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Arman Tsarukyan praises Conor McGregor as a ‘GOAT in our sport’ but his career is over: ‘I feel like Conor is done’

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Arman Tsarukyan praises Conor McGregor as a ‘GOAT in our sport’ but his career is over: ‘I feel like Conor is done’

Conor McGregor has faced a mountain of criticism after his comeback to the UFC following a five year layoff ended with a devastating knee injury just 66 seconds into the fight.

Ever since UFC 329 ended, McGregor has stated rather emphatically that he plans to compete again, although there are more than a few skeptics doubting that he'll ever make another return to action. For his part, top ranked UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan obviously understands McGregor's desire but he just doesn't see how or why the former two-division UFC champion would fight again.

Add to that, Tsarukyan actually praised McGregor for everything he's already accomplished in the sport so a comeback at this stage just doesn't make much sense to him.

“Conor, unfortunately he got [an] injury during the fight or maybe before the fight and he couldn't perform very well,†Tsarukyan told MMA Fighting ahead of RAF 11. “I feel like Conor is done. He's got to just focus on his business. He did a lot for this sport, for the UFC especially, and he's like a GOAT in our sport. Because of him, a lot of people are watching the UFC.

“He changed the game but time to leave. Or UFC got to give him easy fights, not like Holloway or someone.â€

Of course, McGregor already said he wants a third fight with Holloway when he's recovered from the upcoming surgery on his knee but there's no telling if or when that might happen.

Whether McGregor ever fights again or not really doesn't affect Tsarukyan because he's not chasing that kind of matchup but rather he's steadfast in his pursuit to become UFC lightweight champion.

By all accounts, Tsarukyan should be considered the No. 1 contender at 155 pounds but he's yet to compete in a title fight in the UFC. In his only opportunity, Tsarukyan suffered a freak fight week injury that knocked him out of a scheduled bout against then champion Islam Makhachev.

But with Justin Gaethje now reigning over the division, Tsarukyan would love the chance to challenge for that belt, although it doesn't sound like that's what the UFC has planned for him next.

“UFC's got to give me a fight,†Tsarukyan said. “That's why I'm flying to Vegas and they have a date, I have a name, we've just go to confirm on Monday. I'm ready to rock ‘n' roll. It's going to be a good fight, exciting fight and the best place to fight for me.â€

Tsarukyan wouldn't tease his potential opponent or when he'll fight again but it appears his time away from the UFC is about to come to an end.

Whether the title shot is next or not, Tsarukyan made it clear that remains his sole objective in the UFC and he plans on wrapping gold around his waist — hopefully sooner than later.

“I want to be a champion at 155 and I want to defend that belt as much as possible,†Tsarukyan said. “My goal is to be the best ever lightweight. I'm not looking to go up or down. I feel like I can be the best, I just don't want to be a UFC champion. I want to be the best UFC champion in lightweight division ever.â€

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MMA

Allan Nascimento dies at 34 after apparent heart attack, UFC mourns

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Allan Nascimento dies at 34 after apparent heart attack, UFC mourns
The mixed martial arts world is mourning the sudden death of
Allan
Nascimento.

Nascimento (22-7) was reportedly found unresponsive on Monday, Aug.
3. The
Ultimate Fighting Championship flyweight suffered a heart
attack in his sleep and was pronounced deceased at the scene by
medical responders.

UFC and Chute Boxe pay tribute after flyweight Allan Nascimento
dies at age 34

The UFC posted a condolence message on social media.

“This morning, Monday, Aug. 3, our beloved flyweight fighter, Allan
Nascimento, was found unresponsive after suffering an apparent
heart attack in his sleep. Despite the efforts of the responding
medical team, he was pronounced deceased at the scene. Our thoughts
and deepest condolences are with Allan’s family, friends,
teammates, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult
time.â€

His team,
Chute Boxe, also took to social media to share a message.

“Today, our team loses much more than an athlete; we have lost a
warrior, a friend, a dedicated competitor, and an extraordinary
human being who earned the respect and admiration of all who had
the privilege of knowing him. Allan inspired on and off the mats
with his determination, humility, respect and fighting spirit.â€

Nascimento originally started competing in muay thai in 2008. Due
to his skinny frame, he earned the nickname “Puro Osso,†meaning
skin and bones. Nascimento transitioned to MMA soon after and paid
his dues on the regional circuit for a decade before making his UFC
debut in 2021. The 34-year-old went 4-2 in the UFC and was coming
off a narrow split decision loss against Mitch
Raposo in June.


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Roberto Soldic announces free agency after ONE Championship contract expires

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Roberto Soldic announces free agency after ONE Championship contract expires

Roberto Soldic has entered free agency after his ONE Championship contract expired, the 31-year-old veteran announced Friday.

The former KSW two-division champion only fought three times under the ONE banner between 2021 and 2025, stopping Dagi Arslanaliev in spectacular fashion (watch here) in his most recent bout after a no-contest against Murad Ramazanov and a loss to Zebaztian Kadestam in previous appearances. “Robocop's†latest competition was a Sept. 2025 boxing match in Poland, when he knocked out Tomasz Adamek.

“Thank you for the journey,†Soldic wrote in a statement posted on social media. “My time with ONE has come to an end as my contract has officially expired. I want to thank ONE Championship from the bottom of my heart for the opportunity and the incredible experience. Every fight, every challenge, and every moment inside the cage has pushed me to become a better warrior and a better person.

“I've gained more than just fights — I've gained knowledge, respect, and memories that will last a lifetime. To my fans, thank you for your unconditional support through every high and low. You are the reason I keep fighting. This is not the end. This is the beginning of what's next. See you soon.â€

Soldic had a stellar run in KSW before joining ONE, winning eight of nine bouts and capturing belts at welterweight and middleweight. The sole loss in the KSW was a knockout against future UFC champion Dricus Du Plessis, one he avenged six months later with a knockout to recapture the 170-pound belt.

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MMA

PFL Charlotte results: Battle vs. Rosta

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PFL Charlotte results: Battle vs. Rosta

MMA Fighting has PFL Charlotte results for the Battle vs. Rosta fight card from Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte, N.C., on Friday night.

In the main event, former UFC standout Bryan Battle seeks his first PFL win as he takes on PFL middleweight veteran Dalton Rosta.

Following a 7-1 (1 NC) run with the UFC that was marred by weight misses, Battle parted ways with the promotion this past August and scored a pair of Dirty Boxing knockout victories before joining the PFL. He lost to former Bellator champion Johnny Eblen in his league debut, and now takes aim at Rosta, who seeks to stop a two-fight skid.

Light heavyweights Dovlet Yagshimuradov and Simeon Powell square off.

The PFL Charlotte prelim card kicks off at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN+, with the main card following at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN.

Check out the PFL Charlotte results below.

Bryan Battle vs. Dalton Rosta

Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov vs. Simeon Powell

Aaron Jeffery def. Josh Silveira via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)

Lewis McGrillen def. Brandon Lewis via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Josh Fremd def. Jhony Gregory via TKO (punches) — 1:44, Round 2

Denis Goltsov def. Hasan Mezhiev via TKO (head kick and punches) — 0:52, Round 1

Cheyden Leialoha def. Robbie Ring via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Cheyanne Bowers def. Elora Dana via submission (rear-naked choke) — 3:36, Round 1

Landry Ward def. Michael Boylan via split decision (30-27, 28-29, 30-27)

Bruno Cappelozza def. Valentin Moldavsky via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 29-28)

Jonathan Martin def. Wilson Lopshire via unanimous decision (30-26,-30-25, 30-27)

Maxwell Djantou Nana def. Eduardo Neves via KO (body punch) — 2:01, Round 3

Trey Waters def. Trukon Carson via TKO (punches) — 4:37, Round 1

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