex Pereira can eat Khamzat alive in the octagon. The Brazilian duo had a bigger and stronger hand that can easily knock Chimaev with a single blow. If Gilbert Burns can take down and give a tough time Chimaev then it’s a piece of cake for the Brazilian middleweights.