Latest news with #bantamweight
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Former UFC champion officially back in anti-doping program
Former UFC women's two-division champion Amanda Nunes appears set on fighting once again. Nunes, who announced her retirement in 2023, has officially entered back into the UFC's anti-doping program. Nunes was drug tested over the last seven days, as numbers are updated weekly on the UFC's anti-doping website. The results come from random tests, so the exact time of her return to the anti-doping program is unknown. MORE: UFC 318 results featuring Max Holloway vs. Dustin Poirier 3 Following a title-winning performance from Kayla Harrison earlier this year over Julianna Pena, Nunes made it known that she was planning to return and look to claim back the bantamweight title. The 37-year-old is the only female fighter to win UFC championships in multiple weight classes. She is also the only UFC fighter to defend two titles in two different weight classes while actively holding them at the same time. Her last fight came in June 2023 at UFC 289 when she defending the bantamweight belt with a decision over Irene Aldana. Nunes lost to Pena in 2021 but earned a victory in the rematch in July 2022. MORE COMBAT SPORTS NEWS: PFL Results: Costello Van Steenis claims title Vitor Belfort, Wanderlei Silva set stage for September bout PFL Hollywood to host pair of tournament finales Special guest to walk Dustin Poirier to UFC 318 Octagon UFC heavyweight scores convincing win, puts on a show PFL Charlotte to feature three title fights
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Bryce Mitchell adamant only he can beat Merab Dvalishvili: 'I'm going to shake things up'
ABU DHABI – Bryce Mitchell plans on breathing new life into the UFC bantamweight division. Mitchell (17-3 MMA, 8-3 UFC) takes on Said Nurmagomedov (18-4 MMA, 7-3 UFC) in his return to 135 pounds on July 26 at UFC on ABC 9 (ABC, ESPN, ESPN+) from Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Mitchell, who's trained with UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili (20-4 MMA, 13-2 UFC) in the past, thinks the division has hit a stagnant point and is confident that he can make some noise with his arrival. "I think it needs to be spiced up a little bit," Mitchell told MMA Junkie of the bantamweight division. "It just needs somebody like me in there to shake things up, and I can almost promise you I'm going to shake things up. ... They need something exciting right now because let's be honest: Nobody's going to beat Merab. Who's going to beat Merab? You're going to have to call somebody that can beat him because right now literally nobody can beat Merab. So they're going to realize that they need a guy like me. Here I am. Call me!" Could it be expected title challenger Cory Sandhagen? Mitchell was quick to dismiss the No. 1 contender's chances. "Thug Nasty" believes that with his size and grappling credentials, he's the only one who can truly push Dvalishvili. "Cory's going to lose, and that's what's going to happen," Mitchell said. "And you can watch the fight just to watch Cory get beat, but he's not going to win. Nobody's going to beat Merab unless they call somebody who knows how to. I love Merab, Merab's actually a great friend of mine, and I can promise you he's going to beat Cory. It's boring! Nobody wants to watch him win and not fight. Everybody wants to see a fight, and I'm telling you, I'm bringing a fight to this division. "It's going to shake things up. It's actually going to get people interested in this division again because once again, nobody wants to watch Merab win easily. ... I've got the only resume that can even possibly compete with him. All these other fights, I mean I guess it'll be a little bit entertaining because you get to see how Merab wins, but it's not going to be a fight. Cory Sandhagen's going to be fighting for air." This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC's Bryce Mitchell adamant only he can beat Merab Dvalishvili
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Lancashire's Cartwright eyes Oktagon MMA title belt
Bolton fighter, Jack Cartwright, will fight for the vacant OKTAGON MMA bantamweight title on August 9 against former UFC fighter, Igor Severino, in Prague. The pair had been scheduled to meet in April but an injury to the Lancastrian forced a postponement. Now the much-anticipated clash has a new date on the bill at OKTAGON 74 at the open-air venue in Štvanice. The loaded card is set to be one of the best European MMA events of the year, hosting a plethora of elite level talent. Severino drew global attention last year after being released from the UFC for biting his opponent during a match. The 21-year-old, who later embraced the nickname 'Hannibal Lecter,' was given a fresh start by OKTAGON and matched up against former bantamweight champion, Jonas Mågård, for his debut in the promotion. Severino showcased his impressive skills by defeating 'Shark' via decision in a thrilling contest. The Brazilian demanded a title shot in his post-fight interview, declaring he would crush anyone who stood in his path. This summer, he'll have the opportunity to back up that bold claim and show he's the top athlete in the division. But former Cage Warriors champion, Cartwright, made a strong impression in his OKTAGON debut in November 2023, submitting Júnior Assis just over two minutes into their match-up and he will want to shine again. The 31-year-old won in style last time out last September, securing a victory over Mate Sanikidze. With chances to capture gold on Europe's premier stage being rare, Cartwright is fully prepared to seize the moment by any means necessary. The Harwood star said: 'The delay to the original fight hasn't altered my approach at all. 'I've had this fight in mind the entire time and have been focused on doing everything possible to ensure I come away with an impressive victory and a world title.'
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Merab Dvalishvili sounds off on Umar Nurmagomedov: 'Where is he now?'
The post Merab Dvalishvili sounds off on Umar Nurmagomedov: 'Where is he now?' appeared first on ClutchPoints. Fresh off a remarkable run as bantamweight champion, Merab Dvalishvili has never shied away from speaking his mind on contenders and the ever-shifting landscape of the UFC's 135-pound division. In a candid recent interview, Dvalishvili set the MMA world abuzz with his pointed assessment of Umar Nurmagomedov, a fighter many believe is a legitimate threat but, according to the champion, hasn't done nearly enough to earn the top billing fans and pundits have thrust upon him. Dvalishvili's Message: 'Experience and Activity Matter' Dvalishvili was clear in drawing a line between the accomplished Petr Yan and the up-and-coming Nurmagomedov, stating, 'Petr Yan is better than Umar because Petr has already had many fights with top fighters. He has more experience. He's constantly active, constantly fighting.' The message: real championship pedigree comes not just from talent and potential but from enduring the crucible of the division's elite, night in and night out. 'Umar… we've only seen him fight against me and Cory. He needs to fight the top guys in the division. Sure, Umar is a good fighter, but he needs to stay busy all the time. Where is he now? Why isn't he fighting?' Dvalishvili pressed, echoing concerns shared by some observers who have watched the Dagestani standout's UFC trajectory stall due to injuries and scheduling woes these past seasons. The roots of this critique trace to what Dvalishvili values most in an opponent: activity and résumé. He sees Yan, who has run the gauntlet of former champions and perennial contenders, as a model of what it means to be at the top. Dvalishvili's take is unfiltered but steeped in respect for the grind, and it is this ethic that has carried him to the top of the sport. While acknowledging Nurmagomedov's skills and the brilliance that saw him rise through various levels of competition, Dvalishvili's central argument hinges on a gap in experience against the division's very best fight after fight. In his view, only by staying 'constantly active' and 'constantly fighting', and not disappearing from the rankings for months at a time, can a fighter truly lay claim to elite status. Of course, reacting to Dvalishvili's assessment, some fans have pointed to Umar's impeccable record and precision inside the Octagon; his victory over Cory Sandhagen and his technical acumen continue to turn heads. But for Merab, the proof is in the longevity and level of opposition. The question he poses, Where is he now?, lands with palpable frustration, alluding to a perceived absence that Dvalishvili believes diminishes any claim to a title shot ahead of more seasoned, more visibly active contenders. Merab Dvalishvili 2025 Fighter of the Year As Dvalishvili's career continues to surge, the MMA world recognized his achievements at the highest level when he won the 2025 Fighter of the Year ESPY. Dvalishvili's run through the bantamweight ranks wasn't just about grinding wins; it was about making statements. His victory was marked by consistency, tenacity, and a willingness to engage with every style and every challenge the division could throw at him. Whether defending his belt against top challengers or calling out those hiding in the shadows, Merab's style was assertive, his pace unrelenting. Winning the Fighter of the Year ESPY marked the first time a bantamweight had seized the award in several years, reaffirming his place not just atop the 135-pound landscape, but in the conversation for the best pound-for-pound athletes in the sport today. Furthermore, this achievement underscores the very argument Merab made about Nurmagomedov. Activity breeds recognition. Staying present, taking on all comers, and facing adversity head-on isn't just the foundation for winning titles, it's the path to capturing the hearts of fans and the respect of peers and pundits alike. As the bantamweight division continues to evolve and contenders jockey for the next shot at gold, Merab Dvalishvili's challenge to Umar Nurmagomedov lingers in the air: 'Where is he now? Why isn't he fighting?' For those who believe in the gospel of activity, the answer is simple. In MMA, as in life, you can only silence the critics by showing up and proving yourself, again and again, on the sport's biggest stage. Related: 5 best light heavyweight UFC fighters ever Related: UFC Abu Dhabi suffers major blow as Evloev vs. Pico pulled from card
News.com.au
12-07-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Aussie Cherneka Johnson becomes undisputed boxing world champion
Australian based Cherneka 'Sugar Neekz' Johnson is the new undisputed bantamweight world champion after producing a stellar performance on the women's boxing showcase in New York on Saturday (AEST). Fighting on the undercard of the trilogy fight between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano in Madison Square Garden, Johnson put on a clinic in her fight against American Shurretta Metcalf, securing a stoppage win late in the bout. Johnson dominated the fight and connected with a flurry of punches on Metcalf in the fourth round, causing her opponent to stumble and fall backwards to the canvas — which was ruled a knockdown. A clip of that moment shared by Netflix said: 'Cherneka Johnson BULLYING Shurretta Metcalf.' Johnson was well up on the scorecards when the referee said he wasn't satisfied with how Metcalf was reacting to the punches, waving off the fight before the ninth round could begin. Watch highlights from Cherneka Johnson's win in the video above The Aussie raised her arms in celebration and she held the IBF, WBA, WBC and WBO bantamweight belts in the ring in front of YouTube Jake Paul, who is a major backer of female fight cards. Johnson said: 'I've envisioned this moment so I already feel like I've been her before. 'This is my moment and I get to share it with my team. To be on this amazing card representing women's boxing, to showcase women in boxing, I'm so thankful and grateful.' Main Event's Ben Damon posted on X: 'Superstar performance from New Zealand-born, Australian-based Cherneka Johnson who is now the undisputed bantamweight champion of the world.' Johnson now has a record of 18-2 (8KOs). The 30-year-old had previously held the IBF super bantamweight title before losing to Brit Ellie Scotney in 2023. Scotney defeated Yamileth Mercardo on Saturday to retain her undisputed super bantamweight titles. It is a big week for Australian boxing, with Tim Tszyu taking on Sebastian Fundora in Las Vegas on July 20 as he seeks revenge for his loss in March last year than turned into a bloody war. Manny Pacquiao is also fighting on that card against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios.
