Tag: Top Stories

José Aldo, Kayla Harrison Have Returns In The Works For UFC 307 On October 5

Two major names are reportedly set to be in action at the UFC 307 pay-per-view, targeted for Salt Lake City, Utah, on October 5. Legendary former featherweight champion José Aldo and two-time PFL title winner Kayla Harrison have their returns in the works for the numbered event, with the former being lined up to face […]

Continue Reading José Aldo, Kayla Harrison Have Returns In The Works For UFC 307 On October 5 at MMA News.

Two major names are reportedly set to be in action at the UFC 307 pay-per-view, targeted for Salt Lake City, Utah, on October 5.

Legendary former featherweight champion José Aldo and two-time PFL title winner Kayla Harrison have their returns in the works for the numbered event, with the former being lined up to face Mario Bautista and the latter expected to share the Octagon with Ketlen Vieira.

Aldo returned from a short-lived retirement on home soil this past May, outpointing Jonathan Martinez at UFC 301 in Rio de Janeiro. Having fought out his contract, uncertainty surrounded “Junior’s” status and future plans.

But in spite of boxing talk, Ag. Fight reported this week that the Brazilian has committed to another outing inside the Octagon.

The outlet also corroborated a previous report from Super Lutas’ Léo Guimaraes, who was the first to reveal plans for Harrison and Vieira to collide at UFC 307.

Aldo Targets Second Win Since Return, Harrison Looks For Second UFC Win Since PFL Switch

Should these two matchups be confirmed, both Aldo and Harrison will be looking to build on strong outings in the first half of this year.

Aldo (32-8) originally brought his MMA career to an end after his pursuit of a second bantamweight title shot was stalled by Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 278 in August 2022. Prior to that, he’d reeled off three straight wins over Marlon Vera, Pedro Munhoz, and Rob Font.

The ex-featherweight kingpin, who fell short of two-division glory opposite Petr Yan in the summer of 2020, went on to compete in three boxing matches, winning two and fighting to a majority draw against fellow UFC vet Jeremy Stephens.

He subsequently made his successful comeback to the cage in Rio this year, returning to the rankings at #8 as a result. He’s next tasked with defending his position on the ladder against the #12-ranked Bautista (14-2), a teammate of champion Sean O’Malley’s who has had his hand raised in six consecutive bouts. His most recent triumph came at the expense of Ricky Simón this past January.

Jose Aldo
Image: Alexandre Loureiro/Zuffa LLC

Harrison (17-1) transitioned from judo, a sport in which she collected back-to-back Olympic gold medals in 2012 and 2016, to mixed martial arts and joined the PFL. After winning two lightweight seasons, her bid for a third title came to a halt in the final opposite Larissa Pacheco.

After returning with a victory over Aspen Ladd last November, the Ohio native committed to a UFC switch and a venture down at bantamweight. That foray got underway in strong style this past April, where she thrilled the UFC 300 crowd by submitting a former champion in Holly Holm.

Having entered the title picture at #3, Harrison will need to get through the #2-ranked Vieira (14-3) if she’s to book her first championship opportunity in the UFC. The Brazilian is coming off a decision victory over Pannie Kianzad in July 2023, a result that saw her bounce back from a narrow defeat at the hands of now-champ Raquel Pennington.

With these additions, the fights currently expected to take place at UFC 307 on October 5 are as follows:

  • Movsar Evloev vs. Aljamain Sterling (featherweight)
  • José Aldo vs. Mario Bautista (bantamweight)
  • Chris Curtis vs. Kevin Holland (middleweight)
  • Ketlen Vieira vs. Kayla Harrison (women’s bantamweight)
  • Marina Rodriguez vs. Iasmin Lucindo (women’s strawweight)
  • Ihor Potieria vs. César Almeida (middleweight)
Kayla Harrison & Holly Holm
Image: Cooper Neill/UFC/Zuffa LLC

Continue Reading José Aldo, Kayla Harrison Have Returns In The Works For UFC 307 On October 5 at MMA News.

Dustin Poirier All Praise For Paddy Pimblett After UFC 304 Win: ‘He’s Talking The Talk, Walking The Walk’

Dustin Poirier recently lavished accolades on Paddy Pimblett for his triumphant performance against King Green at UFC 304. “The Baddy” showcased arguably the most remarkable outing of his UFC career to date this past weekend. He decisively overcame Green with a spectacular triangle-armbar combination in the first round of their lightweight bout, thrilling the home […]

Continue Reading Dustin Poirier All Praise For Paddy Pimblett After UFC 304 Win: ‘He’s Talking The Talk, Walking The Walk’ at MMA News.

Dustin Poirier recently lavished accolades on Paddy Pimblett for his triumphant performance against King Green at UFC 304.

“The Baddy” showcased arguably the most remarkable outing of his UFC career to date this past weekend. He decisively overcame Green with a spectacular triangle-armbar combination in the first round of their lightweight bout, thrilling the home crowd at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, United Kingdom.

Pimblett delivered several potent calf kicks that visibly unsettled “King.” In response, Green attempted a takedown midway through the opening round, but the Brit skillfully countered with a guillotine choke, then seamlessly transitioned into a triangle choke from the bottom. He deftly converted the choke into an armbar, and as Green began to lose consciousness, the referee intervened, halting the fight at 3:22.

During a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Poirier was asked to share his thoughts on Pimblett’s victory at UFC 304. “The Diamond” remarked that the Scouser not only impressed him but also validated his brash personality with a commanding performance against a formidable opponent like Green.

“He’s another one of those guys whose trajectory is like if he keeps doing what he’s doing, he’s going to be – not that he’s not massive – but he’s on the right track,” Poirier said. “Dude, when you talk like that and people like your personality, and you go out there and finish guys, you know, vets and legends like Bobby. Of course, going into the fight, I knew he could win, but to finish Bobby Green like that, I was very surprised. He’s talking the talk, walking the walk, man.”

Poirier Opens Up About Return Timeline & Possible Opponent

Poirier may have seen his last chance at undisputed UFC lightweight gold slip away when he faced reigning champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 302 in June. Despite his valiant efforts, the 35-year-old Louisiana native succumbed to a fifth-round submission.

After the fight, Poirier took to social media to reveal he had sustained a partially torn ACL, a broken nose, and a broken rib during his bout with Makhachev. These injuries could potentially sideline him for an extended period.

During the aforementioned interview, “The Diamond” delved into his potential return schedule. The former UFC interim lightweight champion revealed that if he feels better within the next 30 days, he might consider a comeback later this year. However, he emphasized that this decision would depend on numerous factors.

“I think I could fight at the end of this year. If I felt good after the 30 days and there was a big opportunity, the names – obviously, the opponent matters big time – but where, the timing, and the position on the card and stuff like that, those [things] come into play as well.”

With Makhachev seemingly sidelined by a hand injury, putting his targeted title defense against Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 308 on hold, Poirier expressed interest in stepping in.

He found the idea of fighting Tsarukyan for the interim title quite appealing, seeing it as a way to keep the lightweight division active and moving forward.

Continue Reading Dustin Poirier All Praise For Paddy Pimblett After UFC 304 Win: ‘He’s Talking The Talk, Walking The Walk’ at MMA News.

Dustin Poirier All Praise For Paddy Pimblett After UFC 304 Win: ‘He’s Talking The Talk, Walking The Walk’

Dustin Poirier recently lavished accolades on Paddy Pimblett for his triumphant performance against King Green at UFC 304. “The Baddy” showcased arguably the most remarkable outing of his UFC career to date this past weekend. He decisively overcame Green with a spectacular triangle-armbar combination in the first round of their lightweight bout, thrilling the home […]

Continue Reading Dustin Poirier All Praise For Paddy Pimblett After UFC 304 Win: ‘He’s Talking The Talk, Walking The Walk’ at MMA News.

Dustin Poirier recently lavished accolades on Paddy Pimblett for his triumphant performance against King Green at UFC 304.

“The Baddy” showcased arguably the most remarkable outing of his UFC career to date this past weekend. He decisively overcame Green with a spectacular triangle-armbar combination in the first round of their lightweight bout, thrilling the home crowd at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, United Kingdom.

Pimblett delivered several potent calf kicks that visibly unsettled “King.” In response, Green attempted a takedown midway through the opening round, but the Brit skillfully countered with a guillotine choke, then seamlessly transitioned into a triangle choke from the bottom. He deftly converted the choke into an armbar, and as Green began to lose consciousness, the referee intervened, halting the fight at 3:22.

During a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Poirier was asked to share his thoughts on Pimblett’s victory at UFC 304. “The Diamond” remarked that the Scouser not only impressed him but also validated his brash personality with a commanding performance against a formidable opponent like Green.

“He’s another one of those guys whose trajectory is like if he keeps doing what he’s doing, he’s going to be – not that he’s not massive – but he’s on the right track,” Poirier said. “Dude, when you talk like that and people like your personality, and you go out there and finish guys, you know, vets and legends like Bobby. Of course, going into the fight, I knew he could win, but to finish Bobby Green like that, I was very surprised. He’s talking the talk, walking the walk, man.”

Poirier Opens Up About Return Timeline & Possible Opponent

Poirier may have seen his last chance at undisputed UFC lightweight gold slip away when he faced reigning champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 302 in June. Despite his valiant efforts, the 35-year-old Louisiana native succumbed to a fifth-round submission.

After the fight, Poirier took to social media to reveal he had sustained a partially torn ACL, a broken nose, and a broken rib during his bout with Makhachev. These injuries could potentially sideline him for an extended period.

During the aforementioned interview, “The Diamond” delved into his potential return schedule. The former UFC interim lightweight champion revealed that if he feels better within the next 30 days, he might consider a comeback later this year. However, he emphasized that this decision would depend on numerous factors.

“I think I could fight at the end of this year. If I felt good after the 30 days and there was a big opportunity, the names – obviously, the opponent matters big time – but where, the timing, and the position on the card and stuff like that, those [things] come into play as well.”

With Makhachev seemingly sidelined by a hand injury, putting his targeted title defense against Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 308 on hold, Poirier expressed interest in stepping in.

He found the idea of fighting Tsarukyan for the interim title quite appealing, seeing it as a way to keep the lightweight division active and moving forward.

Continue Reading Dustin Poirier All Praise For Paddy Pimblett After UFC 304 Win: ‘He’s Talking The Talk, Walking The Walk’ at MMA News.

Dustin Poirier All Praise For Paddy Pimblett After UFC 304 Win: ‘He’s Talking The Talk, Walking The Walk’

Dustin Poirier recently lavished accolades on Paddy Pimblett for his triumphant performance against King Green at UFC 304. “The Baddy” showcased arguably the most remarkable outing of his UFC career to date this past weekend. He decisively overcame Green with a spectacular triangle-armbar combination in the first round of their lightweight bout, thrilling the home […]

Continue Reading Dustin Poirier All Praise For Paddy Pimblett After UFC 304 Win: ‘He’s Talking The Talk, Walking The Walk’ at MMA News.

Dustin Poirier recently lavished accolades on Paddy Pimblett for his triumphant performance against King Green at UFC 304.

“The Baddy” showcased arguably the most remarkable outing of his UFC career to date this past weekend. He decisively overcame Green with a spectacular triangle-armbar combination in the first round of their lightweight bout, thrilling the home crowd at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, United Kingdom.

Pimblett delivered several potent calf kicks that visibly unsettled “King.” In response, Green attempted a takedown midway through the opening round, but the Brit skillfully countered with a guillotine choke, then seamlessly transitioned into a triangle choke from the bottom. He deftly converted the choke into an armbar, and as Green began to lose consciousness, the referee intervened, halting the fight at 3:22.

During a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Poirier was asked to share his thoughts on Pimblett’s victory at UFC 304. “The Diamond” remarked that the Scouser not only impressed him but also validated his brash personality with a commanding performance against a formidable opponent like Green.

“He’s another one of those guys whose trajectory is like if he keeps doing what he’s doing, he’s going to be – not that he’s not massive – but he’s on the right track,” Poirier said. “Dude, when you talk like that and people like your personality, and you go out there and finish guys, you know, vets and legends like Bobby. Of course, going into the fight, I knew he could win, but to finish Bobby Green like that, I was very surprised. He’s talking the talk, walking the walk, man.”

Poirier Opens Up About Return Timeline & Possible Opponent

Poirier may have seen his last chance at undisputed UFC lightweight gold slip away when he faced reigning champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 302 in June. Despite his valiant efforts, the 35-year-old Louisiana native succumbed to a fifth-round submission.

After the fight, Poirier took to social media to reveal he had sustained a partially torn ACL, a broken nose, and a broken rib during his bout with Makhachev. These injuries could potentially sideline him for an extended period.

During the aforementioned interview, “The Diamond” delved into his potential return schedule. The former UFC interim lightweight champion revealed that if he feels better within the next 30 days, he might consider a comeback later this year. However, he emphasized that this decision would depend on numerous factors.

“I think I could fight at the end of this year. If I felt good after the 30 days and there was a big opportunity, the names – obviously, the opponent matters big time – but where, the timing, and the position on the card and stuff like that, those [things] come into play as well.”

With Makhachev seemingly sidelined by a hand injury, putting his targeted title defense against Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 308 on hold, Poirier expressed interest in stepping in.

He found the idea of fighting Tsarukyan for the interim title quite appealing, seeing it as a way to keep the lightweight division active and moving forward.

Continue Reading Dustin Poirier All Praise For Paddy Pimblett After UFC 304 Win: ‘He’s Talking The Talk, Walking The Walk’ at MMA News.

Dustin Poirier All Praise For Paddy Pimblett After UFC 304 Win: ‘He’s Talking The Talk, Walking The Walk’

Dustin Poirier recently lavished accolades on Paddy Pimblett for his triumphant performance against King Green at UFC 304. “The Baddy” showcased arguably the most remarkable outing of his UFC career to date this past weekend. He decisively overcame Green with a spectacular triangle-armbar combination in the first round of their lightweight bout, thrilling the home […]

Continue Reading Dustin Poirier All Praise For Paddy Pimblett After UFC 304 Win: ‘He’s Talking The Talk, Walking The Walk’ at MMA News.

Dustin Poirier recently lavished accolades on Paddy Pimblett for his triumphant performance against King Green at UFC 304.

“The Baddy” showcased arguably the most remarkable outing of his UFC career to date this past weekend. He decisively overcame Green with a spectacular triangle-armbar combination in the first round of their lightweight bout, thrilling the home crowd at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, United Kingdom.

Pimblett delivered several potent calf kicks that visibly unsettled “King.” In response, Green attempted a takedown midway through the opening round, but the Brit skillfully countered with a guillotine choke, then seamlessly transitioned into a triangle choke from the bottom. He deftly converted the choke into an armbar, and as Green began to lose consciousness, the referee intervened, halting the fight at 3:22.

During a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Poirier was asked to share his thoughts on Pimblett’s victory at UFC 304. “The Diamond” remarked that the Scouser not only impressed him but also validated his brash personality with a commanding performance against a formidable opponent like Green.

“He’s another one of those guys whose trajectory is like if he keeps doing what he’s doing, he’s going to be – not that he’s not massive – but he’s on the right track,” Poirier said. “Dude, when you talk like that and people like your personality, and you go out there and finish guys, you know, vets and legends like Bobby. Of course, going into the fight, I knew he could win, but to finish Bobby Green like that, I was very surprised. He’s talking the talk, walking the walk, man.”

Poirier Opens Up About Return Timeline & Possible Opponent

Poirier may have seen his last chance at undisputed UFC lightweight gold slip away when he faced reigning champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 302 in June. Despite his valiant efforts, the 35-year-old Louisiana native succumbed to a fifth-round submission.

After the fight, Poirier took to social media to reveal he had sustained a partially torn ACL, a broken nose, and a broken rib during his bout with Makhachev. These injuries could potentially sideline him for an extended period.

During the aforementioned interview, “The Diamond” delved into his potential return schedule. The former UFC interim lightweight champion revealed that if he feels better within the next 30 days, he might consider a comeback later this year. However, he emphasized that this decision would depend on numerous factors.

“I think I could fight at the end of this year. If I felt good after the 30 days and there was a big opportunity, the names – obviously, the opponent matters big time – but where, the timing, and the position on the card and stuff like that, those [things] come into play as well.”

With Makhachev seemingly sidelined by a hand injury, putting his targeted title defense against Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 308 on hold, Poirier expressed interest in stepping in.

He found the idea of fighting Tsarukyan for the interim title quite appealing, seeing it as a way to keep the lightweight division active and moving forward.

Continue Reading Dustin Poirier All Praise For Paddy Pimblett After UFC 304 Win: ‘He’s Talking The Talk, Walking The Walk’ at MMA News.

Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway Headlines UFC 308 In Abu Dhabi On October 26

The highly anticipated showdown between Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway is set to headline UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi, following Islam Makhachev’s recent revelation that he is dealing with an injury. The reigning UFC lightweight champion recently disclosed in an interview with a Russian media outlet that his persistent hand injury, incurred during his fifth-round […]

Continue Reading Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway Headlines UFC 308 In Abu Dhabi On October 26 at MMA News.

The highly anticipated showdown between Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway is set to headline UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi, following Islam Makhachev’s recent revelation that he is dealing with an injury.

The reigning UFC lightweight champion recently disclosed in an interview with a Russian media outlet that his persistent hand injury, incurred during his fifth-round submission victory over Dustin Poirier at UFC 302 in June, is still causing him problems. This ongoing issue has raised concerns about his ability to defend his title against Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 308 on October 26 in Abu Dhabi.

Makhachev mentioned that the UFC has not yet officially discussed the fight date with his team, but he had anticipated returning to the Octagon this year. However, MRI results have cast serious doubts on his ability to compete as planned.

With Makhachev leaving a gap at the top of the Middle Eastern card, the UFC has turned to the featherweight title clash between Topuria and Holloway as a replacement to headline UFC 308.

That was recently confirmed by UFC CEO Dana White in a video uploaded to social media.

Previously, it was speculated that “El Matador” would make his first title defense against the BMF titleholder at UFC 307, scheduled to take place at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, on October 5.

Continue Reading Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway Headlines UFC 308 In Abu Dhabi On October 26 at MMA News.