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Sean O’Malley told to forget Ilia Topuria fight after UFC 299 win by Dana White: ‘That’s crazy talk’

Sean O'Malley told to forget title fight with Ilia Topuria by Dana White after UFC 299 that's crazy talk Undisputed bantamweight champion, Sean O’Malley’s quest for a featherweight title charge in the immediate aftermath of his dominant UFC…

Undisputed bantamweight champion, Sean O’Malley’s quest for a featherweight title charge in the immediate aftermath of his dominant UFC 299 win over the weekend have been knocked back by promotional CEO, Dana White, who claims talk of a fight against newly-minted kingpin, Ilia Topuria is simply “crazy”.

O’Malley, the current undisputed bantamweight champion, headlined UFC 299 in his return to the Octagon over the course of last weekend in Miami, turning in a blistering rematch with over title challenger, Marlon Vera – avenging his sole career defeat in a lopsided unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45) victory over the Ecuadorian.

Sean O'Malley batters Chito Vera in dominant title fight rematch win at UFC 299 Highlights — Mandatory Credit: Chris Unger – Zuffa LLC

Bloodying and battering the Chone native over the course of five one-sided rounds, Montana native, Sean O’Malley had been linked with a turnaround against streaking top-contender, Merab Dvalishvili in his next outing after UFC 299, however, immediately switched focus to a charge against Topuria.

Sean O’Malley denied title charge against Ilia Topuria by Dana White

Urging the promotion to get him on a flight to Spain – amid calls from Topuria for a first championship outing in his residency, O’Malley has been told to hold his proverbial horses by White, who claimed calls for a charge at 145 pounds was “crazy”.

“I don’t know about moving divisions, you know how I feel about that,” Dana White told assembled media after UFC 299. “I mean, even (Ilia) Topuria was talking about not fighting anybody in the division after just winning the title, that’s crazy talk.”

Furthermore, off the back of O’Malley’s call out issued to him, Topuria instructed the Dana White’s Contender Series product to defend his bantamweight championship against the above-mentioned, Dvalishvili first and foremost.

Ilia Topuria opens as betting favorite to beat Alexander Volkanovski in rematch after UFC 298 — Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

Himself seizing the featherweight crown just last month, German-born star, Topuria turned in a blistering second round KO win over dominant champion, Alexander Volkanovski in the pair’s title outing atop UFC 298 in Anaheim.

Who wins in a future title clash: Ilia Topuria or Sean O’Malley?

Dustin Poirier calls for Islam Makhachev title battle in June after shocking KO win at UFC 299

After a stunning victory at UFC 299 over Benoit St. Denis, Dustin Poirier may have casually dropped major fight…

After a stunning victory at UFC 299 over Benoit St. Denis, Dustin Poirier may have casually dropped major fight news on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

Dustin Poirier was as big as a +184 underdog leading into the matchup, while fans, media, and fellow fighters highly criticized that line. The fight itself was a complete war. Benoit St. Denis pursued ‘The Diamond’ relentlessly, and at times it was all Poirier could do to cover up and weather the storm.

The Diamond’ kept jumping for guillotines and placing himself in bad positions on the ground, but his wrestling and jiu-jitsu game spoke for itself. Each time Poirier landed in those spots, he would go on to defend very well.

In the second round, Poirier could almost touch St. Denis at will, and St. Denis did not take his power well at all. Each shot seemed to stumble the ‘God of War’, and eventually, Poirier’s pure power and accuracy sealed the deal and landed him another stunning KO finish to add to the collection.

Dustin Poirier UFC 299 2 — Mandatory Credit: Chris Unger – Zuffa LLC

Dustin Poirier Casually Hints At Potential Big Fight News

After the monumental victory, Dustin Poirier wasted no time before letting the fight world in on his potential next move. Responding to Makhachev’s manager who first offered the fight on X, Poirier would seemingly confirm the fight on his own channel.

Dustin Poirier offered title fight with Islam Makhachev in June after UFC 299 win — Mandatory Credit: Chris Unger – Zuffa LLC

“Islam in June,” Poirier posted on X. Nothing less, and nothing more. Of course, this is not proof in itself of the fight coming to fruition. Such things are often bantered about, and Poirier would no doubt love to end his career as a UFC champion. However, could one speculate that the matchup itself makes a lot of sense? Yes, absolutely.

Dustin Poirier, despite his age, remains one of the greatest lightweights in the UFC’s history. A fight with Islam Makhachev is almost destined to be, especially when factoring in Poirier’s history with Khabib Nurmagomedov (who is like a brother to Islam).

Islam Makhachev sidelined through the summer amid injury from UFC — Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

Regardless of what happens, a fight between the two would be of monumental proportions. While not inked in stone, it could be safe to assume the fight will be a done deal sooner, rather than later.

Who would you like to see Islam Makhachev defend his lightweight title against?

Tom Aspinall accepts Curtis Blaydes’ title fight callout after UFC 299 win: ‘Don’t gotta ask me twice’

Tom Aspinall was not afraid to immediately accept Curtis Blaydes’ challenge after his terrific victory over Jailton Almeida at…

Tom Aspinall was not afraid to immediately accept Curtis Blaydes’ challenge after his terrific victory over Jailton Almeida at UFC 299.

Almeida entered the fight riding a 5-0 streak in the UFC but quickly met his match in Blaydes. The ‘Razor’ only needed two rounds to get it done and dispatched Almeida with a volley of ferocious hammer fists as ‘Malhadinho’ was struggling for a takedown. The victory over Almeida now makes Blaydes 4-1 in his last five fights.

Curtis Blaydes scores stunning win over 15-fight win streak Jailton Almeida with TKO at UFC 299 Highlights — Mandatory Credit: Chris Unger – Zuffa LLC

Unsurprisingly, given his recent record, Curtis Blaydes took to the mic during his post-fight interview and made his desires clear to the world.

“I believe me and Aspinall have got some unfinished business,” he said. “I’d like to get that one next. That’s my next fight, Tom Aspinall.”

Tom Aspinall Responds to the callout by Curtis Blaydes

After Blaydes’ callout, Aspinall hardly wasted any time before responding. See, the two had actually shared the octagon once before, and things ended very disturbingly, with Aspinall crumbling to the canvas in less than 30 seconds due to a sudden knee injury.

So, it’s no surprise that the now-interim UFC heavyweight champion wouldn’t mind revisiting that battle and officially testing himself against the monster Curtis Blaydes.

Don’t gotta ask me twice. I’m in https://t.co/YXDzLPIVzI

— Tom Aspinall (@AspinallMMA) March 10, 2024

Tom Aspinall’s most recent performance in the cage saw him win UFC gold against the Russian knockout artist Sergei Pavlovich. Pavlovich entered the matchup riding an insane streak of finishes, and Aspinall shocked the world when he knocked out the knockout artist early into the first. In fact, finishing Pavlovich in the first round makes it four consecutive first-round finishes for the young British champion.

While the fight between Blaydes and Aspinall is not official, fans can hope to expect it around the end of the summer or fall. The match would definitely be of epic proportions, and it would give Aspinall the opportunity to act as a true champion by facing one of, if not the most dangerous, prospects his division has to offer.

Would you rather see Tom Aspinall face Curtis Blaydes, Stipe Miocic, or Jon Jones?

Shavkat Rakhmonov reacts to Jack Della Maddalena’s call for a fight following UFC 299 victory

Shavkat Rakhmonov thinks Jack Della Maddalena should be careful what he wishes for. The Aussie standout made it 17…

Shavkat Rakhmonov thinks Jack Della Maddalena should be careful what he wishes for.

The Aussie standout made it 17 in a row on Saturday night, scoring a sensational come-from-behind victory over perennial contender Gilbert Burns at UFC 299. Immediately following his seventh win inside the Octagon, JDM called for a fight with one of the scariest dudes in the division.

“There’s some scary people in this division, and I’m the f*cking scariest,” Della Maddalena said during his post-fight interview. “Shavkat Rakhmonov, I think me and you could make a hell of a title eliminator. One of the best in the business, let’s go!”

Getting wind of Della Maddalena’s callout, the undefeated ‘Nomad’ commended his confidence, but cautioned JDM for biting off a bit more than he can chew.

I respect your courage and confidence Jack, but you will face the same fate as my previous opponents

— Shavkat “Nomad” Rakhmonov (@Rakhmonov1994) March 10, 2024

“I respect your courage and confidence Jack, but you will face the same fate as my previous opponents,” Rakhmonov wrote on X.

Shavkat Rakhmonov vs. Jack Della Maddalena Makes a lot of sense

Thus far, Shavkat Rakhmonov is undefeated in his mixed martial arts career, dispatching all 18 of his opponents inside the distance with 10 submissions and eight knockouts. Through his last three appearances, ‘Nomad’ has worked his way through a slew of welterweight gatekeepers, including Neil Magny, Geoff Neal, and Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson. As a result, Rakhmonov currently sits as the No. 3 ranked contender in the division.

Before UFC 299, Jack Della Maddalena was sitting in the No. 11 slot, but after his performance against Gilbert Burns, JDM will likely find himself firmly placed in the top five, making a clash with Rakhmonov the next logical step for both men.

Jack Della Maddalena KOs Gilbert Burns and calls out Shavkat Rakhmonov

Benoit Saint-Denis reveals ‘Fight with infection’ led to stunning KO loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 299

Amid speculation throughout fight week regarding an apparent staph infection on his behalf ahead of his UFC 299 last…

Amid speculation throughout fight week regarding an apparent staph infection on his behalf ahead of his UFC 299 last night, lightweight contender, Benoit Saint-Denis confirmed he was fighting “with infection” en route to his second round knockout loss to Dustin Poirier in Miami.

Saint-Denis, who saw his stunning five-fight winning run halted by Lafayette striking ace, Poirier last night, succumbed to strikes in brutal fashion in the second round of their massive UFC 299 co-headliner last night in Florida.

Starting with an incredible pace and output against the former interim lightweight titleholder, French contender, Saint-Denis appeared en route to a stunning victory over Poirier toward the end of the first frame, threatening with numerous submission attempts as well as finding his range on the feet.

Dustin Poirier UFC 299 1 — Mandatory Credit: Chris Unger – Zuffa LLC

However, clearly compromised in the early goings of the second round despite a valiant effort, Saint-Denis was dropped to a knee after Poirier landed well with a left counter uppercut, before he was dropped once more soon thereafter – this time with a cannoning right hook shot from the former interim gold holder, rendering him unconscious.

Benoit Saint-Denis confirms battle with infection ahead of UFC 299

And releasing a statement in the immediate aftermath of his high-profile loss, Saint-Denis issued praise to Poirier and thanked the Louisianan for taking the fight with him, before confirming he was battling an infection, and was utilizing antibiotics during fight week – which fans speculated was the case ahead of UFC 299.

“Bonjour la France, unfortunately tonight I couldn’t fully express myself,” Benoit Saint-Denis wrote on his official Instagram page. “My body didn’t keep up after a qeek of antibiotics to fight an infection. Throughout I was present but my body was absent, it did not react as usual. I on;y had one round to give you”

“Sorry to disappoint you, I will come back stronger, thanks to Dustin (Poirier) for accepting this fight,” Benoit Saint-Denis explained. “It was impossible for me not to seize the opportunity of such a fight. Thanks everyone for the support. Thanks my team and family. BSD.”

Heralded for his victory over Saint-Denis last night, Poirier received praise from undisputed lightweight kingpin, Islam Makhachev – before the Russian’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz offered the former interim champion the chance to fight for gold against Makhachev as soon as June in a return to the Octagon.

What’s next for Benoit Saint-Denis after his loss at UFC 299?

Dana White reacts to Francis Ngannou’s KO loss: ‘If Tyson Fury trained, that fight would’ve ended, too’

Reacting to former UFC heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou’s stunning knockout loss to boxing star, Anthony Joshua over the weekend,…

Reacting to former UFC heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou’s stunning knockout loss to boxing star, Anthony Joshua over the weekend, promotional boss, Dana White has claimed if WBC heavyweight kingpin, Tyson Fury actually trained for his fight with the Cameroonian last August – the result would have been a mirror-image.

Ngannou, a former undisputed heavyweight champion under the promotion’s banner, departed the White-led organization at the beginning of last year following the completion of his contractual obligations, in less than ceremonious circumstances.

Dana White calls Francis Ngannou fight unbelievable Tyson Fury it was crazy — Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

And since signing with the Peter Murray-led PFL since his departure from the UFC, Ngannou has made his way to two high-profile heavyweight boxing matches – the first of which in a controversial loss to the aforenoted, Fury last summer.

However, in Riyadh earlier this weekend, Ngannou suffered his first knockout loss in combat sports, with ex-two-time world heavyweight champion, Joshua turning in a blistering and punishing one-punch knockout in Saudi Arabia in the pair’s showdown.

Fighters react to Anthony Joshua's KO win over Francis Ngannou stop coming to boxing it will only get worse — Mandatory Credit: Richard Pelham

Dana White shares thoughts on Francis Ngannou’s loss

And sharing his thoughts on Ngannou’s defeat – in which the Batié native claimed he had let his entire fanbase down, White expressed his dislike for crossover boxing matches – before claiming Ngannou would have suffered a similar fate if he fought a primed and prepped Fury last year.

“I mean, I saw it [Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou] on social media,” Dana White told assembled media after UFC 299. “…Yeah, I mean, going into the (Tyson) Fury fight – if Fury trained for the fight and didn’t show up like, you know, look like he ate Tyson Fury, it’s probably the way that fight would’ve ended, too.”

“Listen, you know how I feel about the crossovers into boxing,” Dana White continued. “That’s how they end – just like that.”

Expected to make his first outing in the PFL SmartCage later this year off the back of his knockout defeat to Watford native, Joshua – Ngannou will likely be matched against recent superfight winner, Renan Ferreira, who is fresh from a stunning knockout win over Ryan Bader earlier this month.

What’s next for Francis Ngannou after his KO defeat to Anthony Joshua?