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UFC fans are in for an electrifying showdown as Roman Dolidze prepares to square off against Michel Pereira at UFC Louisville on June 8, promising a battle of middleweight titans at the KFC Yum! Center. Michel Pereira, coming off an impressive stoppage victory at UFC 301, is on a winning streak with eight consecutive victories. His transition from welterweight to middleweight has been nothing short of spectacular, boasting a flawless 3-0 record in the UFC at 185 pounds, with all three wins secured via stoppages in just over three minutes of combined octagon time. Roman Dolidze, originally slated to compete at UFC 302 before a hand injury disrupted his plans, is eager to bounce back from consecutive losses to Marvin Vettori and Nassourdine Imavov. Dolidze's rise up the middleweight ranks was fueled by a remarkable four-fight winning streak, including notable victories over Jack Hermansson, Phil Hawes, and Kyle Daukaus in a stellar 2022 campaign. The clash between Dolidze and Pereira is expected to be a highlight of UFC Louisville, with both fighters known for their explosive styles and penchant for finishing fights. Pereira's dynamic striking and unorthodox techniques will clash with Dolidze's formidable grappling and striking arsenal, promising an action-packed spectacle for MMA enthusiasts. As the date for UFC Louisville draws near, anticipation grows for this highly anticipated middleweight matchup between Roman Dolidze and Michel Pereira, set to deliver fireworks inside the octagon.

Yoel Romero, known for his explosive athleticism and Olympic wrestling background, is set to showcase his grappling prowess in an intriguing matchup against Commonwealth Judo champion Owen Livesey at Polaris 28. The openweight submission grappling match, scheduled for June 15 in Doncaster, England, has sparked excitement among fans of both wrestling and judo, as two elite athletes from different disciplines come together in a test of skill and technique. Romero, a silver medalist in wrestling at the Olympics, is no stranger to the grappling scene. His previous submission grappling match against Chris Barnett showcased his versatility and ability to transition seamlessly between disciplines. Romero's victory via a Round 1 kimura submission demonstrated his mastery of grappling techniques beyond traditional wrestling. On the other side of the mat stands Owen Livesey, a Commonwealth Judo champion renowned for his precision and tactical acumen in the realm of judo. Livesey's victory over former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman at Polaris 23 highlighted his ability to adapt his judo skills to the dynamic environment of submission grappling. The matchup between Romero and Livesey promises to be a clash of grappling titans, with each athlete bringing a unique set of skills and experiences to the mat. Romero's explosive takedowns and ground control will test Livesey's defensive judo techniques and submission defense, creating an engaging and competitive spectacle for grappling enthusiasts. As the date for Polaris 28 draws near, anticipation builds for this high-stakes grappling showdown between Yoel Romero and Owen Livesey, promising a night of intense competition and skillful displays on the mat.

Vasiliy Lomachenko is on the brink of fulfilling his ambition to become the undisputed lightweight champion, with his upcoming bout against George Kambosos Jr. for the IBF title potentially paving the way for this long-held dream. The two-time Olympic champion faced a setback in his last fight against Devin Haney, narrowly missing out on victory in a bout many believed he had won. However, Lomachenko now has an opportunity to claim one of the four coveted belts this Sunday in Australia. Bob Arum, Lomachenko's promoter, revealed that a triumph over Kambosos would not only secure him a world title but also position him for a potential showdown with WBC titleholder Shakur Stevenson. Speaking to Sky Sports, Arum expressed his anticipation for a Lomachenko-Stevenson clash, saying, "Every serious boxing fan will be watching that in awe, between two great technicians fighting for a unified title." He also acknowledged the challenge posed by Kambosos, who upset the odds by defeating unified champion Teofimo Lopez, the man who previously defeated Lomachenko. Age is a factor of concern for Lomachenko, who at 36, has hinted at the twilight of his career. Arum noted, "Kambosos is a real threat... Lomachenko is super-talented, but again there is his age, particularly in the lighter-weight divisions, where age is more of a factor than in the heavyweight divisions." Should Lomachenko triumph and secure the IBF title, a potential showdown with Stevenson awaits, followed by a possible bout with the winner of Emanuel Navarrete-Denys Berinchyk for the WBO title on May 18. This could set the stage for a highly-anticipated clash against WBA belt holder Gervonta Davis for the undisputed lightweight championship next year.

Jeremie "Hit Em" Holloway is gearing up for a significant challenge in Omaha, NE, as he prepares to face Dakota Cochrane in the Co-Main Event of BKFC Fight Night Omaha at Liberty First Arena on May 17. This bout presents Holloway with the opportunity to secure his second consecutive victory in the BKFC middleweight division against the formidable No. 5 contender, Cochrane. Acknowledging the magnitude of this opportunity, Holloway remains unfazed by the stakes, approaching the fight with a business-as-usual mindset. "It's just business as usual," says the hard-hitting fighter from Charlotte, NC. Despite Cochrane's extensive experience with over 40 MMA bouts and a presence in BKFC since BKFC 6, Holloway remains focused on the task at hand. "He's been around the sport for a while, but this is just another day at the office for me," he adds. Viewing this fight as a significant chance to advance his career, Holloway is fully committed to making the most of it. "Opportunities like this don’t come around often, so I’m definitely not taking it for granted," he emphasizes. With a clear goal in mind, Holloway aims to finish the fight decisively. "I’m definitely looking for the finish," he asserts. "And when I see the opportunity, I’m going to take it." Holloway's determination and focus are evident as he prepares to step into the ring in Omaha, eager to make a statement and further establish himself in the competitive BKFC middleweight division.

WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman announced the decision to strip unbeaten middleweight champion Jermall Charlo of his title following a car crash in Texas. The incident, which led to Charlo's arrest on suspicion of driving while intoxicated and other charges, was deemed the final straw after years of criticism regarding Charlo's holding of the belt. In a conversation, Sulaiman expressed the WBC's decision, stating, "So the WBC has made the decision, but at the same time we have compassion and still care for [Charlo’s] well-being. When he returns to boxing, we will walk with him, as well." Charlo's reign as champion had been marred by controversy, including criticism of his opponent selection and a mental health layoff. Despite these challenges, the WBC had been supportive, with Sulaiman emphasizing, "As I’ve always said, we are always going to give time for our champions – mental health is such a powerful issue in the world, now more than ever." With Charlo's belt now transferred to Carlos Adames, the Dominican Republic's interim WBC champion, attention turns to Adames' future as the new titleholder. Adames, who has been patient in his wait for a title shot, is expected to make the most of his opportunity as the new champion. While Charlo's future in boxing remains uncertain, Sulaiman affirmed that efforts are being made to support him in his recovery. The decision to strip him of the title was a difficult one, but ultimately necessary for the integrity of the sport.

Cory Sandhagen's upcoming showdown with Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC Abu Dhabi promises to be a challenging battle, as Sandhagen anticipates a tough fight ahead. Sandhagen, speaking candidly on The MMA Hour, described the upcoming bout as "a pain in the ass of a fight," acknowledging the formidable skills and style of Nurmagomedov. The five-round bantamweight headliner scheduled for August 3 has garnered significant attention, with Sandhagen preparing for a grueling battle against the undefeated Nurmagomedov. The anticipation for this matchup stems from Sandhagen's previous encounter with Nurmagomedov, which was set for August 2023 but was postponed due to Nurmagomedov's shoulder injury. Sandhagen's subsequent victory over Rob Font showcased his resilience and determination, setting the stage for his highly anticipated clash with Nurmagomedov. Umar Nurmagomedov, known for his impeccable record and impressive performances, presents a formidable challenge for Sandhagen. As a cousin of UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov and a rising star in the bantamweight division, Umar's skills and strategic approach in the octagon have earned him praise and recognition. Sandhagen's training camp and preparation have been meticulous, with a focus on showcasing his grappling skills, which he believes will pose a significant challenge for Nurmagomedov. Sandhagen's association with Ryan Hall and his unique grappling style add depth to his strategy for the upcoming fight. Moreover, UFC officials have hinted that Sandhagen's shot at undisputed gold could be on the line in this pivotal matchup. With his sights set on championship glory, Sandhagen is driven by the opportunity to solidify his position as one of the top-ranked bantamweights in the world. Sandhagen's dedication to honing his skills during his time off has fueled his motivation to achieve greatness in the octagon. His determination to become an "unbelievable" fighter, combining exceptional kickboxing, wrestling, and jiu-jitsu, underscores his relentless pursuit of excellence. As the date for UFC Abu Dhabi approaches, fans eagerly await the clash between Sandhagen and Nurmagomedov, anticipating a battle of epic proportions in the bantamweight division.

Jake Paul is gearing up for his upcoming bout with Mike Tyson with a level of seriousness that has caught the attention of many. The fight, set to take place on July 20 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, has been officially sanctioned as a professional boxing match, raising the stakes for both fighters. When the pairing was first announced in March, it was unclear what type of boxing match it would be. The significant age gap between the 27-year-old Paul and 57-year-old Tyson raised concerns across the combat sports world. Some viewed the fight as nothing more than a cash grab, especially since it will be the first live boxing event aired on Netflix. However, Paul is not taking his legendary opponent lightly and is treating Tyson as a serious threat. Speaking at the Formula One Grand Prix in Miami, Paul stated, "It’s an honor to be in the ring with him, but I have to end him... It’s war. All is fair in love and war. I love the guy, but as soon as it turned into a pro fight, one of us has to die." Despite the aggressive stance, Paul expressed his respect for Tyson and believes the feeling is mutual. For Tyson, this will be his first professional boxing match since his loss to Kevin McBride in June 2005. Although he had an exhibition match with Corey Sanders a year later and another exhibition against Roy Jones Jr. in November 2020, Tyson's upcoming fight with Paul marks his return to the professional ring. The bout with Jones Jr. went the full eight rounds and was declared a split draw, as knockouts were not allowed. A victory for Paul would extend his winning streak to three, following a unanimous decision over MMA veteran Nate Diaz and back-to-back first-round knockouts of Andre August and Ryan Bourland. The fight between Paul and Tyson is expected to be a spectacle, drawing significant attention from fans and critics alike.

In the dynamic world of ONE Championship kickboxing, a new contender has emerged with ambitions as high as the title itself. Wei Rui, fresh off a triumphant debut in ONE Championship, is eyeing Jonathan Haggerty's ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Championship, declaring himself as "the next challenger" in the competitive landscape of the sport. Wei Rui's journey to championship contention began with a bang at ONE Fight Night 22 on Prime Video, where he faced the formidable Hiroki Akimoto, a former divisional ruler and current #1-ranked contender. The clash between Wei and Akimoto was not just a battle of skills but a statement of intent from the K-1 Champion, showcasing his prowess and determination in the ring. After three grueling rounds of intense action, Wei emerged victorious with a close unanimous decision, signaling his readiness for the next level of competition. Reflecting on his impressive debut, Wei expressed his confidence in challenging Haggerty for the coveted belt, stating, "I think I am qualified to be the next belt challenger. Because, as you know, Hiroki used to be the champion, and I beat him. That means I can definitely [challenge for] the belt." However, Wei understands the intricacies of championship opportunities in ONE Championship. Haggerty is set to defend his bantamweight Muay Thai crown against Superlek Kiatmoo9 at ONE 168: Denver on September 6, adding a layer of anticipation to the championship scene. For Wei, this delay is seen as an opportunity rather than a setback. It provides him with valuable time to meticulously prepare for a potential clash with Haggerty, focusing on a long-term, systematic training plan to enhance his skills and readiness for championship contention. Reflecting on his performance against Akimoto, Wei exuded confidence in his abilities, emphasizing his unpredictability and control in the ring. "He can’t fight at my pace, and I’m always unpredictable. That is also my greatest technique," Wei remarked, showcasing his tactical prowess and strategic approach to the sport. As discussions among fans intensify about the rightful contender for Haggerty's title, Wei Rui's emergence as a top challenger adds excitement and anticipation to the kickboxing scene in ONE Championship, setting the stage for a potential clash of titans shortly.

Reece McLaren, fueled by determination and ambition, is making waves in the MMA world with his demand for a shot at Demetrious Johnson's ONE Flyweight MMA World Championship and a rematch with Danny Kingad. After a hard-fought victory at ONE Fight Night 22, McLaren's words resonate with conviction and passion as he aims for the pinnacle of the flyweight division. McLaren's recent unanimous decision win over Hu Yong showcased his skill and tenacity inside the cage, marking his 10th victory under the ONE Championship banner. His stellar performance and consistent success have led him to believe that he is just one step away from challenging Demetrious Johnson for the coveted World Title. "I feel that I am, at any stage, on any win, one step away from that World Title shot," McLaren stated, emphasizing his confidence and readiness for the ultimate challenge. For McLaren, the journey to championship contention has been a long and arduous one, spanning nearly nine years in ONE Championship with a total of 10 wins. His resilience and determination have been evident, especially after falling short in his previous title bid against Bibiano Fernandes in 2016. Undeterred by setbacks, McLaren shifted his focus to the flyweight division, where he has established himself as a top contender. His desire for the World Title at 135 pounds is fueled by years of hard work and dedication. "It’s been a long journey, man. I feel like I’ve paid my dues. The best flyweights in the world are in ONE Championship. I have been saying that for years," McLaren expressed, highlighting his belief in his abilities and the caliber of competition in ONE Championship's flyweight division. While McLaren's ultimate goal is a showdown with Demetrious Johnson, he remains open to other challenges, including a rematch with Danny Kingad. McLaren believes that a rematch with Kingad would solidify his position in the division and erase any doubts about their previous encounter. "I think everyone knows I won that fight. I think he’s been hiding up in the mountains ever since I’ve been calling for that fight," McLaren remarked, showcasing his eagerness to prove himself against Kingad and secure his claim to the flyweight belt. As McLaren's demand for a title shot and a rematch gains traction, the MMA world eagerly awaits the next chapter in his journey, filled with challenges, triumphs, and the pursuit of greatness.

Zhilei Zhang and Deontay Wilder are set to collide in a high-stakes heavyweight showdown on June 1 in Saudi Arabia as part of the Matchroom-Queensbury 5v5 card. Both fighters are looking to bounce back from defeats to former world titleholder Joseph Parker, knowing that another loss could derail their careers. Zhang, previously unbeaten, suffered a setback against Parker despite knocking him down twice during their encounter. The Chinese heavyweight admitted to underestimating Parker but has since made significant changes to his approach, including bringing in nutritionist Chris Algieri to help with his conditioning. Reflecting on his loss, Zhang stated, “I made a big mistake underestimating Parker. I had to admit it happened. At the same time, I learned a lot from that fight, we came back, we analyzed every little detail, and we corrected our mistakes. I believe the next fight, it’s gonna be a new me.” “I don’t think this fight goes the distance because when Chinese power meets Alabama power, we’re gonna bang the hell out of each other,” he said. “This fight is not going to go the distance. ‘The Big Bang’ will bomb ‘The Bomber.’” Meanwhile, Wilder, known for his devastating punching power, is eager to get back into the win column after his defeat to Parker. With both fighters predicting a knockout, fans can expect an explosive encounter when these two heavy hitters step into the ring.

The UFC flyweight division is buzzing with anticipation as Kai Kara-France sets his sights on a potential clash with Steve Erceg at UFC 305, expressing his eagerness to settle the score in Perth. This proposed matchup adds another layer of excitement to the upcoming event and underscores the competitive spirit within the flyweight ranks. Fresh off a closely contested title bout against Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 301, Erceg caught the attention of Kara-France, who sees this as an opportunity to step back into the octagon and prove his mettle. Kara-France's last fight was a narrow defeat to Amir Albazi last June, and he was slated to face Manel Kape at UFC 293 before withdrawing due to concussion-related issues. In an interview with Sky Sports New Zealand, Kara-France voiced his desire for a rematch with Albazi, questioning Albazi's place in the title conversation after their previous encounter. He reached out to Albazi for a potential rematch but received no response, leaving him without an opponent for UFC 305. "I’ve seen Amir talking a lot about this title fight that just happened in the weekend saying it was boring. The champ’s telling people to stay in their seats while I’m doing my post-fight speech," Kara-France remarked, highlighting his eagerness for a rematch. With UFC 305 scheduled to take place on August 17 at RAC Arena in Perth, Erceg's interest in fighting in his hometown aligns perfectly with Kara-France's plans. "If not, I feel like Steve would be a great dance partner – somewhere close to home," Kara-France stated. "He’s from Perth, so I know the hometown boy will get a lot of hype." Acknowledging Erceg's skills and resilience, Kara-France praised his recent performance against the champion and expressed respect for fighters from the same region. "To get to the title, you want to fight the guys that fought for the title. That’s the pathway. If he wants to get it, Steve Erceg: Let’s settle it in Perth," Kara-France emphasized, setting the stage for a potential showdown that fans eagerly anticipate. The buildup to UFC 305 promises to be thrilling, with Kara-France and Erceg's potential matchup adding a compelling storyline to the event and showcasing the depth of talent in the flyweight division.

Excitement is brewing in the MMA world as Muhammad Mokaev and Manel Kape gear up for a high-stakes flyweight showdown at UFC 304 in Manchester on July 27. This anticipated bout is poised to be a title eliminator, pitting two formidable fighters against each other in a quest for championship glory. The news of this matchup was first reported by Home of Fight and later confirmed, solidifying the anticipation surrounding this clash of titans. Mokaev, a rising star in MMA at just 23 years old, has already made a name for himself as the No. 6-ranked flyweight in the UFC Rankings. With an undefeated record and an impressive 6-0 run in the UFC, including four wins via submission, the Dagestani-born English fighter brings a formidable arsenal to the octagon. His most recent victory, a unanimous decision against Alex Perez at UFC Vegas 87, showcased his prowess and determination. On the other side of the octagon stands Manel Kape, known for his electrifying style and thrilling performances in the flyweight division. Despite some recent challenges, including weight-related issues, Kape remains a force to be reckoned with, boasting a four-fight win streak inside the UFC. His journey to UFC 304 has been marked by both triumphs and obstacles, making this upcoming bout all the more intriguing. While UFC 304's main and co-main events are yet to be officially announced, rumors suggest that fans may witness defending champions in action. Speculations hint at UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards and UFC interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall potentially defending their titles on home turf, adding to the excitement surrounding the event. As these two warriors prepare to clash, fans eagerly anticipate a showdown that could shape the future of the flyweight division.