Latest news with #MixedMartialArts
The Guardian
7 days ago
- Sport
- The Guardian
Jon Jones, UFC's greatest ever fighter, announces retirement from MMA
Jon Jones, a legend in mixed martial arts, has retired and interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has been elevated to the undisputed title holder, UFC president and CEO Dana White said Saturday. 'Jon Jones called us last night and retired,' White said during a press conference in Azerbaijan, where UFC Fight Night was held. 'Jon Jones is officially retired. Tom Aspinall is the heavyweight champion of the UFC.' Hours later Jones confirmed White's revelation on social media, writing: 'Today, I'm officially announcing my retirement from the UFC.' Today, I'm officially announcing my retirement from the UFC. This decision comes after a lot of reflection, and I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for the journey I've experienced over the the first time I stepped into the Octagon, my goal was to… Jones, who turns 38 on 19 July, has compiled a 28-1 record (11 TKOs) in capturing UFC titles at light heavyweight and heavyweight. He was in line for a highly anticipated unification bout with Aspinall, 32, who became the UFC's interim heavyweight champion in November 2023 when an injured Jones couldn't fight. Englishman Aspinall (15-3 MMA, 11 TKOs, 1 K0, 8-1 UFC) posted a message on Instagram after White's announcement. 'For you fans. It's time to get this heavyweight division going,' wrote Aspinall, 32. 'An active undisputed champion.' Jones last fought on 16 November 2024, winning by a third-round TKO over Stipe Miocic. Jones has won six consecutive bouts since a no contest with Daniel Cormier on 29 July 2017. White's announcement countered Jones' own words on Thursday when he appeared on the Full Send podcast. 'I don't want to say that I'm retired because fighting's in my blood,' Jones said on the podcast, per multiple media reports. 'Right now, I could really care less about fighting. I've been doing it my whole life at a very high level and when the itch comes back – and if it comes back – then I'll do it with my whole heart, do it to the best of my abilities.' 'I think I will fight again. Where the future of combat sports is going, it's going to be amazing when I pop back up.' Jones has had a checkered history out of the octagon, where he became the youngest UFC title holder at age 23 with a win over Mauricio Rua for the 205lb crown. Jones, who is 16-0 in UFC title bouts, has dealt with legal issues was well as a year-long suspension in 2016 for testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs – a result he disputes.
Arab News
21-06-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
Nour Al-Fliti looking to hand Hattan Alsaif first MMA loss
RIYADH: One of Saudi Arabia's biggest mixed martial arts stars, Hattan Alsaif, will make her highly anticipated return to the Professional Fighters League SmartCage at PFL MENA 2 in Riyadh on July 4. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport And while all eyes will be on the hometown hero, who is aiming for her third straight amateur MMA win, a rising star from Lebanon is preparing to step into enemy territory and hoping to steal the spotlight. Standing across from Alsaif will be Nour Al-Fliti, a multiple Lebanese MMA champion and International Mixed Martial Arts Federation Asian Championship silver medalist who currently holds a 1-1 amateur record. Before MMA, however, Al-Fliti lived a completely different life. 'Before MMA, I worked in the hospitality field as an operations manager,' she revealed. 'I studied that field and I worked in it since 2019. I enjoyed it, but I felt that something was missing. If I hadn't found MMA, I think I'd still be searching for that something to ignite the fire in me.' With MMA, Al-Fliti discovered the outlet she had been searching for. Judging by her growing list of accomplishments, it has been a successful transition. 'I got into MMA because I felt a powerful energy inside me — it was something I needed to express,' Al-Fliti said. 'I've always had a fighter's spirit, but I didn't know where it belonged until I stepped into the cage.' MMA provided more than just competition, she added: 'From my very first fight, I felt a deep connection. It wasn't just about competition … it was about purpose. That moment made me realize this is where I'm meant to be.' Al-Fliti believes her greatest achievement in MMA goes beyond medals and accolades — it is the personal transformation she has undergone. 'My biggest achievement so far is finding myself through this sport,' she explained. 'Every fight, every camp, every challenge has shaped me, not just as a fighter, but as a person. Of course, winning and improving technically are important, but the real win is the growth I've experienced mentally and spiritually.' While she acknowledges the support of her team and loved ones, Al-Fliti is clear about where her ultimate source of strength lies. 'My biggest supporter is Allah first,' she exclaimed. 'I truly believe that my path is written, and I draw strength from that. 'And I'm also deeply grateful to my family and my team — the people who believe in me, push me, and never let me forget who I am, even during the toughest moments.' On paper, it may seem like Al-Fliti has the odds stacked against her. Alsaif has more experience and will be fighting in front of a home crowd. Al-Fliti, however, doesn't see it that way. 'Hattan is a determined fighter with her own style, and I respect anyone who steps into the cage, but I never see myself as the underdog,' she said. 'I trust in my preparation, in my skills and, most importantly, in my belief in myself and in Allah. I've prepared with focus, discipline and a clear mindset.' On July 4, Al-Fliti does not plan to simply walk into the SmartCage — she will make her presence felt: 'I'm not just showing up — I'm coming to make a statement, inshallah.' Tickets for PFL MENA 2 can be purchased at
Belfast Telegraph
17-06-2025
- Belfast Telegraph
Man awaiting trial for human trafficking offences to have electronic tag removed to take part in MMA fight
A man awaiting trial for human trafficking offences is to have his electronic tag removed so he can take part in a mixed martial arts events, a judge ruled today. Petru Samuel Balogh applied at Belfast Crown Court to have his bail conditions varied to enable him to compete in a forthcoming cruiserweight Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) bout.
IOL News
05-06-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Kevin Lerena Promotes Fistic Havoc: A New Era for African Boxing
BOYD Allen will be headlining the bill of the Aquilla Boxing Promotions hosted Fistic Havoc at the Sandton Convention Centre. | Supplied It is a fight that excites Lerena: 'This fight speaks to everything we're trying to do at Aquila. It's about opportunity, it's about quality matchups, and it's about putting African talent on a bigger stage. We don't want to just put on fights, we want to raise the standard. If you're fighting under the Aquila banner, it means you're part of something bigger.' Allen, a former Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) superstar takes on Botswana's undefeated Kagiso Bagwasi with the IBO All Africa Super Welterweight title at stake. To be headlined by the fast-improving Boyd Allen, whose switch from Extreme Fighting Championship (EFC) to boxing has been phenomenal, the eight-fight bill promises to be a thrilling affair. The fledgling promotions company has been steadily carving out a new lane for local boxing, one that respects tradition but demands excellence. And this latest offering on June 21 speaks to exactly that. FRESH FROM successfully defending his WBC Bridgerweight title, Kevin Lerena trades the gloves for a suit this month in his role as promoter when his Aquilla Boxing Promotions hosts Fistic Havoc at the Sandton Convention Centre. It is what Allen wanted when he made the switch of sport – he took a rare move for a competitor, he abandoned the world of success and started anew. "I wanted it to be consistent. I wasn't looking for the sporadic flashy matchup. I wanted to construct something again.' And he has done exactly that alright, the man who had built up a 16-6-1 MMA record in featherweight and lightweight fights chalking up eight victories with a draw and a defeat in the sweet science of boxing. 'He's not a crossover guy, he's a total pro," Lerena says. "What Boyd's accomplished is a one-off. He did not just show up- he evolved. This is his new normal.' On paper, Allen is ring-wise. He's been tested. He's been around the block a few times. He's fought under adversity. But facing him in the ring will be a real headache – Bagwasi is a rising star from across the border with an impressive unbeaten record in his six fights – three of which he won by stoppages. His explosive first-round knockout of Almighty Moyo in March raised eyebrows across the region and made him a serious title contender. For Allen, the mission is clear: win the belt, silence any lingering doubts, and continue building toward a legacy not just as an MMA standout, but as a legitimate boxing force. He's not chasing hype — he's chasing greatness. 'This fight is important,' Allen has said. 'Not just for the title, but for everything I've put into this sport since stepping away from MMA. I'm all in.' Also all in are the backers of Lerena and Aquila Boxing Promotions, a fact the man they call Two Guns is quick to acknowledge. "We're beyond grateful to have powerhouse partners in our corner, the kind who don't just support the vision, they supercharge it. Massive thanks to my sponsors: World Sports Betting, Tigris Wealth, Supersport, JCP Steel, and HP. Without your backing, this event wouldn't be the premier, high-calibre showcase it is today. You don't just elevate the event — you define it." Boyd will be out to define his already blossoming career on fight night.
RNZ News
26-05-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Dan Hooker's controversial 32 fighter contest held in backyard
A controversial and apparently unregulated backyard fight contest, had at least one gang member smashing it out for a $50,000 dollar prize. Social media posts show the event promoted by a well known MMA fighter Dan "Hangman" Hooker took place in someone's Auckland backyard. It was billed as 32 fighters going head to head in one minute scraps to be the last man standing and crowned king of the streets; no professionals allowed. Terry Hill, President of the New Zealand Mixed Martial Arts Federation spoke to Lisa Owen. To embed this content on your own webpage, cut and paste the following: See terms of use.
