Khamzat Chimaev issues chilling warning to UFC kingpin Leon Edwards ahead of return: ‘I’m ready for you’

Khamzat Chimaev issues warning to Leon Edwards I'm ready for you UFCSeeing a slew of scheduled showdowns with Leon Edwards fall to the wayside through 2020, undefeated welterweight contender, Khamzat Chimaev has issued a warning to the current division champion, clamoring for his premier title offing under the UFC banner in his Octagon return. Chimaev, the current #4 ranked welterweight contender, improved to 12-0 as a […]

Khamzat Chimaev issues warning to Leon Edwards I'm ready for you UFC

Seeing a slew of scheduled showdowns with Leon Edwards fall to the wayside through 2020, undefeated welterweight contender, Khamzat Chimaev has issued a warning to the current division champion, clamoring for his premier title offing under the UFC banner in his Octagon return.

Chimaev, the current #4 ranked welterweight contender, improved to 12-0 as a professional back in September of last year in the co-main event of UFC 279, submitting Kevin Holland in a dominant opening round D’Arce choke submission success.

As for Edwards, the Birmingham native turned in his second career win over former pound-for-pound number one, Kamaru Usman back in March at UFC 286, successfully defending the welterweight title in the pair’s trilogy title rubber-match.

Slated to fight Chimaev on three separate occasions between December 2020, and March of 2021 – illness for both fighters forced the bout’s postponement and ultimate cancellation. 

Khamzat Chimaev has been tipped to make his return at UFC 294 in October

And preparing for an expected middleweight division climb in his much-rumored Octagon return in October – Chimaev, who has been linked with a spot on the upcoming UFC 294 pay-per-view card in Abu Dhabi, UAE, has called for fights with the above-mentioned, Usman, middleweight champion, Israel Adesanya – and claimed he was “ready’ to fight Edwards too. 

“I want to fight for the title, so for me it doesn’t matter which weight class,” Khamzat Chimaev said on his YouTube channel. “I can go [170 pounds], but i don’t want to make weight for a nobody at [170 pounds], why am i going to do that? I’m number three – actually, that number for me is nothing. I feel I’m the king of this weight class and I’m the king of [185 pounds] as well.” 

“So, just give me a title shot,” Khamzat Chimaev explained. “I’m ready for both. I’m ready for (Kamaru) Usman. I’m ready Leon (Edwards), I’m ready for Israel (Adesanya). Doesn’t matter. I’m ready for everybody. Just ask Dana (White) when I say no. Never. I want to fight I am the best, and when you feel you’re the best you have to fight with the best, everyone.” 

Jon Jones’ inactivity as champion touted as potential problem for UFC: ‘A lot of belts are being held up’

Jon Jones inactivity as UFC champion potential problem a lot of belts are being held upUFC play-by-play lead, Jon Anik has claimed that while Jon Jones’ status as the undisputed heavyweight champion is probably an ideal and sought-after situation for the organization in many respects, however, has questioned the activity of the Endicott native. Jones, who snapped a three-year-plus Octagon hiatus just earlier this year in March, made his first […]

Jon Jones inactivity as UFC champion potential problem a lot of belts are being held up

UFC play-by-play lead, Jon Anik has claimed that while Jon Jones’ status as the undisputed heavyweight champion is probably an ideal and sought-after situation for the organization in many respects, however, has questioned the activity of the Endicott native.

Jones, who snapped a three-year-plus Octagon hiatus just earlier this year in March, made his first Octagon walk since February 2020 with a UFC 285 win over former interim gold holder, Ciryl Gane – landing the vacant heavyweight crown with a dominant opening round guillotine choke success. 

Yet to be booked in the time since his victorious comeback, Jon Jones was initially targeted to headline UFC 290 during International Fight Week in July, in a title defense against the returning former two-time division best, Stipe Miocic, however, the pairing fell to the wayside.

In turn, the promotion are expected to attempt to put together the title affair for UFC 295 in November, with the Octagon expected to return to Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Jon Jones has yet to be booked for his first attempted title defense

Planning his impending retirement from the sport off the back of his expected outing against Ohio veteran, Miocic, Jones’ status as undisputed UFC heavyweight champion has been commended by Anik, however, the Boston caller suggested that when compared with Russian heavyweight contender, Sergei Pavlovich – the heavyweight division would likely see an uptake in title fight activity if the latter sat atop the throne.

“Divisionally, there are a lot of champions that aren’t available right now, or there are a lot of belts that are being held up for one reason or another,” Jon Anik said while speaking with Ray Longo on The Anik and Florian podcast. “Jiri Prochazka is going to be the next light heavyweight title challenger, but Jamahal Hill would be seemingly ready to go. He fought in January, several months before Aljamain Sterling defended his title against Henry Cejudo, right? But it seems like they want to wait and do Jamahal Hill vs. Jiri Prochazka.”

“Jon Jones is your heavyweight champion, right? Ideal in a lot of respects,” Anik continued. “But maybe less than ideal in a lot of others. Sergei Pavlovich would probably fight every three months. You know what I mean?” (Transcribed by MMA News)

Fans cast doubt on Conor McGregor’s return to UFC this year amid worrying grid walk at Monaco Grand Prix

Fans doubt Conor McGregor makes UFC return this year worrying dance at F1 Grand Prix in MonacoFans across social media have speculated that a planned return to the Octagon for former undisputed UFC lightweight and featherweight champion, Conor McGregor may not, in fact, happen at all – after the Dubliner was pictured dancing bizarrely during today’s F1 Grand Prix in Monaco. McGregor, a former duel-weight champion under the banner of the […]

Fans doubt Conor McGregor makes UFC return this year worrying dance at F1 Grand Prix in Monaco

Fans across social media have speculated that a planned return to the Octagon for former undisputed UFC lightweight and featherweight champion, Conor McGregor may not, in fact, happen at all – after the Dubliner was pictured dancing bizarrely during today’s F1 Grand Prix in Monaco.

McGregor, a former duel-weight champion under the banner of the Dana White-led UFC, attended last year’s festivities in the principality – and moored his custom-built Lamborghini yacht to Monte Carlo harbours this weekend again ahead of the Formula 1 return to Monaco.

Posing with bottles of his Proper Number Twelve Irish Whiskey for pictures during yesterday’s qualifying run, Conor McGregor was spotted today ahead of the official race – making his way though the track with his entourage in tow, dancing bizarrely as fans speculated his earmarked Octagon comeback.

On the track, defending world champion, Max Verstappen retained his lead on the championship, winning the Monaco Grand Prix in rather comprehensive fashion from pole position, ahead of former world champion, Fernando Alonso, and emerging Alpine driver, Esteban Ocon. 

Leading the race from the opening lap until the final 78th run around the principality, Verstappen, who started from pole on medium tyres, eventually switched to intermediates after a spell of heavy rain, narrowly avoiding a collision with the armco at the Portier turn to take the chequered flag following a recent win in Miami, Florida. 

Conor McGregor has been backed to fight Michael Chandler this year

Expected to make his return to active competition for the first time since fracturing his left tibia and fibula against Dustin Poirier back in July 2021, Conor McGregor served as an opposing coach on The Ultimate Fighter 31 earlier this annum – against opposing coach and #5 ranked lightweight contender, Michael Chandler. 

Touted to fight the Missouri native at the welterweight limit, UFC president, Dana White hinted that a pairing between the duo could land at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada – potentially at UFC 296 in December. 

Israel Adesanya’s coach scoffs at Robert Whittaker’s title claim: ‘He hasn’t really done anything since that loss’

Eugene Bareman scoffs at Robert Whittaker title shot he hasn't really done anythingRobert Whittaker is one fight away from challenging for the middleweight crown again and Adesanya’s head coach, Eugene Bareman isn’t convinced by the UFC’s potential match making.  The former UFC middleweight champion lost his title to Israel Adesanya (24-2 MMA) by knockout at UFC 243 back in 2019. Despite the loss, Whittaker went back to the drawing board […]

Eugene Bareman scoffs at Robert Whittaker title shot he hasn't really done anything

Robert Whittaker is one fight away from challenging for the middleweight crown again and Adesanya’s head coach, Eugene Bareman isn’t convinced by the UFC’s potential match making. 

The former UFC middleweight champion lost his title to Israel Adesanya (24-2 MMA) by knockout at UFC 243 back in 2019.

Despite the loss, Whittaker went back to the drawing board and earned his rematch after beating the likes of Darren TillJared Cannonier and Kevin Gastelum.

‘The Reaper’ looked significantly better in the pairs rematch, however, Adesanya still prevailed once again this time via a unanimous decision at UFC 271. 

Although some fans believed Robert Whittaker had done enough to win the rematch, the reality was that the Aussie had lost to ‘The Last Stylebender’ twice. Due to the circumstances, it was hard to picture Whittaker’s path back to middleweight gold. 

Regardless of circumstances, the 32-year-old seemed unfazed, returning to winning ways against middleweight contender Marvin Vettroi by unanimous decision on Sep. 3, 2022. 

While it seemed Whittaker would a tough road in order to earn a trilogy fight against Adesanya, UFC President has offered him a number one contender fight against rising prospect Dricus Du Plessis (19-2 MMA) at UFC 290 on July 8th

Even though, the South African is ranked sixth in the middleweight division and is on a seven-fight win streak, City Kickboxing head coach Eugene Bareman isn’t a fan of fight questioning whether Whittaker is ready for another title shot yet. 

Eugene Bareman questions whether Robert Whittaker deserves a trilogy fight with Israel Adesanya

In a recent interview with Sky Sport NZ Eugene Bareman have his thoughts on the recent news of Whittaker and Du Plessis set to battle it out in a title eliminator at UFC 290. 

He expressed his feelings on why he doesn’t believe Robert Whittaker is suited for third fight with the middleweight champion. Bareman further stressed that Whittaker has only fought once since their second meeting, while Adesanya has remained active enduring three fights In the same time. 

“…We’ve fought him, and he’s basically been in the ring one time since then. Whereas we’ve just been tracking on, so, like, I don’t know,” said Bareman.

“We are who we are. Just put the opponent in front of us, and then we’ll fight. I mean, our preference is not to fight Robert again because we’ve obviously already beaten Robert twice, and he hasn’t really done anything since that loss to warrant him fighting again, so our preference would be the South African, but then the South African has to cross the line, and obviously, he has a very tough opponent.”

With Bareman also revealing that Adesanya will be competing at UFC 293 in Australia, what is left is to find out who the champion will face.

Who will Israel Adesanya fight next Du Plessis or Robert Whittaker?

Sam Alvey returns to winning ways for first time since 2018, tipped for future UFC Hall of Fame induction ‘One day’

Sam Alvey wins for the first time since 2018 tipped to land UFC Hall of Fame inductionSam Alvey (34-18 MMA) returned to winning ways this Saturday night, snapping his much discussed about nine-fight winless streak. The former UFC veteran made his return to the cage for the first time since being released by the UFC, following his knockout loss to Michal Oleksiejczuk (16-6 MMA) in August 2022.  Alvey’s return to action […]

Sam Alvey wins for the first time since 2018 tipped to land UFC Hall of Fame induction

Sam Alvey (34-18 MMA) returned to winning ways this Saturday night, snapping his much discussed about nine-fight winless streak.

The former UFC veteran made his return to the cage for the first time since being released by the UFC, following his knockout loss to Michal Oleksiejczuk (16-6 MMA) in August 2022. 

Alvey’s return to action did not disappoint, as ‘Smilin’ kept the crowd inside the Columbus Convention Trade Centre off their feet finishing Cameron Graham (6-13 MMA) in the third round at B2 Fighting Series 183.

Sam Alvey was able to smoother his opponent with multiple takedown attempts, landing some heavy ground and pound for three rounds. Ultimately the referee was forced to step in and stop the fight with 43 seconds left in the third round. 

From the first bell right until the stoppage the 37-year-old reminded everyone he can still bang and isn’t done with MMA just yet. 

Sam Alvey declared a future UFC Hall of Famer following win

Prior to his win at B2 Fighting Series 183, Alvey had not had his hand raised since his split decision victory against Gian Villante at UFC Fight Night 131 in 2018. 

Since then, Sam Alvey just couldn’t find his grove in the UFC, losing a unprecedented nine fight winless streak which to this day is a UFC record. 

UFC President Dana White finally decided to pull the trigger and release the UFC veteran ensuing his 13thloss in the UFC. Alvey competed for the UFC a total of 24 times across a span of eight years and ended with a record of 10-13-1. 

Although Sam Alvey is unsure about what’s next for him, one thing is certain: he has left a legacy as a fighter and a fan favourite. Fans will undoubtedly want to see him inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame someday.

Do you think Sam Alvey should be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame?

Ian Machado Garry vows to bring UFC back to Dublin after breaking top-15 rankings: ‘It’s inevitable’

Ian Garry vows to bring UFC back to Dublin calls for fight with Wonderboy ThompsonIan Machado Garry is never a man short on confidence, and this time it’s placed in the idea that he will be the man to bring the UFC back to Dublin. Garry’s stock is at an all-time high after knocking out the previously granite-chinned Daniel Rodriguez at UFC Charlotte in an emerging performance. He now […]

Ian Garry vows to bring UFC back to Dublin calls for fight with Wonderboy Thompson

Ian Machado Garry is never a man short on confidence, and this time it’s placed in the idea that he will be the man to bring the UFC back to Dublin.

Garry’s stock is at an all-time high after knocking out the previously granite-chinned Daniel Rodriguez at UFC Charlotte in an emerging performance. He now believes it is time for his true arrival on the scene, a homecoming to his native Ireland, Dublin to be specific.

Ian Machado Garry talks Irish MMA stars

Ian Machado Garry, Stephen Thompson
Mandatory Credit: MMA Junkie, Zuffa LLC

For Ian Machado Garry, the timing is also perfect. With Irish MMA looking likely to hit a golden age at any moment, he hopes Dana White will take full advantage.

“You’ve obviously got Conor on the comeback, whenever he’s back against Chandler. And then you look at it, we’ve got three Cage Warriors Irish Champions. We’ve got Caolan Loughran, we’ve got Paul Hughes, we’ve got Rhys McKee. Those boys are all on the verge of signing for the UFC now, so it is inevitable that the UFC is going to come back.”

Rumored to be fighting Stephen Thompson next, it is hard to dispute that it would be a massive return event headliner, should it come to fruition.

“Why wouldn’t we go and do that in Ireland and why wouldn’t we go and do it against someone who’s going to bring in the fans? … Could you imagine me vs. Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson as the main event in Dublin, Ireland, and then stack the card with Irish and European talent from top to bottom. You wouldn’t have to sell any other fighters, you just have me and Wonderboy and it would sell it out.”

Ian Machado Garry places enormous weight on his ability to get the UFC back to the emerald isles, but believes that it is just around the corner.

“So it makes so much sense, and I believe Dana will bring us back, and I believe he will make a return to Ireland at one point in time, early next year I believe. It’s on me to keep pushing for that. It’s for me to put my nation on my back and carry them through and keep winning and show them that I want them back.”

Who have you got in a potential Garry vs Wonderboy bout?

(Quotes transcribed by MMAFighting.com)