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MMA world buzzes as Jon Jones legacy debate intensifies, while RIZIN announces major tournament brackets
MMA world buzzes as Jon Jones legacy debate intensifies, while RIZIN announces major tournament brackets

Time of India

time05-07-2025

  • Sport
  • Time of India

MMA world buzzes as Jon Jones legacy debate intensifies, while RIZIN announces major tournament brackets

MMA world buzzes as Jon Jones legacy debate intensifies, while RIZIN announces major tournament brackets (Image Source: Getty Images) This week has seen some serious changes in the mixed martial arts scene that saw legends creating controversy, sparking off discussions about legacy and champions announced in casts of tournaments in major promotions. Jon Jones ended up being the center of controversy once again. RIZIN Fighting Federation announced their much-anticipated grand prix matches, and up-and-coming stars proved their worth with great results in numerous organisations. Matt Brown dismisses Jon Jones's controversy impact on fighting legacy UFC stalwart Matt Brown garnered headlines of his own when he staunchly supported Jon Jones as the greatest mixed martial arts practitioner of all time, even though Jones has had several stains on his record before the law. On The Fighter vs., he said: In the Writer podcast, Brown persuaded that despite the many arrests and controversies outside the octagon, Jones was doing so much in the octagon that it ought to overshadow all these misdeeds that took place outside the arena. BREAKING: Jon Jones Potentially Incriminates Himself on Twitter, Legacy Tarnished? The veteran fighter acknowledged the documented troubles of Jones, such as DWI charges, hit-and-run of a pregnant woman and domestic violence accusations, but demanded that these incidents should not be interlinked to his success in fighting. Brown especially focused on how Jones could compete at a high level despite his issues due to his clear win over Daniel Cormier in 2015, even though he had tested positive for cocaine a few weeks before the showdown. The remarks of Brown coincide with the news that Jones has recently joined the United States Anti-Doping Agency testing pool, which may presuppose his performance in the event in the White House, promoted by President Donald Trump in 2026. His record as the 14-time consecutive champion defender and the undefeated fighter is a moment that raised many arguments about his standing in the history of mixed martial arts. RIZIN unveils star-studded tournament brackets featuring international talent RIZIN Fighting Federation revealed their official flyweight grand prix bracket. Super RIZIN 4 will on July 27th at the Saitama Super Arena in Japan. The first induction of the tournament is when the former UFC star Jose Torres battled Hiromasa Ougikubo who is a Japanese veteran, in a fight that was observed to be a highlight to the promotion of international competition. Some of the anticipated bouts in the flyweight bracket are those in which undefeated prospect Alibek Gadzhammatov will go up against Takaki Soya, and former title challenger Nkazimulo Zulu against Yuki Ito. The event is an indication of how RIZIN is capable of bringing in the best international fighters to partner with their own Japanese ones, as Ougikubo seeks to make it back-to-back bantamweight grand prix titles in 2021. Moreover, RIZIN disclosed their second round of heavyweight grand prix: former Bellator competitor Jose Augusto against Marek Samociuk, and Mikio Ueda fighting with Dana White Contender Series participant Alexander Soldatkin. Former champion Kleber Koike will rematch Mikuru Asakara as the main event, and the card is stacked with several title fights. In the meantime, elsewhere, there was some spectacular action too as Islam Youssef scored a spectacular knockout with a flying kick at PFL MENA, to secure the bantamweight semi-final, even though he weighed in overweight. UFC bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison also headlines by talking of her championship win and the upcoming negotiations of the super fight with Amanda Nunes. Also Read: Why Sean O'Malley is relieved Ilia Topuria ignored his callout after UFC 317 knockout These developments underscore mixed martial arts' continued global expansion, with established legends defending their legacies while emerging stars create new storylines across multiple premier organizations worldwide. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.

Why RIZIN's flyweight world grand prix lineup is sending shockwaves through MMA
Why RIZIN's flyweight world grand prix lineup is sending shockwaves through MMA

Time of India

time01-07-2025

  • Sport
  • Time of India

Why RIZIN's flyweight world grand prix lineup is sending shockwaves through MMA

Why RIZIN's flyweight world grand prix lineup is sending shockwaves through MMA (Image Source: Getty Images) The announcement of RIZIN Fighting Federation of their flyweight world grand prix has generated massive hype within the mixed martial arts live, with the Japanese promotion inviting a superstar 10-fighter field that will go toe-to-toe when the tournament commences on July 27, 2025, at Super RIZIN 4 on Saitama Super Arena. The exit of a previous champ, Kyoji Horiguchi, has given way to a fresh start to the 125-pound division, and the lineup uniting the competitors is one of the most competitive flyweight tournaments in recent history. Veterans bring championship pedigree to stacked tournament field The validity of this tournament lies in the quality of known fighters who are ready to fight the empty crown. Hiromasa Ougikubo is 38 years old and has experience beyond compare, having already won a RIZIN tournament by defeating bantamweights Naoki Inoue and Kai Asakura in the same tournament in December 2021. His win over future Ultimate Fighting Championship winner Alexandre Pantoja in The Ultimate Fighter in 2016 proves that he can fight against the best. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trading CFD dengan Teknologi dan Kecepatan Lebih Baik IC Markets Mendaftar Undo In the meantime, Jose Torres enters as a former Ultimate Fighting Championship veteran and former champion in Brave Combat Federation and Titan Fighting Championship with international credentials on his resume despite his recent struggles as a member of Brave. The presence of Makoto Shinryu makes it even more intriguing, as the grizzled veteran has already fought Horiguchi twice in an attempt to win the belt, and lost both times by submission after a prior eye-poke no-contest situation. The fact that he has already experienced the competition of the championship scale and that he has a 5-3 RIZIN record is what makes him a serious contender to take the vacant throne. Rising stars and international flavor create global appeal A presence of veterans is not the only thing that will make the tournament globally appealing; undefeated Dagestani prospect Alibek Gadzhammatov is part of the next generation of flyweight talent. The 5-0 record of the 23-year-old, which includes a knockout win over Daichi Kitakata in his November 2024 RIZIN debut, reflects the finishing power that has earned the fighter the nickname of fan-favorite. The fact that he cannot make a decision when it comes to being a professional fighter will bring a sense of uncertainty that may upset the bracket. Nkazimulo Zulu represents the Africans as a former two-division champion of Extreme Fighting Championship with an 87 percent finishing rate and an equal number of knockouts (seven) and submissions. His title decision loss to Horiguchi on New Year's Eve showed that he is at that level of the best and Takaki Soya just defeated former Ultimate Fighting Championship title challenger John Dodson by a unanimous decision at RIZIN Otoko Matsuri on May 4, and that is just to show the strength of the tournament. Also Read: Why Sean O'Malley is relieved Ilia Topuria ignored his callout after UFC 317 knockout RIZIN Fighting Federation's flyweight world grand prix represents more than just a tournament—it's a statement that the Japanese promotion remains committed to showcasing world-class talent across all weight divisions, ensuring the flyweight championship will be held by a truly deserving competitor. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.

Tokyo police arrest 12 over online casino gambling at shop
Tokyo police arrest 12 over online casino gambling at shop

NHK

time26-06-2025

  • NHK

Tokyo police arrest 12 over online casino gambling at shop

NHK has learned that Japanese police arrested 12 people when raiding a shop that allegedly allowed customers to gamble on casino websites. Such wagering is illegal in Japan even on gaming sites based abroad. Police began raiding the establishment RIZIN in the Kabukicho entertainment district of Tokyo's Shinjuku Ward on Wednesday. They arrested five employees in their 20s through 40s, and seven customers in their 20s through 80s who were at the shop. Investigative sources say the employees are suspected of allowing customers to gamble on baccarat and other games on foreign-based casino websites using personal computers at the shop. They say the employees admitted to the allegation. The sources add that the store had at least 20 PCs and that police discovered data on more than 5,000 possible customers. Police say there are more establishments in Japan that allegedly allow customers to engage in online casino gambling. They have so far arrested people suspected to have gambled through online casinos using their own devices. Police have also clamped down on payment agencies alleged to have provided services to operators of casino websites.

UFC Baku predictions, odds, full card picks: Will Jamahal Hill or Khalil Rountree Jr. shine in Azerbaijan?
UFC Baku predictions, odds, full card picks: Will Jamahal Hill or Khalil Rountree Jr. shine in Azerbaijan?

Yahoo

time20-06-2025

  • Sport
  • Yahoo

UFC Baku predictions, odds, full card picks: Will Jamahal Hill or Khalil Rountree Jr. shine in Azerbaijan?

UFC Baku has arrived with the potential to deliver some bangers. Saturday afternoon's main event serves as the lone light heavyweight contest of the 12-fight lineup, with former champion Jamahal Hill returning after his chaotic clash against Jiri Prochazka this past January. Standing in the way of "Sweet Dreams" is recent title challenger Khalil Rountree Jr., who hasn't fought since coming up short opposite the former two-division champion Alex Pereira in October. Advertisement The matched was initially booked to headline April's UFC Kansas City show until Hill suffered an injury. Now, Azerbaijan's first-ever UFC event gets treated to an expectedly thrilling five-round firefight. Lightweights occupy the co-main event slot, as Rafael Fiziev looks to snap his three-fight skid by halting a surging contender on the rise, Ignacio Bahomondes. This weekend's lineup certainly plays to its location, lacking a wide range of broader star power but featuring a cast of characters sure to get the Azerbaijan crowd hyped, especially if RIZIN's 2023 event in Baku is anything to go by. 👑 UFC Baku's lineup Crown grade: C+. 👑 Betting odds courtesy of BetMGM. Khalil Rountree Jr. hopes his first title fight wasn't his last. (Jeff Bottari via Getty Images) 205 pounds: Jamahal Hill (+100) vs. Khalil Rountree Jr. (-120) Stylistically, we really are in for a treat with UFC Baku's main event. This is one of those good old-fashioned kickboxing matches disguised as an MMA fight. Advertisement Rountree is currently in that spot that a fighter very rarely falls into, where it can be argued that his best career performance was in a loss. I still think the masterclass against Eryk Anders is one of the single greatest performances ever seen in this sport, but what Rountree did against Pereira was undeniably impressive. The point is, Rountree gave one of the greatest strikers of all time all he could handle, and won rounds, putting the then-champion in trouble. He seems to have finally put things together, regarding keeping momentum and showing up in fights, despite some lackluster outputs in previous losses, or even the split-decision win over Dustin Jacoby. I know we shouldn't give in to MMA math, but consider that Hill fell short to "Poatan" in just over three minutes, with nothing resembling Rountree's success up until that point. Hill is in another one of those unique positions, where he seems to see his talent discredited because of his personality. Think similarly to Colby Covington in his prime. In reality, Hill is a dangerous and capable striker with solid boxing. He reacts well to situations in tight, sneaking in uppercuts or knees on the break. Advertisement Rountree is the more versatile and lethal striker overall, possessing nasty Muay Thai chops. Both men pack solid power that can shut out either's lights, but honestly, Hill's wear and tear might be catching up to him. The former champion is 0-2 after his Achilles tear and hasn't appeared to have the same mobility since then. In the Prochazka loss, he even sported the double kneepad look. That's never a good sign, especially for a 34-year-old light heavyweight who's up against a man who will most certainly attack those legs. (Modestas Bukauskas says hello.) Hill's best-case scenario will be to take Rountree down and utilize his underrated top control. Unfortunately, I don't see that happening unless it comes after he gets touched up first. Rountree gets back in the win column in Baku. Pick: Rountree 155 pounds: Rafael Fiziev (+105) vs. Ignacio Bahomondes (-125) This is a moment of truth fight for Bahomondes. Advertisement The Chilean sensation has certainly leveled up in his last three fights, finishing all three opponents impressively. Still just 27, Bahomondes can launch himself into that upper echelon of huge lightweight fights with a win over the perennial contender Fiziev. That's going to be much easier said than done, though. Yes, Fiziev is on a three-fight skid, but it's incredibly deceiving on paper. Two of the losses were hard-fought battles with Justin Gaethje, with an injury TKO loss to Mateusz Gamrot between them. Oh, and the Gaethje rematch was also on short notice. This guy is no slouch, and the oddsmakers are setting up "Attaman" for a "Y'all must have forgot" moment. Bahomondes has become supremely dynamic, and that should go without saying. He has more ways to win than Fiziev, as he displayed with that gorgeous triangle choke on Jalin Turner in his last time out. Ultimately, there are just levels to this game, and Fiziev is as talented and technical as a striker can get atop the lightweight ranks. It's hard to say how much size will play a factor in this matchup, but in terms of competition level, Fiziev has the edge and has still performed valiantly in his recent losses. Bahomondes has shown all the signs of being the future at lightweight, I'm just not sure he's there yet. More so, I don't think Fiziev is "done" as a contender just yet. Advertisement Pick: Fiziev 265 pounds: Curtis Blaydes (-275) vs. Rizvan Kuniev (+220) The UFC was not going to let this fight get away from either man, having landed on this third (and hopefully final) booking. Curtis Blaydes has unfortunately fallen into the ultimate heavyweight gatekeeper role, and you can see it here with the promotion sending a debutant his way. Sure, Rizvan Kuniev has been on a solid run, going undefeated in 12 straight. But for Blaydes, the man who last challenged for Tom Aspinall's interim crown, it's a wild shift in matchmaking. Outside of Derrick Lewis, Blaydes has legitimately only lost against the elite at heavyweight, all of whom have been thunderous knockout artists. (That was primarily the case with that Lewis loss.) Kuniev isn't exactly that. He has power, but to say it will be enough is hard to assess, and you almost have to assume the damage has just caught up to the 34-year-old Blaydes. Advertisement A win for Kuniev theoretically would launch him directly into title contention. Ultimately, the often superior wrestling of "Razor" Blaydes should be too much. Pick: Blaydes UFC fans are about to be treated to one of lightweight's most exciting talents in Tofiq Musayev. (Photo by) (Masashi Hara via Getty Images) 155 pounds: Tofiq Musayev (+145) vs. Myktybek Orolbai (-175) It would have been an absolute travesty for the UFC to debut in Azerbaijan without the country's all-time best fighter, Tofiq Musayev. The addition of the former RIZIN lightweight grand prix champion to the roster is wildly exciting for those aware of his talent. Musayev has been an absolute destroyer and son of the violence gods since he found his stride in 2015 and went on an 11-fight knockout string that bled into his RIZIN run. Advertisement Musayev has only been stopped twice, dating back to 2015, when he fought the likes of reigning RIZIN lightweight champion Roberto "Satoshi" de Souza and former top Bellator contender Alexandr Shabliy. Musayev rebounded in 2023 when he returned to the RIZIN ring, taking out Akira Okada and Koji Takeda in style. The latter, which was in the first major MMA event in his home country, blew the roof off the building. The all-action, aggressive nature of Musayev will be met with an insanely tough Myktybek Orolbai. Against Mateusz Rebecki in his last fight, Orolbai left bits and pieces of himself in the Octagon, losing a split-decision in one of 2024's best bouts. Orolbai has no quit in him and probably edges out Musayev in the grappling department, but competition-wise, Musayev has fought the superior opposition. The former RIZIN star is coming off that two-year layoff, though. So there are many intriguing layers to this fight, and it will surely deliver chaos, considering its environment. It's just now-or-never for Musayev, and he'll test if Orolbai is even the same fighter after the Rebecki war. Pick: Musayev 155 pounds: Nazim Sadykhov (-450) vs. Nikolas Motta (+350) It feels like we get at least one showcase fight per main card for every UFC Fight Night in 2025, doesn't it? At least, that's how the matchmakers plan it out, anyway. Advertisement Nazim Sadykhov vs. Nikolas Motta isn't quite on that scale, but this is a highly favorable bout for the surging Sadykhov, who is undefeated since his MMA debut in 2018. Another Azerbaijani receiving a big homecoming, Sadykhov has been knocking out opponents left and right. Outside of his first loss, Motta has exclusively lost by knockout, and the in-your-face fury of Sadykhov doesn't bode well for him unless he can counter attacks with well-timed takedowns. Simply put, it's Sadykhov's fight to lose. Pick: Sadykhov 145 pounds: Muhammad Naimov (-275) vs. Bogdan Grad (+220) The opening main card bout of UFC Baku has a broader spread in the odds than I'd have expected. There's still plenty left to learn about Muhammad Naimov and Bogdan Grad. But this matchup should be about who controls the chaos better, and for Grad, his recklessness could be his downfall. Advertisement Outside of a tough loss to the also super-talented Felipe Lima last year, Naimov has been on a good run with that as his lone loss in eight fights. On the other side, Grad will ride a four-fight win streak into the bout, consisting of three knockouts and one split-decision. Naimov's game is just more refined than his counterpart's. Most importantly, he's not as wild, which should allow him to take advantage of the various openings he's presented with. (Just ask Jamie Mullarkey.) Pick: Naimov It's "Iron Turtle" time for Jun Yong Park. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC) (Chris Unger via Getty Images) Preliminary Notes Oban Elliott and the "Iron Turtle" Jun Yong Park? I don't know what more you could ask for to close out a slate of prelims. Advertisement Seriously, the final two lead-in bouts should deliver and set the table for the second half of the evening. For Elliott, in particular, you'd have to think he'll get a decent step up in competition with a win. I'm also curious to see how Tagir Ulanbeko vs. Azat Maksum plays out, but the other three fights are just kind of there. I had high hopes for Irina Alekseeva upon her arrival in not just the UFC, but the U.S. in general, as she debuted in Bellator in 2021 before moving over to her current fighting home. Despite being 1-1, Alekseeva's kneebar win over Stephanie Egger came after she missed weight by five pounds and then looked awful against Melissa Mullins, who fights right after her at UFC Baku. I suppose the oddsmakers themselves are going full MMA math with this one, favoring Alekseeva so drastically because Mullins finished Klaudia Sygala in her UFC debut last November. Man, I did not expect to backhandedly praise Mullins this much in this preview. Quick picks:

Kai Asakura returns at UFC 319 vs. Tim Elliott
Kai Asakura returns at UFC 319 vs. Tim Elliott

USA Today

time27-05-2025

  • Sport
  • USA Today

Kai Asakura returns at UFC 319 vs. Tim Elliott

Kai Asakura returns at UFC 319 vs. Tim Elliott Former RIZIN superstar Kai Asakura has the opportunity to bounce back. At UFC 319, Asakura (21-5 MMA, 0-1 UFC) will make his second promotional appearance vs. Tim Elliott (20-13-1 MMA, 9-11 UFC) in a three-round flyweight bout. The event takes place Aug. 16 at United Center in Chicago and is headlined by Dricus Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev. Both fighters recently announced the booking on social media. The fight was first reported by X user @realkevin. Asakura, 31, signed with the UFC in 2024 and debuted in a title fight vs. champion Alexandre Pantoja, which he lost by second-round submission. Prior to his UFC onboarding, however, Asakura built his brand in his home country of Japan as one of its biggest stars. His only losses prior to Pantoja were to Kyoji Horiguchi, Manel Kape, and Hiromasa Ougikubo. All three of those fighters Asakura also holds wins over. Elliott, 38, hasn't competed since a December 2023 submission win over Su Mudaerji. The victory was his third in four fights. Elliott was scheduled to compete vs. Tatsuro Taira in May 2024 but withdrew. With the addition, the UFC 319 lineup now includes:

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