Fighter Highlights – Page 2

Chimaev, du Plessis and 49ers

Posted on August 12, 2025 by Vincent Juico

This content originally appeared on https://businessmirror.com.ph/2025/08/11/chimaev-du-plessis-and-49ers/

[#1 MW](C) Dricus Du Plessis (DDP) and [#4 MW] Khamzat Chimaev, two of the most dynamic athletes in the UFC middleweight division, will exchange strikes, takedowns and submission attempts at UFC 319 at the United Center in Chicago on Friday.

Many questions heading into what many think and feel will be an absolute banger and barnburner of a fight.

Can Chimaev neutralize DDP’s rhythm?

Chimaev’s takedown-heavy offense could suffocate DDP if he maintains relentless pressure.

Will DDP bait mistakes and finish?

DDP’s offensive creativity and endurance could frustrate Chimaev, opening paths to strikes or submissions.

This fight is a classic clash of relentless aggression vs unconventional adaptability.

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Vincent Juico

Vincent Juicio is a sports journalist covering basketball, mixed martial arts, boxing, American football-especially the San Francisco 49ers-and global sports issues. Known for his insightful analysis and a keen eye on both game strategy and broader sports trends, his work offers fans in-depth perspectives across multiple disciplines.

Exclusive Interview with Salamat Isbulaev, Undefeated Pro-MMA Fighter

Posted on August 12, 2025 by Heather

Introduction

[#220 LW] Salamat Isbulaev (9-0) is a 27 year old professional MMA athlete. He is undefeated as a pro and has never gone the distance, with all finishes by either TKO or submission, and only one fight going past the first round. As an amateur, Isbulaev has had a record of 29-2. This is unusual, due to the fact that MMA fighters typically move from amateur to professional earlier in their career than he did. Currently, he is managed by Miras Temirbolat with Paradigm Sports. Salamat is the lightweight title holder for the Kazakh promotion Alash Pride FC, and is looking to working his way to signing with a major world-wide MMA organization.

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Heather

MMA & Boxing Author | Business Development Consultant
I have been a fan and avid viewer of all combat sports for decades. I was once a Judoka, which is what eventually piqued my interest in Mixed Martial Arts. I have been a spectator of the UFC since 2001. For 25 years I’ve worked in healthcare, and now am trying to make something that was a hobby, into a full-time endeavor.

www.fightmatrix.com

Dana White Teases “Biggest Fight in UFC History” between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall

Posted on August 8, 2025 by A. J. Riot

Introduction: A Heavyweight Showdown on the Horizon

UFC President Dana White has recently ignited discussion in the combat sports community by teasing what he calls the “biggest fight in UFC history” — a potential clash between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall. While no official contract has been signed, the speculation surrounding this matchup has intensified. The fight would pit a seasoned champion with one of the most dominant legacies in MMA against a rising force who has quickly earned a reputation for power, precision, and athleticism.

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Exclusive Interview with Professional Boxer and eSports Competitor, Stanley Johnson

Posted on August 6, 2025 by Heather

Stanley ‘Kid Muscle’ Johnson (7-1, 5 KOs) is a professional boxer and Esports competitor from Houston, who grew up in New Orleans. He is ranked #12 in U.S. Cruiserweight and #108 globally. Prior to his boxing career, Johnson has served in the US Navy. Stanley also participates in eSports, and serves as brand ambassador for 4ESPORTS/4EGAMES, in partnership with Eruption Boxing Management. His manager, Gwen Legge of Orange, California, owns Eruption Boxing Management and brings an innovative management style.

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Heather

www.fightmatrix.com

Boxing Legends Return in 2025: Comebacks, Contenders, and Closing Chapters

Posted on August 6, 2025 by A. J. Riot

Source

In boxing, retirement is rarely a permanent decision. Fighters leave the sport, but the itch to return often arises. Whether it’s unfinished business, legacy, or simply the drive to compete again, 2025 is already shaping up to be one of the biggest years for comebacks.

Some former champions are stepping back into the spotlight, chasing titles, money, or a sense of closure, but not all comebacks are created equal. Some legends return with a solid chance to win. Others come back for the check. Here is a breakdown of the biggest comebacks this year.

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Four Rematches Boxing Fans Could See in the Second Half of 2025

Posted on August 6, 2025 by A. J. Riot

A boxer on his way to the ring

Unsplash

As we stride into the latter half of 2025, boxing is primed to deliver spectacle after spectacle. Already, the calendar boasts seismic encounters: Canelo Alvarez versus Terence Crawford in Las Vegas on September 13th in a contest between two of the greatest fighters of their generation, with streaming giant Netflix broadcasting worldwide. Two months later, KO artist extraordinaire David Benavidez puts his reputation and WBC light heavyweight title on the line against Britain’s Anthony Yarde in Riyadh. But that’s not all.

But boxing’s heartbeat doesn’t just pulse with fresh matchups; it throbs on the echo of unfinished business. Four blockbuster rematches could also take place before the year is out, each heavy with legacy and possibility. The potential clashes have drifted to the top of every pundit’s wishlist. The stakes? Pride, closure, and a rewrite of the record books.

So, which fighters could be meeting familiar foes in the coming months? Let’s find out.

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Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk: Will There Be a Third Epic Fight?

Posted on August 4, 2025 by A. J. Riot

After two unforgettable battles between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, boxing fans are now focused on a potential trilogy. The first bout was decided by a narrow split decision, while the second was clearly won by Usyk. Both fights generated tens of millions of dollars in revenue and record-breaking viewership. The next logical step? A third fight to settle the rivalry once and for all. But will it actually happen?

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Diamond of a Career

Posted on July 22, 2025 by Vincent Juico

This content was originally published on https://businessmirror.com.ph/2025/07/21/diamond-of-a-career/

DUSTIN POIRIER ends his UFC journey as one of the lightweight division’s most beloved and respected fighters—an interim champion, perennial high-performer and community pillar.

His legacy is defined by resilience, big-win performances, and a career built more than titles—it’s built on heart and impact.

The MMA community overwhelmingly praised Dustin Poirier—not just for his performance inside the cage, but also his integrity, work ethic and grace in retirement.

Fighters and media alike highlighted the dignity of stepping away on one’s own terms, while fans celebrated him as a “people’s champion” and role model.

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Vincent Juico

What Does Jon Jones’s Retirement Mean for UFC?

Posted on July 22, 2025 by A. J. Riot

In June 2025, Jon Jones shocked the UFC world by announcing his retirement, but nobody was betting on him reversing his decision less than one month later and ‘unretiring’ from UFC.

However, the 38-year-old is rapidly approaching the end of his career, and he will soon have to retire when his age and physical abilities finally get the better of him. The question being asked here is, what does Jon Jones’s retirement mean for the UFC?

Let’s dive straight in to find out.

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Derrick Lewis, UFC’s knockout king

Posted on July 18, 2025 by Oleg

At UFC on ESPN: Lewis vs Teixeira, Derrick ‘The Black Beast’ Lewis extended his record for most KO/TKO stoppages in UFC history to 16. The fight ending was not without some controversy: though Tallison Teixeira absorbed numerous unanswered punches to the head, he did manage to make it back to his feet at the moment when the referee stepped in to stop the bout. Minor controversy aside, we got vintage Lewis from the post-fight celebration to the interview: Taking off his shorts, pretending to mark his territory on his opponent’s corner, mooning the crowd, and talking about ground-and-pounding his wife when asked ‘who is next’?’.

With the rise of popularity in sports betting and online casino games, Derrick Lewis is certainly one of the fan favorites to wager on, and win or lose, you can usually count on his fights not going the distance. Or when visiting the online gambling sites you could opt to playing casino games instead, at online casino Ontario. Either way, let’s take a closer look at the Black Beast’s life and at times glorious UFC career.

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The Next Generation: 6 Rising UFC Fighters to Watch by Year’s End

Posted on July 15, 2025 by A. J. Riot

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The UFC’s landscape is shifting as a new wave of athletes steps into the spotlight, blending raw skill with relentless ambition. In a sport where fortunes can change with a single punch or submission, identifying the next breakout star is both art and science.

This year, several fighters have not only strung together impressive wins but have also demonstrated the technical depth and mental resilience needed to climb the rankings.

Their stories, marked by decisive victories, rapid development, and the ability to adapt under pressure, signal a changing of the guard. As 2025 unfolds, these six competitors stand poised to redefine their divisions and captivate fans worldwide. Here’s why each merits close attention as the year progresses.

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Canadian MMA Fighters Make a Powerful Comeback

Posted on July 14, 2025 by A. J. Riot

After Georges St-Pierre retired and Rory MacDonald faded from the spotlight, Canada’s MMA presence slowed. A few others made brief appearances but didn’t stay in the spotlight for long. Training continued in local gyms, but media attention dropped. There were no major interviews, no highlight clips. The work didn’t stop, but it happened without an audience. Fighters kept training, focusing on each session with no expectations. Now, that period appears to be over. A number of familiar names are showing up again. Not with marketing or headlines, but through consistent presence in major events.

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🔝 Top Fighters Who Fought in RFP

Posted on July 10, 2025 by Vitaliy Vovk

Real Fight Promotion (RFP) has served as a launchpad for numerous talented athletes who have gone on to compete in some of the most prestigious MMA promotions worldwide.

Below is a ranking of standout fighters who have competed in Real Fight Promotion (RFP), sorted by their career accomplishments, level of competition in international promotions, and overall consistency in performance. This ranking aligns with both FightMatrix CIRRS metrics and official UFC panel rankings.

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Vitaliy Vovk

MMA Promoter | Event Organizer | Coach | Analyst

I am the Founder and President of Real Fight Promotion (RFP), one of the most established MMA organizations in Ukraine. With over 40 years of experience in combat sports and a background in law enforcement special forces, I’ve organized more than 100 MMA events, coached high-level fighters, and contributed to the development of MMA at the national level. I actively collaborate with leading MMA platforms and, as a published author, remain committed to advancing the sport of MMA in Ukraine.

https://rfpromo.com/

rfpromo.com/

Ranking of promising MMA fighters to watch out for

Posted on July 8, 2025 by A. J. Riot

The MMA network, especially the UFC is a very interesting sport and brings out some raw emotions when watching.

Almost every fight night, we get new crop of fighters from every corner of the globe. Either boxers making a transition to the MMA or a committed young fighter determined to prove himself on tour.

Some of the most exciting fighters we’ll be highlighting to watch out for this year include:

Felipe Lima
Tallison Texiera
Vinicius Oliveira
Baysangur Chamsoudinov
Carlos Prates
Esteban Ribovics
Raul Rosas Jr.

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Betting Guide: 6 Key Fighters to Watch at UFC 317

Posted on June 11, 2025 by A. J. Riot

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UFC 317 promises an electrifying night of mixed martial arts action in Las Vegas. The event, held at the T-Mobile Arena, is set for Saturday, June 28, at 10:00 PM EDT. This card features a compelling main event and a high-stakes co-main event.

Additionally, a crucial title eliminator bout will shape the future of the Flyweight division. This guide highlights key fighters whose journeys and recent performances make them compelling watches for an informed audience.

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