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USA Today
5 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Umar Nurmagomedov wants Merab Dvalishvili rematch but 'not holding onto it emotionally'
Umar Nurmagomedov wants Merab Dvalishvili rematch but 'not holding onto it emotionally' Umar Nurmagomedov has his eyes on the UFC bantamweight title – whether or not Merab Dvalishvili is champion. Nurmagomedov (18-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC) suffered his first-career loss when he was outlasted by Dvalishvili at UFC 311 in January. He broke his hand early in the fight – an injury that required surgery. "I want the rematch," Nurmagomedov said in an interview with Adam Zubayraev (h/t Red Corner MMA). "I want to prove that my broken hand was a factor, that it could have ended differently. Even if we don't meet again or he retires, I still plan to become champion. If the rematch never happens, it won't be a tragedy for me. I'm not holding onto it emotionally." Nurmagomedov won the first two rounds on two of the three judges' scorecards but ultimately lost a close decision. Dvalishvili (20-4 MMA, 13-2 UFC) has since submitted Sean O'Malley at UFC 316 to notch his second title defense. "I've hit Merab clean myself. He didn't even flinch," Nurmagomedov said. "Tough guy. He's really hard to knock out. He's got cardio for days, and he's just got brute strength. It's not like he's got advanced grappling skills or submissions – he can't even hold people down properly. He just overwhelms."
USA Today
02-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Arman Tsarukyan open to UFC 317, 318 backup roles: 'I need to take chances now'
Arman Tsarukyan open to UFC 317, 318 backup roles: 'I need to take chances now' Arman Tsarukyan is ready to step in for the upcoming UFC lightweight pay-per-view headliners if needed. Tsarukyan (23-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) withdrew from his title fight against Islam Makhachev at UFC 311 in January, which left him out of the next title picture. A new lightweight champion will be crowned when Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira battle for the vacant belt at UFC 317 on June 28. With only Justin Gaethje available from the top five, Tsarukyan is willing to serve as a backup for the title fight if he gets the call. "I am not sure if that's needed, but if they offer me that, I will definitely back it up," Tsarukyan said in a recent press conference (h/t Red Corner MMA). "Yes, I will be ready. I am flying back to the U.S. now and will be staying there so in case anyone is injured, and (if) the UFC asks me if I am ready, I will say yes." A month later, Max Holloway defends his BMF title against Dustin Poirier at UFC 318 on July 19. Tsarukyan will also be ready to be a replacement for that fight if necessary. "Absolutely, positive," Tsarukyan said on being the reserve for Holloway vs. Poirier. "I need to take chances now. I got injured, and this injury was misinterpreted. The doctor didn't let everybody know what really happened, so some people still think I ducked that fight. Now I just need to get back on track, so I'm going to do whatever the UFC tells (me)."
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Arman Tsarukyan Ready to Back Up Ilia Topuria vs Charles Oliveira at UFC 317
Arman Tsarukyan Ready to Back Up Ilia Topuria vs Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 originally appeared on Athlon Sports. With UFC 317 just weeks away, anticipation is hitting a boiling point. Headlined by the lightweight showdown between Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira, the event is set to cap off what's already shaping up to be one of the UFC's hottest months in recent memory. Fans have been counting down the days, and as the spotlight turns toward the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, the stakes couldn't be higher. Behind the scenes, however, one top contender is making it clear: he's ready if called. Advertisement That contender is Arman Tsarukyan, who recently told Red Corner MMA that he's open to serving as a backup for UFC 317. Tsarukyan also mentioned he'd be willing to serve as a backup for Dustin Poirier's farewell fight against Max Holloway, showing his eagerness to stay close to any high-profile opportunity. When asked directly, he responded: 'Offer me and I will definitely back it up. Yes, I will be ready. I'm flying back to the US and will be staying there.' He continued: 'I need to take chances now. I got injured, and the injury was misinterpreted. Now I just need to get back on track, so I'm going to do whatever the UFC tells me to do.' The comments came shortly after Tsarukyan's grappling match victory over Patricky Pitbull on May 31 at Voleybol'naya Arena in Moscow, where he secured a fifth-round rear-naked choke submission. The performance reaffirmed his readiness and determination to stay active, even outside the octagon. Advertisement Tsarukyan's recent stretch was briefly derailed due to a back injury that forced him to withdraw from a scheduled title fight against Islam Makhachev at UFC 311. The withdrawal sparked speculation and criticism, with some questioning the legitimacy of the issue. The situation created confusion around his status, but the 28-year-old appears to have recovered and is determined to stay on track. UFC CEO Dana WhitePhoto by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC As UFC 317 approaches, the possibility of last-minute changes remains. Whether the main event goes off without a hitch or fate intervenes, Tsarukyan has made one thing clear: he won't be waiting on the sidelines. Time will tell if his readiness turns into reality. As of now, there has been no official confirmation that UFC President Dana White has reached out to Tsarukyan, but with the fighter staying ready and vocal, the opportunity could come at any moment. Related: Jon Jones Offers Cryptic Update on Heavyweight Title Unification Related: UFC Makes Announcement About Noche UFC 3 Card This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Jon Jones Takes Aim at Colby Covington With Harsh Words
Jon Jones Takes Aim at Colby Covington With Harsh Words originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Jon Jones has been on a bit of a heater lately. Whether he's traveling to Thailand, filming The Ultimate Fighter Russia, or sparking debate online with cryptic tweets and candid interviews, the UFC heavyweight king is very much back in the spotlight. While fans continue to wait and see whether he'll accept a title unification bout against Tom Aspinall, Jones hasn't exactly been quiet — especially when it comes to sharing his opinions on fellow fighters and industry drama. Advertisement In a recent episode of DeepCut with VicBlends, in a clip captured by Red Corner MMA, Jones was asked a pointed question: Who does he think is the most overrated fighter in the UFC? At first, he hesitated. But then came a quote that raised eyebrows everywhere. 'I could say his name, but it's really just because I don't like him. And saying his name gives him clout, which I also don't want to do. His initials are C.C., and he's a total douchebag.' Naturally, fans immediately zeroed in on Colby Covington as the likely target — and for good reason. The beef between Jones and Covington dates back well before the UFC. Both men wrestled at Iowa Central Community College, where they were briefly teammates — a sitcom pairing that never got picked up. Colby CovingtonGetty Images The two didn't exactly get along. Jones once called Covington a bad roommate, while Covington has repeatedly taken aim at Jones' drug test history and legal troubles. It's been less of a rivalry and more of a long-running reality show, with drama popping up every few seasons in interviews or online posts. Jon JonesGetty Images While Jones didn't officially say the name, the initials and the insult were enough. Most fans didn't need a second hint. Advertisement Related: UFC Veteran Teases Date for Heavily Pursued Conor McGregor Showdown Related: UFC Veteran Enters New Arena to Challenge Khabib: 'I Know You're Getting Ready' This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on May 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
USA Today
23-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Arman Tsarukyan open to UFC fight vs. 'big name' Paddy Pimblett this summer
Arman Tsarukyan open to UFC fight vs. 'big name' Paddy Pimblett this summer Arman Tsarukyan likes the idea of fighting Paddy Pimblett next but sooner rather than later. Tsarukyan (23-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) was left out of the title picture after the promotion opted to match up Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight title in the UFC 317 headliner on June 28 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. That's due to Tsarukyan's last-minute withdrawal from his title fight against then-lightweight champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 311 in January, where he pulled out from a back injury the day before the fight. A far-from-pleased Dana White said Tsarukyan will have to earn his way back to the title. But against whom? Shortly after suggesting Justin Gaethje (25-5 MMA, 8-5 UFC), Tsarukyan says why not Pimblett (23-3 MMA, 7-0 UFC) if the fight can happen in summer. "He looked very good in his last fight," Tsarukyan told Red Corner MMA of Pimblett. "Now we can say he can beat top-10 fighters. He's No. 8 or something, and he's not going to fight very soon. Maybe he wants to fight at the end of this year, but I want to fight this summer and the end of this year. I'll take that (summer) because he has a big name, he just beat Michael Chandler, and he has a six or seven-(fight) win streak. He's never lost in the UFC. It makes sense to get back and to get more fans from the U.K." However, Tsarukyan may not be on Pimblett's radar. Not only is Pimblett targeting Gaethje next, he's looking at the October pay-per-view event in Abu Dhabi, and Tsarukyan isn't willing to wait that long.
