Tag: Global MMA

Jake Paul reveals Dana White has banned him from attending all future UFC events: “His assistant was like ‘get the f**k out of here’”

Jake PaulJake Paul will return to action this weekend when he faces off against former UFC middleweight champion, Anderson Silva, in a boxing match at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona. This will be the third occasion in which Jake Paul will take on a former UFC competitor, having already faced Tyron Woodley and Ben […]

Jake Paul

Jake Paul will return to action this weekend when he faces off against former UFC middleweight champion, Anderson Silva, in a boxing match at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona.

This will be the third occasion in which Jake Paul will take on a former UFC competitor, having already faced Tyron Woodley and Ben Askren. Paul has established relationships with a number of UFC fighters both active and retired since he became more involved in the welfare and aftercare of these athletes.

Although this is a positive for those competitors he is trying to support, it has resulted in Jake Paul being banned from attending any live UFC events. Whilst speaking to current middleweight champion, Israel Adesanya, Paul revealed the news that he would not be able to come and show his support in person for the champion’s next title defense at UFC 281 vs. Alex Pereira

During their discussion, Paul revealed that offensive chants directed towards him resulted in him being escorted out of the venue from the most recent event he attended. He would also go on to claim that the son of UFC president Dana White was directing racial slurs toward him as he was leaving.  

Jake Paul vs Anderson Silva

In what will be his toughest test to date, Jake Paul is tasked with defeating former UFC champion, Anderson Silva. The build-up to their fight has been relatively respectful, with Paul previously claiming Silva to be one of his idols within combat sports.

So much so that the pair have even agreed to partake in a friendly wager dependent on the results of their matchup. Paul has agreed to face Silva in a kickboxing matchup should he face defeat this weekend. The YouTube sensation originally offered to take on the Brazilian in an MMA bout, but it was quickly switched to kickboxing. If Silva does win, he would be expected to have an easier task in a kickboxing matchup against Paul given his wealth of experience.

On the other side of this wager, Anderson Silva has agreed to join forces with Paul to help create a united fighters association in order to provide better care for these athletes.

One of his former champions joining forces with someone who has tried to cause him many issues in order to better help his athletes, just how do you think Dana White will feel about this?

Who do you think will win in the matchup between Jake Paul and Anderson Silva?

Anthony Johnson’s Manager Provides Concerning Update: “He’s not doing well”

Anthony JohnsonAnthony Johnson’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, has provided a concerning update for the former UFC star as he continues to battle health complications. Johnson was originally slated to fight at Bellator 268 in 2021 but was forced to withdraw from his scheduled matchup due to an undisclosed illness. Anthony Johnson’s most recent outing before this cancellation […]

Anthony Johnson

Anthony Johnson’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, has provided a concerning update for the former UFC star as he continues to battle health complications.

Johnson was originally slated to fight at Bellator 268 in 2021 but was forced to withdraw from his scheduled matchup due to an undisclosed illness. Anthony Johnson’s most recent outing before this cancellation saw him defeat Jose Augusto Azevedo Barros via second-round knockout at Bellator 258.

It has been just over a year since ‘Rumble’ was scheduled to return, and it appears that unfortunately his health complications still have not been resolved. Ali Abdelaziz recently spoke to ESPN’s Brett Okamoto to provide an update on the former UFC title challenger.

“‘Rumble,’ he’s going through some health problems right now. Very sad. I want everybody to pray for him. Pray for Anthony, he’s not doing well. He’s very strong, spiritually, but pray for him,” Abdelaziz said.

Abdelaziz would also go on to show his appreciation for Bellator and Scott Coker for the support they have provided to Johnson throughout his struggle.

“I want to give a shoutout to Bellator, Scott Coker… They’ve been supporting him. You could not imagine how much support they’re giving them.

“Anthony, be strong. A lot of people love you. He’s going to be okay, but he’s not doing well.” (Transcribed by BloodyElbow)

Anthony Johnson’s Competitive Future in Doubt Following Health Update

Johnson had a successful time whilst competing in the UFC despite never acquiring a championship belt. The 38-year-old holds victories over UFC veterans such as Alexander Gustafsson and Ryan Bader. The former light-heavyweight contender also secured his final victory in the promotion with a brutal thirteen-second knockout of the former UFC light heavyweight champion, Glover Teixeira.

‘Rumble’ has only been able to make a singular appearance since signing with Bellator and given his age and current health status, there is a possibility that this could have been his final appearance inside of an octagon. Hopefully, we will be able to see Johnson return to competition once his current situation improves.

Should he return, who would you like to see Anthony Johnson match up against next?

Bellator veteran Dada 5000 set for combat sports return at BYB 13 in Tampa on November 19.

Dada 5000Bellator MMA heavyweight alum and former bareknuckle boxing star, Dada 5000 – otherwise known as Dhafir Harris, is set for his first outing in combat sports since February 2016, as he returns as his own founded promotion, BYB Extreme on November 19. In Tampa, Florida – featuring against Matthew Strickland.  Dada 5000, 45, a native […]

Dada 5000

Bellator MMA heavyweight alum and former bareknuckle boxing star, Dada 5000 – otherwise known as Dhafir Harris, is set for his first outing in combat sports since February 2016, as he returns as his own founded promotion, BYB Extreme on November 19. In Tampa, Florida – featuring against Matthew Strickland. 

Dada 5000, 45, a native of Cat Island in the Bahamas, most notably competed against the late UFC heavyweight veteran, Kimbo Slice at Bellator 149 in 2016, suffering an initial third round TKO loss to Slice, before the result was overturned to an official ‘No Contest’ after Slice tested positive for elevated levels of T/E, and the banned substance, nandrolone. 

Collapsing in the third round of his 2016 fight with Slice, Dada 5000 was removed from the cage via stretcher and transported to a nearby medical facility, where he was treated after suffering cardiac arrrest, and kidney failure, as well as severe dehydration in his fight with the late, Slice. Harris has yet to compete since that event.

Founding bare knuckle fighting promotion, BYB Extreme in April 2019, with the promotion fielding the self-proclaimed smalled arena in combat sports in the form of a “trigon” – a cage containing just three sides. 

Dada 5000 books a November 19. combat sports comeback

Set to compete under his own promotional banner as per a report from MMA Mania, Dada 500 will return to combat sports on November 19. at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa, taking on the above-mentioned, Strickland. 

“I have a lot left inside of me and can be a breath of fresh air to what has become a very stale fight game,” Dada 5000 said ahead of his return. “I’m one of the last of that original breed of modern mixed martial artists. I’m recognizable and people identify with what they are familiar with. I want to do this for the fans as much as for myself.” 

“I work out 2-3 hours a day in the gym, can bench press 225 pounds 30 times with ease, and I can go out and run a 4.4-4.5 40-yard dash,” He said. “Most importantly, my body hasn’t taken the bumps a lot of fighters my size and age have. I have low miles and with little damage.”

Chael Sonnen ranks Khabib above Charles Oliveira in greatest lightweights list ahead of UFC 280

Chael SonnenChael Sonnen believes Khabib Nurmagomedov remains the greatest lightweight the division has seen despite the recent excellence of Charles Oliveira. Ahead of UFC 280, Chael Sonnen has shared his thoughts on just exactly who is the greatest lightweight to compete in the UFC. A victory for Charles Oliveira over Khabib’s protégé, Islam Makhachev, would certainly […]

Chael Sonnen

Chael Sonnen believes Khabib Nurmagomedov remains the greatest lightweight the division has seen despite the recent excellence of Charles Oliveira.

Ahead of UFC 280, Chael Sonnen has shared his thoughts on just exactly who is the greatest lightweight to compete in the UFC. A victory for Charles Oliveira over Khabib’s protégé, Islam Makhachev, would certainly help him lay claim to being the best 155-pounder the promotion has ever seen.

As it stands, however, Chael Sonnen remains of the opinion that the aforementioned Nurmagomedov holds the number one spot in the overall lightweight division.

The former UFC contender says this simply comes down to the fact that Khabib was not once troubled in a matchup during his undefeated reign.

Discussing the matter on his YouTube channel, Sonnen emphasised the point that Oliveira was moments from defeat in all of his title matchups whilst he believes the same cannot be said for Khabib.

“Forget about the 61 seconds against Poirier, forget about the four minutes against Gaethje, you can back the tape up to Michael Chandler. Every single one of those fights have a single theme – which is Charles almost lost. That’s the difference.

“Whether Khabib was a little bit slower and a little bit more steady, he was never once in trouble. Those two never met up, it was the match-up that we did even discuss. When Khabib was here, I don’t even know how close Charles was, there was still massive talk just for time frame of getting Khabib in with Ferguson. So then Charles emerged and we go ‘my god how good is this guy’ and he was here at the same time as Khabib and that is relevant.

Chael Sonnen believes Charles Oliveira could overtake Khabib as the greatest lightweight

Despite listing Khabib at the top of the rankings, Chael Sonnen also mentioned that if Oliveira continues to build upon his recent success, he very well could overtake the undefeated Russian.

“How can we say Khabib is the absolute best if we have got the guy who is next in line, he was a guy who was ranked at six or seven or eight or whatever he was. So based on what have I just told you we know there is a belief that we put Khabib at one and Charles at two but we understand that Charles can pass Khabib.” (Transcribed by Mirror)

As it appears Oliveira is feeling very confident ahead of his title matchup going as far as saying that he will defeat Makhachev in the first round.  If he is able to do so it would surely force Sonnen and others who agree with his sentiment to reconsider exactly who is the greatest lightweight to ever compete in the promotion.

Who do you consider the greatest lightweight to ever compete in the UFC?

Bryce Mitchell accepts Ilia Topuria callout for UFC Vegas 64 on November 5th

Bryce MitchellUndefeated featherweight contender Bryce Mitchell looks set to face fellow undefeated fighter, Ilia Topuria at UFC Fight Night: 214. Mitchell’s original opponent, Movsar Evloev, was forced to withdraw from the bout due to sustaining an injury. Bryce Mitchell was scheduled to take on Evloev at UFC Fight 214 on November 5th in the main-event slot […]

Bryce Mitchell

Undefeated featherweight contender Bryce Mitchell looks set to face fellow undefeated fighter, Ilia Topuria at UFC Fight Night: 214. Mitchell’s original opponent, Movsar Evloev, was forced to withdraw from the bout due to sustaining an injury.

Bryce Mitchell was scheduled to take on Evloev at UFC Fight 214 on November 5th in the main-event slot but after information was released regarding the Russian’s injury speculation has circulated whether Mitchell would remain on the card.

Thankfully for Mitchell now it seems an opponent has been found. Topuria took to social media to declare his interest in the matchup and as of now with the American accepting the call we await to see if UFC matchmakers will confirm this fight to go ahead on the originally scheduled date.

‘Thug Nasty’ had been slowly building up an impressive resume since joining the UFC, holding victories over the likes of Charles Rosa and Andre Fili before providing his most impressive performance to date when he was able to neutralize the ever-dangerous Edson Barboza back at UFC 272.

His new opponent, Topuria, had also been doing the same since his arrival at the promotion. Topuria landed a successful debut after he beat Youssef Zalal in 2020. Since then, the Georgian has gone on to finish his next three opponents holding stoppage victories over Damon Jackson, Ryan Hall, and most recently Jai Herbert at UFC London.

Fans will be eagerly awaiting confirmation from the UFC of this matchup with both men touted as being part of the future of the featherweight division.

Bryce Mitchell accepts the call from Ilia Topuria

Answering the call from Topuria, Bryce Mitchell took to his social media to welcome the opportunity to fight and is looking forward to getting back at ‘El Matador’ after claiming he has been mentioning his name far too much.

‘I see I’m getting called out by Ilia Topuria to fight he wants to go on Twitter and post a picture of his abs, his little perfect eight-pack, or whatever. Hey buddy, you see this, you see that buddy (slapping his stomach). I’ve been eating peanut butter cookies for like three weeks now and I’ll still get off my couch and whoop your a** buddy, I don’t give a damn about them abs. Let’s go buddy I’m tired of you putting my name in your mouth… shouldn’t have done it.’

Despite losing out on what would have been a fascinating matchup with his original opponent, fans of the sport will not be displeased should this new matchup get confirmed.

Who do you believe would win in a matchup between Bryce Mitchell and Ilia Topuria?

Conor McGregor shows solidarity with Ireland Women’s football team amid controversial celebration referencing the IRA

Conor McGregorFormer UFC two-division champion Conor McGregor has shown solidarity with the Ireland women’s football team following the backlash they received after celebrating their victory over Scotland last Tuesday. Following on from their victory the Ireland team was to be seen signing Wolfe Tones song ‘Celtic Symphony’ which contains the lyrics ‘Up The Ra’ referencing the […]

Conor McGregor

Former UFC two-division champion Conor McGregor has shown solidarity with the Ireland women’s football team following the backlash they received after celebrating their victory over Scotland last Tuesday.

Following on from their victory the Ireland team was to be seen signing Wolfe Tones song ‘Celtic Symphony’ which contains the lyrics ‘Up The Ra’ referencing the IRA (Irish Republican Army).

The team received harsh criticism after the video emerged online of the players signing the song whilst celebrating their victory in the changing rooms post-match. Chloe Mustaki, a member of the match-winning squad would later appear on Sky Sports News to apologise on behalf of the squad for their actions.

Following the apology, Conor McGregor shared his thoughts on the matter in his own unique way. The Irishman uploaded a video to his social media editing Mustaki’s original response to include one of his many well-known catchphrases stating: ‘I would like to take his chance to apologise…to absolutely nobody.’

Conor McGregor Defends Ireland Team Following Backlash

Conor McGregor came to the defence of the Ireland Women’s team following the backlash they received following Tuesday’s victory over Scotland. The ‘Notorious’ himself has first-hand experience of social media controversy given his frequent tirade of posts targeting fellow martial artists and anyone who speaks poorly of him.

Most notably McGregor received heavy criticism in the aftermath of his defeat to Dustin Poirier in their trilogy bout at UFC 264 after making remarks regarding the Louisiana-natives wife, Jolie Poirier.

McGregor would only make things worse after his former opponent Khabib Nurmagomedov congratulated Poirier on his well-deserved victory.

Khabib would remark that ‘Good always defeats evil’ in reference to Poirier’s success over McGregor, which resulted in the Irishman making comments on the former lightweight champion’s father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov.

Adulmanap Nurmagomedov died in July 2020 after battling health conditions and long-term effects brought on by the coronavirus. Responding to Khabib’s tweet McGregor suggested that ‘Covid is good and father is evil?’ making jokes in regards to Abdulmanap’s passing.

No doubt, Conor McGregor will continue to involve himself in controversies on Twitter, especially in the build-up to his highly anticipated return to the octagon, scheduled to occur in 2023.

What do you make of Conor McGregor’s tweet supporting the actions of the Ireland Women’s team?