Joanna Jedrzejczyk confirms plans to return before UFC 299 card: ‘I was trying to force manager to let me go in’

Joanna Jedrzejczyk confirms plans to fight before UFC 299 I was forcing my manager to let me go inFormer undisputed strawweight champion, Joanna Jedrzejczyk has revealed that although she has completely closed the door on a potential…

Joanna Jedrzejczyk confirms plans to fight before UFC 299 I was forcing my manager to let me go in

Former undisputed strawweight champion, Joanna Jedrzejczyk has revealed that although she has completely closed the door on a potential return to the UFC following her induction to the Hall of Fame earlier this month – she was weighing up the prospect of a retirement-ending return, up until UFC 299 in Miami, Florida.

Jedrzejczyk, a former undisputed strawweight champion under the banner of the Dana White-led promotion, is set to be the latest fighter to receive their induction into the Fight Wing of the UFC Hall of Fame later this summer – with the organization honoring the Polish veteran during the broadcast of UFC 299 earlier this month.

A dominant former strawweight queen, has been sidelined since she co-headlined UFC 274 back in 2022, suffering a stunning second round spinning back-fist KO loss to incoming UFC 300 star, Zhang Weili in the pair’s title-eliminator rematch in Singapore.

Joanna Jedrzejczyk weighs up UFC comeback I want to be champion one more time
Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

And calling time on her illustrious mixed martial arts career in the immediate aftermath of her knockout loss to the Chinese sensation, Jedrzejczyk has weighed up the prospect of a return to the Octagon – most notably at the beginning of last year, before lingering injuries prevented the Muay Thai ace’s comeback to the sport.

Joanna Jedrzejczyk shuts door on UFC comeback

Commenting on her heralded induction in the promotion’s Hall of Fame earlier this month ahead of a summer ceremony, Jedrzejczyk has revealed she was campaigning for a comeback to the Octagon – as recently as prior to UFC 299 in ‘The Sunshine State’.

Joanna Jedrzejczyk UFC 275 Jeff Bottari Zuffa LLC 2

“I have to be honest with you, yes [I considered ending my retirement],” Joanna Jedrzejczyk told MMA Fighting. “Even a few days before the last show in Miami, I was like trying to force my manager to let me go in. But my family, some of my fans and friends, they don’t want me to do this anymore. I’m like in between, but I’m not going to fight in the UFC ever again.”

“Honestly, the first eight months after I retired were the most difficult months in my life probably,” Joanna Jedrzejczyk explained. “Because I was thinking everyday, I was even calling and texting Dana (White), Hunter (Campbell), my manager, Dan Lambert, my family that I was going to come back.” 

As recently as earlier this year, Jedrzejczyk revealed she still had aspirations to mint herself as a strawweight champion one final time.

Joanna UFC 299
Mandatory Credit: Chris Unger – Zuffa LLC

A dominant former strawweight gold holder, Jedrzejczyk with a 2015 knockout win over Carla Esparza, before racking up consecutive successful title defense wins over Jessica Penne, Valerie Letourneau, Claudia Gadelha, Karolina Kowalkiewicz, and Jessica Andrade.

Would you have liked to see Joanna Jedrzejczyk make one final Octagon walk?

Alexandre Pantoja opens as big betting favorite to beat Steve Erceg in UFC 301 title fight in Brazil

Alexandre Pantoja opens as big betting favorite to beat Steve Erceg at UFC 301Set to make his homecoming in May at UFC 301, undisputed flyweight champion, Alexandre Pantoja has opened as an…

Alexandre Pantoja opens as big betting favorite to beat Steve Erceg at UFC 301

Set to make his homecoming in May at UFC 301, undisputed flyweight champion, Alexandre Pantoja has opened as an impressive betting favorite to defeat surging division contender, Steve Erceg in the pair’s title offing in Rio de Janeiro this summer.

Pantoja, the current undisputed flyweight champion, has been sidelined since last December, landing an impressive decision win over recent UFC Mexico City headliner, Brandon Royval in the duo’s championship rematch.

Pantoja title UFC 290

As for Erceg, the three-fight promotional veteran cracked the flyweight top ten at the beginning of the month, landing a blistering knockout win over Matt Schnell – which earned him a Performance of the Night bonus, and subsequently, he is first title siege.

Alexandre Pantoja opens as favorite to beat Steve Erceg

And with betting lines officially on offer for UFC 301, Alexandre Pantoja is currently riding an impressive -258 betting favorite line over the +210 betting underdog, Steve Erceg ahead of their title showdown at the Jeunesse Arena. 

A host of betting sites and markets are already offering odds on Pantoja’s title fight return to his native Brazil against Erceg, and punters can also play their favorite slot games and other betting games – which includes the chance to play a Big Bamboo Demo game whilst punting on May’s return to South America for the UFC. 

Striking championship spoils back in July of last year during International Fight Week, Pantoja, the current number ten ranked pound-for-pound ranked fighter under the banner of the promotion – did so with a third career win over former two-time champion, Brandon Moreno.

Extending his impressive winning spree to five straight fights with his title defense win over Royval back in December, Pantoja turned in prior submission wins over Alex Perez, and Royval before that – to go with a decision success against the highly-touted Angolan-born contender, Manel Kape. 

Alexandre Pantoja set to fight Steve Erceg in title clash at UFC 301 in Brazil on May 4
Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie – USA TODAY Sports

Improving to 12-1 as a professional with his knockout win over Schnell, Western Australia prospect, Erceg had landed a pair of victories against both David Dvorak and Alessandro Costa in his first two outings under the banner of the UFC – making his debut just last summer in June. 

Fighting for gold in May, Erceg’s involvement at UFC 301 will come as a swift title charge for the Perth-born contender, who will be just eleven months deep into his tenure with the promotion by the time he faces Pantoja later this year in Brazil. 

Along with Pantoja’s championship fight against Erceg at UFC 301, over the weekend, reports confirmed that former undisputed featherweight champion and Hall of Fame inductee, Jose Aldo would be snapping his almost two-year retirement from the sport in a bantamweight fight against Jonathan Martinez.

Jose Aldo snaps retirement set to fight at UFC 301 against Jonathan Martinez in Brazil
Mandatory Credit: Chris Unger – Zuffa LLC

Aldo, a fan-favorite striker and the promotion’s inaugural featherweight titleholder, has been sidelined since he dropped a one-sided unanimous decision loss to surging number one ranked bantamweight contender, Merab Dvalishvili – snapping a three-fight winning spree against Rob Font, Pedro Munhoz, and a decision win over most recent title challenger, Marlon Vera – who challenged for gold just earlier this month at UFC 299 against the incumbent, Sean O’Malley. 

Who wins at UFC 301 in May: Alexandre Pantoja or Steve Erceg?

UFC legend Mark Coleman returns to the gym less than a week after nearly dying in devastating house fire

UFC legend Mark Coleman returns to the gym less than a week after nearly dying in devastating house fireUFC legend Mark Coleman is already back in the gym after nearly losing his life in a devastating house…

UFC legend Mark Coleman returns to the gym less than a week after nearly dying in devastating house fire

UFC legend Mark Coleman is already back in the gym after nearly losing his life in a devastating house fire.

In the early morning hours of Tuesday, March 12, Coleman was awakened by his dog only to discover that his childhood home was engulfed in flames. He quickly lept into action, carrying both of his parents to safety before racing back into the house to try and find his beloved pet. Covered in soot and barely able to breathe, Coleman was airlifted to a hospital where he remained unconscious until two days later.

Mark Coleman

Once awake and able to communicate, Coleman recounted the terrifying details while embracing his daughters, Morgan and Kenzie in an emotional video clip that quickly went viral.

‘The Hammer’ was released from the hospital last week only to be readmitted an hour later where he was diagnosed with pneumonia. Fortunately, things are looking up for the two-time UFC Hall of Famer, who has already returned to Matt Brown’s gym in Columbus, Ohio on Monday where he trains and coaches alongside ‘The Immortal.’

Mark Coleman and Matt Brown

“I am healing up very well,” Coleman wrote on Instagram. “My lungs are sore. My eyes are burnt but I’m very much alive and well. I feel so blessed it’s in my higher powers hands. He wants me to move forward today and I am. I’m overwhelmed by the love and support that I have received, if I had a wish it would be that I could meet each and every one of you to give you a big hug and thank you in person.

“Everybody check in on your loved ones life is good life is what you make it. Everything starts with a thought keep the negative thoughts out of your head, love you all so much.”

Matt Brown shares video of Mark Coleman back at the gym

Matt Brown also shared a video of Mark Coleman back inside his Immortal Martial Arts Center on social media.

In a follow-up message, Coleman encouraged everyone to make the most of every day they have, knowing all too well that seeing another sunrise is never guaranteed.

“I’m glad I’m still here with you all. We have more things to do,” Coleman said. “Tomorrow is not promised. Live in the moment and find peace today.”

Justin Gaethje issues stark warning to Max Holloway ahead of UFC 300: ‘I’m the best at creating damage’

Justin Gaethje issues warning to Max Holloway ahead of UFC 300 I'm the best at creating damageSlated to make his return at UFC 300 in a massive symbolic BMF championship fight against Max Holloway next…

Justin Gaethje issues warning to Max Holloway ahead of UFC 300 I'm the best at creating damage

Slated to make his return at UFC 300 in a massive symbolic BMF championship fight against Max Holloway next month, former interim lightweight champion, Justin Gaethje has warned the Hawaiian that when it comes to “creating damage” inside the Octagon – he’s the supreme.

Gaethje, a former interim lightweight champion and the current symbolic BMF titleholder, is set to make his return to the Octagon next month on the main card of UFC 300, taking on Holloway – fresh off a scintillating high-kick KO win over recent big-winner, Dustin Poirier last July.

Max Holloway tries to pants Justin Gaethje during face off ahead of UFC 300 title fight
Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

As for Holloway, the former undisputed featherweight champion is booked to make his sophomore outing at the lightweight limit against Gaethje, as he puts his two-fight winning run over Arnold Allen, and future Hall of Fame inductee, Chan Sung Jung on the line at UFC 300. 

Justin Gaethje sends warning to Max Holloway pre-UFC 300

And previewing his fan-friendly fight with Holloway for symbolic BMF spoils next month, Gaethje has warned the former that he’s facing an opponent who knows how to create damage the most efficiently in the sport.

“I don’t take anything from the past and apply it to the situation that I’m going to be in,” Justin Gaethje told UFC.com during a recent interview. “I think that the same case could be said for Tony Ferguson. And no one had ever knocked out Dustin Poirier like that. I promise you that. I’m the best at creating damage.”

Max Holloway reintroduced sparring into training ahead of UFC Kansas City win
Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

“If I go in there [at UFC 300], and fight my fight, stay calm, happiness, anger, no emotion can help me in there. I gotta be clearheaded, focused. There’s nothing like being under these lights. I live for it, and more so than most. I’m excited, I’m going to be ready for it.” 

Justin Gaethje opens as betting favorite to beat Max Holloway in BMF title fight at UFC 300

Gaethje’s stark claims of his ability to irreversibly hurt his opponents has been given credence by former two-weight champion, Henry Cejudo to boot, who urged Holloway to even consider withdrawing from his UFC 300 clash with the Arizonian

Who wins at UFC 300 next month: Justin Gaethje or Max Holloway?

Michael Venom Page eyes Ian Garry clash at UFC Manchester: ‘That would be a fun fight, I guess’

Michael Venom Pages eyes UFC Manchester return fight with Ian Garry would be funOff the back of his impressive Octagon at UFC 299 earlier this month, welterweight contender, Michael Venom Page has…

Michael Venom Pages eyes UFC Manchester return fight with Ian Garry would be fun

Off the back of his impressive Octagon at UFC 299 earlier this month, welterweight contender, Michael Venom Page has welcomed the chance to make his sophomore outing in the promotion against the unbeaten, Ian Garry as soon as July – at a UFC Fight Night Manchester card.

Venom Page, a long-time Bellator MMA contender and one-time welterweight title chaser under the banner of the organization, made his long-anticipated UFC debut earlier this month against Kevin Holland.

Michael Venom Page shuts down terrible fight with Stephen Thompson after UFC 299 boring
Mandatory Credit: Chris Unger – Zuffa LLC

And extending his unbeaten winning run to two fights, London Shootfighters staple, Venom Page turned in a one-sided unanimous decision win over the above-mentioned, Holland, which has seen him land at number thirteen in the official UFC welterweight rankings as a result. 

Michael Venom Page eyes UFC Manchester return

Eyeing a summer return to the Octagon, Venom Page namedropped both the above-mentioned Garry, and Brazilian-American contender, Vicente Luque as ideal opponents for a comeback – on a UFC Fight Night Manchester card.

Michael Venom Page UFC 299
Mandatory Credit: Chris Unger – Zuffa LLC

“I’m still on holidays, I need to get back and speak to my coaches properly,” Michael Venom Page told CBS Sports reporter, Shakiel Mahjouri. “We have to navigate what we think and speak to the UFC. There’s a big process that goes into it. But, if I could get on July, come out relatively unscathed again and jump in again in September, that would be a very happy year for me.”

“The likes of Ian Garry would be a fun fight, I guess,” Michael Venom Page explained. “Stylistically, the likeliness is it’s going to be quite explosive on the feet. (Vicente) Luque is another good fight. He’s a very explosive guy. A very powerful guy on his feet as well. That’s a good fight.” 

Ian Garry branded championship level fighter ahead of UFC 298 with the right matchups
Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

Currently in the midst of his own rivalry, Garry responded to former interim champion, Colby Covington over the weekend, challenging the outspoken Clovis native to an “I quit” match – with the loser retiring from mixed martial arts.

As for Venom Page, the veteran striker was also on the radar of Covington, who described a clash with the slick kickboxing talent as an “easy paycheck” for him as he targets his own return to the Octagon.

Who wins in a future fight: Michael Venom Page or Ian Garry?

UFC star Islam Makhachev backed as ‘More dangerous’ than Khabib Nurmagomedov: ‘He’s a better striker’

Islam Makhachev backed as "more dangerous" than Khabib Nurmagomedov by Daniel Cormier UFCDaniel Cormier thinks Islam Makhachev is more dangerous than Khabib Nurmagomedov was in his prime. Makhachev is a close…

Islam Makhachev backed as "more dangerous" than Khabib Nurmagomedov by Daniel Cormier UFC

Daniel Cormier thinks Islam Makhachev is more dangerous than Khabib Nurmagomedov was in his prime.

Makhachev is a close friend and training partner of Nurmagomedov and the current UFC lightweight champion. The Dagestani native is coming off a KO win over Alexander Volkanovski back in October which was a statement win.

Since then, Islam Makhachev is looking to return in June, and Cormier believes it will be hard for any lightweight to beat him. Instead, Cormier thinks Makhachev is actually more dangerous than Nurmagomedov was, which is a scary thought for the lightweight contenders.

Islam Makhachev eyes June title fight with Dustin Poirier after UFC 299 he has a good guillotine
Mandatory Credit: Giuseppe Cacace & Chris Unger – Zuffa LLC

“Dana [White] came out a couple weeks ago and said that when he talked to Dustin [Poirier] after the fight (against Nurmagomedov), he said he was freaking out or it was Dustin or Conor [McGregor], one of them was freaking out because they said they never thought another man that can do that to them under Khabib,” Cormier said on YouTube channel. “Because of his strength and his control and the way that he manipulated you on the ground.

“I think Makhachev possesses a lot of those same types of qualities. Very similar when he gets you on the ground but because he’s a better striker, I feel he is even more dangerous than Khabib was during his prime,” Cormier added.

Islam Makhachev issues ultimatum to UFC I'll be ready to smash in March or see you after Ramadan
Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

Islam Makhachev has shown more of a finishing ability with his hands, as he does appear to have more power than Khabib Nurmagomedov did, which is why Daniel Cormier thinks Makhachev is more dangerous than ‘The Eagle’ was.

Daniel Cormier Believes Dustin Poirier Should Be Next For Islam Makhachev

Islam Makhachev does not have his next title defense booked, but the hope is he will return in June.

If Makhachev does return in June, Cormier thinks Dustin Poirier should be his next title defense after ‘The Diamond’ scored a KO win over Benoit Saint-Denis.

Khabib Nurmagomedov rules himself out of stunning comeback at UFC 300 it will be without me
Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

“I feel like it makes sense because if you’re trying to build a star, that star has to go through the previous star,” Cormier said of a Makhachev vs. Poirier title fight. “We saw it happen with Khabib with Conor McGregor. We saw Dustin become a star after beating Conor McGregor. We’ve seen it for as long as we’ve watched sports and sports entertainment because, in the WWF or WWE, you had the established stars, when they were ready to retire, get beat by the new up-and-coming guy. Then they would take that shine. It feels like it makes the most sense because it feels like this is the way to help and further make Islam Makhachev a star.”

For now, however, Makhachev is on the sidelines and waiting for his next fight.