Latest news with #ChampRDS
Express Tribune
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Islam Makhachev: warns Jack Della Maddalena after UFC 315, vows to show 'different level' in potential welterweight title clash
UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has issued a clear warning to newly crowned UFC welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena, saying he will 'show you a different level' if the two meet in the octagon. Della Maddalena secured a unanimous decision victory over Belal Muhammad in the main event of UFC 315 in Montreal, taking the welterweight title in what was Muhammad's first defence. The result opens the door for Makhachev, the reigning lightweight champion, to move up to 170lbs and pursue a second UFC belt. Makhachev, who has reigned over the lightweight division since 2022, had previously ruled out fighting Muhammad due to their close training history. However, with Muhammad out of the title picture, Makhachev is free to pursue his double-champion ambition. Reacting to Della Maddalena's post-fight remarks referencing Alexander Volkanovski, whom Makhachev has defeated twice, the Russian tweeted: 'You are not Volk. I will show you different level. Keep my belt clean.' He followed it up with: 'Time to become a double champion #inshaAllah. Let's go.' You are not Volk I will show you different level. Keep my belt clean — Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) May 11, 2025 Despite Makhachev's intentions, UFC policy may prevent him from holding two titles simultaneously. The promotion has increasingly moved away from allowing champions to keep belts in multiple weight classes, citing delays in title defences and divisional backlog. If the UFC enforces that stance, Makhachev may be required to vacate the lightweight belt before challenging Della Maddalena. A similar move was recently made by Ilia Topuria, who gave up his featherweight title in order to contend at 155lbs. Topuria was also watching UFC 315 closely. Had Muhammad retained the belt, Makhachev would likely have stayed at lightweight to face Topuria. Now, Topuria is expected to face Charles Oliveira instead, though it remains unclear whether their bout will be for an interim or vacant lightweight title. Islam Makhachev sends a message of support to Belal Muhammad following his loss at #UFC315 "Today we're fighting for something bigger than UFC title." 🙏❤️ — Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) May 11, 2025 UFC's legendary former champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, who is Makhachev's trainer and coach now, had previously voiced support for Arman Tsarukyan as the next challenger for Islam Makhachev's lightweight title, stating that Tsarukyan's record and recent performances merit a title shot. He expressed less enthusiasm for Ilia Topuria, citing the featherweight champion's lack of experience in the 155-pound division. Ilia Topuria refuted Khabib Nurmagomedov's assertion declaring himself the rightful challenger for Islam Makhachev's UFC lightweight title. Khabib knows I'm the one to take the belt from Islam. Only reason he doesn't want Islam to fight me — Ilia Topuria (@Topuriailia) April 16, 2025
Yahoo
30-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Carlos Prates teases 'big news' after Geoff Neal injury scraps UFC 314 fight
The stacked UFC 314 fight card has taken its first hit with the cancellation of Geoff Neal vs. Carlos Prates. UFC officials announced Saturday that Neal (16-6 MMA, 8-4 UFC) has sustained an undisclosed injury and has been forced to withdraw from the welterweight contest against Prates (21-6 MMA, 4-0 UFC) on the April 12 card at Kaseya Center in Miami (ESPN+ pay-per-view, ESPN, ESPN+). As a result, Prates will not get a replacement opponent for the card and will be shifted to a different opportunity in the future. UFC play-by-play commentator Jon Anik noted during the injury announcement that big news could be on the horizon for Prate, and the surging 170-pound contender indicated as much on social media. Carlos Prates via. IG: "News and good news coming soon!" 👀#UFC #MMA — Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) March 30, 2025 A timeline for Neal's injury recovery and return are unknown at this time. The latest UFC 314 lineup now includes: Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes – for vacant featherweight title Michael Chandler vs. Paddy Pimblett Bryce Mitchell vs. Jean Silva Patricio Freire vs. Yair Rodriguez Nikita Krylov vs. Dominick Reyes Dan Ige vs. Sean Woodson Virna Jandiroba vs. Yan Xiaonan Chase Hooper vs. Jim Miller Sedriques Dumas vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk Darren Elkins vs. Julian Erosa Su Mudaerji vs. Mitch Raposo Alberto Montes vs. Roberto Romero Tresean Gore vs. Marco Tulio Nora Cornolle vs. Hailey Cowan For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie's event hub for UFC 314. This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Carlos Prates teases 'big news' after Geoff Neal injury scraps UFC 314 fight
Express Tribune
17-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
McGregor, Trump set to meet after President admits he's a fan
Donald Trump expressed admiration for UFC star Conor McGregor during a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Michael Martin on Wednesday, March 12, in the Oval Office. McGregor, known for his outspoken personality and in-cage success, has long divided opinion. While some praise his achievements in the sport, others believe his controversies outside of it have tarnished his legacy. Despite this, Trump has not shied away from discussing the Irishman's career. "I do happen to like your fighter," Trump told Martin. "He's got the best tattoo I've ever seen." Donald Trump says he's a fan of Conor McGregor: 'He's got the best tattoos I've ever seen. Conor's great… Ireland's always had a lot of good fighters. You know why, because they're tough people.' — Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) March 12, 2025 This comes after a brief rift between McGregor and Trump when the former U.S. president declared Khabib Nurmagomedov as his favorite UFC fighter. However, tensions eased when McGregor was later invited to attend the Starlight Ball alongside other high-profile celebrities. During the meeting, Trump praised Ireland's history of producing elite fighters. "Conor's great, right? You have a lot of great Irish fighters, actually. Great fighters. I don't know what that is, but Ireland's always had a lot of good fighters," Trump said. "[Do] you know why? Because they're tough people. They're smart people, and they're passionate people." In response to President Trump's comments, McGregor announced he was traveling to Washington to meet the new President. McGregor, who's been involved in political debate regarding his native Ireland's future, has previously hinted at running for Prime Minister of Ireland.
