VIDEO: Muhammad Mokaev Submits Opponent Less Than 2 Minutes Into First Fight Post-UFC

It was a successful return to action for Muhammad Mokaev (13-0) on Friday, as he emerged victorious from his first fight since departing the UFC earlier this year. Mokaev’s tenure on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage came to a surprise end this past July. After extending his perfect professional and Octagon records with a victory […]

It was a successful return to action for Muhammad Mokaev (13-0) on Friday, as he emerged victorious from his first fight since departing the UFC earlier this year.

Mokaev’s tenure on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage came to a surprise end this past July. After extending his perfect professional and Octagon records with a victory over Manel Kape at UFC 304, “The Punisher’s” contract wasn’t renewed.

UFC CEO Dana White announced the shock decision during the post-fight press conference in Manchester, putting it down to facts outside of the cage, including issues the matchmakers and Hunter Campbell had dealing with the flyweight up-and-comer.

With his pleas for an immediate return to the promotion falling on deaf ears, Mokaev has frequently vowed to earn his spot back on the UFC roster. And the first step toward achieving that got underway Friday in Bahrain.

Mokaev made his return to one of his former organizations, competing at Brave CF 91. After his original opponent withdrew, the Dagestan-born Brit shared the cage with replacement Joevincent So on two days’ notice.

“Chain” didn’t last long, falling by way of submission in under two minutes after being dragged down and locked in a D’arce choke.

It remains to be seen what the future holds for Mokaev, as well as the specifics of his contractual agreement with Brave CF.

But with UFC Flyweight Champion Alexandre Pantoja appearing short on fresh options following his third title defense last weekend, perhaps an Octagon return will arrive sooner rather than later for “The Punisher” following an emphatic outing on Dec. 13.

UFC Fight Night: Colby Covington vs. Joaquin Buckley Ceremonial Weigh-In Live Stream

UFC Fight Night: Colby Covington vs. Joaquin Buckley takes place on Saturday, and MMA News is here to bring you the final faceoffs from the ceremonial weigh-ins! After staging its latest numbered event at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas last weekend, MMA’s leading promotion will close out its 2024 schedule with a card inside the […]

UFC Fight Night: Colby Covington vs. Joaquin Buckley takes place on Saturday, and MMA News is here to bring you the final faceoffs from the ceremonial weigh-ins!

After staging its latest numbered event at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas last weekend, MMA’s leading promotion will close out its 2024 schedule with a card inside the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida.

In the main event, the polarizing Covington makes his first appearance of 2024. 12 months on from a third failed attempt at capturing the undisputed welterweight crown, “Chaos” will look to keep his late-career title hopes alive by stalling the charge of Joaquin Buckley.

Elsewhere, the likes of UFC Hall of Famer Cub Swanson, former Rizin champion Manel Kape, and heavy hitting light heavyweight Vitor Petrino will all be in action.

Ahead of the event, all 26 fighters successfully made weight. With that, every fight is intact, and all that remains on Friday is for the athletes to face off one final time at the UFC Fight Night Tampa ceremonial weigh-ins.

Check out a live stream via the official UFC YouTube channel below, commencing at 4 PM ET.

UFC Fight Night Ceremonial Weigh-In Live Stream

UFC Fight Night: Colby Covington vs. Joaquin Buckley Ceremonial Weigh-In Live Stream

UFC Fight Night: Colby Covington vs. Joaquin Buckley takes place on Saturday, and MMA News is here to bring you the final faceoffs from the ceremonial weigh-ins! After staging its latest numbered event at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas last weekend, MMA’s leading promotion will close out its 2024 schedule with a card inside the […]

UFC Fight Night: Colby Covington vs. Joaquin Buckley takes place on Saturday, and MMA News is here to bring you the final faceoffs from the ceremonial weigh-ins!

After staging its latest numbered event at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas last weekend, MMA’s leading promotion will close out its 2024 schedule with a card inside the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida.

In the main event, the polarizing Covington makes his first appearance of 2024. 12 months on from a third failed attempt at capturing the undisputed welterweight crown, “Chaos” will look to keep his late-career title hopes alive by stalling the charge of Joaquin Buckley.

Elsewhere, the likes of UFC Hall of Famer Cub Swanson, former Rizin champion Manel Kape, and heavy hitting light heavyweight Vitor Petrino will all be in action.

Ahead of the event, all 26 fighters successfully made weight. With that, every fight is intact, and all that remains on Friday is for the athletes to face off one final time at the UFC Fight Night Tampa ceremonial weigh-ins.

Check out a live stream via the official UFC YouTube channel below, commencing at 4 PM ET.

UFC Fight Night Ceremonial Weigh-In Live Stream

UFC Tampa Betting Odds: Current Favorites For Covington vs. Buckley, Swanson vs. Quarantillo, & More

UFC Tampa is almost upon us, and MMA News is here to keep you updated with the current odds for this weekend’s lineup. The upcoming event takes place Saturday, December 14, at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida. The main card begins at 10 PM ET/7 PM PT, with the preliminary card starting at 7 PM […]

UFC Tampa is almost upon us, and MMA News is here to keep you updated with the current odds for this weekend’s lineup.

The upcoming event takes place Saturday, December 14, at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida. The main card begins at 10 PM ET/7 PM PT, with the preliminary card starting at 7 PM ET/4 PM PT.

Topping the lineup will be former interim welterweight titleholder Colby Covington. A year on from his third failed shot at the undisputed championship, “Chaos” will look to insert himself back into the equation by stalling the charge of Joaquin Buckley.

Before they go to battle, the co-main event will see two veterans collide in Cub Swanson and Billy Quarantillo. And also set to make the walk on Saturday will be the likes of Manel Kape, Vitor Petrino, and Michael Johnson.

UFC Tampa: Covington vs. Buckley Betting Odds

Listed below are the latest betting odds for UFC Tampa (as of 12/13), courtesy of DraftKings.

Main Card:

  • Colby Covington (+200) vs. Joaquin Buckley (-245)
  • Cub Swanson (+124) vs. Billy Quarantillo (-148)
  • Manel Kape (-380) vs. Bruno Silva (+300)
  • Vitor Petrino (-340) vs. Dustin Jacoby (+270)
  • Adrian Yañez (+185) vs. Daniel Marcos (-225)
  • Navajo Stirling (-750) vs. Tuco Tokkos (+525)

Preliminary Card:

  • Michael Johnson (-230) vs. Ottman Azaitar (+190)
  • Joel Álvarez (-425) vs. Drakkar Klose (+330)
  • Sean Woodson (-155) vs. Fernando Padilla (+130)
  • Miles Johns (+200) vs. Felipe Lima (-245)
  • Miranda Maverick (-600) vs. Jamey-Lyn Horth (+440)
  • Davey Grant (-122) vs. Ramon Taveras (+102)
  • Josefine Knutsson (-245) vs. Piera Rodriguez (+200)

Pub Ditches Conor McGregor’s Stout After Rape Verdict, Covers Tap with Charity Logo

Pub Ditches Conor McGregor's Stout After Rape Verdict, Replaces Tap with Charity LogoA pub in Spennymoor, County Durham, The Grind, has removed all merchandise and products associated with Conor McGregor after…

Pub Ditches Conor McGregor's Stout After Rape Verdict, Replaces Tap with Charity Logo

A pub in Spennymoor, County Durham, The Grind, has removed all merchandise and products associated with Conor McGregor after the UFC athlete lost a civil rape case on December 5.

Conor McGregor’s Taps Covered in Pub

David Stephenson, the pub’s owner, made the decision to sever ties with Conor McGregor’s brand, Forged, in light of the verdict. The pub’s beer taps, previously promoting McGregor’s stout, have been covered with the logo of The Survivors Trust, a charity supporting sexual violence survivors.

“In light of recent events involving Conor McGregor, we’re removing all Forged products from The Grind.We stand firmly with Nikita Hand and every survivor of sexual assault and violence against women. As of this week, our Forged merchandise has been removed, the beer pump blacked out, and we’ll be selling off the remaining stock with every penny donated to #TheSurvivorsTrust. Special thanks to #lwc for their support in making this process as smooth as possible.”

@thegrind2020 In light of recent events involving Conor McGregor, we’re removing all Forged products from The Grind. We stand firmly with Nikita Hand and every survivor of sexual assault and violence against women. As of this week, our Forged merchandise has been removed, the beer pump blacked out, and we’ll be selling off the remaining stock with every penny donated to #TheSurvivorsTrust Special thanks to #lwc ? American Pie – Don McLean

Stephenson explained that over half of his staff and customers are women, and he felt it was important to stand with survivors of sexual assault. The stout, now renamed “Survivor,” will see all proceeds donated to The Survivors Trust. Footage posted on the pub’s social media shows staff removing Forged branding and replacing it with the charity’s logo.

The Survivors Trust also strives to raise awareness about sexual abuse and its effects on survivors, their supporters, and society at large. They work to inform and improve responses to sexual violence and abuse at local, regional, and national levels in Ireland

The decision to stop selling the stout was made after much consideration. Stephenson said the brand had gained a negative association due to the recent legal outcome, and he did not want to continue serving the product. Despite some mixed reactions on social media, Stephenson stands firm in his belief that cutting ties with McGregor’s brand was the right thing to do.

The Survivors Trust, which provides support to sexual violence survivors in the UK and Ireland, clarified that it had no involvement in the pub’s actions or video but expressed interest in further discussion.

Conor McGregor hits back at Jake Paul with homophobic slur amid guilty verdict in civil rape case

Sex Before a Fight? UFC Star Joaquin Buckley Weighs In On Age-Old Debate ‘My strength was gone!’

Sex Before a Fight UFC Star Joaquin Buckley Weighs In On Debate 'My strength was gone!'Joaquin Buckley’s UFC career has been filled with highs and lows, but his recent comments on sex before a…

Sex Before a Fight UFC Star Joaquin Buckley Weighs In On Debate 'My strength was gone!'

Joaquin Buckley’s UFC career has been filled with highs and lows, but his recent comments on sex before a fight have sparked a buzz. New Mansa’ will soon face Colby Covington in the UFC Tampa main event.

Joaquin Buckley on Sex Before a Fight

Joaquin Buckley has become known for his explosive striking and knockout power. In a recent interview recalled an experience where he fought Logan Storley and had sex before the match. “I was with my boo. My legs were weak, and I wasn’t able to get up. He was holding me down, and I blamed her. I blamed her! She made my legs weak. My knee was bad that whole fight. My strength was gone!” Buckley said and suffered a unanimous decision loss to Storley.

This discussion comes as the debate over the impact of sex before a fight continues to linger in the combat sports world. The traditional belief is that abstaining from sex can boost a fighter’s performance, with claims that sexual activity can drain energy and reduce aggression. Some fighters, such as Muhammad Ali, even abstained for weeks before a fight.

gettyimages 2177007640 612x612 1
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – OCTOBER 05: Joaquin Buckley reacts after his knockout victory against Stephen Thompson in a welterweight fight during the UFC 307 event at Delta Center on October 05, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)

However, modern science largely contradicts this view. Studies suggest that sex 10-12 hours before an athletic event has no significant effect on performance. Many athletes report that it can actually help them relax and alleviate pre-fight anxiety, including Georges St-Pierre.

The mental impact of sex before a fight may play a larger role than physical effects. This has led many athletes to adopt the strategy of abstaining from sex in the days leading up to a competition

As Buckley prepares for his upcoming fight against Colby Covington, the question of whether to abstain from sex remains a personal one for each fighter. ‘New Mansa’ is coming off a knockout win against Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson. With another win in the welterweight division, he is just a few steps away from title contention.