The 37-year-old has spoken openly about his desire to become a two-division ONE World Champion, with ONE Featherweight MMA World Champion Tang Kai firmly in his crosshairs. With his division now firmly under control, Baatarkhuu has turned his attention to the featherweight gold, which is currently held by Tang Kai.

The Chinese star holds a 19-3 career record and an 8-1 ONE Championship mark as China's first-ever male MMA World Champion, and his upcoming defense against Shamil Gasanov in May will be closely monitored by the Mongolian as he plots his next move.

[caption id="attachment_203978" align="alignnone" width="696"] Image Courtesy of ONE Championship.[/caption]

Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu Reveals Historic Motivation Behind His Two-Division Title Dream

For Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu, the pursuit of featherweight gold is about more than personal ambition. The Mongolian has framed his desire to challenge Tang as a mission rooted in history, one that would leave a permanent mark on his country's combat sports legacy.

"All martial artists have a dream to become multi-division champions, right? For me, it's the same. Most importantly, I want to make history as the first-ever two-division Mongolian MMA World Champion. That is the biggest motivation for me to challenge Tang Kai for the featherweight belt," Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu stated.

“The Tormentor” holds a 7-1 ONE record and has worked through virtually every significant contender the bantamweight division has produced. With nine finishes across 14 career victories, he brings a dangerous finishing game to any weight class, and his submission skills have proven capable of ending fights against the most accomplished opponents on the roster.

Mongolian Star Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu Sees a Five-Round War with Tang

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EO25BZ02vPE

Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu has already begun looking ahead to how a potential featherweight title clash with Tang Kai might unfold. Rather than predicting a specific finish, the Mongolian has taken a measured view of the matchup, acknowledging the unpredictability of a high-stakes fight between two elite mixed martial artists.

"After Tang Kai and myself go inside the cage, I don't know what will happen. I don't know how the fight will end, whether that's by a knockout or submission. I see a five-round war. For me, there's a chance I can go the distance with him and beat him," he explained.

Tang’s upcoming title defense against Gasanov adds an important variable to Baatarkhuu's plans. The Chinese titleholder carries a boxing-based striking style that has produced five finishes across his 8-1 ONE record.

Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu, however, appears unfazed by the challenge, backing his grappling-heavy, well-rounded game to give him a credible path to victory in a five-round championship setting.

'The Tormentor’ Takes Pride as ONE’s Bantamweight Champ

Before the two-division dream can become a reality, Baatarkhuu remains grounded in what he already holds. “The Tormentor” has not allowed his featherweight ambitions to overshadow the responsibility that comes with being a reigning ONE World Champion.

"I know that holding the World Title, holding this golden belt, is a huge responsibility. I have major respect for my belt as well," he said.

Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu captured the ONE Bantamweight MMA World Title in December 2025 with an emphatic submission over Brazil's Fabricio Andrade, capping a four-fight winning streak that established him as the division's most complete fighter.  A protege of former ONE Featherweight MMA World Champion Narantungalag  Jadambaa, the Mongolian star trains out of Team Tungaa and Shandas MMA and holds a 14-3 career record.

The post MMA World Champion Eyes Featherweight Belt appeared first on MMASucka.

In the UFC BJJ 7 co-main event, lightweight king Carlos Henrique also seeks to raise his retention count to three when he takes on Lucas Valente.  Beginning the belt-match festivities, newly-minted women's featherweight apex Aurelie Le Vern will endeavor to keep hold of her throne as she battles decorated competitor Rebeca Lima.

UFC BJJ 7 Results:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQwVBW8uyg8&t=31s

The post UFC BJJ 7 Results: Fantastic Las Vegas Card Headlined By Three Title Matches appeared first on MMASucka.

Even though Saturday night will be the same evening as this year's NCAA Division I Men's Final Four in college basketball from Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, there will be a host of shining moments from Las Vegas, as well. On the night before Easter, you can forget about the Easter egg hunts due to take place across the country.

The UFC's roster is going on a hunt for finishes in UFC Vegas 115. Live coverage of UFC Vegas 115 begins with the prelims at 5 pm ET/ 2 pm PT on Paramount Plus before moving to the main card at 8 pm ET/ 5 pm PT.

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UFC Vegas 115 Main Event: No. 10 Contender Renato Moicano vs. Chris Duncan

At the top of the bill on Saturday night, the lightweights go to battle when No. 10 contender Renato Moicano (20-7-1 MMA, 12-7 UFC) meets Chris Duncan (15-2 MMA, 6-1 UFC.) This main event is an advertised maximum of five rounds at five minutes per round to close out the show.

Moicano will be making the walk on Saturday with a record of 3-2 in his last five fights. He's been a streaky fighter of late, dropping two bouts in succession after winning four in a row.

Last time out, he dropped a unanimous decision to Beneil Dariush (23-7-1 MMA, 17-7-1 UFC) after three rounds of action. Moicano was already supposed to have made his 2026 debut. A planned March 7 fight versus Brian Ortega was scrapped after the latter was injured ahead of the show.

With a four-week reprieve now in the books for Moicano, what awaits him on Saturday? Across the way, Chris Duncan is 4-1 in his last five fights and has won four consecutive contests.

Back on Dec. 6, he locked in a first-round submission (anaconda choke) of Terrance McKinney (18-8 MMA, 8-5 UFC) in UFC 323, also in Enterprise, NV. When a fighter is on a hot streak, like Chris Duncan is right now, he's a fighter at his most dangerous. Can he secure a spot in the top-15 at 155?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afOOEu2uwkM

UFC Vegas 115 Co-Main Event: No. 3 Contender Virna Jandiroba vs. No. 7 Contender Tabatha Ricci

Immediately beforehand, the strawweights lock horns for an important clash between No. 3 contender Virna Jandiroba (22-4 MMA, 8-4 UFC,) an alumnae of Invicta FC, and No. 7 contender Tabatha Ricci (12-3 MMA, 7-3 UFC.) It'll be a three-round fight at five minutes apiece.

Jandiroba will be making her 13th walk to the Octagon this weekend in UFC Vegas 115 on the strength of a 4-1 record in her past five outings. She's coming in off of a defeat in her latest contest, a unanimous decision defeat at the hands of Mackenzie Dern (16-5 MMA, 11-5 UFC) during UFC 321 in October for the UFC Strawweight Championship.

This is a crucial 15 minutes or less of action for the Jandiroba camp. She's still within shouting distance of a bid for the title at 115, so can she get back to the championship spotlight with a victory here?

Meanwhile, Tabatha Ricci comes into UFC Vegas 115 with a mark of 3-2 over the course of her five most recent appearances. Last July, she scored a second-round knockout of Amanda Ribas (12-7 MMA, 7-6 UFC) in a fight delayed by one week from UFC 318 during UFC Abu Dhabi on ABC.

With Ricci having been off more than eight months, what kind of ring rust does she have to shake off? Tune into the UFC Vegas 115 co-main event to find out.

UFC Vegas 115: Abdul-Rahkman Yakhyaev vs. Brendson Ribeiro

Also on the UFC Vegas 115 main card, you'll be watching a light heavyweight showdown between Abdul-Rahkman Yakhyaev (8-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC) and Brendson Ribeiro (17-9, 1 NC MMA, 2-4 UFC.) Yakhyaev, a 2025 graduate of Dana White's Contender Series, has yet to lose thus far in his professional career.

More impressively, his last four wins have all been recorded by first-round stoppage. On Nov. 22 in Qatar, he only needed to take 33 seconds off the clock before finishing Raffael Cerqueira (11-4 MMA, 0-4 UFC) with a rear-naked choke.

Once this undefeated 205er gets inside the cage on Saturday night, viewers would be best served not to go make a sandwich. They might miss another quick finish.

In the other corner, Brendson Ribeiro comes into Saturday's card with a 2-3 record in his last five outings. He's on a two-fight losing skid, with both defeats ending inside the opening round of the bout.

On Sept. 6 in Paris, he was knocked out (punches) by Oumar Sy (12-2 MMA, 3-2 UFC) with 18 seconds remaining in the period. With Ribeiro fighting Yakhyaev on Saturday in UFC Vegas 115, he can't afford to make one wrong move in the early going.

Rest of the Card

UFC Vegas 115's main card is rounded out by these contests:

• A bantamweight attraction between Ethyn Ewing (9-2 MMA, 1-0 UFC) and Rafael Estevam (14-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC,)
• a featherweight fight matching Tommy McMillen (9-0 MMA, UFC promotional debut) with Manolo Zecchini (11-4 MMA, 0-1 UFC,)
• and a featherweight contest versing Jose Delano (16-3 MMA, UFC promotional debut) against Robert Ruchala (11-2 MMA, 0-1 UFC.)

Which fights are you looking forward to on the main card? Let us know in the comments.

The post UFC Vegas 115’s Must-See Main Card Saturday Evening at Meta Apex appeared first on MMASucka.

Check out below for some of the most interesting pre-event facts about the main card of UFC Vegas 115:

UFC Vegas 115: José Delano vs. Robert Ruchała

José Delano

Delano's appearance at UFC Vegas 115 is his debut in the promotion after earning his contract on the Contender Series last August. He has fought for and won titles in several other larger companies such as Shooto Brasil, where he won their 145-lb gold, and the LFA.

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In the latter, he contended for the featherweight strap twice, however, following two back-to-back weight misses, he was unable to gain the championships, despite winning both bouts. He has won nine fights by stoppage, including four by knockout and five by submission. 

Robert Ruchala

Ruchala is coming off a loss in his freshman Octagon outing this past September to William Gomis. He boasts a considerable run in the European organization KSW, where he built up a promotional record of 8-1.

In that time span, “Faker” had won the interim featherweight belt twice, defending it once.

UFC Vegas 115: Tommy McMillen vs. Manolo Zecchini

Tommy McMillen

McMillen is one four undefeated athletes competing on the entire UFC Vegas 115 card. He holds a nearly 100 percent finish rate, with his only bout to go the distance being his Contender Series match, which he won by majority decision.

Including his amateur career, he has won four contests by rear-naked choke, with three of those coming in the first round.  

Manolo Zecchini

Zecchini is coming off one of the longest layoffs of his combat sports tenure at 945 days; he has not fought since Sept. 2, 2023 after losing in his UFC debut to Morgan Charrière. Nine of his 11 professional victories have come via knockout 

UFC Vegas 115: Ethyn Ewing vs. Rafael Estevam 

Ethyn Ewing

Ewing is coming off a major upset triumph over Malcolm Wellmaker in his last cage appearance, handing "The Machine" his first setback of both his professional and UFC careers. He is a former Urijah Faber’s A1 Combat interim bantamweight champion  

Ewing has won three scraps by first round knockout, including one in just 15 seconds 

Rafael Estevam 

Estevam trains out the world-renowned Nova União in Brazil, which has shaped several champion-level competitors such as Renan Barão and José Aldo. He possesses a perfect professional record of 14-0, with three of those wins coming in the UFC.

Estevam has, however, missed weight in two of those bouts. He has won seven fights by decision. 

UFC Vegas 115: Abdul-Rahkman Yakhyaev vs. Brendson Ribeiro

Abdul-Rahkman Yakhyaev

All but one of Yakhyaev's eight victories as a professional have ended inside the distance; this includes three wins by knockout and four by submission. He is a previous Ares FC Light Heavyweight Champion, which he defended once before fighting on the Contender Series last year

He is 1-0 in the UFC so far after dominating Raffael Cerqueira en route to a 33-second submission.  

Brendson Ribeiro

Ribeiro has been a part of the UFC roster since 2024. He once held the Shooto Brasil Light Heavyweight Championship.

His promotional record stands at 2-4, losing to notable contenders in Mingyang Zhang and Azamat Murzakanov.

UFC Vegas 115: Virna Jandiroba vs. Tabatha Ricci

Virna Jandiroba

Jandiroba is coming off a setback to Mackenzie Dern, dropping a unanimous decision to her for the vacant strawweight crown at UFC 321 last October. She is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt.

Jandiroba is tied for the most submission attempts in UFC strawweight division history with 16, sharing this accolade only with the aforementioned Dern.

Tabatha Ricci

Ricci holds a black belt in both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo. She has beaten top contenders in her weight class like Gillian Robertson, Angela Hill, and Amanda Ribas.

This is the first time she will be fighting in the United States since August of 2024.

UFC Vegas 115: Renato Moicano vs. Chris Duncan

Renato Moicano

Moicano has a black belt in Muay Thai. He is currently in the midst of a two-bout losing skid, falling to both Islam Makhachev and Beneil Dariush.

His appearance at UFC Vegas 115 serves as his third promotional main event showcasing. It is also his first non-numbered event since UFC on ESPN+ 101.

Chris Duncan

Duncan has won his last four contests in a row, ending three of them by submission. He has also achieved two post-fight awards, including one Fight of the Night and one Performance of the Night bonus.

UFC Vegas 115 will be his first headlining fight in the organization.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5WW-aOGRdI&pp=0gcJCdkKAYcqIYzv

The post UFC Vegas 115 Pre-Event Facts: Thrilling Brazilian Contender Logs Third Main Event appeared first on MMASucka.

Live coverage of this holiday weekend's card from Meta Apex begins at 5 pm ET/ 2 pm PT with the prelims. Main card action from the facility caps the evening at 8 pm ET/ 5 pm PT.

Stateside, you can view UFC Vegas 115 gavel-to-gavel via Paramount Plus. Saturday's show is only the start of a busy weekend at Meta Apex. On Easter Sunday itself, Zuffa Boxing holds its monthly Sunday night card, Zuffa Boxing 05, at the same venue.

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If there aren't any adjustments needed, the final version of UFC Vegas 115 on Saturday night features a slate of 13 bouts.

UFC Vegas 115 Featured Prelim: Thomas Petersen vs. Guilherme Pat

At the top of the undercard this Saturday night, the heavyweights make the walk to the fabled Octagon when Thomas Petersen (10-4 MMA, 2-3 UFC) squares off against Guilherme Pat (6-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC.) All fights mentioned herein are an advertised maximum of three rounds at five minutes per round.

Petersen enters the weekend having posted a record of 2-3 since joining the UFC's active roster in February of 2024. Last time out, he was on the receiving end of a third-round knockout from Vitor Petrino (14-2 MMA, 7-2 UFC) in October.

This is Petersen's sixth fight in the UFC, but the time for him to win is now. Another loss would make his record 2-4 in the promotion, but his opponent won't make things any easier for him.

Speaking of his opponent, Guilherme Pat has yet to lose in his professional MMA career. Back in December, he made a successful UFC promotional debut on the last ESPN card, scoring a unanimous decision victory against Allen Frye Jr.

He's a tough customer at the shop, so will Pat go 2-for-2 in the UFC? Tune in and find out.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6doRP72SXeU

UFC Vegas 115 Co-Featured Prelim: Alessandro Costa vs. Stewart Nicoll

Immediately beforehand, the co-featured prelim takes place at 125 lbs when Alessandro Costa (14-5 MMA, 2-3 UFC) takes on Stewart Nicoll (8-2 MMA, 0-2 UFC.)  Costa will make the walk Saturday with a mark of 3-2 in his last five fights.

Last September during Noche UFC, he was knocked out inside the third round by Alden Coria (12-3, 1 NC MMA, 2-0 UFC.) He's spent more time out of the Octagon than in it of late.

Prior to the contest at Noche UFC, he hadn't fought in more than a year and had his original contest for Noche UFC vs. Edgar Chairez scrubbed due to the latter sustaining a leg injury.

How will he fare against Nicoll? Only time will tell.

Across the way, Stewart Nicoll has gone 3-2 in his own right over the course of the past five fights. He's been a streaky fighter of late ahead of UFC Vegas 115, dropping two fights in a row after an 8-0 start to his pro career.

Back on Oct. 11, he dropped a unanimous decision at the hands of Lucas Rocha (18-2 MMA, 1-1 UFC) after 15 minutes of action. If the version of Stewart Nicoll who won eight fights in succession is the one who shows up to UFC Vegas 115, he'll walk away victorious, but if it's the man who lost two in a row, Costa will have an easy day at the office.

UFC Vegas 115: Lando Vannata vs. Darrius Flowers

Also on UFC Vegas 115, you'll be treated to a lightweight contest versing Lando Vannata (12-7-2 MMA, 4-7-2 UFC) with Darrius Flowers (12-8-1 MMA, 0-3 UFC.) Vannata comes into this week's card making his first appearance in close to three years.

He's posted a mark of 2-3 in his five most recent outings. On April 15, 2023, he lost (unanimous decision) to Daniel Zellhuber (15-4 MMA, 3-4 UFC) after three rounds in UFC Kansas City.

Planned fights against Mike Breeden in August of 2023 and James Llontop in April of 2024 were scuttled due to Vannata withdrawing from the contests in question. He's had a lengthy layoff, so how much ring rust does he have going into this bout?

In the other corner, Darrius Flowers has gone 2-3 over his past five contests, but he's slumped out of the gates since joining the UFC, including a July 13, 2024 defeat to Evan Elders (10-2 MMA, 3-2 UFC) in Denver by way of rear-naked choke.

He, too, has had a long hiatus in-between appearances. Will Flowers' return be a bed of roses?

Rest of the Prelims

The UFC Vegas 115 undercard is rounded out by these contests:

• A women's bantamweight fight between Alice Pereira (5-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC) and Hailey Cowan (7-4 MMA, 0-2 UFC,)
• a middleweight showdown versing Azamat Bekoev (20-4 MMA, 2-1 UFC) with Tresean Gore (5-4 MMA, 2-4 UFC,)
• a women's flyweight contest pairing Dione Barboza (8-4 MMA, 2-2 UFC) against Melissa Gatto (9-2-2 MMA, 3-2 UFC,)
• and a featherweight bout matching Kai Kamaka III (17-7-1 MMA, 1-2-1 UFC) with Dakota Hope (11-1 MMA, UFC promotional debut.)

Which prelims are you looking forward to? Let us know in the comments.

The post UFC Vegas 115’s Awesome Prelims Begin Packed Easter Weekend of Fights! appeared first on MMASucka.

In the wake of Adesanya's loss last weekend, a number of fans and commentators have called for "The Last Stylebender" to hang up his gloves permanently. Now, you can add another name to that list.

On Tuesday's edition of The Ariel Helwani Show, Demetrious Johnson, who secured championships in both the UFC and ONE Championship, was Helwani's first guest of the day. True to form for a champion, the one nicknamed "Mighty Mouse" pulled no punches on the issue.

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Demetrious Johnson on Israel Adesanya's Defeat to Joe Pyfer

Although Israel Adesanya has been steadfast on the issue of his MMA future after last weekend's card, "Mighty Mouse" is among those of the belief that Adesanya should seriously reconsider.

He discussed what was going through his mind as the contest progressed.

"For me to watch him fight, it was great," Demetrious Johnson began. "He was looking good. He looked a little hesitant to just let it go. He did a great job with takedown defense, and then, the second round, they started exchanging, his nose got [broken] and I was gutted. I'm not going to lie."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3IsvQdL-l8

"Mighty Mouse" Gives Praise to Adesanya

Prior to his current four-fight losing streak in the UFC, Israel Adesanya secured and defended the promotion's middleweight championship six times between 2019 and 2023. During that run, his bid to become UFC Light Heavyweight Champion was foiled by Jan Blachowicz.

Demetrious Johnson delivered plaudit to Israel Adesanya during the Tuesday interview.

"He has plenty of money," Johnson said. "He's so talented. He can dance, he's a DJ. Anything he does, he's going to be successful. For me, I feel like what made me so good in fighting was one, I viewed it as a job. Two, I needed money, right? When you're poor and you're broke, you have a different mindset. There's a different mindset that goes on when you [don't have] money."

"I'm not saying that now he has money, the mindset's changed," he continued. "He's fighting somebody else who's trying to his level."

Demetrious Johnson Pleads to Israel Adesanya with Hard Truth

Israel Adesanya is currently 36 years of age and will not turn 37 until July 22. When Demetrious Johnson retired from MMA as a competitor, he was 38 years old.

Father Time is always an undefeated fighter, however and nothing in life is permanent. Demetrious Johnson used some of his interview time with Ariel Helwani to offer up some valuable advice to Israel Adesanya.

"You've done everything," he said. "Just walk away from the sport, but I think that's so hard for any professional athlete, and I think for me, when I see him fight, I'm like 'Dog, you don't need to fight,' and he's still young, he's only 36, but I was gutted."

"Mighty Mouse" answered Ariel Helwani's question of whether Israel Adesanya should end his career point-blank.

"I would, if I was him," he replied.

Final Thoughts: Demetrious Johnson Speaks From Experience

Demetrious Johnson is a man not unlike Israel Adesanya. He, too, has experienced the highest of highs as a fighter. Johnson knew when he had enough of the fight game and retired at the top of the mountain.

Now as Israel Adesanya is in the midst of a losing streak in the twilight of his career as a fighter, he's grappling with one of the toughest decisions he'll ever have to make. Although the final choice of whether to retire rests only with Adesanya himself, could what Demetrious Johnson said on The Ariel Helwani Show have an effect on his future plans?

Only time will tell.

The post New UFC Hall of Fame Inductee Weighs In on Middleweight’s Plans to Continue appeared first on MMASucka.

The three-division K-1 Champion competes for the final time on Wednesday, April 29, in the main event of ONE SAMURAI 1, where he faces Thai megastar Rodtang Jitmuangnon for the ONE Interim Flyweight Kickboxing World Title at Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.

The rematch brings two of combat sports' most beloved figures back together with a World Title and Takeru Segawa's retirement on the line. When these two walk out at Ariake Arena, Tokyo will witness the final professional performance of a generational talent.

Takeru Segawa Planning Retirement for Years

[caption id="attachment_207217" align="alignnone" width="696"] Image Courtesy of ONE Championship.[/caption]

The decision to retire did not arrive suddenly for Takeru Segawa. The Japanese icon has been thinking about the right moment to step away from competition for a considerable period, quietly weighing the question of timing while continuing to compete at the highest level.

"I had been thinking about when would be the right timing to retire for about three or four years. So, the moment when I thought that this would truly be the last time I could [fight at my] strongest condition was probably about a year ago," Takeru Segawa said.

Takeru's career has been defined by the pursuit of peak performance at every stage. Three K-1 divisions worth of titles and a promotional journey that brought him face to face with the world's finest strikers reflect a competitor who has never settled for anything less than his absolute best.

Japanese Star Takeru Segawa Could Continue, Chose to Go Out at His Strongest

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7eC_z37-mEI

The retirement is not being forced upon Takeru Segawa by declining ability or a string of damaging losses. The Japanese legend has been clear that the choice is entirely his own, rooted in a desire to leave the sport on terms he sets himself rather than waiting until competition forces the decision.

"If I wanted to continue, I think I probably still could. But I thought this might be the last time I can put myself in my strongest condition, so I decided to retire this time," he explained.

Takeru Segawa is one of the most prominent faces the Japanese kickboxing world has produced, a fighter who built a 45-5 career record and cemented his legacy across three K-1 divisions before arriving in ONE Championship.

Unfinished Business with Rodtang Driving Takeru Segawa

Beyond the retirement announcement lies a more personal motivation that has kept Takeru pushing forward. The 80-second knockout loss at ONE 172 left a specific kind of frustration that no other result could resolve because the fight ended before Takeru could show what he truly brings to a battle with the most dangerous Muay Thai striker on the planet.

"The essence of my fighting style is a slugfest, and I've always wanted to have that kind of fight with Rodtang. [During the] last fight, I couldn't even reach that point and lost. So, this is why I [always] believed I must fight Rodtang one more time. That's the reason I have come this far," he said.

Rodtang carries a 274-43 career record and a 17-2 ONE mark. He earned a place in ONE Championship history with that 80-second finish, adding it to a resume that includes six ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title reigns and years of dominance as the promotion's most feared striker. Now, “The Iron Man” will have a chance no one has been able to do – defeat the Japanese superstar twice.

ONE SAMURAI 1 takes place on Wednesday, April 29, at Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan. Stay tuned to MMASucka for full broadcast details as they are confirmed.

The post Legend Reveals Real Reason Behind Retirement at ONE SAMURAI 1 appeared first on MMASucka.

On May 16, Diaz ends his combat sports hiatus in southern California with a fight against fellow UFC alumnus Mike Perry (14-8 MMA, 7-8 UFC) in the first MMA card under Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions banner. The card also features the MMA return of Ronda Rousey and a heavyweight fight between Francis Ngannou and Philipe Lins.

UFC CEO Dana White mentioned that there's no negativity toward Nate Diaz moving to MVP ahead of the May 16 Netflix show.

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"We had a good time," White said of the meeting with Nate Diaz after UFC London March 21. "I think Nate just got an offer that he couldn't refuse. I haven't talked to him since then, but I'm happy for him."

Nate Diaz last fought in the UFC in September of 2022 during UFC 279. In the main event of the evening that late summer Saturday night, he locked in a fourth-round submission by way of guillotine choke.

Diaz hasn't fought under MMA rules since that weekend, but that'll change in a month and a half on Netflix. As is the case with any high-profile MMA fight, Diaz is already beginning to make the rounds on the interview circuit.

Nate Diaz Reveals Reasons Why He Rejected Trilogy Bout vs. McGregor on This Past Weekend

Earlier Tuesday, he was a guest of Theo Von on This Past Weekend. During the interview, after Theo Von took Diaz and fellow guest Chris Avila to task for showing up three hours behind schedule, the topic of a trilogy fight against Conor McGregor came up and why he's shown no interest in fighting "The Notorious" for a third time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmcHjPeskKI

"I think that if I went back to UFC," Nate Diaz began, "they want me to fight Conor McGregor right now. I know this, but I'm thinking about it. I'm like 'Conor McGregor just (expletive deleted) lost to Poirier.' He got knocked out on his ass, so Poirier knocks his ass out and then [McGregor] breaks his leg."

Nate Diaz and Conor McGregor fought twice in 2016, with the all-time series between them level at one win apiece. The latter evened the score in August of that year (majority decision) after the former won the original fight (second-round submission: rear-naked choke) in early March.

During the podcast, Nate Diaz delved into Conor McGregor's potential comeback. Earlier this month, McGregor, who had hoped to appear during the UFC Freedom 250 card on The White House lawn in Washington, said that he's targeting a summer return to competition.

"I'm like, 'I hope he comes back and does good,'" he mentioned, "then everybody's counting him out. I'm like, 'All right, cool,' I know he's having a hard time with the UFC because I've been having a hard time with the UFC."

Nate Diaz Eager to Fight Oliveira in Potential UFC Return

Despite the fact that Nate Diaz is preparing to fight under the MVP banner in mid-May, he's not completely slamming the door shut on a possible return fight in the UFC. He mentioned that he's got one particular fighter in mind.

"Charles Oliveira just won the [BMF] fight," he said. "You're rocking my belt now and you're acting like you're the baddest (censored,) so that's where I'm like 'What's popping with the UFC? Let's link up and get this fight popping.' I go back to talk to them about it, and they're all ready for me to come back and fight Conor."

Diaz says he doesn't have any interest in fighting Conor McGregor in the twilight of the latter's career in MMA.

"We ain't friends, we ain't none of that, but I ain't trying to finish this dude off," he mentioned. "That's what I plan on doing if we're fighting. At the same time, I ain't trying to get [messed] up by nobody who got knocked out on his ass. This guy's down and out, now he's nothing but motivated to fight me because who else are you going to fight in there?"

Final Thoughts: Nate Diaz Holds Power in Future Negotiations

At the end of the day, Nate Diaz is only interested in fighting the competitors he wants to fight, not who the UFC believes he should fight. If, by chance, he does make a return to the UFC, the matchmakers would be best served to keep this in mind when the moment to book Diaz for a future fight is at hand.

If the UFC attempts to offer a fight between Diaz and Conor McGregor in the event of the former's return, don't be surprised to see him walk away without a word. On the other side of the coin, if they give him a fight with Oliveira, that would be a blockbuster main event, no matter when or where it takes place.

The post Veteran Welterweight Discusses Why He Spurned Trilogy Fight appeared first on MMASucka.

Reigning ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Champion Nadaka Yoshinari makes his first title defense against Thai challenger Songchainoi Kiatsongrit, Shimon Yoshinari takes on Malaysian-American superstar Johan Ghazali in a flyweight Muay Thai clash, Hiromi Wajima meets Ricardo Bravo in a featherweight kickboxing contest, and Toki Tamaru faces Toma Kuroda in an atomweight kickboxing showdown.

The announcements were made at the ONE SAMURAI 1 Kickboxing Press Conference in Tokyo, Japan, this past Monday, March 30.

ONE SAMURAI 1 already features the rematch between Takeru Segawa and Rodtang Jitmuangnon for the ONE Interim Flyweight Kickboxing World Title. Also, ONE Flyweight MMA World Champion Yuya Wakamatsu defends his belt against Avazbek Kholmirzaev, and ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion Jonathan Haggerty puts his gold on the line against Yuki Yoza.

Nadaka Puts Atomweight Gold on Line Against Songchainoi at ONE Samurai 1

[caption id="attachment_207199" align="alignnone" width="696"] Image Courtesy of ONE Championship.[/caption]

Nadaka has packed more achievement into his career than most fighters manage in a lifetime, and the 25-year-old is still only getting started. The Eiwa Sports Gym product holds a remarkable 66-6 career record and owns a collection of titles that includes the Rajadamnern Stadium and Lumpinee Stadium Muay Thai World Titles, alongside WMC and WBC Muay Thai World Titles.

He made his ONE debut in 2025, won three consecutive bouts to earn a title shot, and then outclassed Numsurin Chor Ketwina in front of his home crowd at ONE 173 to claim the inaugural ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Title.

Songchainoi arrives with credentials of his own. The 25-year-old Thai from Kiatsongrit Muay Thai Gym carries a 60-18 striking record and a 10-1 promotional mark built on a nine-fight win streak that earned him a six-figure ONE Championship contract after just five appearances. Now, he is motivated to win gold at ONE SAMURAI 1 and get revenge against the man who beat him three years ago.

Shimon Takes on Johan Ghazali in Flyweight Muay Thai Clash at ONE Samurai 1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wm_sAL_NOK8

Nadaka’s cousin, Shimon, is one of the most consistent performers on the ONE Championship roster. The 21-year-old Japanese technician from EIWA Sports Gym carries a 25-1 career record and has gone unbeaten in ONE, compiling four victories and one no contest since his promotional debut.

His technical approach and methodical striking style have allowed him to navigate every challenge the division has thrown at him, and a win over a name as prominent as Ghazali would represent the biggest statement of his career to date.

Ghazali brings a story that continues to captivate ONE Championship fans worldwide. The 19-year-old Malaysian-American sensation out first arrived in the promotion at 16 years old, winning his debut in 16 seconds before adding four more victories to claim a coveted main roster contract.

Two More Kickboxing Bouts Added to ONE SAMURAI 1

Hiromi Wajima brings serious striking credentials to his second ONE Championship appearance in ONE SAMURAI 1. The 31-year-old Japanese fighter trains out of Shika Gym and is a multi-time K-1 Champion with a 22-7 career record, which includes 18 knockout victories. He made his ONE debut in a featherweight kickboxing contest against former ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Nabil Anane, a tough outing that ended in a unanimous decision loss.

Bravo, 26, carries a 27-4 striking record and a 3-2 ONE mark. Three highlight-reel finishes at ONE Friday Fights earned him a main roster contract before back-to-back losses brought his momentum to a halt. The Argentine arrives in Tokyo desperate to prove those results were a temporary setback rather than a sign of things to come.

The atomweight kickboxing clash between Tamaru and Kuroda adds an all-Japanese flavor to the card. Tamaru, 24, makes his ONE debut in front of his home crowd. Kuroda, 25, fights out of Forward Gym and holds 15 career wins. A convincing performance from either man on Japanese soil could serve as the launching pad for a deeper run in the atomweight kickboxing division.

ONE SAMURAI 1 takes place on Wednesday, April 29, at Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan. Stay tuned to MMASucka for full broadcast details as they are confirmed.

The post ONE SAMURAI 1 Adds Four More Bouts Including World Title Fight appeared first on MMASucka.

The 29-year-old British titleholder defends his belt against Japanese challenger, and Joe Rogan favorite, Yuki Yoza at ONE Samurai 1 on Wednesday, April 29, and his push kick game is set to play a central role once again.

Yoza arrives as one of the most exciting challengers in the bantamweight kickboxing division, carrying a 22-2 career record and three victories from three ONE appearances. His crushing leg kicks have made life difficult for every opponent he has faced in the promotion, and Haggerty knows exactly what kind of threat is coming his way.

Jonathan Traces Push Kick Mastery to Days in Muay Thai

The push kick, known in Muay Thai as the teep, has been part of Jonathan Haggerty's game for as long as he can remember. The British champion did not develop it as a specific counter to certain opponents or situations. It grew naturally from the foundations laid during his earliest years in the sport.

"My teeps were just part of my game from a very young age. I was building that technique from the very beginning. I was quite tall for my weight category growing up through the ranks in the UK, and using the teep was quite effective," Jonathan Haggerty said.

That early advantage has since evolved into one of the most reliable weapons in his entire striking arsenal. The champion holds a 23-5 career record and a 9-3 ONE mark, having won seven of his last eight bouts, and the teep has been a constant throughout.

Jonathan Haggerty Warns Yoza He Will Feel Full Force of Teeps in Japan

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bO4hO_KriLU

The Englishman has left little doubt about how prominent his push kicks will be when the two meet inside the Ariake Arena. Jonathan Haggerty is not approaching the Yoza challenge with any intention of hiding or limiting a weapon that has worked effectively throughout his entire career. If anything, the challenger's aggressive, forward-pressing style makes the teep more valuable than ever.

"As you guys have seen, I've never stopped using them. It continues to work, and against someone like Yuki, who really loves getting in range, he'll be feeling the full force of it in Japan. Those teeps will be there from start to finish. On his face, the body, and maybe everywhere else I can hit him with it," he explained.

Against a challenger like Yoza, who loves to press forward and work at close range with his leg kicks, the push kick's ability to disrupt rhythm and control distance takes on even greater importance.

Timing Real Secret Behind Jonathan Haggerty's Most Effective Weapon

[caption id="attachment_207187" align="alignnone" width="696"] Image Courtesy of ONE Championship.[/caption]

For all the years Jonathan Haggerty has spent developing his push kick, his explanation of what makes it work is surprisingly straightforward. The champion has identified a single quality that elevates the teep from a routine tool into something opponents consistently struggle to handle throughout a full fight.

“Honestly, it's just the timing. Knowing when to throw it and not just wasting it by throwing it randomly. It's straightforward, and I guess that's what I love about it. The simplicity of throwing it and the timing, which helps with it being accurate," he said.

Haggerty began his Muay Thai journey at the age of 7, building his craft through the ranks in the United Kingdom before going on to become a former ONE Flyweight and Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion.

ONE Samurai 1 takes place on Wednesday, April 29, at Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan. Stay tuned to MMASucka for full broadcast details as they are confirmed.

The post ONE World Champion Breaks Down Lethal Push Kick Game appeared first on MMASucka.