UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones has pleaded not guilty to assault and interference with communication charges stemming from an alleged altercation with a drug tester at his New Mexico home. Jones maintains his innocence, claiming the accusations are baseless and that he was simply frustrated by the tester’s professionalism. The incident occurred during a drug test in March, and Jones has vowed to fight the charges.
Puja Tomar, a 30-year-old Indian fighter, has become the first woman from India to compete in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), securing a split-decision victory over Rayanne dos Santos in the straw-weight division. Her journey to the UFC has been filled with challenges, from overcoming societal expectations and financial struggles to navigating the competitive world of combat sports. Puja’s story is one of resilience, determination, and a burning desire to represent India on the global stage.
Puja Tomar has become the first Indian fighter to win a bout in the prestigious Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC). The 28-year-old defeated Brazilian opponent Rayanne Dos Santos via split decision in a thrilling 52 kg encounter in Louisville, USA. Despite losing the second round, Tomar displayed impressive grit and determination, delivering powerful punches that swayed the third round in her favor. The significant win marks a milestone for Indian MMA and inspires aspiring fighters across the country.
Despite being out of action since his 2021 loss and injury, Conor McGregor remains a popular figure with a substantial fan base. Known for his wealth and luxurious lifestyle, McGregor often shares his extravagant possessions and hobbies with his followers, including his passion for yachting and luxury watches. Recent videos of him providing MMA training tips atop his yacht have reignited discussions about his dedication to the sport and his flamboyant persona.
MMA has witnessed its fair share of bizarre and unforgettable moments. From fighters vomiting on the mat to infamous fights and post-fight altercations, here are 12 crazy incidents that stand out:
Iranian MMA fighter Ali Heibati has been banned for life after kicking a ring girl during a match in Russia. Heibati was participating in the fighting round of the leading Russian MMA association (HFC) against Arkady Ossifian in Moscow. After the two entered the ring, Heibati kicked the bottom of the ring girl, who announced the start of the first round. She got angry and turned to fighter before the referee rushed to intervene.
Israel Adesanya, the renowned pound-for-pound fighter, recounted an encounter with Martyn after his boxing victory over Nate Robinson. Martyn reportedly challenged Adesanya to a fight, but Adesanya dismissed it, claiming some aren’t worthy enough to enter the ring with professional fighters. Martyn responded with a DM showing his admiration for Adesanya, suggesting that the exchange may have been depicted differently by Adesanya. Despite Martyn’s previous call-outs, Adesanya remains uninterested in facing him, highlighting the disparity between professional fighters and non-professionals.
Paulo Costa’s recent defeat to Robert Whittaker has drawn criticism from fellow middleweight Caio Borralho, who highlights Costa’s failure to rectify recurring errors. Borralho suggests that Costa’s inability to adjust and implement strategies during fights may stem from a disconnect between his training and fight-night performance. Despite acknowledging Costa’s athleticism and potential, Borralho emphasizes the need for improvement and adjustment to regain success in the UFC.
Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones has resumed training after suffering a pectoral injury that forced him to withdraw from a heavyweight title fight against Stipe Miocic last year. Jones posted on social media that he felt ‘amazing’ during his first day back in the gym, signaling his return to action.
Following the release of UFC 4 just three weeks ago, the development team is poised to deliver another round of modifications on April 25th. The update will introduce new fighters, striking, and grappling adjustments. Joining the roster are flyweight Matheus Nicolau, Michael “Venom” Page, and Drew Dober. Striking changes include slowed recovery of short-term stamina, while grappling tweaks include shifting stamina changes from short to long-term, with the latter increasing by 8%. For a comprehensive breakdown, refer to the full UFC 5 April 25 patch notes.
