Latest news with #UFC320
The Independent
33 minutes ago
- Sport
- The Independent
Alex Pereira vs Magomed Ankalaev 2 confirmed as UFC 320 ends with title double-header
UFC CEO Dana White has announced that Magomed Ankalaev 's rematch against Alex Pereira will headline UFC 320 in Las Vegas. Ankalaev will defend the light-heavyweight title he won against Pereira – at the same venue during UFC 313 in March – while the Brazilian will look to become champion of the division for the second time, after three previous successful defences of the title he won in late 2023. 'Alright, UFC 320, 4 October, T-Mobile [Arena], Las Vegas, the champ Magomed Ankalaev defends his belt against Alex Pereira,' said White in a video uploaded to social media. 'The co-main event for that fight will be Merab [Dvalishvili] versus Cory Sandhagen. Merab is on a 13-fight win streak, Sandhagen is ranked No 3,' added White. That co-main event will see Dvalishvili and Sandhagen face off for the bantamweight title, with the Georgian defending the belt he won in September of last year. Sandhagen is ranked fourth in the division, though Dvalishvili has recently defended his title against both Sean O'Malley and Umar Nurmagomedov, who are ranked No 1 and 2 respectively. 'Another fight on that card is Jiri Prochazka versus Khalil Rountree. I don't need to say anything else, for those of you that know, you know,' added White at the end of his video. That pair are ranked No 2 and 4 respectively in the light-heavyweight division, with the victor likely to face the winner of the championship bout between Ankalaev and Pereira. In a similar video, White also announced that Tom Aspinall will be returning to the Octagon at UFC 321, where he'll defend his heavyweight title against former interim champion Cyril Gane. That event will take place in Abu Dhabi on 25 October. The promotion's next pay-per-view event comes on 17 August, when Dricus du Plessis faces Khamzat Chimaev in his third defence of the middleweight belt.
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Khabib Nurmagomedov Points to Jack Della Maddalena's Size Advantage Over Islam Makhachev Amid UFC Rule Change Push
Images via Imagn: Islam Makhachev, Jack Della Maddalena and Khabib Nurmagomedov With Ilia Topuria winning the UFC's 155-pound crown and Islam Makhachev slated to fight for the welterweight title later this year, the future of the promotion is certainly looking bright. However, many fans were dismayed at the fact that they didn't get to see the two best fighters in the promotion settle their feud inside the Octagon. Moreover, experts even cited that the Dagestani would make easy work of fighters at 170lbs, which included the reigning champion, Jack Della Maddalena. However, UFC Hall of Famer and Makhachev's mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, has other thoughts. Khabib Nurmagomedov Believes Jack Della Maddalena to Be the Toughest Challenge of Islam Makhachev's Career In a recent interview with Adam Zubayraev on the Hustle Show, Nurmagomedov said that JDM would be a much tougher opponent for Makhachev than Topuria. 'I think Maddalena is the toughest opponent in Islam's career. That's my opinion, not Charles, no one else. None of those other fighters. Not even Ilia, if that fight were to happen. That's just my personal opinion.' The Hall of Famer cited JDM's size and strength as the reason for his analysis and added, 'First of all, Maddalena is twice the size of Ilia. Taller, bigger, stronger legs, bigger frame. His boxing is just as good. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 20 Things You Should Stop Wearing After 40 Undo And, in grappling, he scrambles really well if you've watched him. For me, if I was preparing Islam for either Ilia or Maddalena, I'd be more concerned about Maddalena (than Ilia).' With Dana White announcing the headliners for UFC 320 and UFC 321, it is possible that JDM and Makhachev would slug it out for the 170-pound gold at UFC 322 in November at Madison Square Garden. Khabib Nurmagomedov Suggests a Big Change in the Current UFC Fight Rule Book The UFC's standard rules in 2025 still follow the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts, first introduced back in 2001. These rules were brought in to help legitimize the sport, moving it away from its early reputation as "human cockfighting" during the late 1990s. With the new framework came time limits, judges, weight classes, and the 10-point must scoring system, all aimed at making MMA more professional and mainstream. However, Khabib Nurmagomedov is now suggesting some major changes to these long-standing rules. He now mentors top talents like Makhachev and Umar Nurmagomedov, guiding them toward championship success. With his wealth of experience, Khabib believes it's time for a rule overhaul. In the same interview with Zubayraev, Khabib shared a bold idea: 'I'd change the rules. Like, you step into the Octagon – regular fights are 15 minutes, title fights are 25, right? I'd say no rounds. No rounds at all. I always wondered – what's the point of rounds? What's the point of it all? It's for entertainment, they pause for ads and all of that.' The UFC Hall of Famer believes the current round-based format prioritizes business and television over the purity of sport. He argued that eliminating rounds would make fights more authentic and less driven by commercial breaks. 'I get it – it's for business. But if we're talking sport, I'd get rid of rounds, no rounds at all. They just step in – that's it. There should be rules, no strikes to the back of the head, no groin strikes, that sort of thing, yeah, but I'd still get rid of rounds.' Also read: Former UFC fighter Ben Askren shares emotional ride-home message after surviving complex lung surgery For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
News18
4 hours ago
- Sport
- News18
UFC Octoberfest: Major Bouts Announced For 320, 321
UFC 320 and 321 promise MMA drama. Las Vegas hosts Ankalaev vs. Pereira 2 and Dvalishvili vs. Sandhagen, while Abu Dhabi features Aspinall vs. Gane. As the nights draw in and autumn grabs hold, MMA fans are blessed with a double bill of carnage and championship drama. UFC 320 and UFC 321 are about to turn October 2025 into a wall-to-wall highlight reel. Las Vegas and Abu Dhabi, two cities miles apart, will witness history as belts, bragging rights, and possibly entire divisions shift before our very eyes. From vengeance-laden rematches to heavyweight collision courses, here's your front-row seat to MMA's ultimate Octoberfest. Main Event: Ankalaev vs. Pereira 2: Redemption or Regicide? Step into the T-Mobile Arena and you won't just hear buzz: you'll feel it. Magomed Ankalaev, the light heavyweight champ, enters the cage with his signature poker face and even tighter strategy. Their first dance at UFC 313 was cerebral, not savage, as Ankalaev tamed Pereira with grappling threats and stand-up feints, denying fans the Pereira highlight reel they craved. But Alex Pereira does his best work in rematches. The Brazilian is famed for rewriting narratives under the brightest lights. After a listless display last time, and losing his title (and aura), Pereira's camp hints at aggression—look for brisk low kicks, sniper (left) hooks, and feigned retreats to bait Ankalaev into the kill zone. Merab Dvalishvili is appropriately called the machine; with thirteen wins on the trot, he's made the transition from 'that dude from Georgia" to the UFC's most suffocating force. He's grappled, ground, and gassed out two standouts—O'Malley and Nurmagomedov—in 2025 alone. Standing across the gold line: Cory Sandhagen, the division's trickster and technician. Sandhagen's movement is balletic, his strikes precision-guided, his confidence the quiet kind. Can he keep Merab off him for five rounds, carving up the champ from range? Or will the 'Machine" simply wear him down, strip his gears, and leave Sandhagen scrambling for breath? This is classic striker vs. grinder, with five rounds to decide the fate of the 135-lb kingdom. The words 'Fight of the Year" are thrown around too easily, but when Jiri Prochazka and Khalil Rountree Jr. walk in, chaos feels inevitable. Prochazka's style is martial arts jazz—puzzling, unpredictable, and at times, blissfully reckless. With a head full of samurai quotes and an armory of unorthodox attacks, he brings a unique flavor to light heavyweight wars. Rountree Jr. counters with pure Muay Thai muscle and a highlight reel loaded with violent finishes. Both balled through Jamahal Hill in style earlier this year. Whoever lands clean first likely walks away ranked, relevant, and possibly next in line for the division's big belt dance. With Jon Jones now legend and memory, the heavyweight throne now Tom Aspinall's, Ciryl Gane will lock horns with the Englishman at the Etihad Arena to determine the true champion of a division that had been stagnant for too long. Aspinall is what scientists might build if asked for the perfect heavyweight: nimble, fast-fisted, and equally sick on the mat. His finishing stats are fearsome, most wins wrapped up before you've finished your first round nachos. Yet Gane is no one's stepping stone. His movement is ballet crossed with bone-breaking, and his striking is clinical. The consensus: if Aspinall bulldozes forward, Gane will slide, slip, and snipe. But if Gane's defensive wrestling hasn't leveled up since Jon Jones steamrolled him, the Brit's mix of takedowns, heavy hands, and ground strikes could spell a quick night. This is heavyweight, reimagined: a matchup where agility matters, and anyone can lead the dance. Though not officially announced, this major heavyweight bout is rumoured for 321, as it will set up the next potential challenger for the title. Alexander Volkov is now a heavyweight mainstay, known for his teep kicks, textbook jab, and climbing ever closer to the elusive title shot. Recent results paint him as technical, patient, and adaptive—save for a razor-thin loss to Gane, that caused major controversy. Enter Jailton Almeida—the submission machine. If he gets his mitts on you, good luck breathing for the rest of the round. His wrestling is relentless, and his mat control absolute, as victims Romanov and Spivac can attest. The question: can Volkov freeze Almeida long enough to keep it standing, or will the Brazilian chain-wrestle his way to another dominant win? Why October Matters: – Can Ankalaev shut down the 'Poatan storm" again, or does Pereira drop another highlight-reel finish for immortality? – Will the 'Machine" finally get short-circuited at bantamweight, or is Sandhagen's slick striking his saving grace? – Does the heavyweight division get a new era of speed and skill with Aspinall, or is Gane simply too smooth to hit? – And among the chaos merchants and on-the-cusp contenders, who will steal the show—and perhaps a golden ticket to a title shot? top videos View all Every bout, from title tilts to rising prospect showdowns, carries massive implications—championships, contenders, even careers hang in the balance. Both cards are looking to be devilishly stacked, clever in their matchmaking, and designed for pure spectacle. So, grab your snacks, assemble your crew, and cancel everything else. Because this October, the UFC throws down not one but two gauntlets—and you won't want to blink. News18 Sports brings you the latest updates, live commentary, and highlights from cricket, football, tennis, badmintion, wwe and more. Catch breaking news, live scores, and in-depth coverage. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : Alex Pereira mixed martial arts ufc view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 23, 2025, 11:10 IST News sports UFC Octoberfest: Major Bouts Announced For 320, 321 Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
8 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
UFC 320 Fight Card revealed! Alex Pereira seeks revenge against Magomed Ankalaev in title rematch
Former UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira will seek redemption in a highly anticipated rematch against reigning titleholder Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320 on October 4 in Las Vegas. UFC CEO Dana White confirmed the headlining bout, which will be held at T-Mobile Arena, via social media. Pereira (12-3), a former UFC middleweight and multiweight kickboxing champion, emerged as one of MMA's top stars in 2024, thanks to spectacular knockouts of Jamahal Hill, Jirí Procházka , and Khalil Rountree Jr. However, his momentum was halted in March when Ankalaev defeated him by decision at UFC 313, ending his brief title reign at 205 pounds. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category MCA Project Management PGDM Data Science Management Others Public Policy Operations Management Data Analytics Degree Digital Marketing MBA Healthcare Leadership Artificial Intelligence Product Management Data Science Finance others healthcare Design Thinking CXO Cybersecurity Technology Skills you'll gain: Programming Proficiency Data Handling & Analysis Cybersecurity Awareness & Skills Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning Duration: 24 Months Vellore Institute of Technology VIT Master of Computer Applications Starts on Aug 14, 2024 Get Details — ufc (@ufc) At 38, Pereira remains one of the most accomplished strikers in combat sports history. Yet, Ankalaev (21-1-1), who hails from Dagestan, is expected to enter the rematch as the favorite. The 33-year-old is currently riding a 13-fight unbeaten streak and has firmly established himself as the division's most consistent force. UFC 320's co-main event will feature a bantamweight title clash between champion Merab Dvalishvili (20-4) and top contender Cory Sandhagen (18-5). Dvalishvili is aiming for his third title defense in 2024, having already beaten Umar Nurmagomedov and Sean O'Malley. Live Events Sandhagen, meanwhile, is chasing his first undisputed title after falling short against Petr Yan in a 2021 interim bout. Adding further intrigue, light heavyweight contenders Jirí Procházka and Khalil Rountree Jr. will also square off on the main card, making UFC 320 a can't-miss event for fans.
USA Today
11 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Merab Dvalishvili to defend title vs. Cory Sandhagen at UFC 320
It didn't take long for UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili to get another title defense on the schedule. Dvalishvili is set to make his third title defense against top contender Cory Sandhagen in the UFC 320 co-main event Oct. 4 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The news was announced Tuesday by UFC CEO Dana White on Instagram Live. Dvalishvili (20-4 MMA, 13-2 UFC), one of the busiest champions today, fights for a third time in 2025 – all three bouts being title fights. The Georgian fighter made his first title defense in January, outpointing Umar Nurmagomedov, and his second in June, submitting Sean O'Malley in a rematch. Dvalishvili looks to tie the record of most consecutive title defenses at 135 pounds. Sandhagen (18-5 MMA, 11-4 UFC) fights in his first undisputed UFC title fight. He competed for the interim belt years prior, losing to Petr Yan. Sandhagen is 4-1 in his past five outings. In his most recent performance, Sandhagen stopped Deiveson Figueiredo in May.
