Raymond Muratalla (23-0, 17 KOs) ends negotiations with IBF mandatory Andy Cruz over money disputes.Top Rank promotes Muratalla, 28, to face Floyd Schofield (19-0, 13 KOs) in a voluntary defense.Manouk Akopyan reported on X that Muratalla is finalizing talks with Schofield on August 27, 2025. Schofield’s Momentum Floyd Schofield, 23, stunned fans with a first-round knockout over former IBF super featherweight champion Tevin Farmer.Farmer, 35, entered the fight after consecutive close losses to William Zepeda.Schofield capitalized on Farmer’s fatigue and inexperience, securing a decisive victory. Strategic Matchmaking Top Rank opts for Schofield instead of Cruz to increase Muratalla’s winning chances.Cruz’s…
Author: OMN AI
Dana White’s Contender Series returned with explosive action in Las Vegas. Five fighters walked away with UFC contracts after a night filled with knockouts and decisive finishes. A stage built for opportunity Since its launch in 2017, the series has produced dozens of UFC athletes. Some went on to win championships. Fighters call it “the ultimate job interview.” Each week, five bouts give prospects the chance to impress UFC president Dana White. In 2024, 42 contracts were handed out across ten events, slightly fewer than the 46 awarded in 2023. This week’s third episode of season nine continued the tradition…
Beterbiev to Face Benavidez After November 22 Card Trainer Jose Benavidez Sr. confirmed that WBC light heavyweight champion David Benavidez will face Artur Beterbiev following their respective fights on the November 22nd DAZN card at the ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Beterbiev is currently scheduled to fight Deon Nicholson on the undercard, keeping active after his February defeat to Dmitry Bivol. Contingency Plan: Beterbiev Could Headline There is a possibility that Beterbiev could be moved to the main event against Benavidez if Anthony Yarde, Benavidez’s scheduled opponent, suffers an injury during training camp. Benavidez Sr. confirmed that a fight…
Former WBO lightweight champion Keyshawn Davis petitioned the WBO to rank him as the #1 contender at 140.If approved, Davis could face Alfredo Santiago for the interim belt while Teofimo Lopez negotiates with Shakur Stevenson.Journalist Lance Pugmire revealed Davis’ move to secure the position despite losing his title weeks ago. Stripped Title and Cancelled Fight The WBO stripped Davis of his lightweight crown on June 6, 2025.He weighed 139.3 pounds, missing the limit by 4.3 pounds for his first defense against Edwin De Los Santos.Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz cancelled the bout, citing safety risks for De Los Santos against a heavier…
Former UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold is aiming to make a statement in his return to the ring at Misfits Boxing 22 this weekend, taking on fellow Octagon veteran Darren Till in Manchester. Rockhold, who has experienced a mix of results since leaving the UFC—including a knockout win over Joe Schilling and a loss to Mike Perry in a BKFC bout—is confident of replicating his success against Till. Known for his submission skills earlier in his MMA career, Rockhold also racked up notable knockouts, including a four-round victory over Chris Weidman to claim the UFC middleweight title. In a bold…
Sean O’Malley has openly admitted that trying to walk in Conor McGregor’s shoes inspired him, but also led him astray. The bantamweight fighter has often praised McGregor, admiring not only his combat skills but also the larger-than-life presence that made him a global star. O’Malley frequently compared his own rising fame to McGregor’s, believing he could reach similar heights. The Montana native has always respected “The Notorious,” yet things turned awkward last year when McGregor mocked him over a 2019 suspension for ostarine. Despite his admiration, O’Malley felt disappointed by the jab, sparking a brief exchange of comments on social…
Ortiz Returns to the Ring in Fort WorthUndefeated Vergil Ortiz Jr. (23-0, 21 KOs) will defend his WBC interim junior middleweight title against Erickson Lubin on Nov. 8 at the Dickies Center in Fort Worth, Texas. The bout, promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, will be streamed live worldwide on DAZN. Ortiz comes off a notable decision victory over Israil Madrimov in February and will enjoy the advantage of fighting on home turf. Fight Negotiations and Alternate MatchupsOrtiz, 27, had initially pursued a showdown with WBO champion Xander Zayas, but negotiations with Top Rank fell through after a deadline last Friday.…
Mexican authorities released boxer Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. as he awaits trial for alleged cartel connections.His lawyer, Ruben Fernando Benitez, confirmed Chavez Jr. returned home to his family on Sunday.A judge in Hermosillo, Sonora, ruled he can continue legal proceedings outside detention. Lack of Evidence in Case Benitez told local media prosecutors presented no proof to support the charges.Judge Enrique Hernandez Miranda approved Chavez Jr.’s release after reviewing the case.Chavez Jr.’s lawyer and family denied all allegations of cartel involvement. Background and Allegations The 39-year-old boxer lost to influencer-turned-boxer Jake Paul in a July match in the United States.U.S. immigration…
A career marked by dual titles Daniel Cormier excelled in both light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions. He claimed championship gold in each class. After knocking out Stipe Miocic in their first bout, Cormier confronted Brock Lesnar in a staredown that ended with a shove from “The Beast.” The moment fueled fan excitement, but the fight never happened before Cormier retired from professional MMA. A lost opportunity for a massive payday During an appearance on “Club Shay Shay,” Cormier reflected on missing a lucrative fight against Lesnar. He said WWE pulled Lesnar away before the matchup could happen. “The WWE got…
Tony Ferguson, once a top lightweight in the UFC, has opened up about his departure from the promotion following a record-setting eight-fight losing streak. Many of Ferguson’s losses came after repeated cancellations of his anticipated bouts with Khabib Nurmagomedov, including an interim lightweight title fight against Justin Gaethje. Ferguson admits that in many of these fights, he wasn’t performing at his best, often fighting opponents he felt weren’t fully engaged. “I didn’t get cut from the UFC. We both [shook hands] and we both walked away,” Ferguson told MMA Fighting. He also revealed that much of his focus had been…