MMA
Josh Hokit hits back at Glover Teixeira's call for Alex Pereira fight: 'Pure violence'
Credit: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLCA matchup between star heavyweights Josh Hokit and Alex Pereira might be the fight to make, according to Pereira's coach Glover Teixeira.
Former UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira's heavyweight debut ended in disaster as he lost to Ciryl Gane in the UFC Freedom 250 co-main event earlier this summer. After a back-and-forth opening round, Gane defeated Pereira by second-round TKO, albeit not without some controversy.
Despite initially hinting at retirement due to his opposition to referee Herb Dean, Pereira aims to return to the heavyweight division for another title chase. A potential opponent is Josh Hokit, who earned a stoppage win over Derrick Lewis earlier on the UFC Freedom 250 card.
Former UFC light heavyweight champion Glover Teixeira, Pereira's longtime mentor and coach, believes there's one fight that makes the most sense for the UFC superstar's next assignment.
Josh Hokit gives caveat for accepting potential Alex Pereira heavyweight fight
In a recent interview on The Ariel Helwani Show, Teixeira was asked about Pereira's next move and didn't hesitate to call out Hokit.
“I know for sure he's going to get that belt, so he's going to stay at heavyweight,†Teixeira said of Pereira's plans.
“Hokit is talking a lot of s—, let's go over there and knock his a– out and get back to the top. And then get the rematch.â€
In a recent tweet, Hokit responded to Teixeira's endorsement of a showdown with Pereira.
“Either give me Ciryl for the title or Alex for the BMF,†Hokit posted.
“Tired of watching these little crotch sniffers lay & pray & people call them the BMF/P4P. You can't have those titles & just hold guys down without doing damage. Whoever I fight, the fans will get pure violence with a show.â€
What's your prediction for a potential Alex Pereira vs. Josh Hokit fight? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM
Credit: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLCUFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov applauded his former rival Edson Barboza following his UFC 330 retirement.
Khabib Nurmagomedov stood cageside as his longtime friend and pupil, Islam Makhachev, successfully defended his UFC welterweight title at UFC 330 last weekend. Makhachev, the UFC's pound-for-pound No. 1 fighter, defeated Ian Machado Garry by unanimous decision in a grueling battle.
Before making the full-time transition to coaching, Nurmagomedov wrapped up his legendary career as the UFC's pound-for-pound king with a win over Justin Gaethje at UFC 254. Despite being in the middle of his prime, Nurmagomedov retired to fulfill a promise to his mother following the tragic death of his father, Abdulmanap.
On his way to highlight-reel wins over Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier, and Gaethje, Nurmagomedov went through a gauntlet in the UFC's lightweight division. His win over Edson Barboza at UFC 219 clinched his long-awaited lightweight title shot, defeating Barboza by unanimous decision.
Following a loss at UFC 330, Barboza dropped the gloves and announced his retirement from Mixed Martial Arts at 40 years old. Nurmagomedov, who was backstage preparing Makhachev for his fight at the time of Barboza's announcement, had a classy message for his former rival.
Khabib Nurmagomedov's live reaction to Edson Barboza's UFC 330 retirement
During a recent episode of Anatomy of a Fighter, Nurmagomedov shared his live reaction to Barboza's retirement at UFC 330.
“Long time ago, the sport left him. But today, he leaves the sport, too,†Nurmagomedov said of Barboza.
“This happens. When you're 40 years old, you have to think about your family. Family is better than being beat up like this. Just my opinion. But he's a legend!â€
Barboza earned wins over the likes of Paul Felder, Beneil Dariush, and Anthony Pettis during his illustrious UFC career. He made his promotional debut at UFC 123.
What is your favorite memory from Edson Barboza's UFC career? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM
MMA
VIDEO | Islam Makhachev shares heartwarming message with cancer patient after UFC 330: 'Never give up!'
Credit: Anatomy of a FighterUFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev had an inspiring message for one of his biggest fans after his UFC 330 title win.
Islam Makhachev broke UFC Hall of Famer Anderson Silva's record for most consecutive wins in UFC history by defeating Ian Machado Garry last Saturday. In the UFC 330 main event, Makhachev put on another mostly dominant performance to successfully defend the welterweight title.
The UFC's pound-for-pound king, Makhachev, continued to make his case as one of the greatest fighters in UFC history. Ahead of UFC 330, Makhachev surprised one of his biggest fans, who is battling cancer, by flying them out for the fights.
Makhachev met the fan in person on Thursday just before the UFC 330 pre-fight press conference in Philadelphia. After their viral meetup, Makhachev invited the fan backstage following his win and sent the cancer patient home with an inspiring message.
WATCH: Islam Makhachev tells fan he flew out to UFC 330 to ‘never give up'
Watch Makhachev meet the fan backstage, as filmed by Anatomy of a Fighter, below.
Islam Makhachev took time to speak with a fan battling cancer after his win over Ian Garry â¤ï¸
“You see, from the first second to last second I go war. I have hard time, but never give up. Also yourself, never give up, okay? You are warrior.â€
(via @WillHarrisAOAF) pic.twitter.com/Vrf393GCCp
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) August 18, 2026
Valentin heads home with his daughter, Alexis, to continue ongoing treatment for his life-threatening illness in Salem, OR.
Meanwhile, Makhachev capped off an eventful night at UFC 330 with another impressive performance against Garry. Next, Makhachev will likely face rising star Carlos Prates for his next welterweight title defense.
UFC commentator Joe Rogan raised eyebrows after UFC 330 when he suggested Makhachev return to the lightweight division for his next fight. Makhachev vacated the lightweight title last year following a win over Renato Moicano at UFC 311.
Before defeating Garry, Makhachev won the UFC welterweight title by unanimous decision against Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322.
All of us at BJPenn wish Valentin the best in his ongoing battle with cancer.
Who should Islam Makhachev fight next after UFC 330? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM
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