Dan Hooker would like to see the whole ‘BMF' championship put to rest for now.
MMA
Brendan Allen, Christian Leroy Duncan collide in UFC Vegas 122 main event
Published
2 months agoon

	
<header>

	<div class=”tiled_bg”>

		<div class=”slanted_box grad”>
			<div id=”menu-icon”><span/><span/><span/><span/></div>
			<a href=”/”><img class=”logo” src=”https://www3-cdn.sherdog.com/img/new/logo.svg”/></a>
		</div>

		<div class=”top-menu”><a href=”/news/news/list” data-sub=”news”>NEWS <span>▼</span></a><a href=”/news/articles/list” data-sub=”features”>FEATURES <span>▼</span></a><a href=”/events” data-sub=”fight_finder”>FIGHT FINDER <span>▼</span></a><a href=”https://www.sherdog.com/tag/podcasts” data-sub=”podcasts”>PODCASTS <span>▼</span></a><a href=”https://www.sherdog.com/videos”>VIDEOS</a><a href=”/news/rankings/list” data-sub=”rankings”>RANKINGS <span>▼</span></a><a href=”https://forums.sherdog.com/” data-sub=”forum”>FORUM <span>▼</span></a><a href=”/tag/boxing”>BOXING</a><a href=”/” data-sub=”more”>MORE <span>▼</span></a><a href=”/tag/fight-odds”>FIGHT ODDS</a><a href=”https://www.sherdog.com/tag/pfl2026″>PFL</a><div class=”sub-menu news”><a href=”/tag/ufc”>UFC NEWS</a><a href=”/tag/pfl”>PFL NEWS</a><a href=”/tag/wmma”>WOMEN’S MMA NEWS</a></div><div class=”sub-menu features”><a href=”/tag/previews”>PREVIEWS</a><a href=”https://www.sherdog.com/tag/opinion”>OPINION</a><a href=”/tag/interviews”>INTERVIEWS</a></div><div class=”sub-menu fight_finder”><a href=”/organizations/Ultimate-Fighting-Championship-UFC-2″>UFC EVENTS</a><a href=”/organizations/Professional-Fighters-League-12241″>PFL EVENTS</a><a href=”/events”>FULL CALENDAR</a><a href=”/news/articles/Sherdog-Fight-Finder-A-Guide-For-Regulators-Promoters-Managers-Coaches-and-Fighters-158515″>FIGHT FINDER GUIDE</a></div><div class=”sub-menu podcasts”><a href=”https://www.sherdog.com/tag/shillan-duffy-podcast”>SHILLAN &; DUFFY PODCAST</a><a href=”https://www.sherdog.com/tag/the-sheehan-show”>THE SHEEHAN SHOW</a><a href=”https://www.sherdog.com/tag/after-the-bell”>AFTER THE BELL</a><a href=”https://www.sherdog.com/tag/check-the-kick”>CHECK THE KICK</a></div><div class=”sub-menu rankings”><a href=”https://www.sherdog.com/news/rankings/1/UFC-Shanghai-stunner-sends-Yadong-Song-soaring-in-Sherdog-Rankings-202589″>DIVISIONAL RANKINGS</a><a href=”https://www.sherdog.com/news/rankings/Sherdogs-official-poundforpound-rankings-Islam-Makhachev-remains-No-1-202387″>POUND-FOR-POUND RANKINGS</a><a href=”https://www.sherdog.com/news/rankings/Tatiana-Suarez-in-Taila-Santos-out-of-Sherdogs-WMMA-poundforpound-rankings-202586″>WOMEN’S POUND-FOR-POUND RANKINGS</a></div><div class=”sub-menu forum”><a href=”https://forums.sherdog.com/forums/ufc-discussion.2/”>UFC DISCUSSION</a><a href=”https://forums.sherdog.com/forums/worldwide-mma-discussion.61/”>WORLDWIDE MMA DISCUSSION</a><a href=”https://forums.sherdog.com/#general-discussion.4″>OFF TOPIC DISCUSSION</a><a href=”https://forums.sherdog.com/forums/shoopville.94/”>PHOTOSHOPS</a></div><div class=”sub-menu more”><a href=”/pictures”>PICTURES</a><a href=”https://www.sherdog.com/tag/how-to-watch”>HOW TO WATCH</a><a href=”/contact”>CONTACT</a></div></div>
		<div class=”socials”>
			<a target=”_blank” href=”https://www.facebook.com/OfficialSherdog”><img alt=”FB” src=”https://www4-cdn.sherdog.com/img/new/icon_facebook.svg”/></a>
			<a target=”_blank” href=”https://twitter.com/sherdogdotcom”><img alt=”TW” src=”https://www1-cdn.sherdog.com/img/new/icon_twitter.svg”/></a>
			<a target=”_blank” href=”https://www.instagram.com/mmaconnoisseur/”><img alt=”IG” src=”https://www3-cdn.sherdog.com/img/new/icon_instagram.svg”/></a>
			<a target=”_blank” href=”https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCW3KTagNuyADCijmSwuaNJA”><img alt=”YT” src=”https://www4-cdn.sherdog.com/img/new/icon_youtube.svg”/></a>
			<a target=”_blank” href=”https://vk.com/id544261512″><img alt=”VK” src=”https://www1-cdn.sherdog.com/img/new/icon_vk.svg”/></a>
			<a target=”_blank” href=”https://www.threads.net/@mmaconnoisseur”><img alt=”TH” src=”https://www2-cdn.sherdog.com/img/new/threads.svg”/></a>
		</div>

		<div id=”theme-switch” class=”light”><em/></div>

		<div class=”slanted_box_right”>
			<form method=”get” action=”/search.php”><input name=”MainSearchTxt” type=”text” placeholder=”Search”/></form>
			<img id=”search” src=”https://www3-cdn.sherdog.com/img/new/search.svg” alt=”Search”/>
		</div>

	</div>

</header>


<div id=”side-navigation”>

	<div class=”links”>
		<div><span>+</span><a href=”/news/news/list”>NEWS</a><div><a href=”/tag/ufc”>UFC NEWS</a><a href=”/tag/pfl”>PFL NEWS</a><a href=”/tag/wmma”>WOMEN’S MMA NEWS</a></div></div><div><span>+</span><a href=”/news/articles/list”>FEATURES</a><div><a href=”/tag/previews”>PREVIEWS</a><a href=”https://www.sherdog.com/tag/opinion”>OPINION</a><a href=”/tag/interviews”>INTERVIEWS</a></div></div><div><span>+</span><a href=”/events”>FIGHT FINDER</a><div><a href=”/organizations/Ultimate-Fighting-Championship-UFC-2″>UFC EVENTS</a><a href=”/organizations/Professional-Fighters-League-12241″>PFL EVENTS</a><a href=”/events”>FULL CALENDAR</a><a href=”/news/articles/Sherdog-Fight-Finder-A-Guide-For-Regulators-Promoters-Managers-Coaches-and-Fighters-158515″>FIGHT FINDER GUIDE</a></div></div><div><span>+</span><a href=”https://www.sherdog.com/tag/podcasts”>PODCASTS</a><div><a href=”https://www.sherdog.com/tag/shillan-duffy-podcast”>SHILLAN &; DUFFY PODCAST</a><a href=”https://www.sherdog.com/tag/the-sheehan-show”>THE SHEEHAN SHOW</a><a href=”https://www.sherdog.com/tag/after-the-bell”>AFTER THE BELL</a><a href=”https://www.sherdog.com/tag/check-the-kick”>CHECK THE KICK</a></div></div><div><a href=”https://www.sherdog.com/videos”>VIDEOS</a></div><div><span>+</span><a href=”/news/rankings/list”>RANKINGS</a><div><a href=”https://www.sherdog.com/news/rankings/1/UFC-Shanghai-stunner-sends-Yadong-Song-soaring-in-Sherdog-Rankings-202589″>DIVISIONAL RANKINGS</a><a href=”https://www.sherdog.com/news/rankings/Sherdogs-official-poundforpound-rankings-Islam-Makhachev-remains-No-1-202387″>POUND-FOR-POUND RANKINGS</a><a href=”https://www.sherdog.com/news/rankings/Tatiana-Suarez-in-Taila-Santos-out-of-Sherdogs-WMMA-poundforpound-rankings-202586″>WOMEN’S POUND-FOR-POUND RANKINGS</a></div></div><div><span>+</span><a href=”https://forums.sherdog.com/”>FORUM</a><div><a href=”https://forums.sherdog.com/forums/ufc-discussion.2/”>UFC DISCUSSION</a><a href=”https://forums.sherdog.com/forums/worldwide-mma-discussion.61/”>WORLDWIDE MMA DISCUSSION</a><a href=”https://forums.sherdog.com/#general-discussion.4″>OFF TOPIC DISCUSSION</a><a href=”https://forums.sherdog.com/forums/shoopville.94/”>PHOTOSHOPS</a></div></div><div><a href=”/tag/boxing”>BOXING</a></div><div><span>+</span><a href=”/”>MORE</a><div><a href=”/pictures”>PICTURES</a><a href=”https://www.sherdog.com/tag/how-to-watch”>HOW TO WATCH</a><a href=”/contact”>CONTACT</a></div></div><div><a href=”/tag/fight-odds”>FIGHT ODDS</a></div><div><a href=”https://www.sherdog.com/tag/pfl2026″>PFL</a></div>	</div>

	<div class=”friends”>
		MORE FROM OUR CHANNELS<p><a href=”https://www.mandatory.com/wrestlezone/” target=”_blank”><img alt=”Wrestlezone” src=”https://www4-cdn.sherdog.com/img/new/wrestlezone_logo_white.svg”/></a>
	</p></div>
	<div class=”socials”>
		<a target=”_blank” href=”https://www.facebook.com/OfficialSherdog”><img alt=”FB” src=”https://www4-cdn.sherdog.com/img/new/icon_facebook.svg”/></a>
		<a target=”_blank” href=”https://twitter.com/sherdogdotcom”><img alt=”TW” src=”https://www1-cdn.sherdog.com/img/new/icon_twitter.svg”/></a>
		<a target=”_blank” href=”https://www.instagram.com/mmaconnoisseur/”><img alt=”IG” src=”https://www3-cdn.sherdog.com/img/new/icon_instagram.svg”/></a>
		<a target=”_blank” href=”https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCW3KTagNuyADCijmSwuaNJA”><img alt=”YT” src=”https://www4-cdn.sherdog.com/img/new/icon_youtube.svg”/></a>
		<a target=”_blank” href=”https://vk.com/id544261512″><img alt=”VK” src=”https://www1-cdn.sherdog.com/img/new/icon_vk.svg”/></a>
		<a target=”_blank” href=”https://www.threads.net/@mmaconnoisseur”><img alt=”TH” src=”https://www2-cdn.sherdog.com/img/new/threads.svg”/></a>
	</div>

</div>
<div id=”side-navigation-overlay”/>


<div class=”wrapper”>

	<div class=”content top_ads”>
		<div class=”ads top_ad”>
			<div class=”ad leaderboard”><!– Tag ID: sherdog_leaderboard_atf –>
<div align=”center” data-freestar-ad=”__320×100 __970×90″ id=”sherdog_leaderboard_atf”>
 
</div></div>
		</div>
	</div>


	<div id=”live_event_placeholder”/>

	<div class=”inner-wrapper”>
		<!– LEFT COLUMN –>
<div class=”col-left”>
 <div class=”tagger”>
 <div class=”tag”><h3><a href=”/tag/ufc”><img src=”/img/new/tag.png” alt=”tag” class=””/>UFC News &; Features</a></h3></div>
 </div>
	<article>
		<div class=”article”>
			
			<div>
 <div class=”header”>
	<div class=”section_title”>
		<h1>Brendan Allen, Christian Leroy Duncan collide in UFC Vegas 122 main event</h1>
			</div>
	<div class=”info”>
				<div class=”share”>
 
 <!– AddToAny BEGIN –>
 <div class=”a2a_kit a2a_kit_size_32 a2a_default_style”>
 <a data-notrack=”true” class=”a2a_button_facebook a2a_counter”/>
 <a data-notrack=”true” class=”a2a_button_twitter a2a_counter”/>
 <a data-notrack=”true” class=”a2a_button_reddit a2a_counter”/>
 <a data-notrack=”true” class=”a2a_button_whatsapp a2a_counter”/>
 <a data-notrack=”true” class=”a2a_button_email a2a_counter”/>
 </div>
 
 
 <!– AddToAny END –>		</div>
						<div class=”article-info”>
			<div>
				<a href=”/authors/Sourav-Chakraborty-1731″>Sourav Chakraborty</a>				<span>Sep 2, 2026</span>				 <a class=”comments” href=”https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Brendan-Allen-Christian-Leroy-Duncan-collide-in-UFC-Vegas-122-main-event-202624#insticator-commenting” data-page-id=”article-202624″/>			</div>
		</div>
			</div>
</div>
 <div class=”content body_content”>
 <a href=”/fighter/Brendan-Allen-201703″>Brendan
Allen</a> and <a href=”/fighter/Christian-Leroy-Duncan-209939″>Christian
Leroy Duncan</a> are set to headline an <a href=”/organizations/Ultimate-Fighting-Championship-2″>
Ultimate Fighting Championship</a> card.<p>The pair will meet at <a href=”/events/UFC-Fight-Night-Allen-vs-Duncan-113919″>
UFC Vegas 122</a> on Oct. 10 at Meta Apex in Las Vegas. Allen
enters the matchup on a three-fight winning streak, including
victories over <a href=”/fighter/Edmen-Shahbazyan-247691″>Edmen
Shahbazyan</a> and <a href=”/fighter/Marvin-Vettori-80421″>Marvin
Vettori</a>, both of which earned Fight of the Night honors.
Meanwhile, Duncan is on a five-fight win streak and hasn't lost in
over two years.</p><p/><div id=”adViAi”><div class=”viaititle”>Advertisement</div></div>

<h2>Christian Leroy Duncan gets his first UFC main event against
Brendan Allen</h2>
<br/>
The matchup gives Allen an opportunity to extend his win streak to
four. The American was previously on a seven-fight winning streak
before suffering back-to-back decision losses to <a href=”/fighter/Nassourdine-Imavov-217405″>Nassourdine
Imavov</a> and <a href=”/fighter/Anthony-Hernandez-86783″>Anthony
Hernandez</a>. This marks his fifth main event in the UFC.<p>On the other hand, England’s Duncan will headline a UFC card for
the first time on Oct. 10. The former <a href=”/organizations/Cage-Warriors-Fighting-Championship-186″>
Cage Warriors</a> middleweight champion is coming off the biggest
win of his career, a victory over former UFC title challenger
<a href=”/fighter/Jared-Cannonier-78628″>Jared
Cannonier</a>.</p><p>Allen vs. Duncan currently tops a UFC Vegas 122 card that also
includes <a href=”/fighter/Lupita-Godinez-246543″>Lupita
Godinez</a> vs. <a href=”/fighter/Ketlen-Souza-272209″>Ketlen
Souza</a>, <a href=”/fighter/Andre-Fili-58385″>Andre Fili</a>
vs. <a href=”/fighter/Kai-Kamaka-III-117585″>Kai Kamaka
III</a> and <a href=”/fighter/Julius-Walker-366067″>Julius
Walker</a> vs. <a href=”/fighter/Gerald-Meerschaert-21501″>Gerald
Meerschaert</a>.</p><p/><center>
<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet”>
<p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>Top 10 middleweight main event 👀<a href=”https://x.com/BrendanAllenMMA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>@BrendanAllenMMA</a>
vs <a href=”/fighter/Christian-Leroy-Duncan-209939″>Christian
Leroy Duncan</a> headlines <a href=”https://x.com/hashtag/UFCVegas122?src=hash&;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>
#UFCVegas122</a>!</p><p>[ LIVE OCT 10 on <a href=”https://x.com/paramountplus?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>@ParamountPlus</a>
] <a href=”https://t.co/xg2diK5tzK”>pic.twitter.com/xg2diK5tzK</a></p>
— UFC (@ufc) <a href=”https://x.com/ufc/status/2094787361049895402?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>September
1, 2026</a></blockquote>
</center>
 </div>
</div>
			
			
<!– ingage unit shd030 –>
<div style=”text-align:center;line-height:0;font-size:0″><div id=”ingageunit” style=”margin:auto;display:inline-block”/></div>


<!– end of ingage unit –>						<div class=”content”>
				<div class=”share”>
									</div>
			</div>
			<div class=”pagination”>
							</div>
		</div>

 						<div class=”tools_list”>
 								<a href=”/news/news/New-UFC-fighter-predicted-his-signing-8-years-ago-UFC-or-nothing-else-202623″ class=”left”><b>«</b> Previous <b>New UFC fighter predicted his signing 8 years ago: ‘UFC or nothing else'</b></a>
 							<a href=”/news/news/Glover-Teixeira-says-Alex-Pereira-would-KO-Josh-Hokit-in-Round-1-202625″ class=”right”>Next <b>Glover Teixeira says Alex Pereira would KO Josh Hokit in Round 1 »</b></a>
 						</div>
 						
			<div class=”tiled_bg latest_features”>
 <div class=”slanted_title”>
 <div>More</div>
 <div/>
 </div>
</div>
<!–
	<span class=”read_more black”><a href=”/tag/ufc” rel=”next”>view more</a></span>
–>
<div class=”module_list_generic related_articles”>
	<ul>
	<li><a href=”/news/news/Dana-White-checks-on-Frank-Mirs-daughter-following-stunning-DWCS-upset-202631″>Dana White checks on Frank Mir's daughter following stunning DWCS upset</a></li><li><a href=”/news/news/UFC-331-odds-revealed-Joshua-Van-an-underdog-Gable-Steveson-1500-202630″>UFC 331 odds revealed: Joshua Van an underdog, Gable Steveson -1500</a></li><li><a href=”/news/news/Alex-Apodaca-defends-Bella-Mir-on-heels-of-historic-DWCS-upset-backlash-202629″>Alex Apodaca defends Bella Mir on heels of historic DWCS upset backlash</a></li><li><a href=”/news/news/Dan-Hooker-admits-distractions-crept-in-before-recent-UFC-struggles-202628″>Dan Hooker admits distractions crept in before recent UFC struggles</a></li><li><a href=”/news/news/Justin-Gaethje-says-his-UFC-legacy-is-fulfilled-after-Topuria-win-202627″>Justin Gaethje says his UFC legacy is ‘fulfilled' after Topuria win</a></li>	</ul>
</div>			
			 
<div class=”OUTBRAIN tkoTarget” data-src=”https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Brendan-Allen-Christian-Leroy-Duncan-collide-in-UFC-Vegas-122-main-event-202624″ data-widget-id=”AR_1″ data-ob-template=”Sherdog”/> 


	</article>
</div>
<!– END OF LEFT COLUMN –>

<!– RIGHT COLUMN –>
<!– RIGHT COLUMN –>
<div class=”col-right”>
 
 <!– 300×250,300×600 Ad –>
 <div class=”right-module ads”>
 <div class=”ad mediumrectangle”>
 <!– Tag ID: sherdog_siderail_right_1 –>
<div align=”center” data-freestar-ad=”__336×280 __300×600″ id=”sherdog_siderail_right_1″>
 
</div> </div>
 </div>
 
 <!– Mailchimp Newsletter –>
 <!– Begin Mailchimp Signup Form –>
<link href=”//cdn-images.mailchimp.com/embedcode/classic-071822.css” rel=”stylesheet” type=”text/css”/>
<style type=”text/css”><![CDATA[
	#mc_embed_signup{ background:transparent;clear:left;font:14px Montserrat,Arial,sans-serif;width:290px;margin:0 5px;color:white; }
	#mc_embed_signup form { margin:0; }
	#mc_embed_signup h2 { font-family: Montserrat, Arial; font-weight: normal; padding: 0; margin: 5px 0; font-size: 23px; color: #fff; }
	#mc_embed_signup .button { background-color: #ee5627; font-family: Montserrat, Arial; }
	#mc_embed_signup .button:hover { background-color: #ee5627; opacity: 0.8; }
	#mc_embed_signup .helper_text,
	#mc_embed_signup #mc-embedded-subscribe-form div.mce_inline_error { background-color:transparent; }
	#mc_embed_signup .mc-field-group { width:100%; }
	#mc_embed_signup .indicates-required { margin-right:0; }
	/* Add your own Mailchimp form style overrides in your site stylesheet or in this style block.
	 We recommend moving this block and the preceding CSS link to the HEAD of your HTML file. */
]]></style>
<div class=”right-module mailchimp-module” style=”min-height: 225px”>
	<div id=”mc_embed_signup”>
		<form action=”https://evolvemediallc.us11.list-manage.com/subscribe/post?u=3ec95885a55385b42d553426d&;id=2edeb314bd&;f_id=006f89e0f0″ method=”post” id=”mc-embedded-subscribe-form” name=”mc-embedded-subscribe-form” class=”validate” target=”_blank” novalidate=””>
			<div id=”mc_embed_signup_scroll”>
			<h2>Subscribe to our Newsletter</h2>
			<div class=”indicates-required”><span class=”asterisk”>*</span> indicates required</div>
	<div class=”mc-field-group”>
		<label for=”mce-EMAIL”>Email Address <span class=”asterisk”>*</span>
	</label>
		<input type=”email” value=”” name=”EMAIL” class=”required email” id=”mce-EMAIL” required=””/>
		<span id=”mce-EMAIL-HELPERTEXT” class=”helper_text”/>
	</div>
	<div hidden=”true”><input type=”hidden” name=”tags” value=”9291012″/></div>
		<div id=”mce-responses” class=”clear”>
			<div class=”response” id=”mce-error-response” style=”display:none”/>
			<div class=”response” id=”mce-success-response” style=”display:none”/>
		</div><!– real people should not fill this in and expect good things – do not remove this or risk form bot signups–>
		<div style=”position: absolute; left: -5000px;” aria-hidden=”true”><input type=”text” name=”b_3ec95885a55385b42d553426d_2edeb314bd” tabindex=”-1″ value=””/></div>
		<div class=”clear”><input type=”submit” value=”Subscribe” name=”subscribe” id=”mc-embedded-subscribe” class=”button”/></div>
		</div>
	</form>
	</div>
</div>

<!–End mc_embed_signup–>
 <!– Latest Articles –>
 <div class=”right-module nopad”>

<div class=”tiled_bg “>
 <div class=”slanted_title”>
 <div>Latest News</div>
 <div/>
 </div>
</div>

<div class=”module_list_generic tabbed-content latest_articles_by_tag”>

	<div class=”right-tabs”>
	<a href=”all” data-rel=”news-tab-all”>ALL</a><a href=”ufc” data-rel=”news-tab-ufc”>UFC</a><a href=”pfl” data-rel=”news-tab-pfl”>PFL</a>	</div>

	<div class=”right-tabs-content news-tab-all” style=”display: block;”><div class=”module_list_generic latest_articles”><ul><li><a href=”/news/news/New-UFC-fighter-predicted-his-signing-8-years-ago-UFC-or-nothing-else-202623″>New UFC fighter predicted his signing 8 years ago: ‘UFC or nothing else'</a></li><li><a href=”/news/news/Dana-White-hands-UFC-deal-to-22yearold-following-controversial-15second-KO-202622″>Dana White hands UFC deal to 22-year-old following controversial 15-second KO</a></li><li><a href=”/news/news/New-UFC-signee-says-Mexico-PI-is-loaded-with-fighters-hunting-finishes-202621″>New UFC signee says Mexico P.I. is loaded with fighters hunting finishes</a></li><li><a href=”/news/news/Dana-White-awards-5-UFC-contracts-after-wild-DWCS-Week-4-202619″>Dana White awards 5 UFC contracts after wild DWCS Week 4</a></li><li><a href=”/news/news/Bella-Mir-addresses-moms-viral-reaction-on-night-of-historic-DWCS-upset-202618″>Bella Mir addresses mom's viral reaction on night of historic DWCS upset</a></li><li><a href=”/news/news/UFC-newcomer-says-he-can-pack-out-Madison-Square-Garden-by-himself-202616″>UFC newcomer says he can ‘pack out' Madison Square Garden by himself</a></li><li><a href=”/news/news/DWCS-winner-says-he-saw-Charlie-Cleveland-knockout-coming-202615″>DWCS winner says he saw Charlie Cleveland knockout coming</a></li><li><a href=”/news/news/Dan-Hooker-says-hed-fight-Francis-Ngannou-for-the-right-price-202620″>Dan Hooker says he'd fight Francis Ngannou for the right price</a></li></ul></div></div><div class=”right-tabs-content news-tab-ufc” style=”display: none;”><div class=”module_list_generic latest_articles”><ul><li><a href=”/news/news/Dana-White-checks-on-Frank-Mirs-daughter-following-stunning-DWCS-upset-202631″>Dana White checks on Frank Mir's daughter following stunning DWCS upset</a></li><li><a href=”/news/news/UFC-331-odds-revealed-Joshua-Van-an-underdog-Gable-Steveson-1500-202630″>UFC 331 odds revealed: Joshua Van an underdog, Gable Steveson -1500</a></li><li><a href=”/news/news/Alex-Apodaca-defends-Bella-Mir-on-heels-of-historic-DWCS-upset-backlash-202629″>Alex Apodaca defends Bella Mir on heels of historic DWCS upset backlash</a></li><li><a href=”/news/news/Dan-Hooker-admits-distractions-crept-in-before-recent-UFC-struggles-202628″>Dan Hooker admits distractions crept in before recent UFC struggles</a></li><li><a href=”/news/news/Justin-Gaethje-says-his-UFC-legacy-is-fulfilled-after-Topuria-win-202627″>Justin Gaethje says his UFC legacy is ‘fulfilled' after Topuria win</a></li><li><a href=”/news/news/Tommy-McMillen-takes-aim-at-unbeaten-UFC-rival-He-runs-his-mouth-202626″>Tommy McMillen takes aim at unbeaten UFC rival: ‘He runs his mouth'</a></li><li><a href=”/news/news/Glover-Teixeira-says-Alex-Pereira-would-KO-Josh-Hokit-in-Round-1-202625″>Glover Teixeira says Alex Pereira would KO Josh Hokit in Round 1</a></li><li><a href=”/news/news/Brendan-Allen-Christian-Leroy-Duncan-collide-in-UFC-Vegas-122-main-event-202624″>Brendan Allen, Christian Leroy Duncan collide in UFC Vegas 122 main event</a></li></ul></div></div><div class=”right-tabs-content news-tab-pfl” style=”display: none;”><div class=”module_list_generic latest_articles”><ul><li><a href=”/news/news/Undefeated-PFL-Champion-returns-to-fight-after-being-shot-5-times-202597″>Undefeated PFL Champion returns to fight after being shot 5 times</a></li><li><a href=”/news/news/Usman-Nurmagomedovs-former-rival-returns-for-PFL-Chicago-202594″>Usman Nurmagomedov’s former rival returns for PFL Chicago</a></li><li><a href=”/news/news/PFL-adds-Sarvarjon-Khamidov-versus-Rafael-do-Nascimento-to-Chicago-card-202561″>PFL adds Sarvarjon Khamidov versus Rafael do Nascimento to Chicago card</a></li><li><a href=”/news/news/BKB-signee-Aspen-Ladd-blasts-UFCs-handling-of-womens-MMA-Not-much-care-202542″>BKB signee Aspen Ladd blasts UFC’s handling of women’s MMA: ‘Not much care'</a></li><li><a href=”/news/news/Sources-Denis-Goltsov-returns-against-Maxwell-Djantou-Nana-at-PFL-Chicago-202541″>Sources: Denis Goltsov returns against Maxwell Djantou Nana at PFL Chicago</a></li><li><a href=”/news/news/Ronda-Rousey-trains-with-Jena-Bishop-ahead-of-Liz-Carmouche-rematch-202536″>Ronda Rousey trains with Jena Bishop ahead of Liz Carmouche rematch</a></li><li><a href=”/news/news/Islam-Makhachev-tried-to-fix-teammates-shoulder-a-doctor-was-not-impressed-202507″>Islam Makhachev tried to fix teammate's shoulder; a doctor was not impressed</a></li><li><a href=”/news/news/PFL-CEO-calls-EblenVan-Steenis-rematch-biggest-fight-in-company-history-202506″>PFL CEO calls Eblen-Van Steenis rematch biggest fight in company history</a></li></ul></div></div>
</div>

</div>
 <!– Poll placeholder –>
 <div class=”pollPlaceholder” style=”min-height: 600px; margin: 5px auto;”>
 
 </div>

 <!– Latest Forum Threads –>
 
 <!– Featured Events –>
 <div class=”right-module tabbed-content events-module” style=”min-height: 520px”>
 <div class=”yellow-title”><h3>EVENTS / FIGHTS</h3></div>
 <div class=”right-tabs”>
<a href=”/organizations/Ultimate-Fighting-Championship-UFC-2″ data-rel=”event-tab-ufc”>UFC</a><a href=”/organizations/Professional-Fighters-League-12241″ data-rel=”event-tab-pfl”>PFL</a> <a href=”/events”>MORE</a>
 </div>

<div class=”right-tabs-content event-tab-ufc” style=”display:none;”>
 <a href=”/events/UFC-Fight-Night-287-Hooker-vs-Parnasse-113189″>
 <div class=”calendar-date”>
 <div>Sep</div><div>05</div><div>2026</div>
 </div>
 <div class=”event”>
 <b>UFC Fight Night 287</b>
 Hooker vs. Parnasse </div>
 </a>
 <a href=”/events/UFC-Fight-Night-288-Noche-UFC-4-113632″>
 <div class=”calendar-date”>
 <div>Sep</div><div>12</div><div>2026</div>
 </div>
 <div class=”event”>
 <b>UFC Fight Night 288</b>
 Noche UFC 4 </div>
 </a>
 <a href=”/events/UFC-331-Van-vs-Pantoja-2-113633″>
 <div class=”calendar-date”>
 <div>Sep</div><div>19</div><div>2026</div>
 </div>
 <div class=”event”>
 <b>UFC 331</b>
 Van vs. Pantoja 2 </div>
 </a>
 <a href=”/events/UFC-Fight-Night-289-Barcelos-vs-Rosas-Jr-113789″>
 <div class=”calendar-date”>
 <div>Sep</div><div>26</div><div>2026</div>
 </div>
 <div class=”event”>
 <b>UFC Fight Night 289</b>
 Barcelos vs. Rosas Jr. </div>
 </a>
 <a href=”/events/UFC-332-TBA-114123″>
 <div class=”calendar-date”>
 <div>Oct</div><div>03</div><div>2026</div>
 </div>
 <div class=”event”>
 <b>UFC 332</b>
 TBA </div>
 </a>
 </div><div class=”right-tabs-content event-tab-pfl” style=”display:none;”>
 <a href=”/events/Professional-Fighters-League-PFL-MENA-11-2026-Semifinals-113638″>
 <div class=”calendar-date”>
 <div>Oct</div><div>02</div><div>2026</div>
 </div>
 <div class=”event”>
 <b>Professional Fighters League</b>
 PFL MENA 11: 2026 Semifinals </div>
 </a>
 <a href=”/events/Professional-Fighters-League-PFL-Africa-3-2026-Playoffs-113283″>
 <div class=”calendar-date”>
 <div>Oct</div><div>10</div><div>2026</div>
 </div>
 <div class=”event”>
 <b>Professional Fighters League</b>
 PFL Africa 3: 2026 Playoffs </div>
 </a>
 <a href=”/events/Professional-Fighters-League-PFL-Chicago-2-Carmouche-vs-Bishop-2-114222″>
 <div class=”calendar-date”>
 <div>Oct</div><div>16</div><div>2026</div>
 </div>
 <div class=”event”>
 <b>Professional Fighters League</b>
 PFL Chicago 2: Carmouche vs. Bishop 2 </div>
 </a>
 <a href=”/events/Professional-Fighters-League-PFL-Dubai-114296″>
 <div class=”calendar-date”>
 <div>Nov</div><div>14</div><div>2026</div>
 </div>
 <div class=”event”>
 <b>Professional Fighters League</b>
 PFL Dubai </div>
 </a>
 <a href=”/events/Professional-Fighters-League-PFL-Lyon-114297″>
 <div class=”calendar-date”>
 <div>Dec</div><div>12</div><div>2026</div>
 </div>
 <div class=”event”>
 <b>Professional Fighters League</b>
 PFL Lyon </div>
 </a>
 </div>
 <div class=”js-more”>
<a href=”/organizations/Ultimate-Fighting-Championship-UFC-2″ class=”right-more event-tab-ufc” style=”display: none;”>+ <em>MORE UFC FIGHTS</em></a><a href=”/organizations/Professional-Fighters-League-12241″ class=”right-more event-tab-pfl” style=”display: none;”>+ <em>MORE PFL FIGHTS</em></a> </div>
 
</div>
 <!– Poll –>
 
 <!– Fight Finder –>
 <!– Fight Finder Templates –>
 <div id=”autocomplete_template” data-format=”{firstname} { ";nickname"; }{lastname}” data-slaveinput=”#sample” data-slaveformat=”{id}” style=”display:none”>
 <table cellpadding=”0″ cellspacing=”0″><tr><td width=”37″ height=”37″><img data-src=”{image}” width=”32″/></td><td>{firstname} { “nickname” }{lastname}</td></tr></table>
 </div>
 
 <div id=”autocomplete_template_Fighter” data-format=”{firstname} { ";nickname"; }{lastname}” data-slaveinput=”#sample” data-slaveformat=”{id}” style=”display:none”>
 <table cellpadding=”0″ cellspacing=”0″><tr><td width=”37″ height=”37″><img data-src=”{image}” width=”32″/></td><td>{firstname} { “nickname” }{lastname}</td></tr></table>
 </div>
 
 <div id=”autocomplete_template_Event” data-format=”{name} – {title}” data-slaveinput=”#sample” data-slaveformat=”{id}” style=”display:none”>
 <table cellpadding=”0″ cellspacing=”0″><tr><td width=”37″ height=”37″><img data-src=”{image}” width=”32″/></td><td>{name} – {title}</td></tr></table>
 </div>
<!– End of Fight Finder Templates –>




 <div class=”right-module fightfinder-module” style=”min-height: 780px”>
 <div class=”yellow-title”><h3>FIGHT FINDER</h3></div>

 <form class=”right-search” action=”/stats/fightfinder” method=”get”>
 <input data-groupfield=”source” name=”SearchTxt” data-autocorrect=”false” data-offset=”-105px 0″ type=”text” placeholder=”SEARCH FIGHTERS, NICKNAMES, EVENTS” class=”search autocomplete” data-source=”/search/fightfinder/” data-template=”#autocomplete_template” data-onselect=”autocomplete_select”/>
 <input value=”” type=”submit”/>
 </form>

 <hr/>

 <h4>FIGHTER OF THE WEEK</h4>
 <a class=”fow” href=”/fighter/Jena-Bishop-392402″><img src=”https://www2-cdn.sherdog.com/_images/pictures/20260416082417_PFL_20260411_C1N09497_1.JPG” style=”object-position: center 15%”/><div>Jena Bishop</div></a>
 <style><![CDATA[a.fow img { width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 16/5; object-fit: cover; margin-top: -5px; } a.fow div { text-align: center; margin-bottom: 10px; color: white; margin-top: 3px; font-size: 20px; font-weight :bold; text-transform: uppercase; }]]></style>
 <hr/>
 
 <h4>TOP TRENDING FIGHTERS</h4>

 <hr/>

 <div class=”right-fighters-content”>
 <a href=”/fighter/Islam-Makhachev-76836″><img src=”/image_crop/72/72/_images/fighter/1783440299898_20220401034240_Islam_Makhachev_ff.JPG”/><div>Islam Makhachev</div></a><a href=”/fighter/Liz-Carmouche-67007″><img src=”/image_crop/72/72/_images/fighter/1670532481Liz_Carmouche.jpeg”/><div>Liz Carmouche</div></a><a href=”/fighter/Joshua-Van-365973″><img src=”/image_crop/72/72/_images/fighter/1755795692950_20250601052513_Joshua_Van_ff.JPG”/><div>Joshua Van</div></a><a href=”/fighter/Alexandr-Shabliy-72353″><img src=”/image_crop/72/72/_images/fighter/1665770781Alexandr_Shabliy.jpeg”/><div>Alexandr Shabliy</div></a> </div>

 <div class=”right-more-fighters”>
 <h4>MORE FIGHTERS...</h4>
 <a href=”/fighter/Anthony-Wint-383061″>Anthony Wint</a> | <a href=”/fighter/Bilal-Hasan-400714″>Bilal Hasan</a> | <a href=”/fighter/Salahdine-Parnasse-172169″>Salahdine Parnasse</a> | <a href=”/fighter/Timur-Khizriev-258185″>Timur Khizriev</a> | <a href=”/fighter/Michael-Page-91937″>Michael Page</a> | <a href=”/fighter/Oualy-Tandia-419548″>Oualy Tandia</a> </div>
 <a href=”/events” class=”right-more”>+ <em>FIND MORE</em></a>
 </div>















<!– Fight Finder Templates –>
<!–
 <div id=’autocomplete_template’ data-format=’{firstname} { “nickname” }{lastname}’ data-slaveinput=’#sample’ data-slaveformat=’{id}’ style=’display:none’>
 <table cellpadding=’0′ cellspacing=’0′><tr><td width=’37’ height=’37’><img data-src=”{image}” width=’32’/></td><td>{firstname} { “nickname” }{lastname}</td></tr></table>
 </div>
 
 <div id=’autocomplete_template_Fighter’ data-format=’{firstname} { “nickname” }{lastname}’ data-slaveinput=’#sample’ data-slaveformat=’{id}’ style=’display:none’>
 <table cellpadding=’0′ cellspacing=’0′><tr><td width=’37’ height=’37’><img data-src=”{image}” width=’32’/></td><td>{firstname} { “nickname” }{lastname}</td></tr></table>
 </div>
 
 <div id=’autocomplete_template_Event’ data-format=’{name} – {title}’ data-slaveinput=’#sample’ data-slaveformat=’{id}’ style=’display:none’>
 <table cellpadding=’0′ cellspacing=’0′><tr><td width=’37’ height=’37’><img data-src=”{image}” width=’32’/></td><td>{name} – {title}</td></tr></table>
 </div>
–>
<!– End of Fight Finder Templates –>
<!–


<div class=”fight_finder”>
 <div class=”module”>
 <title><h2>Fight Finder</h2></title>
 <div class=”content”>
 <div class=”sponsor”>Sponsored by</div>
 <form action=’/stats/fightfinder’ method=’get’>
 <input data-groupfield=’source’ name=”SearchTxt” data-autocorrect=’false’ data-offset=”-105px 0″ type=”text” placeholder=”Search fighters / Events...” class=’search autocomplete’ data-source=’/search/fightfinder/’ data-template=’#autocomplete_template’ data-onselect=’autocomplete_select’ />
 <input value=”Go” type=”submit” class=”go”>
 </form>
 <div class=”trending_fighters”>
 <h3>Top trending fighters</h3>
 <a href=”/fighter/Islam-Makhachev-76836″><h4>Islam Makhachev</h4></a> | <a href=”/fighter/Liz-Carmouche-67007″><h4>Liz Carmouche</h4></a> | <a href=”/fighter/Joshua-Van-365973″><h4>Joshua Van</h4></a> | <a href=”/fighter/Alexandr-Shabliy-72353″><h4>Alexandr Shabliy</h4></a> | <a href=”/fighter/Anthony-Wint-383061″><h4>Anthony Wint</h4></a> | <a href=”/fighter/Bilal-Hasan-400714″><h4>Bilal Hasan</h4></a> | <a href=”/fighter/Salahdine-Parnasse-172169″><h4>Salahdine Parnasse</h4></a> | <a href=”/fighter/Timur-Khizriev-258185″><h4>Timur Khizriev</h4></a> | <a href=”/fighter/Michael-Page-91937″><h4>Michael Page</h4></a> | <a href=”/fighter/Oualy-Tandia-419548″><h4>Oualy Tandia</h4></a> </div>
 </div>
 </div>
</div>
–>
 <!– 300×250,300×600 Second Ad –>
 <div class=”right-module ads”>
 <div class=”ad mediumrectangle”>
 <!– Tag ID: sherdog_siderail_right_2 –>
<div align=”center” data-freestar-ad=”__300×600″ id=”sherdog_siderail_right_2″>
 
</div> </div>
 </div>
 
 <!– Insticator –
 <div class=”right-module”>
 </div>
 –>

 <!– Facebook fans widget –>
 
 <!– spotify podcast widget –>
 
 <!– Twitter widget–>
 
 
 <!– 300×250,300×600 Third Ad –>
 <div class=”right-module ads” style=”position: sticky; top: 50px;”>
 <div class=”ad mediumrectangle”>
 <!– Tag ID: sherdog_siderail_right_3 –>
<div align=”center” data-freestar-ad=”__300×600″ id=”sherdog_siderail_right_3″>
 
</div> </div>
 </div>
 
</div>
<!– END OF RIGHT COLUMN –>
<!– END OF RIGHT COLUMN –>
	</div>

</div>

<footer>
	<div>
		<div class=”footer-wrapper”>
			<div class=”footer-logoline”>
				<img class=”logo” src=”https://www1-cdn.sherdog.com/img/new/logo_footer.svg” alt=”Logo”/>

				<div class=”footer-socials”>
					<a target=”_blank” href=”https://www.facebook.com/OfficialSherdog”><img alt=”FB” src=”https://www4-cdn.sherdog.com/img/new/icon_facebook.svg”/></a>
					<a target=”_blank” href=”https://twitter.com/sherdogdotcom”><img alt=”TW” src=”https://www1-cdn.sherdog.com/img/new/icon_twitter.svg”/></a>
					<a target=”_blank” href=”https://www.instagram.com/mmaconnoisseur/”><img alt=”IG” src=”https://www3-cdn.sherdog.com/img/new/icon_instagram.svg”/></a>
					<a target=”_blank” href=”https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCW3KTagNuyADCijmSwuaNJA”><img alt=”YT” src=”https://www4-cdn.sherdog.com/img/new/icon_youtube.svg”/></a>
					<a target=”_blank” href=”https://vk.com/id544261512″><img alt=”VK” src=”https://www1-cdn.sherdog.com/img/new/icon_vk.svg”/></a>
					<a target=”_blank” href=”https://www.threads.net/@mmaconnoisseur”><img alt=”TH” src=”https://www2-cdn.sherdog.com/img/new/threads.svg”/></a>
				</div>
			</div>
			<div class=”footer-menu”>
				<h5>RESOURCES</h5>
				<ul class=”footer-menu-links”>
					<li><a href=”/about-us”>About Us</a></li>
					<li><a href=”/contact”>Contact Us</a></li>
					<li><a href=”/advertising-info/”>Advertising</a></li>
					<li><a href=”/cookies”>AdChoices</a></li>
					<li><a href=”/privacy”>Privacy Policy</a></li>
					<li><a href=”/terms-of-use”>Terms &; Conditions</a></li>
					<li><button id=”pmLink”>Privacy Manager</button></li>
					</ul>
			</div>
			<div class=”footer-copyright”>
				<div class=”footer-evolve”><a href=”https://www.evolvemediallc.com/”><img src=”/img/new/evolvemedia-logo-white.svg”/></a></div>
				<span>Sherdog is a property of <a href=”https://www.evolvemediallc.com/”>Evolve Media (Australia) PTY LTD</a>. © 2026 All Rights Reserved. | Affiliate Disclosure: Evolve Media (Australia) PTY LTD, and its owned and operated subsidiaries may receive a small commission from the proceeds of any product(s) sold through affiliate and direct partner links.</span>
			</div>
		</div>
	</div>
 	<div style=”position: absolute; height:0; left: -999em”>
		monitoring_string = “5eb5a0f65cbe346d74f978e14db1b00d”
	</div>
</footer>

	
	

	
	<!– Begin Insticator Tag –>

<!– End Insticator Tag –>
	<!– START Nielsen Online SiteCensus V6.0 –>
<!– COPYRIGHT 2012 Nielsen Online –>



<!– END Nielsen Online SiteCensus V6.0 –>
			
	<!– Insticator Counter –>
	

	
	<!– Tag ID: sherdog_skin –>
<div align=”center” id=”sherdog_skin”>
 
</div>

	<!– WS quick fixes –>
	

Continue Reading
You may like
Click to comment
MMA
UFC fighter recalls training with Conor McGregor at 17
Published
5 hours agoon
November 4, 2026
Jean-Paul
Lebosnoyani trained with Conor
McGregor when he was in high school.
Lebosnoyani trained with Conor
McGregor when he was in high school.
Lebosnoyani said he was just 17 when he had the chance to train
with the
Ultimate Fighting Championship star ahead of McGregor's first
fight against Nate Diaz in
2016. Lebosnoyani had just finished a large Mongolian barbecue meal
when his father called to tell him McGregor needed a training
partner at the gym. “American Bandit†trained with McGregor for
about two weeks.
How Jean-Paul Lebosnoyani first met Conor McGregor
Lebosnoyani praised McGregor's humility and said the former
two-division champion has sent him messages throughout his career.
Despite the controversies surrounding McGregor, Lebosnoyani said he
will always respect the Irishman.
“I had just eaten the most I’ve ever eaten in my life. As soon as I
finished my meal, my dad calls me,†Lebosnoyani told Ariel Helwani.
“He goes, ‘Conor’s at the gym. He needs you to train right now.' I
was like, ‘Oh my God, I’m gonna barf all over this guy.' We did a
bunch of jiu-jitsu rounds and trained for about two weeks before he
met Dillon
Danis. That was the highlight of my high school childhood.
Shout out to Conor. He’s messaged me throughout my career. When I
got signed to the UFC, he wrote me a nice message saying
congratulations. When I met Conor, he was the most humble,
down-to-earth guy. Obviously, there’s a lot of controversy with
him, but I will always respect him. He has a special place in my
heart. At that point, he was at the pinnacle of his career, and it
was extremely inspirational how humble he was to someone like me.
He would pull up to the gym in two Rolls-Royces, and the second he
stepped on the mat, that whole persona, the whole ego, was just
gone.”
Lebosnoyani (12-2) earned his UFC contract on
Dana White's Contender Series last year. He has won all three
of his UFC fights, earning his first stoppage victory in the
promotion against Farman
Hasanov at
UFC Vegas 123 on Oct. 31.
Jean-Paul
Lebosnoyani recalls training with Conor
McGregor as a 17-year-old: “I had just eaten the most I’ve ever
eaten in my life. As soon as I finished my meal, my dad calls me.
He goes, ‘Conor’s at the gym. He needs you to train right now.' I
was like, ‘Oh my God, I’m gonna barf all over this guy.' We did a
bunch of jiu-jitsu rounds and trained for about two weeks before he
met Dillon
Danis. That was the highlight of my high school childhood.
Shout out to Conor. He’s messaged me throughout my career. When I
got signed to the UFC, he wrote me a nice message saying
congratulations. When I met Conor, he was the most humble,
down-to-earth guy. Obviously, there’s a lot of controversy with
him, but I will always respect him. He has a special place in my
heart. At that point, he was at the pinnacle of his career, and it
was extremely inspirational how humble he was to someone like me.
He would pull up to the gym in two Rolls-Royces, and the second he
stepped on the mat, that whole persona, the whole ego, was just
gone.”— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani)
November 3, 2026
MMA
Arman Tsarukyan sets one condition for fighting Alexander Volkanovski
Published
23 hours agoon
November 3, 2026
Arman
Tsarukyan is open to fighting Alexander
Volkanovski, provided
Ultimate Fighting Championship gold is at stake.Arman Tsarukyan reminds Alexander Volkanovski how Islam
Tsarukyan is open to fighting Alexander
Volkanovski, provided
Ultimate Fighting Championship gold is at stake.
Volkanovski (29-4) defended the featherweight title with a
technical knockout victory over Movsar
Evloev at
UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi before expressing interest in returning to
lightweight. With champion Justin
Gaethje uncertain about his future, Volkanovski offered to face
Tsarukyan (24-3) for the vacant title if Gaethje retires.
Arman Tsarukyan reminds Alexander Volkanovski how Islam
Makhachev rematch ended
Tsarukyan said the championship matters more to him than the
opponent.
“I'm ready for everyone,†Tsarukyan told Yavuz Saynomo. “For me, it
doesn't matter who I'm gonna fight; I just want to fight for the
title.â€
Volkanovski has expressed confidence that he can counter
Tsarukyan's wrestling and avoid being held down. Tsarukyan
responded by recalling the Australian's knockout loss to Islam
Makhachev.
“He said Islam Makhachev cannot knock him out, too,†Tsarukyan
added.
Volkanovski has twice challenged Makhachev for the lightweight
championship. He lost their first meeting by unanimous decision
before Makhachev finished their rematch with a head kick and
follow-up punches.
Tsarukyan remains confident that his next bout will be for the
title. If Gaethje retires, “The Batman†expects to compete for the
vacant belt.
“I have a title fight next,†Tsarukyan reiterated. “Either Justin
Gaethje. If he is retired, someone else.â€
MMA
Dan Hooker blames Charles Oliveira, UFC for tarnishing ‘BMF’ title: ‘He killed it’
Published
24 hours agoon
November 3, 2026
The symbolic title is up for grabs again on Dec. 12 at UFC 335, when champion Charles Oliveira faces Diego Lopes in the main event. Oliveira won the belt with a dominant decision win over Max Holloway at UFC 326, but received criticism for his grappling-heavy performance, which was considered to be against the spirit of the BMF belt.
Hooker agrees that Oliveira, and his newly won title, lost some luster that night.
“It was cool for a bit and then he kind of made it not cool,†Hooker told Submission Radio. “I think he killed it.â€
The BMF championship was innovated by former UFC star Nate Diaz, who cut a fiery promo after a win at UFC 241 that led to he and Jorge Masvidal fighting to become the inaugural titleholder at UFC 244, where Masvidal defeated Diaz. Justin Gaethje later defeated Dustin Poirier for a vacant title, with Holloway subsequently claiming the belt with an all-time great performance at UFC 300.
Hooker believes the promotion has strayed far from the original purpose of the title.
“You know where they f*cked it up?†Hooker said. “They should have kept it like Nate Diaz, Masvidal kind of shit. They completely f*cked it when they were like – They had badass motherf*ckers fighting for it like that, but then it should be the guys that want to throw down and just talk shit as well. That was kind of like me, Bobby Green, could lose 20 times and he's still a BMF contender. Then they had Max do it, and he's like the nicest guy in the f*cking world.
“Talk shit. Say you're going to knock the other guy's head off, that was like our belt. That was the guys whose careers are a f*cking mess. ‘Gamebred' was hot and cold for a minute, Nate Diaz, all our records are a f*cking mess. It's going to be a lot harder for us to get our hands on the nice, shiny, clean one. That's what I'm saying, they let too many nice guys have a crack.â€
That said, Hooker looks forward to the Oliveira vs. Lopes matchup, even if the BMF belt's involvement feels perfunctory. Hooker fights Brian Ortega at UFC Qatar on Nov. 21, and if both he and Lopes are victorious, he sees a scenario where he challenges Lopes for the title next.
“For some reason, they're adamant on this BMF belt sticking around and just having another belt to put up for grabs, but yeah, I like that fight,†Hooker said. “I feel like Diego Lopes is a strong contender for that. As he says, he doesn't feel like he's going to get another crack at Volk. He doesn't feel like it's just around the corner, so I like the fight, definitely.â€
“That's why I wanted this fight [vs. Ortega],†Hooker continued. “I feel like I can beat Brian Ortega, but now, Diego Lopes beating Charles Oliveira, I feel like that's a much bigger ask. But yeah, I like that fight, for sure.â€
Advertisement
Boxing1 hour ago
Deontay Wilder Set to Face Former Champion on Fury vs Joshua Undercard – Fight Official
Boxing4 hours ago
Canelo Alvarez Seeks Crawford Rematch, But Purse Demands May Derail Plans
MMA5 hours ago
UFC fighter recalls training with Conor McGregor at 17
Trending
-
Boxing2 days agoTyson Fury Unleashes Wilder KO Strategy to Overcome Anthony Joshua
-
Boxing2 days agoLester Martinez Aims for Canelo Alvarez with BoMacs Support
-
MMA2 days agoReport: Jacqueline Cavalcanti vs. Michelle Montague postponed to UFC 335 on Dec. 12
-
Boxing2 days agoExploring Who Can Challenge Canelo Alvarez at 168: Beyond Terence Crawford
-
Boxing2 days agoTerence Crawfords Interim Champion Eyes Canelo Showdown After Mbilli Victory
-
MMA2 days agoOn To the Next One: Matches to make after controversial UFC Vegas 123 event
-
Boxing1 day agoNaoya Inoue Receives Title Shot Opportunity in New Division After Champions Fifth Consecutive Stoppage
-
MMA23 hours agoArman Tsarukyan sets one condition for fighting Alexander Volkanovski