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Jon Jones isn’t too worried about Ciryl Gane’s impressive striking acumen.

“Bones” returns for the first time in over three years when he faces Gane at UFC 285 on March 4, 2023, for the vacant Heavyweight championship. It will be a new venture for the 35-year-old all-time great, but he’s up for the challenge and doesn’t see “Bon Gamin” as anything more dangerous than some of his past obstacles.

“No I don’t,” Jones quote tweeted when asked if he felt Gane was the best striker he’ll have fought. “Thiago Santos, Lyoto Machida the list goes on. I fought many guys who were nasty on their feet. Guys with very intimidating one strike knockout power. I feel pretty comfortable, and this is definitely not a kickboxing match.

“If anything I feel faster and more explosive [at Heavyweight],” he added. “Definitely have the knockout power that I didn’t have before. Wrestling is more than a few take downs, it’s a mentality. I’ll just leave it at that. No, [I’m not concerned about ring rust]. I’ve worked harder over the last three years than I ever have in my entire career. Fighting is inside of me, it’s who I am.”

When specifically looking at Jones’ wins over the likes of Brazilians, Santos and Machida, at Light Heavyweight, they were very different performances in two separate eras of Jones’ career. The Machida fight came first with Jones scoring a second-round guillotine submission at UFC 140 in Dec. 2011 in what was just Jones’ second successful title defense.

Santos was Jones’ second most recent victory, picking that one up by the only split decision victory of his illustrious 28-fight career. Jones followed up the victory with another closely contested and somewhat controversial outing via unanimous decision over Dominick Reyes.

Gane, on the other hand, has earned five of his 11-career wins via knockout or technical knockout, most recently putting away power punchers, Tai Tuivasa and Derrick Lewis.

Islam Makhachev isn’t bothered by the recent claims of him using Intravenous therapy (an I.V.) ahead of UFC 284 this past weekend (Feb. 11, 2023).

The reigning Lightweight champion made his first successful title defense, thwarting off Featherweight titlist, Alexander Volkanovski, via a hard-fought unanimous decision (watch highlights). Unfortunately for Makhachev, there have been two large bits of controversy following his victory.

First, many within the community have expressed the notion that Makhachev shouldn’t have won at all. Secondly, Volkanovski’s teammate and former opponent of Makhachev’s, Dan Hooker, has come out to claim Makhachev cheated by using an I.V. to help rehydrate after making weight.

“I don’t even want to comment on that,” Makhachev told Russian media upon his arrival back in Dagestan (h/t Red Corner MMA). “The UFC works with the expert organization USADA (United States Anti-Doping Agency). Before and after the fight, I was tested four times in total. Somebody posted a picture with a bruise on my vein. Australia has its own commission that takes blood samples during fight week. They took my blood on Wednesday and I had the UFC photo shoot on Thursday.

“Some fighters are trying to push this narrative, but the UFC and USADA have no issues with me,” he concluded.

Earlier today (Weds., Feb. 15, 2023), ESPN’s Brett Okamoto gathered some further clarity regarding I.V. usage in UFC as it’s been understood since USADA’s arrival that all usage is banned. However, that isn’t necessarily the case.

“According to the UFC/USADA handbook, an I.V. can be used if it is ‘determined to be medically justified and within the standard of care by a licensed physician and administered by a licensed medical professional,” Okamoto tweeted. “I sought further clarification and here’s the bottom line: If an athlete is administered an I.V. of more than the permitted 100 mL (milliliters), as long as it’s done by a licensed pro it is NOT a violation, even in cases where dehydration (caused by a weight cut) is the issue being treated.

“In other words, I.V.s used to treat severe dehydration caused by cutting weight are not REALLY banned, as long as a physician is the one to justify and perform it,” he concluded.

In April 2016, Makhachev was flagged by USADA for an out-of-competition test ahead of his bout with Drew Dober. Makhacehv tested positive for the banned anti-ischemic known as meldonium, canceling the bout as a result. USADA ultimately lifted Makhachev’s temporary suspension after a July 2016 hearing that found the future champion not at fault. Makhachev’s co-manager, Rizvan Magomedov, has already come out and called the claims “completely B.S. (bulls—t).”

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For complete UFC 284: “Makhachev vs. Volkanovski” results and play-by-play, click HERE.

It’s been a long time coming for Themba Gorimbo.

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is back in Las Vegas this weekend (Feb. 18, 2023) at the UFC APEX (check out the entire card). Buried in the “Prelims” lineup is Gorimbo (10-3), a 32-year-old Zimbabwean fighter that is looking to make a statement and introduce himself to the broader MMA audience.

Gorimbo is the second Zimbabwean fighter to compete in the promotion, and he wasn’t too happy about that.

“There’s already another guy in the UFC from Zimbabwe, Bloody Diamond, my guy Mike Mathetha. I mean, I was upset when he got signed first,” Gorimbo told MMAmania.com in an exclusive interview. “What’s funny is he got signed before me, but I was the guy that had more fights and everything. So, I was kind of like upset. He was 3-0 when he got signed to the UFC, and I wanted to make history to become the first Zimbabwean in the UFC, but I’ve got one more chance to make history on Saturday night.”

“I actually told [Blood Diamond] this, I spoke to him, and I told him, ‘Brother, don’t fight before I fight,’” Gorimbo continued. “Then he asked why, and I said to him, ‘because I’m meant to be the first Zimbabwean to win a fight in the UFC. You were the first to be signed, I’m going to be the Zimbabwean to win a fight in the UFC.’ And it’s gonna happen.”

The welterweight “Answer” is the latest African-born fighter to join UFC and with the promotion planning to go to Africa in the near future, it would make sense for Gorimbo to be a staple of the card.

Surprisingly, he doesn’t want to fight in Africa anytime soon.

“[I’m ready] to represent my country in the UFC,” Gorimbo said. “I’m excited for other people’s opportunities, for other fighters from Africa. But for me, I’ll be honest and upfront. I don’t intend on fighting on African soil for a very long time. I want to fight in America. I love this country. I drove by the T-Mobile arena this morning, and my heart started beating. Because I know one day, I’m going to main event there. I want to make history in America. My story is known in Africa. It’s about time to spread it. So yeah, I don’t intend on fighting in Africa for a very long time. I love America.”

Gorimbo is coming off a win over Julio Rodrigues last June at Fury FC 65. The plan for the 32-year-old fighter was for him to compete on season six of Dana White’s Contender Series, however, after some things fell apart, he leapfrogged the show and got directly signed.

Gorimbo tries to make history this weekend against A.J. Fletcher, who is coming off two-straight losses.

“AJ Fletcher’s back is almost against the wall,” Gorimbo said. “My life is against the wall, brother. That’s one thing I’m gonna tell you. It’s either this or I’ll go back to gardening. You know what I’m saying? I’ll go back to my village to herd cows. I’m not gonna do that. I’m not gonna let any man do that to me. On Saturday night, you’ll understand that.”

For much more on UFC Vegas 69 click here.