Almost a year removed from an unforgettable final second knockout loss by Max Holloway at UFC 300, former interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje believes that with an impressive performance in his Rafael Fiziev rematch this weekend, he’ll put himself in contention for another chance at 155-pound gold. Continue reading “UFC 313: Justin Gaethje knows win puts him ‘in consideration’ for third title shot”
Tag: lightweight
Din Thomas’ delivery was vulgar, but his Dustin Poirier sentiment is painfully true

Dustin Poirier could’ve easily retired last summer after falling short in another courageous, albeit unsuccessful world title attempt against Islam Makhachev. Instead, he’ll be back for another but would be wrong in thinking the promotion he’s proudly represented over the past 15 years wants a storybook ending. Continue reading “Din Thomas’ delivery was vulgar, but his Dustin Poirier sentiment is painfully true”
Hearn: If he beats Berinchyk, what’s Keyshawn Davis’ biggest fight? Andy Cruz

Keyshawn Davis is a week away from his first world championship contest against WBO lightweight titleholder Denys Berinchyk and while widely expected to pass that Valentine’s Day test with flying colours, there’s one particular name he’ll inevitably be linked to from their amateur days. Continue reading “Hearn: If he beats Berinchyk, what’s Keyshawn Davis’ biggest fight? Andy Cruz”
UFC 311: Merab thrives in Umar firefight, Makhachev makes quick work of Moicano

Islam Makhachev raced through short-notice replacement Renato Moicano to stand on the brink of history, after his proposed Arman Tsarukyan rematch was dramatically shelved late. Prior in the co-main, Merab Dvalishvili was defiant and diligent en route to a successful first championship defence against the anointed one in Umar Nurmagomedov. The Georgian didn’t read the memo.
Continue reading “UFC 311: Merab thrives in Umar firefight, Makhachev makes quick work of Moicano”
Yarde’s trainer Tunde Ajayi on Haney’s comeback: “Great things are coming!”

In town for the Ring Magazine awards, WBC light-welterweight world champion Devin Haney made an appearance at the famed Peacock Gym where he met old friends, including Anthony Yarde’s trainer Tunde Ajayi, as news over the 26-year-old’s return continues to rumble on after a mentally draining 2024 campaign. Continue reading “Yarde’s trainer Tunde Ajayi on Haney’s comeback: “Great things are coming!””
After rollercoaster 2024, Cordina can’t wait to get into lightweight mix in 2025

Joe Cordina lost his IBF super-featherweight world title in startling fashion on Saudi shores seven months ago and while he’s been raring to go in a new weight division after suffering a first professional defeat, the Welshman doesn’t have leverage nor seemingly a promotional deal with which to pursue the big fights he’s long been coveting. That won’t stop him searching for more in 2025. Continue reading “After rollercoaster 2024, Cordina can’t wait to get into lightweight mix in 2025”
Gervonta Davis’ maturation feels long overdue – retiring in 2025 feels premature

Not for the first time, WBA lightweight world champion Gervonta Davis has revealed a readiness to step away from the sport at the peak of his powers. 30 this year, a young father and aware of the sport’s tolls on his mental health – not to mention the physical sacrifices – this show of maturation has been long overdue. It doesn’t mean anyone’s ready to see him retire just yet, though. Continue reading “Gervonta Davis’ maturation feels long overdue – retiring in 2025 feels premature”
UFC 309: Jones retires Miocic with R3 TKO, Oliveira again haunts Chandler in co-main

Jon Jones marked his return from injury with a third-round stoppage win over two-time former UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic, retiring the 42-year-old future Hall of Famer following a dominant display but one raising questions about his suitability to face interim titleholder Tom Aspinall in 2025. Elsewhere, there were contrasting main card victories for Charles Oliveira and Bo Nickal… Continue reading “UFC 309: Jones retires Miocic with R3 TKO, Oliveira again haunts Chandler in co-main”
Davis dices overweight Lemos in two, stakes claim for world title shot at 135lbs

Keyshawn Davis’ Norfolk homecoming went smoothly, as the world-level lightweight contender scored three knockdowns and delivered a vicious second-round stoppage win over an overweight Gustavo Lemos to boost genuine championship credentials in his first headline bout at the Scope Arena. Continue reading “Davis dices overweight Lemos in two, stakes claim for world title shot at 135lbs”
Keyshawn Davis’ homecoming one filled with jeopardy and much-needed intrigue

Kicking off fight week in his homecoming bout, a crossroads world title eliminator against an uber-dangerous talent in Gustavo Lemos, unbeaten lightweight contender Keyshawn Davis knows he has a job to do. First, the 25-year-old talent will soak up another motivating moment alongside his two brothers celebrating the arduous path en route to this juncture. Continue reading “Keyshawn Davis’ homecoming one filled with jeopardy and much-needed intrigue”
Mayer ekes out MD10 win vs. Ryan, who returns to Derby feeling serious injustice

Sandy Ryan returned Stateside to defend her WBO world welterweight title, left empty-handed and with a burning sense of injustice after a series of events during an emotional fight week saw the 31-year-old narrowly lose a fiery 10-round majority decision against former amateur sparring partner Mikaela Mayer, who became a two-weight world champion at the second attempt. Continue reading “Mayer ekes out MD10 win vs. Ryan, who returns to Derby feeling serious injustice”
Moicano knows Saint Denis isn’t ‘easy money’ but he’s in Paris to prove himself

#11 ranked lightweight contender Renato Moicano is aware of the test awaiting him on enemy soil in Paris this weekend, but the bullish Brazilian intends to seize Benoit Saint Denis’ rising star status – even if the 28-year-old is ranked one spot below him – after the Frenchman was agonisingly close to a stunning stoppage win over former interim champion Dustin Poirier last time out.
Continue reading “Moicano knows Saint Denis isn’t ‘easy money’ but he’s in Paris to prove himself”