When it comes to Irish MMA stars, there are none as exciting as Conor McGregor. Back in 2014, he managed to defeat Diego Brandao at the Dublin O2 Arena. At that point, he became a famous name in the MMA scene, and went on to become the very first “Champ Champ”.

At that fight in 2014, five different Irish MMA fighters managed to win their matchups as well. At this point, it looked like Irish fighters were going to become the biggest names in MMA, but since then we haven’t seen the same success from them. This has been especially disappointing for those in the betting scene, who were hoping to see more from Irish Fighters. Irish bookmakers seen at Betfree.ie offer betting on pretty much every MMA event, but unfortunately at the moment not many Irish stars are listed. With MMA becoming a bigger deal and no one in betting, Irish punters want to bet on the home fighters.

Now though, there are several different MMA fighters who are looking to replicate that success and become the top names in the sport. Here are just some of these fighters that you need to be watching right now.

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These days, it’s not enough to hold a title in a major MMA organization.  Why not two? Hell, Anatoly Malykhin is currently simultaneously holding the middleweight, light-heavyweight, and heavyweight titles at ONE Championship. And so every new major title holder seems to ignore the realities of defending their freshly won divisional title, preferring to immediately chase the ‘champ-champ’ status.

This craze began with Conor McGregor becoming the first UFC champion to hold title belts in two divisions at the same time.  There have been others before him, though none simultaneous. In this article, we will look back at every fighter who has held more than one divisional title (whether simultaneous or one at at time) in the UFC history, in chronological order. Interim titles count; tournament titles do not.

* indicates titles held simultaneously

 Randy Couture

Randy ‘The Natural’ Couture was a pioneer of MMA in many ways.  One of the first well-rounded fighters who sucessfully utilized more than one discipline, Couture was also the first fighter in the UFC to win multiple titles. The Natural made his UFC debut in 1997, winning the UFC 13 Heavyweight Tournament. He then defeated young ‘Phenom’ Vitor Belfort in a title eliminator, before capturing the UFC heavyweight title with a decision win over Maurice Smith. Couture never did defend that belt, vacating it amidst a contract dispute with UFC, which saw Randy going to fight over in Japan for a period of his career. Upon returning to UFC in 2000, Couture immediately won back the heavyweight title and defended it twice.

After dropping two fights at heavyweight, the aging Couture decided to try his luck at 205 lbs. Making his light-heavyweight debut at UFC 43, Couture stopped Chuck Liddell in the third round for the Interim title (the real title having been held by Tito Ortiz at the time), becoming the first man in UFC history to win title belts in two different divisions. Couture unified the belts in a routing of Ortiz, but then dropped it in a rematch with Vitor Belfort, due to a cut on the eyelid of Couture caused by the very first strike thrown by Belfort. After winning the title back from Belfort, Couture lost his next two battles to Chuck Liddell and retired from the sport.

Couture’s retirement didn’t last long: a year later, he returned to the heavyweight division, shocking the world with a dominant decision win over a much larger man in Tim Sylvia. Randy defended the heavyweight title once, before losing it to Brock Lesnar.  He didn’t fight for another title after.

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The UFC has seen some truly incredible fighters over its storied 31-year history, but only the best of the best have been able to see periods of sustained dominance over an entire weight class. While there is plenty of nuance that goes into a long win streak in the UFC, namely the quality of opponents, at some point a run of victories becomes so long that we as viewers have no choice but to appreciate greatness. The UFC, with its 625 million fans, is a top-viewed combat sport. This popularity has brought in online sports betting brands, giving fans a fun way to be part of the action.

A quick note before we get started, six fighters are technically tied for 4th place. Demetrious Johnson, Max Holloway, Islam Makhachev, Georges St. Pierre, Jon Jones, and Khabib Nurmagomedov all have recorded 13 fight win-streaks. Still, we’ve decided to highlight just the below that we think come with important caveats that put them above the rest.

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Despite his athletic accomplishments, Du Plessis has been gaining attention lately, not only for his fights in the octagon but also for his witty comments on social media. Recently, he expressed his outrage over popular rapper Drake losing a bet on his fight.

On his Twitter page, Du Plessis wrote that Drake lost the bet on his fight, and Dricus will now “fry” him like he “fried” Strickland in the octagon. The post immediately went viral and sparked tons of comments and reactions from fans of both athletes.

The story began when Drake made a huge bet of $700,000 on fighter Sean Strickland to defeat Du Plessis. This joking tradition has become well known among fans: every time Drake bets on a fighter, that athlete is virtually guaranteed to lose. Immediately after Drake makes a bet and it becomes public knowledge, many people also start betting on another fighter. There is also an inexplicable increase in casino activity in Canadian dollars if twinspinCA statistics are to be believed. Recall that Drake is a native of Canada. Many of his fellow citizens may decide to bet or spin slots in a similar fashion to their fellow countrymen.

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In the tumultuous realm of professional fighting, Kayla Harrison‘s trajectory offers an enthralling narrative. Charting her meteoric rise, an unforeseen detour, and her imminent return, Harrison’s narrative is a testament to resilience. This piece provides an in-depth look at her surprising hiatus from the PFL’s 2023 season, the league’s strategic shifts, and potential horizons awaiting the two-time Lightweight champion.

Why Kayla Harrison’s Glass is Half Full

In the wake of a shocking defeat, the mental and emotional journey of an athlete can be more grueling than any physical battle. The aftershock not only tests their mettle but also reshapes their perspective on the sport and life. Kayla Harrison’s recent experiences serve as a compelling case study in this context.

The Setback and Recovery

The shadow of a demoralizing loss at the Professional Fighters League’s lightweight championship loomed large over Harrison. But, as champions often do, she embarked on a journey of introspection and growth. This period, marked by both emotional turmoil and personal evolution, also witnessed her forging an unexpected bond—with a pet emu.

Kayla Harrison’s situation in the PFL may have taken an unexpected turn, but for Massachusetts residents still looking to wager on mixed martial arts, legal Massachusetts Sports Betting brings a new opportunity with promotions such as the BetMGM Bonus Code.

Returning to the Ring

After enduring a season away from the limelight, the return of an athlete to their chosen arena is always a highly anticipated event, filled with speculation, hope, and excitement. For Kayla Harrison, her comeback promises to be an electrifying chapter in her storied career.

“I really spent a lot of time working on me — being a better mother, being a better human, just sitting still and being quiet. That’s something I’ve never done — just sitting with myself and meditating, or sitting outside and listening to the birds and watering plants,” Harrison, 33, said of the past eight months via The Washington Post. “It was a beautiful time of my life, and I’m so grateful for it because I feel like it taught me how to breathe.”

Harrison vs. Budd: The Showdown

November 24 stands as a red-letter day for MMA enthusiasts. On this day, Harrison, with a formidable record of 15-1, is slated to face former Bellator MMA champion Julia Budd (17-6) in what promises to be a high-octane face-off at the PFL world championship.

Two Decades in Motion

Dedication, passion, and relentless hard work often characterize the journeys of elite athletes. For Kayla Harrison, the last two decades have been a whirlwind of training, competing, and constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

Olympic Glory and MMA Stardom

Harrison’s tryst with judo began early, leading her to train rigorously and earn a spot in her first Olympic trials at a mere age of 14. Her unwavering commitment bore fruit when she clinched an Olympic gold medal in judo in 2012, followed by another in 2016. Transitioning to MMA in 2018, she soon became a beacon of excellence in the PFL, clinching the lightweight title twice.

Personal Struggles and Triumphs

Behind the glitz and glamour of the fighting arena, lies the very human story of an athlete’s personal battles and their indomitable spirit. Kayla Harrison’s life off the ring has been marked by both heart-wrenching challenges and inspiring triumphs.

Survivor and Guardian

The adversities Harrison faced weren’t confined to her professional life. She survived the traumatic experience of sexual abuse by a former coach. Later, in a poignant turn of events, she became the guardian to her niece and nephew, navigating personal loss and responsibility.

The Quest to Be the Best

In the highly competitive world of MMA, being good isn’t enough; one aspires to be the best. For Harrison, this meant not just dominating in the PFL but seeking out challenges that would cement her legacy as the premier female MMA fighter.

Facing Elite Competition

Despite her impressive track record in the PFL, Harrison yearned for more. Her eyes were set on blockbuster bouts against legends like Amanda Nunes and Cris “Cyborg” Justino. But, with Nunes retiring and plans with Justino falling through, Harrison’s aspirations hit a roadblock.

A Shocking Turn of Events

In sports, predictions and odds can often be turned on their head by the unpredictability of the moment. When Harrison faced PFL’s Larissa Pacheco, what seemed inevitable was dramatically overturned.

The Pacheco Upset

Entering the 155-pound championship bout, Harrison was the overwhelming favorite, with odds stacked heavily in her favor. But, in a twist, Pacheco clinched a unanimous decision victory, serving Harrison her first MMA defeat and leaving fans and pundits in disbelief.

Uncertainty in the PFL

Every sport undergoes changes, whether in format or in the structure of competitions. The PFL, too, witnessed significant changes that directly impacted Harrison and her immediate future in the league.

Divisional Changes and PPV Strategy

Navigating the aftermath of her loss, Harrison’s next steps were mired in uncertainty. With the PFL switching its 155-pound women’s lightweight division for a 145-pound featherweight offering, and a pronounced emphasis on pay-per-view events, Harrison found herself in an unfamiliar territory of ambiguity.

Reflecting on Choices and Time

Time is the ultimate luxury and commodity for an elite athlete. As Harrison stares down the final chapters of her storied career, introspection and evaluation of past choices become inevitable.

Past Decisions and Future Prospects

Harrison, in previous interactions, has alluded to the ticking clock, sometimes with hints of regret. She has often wondered aloud if she should have chosen the MMA route sooner over pursuing a second Olympic medal. While such urgency has ebbed, it occasionally resurfaces, especially as major fights approach.

The Road Ahead

Amidst the highs and lows, what remains constant is the unyielding spirit of an athlete. As Harrison prepares for her imminent return, the MMA community awaits with bated breath, eager to witness the next chapter of this remarkable journey.

Anticipating the PFL’s November Finale

With the grand finale of the PFL looming in November, speculations are rife. The end might be on the horizon, but for Harrison, it’s about the journey, the battles, and leaving an indelible mark in the annals of MMA history.

Think of Australian athletes and your mind tends to focus on the nation’s famous cricketers, rugby players, maybe tennis stars and of course the odd golfer or two. Australians are not famous for combat sports, aside from a few boxers over the years like Lionel Rose in the 1960s and more recently, Kostya Tszyu, who dominated the light welterweight division around the millennium.

All that has started to change over the past few years, as Australia has got into MMA at grass roots level with more enthusiasm. For some reason, boxing was always seen as a chore to be endured by youngsters down under, but the more nuanced athleticism behind MMA has captured Australian imaginations. This is a nation with a skill for identifying and nurturing sporting talent, which is why it challenges at the highest level despite having a population of only 25 million. These fighters are ensuring Australia is firmly on the MMA map.

Jake Matthews is just hitting his prime

Melbourne fighter Jake Matthews made his MMA debut at Australian regional level in 2012 having just turned 18. He rapidly compiled a 7-0 record before making his UFC debut two years later. In the intervening years, he has recorded some impressive wins against such names as Diego Sanchez, Li Jingliang and Emil Weber Meek.

Matthews was scheduled to face Miguel Baeza at UFC 291 last month, but Baeza pulled out and was replaced by Darrius Flowers. Matthews won the bout quite easily in the second round and there is a sense that he is just hitting his prime.

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