Topuria Slams Makhachev Plans

There’s a new lion prowling in the UFC jungle, and his name is Ilia Topuria. The newly crowned featherweight champion may be riding the high of his dominant title win, but he’s clearly not impressed with every move his lightweight peers are makingespecially when it comes to Islam Makhachev’s welterweight ambitions.

“Do Your Job First”

In an interview that’s already making the rounds in MMA circles, Topuria took an unapologetic jab at the reigning lightweight kingpin. “He still has to defend his lightweight belt,” Topuria said bluntly, showing zero hesitation in throwing shade at Makhachev’s apparent intentions to move up for a shot at welterweight gold.

Sure, Makhachev has been lauded as one of the most dominant champions in the sport. With back-to-back wins over Alexander Volkanovski and an iron grip on the 155-pound throne, the Dagestani star has made a strong case for GOAT status. But Topuria’s take is clear: the journey to greatness isn’t just about climbing weight divisionsit’s about cleaning out your division first.

A Champion with Old-School Values

Topuria’s comments come hot on the heels of becoming the new sheriff in the featherweight division after dismantling Volkanovski at UFC 298. It was a performance that announced El Matador not just as a future star, but as someone who may be here for a long reign.

Still, success hasn’t made him shy. Unlike some champions who play the game quietly and politely, Topuria plays it with flair. And fiery opinions.

His criticism of Makhachev wasn’t just a potshotit came bundled with old-school principles that fans love to hear. “You need to defend your title, fight the contenders, not just jump to another division,” he said. Given the growing trend of champions pursuing double-champ status rather than solidifying their legacy within their weight class, Topuria’s words carried real weight (pun intended).

The Double-Champ Craze: Not Everyone’s a Fan

The UFC has seen a surge in fighters aiming to make the leap across divisions, often in pursuit of that mythical double-champ status. Makhachev’s rumored desire to step up to 170 pounds and challenge for the welterweight belt puts him in line behind the likes of Conor McGregor, Amanda Nunes, Daniel Cormier, and Henry Cejudoall of whom have etched their names into history by conquering two divisions.

But Topuria appears to be cut from a different cloth. He’s more focused on reigning than expanding. And maybe that’s the kind of energy the sport needs right nowan anchor who believes in discipline, title defenses, and taking on every hungry contender who comes knocking.

Seeds for a Mega-Fight?

Could this exchange be planting the seeds for a future blockbuster? One thing you can never discount in the UFC is Dana White’s love for two things: trash talk and ticket sales.

Should both men keep steamrolling through their divisions, a Topuria vs. Makhachev clashespecially at a catchweightsuddenly feels very real. It wouldn’t be the first time stockpiles of trash talk led to a mega-pay-per-view event (see McGregor vs. everyone).

From a stylistic standpoint, it’s fascinating too. Topuria’s sharp boxing and wrestling-based grappling meeting Makhachev’s suffocating sambo and ground control? Cue the goosebumps.

Focus First, Fight Later

Still, Ilia Topuria isn’t looking to be the villain herehe’s just calling it like he sees it. And in his eyes, Makhachev shouldn’t be thinking about a shiny welterweight crown when there’s still unfinished business at 155.

“You haven’t defended your belt enough times. Clean your division before looking for another belt.” That’s the kind of comment that either sparks motivation or fires back with fury. Either way, the message is sent.

Final Take

Topuria’s words weren’t just spicy soundbites for the headlinesthey reflect a core debate that’s rippling through modern MMA: is it better to dominate one division or to collect belts across two? While the trend leans toward ladder-hopping grandeur, Topuria is planting his flag in the traditionalist campand calling out anyone who plays it the other way.

Islam Makhachev may still reign supreme at lightweight, but if he’s looking up at welterweight, he might want to glance sideways occasionally. There’s a fierce featherweight who isn’t afraid to talk, challenge, andjust maybedethrone kings across divisions himself. But only after defending his title, of course.

UFC 319 Backup Revealed

If there’s one thing we’ve learned from years of unforgettable Octagon drama, it’s to expect the unexpected – flat tires, surprise injuries, weight cut blowouts, freak accidents, or good old-fashioned chaos. And as the build-up to UFC 319 intensifies, the UFC isn’t leaving anything to chance.

Per reports first published by Bloody Elbow, the promotion has quietlyyet strategicallyset a contingency plan in motion should Dricus Du Plessis or Khamzat Chimaev falter before their highly-anticipated middleweight showdown.

Enter: Robert Whittaker

The man tapped on the shoulder for potential short notice heroics: Robert “The Reaper” Whittaker. That’s rightthe former UFC Middleweight Champion and perennial Top 5 stalwart is officially circling Las Vegas skies, ready to parachute in as the emergency replacement for either main eventer at UFC 319.

Sources close to the UFC confirmed Whittaker’s role as a backup for the July 6 pay-per-view event, which will be held at the T-Mobile Arena during International Fight Weekarguably MMA’s version of the Super Bowl crossed with Comic-Con.

Still in the Mix

Don’t call it a comebackbecause Whittaker never left. The Aussie fan favorite is fresh off an emphatic decision win over Paulo Costa at UFC 298, showing flashes of the relentless pace and technical precision that once earned him the middleweight crown. That win likely kept him hovering just outside title contention, and now, if fate (or weigh-in woes) intervene, he’s got a clear and direct flight path back to UFC gold.

Why Robert? Why Now?

It’s not hard to see why the UFC tapped Whittaker for the role. He’s the consummate professional, never misses weight, never quits on a fight, and neverevershows up unprepared. At 33, he’s entering the sweet spot where experience meets prime athleticism, and despite previous setbacks to Israel Adesanya and Dricus Du Plessis, Whittaker remains, by all analytical measures, one of the most dangerous middleweights on the planet.

In an era of social media brawls and stock-inflating callouts, Whittaker stays refreshingly off-brand. He doesn’t talk trashbut he talks with his fists. And if he’s called up from the bullpen on fight week, there won’t be a moment of hesitation or a pound out of place.

Chimaev vs. Du Plessis: Too Big to Fail?

The upcoming UFC 319 main event was already burdened with pressure. On one side, you’ve got Du Plessis, the new titlist who bulldozed his way through the ranks with a style that defies biomechanics and logic… until you realize he’s undefeated in the UFC. On the other, the all-action, all-hype, borderline-mythical force that is Khamzat Chimaev, who steamrolled through two divisions like he was playing on amateur modeuntil he hit the rocky shores of Gilbert Burns.

It’s a matchup the fans demanded, the UFC orchestrated, andif everyone tips the scale at 185.0will deliver fireworks. But with so much (financially and narratively) riding on this fight, having Robert Whittaker on standby is not just smartit’s essential.

The Backup Fighter Era?

This isn’t the first time we’ve seen a high-profile backup emerge quietly in the background. From Michael Chandler shadowing lightweight title bouts to Colby Covington lurking cageside with a mic instead of gloves, the concept of a backup fighter is no longer an emergency measureit’s a built-in safety net for the UFC’s multi-million-dollar enterprises.

And let’s be honestnot all fight weeks go according to script. Sometimes, the real main event is the scale on Friday morning.

Stay Ready, Stay Dangerous

As of now, Du Plessis vs. Chimaev is still greenlit and intact. But should anything go sideways, fans can breathe a little easier knowing a former champ like Robert Whittaker is in the wings, battle-tested and quietly sharpening the tools.

The Reaper waits. Las Vegas holds its breath. And UFC 319 just got even more must-watch.

UFC Vegas 106 Preview

Las Vegas is once again the epicenter of violence this weekend as the UFC returns to the APEX facility for UFC Vegas 106. Headlined by a compelling clash between fan-favorite veteran Gilbert “Durinho” Burns and undefeated rising star Michael Morales, this card is a collision of waves from two very different tides: proven grit meeting untested potential. Buckle up. Saturday night might just hit harder than a Masvidal flying knee.

Burns vs. Morales: Changing of the Guard or Timeless Grit?

Gilbert Burns (22-7) has long been the litmus test for those looking to step into elite welterweight waters. The 37-year-old Brazilian brings a wealth of experience, a bronze-plated grappling resume, and a reputation for absorbing adversity and swinging back harder. Though he’s coming off a tough loss to Jack Della Maddalena, it’s never wise to count him outparticularly when he smells blood.

Enter Michael Morales (16-0), the 24-year-old Ecuadorian phenom who’s ransacking the division with poise and power beyond his years. Undefeated in four UFC appearances, Morales is an intriguing package of athleticism, controlled aggression, and a chilling finishing instinct. But Saturday night is a different beast. It’s his biggest test yet by every metric imaginable. For Morales, it’s not just about staying unbeatenit’s about proving he belongs.

This is the kind of matchup that defines trajectories. Does Morales stamp his place among welterweight royalty? Does Burns hold the gate and show yet another hungry lion how steep this climb really is?

Co-Main Sizzle: Ivana Petrovic vs. Luana Carolina

In the co-main event, we shift weight classes and go global. Norwegian striker Ivana Petrovic is set to toe the line against Brazil’s own Luana Carolina. Petrovic, known for her explosive combinations and granite chin, is seeking to make a statement and climb toward top-15 contention. Carolina, on the other hand, is looking to rebound after a few turbulent performances that cast a shadow on her potential. Both women have something to proveand nothing to lose.

Keep Your Eyes On: They Came to Steal the Show

• Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs. Robelis Despaigne – In the land of heavy hands and heavier frames, this heavyweight clash promises violence. Cortes-Acosta brings power with patience, while Despaigne is a Cuban wrecking ball who rarely needs more than a round to clock out.
• Ramiz Brahimaj vs. Themba Gorimbo – Grappling fans, rejoice. Brahimaj’s submission game is both dangerous and dramatic, while Gorimbo steps in carrying momentumand a shoulder chip the size of his homeland of Zimbabwe.

One of the real joys of APEX cards is discovering fighters to watch before the rest of the world catches on. Saturday promises a few breakout performances.

Full Fight Card for UFC Vegas 106

Main Card (ESPN+) – 7 PM ET / 4 PM PT

• Welterweight: Gilbert Burns vs. Michael Morales
• Women’s Flyweight: Ivana Petrovic vs. Luana Carolina
• Heavyweight: Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs. Robelis Despaigne
• Welterweight: Ramiz Brahimaj vs. Themba Gorimbo

Prelims (ESPN+) – 4 PM ET / 1 PM PT

• Light Heavyweight: Oumar Sy vs. Tuco Tokkos
• Women’s Bantamweight: Tainara Lisboa vs. Montserrat Rendon
• Strawweight: Eduarda Moura vs. Denise Gomes
• Flyweight: Clayton Carpenter vs. Stephen Erceg
• Bantamweight: Josefine Knutsson vs. Ernesta Kareckaite

How to Watch UFC Vegas 106

The entire card streams exclusively on ESPN+. If you’re one of the few left unscrambled by multiple subscriptions, logging in should be a breeze. Prelims kick things off at 4 p.m. Eastern, while the main card steps up at 7 p.m. ET.

Tip: If you plan to witness Burns vs. Morales go live, get your snacks earlythe APEX cage waits for no man, woman, or bandwidth buffer.

Final Thoughts: Knockouts, Newcomers, and Narratives

UFC Vegas 106 has all the ingredients of a classic APEX bangera high-stakes main event with real rankings consequences, hungry prospects looking to make names, and a few heavy hitters tossed in for good measure. While not stacked with big-name star power, this lineup offers a rich stew of relevance and potential violence. And remember: some of the wildest UFC moments came in these small-room, no-frills environments.

So whether you’re a hardcore fan tracking every shift in the welterweight division or just looking for a Saturday night adrenaline rush, UFC Vegas 106 won’t disappoint. Watch closelythese under-the-radar cards have a knack for birthing the next big star.

Belal Muhammad Injury Photos

When it comes to grit, heart, and sheer unshakable toughness, few inside the UFC octagon can match Belal Muhammad. But after his grueling clash at UFC 304, the welterweight contender didn’t just leave it all in the cagehe left with what might be the hardest-fought canvas of the evening etched onto his face. UFC president Dana White didn’t mince words or visuals, sharing visceral post-fight injury photos that made fans wince in front of their phones.

A Brutal Display of Warrior Spirit

Belal Muhammad’s showdown against Leon Edwards for the welterweight title was as much a war of attrition as it was a high-level mixed martial arts chess match. After five excruciating rounds filled with strikes, takedowns, and relentless pressure, it wasn’t just the scoreboard that told the storyit was Belal’s face.

White took to Instagram to share the gnarly aftermath, captioning the carousel of images with nothing short of reverence: “Mad respect to this savage”.

WARNING: Not for the Faint-Hearted

The first photo shows Belal’s left eye swollen completely shut, an angry crimson welt painting a stark reminder of Edward’s pinpoint striking accuracy. Another shot captures a gaping cut stretching across his cheekbone, while additional images lay bare his bruised and battered torsoan anatomy lesson in body damage taken to the extreme.

It’s the kind of photo dump that makes you double-take. Not out of disbelief that a human body can absorb that much punishment, but out of sheer admiration that it still stood upright for 25 minutes inside the world’s toughest proving ground.

An Opportunity Earned, and a Statement Made

Heading into UFC 304, Belal Muhammad had already logged a nine-fight unbeaten streak, built on a reputation as one of the division’s most durable and cerebral fighters. For many, his shot at the belt was long overdue.

Though the judges ultimately handed Leon Edwards a unanimous decision victory, not a single fan or fighter could deny the battle-worn respect earned by Muhammad. In fact, the images tell more of a testimony than a thousand post-fight interviews ever could. Swollen brows, split lips, and bloodshot eyes are badges of honor in this world, and Belal wore them with unapologetic pride.

Social Media Reacts: “He’s Built Different”

Once White’s post hit the social stratosphere, the reaction came roaring. Commenters flooded the thread with messages like:

“That’s warrior DNA right there.”

“This guy needs a movie. Like yesterday.”

“This is why MMA is the most brutal and beautiful sport on Earth.”

Even fellow fighters chimed in, with some hailing Belal as an inspiration and others admitting they’d never want to be on the end of such a beatdownand still have the nerve to keep striking back.

What’s Next for Remember the Name?

Despite the fight not ending in his favor, there’s no question that Belal Muhammad elevated his stock among fans and fighters alike. The welterweight ranks are as crowded as a Vegas nightclub during fight week, but Muhammad’s performanceand those now-iconic injury photoshave made one thing clear: he belongs at the very top.

With resilience like that and a chin carved from granite, it’s only a matter of time before “Remember the Name” gets another crack at UFC gold.

Final Word: Pain Is Temporary, Glory Is Forever

Belal Muhammad’s injury photos may have gone viral for their graphic intensity, but underneath the blood and bruises lies one of the sport’s truest warriors. His performance at UFC 304 may not have come with a belt, but you’d be hard-pressed to find another fighter who walked out of that octagon with more respect than Belal did.

Battle scars fade, but warrior stories? They live forever.

Volkanovski Slams UFC Judges

In a sport where inches separate victory from defeat and legacy from oblivion, few moments spark more intensity than a controversial decision on a grand stage. That familiar fire was reignited at UFC 315, when featherweight legend José Aldo stepped into the Octagon for his long-awaited retirement fightand left in only partial triumph. Now, it’s Alexander “The Great” Volkanovski adding fuel to the flames with pointed criticism of the judges’ scorecards in what many are calling a baffling outcome.

Raising Eyebrows and Voices: Volkanovski Weighs In

Volkanovski didn’t hold back when asked about Aldo’s performance and the three men cageside who rendered the split-decision win over Jonathan Martínez.

“Look, I’m an Aldo fan. Always have been,” said Volkanovski after the event in Las Vegas. “But I’m a bigger fan of justice in this sport. And that decision? That just wasn’t right.”

Calling the result “insulting not only to Martínez, but to the integrity of MMA judging,” Volkanovski expressed what many fighters and fight fans were posting seconds after the announcement: Martínez had done more than enough to win.

The Fight Breakdown: Was Aldo Gifted a Swan Song Win?

At first glance, the atmosphere was undeniably electric. Walking out to a hero’s chorus and Brazil’s flag draped over his shoulders, Aldo was met with all the ceremonial bells and whistles befitting a Hall of Fame sendoff. What followed, however, was a gritty, close contestfar from a clean curtain call.

Martínez, the younger, sharper fighter, landed the more effective strikes from the outset. His crisp southpaw jab found its home early and often, disrupting Aldo’s rhythm. In return, Aldo displayed flashes of vintage brilliancedarting in with body shots and closing rounds with flurries that drew cheers from an adoring crowd.

Yet when it came time to tally the numbers, even casual observers could see the momentum leaned toward Martínez. He out-struck Aldo in two of the three rounds and controlled both distance and tempo. One judge saw it similarly. Two others, inexplicably, awarded Aldo the nod, prompting head shakes from press row and a visible shrug from Martínez during the post-fight interviews.

Historical Echoes and Lingering Tensions

Volkanovski’s strong commentary didn’t arise in a vacuum. The featherweight kingpin knows Aldo wellhaving defeated him in 2019 to capture the undisputed title. Their shared history, however, breeds respect, not resentment.

“I’ll always tip my hat to José. But handing fighters rounds based on legacy? That’s not how this works. That’s not how this should work,” said Volkanovski.

Special treatment for legends heading into retirement is a tale as old as time in boxing and MMA. But where’s the line between honoring a career and rewriting reality? Volkanovski made it clear: In a sport that’s constantly fighting for mainstream credibility, results should reflect what actually happenednot what suits the fairy-tale ending.

The Judges Under the Microscope… Again

The controversial scorecards were penned by Derek Cleary, Sal D’Amato, and Eric Colonall familiar faces, and not always for the right reasons. It’s hardly the first time their decisions have raised eyebrowsand social media pitchforks.

Volkanovski pointed to systemic issues in MMA judging, suggesting more accountability and greater emphasis on striking impact over crowd noise and nostalgia.

“It’s like they scored the idea of Aldo, not the Aldo that was in the Octagon last night,” he remarked.

Indeed, that sentiment reverberated through MMA Twitter and analyst circles. The idea that legacy fighters get scored on a different curve isn’t newbut it’s jarring when the stakes are this high and a rising contender like Martínez gets shortchanged.

Legacy, Legend… and a Little Luck?

Though Aldo technically walks away with the winending his storied career on a high notethe cloud of controversy hovers overhead. Many fans feel the victory, like some Hollywood send-off, was scripted by sentiment more than science.

That’s not to say Aldo didn’t battle valiantly. He did. But in a sport built on damage, dominance, and data, sentimentality should never tip the scalesespecially when it guts the spirit of competition.

What’s Next for the Featherweight Landscape?

While Aldo rides into the sunset (for now), fighters like Martínez are left in limbomissing a well-earned victory on their record and perhaps a bigger payday that goes with it. Volkanovski, ever the competitor and reigning featherweight ambassador, used the moment not to tear Aldo down, but to underline just how much the sport still needs to grow behind the scenes.

“Until we fix the judging, careers will be made or broken on decisions that have nothing to do with what happened inside that cage,” he warned.

Final Bell, Lasting Questions

José Aldo will forever be remembered as one of the greatest to grace the Octagon. But the manner in which his last chapter was written has left more than a few scratch marks on the margins. Volkanovski’s criticism isn’t personalit’s principled. And it’s resonating.

Until changes are made, fighters and fans alike will continue to question decisions that seem more scripted than scored. As Volkanovski put it, “We owe these guys better. We owe this sport better.”

For Martínez, it’s back to the grind. For Aldo, a legend’s legacy remains intactthough not without a final round of controversy. And for the judging panel? The spotlight’s on. Again.

UFC 315 Betting Picks

It’s not often that the welterweight division serves up such a compelling collision of styles as we’re getting at UFC 315, but when Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena step into the Octagon, expect fireworksfireworks with massive betting implications. With a title shot likely on the line, the stakes are monumental. More than just a stylistic chess match, this bout is a riddle for fight fans and bettors alike.

Belal “Remember the Name” Muhammad: The Value Hunter’s Delight

Belal Muhammad might not be the flashiest fighter in the division, but his pragmatism has produced an underrated winning streak that makes oddsmakers sweat. Let’s be clear: this isn’t a guy looking for a viral knockout. Instead, Muhammad dissects opponents with ultra-efficient volume striking and cardio that’s as relentless as a buzzsaw at a lumber mill.

He’s also riding a nine-fight unbeaten streak, taking down Top-10 contenders with surgical precision. The beauty of Muhammad for bettors is that his style isn’t sexybut it’s effective, especially when fights go long. Against a high-octane striker like Della Maddalena, his grappling, clinch control, and fight IQ could end up being the great equalizer.

Despite the lack of finishes, Muhammad has repeatedly proven he can win rounds on all three judges’ scorecards and grind his way to victory. He’s a nightmare for highlight-driven fighters trying to impress the UFC brass. And from a wagering perspective, that’s gold.

Jack Della Maddalena: The Aussie KO Machine

On the other side of the Octagon is Jack Della Maddalenaarguably the UFC’s next great hope for a breakout international star. JDM’s approach is pure aggression wrapped in pinpoint technique. With 12 straight wins under his belt, most coming by vicious stoppage, he’s the type of fighter that bettors love: a finisher with flair.

What makes JDM dangerous isn’t just the powerthough, yes, he’s got dynamite in both handsit’s the composure and precision in his boxing. He doesn’t swing wildly; he executes with clinical calm, slicing through opponents like a hot knife through Vegemite.

The question for bettors is simple: Can he stop Muhammad before this fight turns into a cardio-heavy grindfest? If the answer is yes, the plus-money line comes with serious value for a stoppage bet. But if JDM can’t keep the fight standing, things could go sideways quickly.

Moneyline Madness: Who’s the True Favorite?

As of press time, the odds are leaning slightly toward Della Maddalena, though the lines have tightened with money trickling in on Muhammad. It’s an old-school duel between explosiveness and endurance, and that makes for a tricky pick. Betting Muhammad by decision offers sneaky-good value given his tendency to smother dangerous strikers over three or five rounds.

JDM, meanwhile, will need to fight in bursts and pin Muhammad against the cage earlybecause once this fight gets into championship rounds, it tips in Belal’s favor. Look to the live lines if it hits round fourMuhammad bettors may want to strike there.

Best Bets for UFC 315: Where to Put Your Money

Fight Goes the Distance: Yes – If the odds check in at a decent number, this prop can bring value. Muhammad rarely finishes, and if he dictates pace, we’re going the full 25 minutes.

Belal Muhammad by Decision – This is his bread and butter. If he wins, it’s going to be through suffocation, not a highlight-reel KO. Even though it’s the obvious play, sometimes the obvious pick is the smart one.

JDM by KO/TKO – If you think the Aussie can catch Muhammad early, this is where you want to aim. His fastest path to a win is through his fists, not the scorecards.

Prop Bet to Watch: Total Rounds Over 3.5

This might be the digestive ginger tea to calm a bettor’s nerves. Both fighters are tough to finish and can push a pace. Unless JDM scores a flash knockout, this one has the makings of a decision-heavy battle.

Prediction: Styles Make Payouts

As much as we love the new blood in the division, experience and durability often pay dividends. Belal Muhammad by unanimous decision feels like the most probableand profitableoutcome.

If you’re looking to swing for the fences, a JDM KO inside two rounds could be worth a speculative dart. But if consistency, control, and cardio are your betting principles, Belal is your guy. You don’t earn nine unbeaten fights in one of the sport’s deepest divisions by accident.

So, in a clash of highlight reel versus human grinder, bet with your head and not just your eyes. This one’s built for five roundsand for your bankroll.

Bo Nickal Slams Critics

Few fighters in the UFC have made an entrance as thunderousand as talked aboutas Bo Nickal. The wrestling phenom turned MMA dynamo is just four fights deep into his UFC career, yet he’s already figured out how to win in devastating fashion and, apparently, how to silence his doubters.

“Keep That Same Energy”

When Nickal speaks, people listen. So when he sent a not-so-subtle message to those questioning his legitimacy in the Octagon, fans and pundits alike took notice. Following his quick finish over Cody Brundage at UFC 300, Nickal addressed the “haters” in classic fighter fashiondirect and with a touch of venom.

“Everybody that was talking s***, keep that same energy, baby,” Nickal roared in his post-fight interview. “Y’all were talking, and now I wanna hear you talk again.”

It wasn’t just a clapbackit was a statement. One that felt both confident and calculated. The kind that only a competitor raised in high-stakes wrestling rooms could deliver without flinching.

Spotlight on Bo

At only 28 years old, Bo Nickal has quickly become one of the most intriguing names on the UFC roster. A three-time NCAA Division I national champion at Penn State, Nickal arrived in the UFC with sky-high expectations. Since then, he’s only added fuel to his own hype train with a perfect 5-0 MMA record.

But even perfection in the cage hasn’t shielded him from criticism. Critics have pointed to a relatively soft strength of schedule, suggesting he’s being “protected” by the UFC brass. Nickal, however, sees it differently.

“I’m gonna be patient and when the time comes, I’ll take over,” he added. “There’s no rush.”

And maybe that’s the scariest parthe knows he hasn’t peaked yet.

No Rush, No Problem

Fans often crave a meteoric rise. They want the next superstar yesterday. But it’s worth noting that some of the greatest careers in UFC history were built on steady progression. GSP, Khabib, and even Jon Jones didn’t dive straight into shark-infested waters after fight one. Nickal appears to be following that same ethos: Earn your stripes, then dominate at scale.

Bo’s patient approach has drawn criticism from some corners of the MMA communitybut that criticism seems to bounce off him like punches in a dream. And now, he’s beginning to clap back directly, adding a whole new dimension to his persona.

Brundage Blast-Off

His performance at UFC 300 was emphatic. Facing Cody Brundage, who was riding some marginal momentum himself, Nickal did what Nickal doesdestroyed the opposition early. The end came via rear-naked choke in the first round, bringing his submission win tally to three. It wasn’t just a win; it was a boisterous response to his detractors.

And it didn’t stop in the Octagon. The trash talk extended online, sparking debates on forums and Instagram pages across the sport. Some praised Nickal’s confidence; others called it premature ego. But one thing’s clear: he’s getting people talking.

What Comes Next?

Bo Nickal isn’t quite ready to call out the likes of Sean Strickland or Dricus Du Plessis just yetbut make no mistake, that call is coming. And when it does, the middleweight division had better be ready. With his elite wrestling, rapidly evolving striking, and now a sharpened sense of public relations, Bo Nickal is shaping into a true triple threat.

Until then, Bo’s message to critics remains etched in the UFC 300 transcript: Keep that same energy.

Final Round

In a sport that often eats its young and discards hype like yesterday’s news, Bo Nickal is doing it his waymethodically, confidently, and now vocally. Whether you love him or love to doubt him, one thing is certain: Bo Nickal is not going anywhere. And next time you speak his name, you may want to rememberhe hears everything.

Matt Brown Slams WMMA

UFC veteran and perennial straight-shooter Matt “The Immortal” Brown is no stranger to controversy. But his most recent comments about women’s MMA in the UFC have taken the fight from the octagon to the discourse arena, igniting a firestorm of debate throughout the MMA community.

“The Honeymoon is Over”: Brown Doesn’t Pull Punches

During an appearance on the Believe You Me podcast with Michael Bisping, Brown didn’t mince words when asked about the current state of WMMA (Women’s Mixed Martial Arts) in the UFC. 

“I just don’t enjoy watching most of the women’s fights anymore,” Brown said bluntly. “I feel like the honeymoon phase of women’s MMA is over.”

He went on to suggest that the majority of the current female fights “aren’t exciting” and questioned whether the level of competition is where it needs to be for UFC standards. 

From Trailblazers to Trials: Changing Perception of WMMA

Brown’s take comes over a decade after Ronda Rousey set the MMA world ablaze, smashing down the door for women in the UFC with armbar after armbar and turning women’s MMA into must-see TV. Since then, stars like Amanda Nunes, Valentina Shevchenko, Rose Namajunas, and Zhang Weili have elevated the game, delivering classic bouts and cementing themselves as international stars.

But Brown argues that the new generation isn’t living up to that hype. His claims suggest that outside of the elite few at the top of their divisions, the matchmaking has been lackluster, and the competition hasn’t evolved at the same pace as it has in the men’s game.

“It’s rare now that I watch a women’s fight and feel like I’m seeing high-level MMA,” Brown said. “That’s just being honest.”

UFC and the Fans: Divided on the Issue

As expected, Brown’s comments drew strong reactions. While some fans nodded in agreement, echoing frustrations about depth in some divisions, others immediately called foul, accusing Brown of disrespecting the athletes and downplaying the striking talent and grappling skill showcased in recent women’s cards.

The UFC itself has been heavily invested in the women’s game, promoting five weight divisions and regularly placing women in co-main and main events. Just last year, Amanda Nunes retired as the GOAT of women’s MMA, and Zhang Weili continues to put on clinics every time she steps inside the cage.

Yet, to Brown’s point, even Dana White has openly addressed the need for deeper rosters to sustain competitive matchups across all divisions.

Not the First Time Brown’s Fire Hit a Target

This isn’t the first time Matt Brown’s opinions have drawn heat. Known for his no-filter takes and throwback muay thai violence inside the cage, Brown has never shied away from speaking his mindto both applause and criticism. In the world of unscripted takes, he’s a dying breed.

Whether he’s right or wrong, what Brown’s comments have done is reignite a crucial conversation: is the UFC doing enough to build stars and deepen its women’s divisions?

Trend or Trouble? WMMA’s Next Chapter

Despite Brown’s scathing review, it’s hard to deny that promotions around the globe are continuing to feature strong female talent. Organizations like Invicta FC, PFL, Bellator (before its absorption), and ONE Championship are still producing top-tier talenttalent that frequently feeds into the UFC pipeline.

Fighters like Manon Fiorot, Erin Blanchfield, Tatiana Suarez, and rising strawweights like Yazmin Jauregui are building serious momentum. Still, it takes more than a few contenders to balance five divisions.

When Excitement Falls Flat

One valid critique that Brown touches onalbeit with a sledgehammeris the absence of consistent barnburners and rivalries. The men’s divisions thrive on conflict, knockouts, and wild stylistic matchups that make fans line up on opposite sides. While sheer skill wins belts, storylines and violence win eyeballsand on that front, WMMA may indeed be in a transitional period.

The Final Bell: Honest Critique or Missed Opportunity?

Brown’s verdict might come off as harsh, but he’s voicing a sentiment that existseven if quietlyin some corners of MMA fandom. With the spotlight he’s shone on the women’s game, perhaps the firestorm will push for more strategic matchmaking, deeper investment in international scouting, and, dare we say, a few more rivalries with teeth.

Love him or loathe him, Matt Brown knows how to take down an opponentverbally or otherwise. Whether his assessment of WMMA proves visionary or just cranky commentary remains to be seen.

But one thing’s for sure: just like his fights, Brown pulls no punches.

What’s your take on WMMA in 2025? Is it a slow round or just the calm before the storm?