Islam Makhachev Squashes Retirement Rumors
Islam Makhachev is not going anywhere, despite speculation to the contrary [1]. Leading up to his UFC 330 fight against Ian Machado Garry, Makhachev stated he plans to “stay here for more years” to build an “unbeatable” legacy [1]. This comes after his mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, retired after only three lightweight title defenses, which may have fueled the rumors about Makhachev’s own future [4]. Makhachev is currently the number one pound-for-pound fighter in MMA and is a heavy favorite against Machado Garry [17]. However, UFC legend Charles Oliveira believes Ian Machado Garry has the skills to defeat Makhachev at UFC 330 [17].
Tragic Passing of UFC Fighter Allan Nascimento
The MMA community is mourning the loss of UFC fighter Allan Nascimento, who died at 34 years old [8]. Nascimento was found lifeless after suffering a suspected heart attack in his sleep [8]. Medical personnel confirmed his death at the scene [8]. He had been with the UFC since 2021, and his last fight was a loss to Mitch Raposo in June [13].
Noche UFC Gets a Main Event
Reports indicate that Jean Silva and Yair Rodriguez are set to headline Noche UFC [10]. While the UFC has not officially confirmed the matchup, news of the potential main event began circulating after being first reported by Higor Ciconello [10]. Silva is coming off a win against Arnold Allen, while this would be Rodriguez’s first fight in 17 months [10].
Patchy Mix Returns to RIZIN
Patchy Mix is making his comeback fight at RIZIN54 against Shoko Sato [7]. The event is scheduled for Tuesday, November 11th, at TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO [7]. Mix expressed his intent for the fight, stating, “He’s a really good opponent, so I want to make him pass out” [7].
Alistair Overeem Eyes Boxing Return
Alistair Overeem is preparing for a return to boxing [3]. He has been spending time with Oleksandr Usyk’s team [3]. Overeem has named Francis Ngannou and Rico Verhoeven as potential opponents [3]. However, he is not sold on Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing project, believing it “could change boxing for the worse” [2].
UFC Belgrade Shakes Up Rankings
Uros Medic has cracked the top 10 in the rankings after his “show-stealing win” at UFC Belgrade [6]. Medic secured a knockout victory over Daniel Rodriguez [6]. Navajo Stirling also climbed three spots in the updated rankings following the event [6].
Bo Nickal and Khamzat Chimaev Share a Card
Bo Nickal is set to share a card with Khamzat Chimaev at RAF Moscow [5]. This comes after Nickal previously claimed he would “ragdoll” Chimaev [5]. The event, scheduled for September 5, will also feature Khamzat Chimaev facing Tyron Woodley [5].
Sources
- Islam Makhachev denies retirement rumors leading into UFC 330: ‘We’re staying here for more years’ (Yahoo Sports MMA)
- Alistair Overeem Believes Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing Push Could Change Boxing for the Worse (LowKick MMA)
- Alistair Overeem Targets Boxing Return, Names Francis Ngannou and Rico Verhoeven as Foes (LowKick MMA)
- Islam Makhachev denies retirement rumors leading into UFC 330: ‘We’re staying here for more years’ (MMA Mania)
- Bo Nickal set to share card with Khamzat Chimaev after previously claiming he’d ‘ragdoll’ him (Bloody Elbow)
- Uros Medic cracks the top 10, Navajo Stirling climbs 3 spots as rankings update after UFC Belgrade (Bloody Elbow)
- [RIZIN54] Patchy Mix on his comeback fight against Shoko Sato: “He’s a really good opponent, so I want to make him pass out.” (MMAPLANET (JP))
- Shock announcement: UFC fighter found dead (Frontkick Online)
- Reports: Noche UFC gets a PERFECT main event (Frontkick Online)
- Allan Nascimento: UFC fighter dead at 34 after apparent heart attack (Yahoo Sports MMA)
- UFC Legend Says Ian Machado Garry Can Beat Islam Makhachev (Yahoo Sports MMA)
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