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Time of India
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
'I am not fighting again' - Two-time UFC featherweight champ Jose Aldo shuts down boxing rumors after announcing retirement
Jose Aldo. Photo by Brandon Magnus/One of the greatest featherweights of all time, Jose Aldo , recently opened up on his boxing return rumors after the fighter hung up his gloves after a unanimous loss to Aiemann Zahabi at UFC 315. In a recent episode of the Ariel Helwani Show , the two-time featherweight champion clarified his stance on the retirement decision and emphasized that the fighter has other important things in his life right now than fighting. Jose Aldo reveals the real reason behind stepping back into the Octagon after announcing retirement once in 2022 Jose Aldo, who won the featherweight title twice, defended his title 9 consecutive times, the highest for any fighter across the promotion. Even though his career ended on a two-match losing streak, the fighter has been regarded as one of the best in the entire division across time. While Aldo officially retires, it is not the first time, though, that the fighter has announced his retirement. Aldo previously retired once in 2022, after a unanimous loss to Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 278. The retirement led to a brief stint in the world of boxing by the fighter before finally returning to the UFC. Junior's run in the world of boxing was quite an impressive one where the fighter won two out of the three matches, one resulting in a draw. The brief stint led to the combat sports fans to believe that they might get to see Aldo once again inside the ring even after his recent retirement announcement. Jose Aldo Reveals Truth Behind His Decision To Retire, Discusses Failed Weight Cut at UFC 315 Aldo addressed the rumor in the recent Ariel Helwani Show episode, where he was specifically asked about the very speculation amongst the community. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like サントリーロコモアが５,９４０→１,０８０円で試せる ロコモア こちらをクリック Undo The fighter stated, 'I made the decision right then and there, win or lose, independent of the result, I was sure of what was gonna happen. As you know, I stopped for boxing for a brief period of time and then there was something in my heart that touched me to go back to the UFC. I didn't do it for the money.' Aldo clarified the reason he stepped back into the Octagon, 'I did it to continue my story and my history because if it was for the money, I would have gone to another organisation and got more money for it. Win or lose, the decision was made… I'm not fighting again. I have other things going on for me.' Also read: Jake Paul open to MMA bout with Logan Paul, but dismisses it as 'just for fun' The fighter's statement solidified the stance of retirement, as he doesn't plan to fight anymore in any kind of combat sports. Aldo, owing to his extraordinary achievement made in the field of MMA, was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in the year 2023. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
USA Today
09-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Eric Del Fierro reflects on former UFC champion Dominick Cruz's mindset
Eric Del Fierro reflects on former UFC champion Dominick Cruz's mindset Eric Del Fierro experienced all of former UFC champion Dominick Cruz's ebbs and flows. Cruz (24-4 MMA, 7-3 UFC) is largely responsible for putting the lower weight classes on the MMA map. The former WEC and UFC champion is widely considered one of the greatest bantamweights of all time. An injury riddled career prevented Cruz from having a long title reign, but the Alliance MMA standout was able to defy the odds on numerous occasions throughout his career. After defending his UFC bantamweight title with a win over Demetrious Johnson in October 2011, Cruz eventually vacated his belt due to injuries, which required multiple surgeries. He then returned from a three-year layoff to finish Takeya Mizugaki in the first round at UFC 278. Injuries struck Cruz again as he was forced into another layoff, but that never deterred him. He returned from a 16-month layoff to dethrone T.J. Dillashaw and become a two-time UFC bantamweight champion in January 2016. His head coach, Del Fierro, was by his side for the incredible moment. "He's always been a phenomenal athlete," Del Fierro told MMA Junkie Radio of Cruz. "I think Dominick's biggest strength has always been his mindset. He's never let the naysayers or the crowd influence who shows up to fight. Like any athlete, you have doubts. You have fears. I think his mindset was he was able to overcome all those injuries and get through it and still show up to fight and still win and be at the top of the game for so many years. I think now transitioning into something else, he's still embracing that mindset and willing to pass that onto up-and-coming fighters as well." Cruz spent the second half of his career as a UFC commentator and will continue behind the desk after announcing his retirement in February. The 40-year-old decided it was time to call it a career after being forced to pull out of February's UFC Fight Night 252 matchup against Rob Font once again due to injury. Cruz's final fight was in August 2022 when he was knocked out by a Marlon Vera head kick in their main event.
USA Today
06-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
UFC 315 pre-event facts: Belal Muhammad's resume shines ahead of first title defense
The UFC returns to Montreal after more than 10 years on Saturday with UFC 315, which goes down at Bell Centre and featured a championship doubleheader atop the main card, which streams on ESPN+ pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN and ESPN+. Both champions will be looking to make the first defense of their current reigns, with welterweight titleholder Belal Muhammad (24-3 MMA, 15-3 UFC) set to take on Jack Della Maddalena (17-2 MMA, 7-0 UFC) in the main event, and women's flyweight champ Valentina Shevchenko (24-4-1 MMA, 13-3-1 UFC) slated to put gold on the line against Manon Fiorot (12-1 MMA, 7-0 UFC). The undercard also features a UFC Hall of Famer, three former champions and more. To go inside the numbers, check below for MMA Junkie's pre-event facts about UFC 315. Belal Muhammad vs. Jack Della Maddalena Belal Muhammad Muhammad is the first and only Palestinian champion in UFC history. Muhammad is one of 12 fighters to hold the undisputed UFC welterweight title. Muhammad is 14-1 with one no contest in his past 15 fights dating back to February 2017. His lone defeat came against Geoff Neal at UFC on ESPN+ 1. Muhammad's 11-fight UFC unbeaten streak at welterweight is the longest active streak in the division. Muhammad's 11-fight UFC unbeaten streak is fourth-longest among active fighters in the company behind Jon Jones (20), Islam Makhachev (15) and Merab Dvalishvili (12). Muhammad's 15 victories in UFC welterweight competition are tied for sixth-most in divisional history behind Neil Magny (22), Georges St-Pierre (19), Matt Brown (17), Matt Hughes (16) and Vicente Luque (16). Muhammad has earned 18 of his 24 career victories by decision. That includes 12 of his 15 UFC wins. Muhammad's 12 decision victories in UFC welterweight competition are tied with St-Pierre for second-most in divisional history behind Magny (14). Muhammad's 12 decision victories in UFC competition are tied for third-most in company history behind Magny (14) and Brad Tavares (14). Muhammad vs. Leon Edwards at UFC 304 is one of four matchups in history to feature two competitors on UFC unbeaten streaks of 10 or more fights. Edwards vs. Kamaru Usman (UFC 278), Islam Makhachev vs. Charles Oliveira (UFC 280), and Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski (UFC 284) were the others. Jack Della Maddalena Della Maddalena returns to competition for the firs time since March 9, 2024. The 427-day layoff is the longest of his more than nine-year career. Della Maddalena is on a 17-fight winning streak after starting his career 0-2. He hasn't suffered a defeat since May 2016. Della Maddalena's seven-fight UFC winning streak at welterweight is tied with Shavkat Rakhmonov for the longest active streak in the division. Della Maddalena has earned 14 of his 17 career victories by stoppage. That includes five of his seven UFC wins Della Maddalena lands 6.62 significant strikes per minute in UFC welterweight competition, the third-highest rate in divisional history behind Daniel Rodriguez (7.55) and Duane Ludwig (6.74). Della Maddalena defends 66.7 percent of all opponent significant strike attempts in UFC welterweight competition, the best rate among active fighters in the weight class. Valentina Shevchenko vs. Manon Fiorot Valentina Shevchenko Shevchenko is the only two-time women's flyweight champion in UFC history. Shevchenko is one of three women's flyweight champions in UFC history. Alexa Grasso and Nicco Montano also accomplished the feat. Shevchenko's nine victories in UFC women's flyweight championship fights are most in divisional history. Shevchenko's nine victories in UFC women's championship fights are second-most in company history behind Amanda Nunes (11). Shevchenko three-fight series with Grasso is the only female trilogy bout in UFC history. Shevchenko is 10-1-1 since she dropped to the UFC flyweight division in February 2018. Shevchenko's 10 victories in UFC women's flyweight competition are most in divisional history. Shevchenko's five stoppage victories in UFC women's flyweight competition are second-most in divisional history behind Gillian Robertson (seven). Shevchenko's four knockout victories in UFC women's flyweight competition are most in divisional history. Shevchenko is one of 11 fighters in history to end a UFC title fight with a knockout stemming from a head kick. She accomplished the feat at UFC 238. Shevchenko is the only fighter in UFC history to earn multiple knockouts stemming from the crucifix position. She accomplished the feat at UFC 247 and UFC 261. Shevchenko absorbs just 1.75 significant strikes per minute in UFC women's flyweight competition, the best rate in divisional history. Shevchenko has completed at least one takedown in 16 of her 17 UFC appearances. That includes in 12 consecutive bouts. Shevchenko's 47 takedowns landed in UFC women's flyweight competition are most in divisional history. Shevchenko lands 68.1 percent of her takedown attempts in UFC women's flyweight competition, the second-best rate in divisional history behind Taila Santos (75 percent). Shevchenko's two fight-night bonuses for UFC women's flyweight bouts are tied for second-most in divisional history behind Molly McCann (three). Manon Fiorot Fiorot's seven-fight UFC winning streak at women's flyweight is the longest active streak in the division. Fiorot's two knockout victories in UFC women's flyweight competition are tied for third-most in divisional history behind Shevchenko (four) and Barber (three). Fiorot defends 68.6 percent of all opponent significant strike attempts in UFC women's flyweight competition, the second-best rate in divisional history behind Mara Romero Borella (71.2 percent). Jose Aldo vs. Aiemann Zahabi Jose Aldo Jose Aldo (32-9 MMA, 14-8 UFC) is the only two-time UFC featherweight titleholder in history and one of 16 overall in company history to have two reigns in a single weight class. Aldo is 1-1 since he returned from retirement in May 2024. Aldo is 4-4 since he dropped to the bantamweight division in December 2019. Aldo's average fight time of 17:18 in UFC bantamweight competition is the second-longest in divisional history behind Dominick Cruz (18:20). Aldo's 18 UFC/WEC featherweight victories are third-most in combined divisional history behind Max Holloway (20) and Cub Swanson (20). Aldo's 11 stoppage victories in UFC/WEC featherweight competition are tied with Holloway for most in combined divisional history. Aldo's 11 knockout victories in UFC/WEC featherweight competition are most in combined divisional history. Aldo defends 92.5 percent of opponent takedown attempts in UFC bantamweight competition, the best rate among active fighters in the weight class. Aiemann Zahabi Aiemann Zahabi's (12-2 MMA, 6-2 UFC) five-fight UFC winning streak at bantamweight is tied for the fourth-longest active streak in the division behind Merab Dvalishvili (11), Mario Bautista (seven) and Montel Jackson (six). Zahabi has earned four of his six UFC victories by decision. Zahabi defends 71.2 percent of all opponent significant strike attempts in UFC bantamweight competition, the third-highest rate in divisional history behind Vaughan Lee (71.5 percent) and Miles Johns (71.3 percent). Alexa Grasso vs. Natalia Silva Alexa Grasso Alexa Grasso (16-4-1 MMA, 8-4-1 UFC) is the only Mexican female champion in UFC history. Grasso is one of three women's flyweight champions in UFC history. Shevchenko and Montano also accomplished the feat. Grasso's three-fight series with Shevchenko is the only female trilogy bout in UFC history. Grasso vs. Shevchenko at UFC Fight Night 227 is one of six championship fights in modern UFC history to end in a draw. Grasso is 5-1-1 since she moved up to the UFC women's flyweight division in August 2020. Natalia Silva Natalia Silva's (18-5-1 MMA, 6-0 UFC) six-fight UFC winning streak at women's flyweight is tied with Maycee Barber for the second-longest active streak in the division behind Fiorot (seven). Silva's two knockdowns landed in UFC women's flyweight competition are tied for third-most in divisional history behind T. Santos (three) and Ariane Da Silva (three). Silva is one of five fighters in UFC history to earn a knockout stemming from a spinning back kick to the head. She accomplished the feat at UFC Fight Night 215. Silva defends 91.7 percent of all opponent takedown attempts in UFC women's flyweight competition, the best rate in divisional history. Silva's two fight-night bonuses for UFC women's flyweight bouts are tied for second-most in divisional history behind McCann (three). Benoit Saint Denis vs. Kyle Prepolec Benoit Saint Denis (13-3 MMA, 5-3 UFC) enters the event on the first losing skid of his career. He hasn't earned a victory since November 2023. Kyle Prepolec (18-8 MMA, 0-2 UFC) returns to the UFC for the first time since September 2019. He went 4-1 between stints with the organization. Jessica Andrade vs. Jasmine Jasudavicius Jessica Andrade (26-13 MMA, 17-11 UFC) competes in her 29th UFC bout, the most appearances by any female in company history. Andrade is one of 18 fighters in UFC history to earn victories in three weight classes. She's the only female to accomplish the feat, winning at bantamweight, flyweight and strawweight. Andrade is the only fighter in UFC history to have five or more fights in three different weight classes. Andrade's 17 UFC victories are the most by any female in company history. Andrade's 10 victories in UFC strawweight competition are tied for second-most in divisional history behind Angela Hill (12). Andrade's nine stoppage victories in UFC women's competition are third-most in company history behind Nunes (10) and Robertson (10). Andrade's six stoppage victories in UFC strawweight competition are most in divisional history. Andrade's four knockout victories in UFC strawweight competition are most in divisional history. Andrade is one of 14 fighters in UFC history to earn a knockout stemming from a slam. She accomplished the feat at UFC 237. Andrade is one of four in history to win a UFC title fight by knockout stemming from a slam. She accomplished the feat at UFC 237. Andrade is the only female in UFC history to land four knockdowns in a single fight. She accomplished the feat at UFC 295. Andrade landed 231 significant strikes at UFC 283, the second most in a three-round fight in UFC history behind Nate Diaz's 238 landed vs. Donald Cerrone at UFC 141. Andrade landed 242 total strikes against Claudia Gadelha at UFC Fight Night 117, the single-fight record for a UFC three-round strawweight bout. Andrade earned the only standing arm-triangle choke submission in UFC history with her finish of Amanda Lemos at UFC Fight Night 205. Andrade's 10 takedowns landed against Tecia Torres at UFC on FOX 29 are tied for the single-fight record for a women's UFC bout. Andrade's 11 fight-night bonuses for UFC bouts are most for any female in company history. Jasmine Jasudavicius' (13-3 MMA, 7-2 UFC) four-fight UFC winning streak at women's flyweight is tied for the fourth-longest active streak in the division behind Fiorot (seven), Barber (six) and Silva (six). Modestas Bukauskas vs. Ion Cutelaba Modestas Bukauskas (17-6 MMA, 5-4 UFC) is 4-1 since he returned to the UFC for a second stint in February 2023. Ion Cutelaba (19-10-1 MMA, 8-9-1 UFC) completes 52 percent of his takedown attempts in UFC light heavyweight competition, the fourth-best rate in divisional history behind Lyoto Machida (65 percent), Vitor Petrino (57.1 percent) and Jimmy Crute (52.8 percent). Marc-Andre Barriault vs. Bruno Silva Marc-Andre Barriault's (16-9 MMA, 5-8 UFC) victory at the 4:56 mark of Round 3 at UFC 260 marked the second latest stoppage in UFC middleweight history behind Garreth McLellan (4:58, Round 3) at UFC Fight Night 76. Bruno Silva's (23-12 MMA, 4-6 UFC) four-fight losing skid is the longest of his career. He hasn't earned a victory since April 2023. Brad Katona vs. Bekzat Almakhan Brad Katona (14-4 MMA, 4-4 UFC) is the only two-time winner of 'The Ultimate Fighter' reality series. UFC research analyst and live statistics producer Michael Carroll contributed to this story. Follow him on X @MJCflipdascript.
USA Today
30-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Michael Bisping: Kamaru Usman faces bleak future with UFC Atlanta loss to Joaquin Buckley
Michael Bisping: Kamaru Usman faces bleak future with UFC Atlanta loss to Joaquin Buckley Michael Bisping questions former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman's fighting future if he's unable to rebound at UFC on ESPN 69. Usman (20-4 MMA, 15-3 UFC) faces knockout artist Joaquin Buckley (21-6 MMA, 11-4 UFC) in the June 14 main event at State Farm Arena in Atlanta. Usman will look to snap a three-fight losing skid. He hasn't competed since losing a short-notice fight to No. 1 middleweight contender Khamzat Chimaev in October 2023. If Usman fails to stop the streaking Buckley, Bisping thinks he needs to consider retirement. "If Kamaru Usman loses this fight, will that be the end of his career? I'm not throwing any shade," Bisping said on his YouTube channel. "I've got nothing but the greatest respect and deep admiration for Kamaru Usman. He's a solid human being, he's an incredible fighter, he's been a great ambassador for this sport. However, 37 years old, hasn't been too active, and then if you lose four in a row, maybe it's time to think about walking away from the sport. "As I say, I don't say that lightly. He's a great guy, but we know Joaquin Buckely is coming into this one revved up. This is the biggest fight of his career. They always are, by the way. But this one is the big one. This one is the final hurdle, this is the one that gets him a title fight, maybe if he's victorious. He's only 30 years old." Prior to losing three fights in a row, Usman had defended his welterweight title five times. Many could argue that Usman's losses aren't a clear indication that his best days are behind him after he was en route to a dominant decision over Leon Edwards at UFC 278 before getting caught with a last-minute head kick. He lost a close decision to Edwards in their trilogy at UFC 286, then impressed in a majority decision loss to the dominant Chimaev at UFC 294.
USA Today
22-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
UFC Fight Night 255: Leon Edwards vs. Sean Brady odds, picks and predictions
In a 5-round welterweight bout in the main event, Leon Edwards and Sean Brady meet at UFC Fight Night 255 — also known as UFC on ESPN+ 113 and UFC London — Saturday at the O2 Arena in London. Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's UFC odds around the UFC Fight Night 255: Edwards vs. Brady odds, and make our expert picks and predictions. The prelims start at 1 p.m. ET with the main card beginning at 4 p.m. (ESPN+). Records: Edwards (22-4-0) | Brady (17-1-0) Edwards was expected to face Jack Della Maddalena, but the Australian fighter dropped the fight to set up a battle with UFC welterweight champ Belal Muhammad May 10 instead. Edwards is looking to rebound after losing the welterweight strap against Belal Muhammad at UFC 304 in a rematch fight. He won the belt from Kamaru Usman at UFC 278, and successfully defended it twice before losing last time out. The Englishman has ended up going the distance in 3 consecutive outings, while fighting into the 5th round in 5 straight bouts. He had ended up going the distance 12 times in the past 16 fights since July 18, 2015, which is an incredible amount of mileage at the UFC level over the past decade. Brady is trying to position himself for a run at a welterweight championship. He won by unanimous decision last time out against Gilbert Burns in a main event in a fight night, and that came on the heels of a submission win over veteran Kelvin Gastelum. Like Edwards, Brady also has a loss on his ledger against Muhammad, coming via KO/TKO in Round 2 at UFC 280. The southpaw Edwards holds a 2-inch reach advantage, while Brady has a 4.09-to-2.68 significant strikes landed per minute advantage. Brady is also a little more accurate at 67.30% on those strikes, while posting a 3.49 takedown average and 52.0% takedown accuracy percentage. Watch this card with ESPN+ by signing up here. UFC Fight Night 255: Edwards vs. Brady odds Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:50 a.m. ET. Fight result (2-way line) : Edwards +125 (bet $100 to win $125) | Brady -150 (bet $150 to win $100) : Edwards +125 (bet $100 to win $125) | Brady -150 (bet $150 to win $100) Total rounds: 4.5 (Over -210 | Under +155) 4.5 (Over -210 | Under +155) Will the fight go the distance? (Yes -185 | No +130) UFC Fight Night 255: Edwards vs. Brady picks and predictions EDWARDS (+125) is a championship caliber fighter. While Brady is an up-and-comer, his time is not quite now. Edwards will be fighting in front of his fellow countrymen in England, too, and it will be a very hostile environment for the challenger. The former champ will use his 2-inch reach advantage to push and pull Bray out at his discretion, and Edwards knows how to do the things the judges want to see. EDWARDS ON POINTS (+225) is worth a roll of the dice, too, for the chance to more than double up. Over 4.5 Rounds (-210) is a little on the expensive side, costing more than 2 times your potential return. As a straight wager, it isn't recommended, although you can't be faulted for folding it into a multi-leg parlay, especially if you're able to use a boost. YES (-185): WILL THE FIGHT GO THE DISTANCE? is also a little on the pricey side, but it is a better play the the O/U on rounds, costing you a little bit less. Visit MMA Junkie for more fight news and analysis. For more sports betting picks and tips, check out and BetFTW. Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and us on Facebook.
