Fighter news
2 stories on this topic, newest first.
Gaethje won't retire, rules out immediate Topuria rematch
Days after his fourth-round corner-stoppage win over Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250 made him undisputed lightweight champion, Justin Gaethje told the JRE MMA Show he plans to keep fighting and flatly rejected an immediate Topuria rematch, saying 'he quit twice.' Gaethje pointed to Arman Tsarukyan as the likely next contender, but added he wants greater purses and equity in the company. Tsarukyan, who won millions betting on Gaethje, fired back after the champ refused his gift of a truck.
Why it matters: The lightweight title picture now hinges on Gaethje's contract demands and a brewing grudge with Tsarukyan, the long-standing No. 1 contender he seems destined to fight next.
Magomedov submits Baghdasaryan with rare twister in UFC debut
Undefeated Kyrgyz featherweight Murtazali Magomedov (11-0) made one of the most memorable debuts in years at UFC Vegas 119, taking the back of Melsik Baghdasaryan and locking up a modified twister for a tap at 1:17 of round one. It was only the fourth twister submission in UFC history, joining Korean Zombie, Bryce Mitchell and Da'Mon Blackshear, and earned a $100,000 Performance of the Night bonus. Magomedov said he learned the move a month ago from ex-UFC flyweight Askar Askarov.
Why it matters: A finish-heavy prospect with an 11-0 record and 100 percent finish rate is exactly what a thin, big-name-starved featherweight division needs, and the twister instantly made him appointment viewing.