Former welterweight champion Leon Edwards has been told to retire immediately after suffering a devastating knockout defeat to Carlos Prates at UFC 322 – his third consecutive loss. Edwards, once one of the division’s most consistent performers, was stopped for the first time in his career after Prates dropped him with a straight punch and finished the fight with ground-and-pound in round three. Ian Garry, who was previously linked to a grudge match with Edwards, publicly urged him to step away from the sport, writing: “Leon, retire,” while also calling for Prates vs Michael Morales in a No 1 contender…
Author: Andrew Rogers
Ronda Rousey has voiced her support for Zhang Weili ahead of Zhang’s UFC 322 co-main event showdown against flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko. With two title fights topping the Madison Square Garden card, Zhang vs. Shevchenko is being hailed as one of the biggest women’s bouts in MMA history. Ahead of the fight, Rousey—widely regarded as the most influential woman in UFC history—sent Zhang an encouraging video message. Rousey told Zhang she’s not just representing herself, but also her country and every woman in the sport. She urged her to “steal the show” and prove she’s the biggest attraction of the…
Vertiqal Studios, a digital-channel network, has expanded its U.S. audience and secured a major new partnership with a U.S. government agency. Its U.S. operations now reach more than 50 million Gen Z and millennial viewers, reflecting strong growth in youth-focused digital media. The company announced that the government brand partnership involves a seven-figure campaign spend, marking its second such collaboration with a U.S. agency. The initiative will use innovative digital storytelling formats to engage younger audiences and deliver key messages effectively. Vertiqal Studios specializes in creating content that resonates with Gen Z and millennials. Its digital channels combine short-form video, interactive storytelling, and…
UFC legends Khabib Nurmagomedov and Daniel Cormier shared a touching exchange during a training session in New York as they reminisced about the peaks of their illustrious careers. The longtime teammates and friends, now coaches, reunited ahead of UFC 322, where Islam Makhachev — Nurmagomedov’s protégé — will attempt to capture a second UFC title. In a lighthearted moment captured on video, Nurmagomedov asked Cormier which year was the best of his career. “2018,” Cormier replied, recalling his victories over Volkan Oezdemir, Stipe Miocic, and Derrick Lewis. Nurmagomedov smiled, noting it was also his best year — the year he…
Investor interest in the U.S. technology sector remains strong, driven by continued innovation and investment in AI, data infrastructure, and software analytics. Information Technology and Communication Services stocks, which are major components of the S&P 500, have delivered robust returns this year. Companies across the sector are ramping up spending on artificial intelligence, data capture, storage solutions, and advanced analytics. Investments in data centers and software infrastructure are also increasing, reflecting a focus on long-term growth and innovation. Analysts say these trends highlight the sector’s resilience and capacity to drive economic and technological development. With strong returns, technology stocks continue to…
Former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski has become the latest ex-MMA star to call out Jake Paul, hoping to face the YouTuber-turned-boxer in what he describes as a “dream fight.” Arlovski, who left the UFC last summer after a record 40 appearances, said he respects Paul’s commitment to boxing but believes he can test him in the ring. “It would be a dream come true,” Arlovski told MMA Fighting. “He trains hard and spends a lot on good coaches — he’s not a joke. But first I have to win my next fight, then we’ll see.” Paul, whose next bout…
UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev has shared his prediction for the upcoming welterweight title fight between Islam Makhachev and Jack Della Maddalena, set for UFC 322 on November 15. Speaking on social media, Chimaev said: “Jack or Islam? I think Islam. Both are good fighters, but I think Islam will win — he’s gonna use his wrestling more in this fight.” Makhachev, who vacated his lightweight title to chase two-division glory, is the betting favourite, while Della Maddalena has hinted at a future clash with Chimaev. Although Chimaev now reigns at 185 lbs, he hasn’t ruled out a return to…
Daniel Marcos made a statement in Las Vegas, bouncing back from the first loss of his career with a dominant submission victory over Miles Johns at UFC Vegas 111. The Peruvian bantamweight, who entered the fight 17-1, showed composure early before taking over in round two. After securing multiple takedowns, Marcos took Johns’ back and locked in a rear-naked choke. Johns refused to tap and was rendered unconscious, leaving the referee to step in as Marcos celebrated his first submission win. The emotional victory marked Marcos’ return to form after what he described as a dark period following his loss…
Former UFC lightweight James Llontop is back to making highlight reels outside the Octagon. After going 0–3 in the UFC and missing weight twice, the 26-year-old Peruvian was released following a hard-fought loss to top prospect Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 309 last year. Now competing for FFC in his home country, Llontop has re-established himself as a dominant force — and reigning champion. Fighting in front of a home crowd at FFC 98, Llontop defended his belt in devastating fashion against 22-fight veteran Jose Barrios Vargas. In the final minute of the opening round, Llontop missed with a few punches…
Manny Pacquiao has responded to renewed speculation about a potential rematch with Floyd Mayweather, nearly 11 years after their 2015 megafight. Reports suggest that Netflix is exploring hosting the blockbuster bout as part of its growing move into live sports events. Pacquiao, who recently ended his retirement and fought Mario Barrios to a draw, remains noncommittal about the matchup but hasn’t ruled it out. Speaking to The Sun, the Filipino legend said, “I’ve been motivated since after the first fight. After my shoulder operation, I got back to the ring and I’m okay. God is good — he’s giving me…