Latest news with #UFC315
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Valentina Shevchenko Embraces ‘Self-Expression' After Bold Move to OnlyFans for Exclusive Content
Images via Imagn and Valentina Shevchenko's Instagram: Valentina Shevchenko Valentina Shevchenko is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished fighters in UFC history. Often ranked just behind Amanda Nunes on the list of all-time great female fighters, Shevchenko's legacy includes 10 title fight victories, solidifying her dominance inside the Octagon. Her lethal combination of technical precision and Muay Thai mastery has made her a relentless force in the flyweight division. Beyond her achievements in combat sports, Shevchenko has become a global inspiration for women, encouraging them to pursue their dreams with confidence and independence. Recently, she joined OnlyFans, citing both financial and personal fulfillment, and in doing so, 'Bullet' continues to empower others by owning her narrative and doubling down on her message of self-belief. Valentina Shevchenko Shares Her Experience After Joining OnlyFans in December 2024 In December of last year, Valentina Shevchenko expanded her brand by launching an OnlyFans account, aiming to share exclusive content with her supporters, available to those who subscribe. She's not the first UFC fighter to join the platform. Names like Paige VanZant, Jessica Andrade, Stipe Miocic, and Cory Sandhagen have also signed up in recent years. While OnlyFans has long been associated with adult content, its image is evolving. Today, it's becoming a popular platform for combat sports athletes to connect with fans, offer behind-the-scenes content, and grow their brands on their terms. Continuing that trend, the reigning flyweight champion took to her Instagram account and uploaded some pictures with an empowering caption. 'Being on OF is an incredible journey of self-expression and empowerment! I can share my passions and build real connections with my fans. @BulletValentina. Go behind the scenes with the UFC champ! 🥇 (OF: BulletValentina)' Recently, Shevchenko defeated Manon Foirot at UFC 315 to retain her 125-pound crown, and a bigger challenge certainly awaits the future UFC Hall of Famer. Will the UFC Book Valentina Shevchenko vs. Zhang Weili in 2025? A blockbuster women's champion vs. champion clash could soon be on the horizon, as UFC flyweight queen Valentina Shevchenko and strawweight titleholder Zhang Weili appear to be on a collision course for 2025. Zhang's most recent title defense came in dominant fashion, defeating Tatiana Suarez by unanimous decision at UFC 312 in February. Interestingly, before that bout was finalized, Zhang hinted that there were discussions about moving up to challenge Shevchenko for the 125-pound title instead. After her win, both Zhang and UFC CEO Dana White reignited talks of the potential superfight, with White saying he was 'probably going to say yes' to whatever the 115-pound title holder wanted next. Following her stellar performance at UFC 315, Shevchenko also expressed interest in the matchup, speaking with Ariel Helwani just before the Canadian pay-per-view. Confident and composed, 'Bullet' made her stance clear, 'Why not? Who else? I think it would be [an] amazing fight. I think it would be something that fans would love to see,' Shevchenko said of a possible showdown with Zhang. Also read: Nick Hogan Breaks Silence with Emotional Message After Hulk Hogan's Death at 71 For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
USA Today
4 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
UFC on ABC 9: Shara Magomedov vs. Marc-Andre Barriault odds, picks and predictions
In a 3-round middleweight bout on the main card, Shara Magomedov and Marc-Andre Barriault meet Saturday at UFC on ABC 9 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The prelims begin at noon ET (ESPN / ESPN+), and the main card at 3 p.m. (ABC / ESPN+). Their fight is expected to start at approximately 4:15 p.m. ET. Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's UFC odds around the UFC on ABC 9: Magomedov vs. Barriault odds, and make our expert UFC picks and predictions. Records: Magomedov (15-1-0) | Barriault (17-9-0) The 31-year-old Magomedov is looking to rebound from a unanimous-decision, February loss to Michael Page, the first loss of his MMA career across 16 bouts since December 2017. He was 4-0 in his first 4 fights at the UFC level, including a pair of KO/TKO wins, and 2 victories by way of unanimous decision. His signature win was against Armen Petrosyan at UFC 308 last October with a KO/TKO in the second round. The Canadian Barriault -- a.k.a. "Powerbar" -- was able to record an opening-round KO/TKO against Bruno Silva at UFC 315 May 10, halting a 3-bout losing skid. Each of his past 3 fights ended via KO/TKO, winning once and losing twice. In his past 9 fights, Barriault has gone the distance just twice. In those decisions, he lost to Chris Curtis at UFC 297 in January 2024, while topping Eryk Anders at UFC 289 in June 2023. Barriault has a 1-inch reach advantage, while holding a slim 6.02-to-5.87 significant-strikes-landed-per-minute advantage, according to Magomedov is much more accurate with those strikes, however, posting a 68.76% mark, while Barriault checks in at 51.00%. Watch this card with ESPN+ by signing up here. UFC on ABC 9: Magomedov vs. Barriault odds Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 7:04 p.m. ET. UFC on ABC 9: Magomedov vs. Barriault picks and predictions Fight result (2-way line or moneyline) Magomedov (-650) will cost 6½ times the potential return. That's way too much risk for not enough reward. Even as part of a multi-leg parlay, including Magomedov sucks all of the value from your ticket. If you want to take a side in this potentially lopsided fight, you need to get more specific. Barriault's last 3 fights ended via KO/TKO -- he went 1-2 in those fights. Magomedov has 2 KO/TKO wins in the past 4 outings. Off these trends, I like MAGOMEDOV BY KO/TKO OR DQ (-140) on the 7-way line. Play our free daily Pick'em Challenge and win! Play now! Over/Under No (-210): "Fight will go the distance" is just a little too expensive for a standalone bet, costing more than 2 times the potential return. Let's take a chance on UNDER 1.5 ROUNDS (+135) at plus-money. Barriault's past 3 fights have each ended in Round 1 via KO/TKO, with him winning against Silva last time out (May) after dropping the previous 2 bouts in the first round. Since we're banking on a short, sweet victory for Magomedov, consider BARRIAULT: UNDER 0.5 TOTAL TAKEDOWNS (-135) ... especially since Magomedov has never had a win or loss via submission. Visit MMA Junkie for more fight news and analysis. For more sports betting picks and tips, check out and BetFTW. Follow Daniel Dobish on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and us on Facebook.
USA Today
5 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Marc-Andre Barriault admits he wasn't initially thrilled UFC offered Shara Magomedov
ABU DHABI – Marc-Andre Barriault was offered Shara Magomedov just days after potentially saving his UFC job. Barriault (17-9 MMA, 6-8 UFC) takes on rising middleweight contender Shara Magomedov (15-1 MMA, 4-1 UFC) on Saturday's UFC on ABC 9 main card at Etihad Arena on Yas Island (ABC, ESPN, ESPN+). Barriault snapped a three-fight losing skid with a brutal knockout of Bruno Silva at UFC 315 in May, which led to a Performance of the Night bonus and a new contract. "The fight in Montreal was one of the best highlights of my career for sure," Barriault told MMA Junkie during Wednesday's UFC on ABC 9 media day. "As soon as I got back home, less than 48 hours I was on the phone with my manager. All good news for sure, but I was kind of like, 'OK, I need to jump back right away,' but it's OK. "At this point in my career, I just want to make the most of it. I've been here for six years now so, I feel like I'm at my peak right now, and I'm super happy that the UFC gave me this opportunity to come and fight this guy for sure." However, drawing the dangerous Magomedov less than a week after his career-highlight win left the Canadian a little confused. "I'm not gonna lie, at first, I was like, 'OK, why they offer me this guy?,'" Barriault said. "Stylistically, I was not super excited at first, but the more I was thinking about the matchup, the fight and also all the confidence I gained after my last fight, I was like, 'OK Marc, you belong here, you can fight with anybody in this division.' I have what it takes to be here." Magomedov is coming off his first-career loss to Michael Page in February, but Barriault won't put too much stock into that. He plans on bringing the fight to him. "People try to do the mirror effect with him," Barriault said. "He tries to draw you into his style, into his game. To play the range, the distance game, the bouncing. I'm a striker, but we are both different strikers. Me, I like to close the range, fight in the inside, dirty boxing, but I have a couple of good weapons also in my sleeve to play. But, I just want to be smart, do my thing, and I think everything is going to be fine."
USA Today
5 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Coach, Khabib Nurmagomedov agree: Jack Della Maddalena toughest test for Islam Makhachev
ABU DHABI – Like Khabib Nurmagomedov, Javier Mendez is not underestimating Jack Della Maddalena. Former 155-pound champion Islam Makhachev (27-1 MMA, 16-1 UFC) will look to claim a second UFC belt when he challenges welterweight champion Della Maddalena (18-2 MMA, 8-0 UFC) later in the year. Nurmagomedov called Della Maddalena Makhachev's toughest fight – even over lightweight champion Ilia Topuria, and their head coach Mendez agrees. "I'm going to have to one million percent agree with Khabib, I think this is our toughest test," Mendez told MMA Junkie. "This is my and Khabib's biggest responsibility to make sure we get Islam in tip-top shape and ready to do what we think and what we believe he will do, and that's win, but it's not going to be easy. "If we make it look easy, it's because we were properly prepared, and Jack just happened to give us what we needed, but this is by no means a walkover fight. This is a really tough fight, and we have immense respect for Jack and their team and what they can do." So what makes Della Maddalena such a threat? "I think what makes JDM so dangerous No. 1 is he's unbeaten for quite a while," Mendez said. "He's had quite a long win streak, and the fact that this guy mixes it up extremely well. He goes to the body, to the head, and he doesn't just stick to head hunting. He mixes it all up. He goes body, punch, then also the kick comes. "With him, his takedown defense is really, really good also. So, we are not in a situation where we can think we're going to go to the ground. No, we got to see what he's going to give us, and probably we're going to have to make him give us something because I don't know if he's going to. He's really that good." Mendez assures that unlike Belal Muhammad, who opted to mainly stand and strike with Della Maddalena in his UFC 315 title loss, Makhachev won't divert from the game plan. "When I looked at Belal, he stuck primarily to one thing, was more the standup," Mendez told MMA Junkie. "With Islam, I've always told everybody, we can switch up second for second, minute for minute, round for round. Whatever Khabib and I, and the other coaches need to do, we will do and Islam will follow our instructions. He always has. If there's one thing I can say about Islam is whatever I say, Khabib says, we're on the same track, we're not on the same track, he listens to us."
USA Today
6 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Shara Magomedov says Marc-Andre Barriault's pressure will give him a 'predatory feeling'
ABU DHABI – Shara Magomedov thinks Marc-Andre Barriault's forward-pressure is tailor made for his style. Magomedov (15-1 MMA, 4-1 UFC) takes on Barriault (17-9 MMA, 6-8 UFC) in a middleweight bout on Saturday's UFC on ABC 9 (ABC, ESPN, ESPN+) main card at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Magomedov will look to rebound from his first-career loss to Michael Page at UFC Fight Night 250 in February. "I never really was worried about that zero as possibly my fans were worried about that zero and the fact that I was undefeated," Magomedov told reporters including MMA Junkie in Wednesday's media day. "It just happened that I lost, but we understand what happened, we kind of draw our own results from that, we learn from that and keep moving forward." Barriault has shown to be a kill or be killed type of fighter, with his past nine fights ending by stoppage. He was able to snap a three-fight losing skid with a brutal knockout of Bruno Silva just two months ago at UFC 315. "Bullet" thinks Barriault's style caters to his. "I like when I get pressured in that way because once I see that danger, once I see him coming towards me, I get some sort of predatory feeling," Magomedov said. "Like a feeling of trying to liquidate this pressure, this danger that's coming towards me so, this way it pressures me to show all my aspects that I have to dismantle this threat that's coming towards me." Magomedov will look to pick up right where he left off prior to losing to Page. "I'm pretty sure with this victory and maybe two, three more fights that I'm going to be right there, right back at the top of the division," Magomedov said. "Potentially I'll be breathing already in the back of the top five if I show one, two good finishes, and I'll be right there. I'll be in the talks to potentially get the rematch."
