Jean Jackson - page 7

Jean Jackson has 273 articles published.

Fatima Kline vs Melissa Martinez added to July 12 UFC Nashville card

in UFC

Kline vs. Martinez Booked

The UFC’s summer slate is heating up, and fans heading to Tennessee won’t leave disappointed. A flyweight clash with serious breakout potential has just been penciled in for the upcoming UFC Fight Night event in Nashville. Rising prospect Fatima Kline is set to throw down with the electrifying Melissa “Super Mely” Martinez, and the bout promises fireworks from the opening bell.

Music City Meet-Up

UFC Fight Night: Nashville is locked in for August 3 at Bridgestone Arena, and this women’s flyweight tilt brings an intriguing contrast of stylesand stakes. Sources with knowledge of the booking confirmed the matchup to MMA Junkie on Wednesday.

A Clash of Rising Stars

Kline (6-0), the undefeated ace making waves on the regional scene, is widely regarded as one of the top female prospects outside the Octagonuntil now. A decorated grappler with notable submissions on her résumé, Kline earned her UFC call-up the old-fashioned way: dominating everyone in her path. Hardcore fans know the name from her time as CFFC strawweight champion and more recently as a medal-winning mat technician at IBJJF and super grappling events. She’ll be making her much-anticipated UFC debut on fight night.

In the other corner, Melissa Martinez (7-1) is out to prove she’s more than just hype. The former Combate Global atomweight champion, “Super Mely” was once pegged as the next big thing in the lighter weight classes. After a rocky promotional debut at UFC 279, Martinez bounced back with a tight decision win over Sam Hughes. Now, with her Octagon feet firmly underneath her, she’s got the experience edge coming in.

The Stakes Are High

For Kline, this is an opportunity to announce herself on the big stage, to show that her grappling can translate to Octagon gold. This isn’t just a debutit’s a declaration. For Martinez, this fight is a litmus test. A win over an unbeaten prospect quiets the doubters and puts her name back into the mix for future top-15 opponents. After all, the flyweight division is wide open, and this victory could be the launchpad to bigger things.

What to Expect?

Expect high volume from Martineza blitzing, kick-heavy arsenal that stems from her striking roots in Mexico. She’s fast, flashy, and not afraid to take risks. On the flip side, Kline will look to close the distance, clinch up, and drag this to the mat where her Brazilian jiu-jitsu prowess can go to work. If she gets top position, it may be a long night for Martinez.

Early Prediction: Fireworks

Nashville always brings the noise, and this matchup could be a dark horse for Fight of the Night if it catches fire. Both women are motivated, both are young, and both have something to prove. The flyweight division just got a little more interesting.

Tickets for UFC Fight Night in Nashville go on sale soon. Don’t blinkthis one might be over in under a round, or it might give us fifteen minutes of modern warfare. Either way, Fatima Kline vs. Melissa Martinez is one to circle on the calendar.


UFC Fight Night: Nashville – Main Event TBA

  • Fatima Kline vs. Melissa Martinez (Women’s Flyweight)

Stay tuned for more confirmed matchups as the Nashville card continues to take shape.

UFC Star Criticized After Alex Pereira Grocery Giveaway Video Goes Viral

in UFC

UFC Star Faces Backlash

The Octagon isn’t the only place UFC fighters are clashing these daysnow the online arena is proving just as punishing. A social media storm brewed earlier this week after former light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira shared a heartfelt video of himself buying groceries for strangers. While most fans hailed the act as champion-level generosity, not everyone was impressedand one UFC fighter’s response has triggered a fierce backlash.

Responding to Kindness With Criticism

In a now deleted post, UFC featherweight contender Ilia Topuria appeared to throw shade toward Pereira’s viral video by questioning his motives. The Spanish-Georgian star wrote, “Buying groceries for the cameras? That’s rich.” The comment, perceived by many as condescending, instantly set social media ablaze. Fans rushed to defend Pereira’s character, branding Topuria’s comments as tone-deaf, petty, andperhaps worst of allunnecessary.

The internet doesn’t forgive, and it rarely forgets. Within hours, the phrase #TopuriaTakesL began trending, and screenshots of the post flooded platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Reddit. Despite his attempt to backpedal by removing the post, the damage was already done.

Topuria, the Villain?

Topuria, known for his sharp striking and unfiltered confidence, has never been one to shy away from controversy. But even his most die-hard supporters seemed split on this particular jab. While some chalked it up to competitive banter, others questioned whether this was an unnecessary step into poor sportsmanship.

“You don’t need to tear someone down for doing good. Let Pereira do what makes him feel right. We need more kindness, not cynicism,” one fan wrote on Reddit, receiving hundreds of upvotes.

For a fighter whose nickname “El Matador” symbolizes grace under pressure, the move felt more bullheaded than calculated. And for a younger generation of fans increasingly attuned to social impact and authenticity, the critique missed the mark entirely.

Alex Pereira: The Silent Samurai

As the chaos unfolded, Pereira remained characteristically quiet. The Brazilian knockout artist, who trains like a monk and fights like a berserker, has built a reputation for humility and focus. His video, which showed him buying everyday necessities for people in a grocery store, was accompanied by a simple caption: “Spread good. That’s it.”

The video quickly went viral, garnering millions of views and widespread praise. From fellow fighters to casual fans, the MMA community applauded his gesture. Without uttering a word in response to Topuria, Pereira let his actionsand the public reactionspeak volumes.

Social Media Weighs In

Mixed martial arts Twitter, always ready for a good scrap (verbal or otherwise), didn’t hesitate to take sides. Some fans pointed out the irony of calling out someone’s goodwill while doing so on a public platform. Others accused Topuria of clout-chasing in the absence of fight news.

  • @FightsightDaily: “Topuria has found a way to lose a PR battle to a guy who KO’d Jan Blachowicz with a stare. Incredible.”
  • @BrawlandBanter: “Even McGregor lets people give back without chirping. Let the man buy his groceries.”
  • @OctagonOrphan: “Topuria still undefeated in the cage. 0-1 in empathy.”

It’s harsh out there on the internet streets. But if you step on a soapbox, you’d better bring good footworkand this time, Topuria misstepped.

The Bigger Picture

This drama serves as a timely reminder of the intense scrutiny fighters face outside the cage. Today’s MMA stars aren’t just athletes. They’re influencers, philanthropists, and (sometimes reluctant) role models. Every tweet, like, and eyebrow raise becomes part of a digital paper trail that fans eagerly followand occasionally weaponize.

Alex Pereira’s gesture showed one version of modern-day sportsmanship. Topuria’s comment showed anotherone picture-perfect and heartfelt, the other brash and biting. These moments shape narratives, fan bases andin the era of UFC’s entertainment-first modeleven matchups.

Could This Set Up Future Beef?

Though the two fighters reside in different weight classes, stranger things have happened in a promotion that frequently bends divisions for big dollars and backstory. If the drama simmers long enough, fans may one day crave more than just internet jabs. Picture it: Topuria’s swagger versus Pereira’s stoicisma clash not just of styles, but philosophies.

Final Thoughts

In a sport defined by fighting, it’s funny how often the biggest blows are the ones thrown outside the cage. Ilia Topuria may still be undefeated on paper, but this week, he found himself on the receiving end of a collective head kick from the MMA public. As for Alex Pereira? He may not have said a word, but he walked out of this round with the most important scorecard of allpublic opinion.

Because sometimes the toughest move in combat sports… is kindness.

Fatherhood Fueled Paddy Pimblett Rise to UFC Stardom and Personal Growth

in UFC

Paddy Pimblett Fatherhood Impact

Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett has never been one to mince words inside or outside the Octagon. But the Liverpool native, long known for his electric entrances and unapologetic personality, recently revealed a transformation few expectedand it didn’t happen during a training camp or behind closed doors at Next Gen MMA. No, this evolution was sparked by a different kind of title: becoming “Dad.”

A Fighter Rewired

In an exclusive interview, Pimblett peeled back the gloves and gave fans a rare glimpse into the profound impact fatherhood has had on his life. The 29-year-old lightweight, who welcomed his first child recently, says the transition into parenthood has “completely changed” his mindset, breathing new purpose into a career already bursting with promise.

“It’s mad how a tiny human can flip your world,” he laughed, before shifting tone. “But it’s made me more focused. I’m not fighting for just myself anymore. I’ve got someone to feed, someone to protect. There’s no room for distractions now.”

From Lad to Legacy

Pimblett now steps into the cage as much a provider as a prizefighter. Known for treating fight week like a festivaland his post-fight meals like Olympic eventsthe Scouse slugger admits his legendary weight yo-yos may be behind him.

“I’m still me,” Paddy said, with that trademark cheeky grin. “But I’m smarter. I want to be present for my kid, not recovering from eating 10,000 calories in one sitting.”

In a sport that sees contenders rise and fall in the blink of an eye, maturation is a secret weapon. For Pimblett, who’s often been dismissed by critics as hype-over-substance, his renewed focus might just be the edge he needs. He’s no longer just fighting for contracts or clouthe’s building something lasting. A future. A legacy.

The Mental Shift

While many hear the cage door slam and think violence, for Paddy, it now symbolizes responsibility. Fatherhood has sharpened his drive and, surprisingly, softened parts of his spirit. The man who once roared about mental health awareness is now living proof that personal growth is often the real victory.

“You lot keep calling it ‘hype,’” Paddy says, cracking his knuckles. “But I’m telling youfatherhood put me in the best headspace I’ve ever been in.”

It’s no secret the UFC lightweight division is the wildest in the sport, a veritable shark tank of future Hall of Famers and hungry upstarts. While he’s yet to face a top-five opponent, Pimblett’s record remains intactand now his fire burns hotter than ever.

A Motivated Baddy is a Dangerous One

While the MMA community often clamors for technique-heavy tacticians and gaudy résumés, what’s brewing in Liverpool may just trump them all: a man who has found his “why.”

“I used to fight to prove people wrong,” he reflected. “Now I fight to make my kid proud one day.”

A scary sentence for future opponents. A heartwarming truth for fans. And maybe, just maybe, the beginning of a new chapter in UFC history.

What’s Next?

UFC President Dana White has called Pimblett “one of the most polarizing guys in the game.” With fan engagement numbers that rival champions and a fighting style tailor-made for highlights, the business upside is undeniable. But if Paddy’s personal growth matches his marketability, we might finally see him crack into the top tiernot just as a star, but as a serious contender.

The Baddy has always been loud, brash, and entertaining. But now? He’s also disciplined, focused, and determined. And all it took was a baby bottle and sleepless nights.

Final Thoughts

Pimblett’s journey from the streets of Liverpool to the biggest stage in combat sports has always had a cinematic flair. But with fatherhood now guiding his footsteps, this movie just added a plot twistwith heart.

One thing’s for surePaddy Pimblett’s fists might put fighters to sleep, but now it’s diapers and lullabies that keep him awake.

“MMA teaches you to fight through chaos. Fatherhood taught me why it matters.” – Paddy Pimblett

How to Watch UFC 314 Volkanovski vs Lopes Fight Card and Start Time

in UFC

UFC 314 Streaming Guide

Get ready, fight fansUFC 314 is headed to sunny South Florida, and the stakes could not be any higher. The Miami heat won’t just be outside the arena come April 12it’ll be blazing inside the Kaseya Center when Alexander Volkanovski returns to defend his featherweight crown against the surging Lerone Murphy. This is not just another fight night. This is a title defense under the palm treeswith a card stacked like a game of MMA Jenga. If you’re wondering how to tune in from your living room, your best friend’s couch, or even during your cousin’s wedding (we won’t judge), you’ve landed in the right corner of the Internet.

When and Where Is UFC 314?

Mark your calendars: Saturday, April 12, 2025. The action fires up inside Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. Whether you’re a cage-side VIP or watching in your jammies with buffalo wings in tow, the energy surrounding this card will be electric. UFC has returned to Magic City, and the lights are brighter than ever.

UFC 314 Event Schedule (Eastern Time)

  • Early Prelims: 6 p.m. ET (UFC Fight Pass)
  • Prelims: 8 p.m. ET (ESPN/ESPN+)
  • Main Card: 10 p.m. ET (ESPN+ pay-per-view)

How to Watch UFC 314 Online

If you’re not making the trek to Miami, fear not. This is the digital age, babywe stream everything short of grandma’s meatloaf. Here are your options:

United States Viewers

  • Early Prelims: Stream exclusively on UFC Fight Pass.
  • Prelims: Stream on ESPN+ or watch on ESPN.
  • Main Card: Available only via pay-per-view on ESPN+. Subscription required.

Note: ESPN+ subscribers must order the PPV separately, even with an active subscription.

International Streaming Info

Fans outside the U.S. are luckymany will get the PPV as part of regular subscriptions:

  • UK & Ireland: BT Sport
  • Canada: TSN/RDS
  • Australia: Main Event on Kayo
  • Germany & Italy: DAZN

Check local listings and time zones; you wouldn’t want to miss the walkouts while brushing your teeth in the morning.

Main Event: Volkanovski vs. Lopes

The featherweight king, Alexander Volkanovski, returns attempting to silence the doubters after turbulent recent performances. He’s looking for redemption, but his opponent, Brazilian standout Diego Lopes, has other plans. The surging contender turned heads with his stunning finishes and even more stunning hairLopes is walking into this bout full of swagger, and rightfully so.

Will Volkanovski reassert his dominance, or will the flamboyant upstart pull off a career-defining upset?

Main Event Odds

  • Alexander Volkanovski: -180 (favored)
  • Diego Lopes: +150 (underdog)

Volk remains the betting favorite, but put your calculators awaythese odds mean fireworks are likely regardless of who the oddsmakers favor. Buckle up.

The Rest of the Main Card

This isn’t a one-fight show. UFC 314’s main card is a buffet of bangers:

  • Robert Whittaker vs. Marvin Vettori: Middleweight contenders with granite chins and relentless motors.
  • Maycee Barber vs. Natalia Silva: The women’s flyweight division gets a crystal ball into its future.
  • Ian Machado Garry vs. Geoff Neal: A striker’s delight. Someone’s leaving with a performance bonus. Maybe both.
  • Mateusz Gamrot vs. Benoit Saint Denis: Lightweight chaos incoming. Expect scrambles galore.

This main card has everything: title implications, bad blood, technical mastery, and, yes, probably a spinning elbow or two. You’ve been warned.

Why UFC 314 Is a Must-Watch

Miami. Big names. High stakes. UFC 314 doesn’t just check the boxesit’s lighting them on fire. Whether you’re a hardcore fan dissecting fight tape at 2 a.m., or a casual viewer who loves a good KO, this card has something for you.

And hey, if you don’t watch live, beware the spoilers. The Internet doesn’t do mercy.

Final Thoughts

In short: Get your streaming setup sorted now. Bookmark the ESPN+ page. Mash that “order now” button ahead of time. Maybe set an alarmor six. Because on April 12, UFC 314 won’t wait for you to find the remote. With Volkanovski vs. Lopes headlining and a deep, talent-rich undercard to match, this is one PPV that’s worth every cent.

See you on fight nightjust try not to yell “LET’S GO!” so loud the neighbors call the cops. (Or do. We won’t judge.)

Biggest UFC Upsets of 2025 Updated After Every Event Including UFC Vegas 105

in UFC

UFC 2025 Upset Winners

The octagon gave us everything in 2025knockouts, submissions, and an avalanche of upsets that left even the sharpest pundits sputtering between rounds. As any seasoned fan of the fight game knows, nothing ignites the MMA world quite like a seismic shake-up when a heavy underdog topples a lofty favorite. This year, the unpredictable took center stage, and the underdogs barked loud and proud.

Packed with jaw-dropping chaos and Las Vegas sportsbooks scrambling for cover, these upset victories weren’t just anomaliesthey were moments that defined a thrilling calendar year for the UFC.

The Sweet Science of Shock: 2025’s Biggest Octagon Surprises

Below is a tightly curated rundown of the biggest betting upsets from UFC events in 2025, tallying wins where the victors overcame odds of +275 or higherbecause anything less than that and we’re not calling it an earthquake, just a tremor.


1. Elves Brener (+450) def. Myktybek Orolbai – UFC Fight Night 238 (March 2)

When Brazilian lightweight Elves Brener entered the cage against highly touted Kyrgyz prospect Myktybek Orolbai, few expected his hand would be raised at the final bell. Instead, Brener unleashed a storm in the second round and walked away with one of the year’s biggest betting shockers. It wasn’t just the bookmakers who were rattledOrolbai’s hype train was brought to a screeching halt at the APEX arena.

2. Austen Lane (+400) def. Jhonata Diniz – UFC Fight Night 240 (March 23)

If there’s one thing fight fans love, it’s a comeback story, and Austen Lane delivered vindication with venom. Coming in as a +400 underdog, Lane made heavyweight newcomer Jhonata Diniz pay the price for overconfidence, finishing him with a thunderous first-round KO. Let’s just say Lane probably silenced more doubters in 90 seconds than any social media post ever could.

3. Caio Borralho (+330) def. Paul Craig – UFC 301 (May 4)

In front of a raucous Brazilian crowd in Rio de Janeiro, Caio Borralho fed off the energy and flipped the script on the notoriously durable Paul Craig. Entering as a +330 underdog, Borralho showcased a blend of poise and precision to outclass the Scotsman, whose ground threats never quite materialized. The middleweight division took noteand fans got a wild ride along the way.

4. Vinicius Oliveira (+300) def. Felipe dos Santos – UFC on ESPN 53 (March 16)

This was a street fight dressed up as a sanctioned MMA bout. Vinicius “Lok Dog” Oliveira took the nickname and attitude to heart, bringing a war to his fellow countryman Felipe dos Santos. Not only did Oliveira steal the show, but he earned some bonus love as wellpocketing a well-deserved Fight of the Night bonus in the frenzied aftermath.


What Makes a Great Upset in the UFC?

Upsets in MMA aren’t just about defying oddsmakersthey’re about narrative rewrites. When an underdog lands a career-defining finish or shuts down a heavily favored dark horse, they throw their name into the spotlight and inject excitement into the rankings picture. These wins challenge assumptions, break parlay tickets, and remind everyone watching that in MMA, one punch, takedown, or perfectly timed counter can change careers.

Honorable Mentions That Shook the Cage

  • Mateusz Rebecki stepped in on short notice and stunned Terrance McKinney with an upset that may not have hit the bookmaker ceilings, but definitely lit up MMA forums.
  • Lukasz Brzeski quietly pulled off a +275 win that had hardcore fans nodding respectfully into their barley-flavored beverages.

And let’s not forget a few razor-close decisions and split cards that could’ve swung the bookie’s ledger in spectacular fashion. Every underdog isn’t flashysome just grind their way to the winner’s circle with grit-heavy performances that leave fans arguing long after the final bell.


What These Upsets Say About UFC in 2025

If 2025 taught us anything, it’s this: don’t blink. The gap between prospects and contenders continues to shrink. Regional standouts are evolving faster than the speed of hype, and any fighter willing to bet on themselves can alter the landscapeand the oddsmakers’ spreadsheetsin just one night.

Whether you’re in it for the glory, the betting slip, or simply the thrill of watching the best martial artists on earth go at it, one thing remains clearthe UFC’s script is unwritten, and no favorite is ever truly safe.

Looking Ahead: Who Might Shock Us Next?

With international talent pools growing and a wave of hungry, under-the-radar contenders waiting for their shot at stardom, 2026 could serve up an even spicier menu of upsets. So keep your eyes peeled, your Twitter timeline refreshed, and your betting slips tentativethe dogs haven’t stopped barking yet.

Note: All odds referenced were accurate at time of fight according to official betting data.

UFC Highlights Josh Emmett KO Ahead of Lerone Murphy Vegas Showdown

in UFC

Emmett vs Murphy Preview

Featherweight fireworks are about to erupt in Sin City as Josh Emmett and Lerone Murphy step into the Octagon this Saturday at UFC Vegas 105. Two men with vastly different paths to this crossroads now meet with everything to gain. From a stylistic thriller to the stakes of a potential title sneak-in, fight fans have more than enough reason to stay glued to this co-headliner.

Veteran Grit vs Undefeated Confidence

Josh Emmett is no stranger to bloody wars, gritty comebacks, or defying odds. The 39-year-old featherweight’s fists pack pure thunder, as demonstrated in his knockout highlight reel against names like Michael Johnson and Ricardo Lamas. He might be north of 35, but as Emmett has proven time and time again, age is merely a numberespecially when you’re built on forged resilience and Team Alpha Male grind.

Standing across from him is Lerone “The Miracle” Murphy, England’s undefeated featherweight breakout who carries a perfect professional record (13-0-1) like a crown and a chip the size of Manchester. After a nearly two-year layoff, Murphy silenced doubters with a crisp performance against Edson Barboza, earning a decision that had UFC matchmakers perk upand this main event slot is a testament to his surging stock. One’s carving out legacy; the other is building his. Welcome to a featherweight collision that matters.

Stylistic Chaos Incoming

This is not your average striker vs grappler affairthis one is guaranteed chaos. Emmett’s reputation as a power puncher goes beyond myth. The Californian blitzes forward behind caveman shots and isn’t shy about taking a shot to give two. He thrives in chaos. Murphy, however, approaches violence with finesse. Known for sharp counterstriking and impeccable distance management, the Brit slices opponents rather than bludgeoning them.

Murphy’s footwork and timing will be crucial if he wants to avoid Emmett’s trademark overhand righta shot that has flatlined even the most seasoned of foes. But Emmett’s pressure game is not just about knockout power. He’s a grinder with a Division I wrestling background buried under that heavy right hand, and could choose to test Murphy’s grappling as the fight progresses.

What’s Really at Stake?

Featherweight is quietly becoming one of the most stacked and competitive divisions in the UFC today. Alexander Volkanovski’s reign has finally come to an end, and Ilia Topuria’s title win has cracked open a new chapter. With that shake-up, every fight suddenly becomes more significant. Emmett, currently ranked No. 6, knows he’s still a win or two away from redemption after dropping two of his last three. A dominant victory here could plant him right back into the sharks’ pool atop the rankings.

For Murphy, this is the moment. This isn’t just about maintaining a zero in the loss columnit’s about proving he belongs. Beating a fighter of Emmett’s caliber would be a statement-making launch into the top 10 and likely fast-track him to headliner status moving forward.

Keys to Victory

  • Josh Emmett: Pressure early, don’t chase counters, mix in wrestling to break Murphy’s timing.
  • Lerone Murphy: Stay sharp off the back foot, exploit Emmett’s tendency to lunge, keep the fight at range.

Prediction? Expect Violence

Let’s be honestthis one has the makings of a Fight of the Night contender. Both men are allergic to boring fights. Emmett will try to turn Murphy into a brawl. Murphy, for his part, will look to prove he can not only hang with savages… but outthink them, outperform them, and evolve past them.

No matter how it plays out, UFC Vegas 105’s main attraction isn’t just about who winsit’s about who takes the next big leap in one of the most unforgiving divisions in MMA. Old lion versus rising wolf. Buckle up.

UFC Vegas 105 takes place this Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Don’t blinkthese guys don’t believe in slow starts.

Click here to view the full fight week preview from MMA Junkie.

UFC Vegas 105 Preview Emmett vs Murphy Predictions and Fight Breakdown

in UFC

UFC Vegas 105 Predictions

After a brief hiatus, fight night returns to the cozy confines of the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, and UFC Vegas 105 is shaping up to be a sleeper hit. With a headlining showdown between two heavy-handed featherweights and rising contenders ready to make noise, it’s the kind of card that promises chaos, heartbreak, and a few surprises. Let’s dive into the matchups that will keep hardcore fans glued to the screenand maybe even shake up the rankings.


Main Event: Josh Emmett vs. Lerone Murphy

The spotlight falls squarely on Josh Emmett and Lerone Murphy, a clash of styles and trajectories at 145 pounds. Emmett may be getting long in the tooth at 39, but anyone who’s seen his overhand right detonate on skulls knows he’s dangerous from bell to bell. After absorbing a punishing loss to Ilia Topuria, Emmett bounced back with a 2023 Knockout of the Year candidate when he folded Bryce Mitchell in December. He still swings like a hammer and defends like a lion.

On the other side of the Octagon is undefeated Brit Lerone Murphy, a talented striker who’s flown under many radarsuntil now. Sitting at 13-0-1, “The Miracle” has been sharp in every outing, even if his level of competition hasn’t always turned heads. His biggest strength? Movement. Murphy’s elusive footwork and slick counters could pose serious problems for the more stationary Emmett.

Prediction: It’s a true vet vs. surging prospect matchup, but Emmett’s experience, power, and wrestling could be enough to slow the Murphy trainif he can cut off the cage. However, if Murphy dishes out volume and avoids the kill shot, this upset might be in the cards.

Pick: Lerone Murphy via Split Decision


Co-Main Event: Vicente Luque vs. Joaquin Buckley

If casuals snooze through the main event buildup, they’ll be wide-eyed for this co-main barnburner. Vicente Luque returns after a gritty win over Rafael dos Anjos last August, showing flashes of his old killer instinct. But “The Silent Assassin” hasn’t looked the same since Geoff Neal dismantled him in 2022.

Joaquin Buckley, however, enters the welterweight mix like a Wrecking Ball on a treadmill. Since dropping down to 170 pounds, he’s been fast, violent, and dangerous, most recently finishing veteran Alex Morono inside two rounds. His athleticism is eye-popping, and his power translates frighteningly well in this division.

Luque is still slickand more technicalbut he’s hittable and sometimes too willing to engage in wars. Against a knockout artist like Buckley, that spells danger.

Pick: Joaquin Buckley via 2nd Round TKO


Other Main Card Predictions

Trevor Peek vs. Charlie Campbell

Trevor Peek is chaos incarnate. This man throws like he’s trying to punch the moon. But his style often leaves him open to takedowns and counters. Charlie Campbell isn’t as wild, but he’s more calculated and technical, especially in the pocket.

If Peek can’t find an early finish, Campbell’s composure may win him the later rounds.

Pick: Charlie Campbell via Unanimous Decision

Luana Carolina vs. Julija Stoliarenko

This women’s flyweight contest pits Luana Carolina’s rangy striking and Muay Thai clinch work against the armbar-hunting Julija Stoliarenko. It’s a style contrast, and one we’ve seen many times before. If Carolina can keep it standing, she’s likely winning on volume. But one trip to the mat, and Julija will be pulling limbs like she’s auditioning for a Saw sequel.

Pick: Julija Stoliarenko via 1st Round Submission


Prelim Notables to Watch

  • Robelis Despaigne – Heavyweight prospect with absurd finishing power. Blink and you might miss it. Literally.
  • Angela Hill vs. Luana Pinheiro – A crossroads fight. Hill is the gatekeeper with cardio for days, Pinheiro has youth and judo in her corner. Classic striker vs. grappler chess match.
  • Heili Alateng vs. Brady Hiestand – Sleeper pick for Fight of the Night. Fast scrambles, sharp boxingdon’t miss it.

Final Thoughts

UFC Vegas 105 is a deceptively stacked appetizer before the springtime pay-per-view banquet, and these types of cards often deliver fireworks precisely because of the hungry fighters craving center-stage recognition. Between Emmett’s war-hardened fists, Murphy’s undefeated mystique, and a co-main that could be up for Performance of the Night honors, the APEX is about to echo with leather and carnage once more.

As always, this is MMAyou could script the logic, and the Octagon will still throw a curveball. But that’s what makes weekends like this irresistible. Buckle up.

All predictions subject to change depending on weigh-ins, last-minute cancellations, and the eternal unpredictability of combat sports.

UFC Veterans Return to Action in MMA and Bareknuckle Bouts April 3-6

in UFC

UFC Veterans Fight Week

The bells are tolling once again, and this time, it’s not just for glorybut for a second shot at combat sports relevance. Buckle up, because UFC Veterans Fight Week is charging full steam ahead, packing a punch and a whole lot of nostalgia from April 3–6 across four action-filled nights. If you thought retirement meant beach loungers and golf clubs, think again. This week is about bareknuckle brawls, MMA comebacks, and a heavy dose of grit from the names that once lit up the UFC’s Octagon.


Fists Fly in Multiple Arenas

Spread across a collection of fight promotions, fans can enjoy a stacked slate of cards. Whether it’s the ropeless circle of Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA, the unforgiving pace of BKFC, or your classic walk-back-through-memory-lane MMA cards, fight enthusiasts won’t leave hungry for action. Each night offers something different, bound by the common thread of UFC alumni stepping back into the fire.

Here’s what’s on deck during Fight Week:

  • Wednesday, April 3: Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA 7, headlined by Justin Scoggins vs. Cody Pfister in Jacksonville, Fla.
  • Friday, April 5: Tuff-N-Uff 135 drops in Las Vegas with a title fight and veterans like Tywan Claxton adding depth.
  • Friday, April 5: Unified MMA 57 in Toronto, featuring a title bout between ex-UFCers Shane Campbell and Jake Lindsey.
  • Saturday, April 6: BKFC 59, where Alan Belcher faces Lorenzo Hunt for the light heavyweight crown in Florida.

Let’s be honestthis isn’t just some walk-through for these guys. Forget exhibitions. These are fights with pride, rankings, and in some cases, titles on the line.


Gamebred Brings the Heat

Promoting his brand of bareknuckle MMA like only he could, Jorge Masvidal continues to shake up the fight game. Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA 7 promises bone-on-bone brutality without gloves, ropes, or time to second-guess yourself.

Justin Scoggins, a name once etched into UFC’s flyweight roster, steps in against fellow veteran Cody Pfister. If you’ve been craving controlled chaos with raw intensity, this main event’s tailor-made for you. Also on the card, forgotten warriors like Shaun West and Charles Bennett look to stir the echoes of their glory days.

The Hook?

No cages, no ropes, no mercyjust raw, visceral combat fueled by legacy and redemption.


Vegas and Toronto Light Up Friday

On April 5, Tuff-N-Uff 135 returns to the amateur-rich sands of Las Vegas with a mix of promising prospects and seasoned standouts. Former Bellator talent Tywan Claxton headlines, reminding everyone why the featherweight division feared his explosiveness.

Meanwhile up north, Unified MMA 57 in Toronto cranks up the wattage with a welterweight title fight between Shane Campbell and Jake Lindsey. Both men know the terrain of both UFC and regional wars, and now, they’ll look to put one more belt around their waist before the lights dim on their careers.

“This is more than just another fight. It’s about writing that one last bold paragraph in our story,” Campbell told Canadian media.

Whatever side of the border you’re on, Friday night’s got something that speaks to old-guard fans and thrill-seekers alike.


Bareknuckle Kings Return

Saturday night settles in with a bangor more likely, multiple open knuckles to the jaw. BKFC 59 delivers another wild lineup of blood-and-guts brawling in Hollywood, Florida.

At the top, Lorenzo Hunt tries to fend off former UFC standout Alan Belcher for the light heavyweight strap. Hunt’s unorthodox style and iron chin have made him a tough puzzle to solve, but Belcher, fighting like a man who turned back time, believes he still has a few rounds of magic left in him.

Also on the main card, expect fireworks from the likes of Evgeniy Kurdanov and Crystal Pittman, reminding fans that bareknuckle isn’t just a gimmickit’s an evolution.


Why This Matters

UFC Veterans Fight Week isn’t simply a blast from the past. It’s a vivid reminder of how deep the combat pool runs. These fighters may not be in the UFC’s current rankings anymore, but don’t mistake experience for erosion. What you get is a week of authentic, passionate fights from athletes who refuse to fade quietly into the night.

From Florida sunshine to Canadian grit, from the bright lights of Vegas to the scars under BKFC’s spotlight, there’s one truth:

Fighters fight. Titles change. But heart? That never retires.

And if you’re a fight fan, this week belongs on your calendar. History is being rewritten, one punch at a time.

1 5 6 7 8 9 35
Go to Top