MMA
Stephen Thompson issues warning about Shavkat Rakhmonov’s return
Published
1 month agoon
Rakhmonov shouldn't be underestimated when he returns,
according to one of the Kazakh's former foes.
Rakhmonov (19-0) hasn't fought in the
Ultimate Fighting Championship since defeating Ian Garry in
December 2024. While Rakhmonov was expected to fight for the title
next, he suffered a knee injury, forcing a lengthy stint on the
sidelines. The welterweight title has since changed hands multiple
times, with Jack
Della Maddalena beating Belal
Muhammad to win it before losing the belt to Islam
Makhachev, who successfully defended it against Garry at
UFC
330.
Rakhmonov appears to be making progress with his recovery and
Stephen
Thompson claims “Nomad†will bounce back even better.
Shavkat Rakhmonov remains a major UFC welterweight threat
despite lengthy absence
The long layoff saw Rakhmonov get dropped from the official UFC
welterweight rankings, effectively removing him from discourse
regarding the title mix. However, Thompson, who suffered a
submission loss to Rakhmonov in 2023, warns that the latter
shouldn't be underestimated.
Thompson notes that just because Rakhmonov hasn't competed doesn't
mean he hasn't been training. “Wonderboy†believes he will return
from the injury with a stronger mindset.
“Huge threat,†Thompson told Home of Fight. “The guy is very
skillful everywhere. Just because you don't see this guy fighting,
a lot of people think he's not been training. This dude has been a
through-and-through martial artist since day one. That's all he
does is train. Don't underestimate this guy coming back. I feel
like he's gonna come back even better, a stronger mindset, stronger
fighter spirit. He's looking for blood.â€
👀 Stephen “Wonderboy†Thompson believes
Shavkat
Rakhmonov will return to the welterweight division more
dangerous than ever.“People think because he was injured he wasn't training— don't get
it twisted. The longer he's been out, the more dangerous he's
becoming.Don't be… pic.twitter.com/u4S6bBVlpm
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight)
August 18, 2026
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MMA
MVP fires back at Heather Hardys $10M lawsuit over Amanda Serrano fight
Published
2 hours agoon
September 29, 2026
Most Valuable Promotions has responded to a lawsuit filed by
former world champion Heather
Hardy over her 2023 rematch with Amanda
Serrano.
Hardy is seeking $10 million in damages from MVP, alleging in her
complaint that the promotion moved forward with the bout despite
concerns about the risks involved. Hardy alleges that she suffered
permanent neurological damage from the fight, which took place in
August 2023 on the Jake
Paul-Nate Diaz
card.
Most Valuable Promotions cites Hardy’s medical clearance and
commission oversight in response to the lawsuit
According to Hardy's complaint, the fight presented an
“extraordinary and foreseeable risk of serious neurological harm.â€
She also alleges that the bout contributed to lasting issues,
including traumatic brain injury, memory loss and double
vision.
MVP disputed the allegations in a statement issued in response to
the lawsuit, emphasizing Hardy's medical clearance and the
commission's oversight of the contest.
“MVP has great respect for Heather Hardy. We recognize the
difficulty of her circumstances and extend our sincere sympathy and
hope that she receives the care and support she deserves,†MVP
responded (via ESPN). “Heather's participation on our Aug. 5,
2023, card was arranged through her promoter, Lou DiBella, who
contracted for the fight, and Heather publicly expressed her
gratitude for the opportunity both before and after the fight.â€
“MVP followed applicable protocols for the fight, Heather was
medically cleared to compete by the athletic commission overseeing
the event, and the bout proceeded under the commission's authority
and supervision in accordance with their standard medical and
safety requirements,†the statement added. “MVP remains committed
to fighter safety and supporting the athletes who compete in our
events in full compliance with commission standards.â€
MMA
UFC 332 Odds: Payton Talbott a massive favorite over former champion
Published
5 hours agoon
September 29, 2026
MMA
Paul Felder: ‘I thought he had a heart attack’ at UFC Vegas 121
Published
7 hours agoon
September 29, 2026
Felder has witnessed several shocking moments during his years
working
Ultimate Fighting Championship events, but Raoni
Barcelos' collapse at
UFC Vegas 121 left him particularly shaken.
Felder was on commentary duty at Meta Apex in Las Vegas for the
latest Fight Night. The main event, which was a back-and-forth
battle, ended in frightening fashion as Barcelos appeared to go
limp during a wrestling exchange against the Octagon wall in the
final round. The referee immediately stopped the contest, and
Barcelos was removed from the Octagon on a stretcher and
transported to a hospital.
It was later confirmed that Barcelos was conscious and responsive.
For Felder, the moments after the finish remain unforgettable.
Paul Felder revisits Raoni Barcelos' collapse at UFC Vegas 121:
‘I thought he had a heart attack'
Speaking on the “Believe You Me†podcast, Felder recalled his
immediate reaction while watching the medical team attend to
Barcelos. The former fighter was alarmed when he saw a doctor check
Barcelos' pulse, something he said he had never witnessed in
similar circumstances.
“His neck was all clinched up and he was unconscious,†Felder said.
“And it looked like he was — I thought he had a heart attack, off
the bat. Then they came in, and they checked his pulse, which was
terrifying to see. I have never seen somebody that was KO'd, where
they come in and the first thing they did, the doctor put his
fingers right on Raoni's pulse. I was like, ‘Oh, this is really
bad.â€
Felder said the uncertainty continued as Barcelos remained
motionless.
“He was just not getting up and then I'm thinking, ‘Is it a stroke?
Is it a heart attack?'†Felder added. “But if they weren't doing
CPR and his pulse was at least there and present and he's
breathing, probably not a heart attack.â€
Barcelos reportedly remains under medical supervision but has
addressed fans on social media, assuring them that he is doing
well.
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