Ilia Topuria urged to get fighting amid UFC title belt tour: ‘It’s not coming off great, it’s just weird’

Ilia Topuria urged to get fighting amid UFC title belt tour it's not coming off great it's just weirdTouring his championship strap throughout his residency in Spain since his coronation in February, undisputed featherweight titleholder, Ilia Topuria…

Ilia Topuria urged to get fighting amid UFC title belt tour it's not coming off great it's just weird

Touring his championship strap throughout his residency in Spain since his coronation in February, undisputed featherweight titleholder, Ilia Topuria has been urged to make his UFC return soon – and especially against top divisional contenders.

Topuria, the current undisputed featherweight champion, landed that moniker back in February in the main event of UFC 298 in Anaheim, stopping the dominant reign of Alexander Volkanovski with a blistering second round KO win.

Joe Rogan claims Ilia Topuria turned down UFC 305 rematch with Alexander Volkanovski in Perth
Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez – USA TODAY Sports

Remaining unbeaten with his stoppage of Volkanovski, Ilia Topuria was spotted at the Santiago Bernabeu in his residency of Spain, parading the championship belt through the country’s capital city. 

And accused recently by UFC color-commentator, Joe Rogan of openly rejecting an immediate title fight rematch with the above-mentioned, Volkanovski as soon as August at UFC 305 in Perth, Ilia Topuria was also recently blasted by Max Holloway – who questioned the lengthy nature of his call out.

Holloway BMF title UFC 300

Ilia Topuria urged to fight top contenders in UFC return

Himself offering to defend his title against perennial contender, Brian Ortega should Holloway refuse to put his symbolic BMF crown on the line in their pairing, Topuria has been urged to get on with it by Hall of Fame inductee, Daniel Cormier.

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“You need the name that comes from the generation before,” Daniel Cormier said on his YouTube channel. “Ilia (Topuria) seems to be taking another approach. I don’t know exactly what it is, though, because he said he wasn’t going to fight Brian Ortega, he said he wasn’t going to fight Max Holloway, and now it sounds like he’s not wanting to fight Alexander Volkanovski again.”

“He has to make a statement saying, ‘This is what I want as the champ’ and then put the ball in Max’s court to deny it,” Cormier explained. “But right now, it’s not coming off great. He’s batting away all these guys with no clear idea of who else there is – it’s just weird. He’s not telling us what’s next, but he’s saying no to a lof things that can be right no. I don’t know that you can do that as the champ.”

Charles Oliveira weighs up welterweight leap after UFC 300 defeat: ‘Why not move up and do a big fight?’

Charles Oliveira weighs up welterweight leap after UFC 300 loss why not move up and do a big fightWith desired opponent, Justin Gaethje confirming plans to take a lengthy hiatus from the Octagon after his loss earlier…

Charles Oliveira weighs up welterweight leap after UFC 300 loss why not move up and do a big fight

With desired opponent, Justin Gaethje confirming plans to take a lengthy hiatus from the Octagon after his loss earlier this month, ex-champion, Charles Oliveira has admitted he would consider a leap to 170 pounds in search of activity after his UFC 300 defeat.

Oliveira, a former undisputed lightweight champion and contender at the featherweight limit, most recently featured just earlier this month in a championship-contender fight with Arman Tsarukyan, narrowly dropping a contentious split decision defeat.

Charles Oliveira believed he choked out Arman Tsarukyan with D'Arce at UFC 300 I thought he went out
Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas – USA TODAY Sports

And chasing another run at gold, Oliveira, who competed at the featherweight limit all the way up to a title-eliminator loss to former lightweight kingpin, Anthony Pettis back in 2016, admitted the chance to fight at welterweight next would be something he would definitely entertain.

Charles Oliveira weighs up potential 170lbs move

“Why not?” Charles Oliveira told MMA Fighting. “Why not take a fight that will lead us to money and history and legacy? We have to think about it and talk to the organization [UFC]. Why not move up in weight and do a big fight? A fight that makes sense and gives us money? Why not?”

Charles Oliveira addresses loss to Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 300 It wasn't meant to be
Mandatory Credit: Carmen Mandato

And with sights on a potential welterweight move, Oliveira sounded out a potential showdown with former two-weight champion, Conor McGregor – who incidentally, fights Michael Chandler at 170 pounds at UFC 303 at the end of June.

“I think Conor (McGregor) [beats Michael Chandler at UFC 303],” Charles Oliveira said. “Man, everyone knows – in fact, I’ve asked for this fight against Conor a thousand times.”

“But it’s a fight that I don’t think he wants this fight,” Charles Oliveira explained. “And everyone knows it. I’ve said it a thousand times, it’s a fight that will bring me a lot of money. So, I would like it.”

Alex Pereira defends Charles Oliveira after UFC 300 loss Nobody knows what he's going through
Mandatory Credit: Cooper Neil

How do you think Charles Oliveira performs at the welterweight limit?

US Maintains Level 2 Travel Advisory For Brazil

Photo by Buda Mendes/LatinContent via Getty Images

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) returns to the pay-per-view (PPV) market with the upcoming UFC 301: “Pantoja vs. Erceg” mixed martial arts (MMA) event, scheduled fo…


UFC Rio Pre-Fight Press Conference
Photo by Buda Mendes/LatinContent via Getty Images

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) returns to the pay-per-view (PPV) market with the upcoming UFC 301: “Pantoja vs. Erceg” mixed martial arts (MMA) event, scheduled for this Sat. night (May 4, 2024) on ESPN+ from inside Farmasi Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The U.S. Government issued a Level 2 travel advisory for Brazil just a couple of months back, warning travelers to “exercise increased caution” while on location. There has been an increase in civil unrest, which includes mass protests, over the last few weeks in Rio.

Here’s a sample:

Along with reports of police operations against organized crime:

UFC fighters residing in Rio have been robbed in broad daylight.

“Violent crime, such as murder, armed robbery, and carjacking, is common in urban areas, day and night,” according to the travel advisory. “Gang activity and organized crime is widespread. Assaults, including with sedatives and drugs placed in drinks, are common.”

Stay away from those roofie coladas.

Criminals in Brazil have no problem carjacking national heroes like former UFC light heavyweight champion Mauricio Rua. Be aware of your surroundings, avoid traveling at night, and don’t wander the city alone. Pockets with zippers are also a plus.

UFC 301 will be headlined by the flyweight title fight pitting reigning division champion Alexandre Pantoja against once-beaten 125-pound contender Steve Erceg. In addition, former UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo returns to action opposite red-hot bantamweight “Dragon” Jonathan Martinez in the UFC 301 PPV co-main event.

For the rest of the UFC 301 fight card and PPV lineup click here.

Dana White blasts UFC star Jon Jones over recent drug testing fiasco: ‘He’s literally always in trouble’

Dana White blasts UFC star Jon Jones over drug testing fiasco He's literally always in troubleUFC CEO, Dana White has blasted the media for their portrayal of Jon Jones’ issue with Drug Free Sport…

Dana White blasts UFC star Jon Jones over drug testing fiasco He's literally always in trouble

UFC CEO, Dana White has blasted the media for their portrayal of Jon Jones’ issue with Drug Free Sport International earlier this month, in which it was reported the heavyweight champion was arrested, however, also questioned how the Rochester native always finds himself in “trouble”.

Jones, a former two-time light heavyweight titleholder and a current heavyweight champion, fought just once last year in his return from a three-year hiatus, taking the vacant divisional title with a stunning first round guillotine choke submission win over Ciryl Gane.

Police say Jon Jones claimed drug testing agent fabricated a story amid use of expletive language

And in November of last year, Jon Jones was scheduled to defend his crown in a long-anticipated showdown with the returning former two-time champion, Stipe Miocic until he suffered a pectoral tendon tear.

Dana White rips Jake Paul for booking boxing match with Mike Tyson he's gonna fight Clint Eastwood next

Recently returning to training ahead of an expected rescheduled title fight with Miocic, Jones hit the headlines earlier this month after a testing agent for DFSI alleged the New York native issued threats to her – both physically and verbally whilst attempting to carry out a random drug test on the Albuquerque resident.

Dana White addresses Jon Jones’ recent drug testing fiasco

Reacting to news of Jones’ latest discretion and subsequent allegations of threats to kill made by the DFSI testing agent, White hit out at sections of the media who incorrectly reported Jones had been arrested by law enforcement, before questioning his ability to always find himself in trouble.

Jon Jones claims his relationship with UFC is great I'm the highest paid athlete
Mandatory Credit: Jeff Bottari – Zuffa LLC

“He (Jon Jones) literally is always in trouble,” Dana White told Bill Maher on the Club Random podcast. “Always has something going on and got into trouble. NBC News put out a story that he was arrested, and he was never arrested. It’s just like, they don’t ever try anymore.”

“All of our fighters are drug tested,” White continued. “So, the testing agents can show up at your house or wherever you are, and they have to know your whereabouts. Showed up, and she said that he threatened her. Then NBC News said that he was arrested, and he was never arrested.”

Tom Aspinall rips ‘Terrible’ start times for UFC 304 card in Manchester: ‘I think it’s just not fair on the fans’

Tom Aspinall confirms return fight at UFC 304 in Manchester I'll be announcing it soonInterim UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall says the start time for UFC 304 which is set to take place…

Tom Aspinall confirms return fight at UFC 304 in Manchester I'll be announcing it soon

Interim UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall says the start time for UFC 304 which is set to take place in Manchester, England is terrible for fans.

The UFC announced that UFC 304 would take place in Manchester, England on July 27. It was exciting news for UK fans that the promotion is heading back to the card, but the event will be catering to the US market as the pay-per-view start time will be 10 p.m. Eastern time, which means 3 a.m. local time.

dm 231111 MMA One Play Tom Aspinall emotional

Aspinall, who is expected to be on the card, took to social media to share his thoughts on the start time.

“As an athlete, as a fighter, it honestly doesn’t make that much difference,” Tom Aspinall said (via MMAMania). “For a couple of weeks before, I’ll have to wake up and train at that time or stay up or whatever. I’ve flown across the world multiple times and fought in different time zones, so it’s not as bad as that. As a fan who wants to watch it live? I think it’s absolutely terrible.

Tom Aspinall

“I think it’s just not fair on the fans, not fair on the UK fans. Obviously predominantly it’s an American audience so I understand that, they want to sell to them. But why can’t they sell to them in the afternoon which is our evening time? Why can’t Americans watch it in the afternoon and the UK fans, the Manchester fans, the European fans can all fly to the event, sell out this new arena. It’s going to sell out regardless. We’re very lucky to have a PPV in Manchester. But it’s UK MMA, let’s put it on UK time,” Tom Aspinall continued.

The last time the UFC held a pay-per-view in the UK was when Leon Edwards was defending his welterweight title against Kamaru Usman. That card was held in primetime for England, but this time around, that won’t be the case.

Tom Aspinall Likely To Be On UFC 304, Opponent Not Known

Tom Aspinall does not have his next fight booked, but all signs point to the Brit defending his interim heavyweight title on the card.

Ciryl Gane reflects on home robbery during UFC Paris he did a great job
Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

Aspinall won the interim title back in November with a first-round knockout over Sergei Pavlovich. The Brit has called for a rematch with Curtis Blaydes, so that is a potential next opponent for him.

Aspinall and Blaydes fought back in July of 2022 when Aspinall blew out his knee just seconds into the fight.

Joe Rogan set to miss UFC 301 card in Brazil, Paul Felder drafts in for South America fighting return

Joe Rogan set to miss UFC 301 card in Brazil as Paul Felder makes trip for South America fight cardEnjoying a rather long-strecth in the commentary booth as of recent times, with the promotion’s venture outside of North…

Joe Rogan set to miss UFC 301 card in Brazil as Paul Felder makes trip for South America fight card

Enjoying a rather long-strecth in the commentary booth as of recent times, with the promotion’s venture outside of North America this weekend for UFC 301 – veteran color-commentator, Joe Rogan will sit out Saturday’s pay-per-view event in Rio de Janeiro, with former lightweight contender, Paul Felder calling the action.

UFC 301, which takes place this weekend at the Farmasi Arena, hosts an undisputed flyweight championship headliner, with defending gold holder, Alexandre Pantoja returning to home soil since landing in the Dana White-led promotion. 

Alexandre Pantoja

Hoping to upset the apple cart and the home fans’ night, Australian contender, Steve Erceg looks to follow in the footsteps of fellow Oceanic champions, Robert Whittaker, Israel Adesanya, and Alexander Volkanovski and strike Octagon gold – just four fights deep into his promotional run.

The co-main event also appeals massively to fans globally – but particularly in Brazil, with former featherweight champion, Jose Aldo making his return from an almost two-year retirement, as he draws the surging Jonathan Martinez in a makeshift bout.

Joe Rogan UFC 300 Zuffa LLC
Mandatory Credit: Carmen Mandato

Joe Rogan misses UFC 301 card in Brazil

And with Joe Rogan electing against travelling to Rio, the above-mentioned, Felder drafts in his place, joining play-by-play lead, Jon Anik – as well as former two-weight champion and Hall of Fame inductee, Daniel Cormier.

As reported by MMA Fighting, Kayrn Bryant also returns as the event’s in-house reporter, and will handle interviews backstage during the Rio de Janeiro card. 

Jose Aldo boxing Shooto Brazil 2 win
Mandatory Credit: Marcell Fagundes – Shooto Boxing

UFC 301 marks the promotion’s return to Brazil for the first time since last November’s ‘Fight Night’ billed card in Sao Paulo, with Jailton Almeida turning in a one-sided unanimous decision victory over former title challenger, Derrick Lewis. 

The promotion’s most recent event in Rio came in the form of UFC 283 in January of last year, which saw former champion, Glover Teixeira bow out of the sport following a unanimous decision defeat to recent UFC 300 main event star, Jamahal Hill in the pair’s vacant light heavyweight title fight. 

Would you have liked to see Joe Rogan call the action at UFC 301 in Rio