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Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Tom Aspinall Reveals Major Update Ahead of UFC Return
Tom Aspinall Reveals Major Update Ahead of UFC Return originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The UFC's heavyweight division has been frozen in time. With the title picture murky and Jon Jones sidelined, the promotion's biggest weight class has remained in limbo for months. Media speculation has run wild, and fans have grown restless waiting for clarity. Some are starting to think the division's been trapped in a five-round staring contest with no bell in sight. After weeks of silence from UFC brass, the interim champion has stepped in to deliver what many hope is the spark that sets the division back in motion. His presence alone has refocused attention, but it was his latest appearance that gave the clearest sign yet of a shift underway. Advertisement Appearing on ESPN MMA with Daniel Cormier and Chael Sonnen, Tom Aspinall brought the energy that's been sorely missing in recent months. With confidence and conviction, he made his position crystal clear: 'The active heavyweight champion is here to fight them all. Let's get it on.' Cormier pressed him further, asking whether he truly had something locked in. Aspinall didn't flinch: 'Well, I'll tell you something: I've got a date and a location.' His tone suggested it's not speculation—it's a done deal. And when the topic of Jon Jones surfaced, Aspinall dismissed the idea that the undisputed champ remains relevant to his future. 'Guys, why are we still talking about Jon? He's retired. He's done.' That comment alone was enough to stir debate across the MMA landscape. Aspinall's confidence is backed by action, and his readiness to move forward stands in contrast to the UFC's long-standing silence. With the interim champ seemingly booked and ready, the pressure is now on the promotion to reveal its next move. Tom AspinallGetty Images Despite the buzz, UFC President Dana White and the promotion continue to keep things close to the chest. But with Aspinall sounding off and the calendar moving, signs point toward official news breaking soon. The heavyweight logjam may finally be cracking—and when it does, it could reshape the UFC's biggest division overnight. If Aspinall's timeline holds true, fans won't be waiting much longer for a major announcement. Advertisement Related: 'I'll Be Ready' UFC Contender Offers to Back Up Topuria vs Oliveira at UFC 317 Related: Jon Jones Offers Cryptic Update on Heavyweight Title Unification This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 3, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Alexander Volkanovski and Movsar Evloev Want Title Fight—UFC Not on Board Yet
Fresh off his return at UFC 314, Alexander Volkanovski, 36, reclaimed the featherweight title with a composed performance against Diego Lopes, earning a unanimous decision after five rounds. While the win solidified his place at the top once again, it also set the stage for a potential legacy fight—one that Volkanovski made clear he wants next. However, recent developments suggest that the matchup may not happen anytime soon. Now, as speculation swirls about what's next for the reigning champion, one thing is clear—Volkanovski has his sights set on a legacy-defining showdown. Post-fight, he expressed interest in facing undefeated featherweight contender Movsar Evloev, 31, stating: 'He's undefeated, and I'd love to be the one to take that 0. That'd be a great challenge.' Movsar EvloevGetty Images But despite both fighters being on board, UFC President Dana White and the promotion appear to have other plans. In a recent sit-down with ESPN MMA's Brett Okamoto, Evloev's manager Ali Abdelaziz shared frustration over the UFC's stance. 'It's illegal for him not to be fighting next for the title because who's above him, right?' Abdelaziz said. 'It's crazy this guy is not even in the conversation… They say he need one more.' Alexander Volkanovski (red gloves) reacts after defeating Diego Lopes (not pictured) during UFC 314 at Kaseya Navarro-Imagn Images Volkanovski, for his part, has been vocal in praising Evloev's resume and welcomes the matchup. Meanwhile, Evloev has long called for a title opportunity, telling MMA Fighting in 2024 he was ready and willing for the division's top names. Dana WhiteGetty Both athletes are aligned. But unless Dana White and the UFC change course, the most logical—and potentially legacy-sealing—fight at featherweight may have to wait. Related: 'I'm Not Welcomed Back' – Ronda Rousey Sends Blunt Message to UFC World Related: UFC Rising Star Sends Sparring Offer to Charles Oliveira 'I Can Imitate Topuria Perfectly'
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
UFC Fight Night 256 video: Denise Gomes bludgeons Elise Reed during brutal knockout
Denise Gomes added another brutal knockout to highlight reel Saturday in Las Vegas. At UFC Fight Night 256, Gomes (11-3 MMA, 5-2 UFC) finished Elise Reed (8-5 MMA, 4-5 UFC) with punches. The stoppage came 30 seconds into Round 2. The finishing sequence began with an overhand right. Reed popped back up to her feet only to be bowled over once again. Referee Jason Herzog gave Reed plenty of opportunity to recover and intelligently defend but the wrath of Gomes proved to be too much. Denise Gomes was relentless 🤯 #UFCVegas106 — ESPN MMA (@espnmma) May 17, 2025 Gomes, 25, picks up her third win in a row and her seventh knockout as a professional. She entered Saturday off back-to-back decision wins over Eduarda Moura and Karolina Kowalkiewicz. Reed, 32, slips to 1-2 in her most recent three and continues the pattern of alternating losses and wins in the UFC. Up-to-the-minute UFC Fight Night 265 results include: Denise Gomes def. Elise Reed via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 0:30 Hyun Sung Park def. Carlos Hernandez via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 2, 2:26 Tecia Pennington def. Luana Pinheiro via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC Vegas 106 video: Denise Gomes bludgeons Elise Reed
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
U.S. Welterweight Bashes Canada, Then Guess What Happens vs. Canadian In UFC Bout
U.S. welterweight Charles Radtke talked smack about Canada, then got smacked silly by Canadian Mike Malott in their UFC bout in Montreal on Saturday. (Watch the videos below.) Malott (12-2-1) floored Radtke (10-5) with a left hook in the second round and rained punches on the American as he lay on his back before the referee stopped the bout. MIKE MALOTT GETS IT DONE IN ROUND 2 🇨🇦 # — ESPN MMA (@espnmma) May 11, 2025 With tensions between the U.S. and Canada at perhaps an all-time high due to President Donald Trump's tariffs and talk of annexing Canada, Radtke ratcheted up the adversarial hype during a prefight press conference. He referenced Canadian hockey fans who booed the 'Star-Spangled Banner' before the Americans played in the same arena during the 4 Nations Face-Off in February. 'I don't give a shit about hockey,' Radtke said. 'That's not my gig. But what I do hold dear is I grew up on a bison ranch with my grandfather, who's a sergeant major in the Marine Corps, and when you all booed the national anthem, somebody's going to have to pay for that.' "When y'all boo the [U.S.] national anthem, someone's going to have to pay for that."Charles Radtke doesn't plan to hold back against Canadian Mike Malott at UFC — OutKick (@Outkick) May 9, 2025 The American also refused to shake Malott's hand at one point. Huge ovation for Canada's own Mike Malott after Charles Radtke refuses to shake his hand 🇨🇦 # — Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 9, 2025 But the victor took the high road when boos erupted for his opponent in the post-fight interview. (Fans repeatedly chanted 'fuck you, Radtke' during the bout.) 'Hey, no, don't boo him,' Malott said. 'We're celebrating now. That's done. We're cheering. This is our time. No negativity, just positivity, baby. And when it comes to defending this country in the octagon, know one thing, Canada: I stand on guard for thee.' Malott's tailoring of a line from 'O Canada' was a knockout. Boxer Dry Humps Opponent On Tyson-Paul Undercard. Fans Aghast. Mike Tyson's Naked Butt Makes Surprising Pre-Fight Appearance Jake Paul Wins Decision Over Mike Tyson
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
U.S. Welterweight Bashes Canada, Then Guess What Happens vs. Canadian In UFC Bout
U.S. welterweight Charles Radtke talked smack about Canada, then got smacked silly by Canadian Mike Malott in their UFC bout in Montreal on Saturday. (Watch the videos below.) Malott (12-2-1) floored Radtke (10-5) with a left hook in the second round and rained punches on the American as he lay on his back before the referee stopped the bout. MIKE MALOTT GETS IT DONE IN ROUND 2 🇨🇦 # — ESPN MMA (@espnmma) May 11, 2025 With tensions between the U.S. and Canada at perhaps an all-time high due to President Donald Trump's tariffs and talk of annexing Canada, Radtke ratcheted up the adversarial hype during a prefight press conference. He referenced Canadian hockey fans who booed the 'Star-Spangled Banner' before the Americans played in the same arena during the 4 Nations Face-Off in February. 'I don't give a shit about hockey,' Radtke said. 'That's not my gig. But what I do hold dear is I grew up on a bison ranch with my grandfather, who's a sergeant major in the Marine Corps, and when you all booed the national anthem, somebody's going to have to pay for that.' "When y'all boo the [U.S.] national anthem, someone's going to have to pay for that."Charles Radtke doesn't plan to hold back against Canadian Mike Malott at UFC — OutKick (@Outkick) May 9, 2025 The American also refused to shake Malott's hand at one point. Huge ovation for Canada's own Mike Malott after Charles Radtke refuses to shake his hand 🇨🇦 # — Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 9, 2025 But the victor took the high road when boos erupted for his opponent in the post-fight interview. (Fans repeatedly chanted 'fuck you, Radtke' during the bout.) 'Hey, no, don't boo him,' Malott said. 'We're celebrating now. That's done. We're cheering. This is our time. No negativity, just positivity, baby. And when it comes to defending this country in the octagon, know one thing, Canada: I stand on guard for thee.' Malott's tailoring of a line from 'O Canada' was a knockout. Boxer Dry Humps Opponent On Tyson-Paul Undercard. Fans Aghast. Mike Tyson's Naked Butt Makes Surprising Pre-Fight Appearance Jake Paul Wins Decision Over Mike Tyson
