MMAmania.com - All Posts

Bitter Garcia vs. De La Hoya Feud Resurfaces

2025-08-04T16:30:00-04:00

Photo by Cris Esqueda/Golden Boy/Getty Images

Ryan Garcia and Oscar De La Hoya are once again at odds. The boxing duo have been working together for many years now, though there have been rough waters along the way, with Garcia blasting his promoter, and vice versa.

Those hard feelings came to the forefront once again recently, after De La Hoya revealed that he was not interested in booking a rematch between Garcia and Rolly Romero, who defeated “King Ryan” earlier this year. According to “The Golden Boy,” he has no interest in re-booking the rematch, citing a lackluster performance from both men.

“No, I actually don’t (like the idea),” De La Hoya said during a recent boxing event (via Bad Left Hook). “Because the first fight was a dull fight, and when you’re a promoter and you’re trying to make rematches, it’s because the people wanna see it. The first fight wasn’t that entertaining, the first fight wasn’t a big deal.”

De La Hoya feels there are bigger fights to be made, and he could be right, including one against Teofimo Lopez.

“I believe there’s other opponents out there for Ryan. There’s other big names out there, big fights we can make with the likes of Teofimo and other fighters out there. But first things first, I need Ryan to be in great health.”

Around the same time, Garcia gave an interview to Ring Magazine confirming that a rematch against Romero was likely not to happen, which didn’t sit too well with him. According to the young pugilist, he takes that as disrespect from his promoter.

“I’ve always tried to mend the relationship and be the bigger person. I’ve said in the past that families fight, and always put it aside. But it’s really hard to deal with a promoter who’s really involved with himself. He loves the attention, still, even at his age. It just never works with his fighters, especially the ones who are the stars. You saw what happened with him and Canelo Alvarez.

“He causes a division in people, and he doesn’t know how to keep a good relationship. He likes to air people’s business and do things that a promoter shouldn’t. He’s always been coming at me. There’s always riff-raff. I don’t care that he posted the screenshot because I know my worth,” he added before saying a Romero do-over is likely on ice.

“After the Romero fight, they gave me the worst offer you can ever imagine. It was a bullshit offer. And then Oscar tried to take my rematch with Rolly and give it to Raul Curiel. I’ve been trying to get the Rolly rematch, and now you want to give it to another fighter?

“It’s a slap in the face, and it keeps happening over and over again. It’s disrespectful. There is no loyalty. It’s offensive, and they show me their true colors every time. I don’t want to be a part of a team like that, and that’s just the truth,” he added.

“Oscar doesn’t respect me. I don’t think he ever thought I was a good fighter, but frankly, I don’t care. I have one more fight left with him, and that’s it. If they can build another star, great. I want to move on.”

There will be no shortage of promoters who would be willing to pick up Garcia, including Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren, among others. For now, Garcia is on the hunt for his next challenge, which could be the final one under the Golden Boy banner.

To checkout the latest boxing news and notes click here.

Fading Rockhold Sizable Underdog Against Till

2025-08-04T16:10:23-04:00

Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC

There was a time in the not-too-distant past when Luke Rockhold was the UFC middleweight champion and ranked No. 3 in the world on the promotion’s pound-for-pound list, just behind Demetrious Johnson and Jon Jones.

These days, the 40 year-old Rockhold is barely holding on to what’s left of his combat sports career, losing his last three UFC fights — which includes two losses by way of devastating knockout — before getting his teeth smashed in for BKFC.

That’s probably why he’s the underdog at Misfits Boxing 22.

Rockhold opened +220 for his “sweet science” debut against Darren Till, according to BetOnline.ag. “The Gorilla,” no stranger to the win column on the Misfits Boxing scene, clocked in at -260 — though odds will likely shift in the coming weeks.

Till and Rockhold collide on Sat., Aug. 30, 2025 at AO Arena in Manchester, England.

“I actually think Luke could have been a GOAT, like truly,” Till said at the kickoff press conference. “What gets Luke in trouble is his ego, his pride, how vain he is, and all that stuff. When you put that together as a collective, psychologically, he fails at it. And that’s what happens with Luke, his ego is too much. You can’t have an ego like this in this game.”

For much more on the upcoming Misfits 22 boxing event click here.

Sonnen Claims Ilia-Arman Is ‘100 Percent The Plan’

2025-08-04T15:04:19-04:00

Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

Arman Tsarukyan has repaid his debt to Dana White.

“Ahalkalakets” successfully made weight for his backup role at UFC 317 earlier this year in Las Vegas, proving to White and Co. that he remains capable of fulfilling his commitments despite withdrawing from the UFC 311 fight card back in January.

The reward appears to be a title shot against lightweight champion, Ilia Topuria.

“I’m not sharing my opinion, I’m sharing a fact with you: It’s Arman vs. Ilia,” retired UFC middleweight, Chael Sonnen, told MMA Junkie. “That is 100 percent the plan. He got put through purgatory and had to get out of it, but he did. When he showed up, got licensed, weighed in, went through a training camp and he has to sit in the first row and even watch Paddy ‘The Baddy’ get in the ring and get the attention and not him, I’m just saying, there is an appreciation, historically, that has shined down — and it’s also going to be shown to him.”

Tsarukyan was cageside for UFC 317, where Topuria captured the vacant crown by smashing former champion, Charles Oliveira. That led to an impromptu face off with bitter rival, Paddy Pimblett, though White argues the showdown “should’ve never happened.”

Then again, a lot of “wacky” things take place at lightweight.

Tsarukyan (22-3) is the highest ranked contender currently available and remains the most logical choice for Topuria’s first lightweight title defense; however, “El Matador” insists he would rather vacate the strap than throw down with “Ahalkalakets.”

“Matchup-wise, the hardest matchup for Ilia is Arman Tsarukyan,” Sonnen continued. “I think the world would lean toward Topuria right now. He’s just the flavor. He’s hot. He’s undefeated and he’s the champion of the world. (He) should be two-division champion, BMF champion, lineal-wise. But if Tsarukyan gets his hand on you, you’ve got a problem.”

UFC is expected to make an announcement on Topuria’s next fight in the coming weeks.

See You In Court!

2025-08-04T13:05:45-04:00

Photo by Cris Esqueda/Golden Boy/Getty Images

“I’ve dedicated my life to boxing and I will no longer let those with a public profile harm me or the sport I love and respect, without consequences.” —Jake Paul on X.

Jake Paul is gearing up for his next big fight — but it won’t be inside the boxing ring.

Instead, “El Gallo” will be targeting the celebrity “pigs” who use their platforms to spread “lies” about his boxing career. Despite his success against some of the biggest names in the “sweet science,” Paul continues to be plagued by allegations of fight fixing.

“After years of letting it slide as just ‘haters being haters,’ I have asked my team to vigorously go after anyone who makes up lies about my boxing career,” Paul said in the wake of his recent win over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. “Expect to get served you pigs.”

The means to that end is a working relationship with powerhouse attorney Alex Spiro, known for his prior work with tech guru Elon Musk and rapper Jay-Z, among others. That collaboration could lead to monetary damages for this outspoken critic.

“I’ve been retained by Mr. Paul to pursue legal redress for the damages he has suffered,” Spiro told The Post. “If someone uses their public soapbox to harm him and the sport with lies, there will be consequences.”

The 28 year-old Paul (12-1, 7 KOs) is currently pursuing a heavyweight showdown opposite former champion Anthony Joshua.

‘Keep Trying Paulo, You’ll Get There’

2025-08-04T10:22:23-04:00

Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

UFC middleweight contender, Reinier de Ridder, is one of the busiest fighters on the promotion’s roster, competing four times across the last eight months and racking up four straight wins in the process. That includes his hard-fought victory over former champion Robert Whittaker at UFC Abu Dhabi last month on “Fight Island.”

Sounds like “The Dutch Knight” is ready for a vacation.

“Every time since I joined the UFC, I had a fight lined up three days after the last fight,” de Ridder (21-2) told MMA Fighting. “But I don’t think it’s going to be like that this time. It will take a couple of weeks, I want to see at least the Khamzat-Dricus fight first and then we’ll see what happens. We’ll see. I think that’s smart to hold back for a little bit.”

Dricus Du Plessis will defend his middleweight title against Khamzat Chimaev atop the UFC 319 pay-per-view (PPV) card later this month in Chicago, with de Ridder (and the winner of this fight) being considered for the next crack at the 185-pound crown. Until then, former middleweight title challenger, Paulo Costa, wants to play spoiler.

Costa (15-4) returned to the win column by defeating Roman Kopylov at UFC 318.

“He really, really wants that fight I think,” de Ridder explained. “He really wants to set something up. Keep trying. Keep trying, Paulo. You’ll get there. He would be a fun buildup, would be very fun in the press conference and everything with Paulo because he’s a character. But right now I don’t think he’s there.”

De Ridder is ranked seven spots above Costa in the official middleweight rankings.

Too Old Fury Shuts Down Boxing Return

2025-08-04T09:00:00-04:00

Photo by Martin Rickett/PA Images via Getty Images

Just a few weeks ago, Tyson Fury revealed that he was eyeing a trilogy fight against the undisputed king of Heavyweight boxing, Oleksandr Usyk, for April 18, 2026, after announcing his retirement from the sport earlier this year (more on that here).

But, that seems to be nothing more than talk, because now “The Gypsy King” is walking back his plan of a comeback to the sport of boxing, claiming he is simply too old to be fighting in a young man’s game.

Not surprised?

“Never, too old, look at my beard, all grey,” he told Sky Sports News. “Boxing is a young man’s game.”

That won’t make Turki Alalshikh too happy since he was the one who lit the fire on the comeback talk, saying he and Fury had a “rabbit” to hunt, referring to Usyk. And while Alalshikh has deeper pockets than the abyss, it might not be enough to lure the big man back.

The former WBC, WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, IBO and The Ring Heavyweight champion’s lone two defeats were to Usyk seven months apart in 2024. Since then, Fury has been happy enjoying the retired life and has made enough money throughout his storied combat career to never have to work another day.

Then again, we’ve seen the itch to come back get the best of even the most seasoned of vets.

As for Usyk, he is fresh off a devastating knockout win over Daniel Dubois last month (see it again here), which allowed him to once again become the undisputed Heavyweight champion. With the win, “The Cat” shortened the list of worthy contenders even more, which has many wondering just how much longer he will stick around before exploring non-boxing options.

That said, with Fury calling it quits for good and Usyk running through the competition like a hot knife through butter, is boxing’s Heavyweight division heading toward a possible decline in 2026?

For more boxing news and notes click here.

Up Next! Dolidze Battles Hernandez At APEX!

2025-08-04T08:47:00-04:00

UFC

It’s a battle of Top 10 middleweight contenders when Roman Dolidze collides with Anthony Hernandez atop the UFC Vegas 109 fight card this weekend at APEX, with the winner moving to the top of a very short list of eligible 185-pound title contenders!

Event: UFC Vegas 109: “Dolidze vs. Hernandez”
Date: Sat., Aug. 9, 2025
Location: UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada
Broadcast: ESPN/ESPN+
Start Time: 4 p.m. ET Prelims Card | 7 p.m. ET Main Card

UFC Vegas 109 Main Event On ESPN/ESPN+:

185 lbs.: Roman Dolidze vs. Anthony Hernandez

UFC Vegas 109 Main Card on ESPN/ESPN+ (7 p.m. ET):

125 lbs.: Steve Erceg vs. Ode Osbourne
115 lbs.: Angela Hill vs. Iasmin Lucindo
145 lbs.: Andre Fili vs. Christian Rodriguez
145 lbs.: Miles Johns vs. Jean Matsumoto
185 lbs.: Eryk Anders vs. Christian Leroy Duncan

UFC Vegas 109 Prelims Card on ESPN/ESPN+ (4 p.m. ET):

205 lbs.: Julius Walker vs. Raffael Cerqueira
135 lbs.: Elijah Smith vs. Toshiomi Kazama
135 lbs.: Priscila Cachoeira vs. Joselyne Edwards
170 lbs.: Uros Medic vs. Gilbert Urbina
125 lbs.: Gabriella Fernandes vs. Julija Stoliarenko

*Fight card, bout order and amount of fights remain subject to change.*

Report: Lesnar Ban Lifted ‘Weeks Ago’

2025-08-04T08:16:29-04:00

Photo by Rich Freeda/WWE via Getty Images

Daniel Cormier claimed Lesnar was on ‘the banned list’ with TKO. Did Lesnar return at SummerSlam just to prove he could?

It looks like Brock Lesnar isn’t as banned from WWE as Daniel Cormier said he was.

Three weeks ago (Jul. 15th, 2025), Cormier went on Demetrious Johnson’s Mighty YouTube show and shared what many beleived was insider information on the former UFC heavyweight champion and multi-time WWE champion’s relationship with parent company TKO.

“Brock is on the banned list right now,” Cormier claimed. “Brock got into so much trouble. You know what Brock did. I ain’t telling you on air what Brock did. Brock is in so much trouble.”

BROCK. LESNAR. IS. BACK.
HERE COMES THE PAIN! pic.twitter.com/uR2z9RVoZu
— WWE (@WWE) August 4, 2025

The general read on that comment was that Lesnar was persona non grata following his name appearing prominently in a January 2024 lawsuit filed by Janel Grant, who claims former WWE owner Vince McMahon sex trafficked her to various WWE employees and offered her to Lesnar as part of an attempt to re-sign the wrestling superstar.

According to texts allegedly sent from McMahon to Grant, Lesnar liked sexual media that had been sent to him and a ‘playdate’ would be set up soon for all three of them. The suit claims Lesnar texted Grant demanding a video of her urinating. There were two failed ‘playdates’ arranged, one because Lesnar was too intoxicated and another because of a snowstorm.

Here's what Janel Grant's lawsuit against WWE and Vince McMahon alleges about Brock Lesnar.

(These pages contain detailed descriptions of alleged sexual abuse by McMahon and what Grant says was his attempt to traffic her to Lesnar during a contract negotiation.) pic.twitter.com/kNec9A9s2t
— Brandon Thurston (@BrandonThurston) August 4, 2025

UFC parent company TKO had recently completed a buyout of WWE and forced McMahon out of the company following the revelations. Lesnar hadn’t been since since ... until last night (Aug. 3rd, 2025) when he appeared at the end of SummerSlam in a little cowboy hat and vest to feud with John Cena.

According to wrestling reporter Dave Meltzer, TKO’s legal department had indeed banned Lesnar from appearing on WWE shows. He updated that information after the surprise SummerSlam appearance, saying they’d cleared him for a return to the spotlight on WWE broadcasts weeks ago.

“Four weeks ago, WWE Legal cleared him,” Meltzer said on Wrestling Observer Radio. “I do know — everyone figured this out but I can tell you also, factually — that the reason they didn’t do the press conferences was because of this angle.”

It’s one thing to be quietly out of the picture and another to be ‘banned’ from appearing on air. Did Lesnar get in touch with WWE in response to Daniel Cormier’s comments?

We’re sure more details will come out as time goes on ... as well as a response from Janel Grant and her lawyers, who have claimed there were plenty of WWE higher-ups who knew exactly what was happening with Vince McMahon behind the scenes.

McMahon paid around $20 million directly from WWE coffers to various women to buy their silence ... $3 million of which went to Grant. What other scandals lay just under the surface, and will they make their own comeback alongside Brock Lesnar?