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Jorge Masvidal's journey to UFC 251 in 2020 was a whirlwind of negotiations and opportunities that ultimately led to one of the most lucrative paydays of his career. Initially expected to be headlined by Kamaru Usman vs. Gilbert Burns, the event took a turn when Burns tested positive for Covid-19 a week before the fight, prompting Masvidal to step in on short notice. Fresh off his "BMF" title win over Nate Diaz, Masvidal negotiated hard with the UFC for a better contract, eventually securing a $5 million purse for the fight against Usman on Fight Island. Despite losing the bout via unanimous decision, Masvidal was satisfied with his pay, especially considering the circumstances. In a recent interview with VladTV, Masvidal discussed the negotiations and his satisfaction with his earnings for the fight. "The UFC called me and needed someone to fill in on six days' notice and fly across the world and cut 20 pounds of water in these six days and fight for a world title," Masvidal explained. "There was only one motherf*cker in the whole world who could get that call for the bat signal. It’s that dude right here." Masvidal emphasized that while he was happy with his pay, there was a part of him that still wanted the world title. "The guy that always wanted that world title wasn’t [happy], you know?" he concluded. Despite coming up short in his two bids for UFC gold against Usman, Masvidal's rivalry with the welterweight champion remains memorable. Their first fight at UFC 251 was followed by a rematch a year later, with Usman again emerging victorious. The rivalry between the two fighters showcased the competitive spirit of the sport and the determination of fighters like Masvidal to reach the pinnacle of MMA success.

Brandon Figueroa, recognized as one of the world’s top featherweights and a former junior featherweight titleholder, is gearing up for a pivotal fight against Jessie Magdaleno at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday. Figueroa, who currently holds an interim title at 126 pounds, sees this bout as a gateway to even greater opportunities in his career. Despite his reputation as a crowd-pleasing fighter known for his aggressive style, Figueroa is eager to showcase his strategic prowess and shed the label of being a mere brawler. “There’s a method to the madness,” Figueroa stated. “People think I just come forward and punch, but there’s a meticulousness to that. I want to confuse my opponent and not give him the same look.” Figueroa suffered a disputed majority decision loss to Stephen Fulton Jr. in 2021 but has since bounced back with two victories at featherweight, including a thrilling win over Mark Magsayo. “I’m a multi-dimensional fighter, and that’s why I’m so dangerous,” Figueroa emphasized. Hailing from Weslaco, Texas, and following in the footsteps of his older brother, former titleholder Omar Figueroa Jr., Brandon now resides in Las Vegas, where he believes he can access top-tier sparring partners to enhance his skills. Despite missing his family and home comforts, Figueroa recognizes the importance of stepping out of his comfort zone to achieve success in the ring. With his fight against Magdaleno taking place on a Saul “Canelo” Alvarez card, Figueroa is determined to make a lasting impression on fans and solidify his status as a force to be reckoned with in the featherweight division.

The fate of Brazilian flyweight Igor Severino remains uncertain as his disciplinary hearing has been postponed until May. Severino was disqualified and subsequently released from the UFC after biting opponent Andre Lima during a card in March. The Nevada Commission, which oversees combat sports events in the state, denied a recommended six-month suspension and instead opted for a full disciplinary hearing or a new adjudication agreement. During a recent meeting, Nevada Deputy Attorney General Matthew Feeley presented an adjudication agreement in which Severino would face a six-month suspension, a $3,000 fine (30% of his $10,000 purse), and prosecution fees for his actions. However, this agreement was not accepted, and Severino's case will be further reviewed in May. Feeley noted that there was no prior precedent for an incident like Severino's, as such occurrences are rare in combat sports. The last high-profile incident of biting in boxing was in 1997 when Mike Tyson bit Evander Holyfield during their fight. Severino's future in the UFC and the sport as a whole hangs in the balance as he awaits the final decision from the Nevada Commission.

The upcoming clash between Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and Jaime Munguia is shaping up to be a highly competitive affair, according to boxing trainer Tony Sims. Sims, who oversaw John Ryder’s fights with both Alvarez and Munguia in the past year, believes that Munguia's consistent improvement and Alvarez's observed decline make Saturday’s fight increasingly intriguing. The all-Mexican showdown, scheduled for Cinco de Mayo weekend at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena, marks Munguia's first fight since his January victory over Ryder, which forced the Briton's retirement. Alvarez, on the other hand, secured a victory over Jermell Charlo before his fight with Ryder. Despite Alvarez being the favorite, Sims sees this as a significant test for the seasoned fighter. "At this stage of ‘Canelo’s’ career, it’s a big test," said Sims. "He’s still a quality fighter and he’s still got that quality about him, where he’s still superior to Munguia. But Canelo definitely ain’t the fighter he was – that happens to everyone with a long career." Sims praised Munguia's explosive style and punching power but noted that he is not as tactically smart as Alvarez, which could be a factor in the fight. Reflecting on Munguia's past fights, especially his narrow victory over Sergiy Derevyanchenko, Sims highlighted the learning experiences that have shaped Munguia into a better fighter. Despite Munguia's improvements, Sims believes Alvarez's experience and savvy will ultimately give him the edge in the fight. He predicts a tactical battle, with Alvarez eventually winning on points. The all-Mexican affair has generated significant buzz, with both fighters boasting a strong fan base. Sims expressed regret at not being able to attend the fight, citing the electric atmosphere that such a matchup would create.

Following his impressive knockout victory over Matheus Nicolau at UFC on ESPN 55, Alex Perez is wasting no time getting back into action. Perez's originally scheduled bout against Tagir Ulanbekov, which was postponed, has been rebooked for UFC Fight Night on June 15 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Perez's return to the octagon comes after a flurry of recent activity. Despite a unanimous decision loss to Muhammad Mokaev in March, Perez rebounded with a short-notice victory over Nicolau just days ago. With this win, Perez ended a three-fight losing streak and demonstrated his resilience and determination in the highly competitive bantamweight division. On the other side of the octagon, Tagir Ulanbekov, hailing from Russia, is also no stranger to success. With impressive back-to-back submission victories over Nate Maness and Cody Durden at UFC 296, Ulanbekov has solidified his position as a formidable contender in the UFC bantamweight division. Now, both fighters are set to collide once again in what promises to be an electrifying rematch. As they step back into the spotlight on June 15, fans can expect an intense showdown between two skilled athletes vying for victory in the UFC octagon. Stay tuned for more updates and announcements as the highly anticipated UFC Fight Night draws near, showcasing the best talent the sport has to offer.

After a close split decision loss at UFC 300, former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira is ready to negotiate his next move in the UFC octagon. Despite the setback, Oliveira is eager to get back into action and is open to exploring new opportunities, including a potential move up to welterweight. In a recent interview, Oliveira expressed his desire to return to the octagon as soon as possible, stating, "I want to fight as early as possible." He emphasized his readiness for another fight, highlighting that he has no injuries and is already back in the gym training. While Oliveira initially expressed interest in a rematch with Justin Gaethje, who also suffered a defeat at UFC 300, Gaethje's plans for an extended break have led Oliveira to consider other options. With the lightweight division currently bustling with big fights, Oliveira is open to the idea of moving up to welterweight if it aligns with his goals and interests. "Why not take a fight that will lead us to money and history and legacy?" Oliveira said. "A fight that makes sense and gives us money? Why not?" Reflecting on his recent loss to Arman Tsarukyan, Oliveira refrained from dwelling on the judges' decision and instead focused on moving forward. While acknowledging areas where he could have been more aggressive during the fight, Oliveira remains undeterred and motivated to continue his MMA journey. As Oliveira looks ahead to his next move in the UFC, fans can anticipate an exciting chapter in his career, whether it be in the lightweight division or a new venture at welterweight.

Following his impressive victory over Devin Haney on April 20 at the Barclays Center in New York, Ryan Garcia (25-1, 20 KOs) has been making waves in the boxing world. The young fighter, despite failing to make the 140lbs weight limit against Haney, dropped his rival three times en route to claiming a majority decision win. This victory silenced many of his critics and marked his second win under trainer Derrick James. The aftermath of Garcia's win has sparked discussions about his next potential opponent, with former unified world welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. (28-1, 22 KOs) emerging as a frontrunner. Spence, who recently parted ways with trainer Derrick James, is embroiled in a legal battle with him over earnings from their successful partnership. Despite this, Garcia has leapt to James's defense and even called for negotiations to begin with Spence regarding a possible fight. In a recent appearance on the Spit Bucket Podcast, boxing legend Bernard Hopkins weighed in on the potential Garcia-Spence matchup, describing it as "promotable" and something that fans are eager to see. Hopkins praised Spence as a formidable opponent, stating that a fight between the two would be more than just a bout; it would be a personal rivalry that adds an extra layer of excitement. “Personally, I say fight the best in the division for the most money. I understand that you are King Ryan, they make money by fighting you,” said Hopkins. “If Spence is the one, which I believe it is. If it ain’t Tank [Gervonta Davis] and if it ain’t Spence or whoever else after that, those two [Spence and Davis] I see at the top of the good chain [as Garcia’s ideal next opponents]. Anything else to do to stay busy.” As discussions around a potential Garcia-Spence showdown continue to gain momentum, boxing fans are eagerly awaiting confirmation of what could be a thrilling matchup between two of the sport's most exciting fighters.

Excitement is building for ADXC 4 as UFC fighters Benoit Saint Denis and Marc Diakiese gear up to headline the event in a thrilling no-gi welterweight grappling match. Scheduled for May 18 at Dojo De Paris in France, this showdown promises to be a highlight of the evening. Originally slated to face Arman Tsarukyan, Saint Denis now prepares to take on Diakiese in front of his home crowd. Following a streak of five consecutive victories, Saint Denis suffered a setback with a knockout loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 299 in March. Despite the defeat, Saint Denis revealed he battled a staph infection during the fight, affecting his performance. On the other side of the mat, Diakiese looks to build on his recent success after securing a victory against Kaue Fernandes at UFC Fight Night 231 in Brazil last November. With three takedowns in the win, Diakiese put an end to a two-fight losing streak, showcasing his grappling prowess. In addition to the highly anticipated Saint Denis vs. Diakiese matchup, UFC lightweight Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady will also be in action, facing Amin Ayoub in another no-gi welterweight grappling bout on the main card. As fans eagerly anticipate ADXC 4, the stage is set for an electrifying evening of elite-level grappling action. With Saint Denis and Diakiese headlining the event, MMA enthusiasts can expect nothing short of an intense and thrilling contest between two seasoned UFC fighters.

The MMA community stands in solidarity with Francis Ngannou as he faces an unimaginable loss with the passing of his 15-month-old son, Kobe Ngannou. Reports from Cameroonian news outlet 237 Online confirmed the heartbreaking news, although the exact circumstances surrounding Kobe's passing remain unknown. Ngannou, a former UFC heavyweight champion and rising star in combat sports, has yet to address the public directly, but his anguish was palpable in a social media post where he expressed his grief: "What's the purpose of life if what we're fighting tooth and nail to get away from is what finally hit us the hardest!? Why is life so unfair and merciless? Why does life always take what we don't have? I'm f*cking tired." Francis Ngannou, April 29, 2024 Ngannou's head coach, Eric Nicksick, and manager, Marquel Martin, also shared their condolences on social media, underscoring the depth of sorrow felt by those closest to him. Despite his recent endeavors in boxing, where he garnered significant attention with his impressive performances, Ngannou's focus now undoubtedly lies with his family as he navigates this profound loss. His contributions to both MMA and boxing have earned him admiration and respect within the combat sports community, making the news of his tragedy all the more devastating. As fans and fellow fighters join Ngannou in mourning the loss of Kobe, the MMA world sends its heartfelt condolences and support to the heavyweight champion during this incredibly difficult time.

Ian Garry's pursuit of a fight with Colby Covington in the UFC Octagon appears to be hitting a roadblock. Since his impressive return at UFC 298 in February, where he defeated Geoff Neal, Garry has been vocal about wanting to face Covington. However, Covington, who is coming off a disappointing performance against Leon Edwards at UFC 296, seems to have other plans. During a recent appearance on the TwinsPod, Covington dismissed Garry's calls for a fight, referring to him as a "nobody." Covington mentioned that he had given Garry some stipulations to show his seriousness about the fight, but Garry failed to meet them, pulling out of a press conference where they were supposed to have a confrontation. Despite Covington's dismissal, he is still aiming for a return at UFC 303, which is set to feature Conor McGregor. Covington emphasized that he is serious about his business in the UFC and is looking for the biggest name and best business for the promotion. While Covington's comments may be discouraging for Garry, the Irishman will likely be heartened by the prospect of Covington fighting at UFC 303. With McGregor headlining the event, there could be an opportunity for Garry to be added to the card, making it an even bigger event for Ireland.

Lennox Lewis is a name synonymous with greatness in the world of boxing. The British-Canadian fighter, born on September 2, 1965, in West Ham, London, rose to become one of the most dominant heavyweight champions in history. His journey from a young, aspiring boxer to undisputed heavyweight champion is a tale of perseverance, skill, and sheer determination. Early Career Lewis's boxing career began in the amateur ranks, where he quickly made a name for himself. He won the super-heavyweight gold medal at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, representing Canada, and turned professional shortly after. His early years in the professional ranks were marked by impressive victories and rapid ascension through the ranks. In 1992, Lewis suffered a setback in his career when he faced Oliver McCall for the WBC heavyweight title and suffered a shocking defeat. However, Lewis rebounded from this defeat with a renewed focus and determination. He went on to reclaim the WBC title in 1993, defeating McCall in a rematch. Lewis's reign as heavyweight champion was characterized by his dominance in the ring. He faced and defeated some of the biggest names in the division, including Evander Holyfield, Mike Tyson, and Vitali Klitschko. His victory over Holyfield in 1999, where he unified the heavyweight titles, solidified his status as one of the greatest heavyweights of all time. One of Lewis's most memorable fights came in 2002 when he faced Tyson in a highly anticipated bout. The fight ended in an eighth-round knockout victory for Lewis, further cementing his legacy in the sport. Retirement In 2003, Lewis made the decision to retire from boxing, leaving the sport on top as the reigning heavyweight champion. His retirement marked the end of an era in heavyweight boxing, as Lewis was widely regarded as the last great heavyweight champion of his generation. The Legacy of Lennox Lewis In recognition of his accomplishments, Lewis was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2009, cementing his status as one of the all-time greats of the sport. His legacy continues to inspire a new generation of boxers, and his name will forever be synonymous with greatness in the world of boxing.

UFC star Robert Whittaker has thrown his support behind Belal Muhammad's quest for a world title, citing the potential uproar from MMA fans as a compelling reason. Muhammad has been steadily building his reputation in the welterweight division, generating buzz and controversy along the way. Whittaker finds Muhammad's ability to stir conversation intriguing, making him a fighter to watch. Muhammad's path to the title runs through Leon Edwards, the current champion. Their first fight ended controversially due to an eye poke that forced Muhammad to stop. This unfinished business has added fuel to the rivalry, with fans and pundits alike speculating on the outcome of a potential rematch. Despite Muhammad facing criticism for his outspoken nature, Whittaker finds himself drawn to Muhammad's character. "The more people hate on him [Muhammad], the more I like him," Whittaker remarked, highlighting the divisive nature of Muhammad's persona. Whittaker sees Muhammad's potential title win as a source of entertainment, anticipating the uproar it would cause among MMA fans. While Whittaker respects Edwards and does not wish for his defeat, he finds the prospect of Muhammad holding the belt amusing. "I'm just saying, it'd be a funny dynamic," Whittaker added, emphasizing the intriguing narrative surrounding Muhammad's rise in the welterweight division.