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<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><feed xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:thr="http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0" xml:lang="en-US" > <title type="text">MMA Fighting</title> <subtitle type="text">MMA News & results for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), Strikeforce & more Mixed Martial Arts fights</subtitle> <updated>2025-08-22T20:57:18+00:00</updated> <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.mmafighting.com" /> <id>https://www.mmafighting.com/rss/index.xml</id> <link rel="self" type="application/atom+xml" href="https://www.mmafighting.com/rss/index.xml" /> <entry> <author> <name>Mike Heck</name> </author> <title type="html"><![CDATA[Bryan Battle signs with Dirty Boxing days after UFC release, will compete at DBX 3]]></title> <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.mmafighting.com/ufc/400433/bryan-battle-signs-with-dirty-boxing-days-after-ufc-release-will-compete-at-dbx-3" /> <id>https://www.mmafighting.com/?p=400433</id> <updated>2025-08-22T16:57:18-04:00</updated> <published>2025-08-22T17:00:00-04:00</published> <category scheme="https://www.mmafighting.com" term="Latest News" /><category scheme="https://www.mmafighting.com" term="UFC" /><category scheme="https://www.mmafighting.com" term="UFC News" /> <summary type="html"><![CDATA[Bryan Battle has a new home and his next fight date booked following his UFC release. Dirty Boxing revealed on Friday that the past winner of The Ultimate Fighter has signed with the promotion. Battle was released from the UFC earlier this week after missing weight by four pounds for a scheduled middleweight bout against […]]]></summary> <content type="html"> <![CDATA[ <figure> <img alt="" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" src="https://platform.mmafighting.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/109/2025/08/gettyimages-2188796372.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0,0,100,100" /> <figcaption> </figcaption></figure><p class="has-text-align-none">Bryan Battle has a new home and his next fight date booked following his UFC release.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Dirty Boxing revealed on Friday that the past winner of The Ultimate Fighter has signed with the promotion. Battle was released from the UFC earlier this week after missing weight by four pounds for a scheduled middleweight bout against Nursulton Ruziboev at UFC 319, which was eventually cancelled. It was the second consecutive time Battle missed weight, as he missed at welterweight before his split decision win over Randy Brown at UFC 309 in November.</p> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DNq6lq5M4LO/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"><div> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DNq6lq5M4LO/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank"> <div> <div></div> <div> <div></div> <div></div></div></div><div></div> <div></div><div> <div>View this post on Instagram</div></div><div></div> <div><div> <div></div> <div></div> <div></div></div><div> <div></div> <div></div></div><div> <div></div> <div></div> <div></div></div></div> <div> <div></div> <div></div></div></a><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DNq6lq5M4LO/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Dirty Boxing Championship (@dirtyboxing)</a></p></div></blockquote></div></figure> <p class="has-text-align-none">Battle is also set to compete at DBX 3 next Friday night in his first promotional appearance. An opponent was not announced.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">“The Butcher” enters the Dirty Boxing squared circle after a 7-1, 1 NC run in the UFC. Battle missed weight a total of three times throughout his promotional tenure, but also exited the UFC with a pair of Performance of the Night bonuses with stoppages of Takashi Sato and Kevin Jousset.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">DBX 3 takes place at The Hangar in Miami and streams on YouTube. Former UFC heavyweight Jairzinho Rozenstruik is expected to compete in the main event against an opponent to be announced after Rob Perez was forced out of the inaugural heavyweight title fight. </p> <p class="has-text-align-none"></p> ]]> </content> </entry> <entry> <author> <name>Mike Heck</name> </author> <title type="html"><![CDATA[UFC Shanghai preview show: Brian Ortega’s weigh-in drama, Zhang vs. Walker]]></title> <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.mmafighting.com/ufc/400393/ufc-shanghai-preview-show-brian-ortegas-weigh-in-drama-zhang-vs-walker" /> <id>https://www.mmafighting.com/?p=400393</id> <updated>2025-08-22T15:00:13-04:00</updated> <published>2025-08-22T16:00:00-04:00</published> <category scheme="https://www.mmafighting.com" term="Latest News" /><category scheme="https://www.mmafighting.com" term="MMAF Podcast Network" /><category scheme="https://www.mmafighting.com" term="Podcasts" /><category scheme="https://www.mmafighting.com" term="UFC" /><category scheme="https://www.mmafighting.com" term="UFC News" /><category scheme="https://www.mmafighting.com" term="Videos" /> <summary type="html"><![CDATA[UFC Shanghai goes down in the early morning hours on Saturday, and during Thursday night’s weigh-ins, Brian Ortega appeared to be in rough shape ahead of his pivotal matchup with former bantamweight champ Aljamain Sterling. While reports stated the fight was off, it will indeed take place at a catchweight of 153 pounds, despite Ortega […]]]></summary> <content type="html"> <![CDATA[ <figure> <img alt="" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" src="https://platform.mmafighting.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/109/2025/08/UFC-SHanghai-clean.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0,0,100,100" /> <figcaption> </figcaption></figure><p class="has-text-align-none">UFC Shanghai goes down in the early morning hours on Saturday, and during Thursday night’s weigh-ins, Brian Ortega appeared to be in rough shape ahead of his pivotal matchup with former bantamweight champ Aljamain Sterling. While reports stated the fight was off, it will indeed take place at a catchweight of 153 pounds, despite Ortega looking horrible during his final staredown with Sterling. Should this fight go on?</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Ahead of this weekend’s UFC Fight Night event, MMA Fighting’s Jed Meshew and Mike Heck preview the card, react to Ortega’s weigh-in drama, and discuss the fight with Sterling. Additionally, they talk the light heavyweight main event between Zhang Mingyang and Johnny Walker, the stakes for the division that needs as much excitement as possible, the heavyweight featured bout between Sergei Pavlovich and Waldo Cortes-Acosta, and much more.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Catch the UFC Shanghai preview show video above. An audio-only version of the show can be found below and on <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?xcust=__sb0822awD__396617__________________google.com&id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https://itunes.apple.com/podcast/id320642139&referrer=sbnation.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href="https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cDovL2ZlZWRzLmZlZWRidXJuZXIuY29tL1RoZU1tYUhvdXJXaXRoQXJpZWxIZWx3YW5p">Google Podcasts</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/27Z2RR39rjGrRcV1DiQ40J?si=5ZS0Lje7QbWITUd60cOb8g">Spotify</a>, and wherever you find your favorite podcasts.</p> <iframe frameborder="0" height="200" src="https://playlist.megaphone.fm?e=VMP6013477421" width="100%"></iframe> ]]> </content> </entry> <entry> <author> <name>Guilherme Cruz</name> </author> <title type="html"><![CDATA[Fighting Nerds’ Ilay Barzilay sees LFA title shot as path to UFC glory]]></title> <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.mmafighting.com/latest-news/400164/fighting-nerds-ilay-barzilay-lfa-title-shot-ufc" /> <id>https://www.mmafighting.com/?p=400164</id> <updated>2025-08-20T17:07:20-04:00</updated> <published>2025-08-22T15:00:00-04:00</published> <category scheme="https://www.mmafighting.com" term="Latest News" /> <summary type="html"><![CDATA[Ilay Barzilay faces Richie Miranda for the LFA lightweight title Friday in Ventura, Calif., and wants it to be his ticket to the UFC roster. Born in Israel, the son of an Israeli father and Brazilian mother, the LFA 215 headliner moved full-time to Brazil for the dream of becoming a high-level MMA fighter. After […]]]></summary> <content type="html"> <![CDATA[ <figure> <img alt="" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" src="https://platform.mmafighting.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/109/2025/08/DSC1022.jpeg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0,16.800262504102,89,83.199737495898" /> <figcaption> </figcaption></figure><p class="has-text-align-none">Ilay Barzilay faces Richie Miranda for the LFA lightweight title Friday in Ventura, Calif., and wants it to be his ticket to the UFC roster.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Born in Israel, the son of an Israeli father and Brazilian mother, the LFA 215 headliner moved full-time to Brazil for the dream of becoming a high-level MMA fighter. After a previous visit to Chute Boxe in Sao Paulo in a short trip from the United States, Barzilay decided to make Fighting Nerds home.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">“Not to take away anything from other teams but Fighting Nerds, when I went there the first time, I was scared because of how high the level was — and I didn’t know any of the fighters,” Barzilay told MMA Fighting. “They were very good and it’s absurd no one knew them, or I was really bad [laughs]. Something was wrong, because I had incredible talent and had no idea those guys were so good.”</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">That was three years ago — and Barzilay was sharing the mats with the likes of Mauricio Ruffy, who is now a highly-touted prospect in the UFC lightweight division.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">“I’ve always trained with UFC fighters, so I saw from the beginning how that was,” Barzilay said. “I saw what UFC level was, and what I had to do in order to get there. I’ll give you an example. To be around Jean [Silva], to train with him every day, that’s a whole other level. That’s championship level. That’s excellent experience for me. I decided to stay around these guys to see exactly what they did every single day, to live that, and now I’m living it.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">“I’m learning a lot, learning what I need to do. Not to be just a UFC fighter but a top-level UFC fighter, a champion, a future champion. To me, training at Fighting Nerds is a whole other level.”</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">The 24-year-old lightweight won seven straight in the sport to earn a shot at the LFA belt, racking up four wins with one knockout in the promotion. Miranda went 8-1 under the LFA banner alone, half of those victories coming by way of stoppage.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">“Richie is an excellent athlete,” Barzilay said. “He has a good record, he has only lost once — in a split decision. He’s well-rounded, has good striking and good wrestling, but his best thing is his pace. He has great pace to get his opponents tired and win fights. He has good volume. He doesn’t have many knockouts, but has good volume.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">“Being quite honest, everything he does I do better. Power strikes, I’m way more dangerous. I have the power to end fights with one strike, which he doesn’t. And to talk about cardio, I have one of the best cardio in the game. Everyone who trains with me knows that. People will only get to see that now because it’s a five-round fight. But my cardio is endless. He knows things well, I won’t say he doesn’t, but everything he does, I do best.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">“I’m not seeing how I might lose this fight. I’m very confident,” he added. “I’ll take the LFA belt and see what the future holds. I believe it’s soon going to be the UFC.”</p> ]]> </content> </entry> <entry> <author> <name>Mike Heck</name> </author> <title type="html"><![CDATA[Aljamain Sterling offers advice to Aaron Pico after vicious knockout loss at UFC 319]]></title> <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.mmafighting.com/ufc/400401/aljamain-sterling-offers-advice-to-aaron-pico-after-vicious-knockout-loss-at-ufc-319" /> <id>https://www.mmafighting.com/?p=400401</id> <updated>2025-08-22T13:33:21-04:00</updated> <published>2025-08-22T14:00:00-04:00</published> <category scheme="https://www.mmafighting.com" term="Latest News" /><category scheme="https://www.mmafighting.com" term="UFC" /><category scheme="https://www.mmafighting.com" term="UFC News" /> <summary type="html"><![CDATA[Aljamain Sterling still sees championship potential in Aaron Pico despite a big setback in his octagon debut. Pico was viciously knocked out with a spinning-back elbow in the first round by Lerone Murphy in the co-main event of UFC 319. Sterling, who is set to face Brian Ortega in the co-main event of UFC Shanghai […]]]></summary> <content type="html"> <![CDATA[ <figure> <img alt="" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" src="https://platform.mmafighting.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/109/2025/08/gettyimages-2230530139.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0,0,100,100" /> <figcaption> </figcaption></figure><p class="has-text-align-none">Aljamain Sterling still sees championship potential in Aaron Pico despite a big setback in his octagon debut.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Pico was viciously knocked out with a spinning-back elbow in the first round by Lerone Murphy in the co-main event of UFC 319. Sterling, who is set to face Brian Ortega in the co-main event of UFC Shanghai this Saturday, was watching the fight very closely as he hopes to get into title contention at 145 pounds. </p> <p class="has-text-align-none">“Yeah, the thing with Lerone Murphy, no one really knew who he was – now they do,” Sterling told MMA Fighting. “Kudos to him, man. That was a great comeback knockout because he was on his way to possibly getting finished in that first round, or maybe even the second, just the way things were going. But Pico, once again, that aggression, that aggressive style, it comes back to bite you sometimes, especially with a guy who does tricky stuff.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">“Lerone Murphy is not super flashy. He’ll throw a spinning back kick, he has some nice elbows, but he’s very fundamentally sound. He’s not doing anything out of the ordinary, but you give him what he wants and you get an opportunity to get a finish like that, and he’s a smart, intelligent fighter. But you got Pico, heavy hands, great wrestler, doesn’t really control people, but will wrestle you if he needs to, can take you down pretty much anytime that he really wants, and then he looks for those big body shots, but when he does that, he car crashes.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">“And when you run into a shot, I mean, I know first-hand, I ran into a knee that was meant for a head kick. So I got knocked out by Marlon Moraes by just shooting in and diving in on something, the same thing he once [did before], crashed in and the same thing he did in Bellator. I don’t know. It’s a crazy game, man. One day you’re like this, one moment you’re like this, and then next thing you know, one second later the whole fight just changes right before your eyes. So kudos to Lerone Murphy. I do think he should get the next title shot. It sucks for Movsar because Movsar should have been the guy, but he missed his opportunity to stake his claim, and here we are.”</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Pico has been stopped in all five of his losses, and the 28-year-old has been badly knocked out in three of his 18 pro fights. The longtime Bellator prospect parted ways with the PFL in lieu of a UFC signing, which garnered a lot of attention.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Throughout Pico’s Bellator-PFL run, he’s delivered some incredible performances and highlight-reel finishes, but hasn’t faced high-level competition — and nowhere near to the level of competitive experience as Murphy. Despite looking good in the fight early, Pico’s inexperience came into play, which led to the Knockout of the Year contending finish.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Sterling offered up advice to Pico after losing his octagon debut. </p> <p class="has-text-align-none">“I think that’s it, simply perspective,” Sterling said. “He’s been knocked out like that before running into a shot, and he built himself back up. I think he has to keep it in perspective and at the end of the day, it was just a fight IQ error. You take that away, he probably wins that fight the way that it was going.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">“I mean, it was only three minutes into the first round, but still, that showed a lot for the indication of how good he actually is. So I think you’ve got to look at a glass half full, yeah, I might have got sent to the gulags, but at the same time I was actually doing really well against an undefeated, highly touted guy who could potentially fight for a world title.”</p> ]]> </content> </entry> <entry> <author> <name>Guilherme Cruz</name> </author> <title type="html"><![CDATA[Herb Dean defends Marc Goddard’s standups in Khamzat Chimaev vs. Dricus Du Plessis UFC 319 title fight]]></title> <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.mmafighting.com/ufc/400218/herb-dean-defends-marc-goddard-standups-khamzat-chimaev-dricus-du-plessis-ufc-319-title-fight" /> <id>https://www.mmafighting.com/?p=400218</id> <updated>2025-08-22T12:21:53-04:00</updated> <published>2025-08-22T13:00:00-04:00</published> <category scheme="https://www.mmafighting.com" term="Latest News" /><category scheme="https://www.mmafighting.com" term="UFC" /><category scheme="https://www.mmafighting.com" term="UFC News" /> <summary type="html"><![CDATA[Referee Marc Goddard was questioned for his standups during the Khamzat Chimaev vs. Dricus Du Plessis title bout this past Saturday in Chicago, where Chimaev dominated to win the 185-pound gold in the main event of UFC 319, but fellow official Herb Dean saw nothing wrong with his decisions. Dean, one of the most experienced […]]]></summary> <content type="html"> <![CDATA[ <figure> <img alt="" data-caption="Khamzat Chimaev beat Dricus Du Plessis for the UFC middleweight title" data-portal-copyright="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" src="https://platform.mmafighting.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/109/2025/08/gettyimages-2230533393.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0,0,100,100" /> <figcaption> Khamzat Chimaev beat Dricus Du Plessis for the UFC middleweight title </figcaption></figure><p class="has-text-align-none">Referee Marc Goddard <a href="https://www.mmafighting.com/ufc/400211/reinier-de-ridder-robert-whittaker-blast-marc-goddard-for-terrible-standups-in-khamzat-chimaev-vs-dricus-du-plessis" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.mmafighting.com/ufc/400211/reinier-de-ridder-robert-whittaker-blast-marc-goddard-for-terrible-standups-in-khamzat-chimaev-vs-dricus-du-plessis">was questioned</a> for his standups during the Khamzat Chimaev vs. Dricus Du Plessis title bout this past Saturday in Chicago, where Chimaev dominated to win the 185-pound gold in the main event of UFC 319, but fellow official Herb Dean saw nothing wrong with his decisions.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Dean, one of the most experienced referees in the game, felt that Chimaev, although in dominant positions like the crucifix, could have done more on the ground at some points of the 25-minute contest.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">“I don’t think there was anything was wrong with [Goddard’s] standups,” Dean said in an interview with <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYZsD7ystX4">Helen Yee</a>. “Khamzat dominated the fight around. This is an ongoing conversation that everyone in the stakeholders and everyone in the sport has, ‘but what do we want this sport to look like? Do we want people to achieve a dominant position which, if you’re not using it to beat your opponent, could almost be looked at as a hiding place, as a place to burn time?’</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">“And I’m never gonna accuse Khamzat of hiding because, I mean, the man is a savage, but if you get a position, like the crucifix, chest-to-chest position, not a lot of height, [it’s] very difficult to get to a place where you can punch your opponent, sometimes you’re able to get elbows.”</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Even though Chimaev advanced to dominant position throughout the bout, Dean felt that he could have taken the risk in order to be more aggressive and seek a stoppage.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">“You want to reward people,” Dean said. “We can talk about 10-8s, and that at the same time, you want to reward someone with a 10-8 for trying to finish their opponent, for taking a risk. It takes a risk to make some space, to posture, where you’re gonna be able to maybe finish the fight. And I think that’s what we want our sport to look like. I’m okay with those standups that Marc Goddard did.”</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">It is fair to give a fighter the chance to “settle in and secure the position” once he gets there, Dean said, before you rush for more work when feeling that the lack of advancing in positions could be seen as stalling. </p> <p class="has-text-align-none">“We want people, if they have a dominant position, we want to see effort to finish the fight, effort to initiate fight-ending sequences,” Dean said. “That’s what we’re looking for. If we’re looking for something where someone’s maintaining a safe position but they’re not able to diminish their opponent and finish the fight, then that’s a situation where people are going to get a warning to work. And when they say work, I think you always should be trying to work for a finish.”</p> ]]> </content> </entry> <entry> <author> <name>Mike Heck</name> </author> <title type="html"><![CDATA[Jon Jones fires back at Daniel Cormier for saying he’s not GOAT due to steroids: ‘I’m always the co-star’]]></title> <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.mmafighting.com/ufc/400390/jon-jones-fires-back-at-daniel-cormier-for-saying-hes-not-goat-due-to-steroids-im-always-the-co-star" /> <id>https://www.mmafighting.com/?p=400390</id> <updated>2025-08-22T10:39:48-04:00</updated> <published>2025-08-22T11:00:00-04:00</published> <category scheme="https://www.mmafighting.com" term="Latest News" /><category scheme="https://www.mmafighting.com" term="UFC" /><category scheme="https://www.mmafighting.com" term="UFC News" /> <summary type="html"><![CDATA[Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier’s rivalry continues on. On a recent episode of Club Shay Shay, Cormier told Shannon Sharpe he can’t consider his two-time opponent the greatest of all-time due to Jones testing positive for Turinabol, a steroid Jones tested positive for during an in-competition test the day before UFC 214. “DC” also left […]]]></summary> <content type="html"> <![CDATA[ <figure> <img alt="" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" src="https://platform.mmafighting.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/109/2025/07/ufc-200-daniel-cormier-vs-jon-jones-2-staredown_241314.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0,0,100,100" /> <figcaption> </figcaption></figure><p class="has-text-align-none">Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier’s rivalry continues on.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">On a recent episode of Club Shay Shay, Cormier told Shannon Sharpe <a href="https://x.com/ClubShayShay/status/1958258441644093857" data-type="link" data-id="https://x.com/ClubShayShay/status/1958258441644093857">he can’t consider his two-time opponent</a> the greatest of all-time due to Jones testing positive for Turinabol, a steroid Jones tested positive for during an in-competition test the day before UFC 214. “DC” also left Jones off of his Mount Rushmore.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">After the interview went live, Jones reacted on Twitter.</p> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">When DC tells his story, somehow I’m always the co-star. 😂 Thanks <a href="https://twitter.com/ShannonSharpe84?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ShannonSharpe84</a> for the invite, even if I was only there in spirit. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Airbnb?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Airbnb</a></p>— Jonny Meat (@JonnyBones) <a href="https://twitter.com/JonnyBones/status/1958381463570895014?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2025</a></blockquote></div></figure> <p class="has-text-align-none">“When DC tells his story, somehow I’m always the co-star,“ Jones wrote. ”Thanks [Shannon Sharpe]<br>for the invite, even if I was only there in spirit.“</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Both <a href="https://www.mmafighting.com/2017/9/12/16291440/jon-jones-b-sample-comes-back-positive-for-steroid" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.mmafighting.com/2017/9/12/16291440/jon-jones-b-sample-comes-back-positive-for-steroid">A and B samples tested positive</a> in relation to the July 2017 event where Jones knocked out Cormier in the third round of their rematch to cap off the pay-per-view card in Anaheim. The result was eventually ruled a No Contest, and Jones was stripped of the light heavyweight title weeks later, and Cormier was reinstated as champion.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Prior to that, Jones and Cormier were slated to headline UFC 200 in July 2016. Just three days before the massive event, Jones was pulled from the card <a href="https://www.mmafighting.com/2016/7/18/12214164/jon-jones-tested-positive-for-estrogen-blockers-is-temporarily" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.mmafighting.com/2016/7/18/12214164/jon-jones-tested-positive-for-estrogen-blockers-is-temporarily">after testing positive for estrogen blockers</a>. Cormier went on to face Anderson Silva on the card, winning a unanimous decision.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Jones continued tweeting, letting his feelings be known that despite all he’s accomplished, he’s insulted by the fact that Cormier continues to label him a cheat. “Bones” cites it was his overall ability and skill set that led to his success, and nothing more. </p> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">High school state champ, JUCO national champ, youngest UFC champion, greatest in MMA history. A lifetime of loss, victories and sacrifice and this guy wants to write it all off as steroids. Honestly, it’s insulting. But I can’t help but laugh, knowing it was God given abilities…</p>— Jonny Meat (@JonnyBones) <a href="https://twitter.com/JonnyBones/status/1958384689229754454?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2025</a></blockquote></div></figure> <p class="has-text-align-none">“High school state champ, JUCO national champ, youngest UFC champion, greatest in MMA history,” Jones said. “A lifetime of loss, victories and sacrifice and this guy wants to write it all off as steroids. Honestly, it’s insulting. But I can’t help but laugh, knowing it was God given abilities that made him feel so inferior.”</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Following UFC Baku in June, UFC CEO Dana White revealed that Jones had informed the promotion of his retirement, and vacated the heavyweight title — which he won with a submission of Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 in March 2023, and successfully defended with a knockout win over Stipe Miocic this past November at UFC 309. Tom Aspinall, who had become the longest reigning interim champion in UFC history, was promoted to undisputed titleholder.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Jones is already back in the UFC’s drug-testing pool in hopes of a return to compete at the UFC’s proposed July 4 event at the White House in 2026. White said on multiple occasions <a href="https://www.mmafighting.com/ufc/399693/a-billion-to-one-dana-white-shuts-down-jon-jones-chances-to-fight-at-ufc-white-house-card" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.mmafighting.com/ufc/399693/a-billion-to-one-dana-white-shuts-down-jon-jones-chances-to-fight-at-ufc-white-house-card">Jones will not compete at the event</a>, and placed the odds at “a billion-to-one.”</p> ]]> </content> </entry> <entry> <author> <name>Mike Heck</name> </author> <title type="html"><![CDATA[‘He’s too rich’: Zhang Mingyang believes Alex Pereira not as motivated ahead of UFC 320 rematch]]></title> <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.mmafighting.com/ufc/400237/hes-too-rich-zhang-mingyang-believes-alex-pereira-not-as-motivated-ahead-of-ufc-320-rematch" /> <id>https://www.mmafighting.com/?p=400237</id> <updated>2025-08-22T09:40:27-04:00</updated> <published>2025-08-22T10:00:00-04:00</published> <category scheme="https://www.mmafighting.com" term="Latest News" /><category scheme="https://www.mmafighting.com" term="UFC" /><category scheme="https://www.mmafighting.com" term="UFC News" /><category scheme="https://www.mmafighting.com" term="Videos" /> <summary type="html"><![CDATA[Zhang Mingyang’s goal is to become UFC light heavyweight champion, and he has a chance to take the next step towards that goal this Saturday in his first UFC main event — which just so happens to take place a little over a month before that title is on the line. Zhang faces Johnny Walker […]]]></summary> <content type="html"> <![CDATA[ <figure> <img alt="" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" src="https://platform.mmafighting.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/109/2025/08/gettyimages-2231143486.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0,0,100,100" /> <figcaption> </figcaption></figure><p class="has-text-align-none">Zhang Mingyang’s goal is to become UFC light heavyweight champion, and he has a chance to take the next step towards that goal this Saturday in his first UFC main event — which just so happens to take place a little over a month before that title is on the line.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Zhang faces Johnny Walker in the UFC Shanghai headliner in a pivotal 205-pound clash. Around five weeks later, Magomed Ankalaev defends his title against Alex Pereira in a rematch to headline UFC 320 on Oct. 4 in Las Vegas.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">“Mountain Tiger” will be watching that bout closely, and was asked to give his prediction for the championship contest.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">“I think Ankalaev can defend his title because I think Alex Pereira is not as motivated as before,” Zhang told MMA Fighting. “I mean, if we can get the old Pereira back, he’s still the, let’s say, better striker than Ankalaev. But for now, if he still fights like the way like he fought last fight, I think Ankalaev can still win this fight [again].”</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Ankalaev captured the title with a decision win over Pereira at UFC 313 in March. Since then, “Poatan” said he’s been focused on a rematch and getting that championship belt back.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Zhang was asked why he felt Pereira is lacking motivation heading into his second meeting with the streaking Ankalaev. </p> <p class="has-text-align-none">“Because he has earned too much money,” Zhang explained. “He’s too rich. I think no matter who you are as a fighter, or as a human being, if you are too rich, you are just kind of [lacking[ of motivation [compared to] when you are young, when you are poor, when you are hungry.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">“I think that’s normal. It’s not uncommon, yeah.”</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Since entering the UFC, Zhang has destroyed all three of his octagon foes in the first round, earning bonuses for each outing. The 27-year-old has only spent about eight minutes in the octagon, including his destruction of Anthony Smith at UFC Kansas City in Smith’s final bout in April. </p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Zhang now gets Walker, who was brutally knocked out in back-to-back fights by Ankalaev and Volkan Oezdemir. Walker has promised a throwback version of himself this weekend in a pivotal bout, and Zhang hopes for the same thing. </p> <p class="has-text-align-none">“To be honest, we never think we’re going to fight Johnny one day,” Zhang said. “But when UFC told us, ‘OK, Johnny is the next one’, we just accepted that. But I think if you look at the fighters Johnny [has lost] to, many of them became champions. Or even the guys he [beat], some of them also become the title challenger. So I think Johnny, it’s a good test for me and going to be a very important step on my way to fighting for the title. …</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">“There’s going to be a finish for sure. I don’t think this fight will go to decision, will go for five rounds. We don’t need 5 rounds. And also I do hope Johnny can be the Johnny he said [he would be] on his social media: [That] he’s back to the Johnny [with] how he fought before, when he was winning. </p> <p class="has-text-align-none">“Johnny, please give me a 100 percent Johnny on Saturday night. Let’s fight toe-to-tow. That’s the fight I want.”</p> ]]> </content> </entry> <entry> <author> <name>Jed Meshew</name> </author> <title type="html"><![CDATA[Frankie Edgar explains why he’s coming out of retirement to fight at BKFC]]></title> <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.mmafighting.com/bkfc-news/400315/frankie-edgar-explains-why-hes-coming-out-of-retirement-to-fight-at-bkfc" /> <id>https://www.mmafighting.com/?p=400315</id> <updated>2025-08-21T16:45:50-04:00</updated> <published>2025-08-22T09:00:00-04:00</published> <category scheme="https://www.mmafighting.com" term="BKFC" /><category scheme="https://www.mmafighting.com" term="BKFC News" /><category scheme="https://www.mmafighting.com" term="Latest News" /><category scheme="https://www.mmafighting.com" term="UFC" /><category scheme="https://www.mmafighting.com" term="UFC News" /> <summary type="html"><![CDATA[Frankie Edgar said he was done fighting. But the call of combat pulled him back in. Next month, Edgar will end his three-year retirement from combat sports when he takes on Jimmie Rivera in the featured bout at BKFC 82 in Newark, NJ. The UFC Hall of Famer ended his MMA career on a three-fight […]]]></summary> <content type="html"> <![CDATA[ <figure> <img alt="" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" src="https://platform.mmafighting.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/109/2025/08/gettyimages-1487825845.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0,0,100,100" /> <figcaption> </figcaption></figure><p class="has-text-align-none">Frankie Edgar said he was done fighting. But the call of combat pulled him back in.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Next month, Edgar will end his three-year retirement from combat sports when he takes on Jimmie Rivera in the featured bout at BKFC 82 in Newark, NJ. The UFC Hall of Famer ended his MMA career on a three-fight losing streak in 2022; however, when BKFC showed up in his backyard, the New Jersey native couldn’t resist trying out a different combat sport he’s grown fond of.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">“We’re in Jersey. You guys came here. It’s hard to pass up,” Edgar said at the BKFC 82 press conference on Thursday. “As soon as I saw this sport I was very intrigued. I’m a fighter. This is definitely the fightiest of all combat sports, you know what I mean? I had to try it out. Why not do it here?”</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Despite his many accomplishments, Edgar ended his career on a tough run, getting knocked out three consecutive times, the last one being by Chris Gutierrez at UFC 281 in what was supposed to be his retirement fight. But now Edgar says he’s feeling good again and ready to try something new. </p> <p class="has-text-align-none">“It’s intriguing,” Edgar said. “I used to fight for free at Seaside with no gloves, so why not get paid to do it here in Newark? Training has been awesome. Training just for boxing, I mean, my neck feels great. No one is hanging on my neck, my shoulders feel great. It’s amazing.”</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">A former collegiate wrestler, Edgar had a 36-fight MMA career highlighted by claiming the UFC lightweight title and defending it three times. “The Answer” also challenged for the featherweight title three times and even competed at bantamweight. He was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2024.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">At 43 years old, Edgar likely does not have a prolonged run in BKFC ahead of him, something even he acknowledges, considering he already is supposed to be retired. For Edgar, he’s taking this part of his career one day at a time.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">“I said I’d never fight again, and here I am,” Edgar said. “So who is going to take me for my word really? Let’s see how this first one goes and we’ll take it from there.”</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">BKFC 82 is headlined by a “King of Violence” title fight between Mike Perry and Jeremy Stephens.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none"></p> ]]> </content> </entry> <entry> <author> <name>Alexander K. Lee</name> </author> <author> <name>Jed Meshew</name> </author> <title type="html"><![CDATA[Morning Report | Charles Oliveira says he’s not close to retirement]]></title> <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.mmafighting.com/ufc-news/400306/morning-report-charles-oliveira-says-hes-not-close-to-retirement" /> <id>https://www.mmafighting.com/400306/dnp-morning-report-template-dnp</id> <updated>2025-08-22T08:07:44-04:00</updated> <published>2025-08-22T08:00:00-04:00</published> <category scheme="https://www.mmafighting.com" term="Latest News" /><category scheme="https://www.mmafighting.com" term="UFC" /><category scheme="https://www.mmafighting.com" term="UFC News" /> <summary type="html"><![CDATA[Charles Oliveira isn’t even thinking about hanging up the gloves. In July, Oliveira faced off with Ilia Topuria for the vacant lightweight title in the main event of UFC 317. It went poorly for “Do Bronx,” who was brutally knocked out in under three minutes. Given the severity of the knockout, most fans assumed the […]]]></summary> <content type="html"> <![CDATA[ <figure> <img alt="" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" src="https://platform.mmafighting.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/109/2025/08/gettyimages-2148560466.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0,0,100,100" /> <figcaption> </figcaption></figure><p class="has-text-align-none">Charles Oliveira isn’t even thinking about hanging up the gloves.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">In July, Oliveira faced off with Ilia Topuria for the vacant lightweight title in the main event of UFC 317. It went poorly for “Do Bronx,” who was brutally knocked out in under three minutes. Given the severity of the knockout, most fans assumed the former lightweight champion would be in for a long layoff, but that is not the case. </p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Earlier this month, it was announced that Oliveira will take on Rafael Fiziev in the main event of UFC Rio on Oct. 11. It’s a quick turnaround but one Oliveira insists he’s ready for.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">“First, because I’m ready,” Oliveira told <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdu60C7EmyI" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdu60C7EmyI">AgFight</a> when asked why didn’t take more time off. “Secondly, because I will fight for my audience, my flag, my country. It’s been a long time since I’ve fought in Brazil, so being able to fight in front of the public, for my flag, for my people, that’s going to be huge. …</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">“Of course, a lot of people will be talking, a lot of people will be criticizing, but the most important thing is how happy I am, how much I want this fight. it doesn’t really make a difference. One month, two months, three months, I’ve already started fighting after 15 days.” </p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Oliveira has not competed on Brazilian soil since his victory over Kevin Lee at UFC Brasilia back in 2020. That event was during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and as such, had limited fan attendance. In contrast, UFC Rio figures to be a sell-out crowd. And for those attending perhaps with the fear that this may be the final time they ever see Oliveira compete, “Do Bronx” tells them not to worry, he’s far from done fighting.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">“No, forget it,” Oliveira said. “People are trying to retire me before I want to retire. I haven’t even thought about retirement. I have no desire to retire, I don’t want to retire. There’s a lot going on. I’m very happy with what I’m doing. I’m only 35, and there’s a lot going on. </p> <p class="has-text-align-none">“So stop talking to me about retirement, because I don’t want to retire now. [I’ll fight] until I feel good, until I feel excited about dedicating myself, training, and being happy. That’s the most important thing.”</p> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-css-opacity" /> <h1 class="wp-block-heading" id="v59ujE"><strong>TOP STORIES</strong></h1> <p class="has-text-align-none"><strong>Suspension.</strong> Sean Strickland <a href="https://www.mmafighting.com/ufc/400257/sean-strickland-suspended-6-months-fined-after-jumping-in-cage-and-attacking-fighter-at-tuff-n-uff-event" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.mmafighting.com/ufc/400257/sean-strickland-suspended-6-months-fined-after-jumping-in-cage-and-attacking-fighter-at-tuff-n-uff-event">suspended 6 months</a>, fined after jumping in cage and attacking fighter at Tuff-N-Uff event.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none"><strong>Standup.</strong> Reinier de Ridder, Robert Whittaker blast Marc Goddard for <a href="https://www.mmafighting.com/ufc/400211/reinier-de-ridder-robert-whittaker-blast-marc-goddard-for-terrible-standups-in-khamzat-chimaev-vs-dricus-du-plessis" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.mmafighting.com/ufc/400211/reinier-de-ridder-robert-whittaker-blast-marc-goddard-for-terrible-standups-in-khamzat-chimaev-vs-dricus-du-plessis">‘terrible’ standups</a> in Khamzat Chimaev vs. Dricus du Plessis.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none"><strong>Scared.</strong> Nate Diaz rips Khamzat Chimaev after UFC 319 win: <a href="https://www.mmafighting.com/ufc/400232/nate-diaz-rips-boring-khamzat-chimaev-ufc-319-scared-child" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.mmafighting.com/ufc/400232/nate-diaz-rips-boring-khamzat-chimaev-ufc-319-scared-child">‘It’s a big old scared f*cking child.’</a></p> <p class="has-text-align-none"><strong>Suspension.</strong> Ex-PFL fighter Karl Moore <a href="https://www.mmafighting.com/pfl/400295/pfl-fighter-karl-moore-suspended-1-year-for-positive-drug-test-usada-condemns-reckless-actions" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.mmafighting.com/pfl/400295/pfl-fighter-karl-moore-suspended-1-year-for-positive-drug-test-usada-condemns-reckless-actions">suspended 1 year for positive drug test</a>, USADA condemns ‘reckless’ actions.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none"><strong>Rankings.</strong> Who is <a href="https://www.mmafighting.com/ufc-events-ppv/399853/mma-divisional-rankings-who-is-the-true-no-1-ufc-contender-at-middleweight" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.mmafighting.com/ufc-events-ppv/399853/mma-divisional-rankings-who-is-the-true-no-1-ufc-contender-at-middleweight">the true No. 1 UFC contender</a> at middleweight after Khamzat Chimaev’s big win at UFC 319?</p> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-css-opacity" /> <h1 class="wp-block-heading" id="DUzTjX"><strong>VIDEO STEW</strong></h1> <p class="has-text-align-none">Between the Links.</p><div class="youtube-embed"><iframe title="Khamzat Chimaev's Dominance At UFC 319, DDP & Pico's Next Moves, UFC Shanghai, More | BTL" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AkQs220gwdg?rel=0" allowfullscreen allow="accelerometer *; clipboard-write *; encrypted-media *; gyroscope *; picture-in-picture *; web-share *;"></iframe></div><p class="has-text-align-none">BKFC faceoffs.</p><div class="youtube-embed"><iframe title="BKFC 82: Mike Perry vs. Jeremy Stephens Press Conference Faceoffs | MMA Fighting" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JNHOvZ5mRc0?rel=0" allowfullscreen allow="accelerometer *; clipboard-write *; encrypted-media *; gyroscope *; picture-in-picture *; web-share *;"></iframe></div><p class="has-text-align-none">BKFC presser.</p><div class="youtube-embed"><iframe title="Full BKFC 82: Mike Perry vs. Jeremy Stephens Press Conference | MMA Fighting" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/es99UBJeoo4?rel=0" allowfullscreen allow="accelerometer *; clipboard-write *; encrypted-media *; gyroscope *; picture-in-picture *; web-share *;"></iframe></div><p class="has-text-align-none">Brian Ortega interview.</p><div class="youtube-embed"><iframe title="Brian Ortega 'Confused' By Aljamain Sterling's Callout, Plans To Stir Things Up At UFC Shanghai" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hBVLh1Whk9k?rel=0" allowfullscreen allow="accelerometer *; clipboard-write *; encrypted-media *; gyroscope *; picture-in-picture *; web-share *;"></iframe></div><p class="has-text-align-none">UFC 319 Fight Motion.</p><div class="youtube-embed"><iframe title="Relive UFC 319 in SLOW MOTION ⏱️ | Fight Motion" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MAhhUH8N1xA?rel=0" allowfullscreen allow="accelerometer *; clipboard-write *; encrypted-media *; gyroscope *; picture-in-picture *; web-share *;"></iframe></div><p class="has-text-align-none">Demetrious Johnson with Israel Adesanya.</p><div class="youtube-embed"><iframe title="IZZY & MIGHTY MOUSE on UFC is not a Sport, Ex GF wanting his assets, UFC mad at DJ & More | YMR EP.9" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uqKfGPPeYPA?rel=0" allowfullscreen allow="accelerometer *; clipboard-write *; encrypted-media *; gyroscope *; picture-in-picture *; web-share *;"></iframe></div><hr class="wp-block-separator has-css-opacity" /> <h1 class="wp-block-heading" id="iKvvSQ"><strong>SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISS</strong></h1> <p class="has-text-align-none">I’m not mad. Don’t put it in the papers that I’m mad. </p> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">When DC tells his story, somehow I’m always the co-star. 😂 Thanks <a href="https://twitter.com/ShannonSharpe84?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ShannonSharpe84</a> for the invite, even if I was only there in spirit. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Airbnb?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Airbnb</a></p>— Jonny Meat (@JonnyBones) <a href="https://twitter.com/JonnyBones/status/1958381463570895014?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2025</a></blockquote></div></figure> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">High school state champ, JUCO national champ, youngest UFC champion, greatest in MMA history. A lifetime of loss, victories and sacrifice and this guy wants to write it all off as steroids. Honestly, it’s insulting. But I can’t help but laugh, knowing it was God given abilities…</p>— Jonny Meat (@JonnyBones) <a href="https://twitter.com/JonnyBones/status/1958384689229754454?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2025</a></blockquote></div></figure> <p class="has-text-align-none">Guess he’s going to the classes.</p> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DNocdR3SDx2/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"><div> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DNocdR3SDx2/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank"> <div> <div></div> <div> <div></div> <div></div></div></div><div></div> <div></div><div> <div>View this post on Instagram</div></div><div></div> <div><div> <div></div> <div></div> <div></div></div><div> <div></div> <div></div></div><div> <div></div> <div></div> <div></div></div></div> <div> <div></div> <div></div></div></a><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DNocdR3SDx2/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Sean Strickland (@stricklandmma)</a></p></div></blockquote></div></figure> <p class="has-text-align-none">Mike Perry and Dillon Danis training.</p> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNn810kgehb/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"><div> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNn810kgehb/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank"> <div> <div></div> <div> <div></div> <div></div></div></div><div></div> <div></div><div> <div>View this post on Instagram</div></div><div></div> <div><div> <div></div> <div></div> <div></div></div><div> <div></div> <div></div></div><div> <div></div> <div></div> <div></div></div></div> <div> <div></div> <div></div></div></a><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNn810kgehb/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Platinum Mike Perry (@platinummikeperry)</a></p></div></blockquote></div></figure> <p class="has-text-align-none">Conor McGregor teasing a return.</p> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Conor McGregor couldn't make it to the BKFC 82 Press Conference, but he did send in a message. <a href="https://t.co/iZrX1lfPuQ">pic.twitter.com/iZrX1lfPuQ</a></p>— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) <a href="https://twitter.com/jedigoodman/status/1958609472953491962?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2025</a></blockquote></div></figure> <p class="has-text-align-none">Subjective decision making is literally a key part of refereeing. “Intelligent defense” is a subjective call. </p> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">That’s such subjective thing to interfere with. You’re basically saying if you FEEL a way and the opponent is unskilled enough to change their losing position, that the ref can and should interfere? Thats what I’m getting. And I disagree. <a href="https://t.co/6LgbrgOQRa">https://t.co/6LgbrgOQRa</a></p>— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) <a href="https://twitter.com/funkmasterMMA/status/1958558269368061975?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2025</a></blockquote></div></figure> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-css-opacity" /> <h1 class="wp-block-heading" id="HV7nyJ"><strong>FINAL THOUGHTS</strong></h1> <p class="has-text-align-none">Rumors were running around that Brian Ortega might be out of his fight with Aljamain Sterling this weekend but instead it got moved to a catchweight bout at 155 pounds. This is so weird. Guess we’ll see what happens.</p> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-css-opacity" /> <p><strong>If you find something you’d like to see in the Morning Report, hit up </strong><a href="https://x.com/AlexanderKLee"><strong>@AlexanderKlee</strong></a><strong> or </strong><a href="https://x.com/JedKMeshew"><strong>@JedKMeshew</strong></a><strong> on Twitter and let us know about it. Also, follow MMAFighting on </strong><a href="https://x.com/MMAFighting"><strong>Twitter</strong></a><strong>, </strong><a href="https://www.instagram.com/mmafightingdotcom/?hl=en"><strong>Instagram</strong></a><strong>, </strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@MMAFightingonSBN"><strong>YouTube</strong></a><strong>, </strong><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@mmafighting"><strong>TikTok</strong></a><strong>, and like us on </strong><a href="https://www.facebook.com/mmafighting/"><strong>Facebook</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p> ]]> </content> </entry> <entry> <author> <name>Damon Martin</name> </author> <title type="html"><![CDATA[PFL 10 results: Fabian Edwards mimics brother Leon Edwards with vicious head kick knockout to finish Dalton Rosta ]]></title> <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.mmafighting.com/pfl/400359/pfl-10-results-fabian-edwards-mimics-brother-leon-edwards-with-vicious-head-kick-knockout-to-finish-dalton-rosta" /> <id>https://www.mmafighting.com/?p=400359</id> <updated>2025-08-21T23:23:32-04:00</updated> <published>2025-08-21T23:23:32-04:00</published> <category scheme="https://www.mmafighting.com" term="Latest News" /><category scheme="https://www.mmafighting.com" term="PFL" /><category scheme="https://www.mmafighting.com" term="PFL News" /> <summary type="html"><![CDATA[Fabian Edwards delivered a vicious head kick knockout to finish Dalton Rosta to claim the PFL middleweight tournament title in almost identical fashion to what his brother Leon Edwards did in the UFC three years ago.   The conclusion to the PFL 10 main event played out in dramatic fashion with Edwards dishing out a […]]]></summary> <content type="html"> <![CDATA[ <figure> <img alt="" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" src="https://platform.mmafighting.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/109/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-21-at-11.20.38%E2%80%AFPM.png?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0,0,100,100" /> <figcaption> </figcaption></figure><p class="has-text-align-none">Fabian Edwards delivered a vicious head kick knockout to finish Dalton Rosta to claim the PFL middleweight tournament title in almost identical fashion to what his brother Leon Edwards did in the UFC three years ago. </p> <p class="has-text-align-none">The conclusion to the PFL 10 main event played out in dramatic fashion with Edwards dishing out a series of inside leg kicks before he finally unleashed the head kick that Rosta never saw coming. As soon as Edwards connected, Rosta crashed to the canvas where he laid motionless for a few moments, although he eventually got back to his feet.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">The official stoppage came at 1:28 in the third round with Edwards claiming the knockout victory.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Leon Edwards rushed in the cage to celebrate with his brother while also informing him that the knockout came almost exactly three years to the day when he famously pulled off his fifth-round head kick finish over Kamaru Usman to win the UFC welterweight title back in 2022.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">The date of Leon’s fight was Aug. 20, 2022 and Fabian’s knockout came on Aug. 21, 2025.</p> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Fabian Edwards TO WIN THE TOURNAMENT 😱<br><br>[ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PFLWorldTournament?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PFLWorldTournament</a> | NOW ESPN] <a href="https://t.co/eZyIcftGTg">pic.twitter.com/eZyIcftGTg</a></p>— PFL (@PFLMMA) <a href="https://twitter.com/PFLMMA/status/1958725494179856752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2025</a></blockquote></div></figure> <p class="has-text-align-none">“That is team headshot dead,” Edwards said about the remarkable similarity with his finish compared to his brother. “I’m so grateful. Last year October, I lost the championship fight to Johnny [Eblen]. 12 months on, I’m the PFL champ.”</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">It was an incredible way for Edwards to cap off the year after he entered the PFL tournament with hopes of eventually earning another shot at the championship following two past losses to Johnny Eblen. Edwards made the most of his appearance in the PFL tournament after scoring a knockout over former PFL champion Impa Kasanganay in the opening round and then defeating Josh Silveira to punch his ticket to the finals.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">While he had to deal with some early adversity as Rosta came out ready to fight and showed a solid game plan in the early rounds, Edwards eventually came through with the devastating knockout.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Following his win, Edwards stared down new PFL middleweight champion Costello van Steenis after he pulled off an upset to beat Eblen back in July. Those two also have history with van Steenis holding a split decision win over Edwards from their initial meeting back in 2020.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Now it appears they’ll meet again, this time with the PFL middleweight title going up for grabs. </p> <p class="has-text-align-none"><strong>Oleg Popov became the new PFL heavyweight tournament winner after lackluster fight</strong></p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Oleg Popov did just enough to earn a split decision win in a lackluster heavyweight title fight with Alexander Romanov.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Popov found the majority of his success in the earlier rounds as he punished Romanov’s lead leg with kicks while also flashing his boxing at moments with some solid striking exchanges. When it was all over, two judges gave Popov the win with scores of 49-46 and 49-48 with the third official giving Romanov the fight with a 48-47 scorecard.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">That was still enough for Popov to get the nod and claim the $500,000 prize that goes along with the 2025 heavyweight title.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Overall, the heavyweights didn’t exactly put on a barnburner in what ultimately amounted to a bit of a sloppy standup fight. Popov did the majority of his damage with leg kicks while Romanov stuck to his boxing and then working from the clinch to dish out punishment from the inside, peppering with punches and throwing a few knees to the body.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Finally in the fourth round, Romanov found an opening for a powerful uppercut that rocked Popov and the former UFC heavyweight went for the kill. He started unloading punches in bunches but he couldn’t put Popov away and the fighters ended up in the clinch again as they both tried to catch their breath.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">That final surge still wasn’t enough to put Romanov over the top on the judges’ scorecards, however, with Popov doing just enough to get the nod and claim the heavyweight title.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none"><strong>Antonio Carlos Jr. wins wild fight to claim light heavyweight title</strong></p> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">ANTONIO CARLOS JR. FINISHES SULLIVAN CAULEY 😱<br><br>[ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PFLWorldTournament?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PFLWorldTournament</a> | NOW ESPN+ | Main Card 9pm ESPN] <a href="https://t.co/aClZ3iJDGz">pic.twitter.com/aClZ3iJDGz</a></p>— PFL (@PFLMMA) <a href="https://twitter.com/PFLMMA/status/1958701731673514077?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2025</a></blockquote></div></figure> <p class="has-text-align-none">Antonio Carlos Jr. ended up in a wild fight with Sullivan Cauley but he ultimately secured a second-round rear-naked choke submission to claim the PFL light heavyweight tournament title.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">There were multiple knockdowns, upkicks and blood flying across the cage but Carlos was eventually able to take control following a frantic pace set by the 205-pounders.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Carlos set the tone early with a blistering knockdown after he blasted Cauley with a right hand that sent him crashing to the canvas. Rather than trying to snatch a submission, Carlos continued hammering away with strikes but Cauley survived the barrage to get back to his feet.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">A moment later, Carlos snapped off a jab that cracked Cauley and blood immediately started trickling down from his nose after he already had a cut over his eye from the initial knockdown.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Just when it looked like Carlos was nearing a potential finish, Cauley caught him off guard with a punch that put the Brazilian down on the ground. Cauley dove down to the canvas to continue his assault but instead he got clipped with an up kick from Carlos that sent him flying backwards.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">That wild exchange finally slowed things down a little bit but it wasn’t long before Carlos connected with another punch that seemingly wobbled Cauley. The shot also opened another cut as Cauley was really wearing the damage from the repeated strikes landed by Carlos.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">An accidental clash of heads and an eye poke paused the action briefly in the second round and the damage on Cauley’s face got even worse. If the round ended, there was a good chance a doctor would have stopped Cauley from continuing but Carlos had no desire to win that way.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Instead, Carlos secured a takedown and immediately advanced his position to lock on a fight ending rear-naked choke as he secured the light heavyweight championship.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none"><strong>Full results for PFL 10 below:</strong></p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Fabian Edwards def. Dalton Rosta via knockout (head kick) at 1:28, R3</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Oleg Popov def. Alexander Romanov via split decision (47-48, 49-46, 48-47) </p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Antonio Carlos Jr. def. Sullivan Cauley via submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:44, R2</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Alexei Pergande def. Ethan Goss via submission (D’arce choke) at 3:52, R1</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Lazaro Dayron def. Bryce Meredith via TKO (punches) at 4:06, R3</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Impa Kasanganay def. Andrew Sanchez via TKO (punches) at 4:31, R3</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Rasul Magomedov def. Guilherme Viana via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Sergey Bilostenniy def. Karl Williams via TKO (punches) at 4:11, R2</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Josh Silveira def. Murad Ramazanov (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">J.P. Saint Louis def. Tyler Ray via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)</p> ]]> </content> </entry> </feed> If you would like to create a banner that links to this page (i.e. this validation result), do the following:
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