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USA Today
an hour ago
- Sport
- USA Today
UFC 317 'Fight Motion': Rewatch Ilia Topuria make history in super slow motion
Check out the craziest highlights from Las Vegas in super slow motion For the second straight pay-per-view, a pair of title fights at the top of the card ended with finishes. Former featherweight champion Ilia Topuria (17-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC) took out former lightweight champ Charles Oliveira (35-11 MMA, 23-11 UFC) in the first round with a vicious knockout to make history as the promotion's latest two-division champion in the UFC 317 main event. He moved up to lightweight to go after a title in a second division and did exactly what he predicted he'd do. In the co-main event at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja (30-5 MMA, 14-3 UFC) took his time and took apart challenger Kai Kara-France (25-12 MMA, 8-5 UFC) for a third-round submission and his fourth title defense. In addition, the Fight of the Night masterpiece between Joshua Van (14-2 MMA, 7-1 UFC) and Brandon Royval (17-8 MMA, 7-4 UFC) likely made Van next in line for a shot at Pantoja. The scrap was an all-timer, anyway, and in super slow motion, it's even more insane. The UFC 317 "Fight Motion" video cameras caught all the highlights in "Newark"Sin City in super slow motion. You can check out the action above.
USA Today
an hour ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Alexander Volkanovski on how to beat UFC champ Ilia Topuria: 'Wrestle the bloke'
Alexander Volkanovski wants to see UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria's cardio tested. Topuria (17-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC) continued his dominant run when he knocked out Charles Oliveira to claim the vacant lightweight title in Saturday's UFC 317 headliner at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Volkanovski (27-5 MMA, 14-4 UFC), who saw his first featherweight title reign come to an end at the hands of Topuria by knockout at UFC 298 in February 2024, urges fighters to try and grapple "El Matador," and push him to unchartered waters. "Wrestle the bloke, mate," Volkanovski said of Topuria on the FLAGRANT podcast. "You want to see what's going to happen with his gas tank. So even with Ilia, great fighter, like even a lot of the things he does, like I'm sure a lot of it's well trained, and then he's got so many good instincts as well." Despite Oliveira lasting less than three minutes with Topuria, Volkanovski noticed the lone grappling exchange in the fight having an effect on Topuria, and said pushing him further down that path is the way to go. "We want to see the gas tank, see what happens there because I thought Charles when he was taking him down, and forcing the wrestle and the grapple, I felt like it was starting to wear on him a little bit," Volkanovski added. "So even when he sort of ended up on top when they grappled, I don't know if you remember, Ilia gets up and then starts kicking him, didn't let him up. "He waited like, I'm going to wait 30 seconds, kick his legs, get my breath back because that probably took a little bit out of him, which I thought was clever. You want to catch him coming in because he wants to commit as well, but there's that danger of him landing as well."
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Ilia Topuria's Plan for the Undefeated Star Is Anything But Respectful
Ilia Topuria's Plan for the Undefeated Star Is Anything But Respectful originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Fresh off a thunderous knockout win at UFC 317, Ilia Topuria has been making the media rounds with the confidence only a newly crowned champion could carry. Then again, confidence is nothing new for Topuria—it's been his trademark since day one. While fans are still processing his dismantling of a former lightweight king, the featherweight-turned-double champ already seems locked in on what—or rather, who—comes next. Advertisement It's no secret that Ilia Topuria and Paddy Pimblett don't see eye to eye. The two fighters have exchanged insults for years, fueling speculation that a showdown could be inevitable. Ilia TopuriaGetty Images Their rivalry was reignited after a recent interview with TMZ Sports—shared by Championship Rounds—where Topuria didn't just talk about winning, he painted a humiliating picture of how he'd do it. 'I could choose the way I finish him,' Topuria said. 'Maybe it's gonna be cool to submit him with a triangle choke… put my balls on his forehead.' The comment went viral, drawing a mix of laughter, outrage, and even support from fans who have long followed the feud. While some called it disrespectful, others saw it as classic fight promotion—and a window into just how personal this matchup has become over the years. Advertisement Ilia Topuria & Paddy PimblettJeff Bottari-GettyImages It's the kind of bad blood that practically sells itself without any official poster or promo. As the verbal jabs escalate, UFC President Dana White and his team are weighing the options for Topuria's first title defense at 155. Many see a bout with Pimblett as a potential blockbuster, one that would deliver fireworks both inside the Octagon and at the box office. Related: UFC Faces Pressure as Ilia Topuria's Next Opponent Narrowed to 3 Possibilities Related: Paddy Pimblett Sets the Record Straight on UFC 319 This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Former UFC Veteran Godofredo Pepey in Legal Trouble After Florida Incident: Report
Former UFC Veteran Godofredo Pepey in Legal Trouble After Florida Incident: Report originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Life after professional fighting can be unpredictable, but for one former UFC veteran, it's taken a troubling turn. Once a contender under the spotlight of international MMA, the ex-fighter now finds himself at the center of a serious legal battle. This week, reports surfaced out of Florida detailing an incident that could have long-term consequences both personally and legally. Advertisement Godofredo Castro de Oliveira, better known in the MMA world as Godofredo Pepey, was arrested on June 30 in Deerfield Beach, Florida. The 38-year-old Brazilian, once a runner-up on the inaugural season of The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil, is facing a series of disturbing charges stemming from an alleged assault on his wife, Samara Mello. Dana WhiteGetty Images According to reports from Combate, Pepey allegedly struck her, caused visible injuries, destroyed household property, and then prevented her from contacting authorities. He is accused of locking her inside their home. Pepey was taken into custody after concerned neighbors alerted law enforcement. His bail has been set at $120,000, but even if paid, the former UFC featherweight may face deportation due to immigration procedures. Advertisement Godofredo PepeyGetty Images The charges include kidnapping with bodily injury, domestic battery by strangulation, and interference with communication to law enforcement. The case is being prosecuted by the state of Florida. Samara is currently receiving support from the Fighting Foundation, a non-profit founded by Rose Gracie aimed at helping fighters and their families with resources in mental health and crisis recovery. Once an athlete with 11 UFC appearances and a TUF legacy, Pepey's post-fight life has now taken a much darker path. While UFC President Dana White and the promotion have yet to comment publicly on the matter, the incident casts a shadow over the legacy of fighters who once represented the organization. Advertisement Related: UFC Faces Pressure as Ilia Topuria's Next Opponent Narrowed to 3 Possibilities Related: Tom Aspinall Has a Ruthless Goal—And It Involves the Entire Heavyweight Top 10 This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 4, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Major Update on Ben Askren's Health Brings New Hope
Major Update on Ben Askren's Health Brings New Hope originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The MMA community received a major and uplifting update this week concerning the health of former UFC fighter Ben Askren. Shared by his wife, Amy Askren, in a heartfelt social media post on her Instagram Story, the news follows weeks of growing concern after an unexpected and rapid decline. Just five weeks ago, he was walking around in full health — now, he's facing a critical and transformative chapter in his life. Advertisement Amy Askren revealed that Ben had undergone a double lung transplant and stated that the family is incredibly thankful for the donor and their loved ones. She called it the beginning of a new lifestyle for Ben, noting that every new day he has is a gift. Ben AskrenGetty She reflected on how surreal it felt, sharing that it still doesn't feel real he was walking around completely healthy just five weeks ago. 'So much can change so quickly. Please keep Ben in your prayers that his body welcomes the new lungs as if they were his own. I am constantly in awe of all the people carrying us through right now.'* Amy expressed awe at the support they've received and said she's optimistic Ben will be able to share his own update soon, though she joked he might want to wait until the medication wears off. Her tone remained hopeful and light, even in the face of overwhelming uncertainty — a sign of the strength the Askren family is leaning on right now. Advertisement The update follows a high-profile moment on Saturday night, when Jake Paul dedicated part of his post-fight comments to Ben Askren's situation. After defeating Julio César Chávez Jr., Paul addressed the crowd and the media, urging prayers for Askren and criticizing individuals and organizations, including Dana White, for not offering support. The gesture wasn't just headline-worthy — it put Askren's story front and center in a way few expected. Now, with the transplant complete, the combat sports world watches with hope as Ben Askren begins a new phase of recovery. For fans, it's a reminder that even the strongest among us can face battles outside the cage — and that the fight doesn't end when the gloves come off. Related: Jake Paul Calls Out Dana White Over Fighter's Health Emergency: 'Where's the Help?' Related: 'He Can't Knock Me Out' – UFC Star Fires a Brutal Message at Topuria After UFC 317 This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
