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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.

Brazilian boxer Beatriz Ferreira added another milestone to her already illustrious career by securing the vacant IBF lightweight title with a victory over Argentina's Yanina Lescano. The 31-year-old's win not only marked her first world title in just her fifth professional fight but also set the stage for a potential historic double as she sets her sights on the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Ferreira's journey to the professional ranks began just 18 months ago, following a decorated amateur career that saw her medaling at every major international event and clinching world championships in 2019 and 2023. Despite her numerous accolades, an Olympic gold medal remained elusive after she settled for silver in the delayed 2020 Games in Tokyo, losing to Ireland's Kellie Harrington in the final. In her recent bout against Lescano, Ferreira faced determined opposition but showcased her trademark aggression, dominating the fight until an accidental clash of heads led to a premature end in the sixth round. While the victory was officially declared a technical decision, Ferreira's performance hinted at a more decisive outcome had the fight continued. Reflecting on her achievement, Ferreira expressed her joy at accomplishing her mission of becoming a world champion and immediately shifted her focus to future challenges. “Professional fighting is so different to Olympic, but we’d been training for 10 rounds and knew how difficult it was. I was ready. The fight didn’t go how we thought it would, it didn’t go as we wanted. But I guarantee you, as we get some momentum and some rhythm – I’m happy with the belt – but I promise you, the next fights will be even better.” She emphasized the difference between professional and amateur boxing but remained confident in her abilities, promising even better performances in upcoming fights. Looking ahead, Ferreira will return to amateur boxing, joining the Brazilian Olympic team to prepare for the 2024 Games. With the IBF lightweight title in her possession, she sets her sights on adding an Olympic gold medal to her collection, aiming to make history as the first woman to win both a professional world title and an Olympic gold within such a short span of time.

The 2024 PFL regular season charges forward with a thrilling lineup at PFL 5 in Salt Lake City, headlined by a lightweight clash between Clay Collard and Mads Burnell at the Huntsman Center on June 21. Collard, hailing from Utah and ranked No. 2 in the lightweight standings, aims to continue his momentum after a Round 2 TKO victory over Patricky Freire at 2024 PFL 2. On the other side, Burnell (18-6) seeks redemption following a submission loss to Michael Dufort, currently holding the top spot in the rankings. In the co-main event, 2023 PFL light heavyweight champion Impa Kasanganay (16-4) faces off against Jakob Nedoh (8-2) from Slovenia. Kasanganay, despite a dominant first-round finish at 2024 PFL 2, is placed fourth in points, eager to climb back up the ladder against Nedoh. The 2024 PFL 5 lineup also features exciting matchups like Bruno Miranda vs. Patricky Pitbull, Josh Silveira vs. Rob Wilkinson, and Antonio Carlos Jr. vs. Alex Polizzi, promising an action-packed night of combat sports in Salt Lake City.

Former two-time world super middleweight champion David Benavidez has disclosed that Turki Alalshikh approached him regarding a potential bout with three-weight world champion Terence Crawford. Alalshikh, the chairman of the Saudi Arabian General Entertainment Authority, has been making waves in boxing circles and recently confirmed Crawford's move to challenge WBA junior middleweight titleholder Israil Madrimov on August 3 at the BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, California. Benavidez, frustrated by Saul “Canelo” Alvarez's reluctance to grant him a shot at the undisputed super middleweight title, is set to step up to the 175lbs light heavyweight division against Oleksandr Gvozdyk on June 15 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. A victory over Gvozdyk could position Benavidez for a future challenge against the winner of the June 1 clash between Beterbiev and Bivol. While Benavidez's focus is on his upcoming bout, he revealed to Sean Zittel that Alalshikh had also proposed a fight with Crawford at the middleweight limit of 160lbs. However, Benavidez expressed concerns about the weight cut required for such a fight, indicating it would be too draining ahead of a potential bout in August. "I had talked to Turki, great guy. They had wanted me to fight in August," Benavidez explained. "I told them I’m with PBC – we got this big card [on June 15]. So, I think it was just a conversation of opening the doors [to the possibility] that this might be a reality that we could make this happen. We never got to that point. “He [Alalshikh] did mention to me one fighter. He wanted me to go down to 160 and fight Crawford,” Benavidez revealed, before adding that he explained that the weight cut required wouldn’t be possible.

Thiago Alves, a veteran of combat sports, has officially announced his retirement following his knockout loss to Mike Perry at BKFC KnuckleMania 4 in Los Angeles. After the fight, Alves spoke at the post-fight press conference, stating, “I’m going back to retirement. I pretty much was already retired, but didn’t make an announcement [or] anything because I wanted to do one more, and this was it.” Alves, who has been fighting professionally since he was 15 years old, expressed gratitude for his career but acknowledged the challenges of competing at a high level, especially after the recent passing of his mother and taking the fight on short notice. The 40-year-old Brazilian fighter leaves behind a legacy in MMA with a 23-15 record, including notable bouts in the UFC where he faced the likes of Georges St-Pierre at UFC 100. He transitioned to bare-knuckle boxing, winning the BKFC 185-pound title and securing victories over Julian Lane and Uly Diaz. Reflecting on his journey, Alves expressed thankfulness for achieving his dreams and providing for his family. “I think I was able to do that. I became a world champion in one of the most savage sports, badass sports out there [in] bare-knuckle boxing,” he remarked. Alves' retirement marks the end of an era in combat sports, highlighting his resilience and determination throughout his career.

Irish prospect Paul Hughes is ready to make a splash in the co-main event of Bellator Dublin on June 22 at the 3Arena. Hughes will face off against Bobby King in what promises to be an electrifying lightweight showdown. Bellator Dublin will be headlined by the welterweight championship bout between Jason Jackson and Ramazan Kuramagomedov, adding to the excitement of this stacked event. Hughes, with an impressive record of 11-1, has been making waves in the European MMA scene. He previously held the Cage Warriors belt and avenged his only career defeat before entering free agency on a five-fight winning streak. His signing with PFL after a dominant victory over Fabiano Silva further solidified his status as a rising star in the lightweight division. On the other side of the cage, Bobby King (12-6) brings his own set of skills and experiences to the co-main event. Having gone 3-3 under the Bellator banner, King holds notable wins over fighters like Nick Newell and Aviv Gozali. Despite recent decision losses, King remains a formidable opponent known for his resilience and striking prowess. The updated lineup for Bellator Champions Series Dublin includes several exciting matchups, showcasing a blend of established talent and rising stars: Jason Jackson vs. Ramazan Kuramagomedov (Welterweight Championship) Paul Hughes vs. Bobby King (Lightweight Co-Main Event) Sinead Kavanagh vs. Arlene Blencowe Norbert Novenyi Jr. vs. Dalton Rosta Kasum Kasumov vs. Matheus Mattos Simeon Powell vs. Abdullah Er-Ramy Brian Moore vs. Francesco Nuzzi Sarvarjon Khamidov vs. Marcirley Alves Nathan Kelly vs. Fabacary Diatta Olena Kolesnyk vs. Sara Collins Michelle Montague vs. Karolina Sobek Stay tuned for what promises to be an action-packed event showcasing the best of Bellator talent in Dublin.

The boxing world is abuzz with anticipation as Mike Tyson and Jake Paul gear up for their highly anticipated showdown on July 20, marking a historic moment in sports entertainment. Confirmed by Mike Heck with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, the upcoming bout between Tyson and Paul has been officially sanctioned as a professional contest, with the result impacting their respective records. Set to take place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, this event promises to be one for the record books. Tyson, a legendary figure in boxing with a record of 50-6, 2 NC, steps into the ring for his 59th professional fight, while Paul, known for his social media presence and professional record of 9-1, enters his 10th professional bout. Paul, who has consistently emphasized the seriousness of this matchup, took to Instagram to reaffirm that this fight would indeed be a genuine and sanctioned battle, not just a spectacle. His dedication to the sport and his preparation for facing the formidable Tyson has been evident throughout his training. The fight is structured as an eight-round bout, with each round lasting two minutes and both competitors using 14-ounce gloves for added protection. Tyson, renowned for his explosive knockout power during his prime, has been diligently training for this bout, showcasing his commitment to making a statement in his first professional fight since 2005. Despite his retirement, Tyson has stayed active with exhibition matches, including a memorable clash with Roy Jones Jr. On the other hand, Paul, riding a three-fight win streak, brings a mix of athleticism and strategic prowess to the ring, with victories over notable opponents like Nate Diaz, Anderson Silva, and Tyron Woodley. Adding to the excitement, the event features a co-main event rematch between Amanda Serrano and Katie Taylor, with Taylor's undisputed super lightweight title at stake, promising another thrilling chapter in their rivalry. Fans eagerly await the opportunity to witness these iconic matchups, with tickets for Paul vs. Tyson set to go on sale on May 16, and the event airing live on Netflix.

Saul "Canelo" Alvarez's upcoming fight against Jaime Munguia on May 4 is not just about the boxing match—it's a chapter in the ongoing saga of Alvarez's complex relationship with Oscar De La Hoya. This Cinco de Mayo weekend showdown will be the first time Alvarez and De La Hoya have been directly involved in a fight together since Alvarez sued Golden Boy and DAZN in 2020, which marked a significant shift in Alvarez's career as a promotional free agent. For over a decade, De La Hoya and Golden Boy played a pivotal role in shaping Alvarez's career, transforming him into a global superstar and top pay-per-view draw in the United States. However, their partnership began to unravel after Alvarez signed a lucrative deal with DAZN in 2018. After just three fights, Alvarez and De La Hoya parted ways, leading to a public falling out. As Alvarez (60-2-2, 39 KOs) gears up to face Munguia (43-0, 34 KOs), who is co-promoted by De La Hoya, tensions between Alvarez and his former promoter are palpable. Alvarez has made it clear that he is not interested in rekindling their friendship, stating, “I have nothing to do with him. I wish all the best for him, and that's it. But I don't want him in my life. I don't want him near me or close to me. I don't want those kinds of vibes in my life.” Alvarez's decision to negotiate directly with Munguia's co-promoter Fernando Beltran through PBC for the fight's staging on Prime Video pay-per-view is seen as a deliberate move to distance himself from De La Hoya. Despite De La Hoya expressing a desire to maintain a working relationship with Alvarez, it seems unlikely given Alvarez's recent comments. “I never talk s*** about [Alvarez] in his personal life. I keep it to boxing,” said De La Hoya. “That's what I know. I have every right to criticize because I have been there as a 10-time world champion in six divisions. I know what's going on inside the ring. If he wants to attack me in my personal life, then shame on him.” In response, De La Hoya criticized Alvarez, suggesting that Alvarez's personal attacks against him are unwarranted. De La Hoya's confidence in Munguia's ability to defeat Alvarez stems from his belief that Alvarez, at age 33, is showing signs of decline. “[Canelo is beatable] because of all the wear and tear,” said De La Hoya. “When Canelo was Munguia's age, he was a dangerous fighter. He still is, but it's like a new Ferrari versus a classic Ferrari. You can't push the classic Ferrari to the limit anymore.

Former UFC two-division champion Conor McGregor has made a significant move in his combat sports career by becoming a part-owner of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships (BKFC). The announcement came during the BKFC KnuckleMania 4 event on Saturday night. In a video aired before the evening's co-main event, McGregor exclaimed, "'The Notorious' Conor McGregor here... Conor McGregor myself and McGregor Sports and Entertainment is now an owner of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships." The Irish fighter expressed his excitement and congratulated BKFC president David Feldman, stating, "Welcome to the big leagues. David Feldman, baby, we did it." Despite his previous expressions of interest in competing for BKFC, particularly after appearing at one of their events last year and engaging in an impromptu faceoff with Mike Perry, McGregor is currently focused on his upcoming UFC bout against Michael Chandler at UFC 303 in June. Nevertheless, his involvement as a part-owner signifies a significant step in his relationship with the largest bare knuckle organization globally. Triller, the majority shareholder of BKFC, will maintain its position while McGregor Sports and Entertainment enters as a new partner. Before this ownership announcement, McGregor's brands, Proper Twelve and Forged Irish Stout, had already served as sponsors for BKFC. David Feldman, BKFC president, expressed his optimism about the partnership, stating, "I think it's just going to move the needle tremendously... We're going to do a lot of big things. We're going to open up a lot of new markets." The collaboration is expected to leverage McGregor's promotional prowess, potentially attracting more fighters to explore bare knuckle competition under the BKFC banner.

Having faced and triumphed over boxing luminaries like Amir Khan, Errol Spence, and Shawn Porter, Danny Garcia's resume speaks volumes about his prowess in the sport. Despite his last bout being in July 2022, where he emerged victorious against Jose Benavidez, Garcia remains a formidable figure in the boxing world. Looking ahead to his promotional debut, Garcia expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "I’m honored to launch Swift Promotions on Saturday, June 15 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The venue has been home to many historic fights and we’re thrilled to promote our first show there." The event will showcase a lineup of promising talents, including the undefeated heavyweight Sonny 'The Bronco' Conto, who boasts a record of 12-0 (9 KOs). Conto is slated to face Quintin Sumpter (7-2, 4 KOs) in an eight-round main event, following his recent victory over Detrailous Webster. A highlight of the evening will be the professional debut of Johnny "Different Breed" Rivera V, a highly decorated amateur champion from Philadelphia. Rivera V's transition to the professional ranks under the Swift Promotions banner marks a significant milestone in his career. Adding to the excitement, Miguel Roman, a rising star in the super bantamweight division from Philadelphia, will aim to maintain his perfect record in a scheduled four-round bout. Additionally, the event will feature the professional debut of Florencia Pajares Brito, a promising female boxer from Las Vegas, NV and Uruguay. In another thrilling matchup, undefeated cruiserweight prospect Stanley Johnson of Houston, TX, will face off against Raphael Carolina of Wendell, North Carolina. Johnson, known for his knockout power, is coming off a spectacular first-round knockout victory and is eager to continue his winning streak.

BKFC KnuckleMania 4 witnessed a dramatic and unfortunate turn of events as Mick Terrill successfully defended his BKFC heavyweight title against Lorenzo Hunt, whose bout was abruptly ended due to a gruesome arm injury in the first round. The fight began with both fighters displaying their aggressive styles, but Terrill's size advantage became evident early on. A well-timed uppercut from Terrill caused Hunt's head to snap back, leading to an awkward fall where Hunt's arm became dislocated, ultimately forcing the fight to be stopped at 1:48 of the opening round. Terrill, although victorious, expressed concern for Hunt's injury, acknowledging the unfortunate turn of events that marred the fight's conclusion. Despite the win, Terrill's focus was on Hunt's well-being in the aftermath of the bout. Hunt, who aimed to make history as the first-ever three-division champion in BKFC, was disappointed by the outcome but remained resilient. His determination to return to the ring and continue his pursuit of success in BKFC remains unwavering, despite the setback caused by the dislocated arm. In his post-fight comments, Hunt reassured fans that he would be back soon, ready to compete and prove his capabilities across multiple divisions. His grit and determination in the face of adversity highlight his status as a fierce competitor in the BKFC landscape. As the dust settles from KnuckleMania 4, the injury suffered by Hunt serves as a reminder of the physical toll of combat sports, while Terrill's successful title defense solidifies his position as a formidable force in the BKFC heavyweight division.

Alex Perez stepped up to the plate and delivered a stunning knockout victory over Matheus Nicolau, proving that he's a force to be reckoned with in the flyweight division. Perez, who replaced the injured Manel Kape on short notice, had a lot riding on this fight after three consecutive losses. However, he didn't let the pressure get to him and came out with his signature aggression. Throughout the fight, Perez relentlessly pursued Nicolau, eventually cornering him against the cage and unleashing a barrage of strikes. The finishing blow came in the form of a powerful right hook that sent Nicolau crashing to the canvas, prompting the referee to stop the fight at 2:16 in the second round. Reflecting on his victory, Perez expressed his joy, stating, "It feels amazing. Everybody counted me out after three losses. Shit happened in my last camp but three weeks' notice, no problem. Any time, any day. I tell people I don’t get paid to sit on the couch. I’m at the gym all the time. I’m always working." While the fight started slowly, with both fighters cautious in the opening round, Perez remained patient, waiting for the right moment to strike. Nicolau landed a significant left hand early on, but Perez responded with his trademark combinations, gradually gaining momentum. In the second round, Perez's pressure paid off as he backed Nicolau into a corner and unleashed a flurry of punches that ultimately sealed the deal. With this victory, Perez not only redeemed himself from his previous losses but also positioned himself as a contender in the flyweight division. As the flyweight division awaits the title fight between Alexandre Pantoja and Steve Erceg at UFC 301, Perez's impressive performance at UFC Vegas 91 has undoubtedly put him in the spotlight as a fighter to watch in the division.