Tag: UFC 308

Magomed Ankalaev Misses Out On Title Shot, Faces Top Contender At UFC 308 Instead

If he’s to earn another opportunity at collecting gold, Magomed Ankalaev must add another win to his unbeaten run at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi. Ankalaev (18-1-1, 1 NC), who currently occupies the #2 spot at 205 pounds, was widely tipped to be next in line for reigning champion Alex Pereira following the Brazilian’s emphatic […]

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If he’s to earn another opportunity at collecting gold, Magomed Ankalaev must add another win to his unbeaten run at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi.

Ankalaev (18-1-1, 1 NC), who currently occupies the #2 spot at 205 pounds, was widely tipped to be next in line for reigning champion Alex Pereira following the Brazilian’s emphatic defense of his title opposite Ji?í Procházka late last month.

But despite his social media campaigning, the Dagestani will need to make it 13 fights without defeat if he’s to book a long-awaited showdown with “Poatan.”

That was announced on Saturday by UFC CEO Dana White, who revealed a number of major matchups for this year’s Abu Dhabi-held pay-per-view on October 26. Among them is a key light heavyweight battle between Ankalaev and the #5-ranked Aleksandar Raki? (14-4).

With White’s recent announcement, the current fights expected to take place at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi on October 26 are as follows:

  • Ilia Topuria (C) vs. Max Holloway (featherweight championship main event)
  • Robert Whittaker vs. Khamzat Chimaev (middleweight co-main event)
  • Magomed Ankalaev vs. Aleksandar Raki? (light heavyweight)
  • Lerone Murphy vs. Dan Ige (featherweight)
  • Ciryl Gane vs. Alexander Volkov (heavyweight)
  • Rinat Fakhretdinov vs. Nursulton Ruziboev (welterweight)
  • Marcos Rogério de Lima vs. Kennedy Nzechukwu (heavyweight)

Continue Reading Magomed Ankalaev Misses Out On Title Shot, Faces Top Contender At UFC 308 Instead at MMA News.

Robert Whittaker vs. Khamzat Chimaev Rescheduled For UFC 308 Co-Main Event In Abu Dhabi

Former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker (26-7) and the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev (13-0) will attempt to share the Octagon at the second time of trying at UFC 308 this year in Abu Dhabi. The pair were previously lined up to headline the promotion’s debut event in Saudi Arabia this past June. On short notice, however, Chimaev […]

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Former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker (26-7) and the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev (13-0) will attempt to share the Octagon at the second time of trying at UFC 308 this year in Abu Dhabi.

The pair were previously lined up to headline the promotion’s debut event in Saudi Arabia this past June. On short notice, however, Chimaev withdrew from the Kingdom Arena-held card after suffering from an illness.

In his place stepped in Ikram Aliskerov, who was emphatically knocked out in the first round by “The Reaper.” While some suggested the Australian could be in line for another shot at regaining the belt next, he’ll have to keep his focus on “Borz” first.

Their rearranged middleweight matchup was announced by UFC CEO Dana White in a video on social media. It will be a five-round co-main event, with a featherweight title fight between champ Ilia Topuria and BMF titleholder Max Holloway headlining.

With White’s recent announcement, the current fights expected to take place at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi on October 26 are as follows:

  • Ilia Topuria (C) vs. Max Holloway (featherweight championship main event)
  • Robert Whittaker vs. Khamzat Chimaev (middleweight co-main event)
  • Magomed Ankalaev vs. Aleksandar Raki? (light heavyweight)
  • Lerone Murphy vs. Dan Ige (featherweight)
  • Ciryl Gane vs. Alexander Volkov (heavyweight)
  • Rinat Fakhretdinov vs. Nursulton Ruziboev (welterweight)
  • Marcos Rogério de Lima vs. Kennedy Nzechukwu (heavyweight)

Continue Reading Robert Whittaker vs. Khamzat Chimaev Rescheduled For UFC 308 Co-Main Event In Abu Dhabi at MMA News.

Dustin Poirier offers to fight Arman Tsarukyan for title with Islam Makhachev injured

Dustin Poirier offers to fight Arman Tsarukyan for title amid Islam Makhachev injuryAmid the current uncertainty over the extent of undisputed lightweight titleholder, Islam Makhachev’s arm injury, former champion, Dustin Poirier…

Dustin Poirier offers to fight Arman Tsarukyan for title amid Islam Makhachev injury

Amid the current uncertainty over the extent of undisputed lightweight titleholder, Islam Makhachev’s arm injury, former champion, Dustin Poirier remains open to the possibility of taking on fellow American Top Team star, Arman Tsarukyan in an interim title fight next.

Makhachev, the current undisputed lightweight champion, has been sidelined since he submitted the above-mentioned, Poirier back in May at UFC 302, through an undisclosed arm injury – with the extent of the layoff yet to be determined as he sports a supportive arm brace.

Dustin Poirier still unclear on fighting future I'm still unsure about what's next

Initially expected to fight number one ranked contender, Tsarukyan in a title rematch at UFC 308 in October, the promotion are instead now working on an undisputed featherweight title matchup between Ilia Topuria, and Max Holloway for the Abu Dhabi card instead.

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Dustin Poirier interested in Arman Tsarukyan grudge fight

And while still weighing up his immediate fighting future off the back of his D’Arce choke loss to pound-for-pound number one, Makhachev, Lafayette striker, Poirier claimed he would be interested in fighting Tsarukyan in an impromptu interim championship pairing.

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“I’m supposed to have surgery on my nose in October but like, if I’ve made a decision or something popped up I could push it back or whatever,” Dustin Poirier told MMA Junkie. “I’m just thinking, who is there for me to fight, but I’ve just got to do the 30 days, get in shape and get back on the mats hard, I haven’t been able to grapple.”

“I wonder what they’re [the UFC] are going to do, is Arman (Tsarukyan) gonna continue to wait for Islam (Makhachev)?” Dustin Poirier continued. “I don’t know when Islam’s gonna be back but I saw a thing that said he might have to have surgery so we’ll see, man. The lightweight division has been so crazy over these past years. Yeah for sure [an interim title fight with Tsarukyan] interests me.”

Who would win in a potential matchup: Dustin Poirier or Arman Tsarukyan?

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 […]

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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.

Arman Tsarukyan will film anti-bullying video as part of NSAC suspension deal, plans to fight at UFC 308

Arman Tsarukyan to film anti-bullying video, expects to fight Islam Makhachev at UFC 308 in Abu DhabiArman Tsarukyan isn’t letting anything get in the way of his first UFC title opportunity — including a suspension…

Arman Tsarukyan to film anti-bullying video, expects to fight Islam Makhachev at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi

Arman Tsarukyan isn’t letting anything get in the way of his first UFC title opportunity — including a suspension from the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

After taking a swing at a fan during his walkout at UFC 300, ‘Ahalkalakets’ was suspended for nine months, putting him on the shelf for the rest of 2024 and killing any chance of him challenging for the lightweight title before the year’s up. However, the NSAC is willing to shave down the sentence to six months if Tsarukyan participates in an anti-bullying public service announcement.

Doing so will allow him to return in October, just in time to challenge Islam Makhachev on October 26 when the UFC heads back to Abu Dhabi.

“I will shoot that anti-bullying video at the beginning of August, and my suspension ends on [October] 13th,” Tsarukyan said in an interview with Sport 24. “I just need to make that video, then hopefully I’m going to fight at the end of October or early November.”

“I have to do [the video] to help my career,” he added. “And it doesn’t bother me, it will only do good for my career. And actually, it doesn’t make any sense to put your hands on someone and waste your energy when you are walking out for an actual fight. The problem is I’m a hot-tempered guy. I’m either very kind or very angry and never a happy medium. Even when I train, it’s either light work or full contact … That’s my nature.”

Arman Tsarukyan has a verbal agreement to fight for the lightweight title

Makhachev’s last appearance inside the Octagon came against Dustin Poirier in June. the ‘Dagestani Destroyer’ secured his third lightweight title defense, earning a fifth-round submission over ‘The Diamond’ in Newark, New Jersey.

Though Tsarukyan is clearly the next man in line, Makhachev appeared to be far more interested in a potential champion vs. champion clash with welterweight titleholder Leon Edwards.

Islam Makhachev

Asked if he has any concerns over the UFC books that fight instead of giving him his long-awaited rematch with Makhachev, Tsarukyan dismissed that possibility revealing that he already has a verbal agreement in place.

“No they won’t, because we have a verbal agreement that I’m fighting for the title,” he said. “I don’t know if Islam was told that, but they told me I’m next in line.

“To be honest, I don’t care if he moves up a weight class,” Tsarukyan added. “Just give me the interim title then, or let him vacate the title. And I’ll fight him for it. It’s not about fighting Islam. I just need to become the champion.”

Arman Tsarukyan

Tsarukyan made his UFC debut against Makhachev in April 2019, coming up short via unanimous decision. Since then, ‘Ahalkalakets’ has gone 8-1 and sits as the No. 1 ranked contender in the division following his impressive showing against ex-champion Charles Oliveira.

Arman Tsarukyan

Khamzat Chimaev reveals plan for UFC 308 return in Abu Dhabi: ‘I would like to fight for the title’

Khamzat Chimaev calls for UFC 308 return I would like to fight for the titleUnbeaten middleweight challenger, Khamzat Chimaev has revealed plans to make a comeback at UFC 308 at the end of…

Khamzat Chimaev calls for UFC 308 return I would like to fight for the title

Unbeaten middleweight challenger, Khamzat Chimaev has revealed plans to make a comeback at UFC 308 at the end of this year in Abu Dhabi, stressing his desire for a title charge at the middleweight limit to boot.

Chimaev, who currently holds the number eleven rank in the official middleweight rankings, has been out of action since October of last year at UFC 294, co-headlining the promotion’s most recent visit to the United Arab Emirates.

UFC wasting time with Khamzat Chimaev after latest withdrawal I feel sorry for the guy

And forced to withdraw from a scheduled main event fight against former middleweight champion, Robert Whittaker at UFC Saudi Arabia last month, Chimaev was reportedly struck off the card as he dealt with a “violent” illness.

Teasing a potential return to action as soon as October in a bid to kickstart his combat sports career once more following a recent period of prolonged inactivity, Chechen-born contender, Chimaev has apparently ramped up training in recent weeks in anticipation of a return.

Khamzat Chimaev plans UFC 308 retunr fight in Abu Dhabi it depends on his condition
Mandatory Credit: James Gilbert

Furthermore, earlier this week, current lightweight number one contender, Arman Tsarukyan suggested he would train alongside Chimaev for his expected rematch with Islam Makhachev at UFC 308.

Khamzat Chimaev planning title fight in UFC 308 comeback

Providing an update on his immediate fighting future, Chimaev claimed he would like to fight at UFC 308, and despite his continued absence from competition, has staked his claim for a showdown for the middleweight title.

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“Most likely [I will fight at UFC 308] in October in Abu Dhabi,” Khamzat Chimaev told MatchTV during a recent interview. “The opponent is not yet known, but I would like to fight for the title. I have seven fights, seven victories. There is no fighter in the UFC who has won seven fights without fighting for the belt. Dana White constantly says different things, but we are negotiating.”

Do you think Khamzat Chimaev will fight for the championship in his UFC comeback?