A California court sentenced former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez to five years in pris...

<p>A California court sentenced former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez to five years in prison for attempted murder.</p><p>Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Arthur Bocanegra sentenced Velasquez on Monday in San Jose on one count of attempted murder and multiple assault and weapons charges in connection to a 2022 shooting. <a href="https://x.com/NBCian/status/1904276337101259220">Ian Cull of NBC Bay Area</a> first reported the verdict.</p><p>Velasquez will be credited with 1,283 days for time served in jail and at home with an ankle monitor, shortening his sentence considerably, according to <a href="https://x.com/AmyLarson25/status/1904284671703503096">KRON4 News' Amy Larson</a>. His attorney, Renee Hessling, expects Velasquez will serve one year in prison, according to <a href="https://x.com/NBCian/status/1904286114133028969">Cull</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Today's results are bittersweet - we had hoped Mr. Velasquez would remain out of jail," Hessling said in a statement to <a href="https://x.com/mma_kings/status/1904308850687103254">MMA Junkie's Nolan King</a>. "However, the facts remain clear: Cain Velasquez is a good man, a devoted father, and a respected member of the community. What he and his family have endured has been nothing short of a living nightmare - one they did not deserve. Throughout it all, Cain has shown courage and strength of character. He has taken responsibility for his actions and has been held accountable. The sentence handed down today reflects the complexities of the situation and acknowledges the man behind the headlines. When he is released, he will continue to lead by example - protecting, contributing, and caring for the people around him."</p><p>Velasquez pleaded no contest to the charges last August. The Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office dropped a premeditated murder charge - which carries a mandatory life sentence if a defendant is found guilty in a trial - as a result of the plea agreement.</p><p>Prosecutors were seeking a prison term of 30 years to life, while Velasquez's attorney asked the court for probation with no prison time, according to the <a href="https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/03/24/cain-velasquez-ufc-sentenced-attempted-murder-san-jose/">Mercury News' Robert Salonga</a>.</p><p>In February 2022, Velasquez was accused of repeatedly shooting at a vehicle carrying a man named Harry Goularte, who was accused of molesting Velasquez's then-4-year-old son at a daycare owned by Goularte's mother. Velasquez was accused of shooting Goularte's stepfather, Paul Bender, in the arm and torso with a .40 caliber handgun during an 11-mile high-speed car chase. Bender suffered non-life-threatening injuries.</p><p>Goularte is facing one felony charge of lewd acts with a minor. He pleaded not guilty in the case and is scheduled to go to trial June 2, according to <a href="https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2025/01/cain-velasquez-harry-goularte-arrest-court-trial-date">King</a>.</p><p>Velasquez, 42, spent about nine months in jail after his arrest and was released on a $1-million bail in November 2022.</p>

SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 21: Cain Velasquez, right, appears for his arraignment with attorney Edward Sousa, who appeared with him, at the Santa Clara County Hall of Justice on Monday, Nov. 21, 2022, in San Jose, Calif. Velasquez, the former UFC champion based out of San Jose, was charged with shooting at a man accused of molesting his child.

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Ex-UFC champ Velasquez sentenced to 5 years in prison for attempted murder

Sean Brady entered the UFC welterweight title mix Saturday with a dominant win over former champi...

<p>Sean Brady entered the UFC welterweight title mix Saturday with a dominant win over former champion Leon Edwards.</p><p>Brady submitted Edwards with a guillotine choke at the 1:39 mark of the fourth round in the UFC London main event at The O2 Arena.</p><p>It marked the first stoppage loss of Edwards' 28-fight professional career.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Brady smothered Edwards on the ground for the majority of the fight, completing five of seven takedown attempts and amassing over 11 minutes of control time. He outlanded the Englishman 221-23 in total strikes and 57-23 in significant strikes.</p><p>Brady accepted the fight on a month's notice after the UFC moved Edwards' original opponent, Jack Della Maddalena, to a title bout against Belal Muhammad at UFC 315 in May.</p><p>"To be honest, I literally took this fight the day I got out of the hospital with my wife, with our newborn baby," Brady said in his postfight interview. "I knew this was a fight that I could do that in. I know I can do that against anybody in the division. I just showed that against one of the most prestigious champions as of recently. So I think I belong in the top three, top one for sure."</p><p>Brady and Edwards were the No. 5- and No. 1-ranked welterweights, respectively, coming in. A win of this magnitude would usually lead to a title shot, but Brady might need to fight once more to earn that opportunity. Shavkat Rakhmonov, ranked No. 2 in the division, was unable to accept a May bout against Muhammad because of injury but is expected to still be next in line for the Muhammad-Della Maddalena winner.</p><p>The first round between Brady and Edwards was competitive and unfolded mostly on the feet. But from the second round onward, Brady outclassed the former champion in suffocating fashion. Brady dragged Edwards to the mat early into Round 2 and eventually took his back, applied a body lock, and softened up his body with punches. Brady looked for a kimura but Edwards escaped the submission.</p><p>In the opening minute of the third round, Brady took advantage of an ill-advised takedown attempt by Edwards and once again got him to the ground. Brady advanced to full mount and didn't give his opponent any room to breathe.</p><p>Brady landed a handful of punches on the feet to start the fourth and secured another takedown. He applied a single-arm, mounted guillotine choke and squeezed, forcing the tap from Edwards.</p><p>Brady is now riding a three-fight winning streak and is 18-1 as a pro. The 32-year-old Philadelphia native's lone career loss came against Muhammad in October 2022.</p><p>Edwards has now lost two in a row for the first time in his career. The 33-year-old, who was born in Jamaica and resides in Birmingham, England, also suffered his first defeat in London, falling to 5-1.</p><p>Edwards forfeited the title to Muhammad at UFC 304 in July after two successful defenses. He now holds a 22-5 (1 NC) record. Edwards went on a 13-fight unbeaten streak from 2016-23 before suffering the losses to Muhammad and Brady.</p>

Sean Brady (left) in action against Leon Edwards during the welterweight bout during UFC Fight Night at The O2, London. Picture date: Saturday March 22, 2025.

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Brady submits Edwards in 1-sided UFC London main event

UFC CEO Dana White teased Friday that a heavyweight title unification bout between Jon Jones and ...

<p>UFC CEO Dana White teased Friday that a heavyweight title unification bout between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall is all but signed.</p><p>"The fight's gonna happen," White told <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYsB1eHbv_c">TNT Sports' Adam Catterall</a>. "It's just a matter of when now and getting it signed and done."</p><p>He added: "It's done, but it's not done. Not done enough to sit right here now and announce it and give you a date. But the fight's gonna happen. ... It's just a matter of getting it signed now."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Since Jones defended the heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 last November, White has remained optimistic that the long-awaited matchup between Jones and Aspinall would come to fruition.</p><p>But Jones hasn't seemed overly eager to unify the belts with the 31-year-old Englishman, saying after his win over Miocic that the UFC would need to pay him "f--k you money" to get him to agree to the fight.</p><p>Aspinall, who's held the interim heavyweight title since November 2023, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3247349" href="https://thescore.com/news/3247349">said</a> earlier this week that Jones "has to fight me or retire."</p><p>White said he thinks Jones-Aspinall will be the biggest fight in the division's illustrious and longstanding history.</p><p>"Me and my crew believe that this is probably the biggest heavyweight fight we've done," White said. "When we pull this off and actually make the fight, announce it, and start leading up to it, this will be the biggest heavyweight fight in UFC history."</p>

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 08: UFC CEO Dana White holds a press conference after the UFC 313 event at T-Mobile Arena on March 08, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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White: Jones-Aspinall 'just a matter of getting it signed'

UFC lightweight Paddy Pimblett is interested in headlining a pay-per-view event against featherwe...

<p>UFC lightweight Paddy Pimblett is interested in headlining a pay-per-view event against featherweight champion Ilia Topuria - even if there's no title on the line.</p><p>"I'd love to fight the chorizo, lad," Pimblett said Friday at a UFC London Q&amp;A event, according to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxQKCTji4SU">MMA Junkie</a>. "I've been saying it for years. I'd love to fight him. Now that he's moved up to '55, it's a real possibility.</p><p>"It looks like he's just sitting out, waiting for (lightweight champion) Islam (Makhachev), but I personally think I should be the one to welcome him to the lightweight division."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>A rivalry formed between Topuria and Pimblett in 2022 when they competed on the same UFC card in London. The two got into an altercation at the fighter hotel in which Pimblett threw a bottle of hand sanitizer at Topuria.</p><p>Pimblett said a fight against Topuria wouldn't need to be for a belt to perform well at the box office.</p><p>"It's got a built-in storyline," Pimblett said. "It wouldn't need a title on that pay-per-view. Me versus him could just headline the pay-per-view, know what I mean? You wouldn't need any other fight. It'd sell itself."</p><p>Their careers have played out in different lanes since the hotel incident, with Topuria running through the 145-pound division en route to a title win in February 2024 and Pimblett slowly rising to contention at 155 pounds. But a matchup between the two became a lot more realistic last month when Topuria decided he'd vacate his title to move up to the lightweight division and pursue a second championship.</p><p>Before Pimblett can seriously contemplate a fight with Topuria, though, there's someone he needs to get past first. The 30-year-old Liverpool native is scheduled to face former title challenger Michael Chandler in the UFC 314 co-main event in Miami on April 12.</p><p>Regardless, Pimblett is still confident he'd beat Topuria with ease.</p><p>"I think it'd be the exact same thing I'm gonna do to Michael Chandler: kick him in the face or submit him," Pimblett said.</p>

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 07: Paddy Pimblett is seen on stage during the UFC 314 press conference at Michelob ULTRA Arena on March 07, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Pimblett: Non-title fight vs. Topuria could headline UFC PPV

Tom Aspinall believes UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones is running out of options.  "There's now...

<p>Tom Aspinall believes UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones is running out of options.</p><p>"There's nowhere to go for Jonny," Aspinall told <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehm_xK0Hj68">One On One's Adam Catterall</a> in an interview published Thursday. "He either has to fight me or retire now.</p><p>"And if he does retire, everyone knows that he will have been avoiding me."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Aspinall has sought a blockbuster matchup against Jones ever since claiming the UFC interim heavyweight title in November 2023. But Jones, who defended his belt for the first time against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 last November, has shown a lack of interest in unifying the belts with the 31-year-old Englishman.</p><p>After his win over Miocic, Jones said the UFC would need to offer him "f--k-you money" for the Aspinall bout to materialize and that he preferred a superfight with then-light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira instead.</p><p>However, Pereira no longer holds the 205-pound title after dropping a unanimous decision to Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313 earlier in March. Aspinall believes Ankalaev's title win ruled out Jones-Pereira as a potential matchup.</p><p>"(Pereira's loss) couldn't have happened at a better time for me, personally," Aspinall said.</p><p>"There literally isn't another fight for Jon at the moment," he added.</p><p>UFC CEO Dana White <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3237948" href="https://thescore.com/news/3237948">said</a> earlier this month he's "very confident" Jones and Aspinall will fight this summer. Although Aspinall is getting tired of waiting around for Jones, he has no choice but to trust the UFC that the matchup will come to fruition.</p><p>"I don't know," Aspinall said when asked if he thinks the Jones fight will happen. "I want it to, obviously. I think I've been talking about it for, like, three years now. In all honesty, I've been in the rooms with the UFC brass - Dana, Hunter (Campbell), the rest of them - a few times, and they've told me it's happening. And that's all I can go off."</p><p>He added, "When I've sat down and spoken to them, they're confident it happens. So, I trust that it's gonna happen if they're telling me that."</p>

Tom Aspinall during the Heavyweight fight at the Co-op Live Arena, Manchester. Picture date: Saturday July 27, 2024.

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Aspinall: Jones 'has to fight me or retire'

Warning: Video contains coarse language  KSI has been forced to withdraw from his March 29 boxing...

<p><em>Warning: Video contains coarse language</em></p><p>KSI has been forced to withdraw from his March 29 boxing match against Dillon Danis in Manchester, England, due to an illness, Misfits Boxing announced Friday.</p><p>The event will be rescheduled for a later date.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"A further update will be issued next week, including a new date for the event," Misfits Boxing <a href="https://x.com/MisfitsBoxing/status/1903127177505206756">said</a> in a statement.</p><p>This was the second time a matchup between KSI, a YouTube star turned prizefighter, and Danis, an MMA veteran, has been called off. They were initially scheduled to fight in January 2023, but Danis pulled out less than two weeks before the event.</p><p>KSI shed some light on his illness in a video posted to social media.</p><p>"My body has legit just given up," KSI said. "I'm currently in bed, taking antibiotics, trying to recover. But I'm struggling. ... I've been ill for almost three weeks, and it's just not gotten better. I've had doctors come around to try to decipher what is going on. And honestly, I've never been this ill for this long in my life."</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHd-nGCta4M/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHd-nGCta4M/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div>
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<script async="" src="https://www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></figure><p>KSI, 4-1 (1 NC) as a professional boxer, was looking to get back on track from a unanimous decision loss to Tommy Fury in October 2023.</p><p>Danis, meanwhile, was set to compete for the first time since suffering a disqualification loss to Logan Paul in his boxing debut on the KSI-Fury undercard. Danis holds a 2-0 record in pro MMA but hasn't competed in that sport since 2019.</p><p>"I want to move the fight to another day, because I still want to knock out Dillion Danis," KSI said. "I didn't train this hard for nothing."</p><p>A fight between UFC veterans Darren Till and Darren Stewart was scheduled to co-headline the KSI-Danis card.</p>

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 14: KSI (Olajide Olayinka Williams) reacts during the Misfits Cruiserweight fight between KSI (Olajide Olayinka Williams) and Tommy Fury at AO Arena on October 14, 2023 in Manchester, England.

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KSI vs. Dillon Danis postponed due to illness

Former UFC title challenger Kyoji Horiguchi is "very close" to reaching a deal to return to the p...

<p>Former UFC title challenger Kyoji Horiguchi is "very close" to reaching a deal to return to the promotion, sources told <a href="https://x.com/arielhelwani/status/1902795448466936209">Uncrowned's Ariel Helwani</a>.</p><p>The UFC has discussed booking a flyweight bout between Horiguchi and No. 11-ranked contender Tagir Ulanbekov for a potential June event in Azerbaijan, Helwani added.</p><p>Horiguchi, the current Rizin FF flyweight champion, left the UFC on a three-fight winning streak in 2016. The 34-year-old Japanese fighter signed with Rizin FF and rose to stardom in his home country, capturing the promotion's flyweight and bantamweight titles. He also competed six times in the now-defunct Bellator, where he won the bantamweight belt.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Horiguchi trains out of American Top Team in Florida alongside UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja.</p><p>Horiguchi was 23 when he began his first Octagon stint in 2013. He went 7-1, with his lone loss coming in a 125-pound title fight against Demetrious Johnson. Horiguchi has compiled a 16-3 (1 NC) record since his departure.</p><p>Horiguchi is coming off a unanimous decision win over Nkazimulo Zulu in his first Rizin FF flyweight title defense last December. He's riding a six-fight unbeaten streak.</p>

HONOLULU, HAWAII - APRIL 19: Kyoji Horiguchi addresses the media ahead of his Flyweight bout for Bellator 295 on April 19, 2023, at Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu, Hawaii.

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Report: UFC close to re-signing Horiguchi

Former strawweight champion Rose Namajunas will return to action against Miranda Maverick at UFC ...

<p>Former strawweight champion Rose Namajunas will return to action against Miranda Maverick at UFC Fight Night on June 14, sources told <a href="https://x.com/DamonMartin/status/1902777569910431923">MMA Fighting's Damon Martin</a>.</p><p>Maverick also <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DHbe2jjRhaw/?hl=en">announced</a> the women's flyweight matchup on social media.</p><p>The June 14 event is reportedly expected to take place in Atlanta, though the promotion has yet to confirm its location.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Namajunas is looking to get back on track from a unanimous decision loss to Erin Blanchfield at UFC Edmonton last November. The 32-year-old is 2-2 since moving up to 125 pounds in 2023. Namajunas is ranked No. 6 at women's flyweight.</p><p>Maverick is riding a four-fight winning streak and hasn't lost since facing Jasmine Jasudavicius in June 2023. She's ranked No. 12 in the division.</p><p>Maverick revealed on Instagram that she has trained with Namajunas extensively and looks forward to continuing to do so after their fight.</p><p>"I watched (Namajunas) fight as I was coming up in the sport, and then I got to train with her on a regular basis," Maverick wrote. "We have been training together for the past few years but, luckily, train primarily at different gyms. Now it's time to duke it out in front of the world and then go back to sharpening each other's tools."</p>

EDMONTON, ALBERTA - NOVEMBER 01: Rose Namajunas poses on the scale during the UFC Fight Night ceremonial weigh-in at Rogers Place on November 01, 2024 in Edmonton, Alberta.

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Report: Namajunas to return vs. Maverick at June UFC event

WBA lightweight champion Gervonta "Tank" Davis was in talks with Jake Paul for an exhibition bout...

<p>WBA lightweight champion Gervonta "Tank" Davis was in talks with Jake Paul for an exhibition bout this summer before he fought Lamont Roach Jr., sources told <a href="https://danrafael.substack.com/p/sources-tank-davis-jake-paul-exhibition">Fight Freaks Unite's Dan Rafael</a>.</p><p>Davis' team reportedly broke off discussions with Paul after the Roach fight, which headlined a March 1 pay-per-view event in Brooklyn and ended in a controversial majority draw. Davis opted to activate a rematch clause instead.</p><p>The Davis-Roach rematch is being planned for June 21 in Las Vegas or June 28 in Atlanta or Miami, sources told Rafael.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>An exhibition matchup between Davis and Paul would've been a blockbuster, as they're two of the biggest stars in boxing. Davis, undefeated at 30-0-1, is known for his devastating knockout power. Meanwhile, Paul, a YouTube star turned prizefighter, was involved in arguably the biggest - and most controversial - fight of 2024, defeating former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson by unanimous decision last November.</p><p>With Davis focused on Roach, Paul is still seeking his next opponent. "The Problem Child" was briefly linked to a blockbuster matchup against super middleweight champion Canelo Álvarez in February, but it fell apart at the last minute after Álvarez signed a multi-fight deal with Riyadh Season instead.</p><p>Paul attended Davis-Roach earlier in March at Barclays Center to scope out his potential next opponent, but it wasn't meant to be. Roach, the WBA junior lightweight champion, shined as a massive underdog, outlanding Davis 112-103 in total punches.</p><p>Controversy surrounded the fight's result because the referee didn't rule a knockdown when Davis took a knee in the ninth round.</p><p>Roach's team appealed the bout's decision to the New York State Athletic Commission. However, the commission didn't overturn the result, saying in a ruling that referee Steve Willis should've declared the knee a knockdown but that it "was not outcome-determinative."</p>

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 01: Gervonta Davis in action against Lamont Roach Jr. during their bout for Davis' WBA lightweight title at Barclays Center on March 01, 2025 in New York City.

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Report: 'Tank' Davis was in talks with Jake Paul before Roach draw

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) unanimously voted Thursday to include boxing in the 202...

<p>The International Olympic Committee (IOC) unanimously voted Thursday to include boxing in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.</p><p>The IOC executive board approved the addition of boxing Monday before Thursday's final vote.</p><p>World Boxing, a governing body formed in 2023, will organize the tournament for the first time. The IOC granted provisional recognition to World Boxing in February, a key step in putting the sport back on the program in 2028.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"I thank you for the approval of having boxing back," IOC president Thomas Bach said Thursday, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/olympics/story/_/id/44326723/boxing-gets-ioc-approval-spot-los-angeles-olympics">ESPN</a>. "We can look forward to a great boxing tournament."</p><p>Significant doubts arose about boxing's Olympic future after the IOC initially excluded the sport from the 2028 Games.</p><p>The IOC ran the boxing tournament at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 and the Paris Olympics in 2024 after its relationship with the International Boxing Association (IBA) soured. The committee officially stripped the IBA of recognition in 2023 for failing to address governance and finance concerns and implement reform.</p><p>The IOC said last year it needed a new global body to replace the IBA.</p><p>"This is a great day for boxers, boxing, and everyone connected with our sport at every level across the world," World Boxing president Boris van der Vorst said.</p><p>He added, "World Boxing understands that being part of the Olympic Games is a privilege and not a right, and we are determined to be a trustworthy and reliable partner that will adhere to and uphold the values of the Olympic Movement."</p>

Abdumalik Khalokov in red of Uzbekistan competes with Munarbek Seiitbek Uulu of Kyrgyzstan during the men's 57kg final of boxing at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France, Aug. 10, 2024.

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Boxing approved for 2028 Los Angeles Olympics

Jan Blachowicz has his sights set on a rematch with newly crowned UFC light heavyweight champion ...

<p>Jan Blachowicz has his sights set on a rematch with newly crowned UFC light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev.</p><p>Blachowicz, who's scheduled to face Carlos Ulberg in the UFC London co-main event Saturday, said he wants to run it back with Ankalaev should he emerge victorious.</p><p>"I've got unfinished business with Ankalaev," Blachowicz <a href="https://x.com/UFCNews/status/1902041957230362975">said</a> in a UFC-produced interview. "But of course, I've got a job to do this Saturday and I focus about this. But I believe I'm gonna be a winner this Saturday, so maybe after that, I believe we have to finish what we started with Ankalaev."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Blachowicz and Ankalaev fought to a split draw in a vacant 205-pound title fight at UFC 282 in December 2022.</p><p>Ankalaev, who's unbeaten in the Octagon since then, dethroned Alex Pereira at UFC 313 earlier in March to become the new champion. The UFC hasn't scheduled Ankalaev's first title defense yet, though the Dagestani said he's willing to give Pereira an immediate rematch.</p><p>Blachowicz has fought just once since his bout against Ankalaev, dropping a split decision to Pereira at UFC 291 in July 2023. Multiple shoulder surgeries have sidelined him since then.</p><p>Blachowicz, a 42-year-old former champion from Poland, is seeking his first victory since May 2022 against Ulberg, the No. 6-ranked light heavyweight. Ulberg, 34, is a rising contender at 205 pounds and has won seven in a row.</p><p>Blachowicz said he sees himself knocking Ulberg out in the third round to potentially set up a second date with Ankalaev.</p><p>"He's got a big win streak, so I just think about how to stop him," Blachowicz said of Ulberg. "It's time to stop him. I believe I'm gonna be the one who stops his seven wins in a row."</p>

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - JULY 28: Jan Blachowicz of Poland poses on the scale during the UFC 291 ceremonial weigh-in at Delta Center on July 28, 2023 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

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Blachowicz eyes 'unfinished business' with Ankalaev after UFC London

Middleweight contender Roman Dolidze got revenge against Marvin Vettori in their rematch.  Dolidz...

<p>Middleweight contender Roman Dolidze got revenge against Marvin Vettori in their rematch.</p><p>Dolidze defeated Vettori via unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 49-46) in the UFC Fight Night main event Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. It was Vettori's first Octagon appearance in 21 months.</p><p>With the victory, Dolidze avenged his unanimous decision loss to Vettori at UFC 286 in March 2023.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"It was a big and important test for me," Dolidze said in his postfight interview. "Five rounds. I'm (competing) at a high level. I'm in here with killers, monsters. I need to be ready for anything."</p><p>Dolidze stayed busier than Vettori in what was purely a stand-up fight. Dolidze outlanded his opponent 141-111 in significant strikes and mixed up his arsenal well, connecting with heavy punches and kicks.</p><p>The 36-year-old Georgian overcame a big moment from Vettori in the third round - Vettori rocked Dolidze with a left hand early in the round. He followed up with a few more big punches, but Dolidze survived. That was the only round Vettori took on the judges' scorecards.</p><p>Dolidze stung Vettori with a hard shot in the fourth round and caught him with a knee in the fifth as he sealed the biggest victory of his career.</p><p>Dolidze is now riding a three-fight winning streak. The No. 12-ranked middleweight will likely move into the top 10 after beating Vettori, who was No. 8 coming in.</p><p>Dolidze set his sights on a pair of former middleweight champions for his next matchup.</p><p>"I deserve a top-five fight. 100%," he said. "There are two realistic fights for me: it's (Robert) Whittaker or (Israel) Adesanya. Let's go. Just give me a date. That's all I need."</p><p>Vettori returned to the Octagon for the first time since June 2023 and has now lost two straight. The 31-year-old Italian is a former title challenger at 185 pounds.</p>

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 15: (R-L) Roman Dolidze of Georgia punches Marvin Vettori of Italy in a middleweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on March 15, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Dolidze avenges loss, beats Vettori in UFC main event

Jeremy Stephens has re-signed with the UFC after more than three years away.  The veteran MMA fig...

<p>Jeremy Stephens has re-signed with the UFC after more than three years away.</p><p>The veteran MMA fighter will make his return against Mason Jones on May 3 in his hometown of Des Moines, Iowa, the promotion announced early Thursday morning.</p><p>The lightweight fight will mark Stephens' 35th appearance in the Octagon.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Stephens hasn't competed in MMA since November 2022, but he's returning to the UFC after an impressive win in bare-knuckle fighting earlier this year. Stephens defeated former UFC lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez via TKO in the main event of BKFC KnuckleMania 5 in January. Stephens revealed after the victory he was a free agent.</p><p>The UFC parted ways with Stephens, 38, in early 2022 on the heels of a six-fight winless streak. He signed with the PFL for its 2022 season but went 1-2 and didn't make the playoffs.</p><p>"Lil Heathen" then transitioned to boxing, where he fought former UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo to a draw in April 2023 and lost to Chris Avila on the Jake Paul-Nate Diaz undercard that August.</p><p>Near the end of 2023, Stephens signed a deal with BKFC. He earned wins over Jimmie Rivera and Bobby Taylor before stopping Alvarez to lift his BKFC record to 3-0.</p><p>Now, Stephens - whose first UFC stint began in 2007 - will be seeking his first Octagon victory since he knocked out Josh Emmett in February 2018.</p><p>His opponent, Jones, is also returning to the UFC for a second tenure. The 29-year-old Welshman went 1-2 (1 NC) in the promotion from 2021-22 but has since won four in a row. Jones is a former Cage Warriors welterweight and lightweight champion.</p><p>UFC Des Moines will mark the promotion's first event in Iowa since UFC 26 in June 2000.</p>

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 17: (L-R) Jeremy Stephens battles Mateusz Gamrot of Poland in their middleweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on July 17, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Stephens re-signs with UFC for Des Moines fight

A middleweight bout between Bo Nickal and Reinier de Ridder is set for UFC Fight Night in Des Moi...

<p>A middleweight bout between Bo Nickal and Reinier de Ridder is set for UFC Fight Night in Des Moines, Iowa, on May 3, the promotion announced.</p><p>Nickal will look to earn his fifth straight victory in the Octagon. The 29-year-old American Top Team product is coming off a unanimous decision win over Paul Craig at UFC 309 last November. His three other victories in the promotion have come via finish.</p><p>Nickal, a former standout collegiate wrestler, holds an undefeated pro record of 7-0.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>De Ridder, a former ONE Championship two-division titleholder, is 2-0 since signing with the UFC last year. The 34-year-old Netherlands native submitted Gerald Meerschaert in his debut last November before choking out Kevin Holland in the first round at UFC 311 in January. He's ranked 13th in the division.</p><p>Bantamweight contenders Deiveson Figueiredo and Cory Sandhagen will headline the event, while Jeremy Stephens will return to the UFC to take on Mason Jones at lightweight.</p>

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 08: Bo Nickal prepares for a middleweight bout against Valentine Woodburn during UFC 290 at T-Mobile Arena on July 08, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Nickal won with a first-round knockout.

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Nickal to face De Ridder at UFC Des Moines

Alex Pereira's team believes he should've retained his title against Magomed Ankalaev.  Glover Te...

<p>Alex Pereira's team believes he should've retained his title against Magomed Ankalaev.</p><p>Glover Teixeira, the former UFC light heavyweight champion who now coaches Pereira, said he disagreed with Ankalaev earning a unanimous decision victory in last weekend's UFC 313 main event in Las Vegas.</p><p>Teixeira thought Pereira won Rounds 1, 3, and 5, he <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tSTxB-JlOQ">said</a> in a video published Wednesday on Pereira's YouTube channel.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"We had this defeat, but in my opinion, he won," Teixeira said in Portuguese, as translated by <a href="https://www.mmafighting.com/2025/3/12/24384190/alex-pereira-plinio-cruz-glover-teixeira-disagree-ufc-313-decision-poatan-magomed-ankalaev-rematch?utm_source=twitter&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_campaign=dhtwitter&amp;utm_content=app.dashsocial.com/mma-fighting/library/media/511608942">MMA Fighting's Guilherme Cruz</a>. "He lost on points, so now we go back to the drawing board and adjust a few things, train hard, and go back and get this rematch and make history. 'Poatan' has made history before, and he will make history again."</p><p>Pereira, one of the biggest stars in the UFC, was defending the 205-pound title for the fourth time since becoming champion in November 2023. Ankalaev used consistent pressure to outstrike Pereira on the feet and seize the throne.</p><p>Plinio Cruz, another coach of Pereira's, agreed that the judges got the decision wrong.</p><p>He also vowed to help Pereira correct his mistakes and win back the title.</p><p>"We'll train more, study more, get better to deliver you a better version of 'Poatan,'" Cruz said.</p><p>"What (Ankalaev has) done (will) make it worse for him because now he'll fight 'Poatan' 2.0."</p>

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 08: Coach Glover Teixeira reacts after Alex Pereira's loss against Magomed Ankalaev in the UFC light heavyweight championship fight during the UFC 313 event at T-Mobile Arena on March 08, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Teixeira thought Pereira beat Ankalaev at UFC 313

UFC lightweight Rafael Fiziev may be in a lower weight class the next time he steps into the Octa...

<p>UFC lightweight Rafael Fiziev may be in a lower weight class the next time he steps into the Octagon.</p><p>Fiziev said Tuesday he's considering dropping down to featherweight after losing to Justin Gaethje at UFC 313 last weekend.</p><p>"I'm starting to think right now about changing weight divisions because I really cut weight very easy this time, and it was short notice," Fiziev told "<a href="https://x.com/arielhelwani/status/1899549908082024669">The Ariel Helwani Show</a>." "Very easy. All this week, my nutritionist, Jason, he tried to gain my weight because my weight go low so fast. Right now, I have to think, maybe, about it."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>When asked if there's a strong possibility his next fight will be at 145 pounds, Fiziev said, "I think yes."</p><p>Fiziev suffered a unanimous decision defeat to Gaethje in a rematch that co-headlined the event in Las Vegas. He agreed to the fight with less than two weeks' notice, replacing Dan Hooker. Fiziev, who previously lost to Gaethje by majority decision in March 2023, returned to the cage for the first time since tearing his ACL in a September 2023 loss to Mateusz Gamrot.</p><p>The 32-year-old said he's thought about moving to featherweight for "a long time."</p><p>Fiziev, ranked No. 11 at 155 pounds, was an up-and-coming contender in the weight class before his current three-fight skid. He has finished the likes of Renato Moicano and former champion Rafael dos Anjos.</p><p>Fiziev said he believes he'd become a contender at featherweight.</p><p>"I want to fight with top guys. ... All of the guys in the top 10 are very interesting," Fiziev said. "These guys have a trouble if I come in. They'll be in trouble, man. Everybody."</p>

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 08: Rafael Fiziev of Azerbaijan looks on prior to his lightweight bout against Justin Gaethje of the United States during UFC 313 at T-Mobile Arena on March 08, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Fiziev considering move to featherweight after UFC 313 loss

Chris Eubank Jr. has been fined £100,000 by the the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) afte...

<p>Chris Eubank Jr. has been fined £100,000 by the the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) after he slapped Conor Benn at a news conference promoting their April fight.</p><p>Eubank <a href="https://x.com/ringmagazine/status/1894465236859552079">hit Benn in the face</a> with an egg during their heated stare-down Feb. 25 in Manchester, England. Chaos ensued on stage, and Benn was held back by security.</p><p>The BBBofC said in a statement Tuesday that after a hearing, Eubank "was found to be in breach" of a misconduct rule, according to <a href="https://ringmagazine.com/en/news/chris-eubank-fined-100-000-by-bb-bof-c-for-conor-benn-egg-slap">The Ring's Matt Penn</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Eubank and Benn are scheduled to meet in a highly anticipated middleweight bout April 26 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.</p><p>The two were originally slated to fight in 2022, but the matchup was canceled after Benn failed two pre-fight drug tests. He has since been cleared to compete.</p>

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 27: Chris Eubank Jr speaks to the media during a press conference ahead of the Middleweight fight between Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn as part of Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on February 27, 2025 in London, England.

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Eubank fined £100,000 for slapping Benn with egg at media event

UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan doesn't believe Justin Gaethje should be in the mix for...

<p>UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan doesn't believe Justin Gaethje should be in the mix for the next crack at Islam Makhachev's title.</p><p>Gaethje expressed interest in challenging Makhachev after his win over Rafael Fiziev at UFC 313 on Saturday. But Tsarukyan told <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1e2S7drplE">The Schmo</a> he thinks Gaethje should have to fight someone else - like him or former champion Charles Oliveira - to earn that opportunity.</p><p>"Gaethje wants to fight for the title," Tsarukyan said. "It makes sense to fight with me because nobody gonna give him title fight. It's not gonna be fair that he is gonna get title fight. He's gotta beat me or Oliveira to get that title fight."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Gaethje earned a unanimous decision victory over Fiziev in a short-notice rematch that co-headlined the Las Vegas event. The No. 3-ranked lightweight got back on track after suffering a devastating knockout loss to Max Holloway at UFC 300 last April.</p><p>Tsarukyan, the No. 1-ranked contender at 155 pounds, was scheduled to face Makhachev for the belt at UFC 311 in January but withdrew from the fight on weigh-in day due to a back injury.</p><p>After the cancellation, UFC CEO Dana White said Tsarukyan wouldn't receive a title shot in his next bout.</p><p>Tsarukyan said he wants to fight either Oliveira or Gaethje in order to earn another shot at Makhachev's strap.</p><p>"I want to fight with contenders," Tsarukyan said. "Someone from the top five. It's Gaethje or Oliveira."</p><p>He added: "I'm open for everybody from top five. I don't want to fight someone from top 10 because I'm contender No. 1 and I gotta fight for the title."</p><p>Tsarukyan defeated Oliveira before in a split-decision victory last April. The 28-year-old Armenian hasn't stepped into the Octagon since.</p><p>Several fighters appear to be in the running for the next title shot against Makhachev, including featherweight champion Ilia Topuria, who is moving up to lightweight. Gaethje would be a popular choice among fans, as he's one of the most exciting fighters in UFC history. Oliveira could also face Makhachev next after beating Michael Chandler at UFC 309 last November.</p><p>No matter which direction the promotion goes, Tsarukyan said he'll eventually prevail as the top lightweight.</p><p>"I know I'm better than everybody there. ... The goal is fight for the title right away, but the UFC, whatever they say, I'm gonna do that," Tsarukyan said.</p>

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 13: Arman Tsarukyan of Georgia prepares to fight in a lightweight fight during the UFC 300 event at T-Mobile Arena on April 13, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Tsarukyan: Gaethje hasn't earned title shot vs. Makhachev

UFC CEO Dana White is still optimistic that a heavyweight title unification bout between Jon Jone...

<p>UFC CEO Dana White is still optimistic that a heavyweight title unification bout between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall will come together this summer.</p><p>"Jon Jones definitely wants to fight," White <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3VcdPz4WzI&amp;t=2s">said</a> Saturday at the UFC 313 postfight press conference. "Just when and where are what we're working on now. I'm very confident that that fight happens."</p><p>Jones-Aspinall is one of the biggest matchups available in MMA right now, but whether or not it'll materialize has been uncertain for several months. Jones defended the heavyweight title with a third-round TKO of Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 in November. After the victory, he said it would take "f--k you money" for him to agree to a bout against Aspinall.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Aspinall, the interim champion, gave an update on the situation earlier in March, saying in a video on his YouTube channel that he believed Jones was holding up the fight.</p><p>Malki Kawa, one of Jones' managers, suggested on "The Ariel Helwani Show" last week that the bout will come to fruition if the UFC meets Jones' financial demands.</p><p>"I think that (Jones-Aspinall happening) depends on certain things, and whether or not everybody wants to make those certain things happen," Kawa <a href="https://x.com/jedigoodman/status/1897371595364340147">said</a>. "And if the answer to everybody else is yes, and those certain things happen, then yes, the fight will happen. That's all I'll say to that."</p><p>Aspinall captured the interim heavyweight title in November 2023 and has defended it once, knocking out Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304 last July.</p>

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 16: (L-R) Jon Jones of the United States of America faces Stipe Miocic of the United States of America in the UFC heavyweight championship fight during the UFC 309 event at Madison Square Garden on November 16, 2024 in New York City.

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White 'very confident' Jones-Aspinall happens this summer

Magomed Ankalaev ended Alex Pereira's light heavyweight title reign in the UFC 313 main event, ea...

<p>Magomed Ankalaev ended Alex Pereira's light heavyweight title reign in the UFC 313 main event, earning a unanimous decision win to become the new champion Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.</p><p>In the co-headliner, Justin Gaethje got back on track with a unanimous decision victory in a rematch with Rafael Fiziev.</p><p>Here are four takeaways from the pay-per-view event.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Pereira losing to Ankalaev is a nightmare for the UFC</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774301/cropped_GettyImages-2204072149.jpg?ts=1741553108" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774301/w220xh124_GettyImages-2204072149.jpg?ts=1741553108 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774301/w320xh180_GettyImages-2204072149.jpg?ts=1741553108 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774301/w640xh360_GettyImages-2204072149.jpg?ts=1741553108 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774301/w768xh432_GettyImages-2204072149.jpg?ts=1741553108 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774301/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2204072149.jpg?ts=1741553108 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jeff Bottari / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><a href="https://x.com/RealBakedMMA/status/1898617881375510617">The look on Dana White's face</a> when Bruce Buffer showed him the scorecards said it all: This was not the outcome the world's biggest MMA promotion had hoped for.</p><p>Pereira is one of the most popular fighters in the sport and is a big part of the UFC's recent success. After winning the light heavyweight title, "Poatan" ascended to stardom over the last year and a half: He headlined two of 2024's biggest events, including UFC 300 and the International Fight Week pay-per-view - and he agreed to both fights on relatively short notice. From a business perspective, Pereira's willingness to compete - and step up when no one else will - has made him one of the promotion's most valuable assets.</p><p>Losing Pereira as a champion, at least for now, hurts. Especially when he's replaced by Ankalaev, who, through no fault of his own, is the furthest thing from a household name. Ankalaev's fight style is effective but not always entertaining, and he doesn't have a ton of charisma outside the Octagon. White even called Ankalaev's draw with Jan Blachowicz three years ago a "terrible" fight. Crazy things happen in this sport, but Ankalaev likely won't become a fan favorite like Pereira.</p><p>The UFC was already dealing with a serious problem in the star power department - several of its current champions aren't fan-friendly or big names - and that only became truer at UFC 313. Pereira will likely get an immediate chance to win back the title, but as of right now, Ankalaev dethroning the UFC's golden goose is a nightmare situation for White and Co.</p><h3>Gaethje could challenge for the title again if the timing's right</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774304/cropped_GettyImages-2204065565.jpg?ts=1741553185" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774304/w220xh124_GettyImages-2204065565.jpg?ts=1741553185 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774304/w320xh180_GettyImages-2204065565.jpg?ts=1741553185 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774304/w640xh360_GettyImages-2204065565.jpg?ts=1741553185 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774304/w768xh432_GettyImages-2204065565.jpg?ts=1741553185 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774304/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2204065565.jpg?ts=1741553185 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Chris Unger / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Gaethje might just be ageless based on how he performed against Fiziev.</p><p>At 36 years old and coming off a devastating knockout loss, this easily could've been the start of the former interim lightweight champion's decline. Especially because he competes in a deep division that favors younger fighters more than the heavier weight classes do.</p><p>But Gaethje rebounded in impressive fashion, outworking and outlasting his younger opponent. His style shouldn't be conducive to career longevity (he has nine Fight of the Night awards in 14 Octagon appearances), but he's somehow made it work. "The Highlight" proved Saturday that he's still one of the best lightweights in the world.</p><p>There's a bit of a logjam at the top of the division, with Arman Tsarukyan, Charles Oliveira, and featherweight champion Ilia Topuria all eager to challenge Islam Makhachev. And then there's Max Holloway, who scored the viral knockout of Gaethje at UFC 300 last April and has since permanently moved up to 155 pounds. But Gaethje was right when he said ahead of UFC 313 that <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3229602" href="https://thescore.com/news/3229602">timing is everything in this sport</a>. Gaethje knocked out Dustin Poirier in July 2023 and then Poirier fought Makhachev for the title 11 months later.</p><p>With a bit of luck, Gaethje could very well find himself in one final title opportunity before putting a bow on his career for good.</p><h3>Turner reached a crossroads and came up short</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774305/cropped_GettyImages-2204061988.jpg?ts=1741553222" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774305/w220xh124_GettyImages-2204061988.jpg?ts=1741553222 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774305/w320xh180_GettyImages-2204061988.jpg?ts=1741553222 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774305/w640xh360_GettyImages-2204061988.jpg?ts=1741553222 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774305/w768xh432_GettyImages-2204061988.jpg?ts=1741553222 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774305/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2204061988.jpg?ts=1741553222 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Cooper Neill / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Two years ago, I believed Jalin Turner was on his way to title contention, <a href="https://www.thescore.com/mma/news/2564990">calling him</a> "one of the most opportunistic, violent fighters at 155 pounds." Evidently, I was wrong.</p><p>At the time, Turner had won five straight fights, all inside the distance. Then he suffered four losses in his next five Octagon appearances, the latest of which was a first-round triangle choke against Ignacio Bahamondes at UFC 313.</p><p>Turner needed to win this fight to get his career back on track. After all, he was the No. 12-ranked lightweight facing someone outside the top 15. In the end, he delivered his least inspiring performance yet. It just wasn't meant to be.</p><p>After the loss, Turner told reporters that he <a href="https://x.com/aaronbronsteter/status/1898607431384711217">was likely retiring from MMA</a>. Turner is only 29 years old, so it wouldn't be surprising to see him return to the Octagon one day. But, for now, this could be it for "The Tarantula."</p><h3>Fighting Nerds are a force to be reckoned with</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774306/cropped_GettyImages-2204057977.jpg?ts=1741553290" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774306/w220xh124_GettyImages-2204057977.jpg?ts=1741553290 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774306/w320xh180_GettyImages-2204057977.jpg?ts=1741553290 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774306/w640xh360_GettyImages-2204057977.jpg?ts=1741553290 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774306/w768xh432_GettyImages-2204057977.jpg?ts=1741553290 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774306/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2204057977.jpg?ts=1741553290 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jeff Bottari / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>It's never been clearer that The Fighting Nerds - the hottest fight camp in MMA - are headed for superstardom.</p><p>Mauricio Ruffy made his third Octagon appearance at UFC 313 and delivered another huge win for the Brazilian team, scoring a violent, highlight-reel knockout of King Green.</p><p>Ruffy's victory came just two weeks after Jean Silva brutally finished Melsik Baghdasaryan at UFC Seattle, and just days after Silva <a href="https://www.mmafighting.com/2025/3/7/24380398/jean-silva-trolls-bryce-mitchell-with-globe-at-heated-ufc-314-press-conference">stole the show</a> at the UFC 314 press conference while promoting his upcoming bout against Bryce Mitchell.</p><p>Silva, along with his Fighting Nerds teammates Caio Borralho and Carlos Prates, attended UFC 313 for Ruffy's fight. The trio received a big pop from the crowd when the UFC showed them on the broadcast. MMA fans are enamored with these guys, and rightfully so: They're very entertaining in and out of the Octagon.</p><p>With fighters on the rise in four different divisions, The Fighting Nerds are riding all the momentum in the world. If they can keep this up, they'll become one of the most special teams we've ever seen.</p>

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UFC 313 takeaways: Pereira's loss a nightmare for the promotion

https://rich-content.thescore.com/authors/nick-baldwin/content_cards