Latest news with #LightHeavyweight
Gulf Today
4 days ago
- Sport
- Gulf Today
Usman vs Hughes fight headlines PFL'S return to Dubai on October 3
The Professional Fighters League (PFL) on Wednesday announced a massive championship double-header for its return to the UAE, as two PFL World Title bouts will headline PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai - The Rematch on Oct. 3 at the Coca-Cola Arena. The biggest rematch in PFL history takes center stage in Dubai, as Dagestan's undefeated Usman Nurmagomedov (19 0, 1 NC) and Ireland's Paul Hughes (14 2) battle for the PFL Lightweight World Title in the main event. In the co-main event, former Bellator Light Heavyweight Champion Corey Anderson (19-6) will face 2024 PFL Light Heavyweight Tournament Champion Dovlet Yagshimuradov (25-7-1) for the PFL Light Heavyweight World Title. In addition, three early card bouts have been confirmed, including a Heavyweight clash between former Iranian National Team wrestler Pouya Rahmani (4-0) and former Tunisian Olympic wrestler Slim Trabelsi (8-0), with both fighters looking to preserve their undefeated records. A grudge match nearly seven years in the making is officially set, as Zubaira Tukhugov (20-6-1) finally faces Artem Lobov (14-15-1) in Dubai. Originally booked to fight in 2018, the matchup was scrapped following the UFC 229 post-fight brawl and subsequent suspensions. On Oct. 3, the two will finally settle their score inside the PFL SmartCage. 2024 PFL MENA Welterweight Champion Omar El Dafrawy (14-5) of Egypt will fight 2024 PFL Europe Welterweight Champion Florim Zendeli (10-1-1) of Albania in a battle of two PFL Regional Tournament winners who are both in the midst of multi-fight unbeaten streaks. Additional main card and early card bouts will be announced shortly. This event further cements Dubai's evolving role as a global MMA hub. It's made possible through PFL's multi-year partnership with the Dubai Sports Council and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism. Since its official launch in November 2024, the 'Road to Dubai' campaign has brought a series of PFL global MMA events to the UAE, positioning the region as a centerpiece for elite combat sports. While the Road to Dubai Finale is scheduled for January, this October event is an additional showcase, designed to build momentum and further engage fans ahead of the finale. 'PFL Champions Series on Oct. 3 in Dubai will be one of the biggest nights in PFL history,' said PFL CEO John Martin. 'To have two PFL World Titles on the line, featuring four world-class athletes at the top of their game, shows exactly what makes the PFL different. 'This is more than just a fight card, it's a global showcase of elite talent, compelling narratives, and the power of our international platform. Dubai is quickly becoming one of the sport's true capitals, and there's no better setting for a night of championship-level drama and the biggest rematch in PFL history.' Nurmagomedov and Hughes first met this past January in the very venue where they'll clash again this October, delivering an instant Fight of the Year contender. The event sold out Coca-Cola Arena, with fans travelling from Russia and Ireland, creating a charged atmosphere for an electric five-round battle. While Nurmagomedov emerged victorious, the outcome sparked fierce debate among fans, many of whom felt Hughes had done enough for the win, setting the stage for a can't-miss rematch between two of the world's most elite Lightweights. Fueled by the loss, Hughes came roaring back with a statement win, electrifying fans this May with a 42-second stoppage of Bruno Miranda in front of a sold-out crowd in Belfast. After the fight, he made his intentions crystal clear: 'Usman Nurmagomedov! You can run and delay this rematch as long as you want, but your day is coming.' Meanwhile, Nurmagomedov remains undefeated and is widely regarded as one of the most technically complete fighters in MMA. Competing in what many consider the sport's toughest division, the 27-year-old champion's resumé includes victories over elite opponents including former champions Patricky Pitbull and Benson Henderson, as well as Alexander Shabliy.
USA Today
25-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Claressa Shields vs. Lani Daniels: Predictions, odds, how to watch Saturday's bout
Claressa Shields will enter the ring to defend her undisputed heavyweight boxing title against Lani Daniels at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan on Saturday, July 26. Shields currently has an undefeated record of 16 wins and 0 losses, which includes three knockouts. This will be her second fight of 2025, following her victory over Danielle Perkins in February. After that fight, the Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission tested Shields and mistakenly reported a false-positive marijuana test, resulting in a one-month suspension. However, the commission ultimately determined it was a "procedural error," and Shields has since been cleared of any wrongdoing. Daniels currently has a record of 11 wins, 2 losses, and 2 draws. This will be Daniels' first fight of 2025, and she last fought in September 2024, when she successfully defended her IBF Light Heavyweight title against Bolatito Oluwole. Facing Shields will undoubtedly be Daniels' biggest fight of her career so far and the first time she has ever fought outside of New Zealand. Prepare for the monumental bout between Claressa Shields and Lani Daniels. Here's everything you need to know before this crucial fight. ANALYSIS: Manny Pacquiao stages inspiring performance in ring. Follow his lead Claressa Shields vs. Lani Daniels predictions Staff writes: "Perkins comes into the bout looking to play spoiler. The 42-year-old will be the biggest opponent that Shields has seen in the ring, but is still considered to be a massive underdog." Apratim Banerjee writes: "Claressa Shields is certainly the more decorated athlete heading into the contest and she is the favorite for a reason. However, Shields is making a jump to heavyweight. That said, Danielle Perkins is naturally a heavyweight and could have the strength and weight advantage over Shields, making her chances interesting. However, Shields is too experienced and crafty and should be able to manage a decision win against Perkins. A finish looks unlikely to take place." Staff writes: "Shields is the more polished boxer and will control the pace of the fight. She will force Daniels on her back foot right from the opening bell. Her accurate jabs will prevent her opponent from gaining any kind of momentum. Shields will also target Daniels' body to limit her movement inside the ring." Claressa Shields vs. Lani Daniels date Claressa Shields will face Lani Daniels on Saturday, July 26 at the Little Caesar Arena in Detroit. Watch Shields vs Daniels with DAZN How to watch Claressa Shields vs. Lani Daniels Claressa Shields will face Lani Daniels on Saturday, July 26, and the event will be streamed on DAZN. In the U.S., fans can purchase the event for $29.99. Claressa Shields vs. Lani Daniels fight card and odds Fight card, according to DAZN and odds according to BetMGM as of July 23: The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.
Yahoo
19-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Jimmy Crute vs. Marcin Prachnio prediction, odds, pick for UFC 318
The post Jimmy Crute vs. Marcin Prachnio prediction, odds, pick for UFC 318 appeared first on ClutchPoints. The UFC 318 Early Prelims continue to roll as we bring you another betting prediction and pick for this next bout in the Light Heavyweight (205) Division. Australia's Jimmy Crute will make the walk against Poland's Marcin Prachnio as both fighters hope to bounce back from a loss. Check the UFC odds for our Crute-Prachnio prediction and pick. Jimmy Crute (12-4-2) has gone 4-4-2 inside the UFC since 2018. With three losses in his last five fights, his other two results have been majority draws just one fight apart from each other. Coming in as the heavy betting favorite here, Crute will hope for his first win since 2020. He stands 6-foot-2 with a 74-inch reach. Marcin Prachnio (17-8) is currently 4-6 under the UFC banner since 2018. While his UFC beginnings were marred by three-straight losses, he's managed a respectable 4-3 in the following fights. He's 2-2 in his last four coming in off a loss, so look for him to carry some momentum into this fight as the underdog. Prachnio stands 6-foot-3 with a 74-inch reach. Here are the UFC 318 Odds, courtesy of DraftKings. UFC 318 Odds: Jimmy Crute-Marcin Prachnio Odds Jimmy Crute: -310 Marcin Prachnio: +250 Over 2.5 rounds: +110 Under 2.5 rounds: -140 *Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (Get Access | Save $30)* Why Jimmy Crute Will Win Last Fight: (D) Rodolfo Bellato – DRAW Last 5: 0-3-2 Finishes: 5 KO/TKO, 4 SUB Jimmy Crute can't seem to catch a break after fighting towards another Majority Draw for the second time in just three fights. He was TKO'd in three previous fights and hasn't seen a UFC win in five years, so we're still waiting for Crute to take a step in the right direction and salvage what's left of his record. He's a gifted athlete and well-rounded fighter deserving of his betting odds as the favorite. Jimmy Crute will have a strong advantage on the ground with his wrestling and submission capabilities. Prachnio is much more comfortable on the feet and his takedown defense has been suspect in the past at just 53%. While Crute has opted to swing against recent opponents, a well-timed takedown into submission offense could be his best chance at a win. Still, closing the distance will be his biggest focus as Crute could prove to be physically stronger compared to his opponent. He could benefit from landing elbows and short punches in the clinch in an effort to tire his opponent out. We have to give Crute the slight advantage in a three-round fight given his recent experience. Why Marcin Prachnio Will Win Last Fight: (L) Modestas Bukauskas – SUB (arm triangle choke, R3) Last 5: 2-3 Finishes: 11 KO/TKO, 1 SUB Marcin Prachnio is searching for some consistency after alternating wins and losses over the last four fights. With three of his four UFC wins coming by way of unanimous decision, Prachnio is certainly capable of turning in a complete performance and can pace himself over three rounds. His knockout power is evident with 11 KO's to his name, but he's deceptively good at managing the range and keeping opponents distant with his power threat. Marcin Prachnio lands on 54% of his significant strikes and defends strikes at the same rate. Crute's defense falls to just 42% and he's absorbing almost as many strikes per minute as he's landing. Prachnio's ratio is much better as he's landing 5.57 strikes per minute, so his output can be consistent if he's able to find his rhythm. For Prachnio, this fight will be all about figuring the awkward timing of Crute and countering when his opponent lunges to close the distance. Crute is much more rigid and stiff with his movements, so Prachnio could benefit from being the looser, more fluid fighter on the feet. Final Jimmy Crute-Marcin Prachnio Prediction & Pick While Jimmy Crute comes in as the rightful betting favorite, I feel as though these odds should be much closer given each fighter's last five fights. While Prachnio has seen his losses, he's also found paths to victory in fighting towards decisions. Jimmy Crute hasn't been able to do enough to avoid 'Draw' rulings, so the thought of another similar performance could be weighing on his psyche. Jimmy Crute's biggest advantage here will be his ground game and ability to threaten submissions. However, if Prachnio is able to stuff the takedowns and get back to his feet, this fight could be much closer on the feet than people may think. Ultimately, Prachnio has the cleaner striking rhythm and could put the pressure on late in the third round if he's finding success early. For our final prediction, we'll take an underdog shot on Marcin Prachnio to win this fight by decision with his striking in the later rounds. He's shown small signs of improvement as of late and it's hard to back a Jimmy Crute with such high odds given he hasn't cashed since 2020. Final Jimmy Crute-Marcin Prachnio Prediction & Pick: Marcin Prachnio (+250) Related: Ryan Spann vs. Lukasz Brzeski prediction, odds, pick for UFC 318 Related: Brunno Ferreira vs. Jackson McVey prediction, odds, pick for UFC 318
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Feels Nice To Be The Hunter And Not The Hunted'
'Rule number one about fight club, never underestimate Jon Jones' - Jon Jones This past weekend, former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Heavyweight champion Jones surprised fans with the announcement that he's seemingly no longer retired and has re-entered the drug testing pool, despite previously insisting he was done fighting and ready to hang up his gloves for good. Advertisement Today (Mon., July 7, 2025), 'Bones' posted on Twitter/X, basically claiming he's thrilled to no longer be the champion, embracing the role of a 'hunter' for the first time. 'It feels nice to be the hunter and not the hunted for once,' Jones wrote. Apparently, the former two-division champion has a selective memory. Just two years ago, he chased and won the Heavyweight title at UFC 285, defeating Ciryl Gane for the vacant belt (watch highlights)—not to mention the multiple times he fought for the Light Heavyweight title after being stripped. With the mind games Jones has played since defeating Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 last year (watch highlights), it's anyone's guess whether he'll truly return as a 'hunter.' He was adamant about retiring, yet now he's teasing a comeback—perhaps even angling for a headline-grabbing fight at the White House next year. Advertisement Only time will tell. To checkout UFC's upcoming schedule of events click here. More from
India Today
22-06-2025
- Sport
- India Today
Jon Jones issues statement after UFC retirement, breaks silence on legal trouble claims
Jon Jones has issued a lengthy statement following his retirement from UFC on Saturday, June 21. UFC CEO Dana White revealed that Jones had called them to say that he has chosen to retire and Tom Aspinall would be the new UFC Heavyweight champion. 'Bones' made his debut in 2008 at the age of 21 and became the youngest champion in the history of the organisation by winning the Light Heavyweight strap by beating Shogun Rua. Jones had one of the most dominant title reigns in MMA history and went on to claim the UFC Heavyweight title by beating Ciryl Gane at UFC 285. His final bout with the UFC came up against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 in November 2024. advertisementTaking to X, Jones said that the decision came after a lot of reflection and thanked the UFC, Dana White, family, team and his fans. The former Heavyweight champion said that he is looking forward to new opportunities and challenges and claimed that the best is yet to come. "Today, I'm officially announcing my retirement from the UFC. This decision comes after a lot of reflection, and I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for the journey I've experienced over the years.""From the first time I stepped into the Octagon, my goal was to push the boundaries of what was possible in this sport. Becoming the youngest UFC champion in history, defending my title against some of the best fighters in the world, and sharing unforgettable moments with fans across the globe—these are memories I'll cherish forever. I've faced incredible highs and some tough lows, but every challenge has taught me something valuable and made me stronger, both as a fighter and as a person."advertisement"I want to thank the UFC, Dana, Hunter, Lorenzo, God, my family, coaches, teammates, and all the fans who have stood by me through every chapter. Your unwavering support and belief in me have been my foundation. To my fellow fighters, thank you for bringing out the best in me and for the respect we've shared inside and outside the cage.""As I close this chapter of my life, I look forward to new opportunities and challenges ahead. MMA will always be a part of who I am, and I'm excited to see how I can continue to contribute to the sport and inspire others in new ways. Thank you all for being part of this incredible journey with me. The best is yet to come," read the statement from Jones. 'Don't believe everything you read online'There were reports that emerged on Saturday right after the retirement announcement that Jones was being charged for misdemeanor for fleeing an accident scene. Jones addressed the claims with a cryptic tweet, saying that the media can get things wrong at times and don't believe everything you read online. advertisement"Keep in mind, even the media can get it wrong sometimes if they don't have all the facts. Don't believe everything you read online," said Jones. Jones ended his career with a record of 28 wins, 1 loss and 1 no-contest.
