Anul Anand - Sidekick Boxing

UFC Releases Cody Stamann, Five Other Fighters from Roster

Anul Anand — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 08:23:35 +0000

The UFC has confirmed the release of Cody Stamann and five other fighters from its roster following a report from the automated Roster Tracker on Twitter. Stamann, a veteran of 15 octagon appearances, competed in the UFC from 2017 to 2024, securing key victories over notable fighters such as Eddie Wineland, Brian Kelleher, and Bryan Caraway. However, his UFC tenure came to an end after a disappointing three-fight losing streak.

Featherweights Joshua Culibao and Jonathan Pearce also saw their UFC careers come to a close, both on three-fight losing skids. Culibao ended his run with a record of 3-4-1, suffering three consecutive decision losses, while Pearce was submitted by Pat Sabatini in his final fight. The UFC has been known to make tough roster decisions, and these losses were enough to see both fighters released.

Cody Stamann and five other fighters have been released from the UFC roster. Read more about the latest UFC cuts

In a surprising turn, Taylor Lapilus was released despite earning two straight victories over Cody Stamann and Vince Morales in 2024. His UFC record of 3-1 was not enough to keep him on the roster, marking a rare instance of a fighter being cut after a winning streak. This follows a similar situation in 2016 when Lapilus was released despite winning three of four bouts.

Mashrabjon Ruziboev never fought in the UFC, withdrawing from his scheduled debut against Jared Gordon earlier this month. Lastly, Matthew Semelsberger, who fought 11 times in the promotion, was also cut after a rough run in 2023 and 2024, where he lost his last four bouts to various opponents. The UFC continues to make significant roster changes as it looks to keep its roster dynamic and competitive.

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UFC Legend Jose Aldo Set to Make Highly Anticipated Return at UFC 315

Anul Anand — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 08:22:58 +0000

UFC legend Jose Aldo is set to make his return to the Octagon at UFC 315, where he will face rising bantamweight star Aiemann Zahabi. The highly anticipated matchup will take place on May 8 at the Bell Centre in Montreal, as part of an action-packed card that also features two title fights.

Aldo (32-9), a former two-time featherweight champion, is a fixture in the UFC Hall of Fame after a legendary career that included a record seven consecutive title defenses. Despite his age, at 38 years old, Aldo continues to be a formidable force in the bantamweight division, holding the No. 8 spot in the MMA Fighting Global Rankings. His most recent outing was at UFC 307 last October, where he lost a controversial split decision to Mario Bautista. Nevertheless, Aldo remains a fighter to watch, with signature victories over the likes of Frankie Edgar, Urijah Faber, Chad Mendes, and Marlon Vera.

Former UFC champion Jose Aldo is set to make his highly anticipated return to the Octagon at UFC 315

Zahabi (12-2), a Canadian fighter, is currently on a five-fight win streak and aims to take a major step forward in his career with a victory over the legendary Aldo. Zahabi most recently defeated Pedro Munhoz by unanimous decision in November, and now, the 34-year-old has the chance to cement his place among the bantamweight elite by defeating one of the sport’s all-time greats.

UFC 315 promises to be a thrilling event, with Aldo’s return serving as a highlight. The card is headlined by welterweight champion Belal Muhammad defending his title against Jack Della Maddalena, while flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko faces the dangerous Manon Fiorot in the co-main event.

READ MORE: Who is fighting on UFC 313?

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PFL Unveils 2025 Bantamweight World Tournament Field, Featuring Former UFC Talent

Anul Anand — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 07:23:59 +0000

The Professional Fighters League (PFL) has officially revealed the roster for its highly anticipated 2025 Bantamweight World Tournament. With a grand prize of $500,000 on the line, the tournament will feature an impressive mix of international fighters, including former UFC talent Jake Hadley.

Hadley, a recent UFC competitor, has joined the PFL ranks after a challenging stint in the promotion. The British fighter made a splash on the UFC’s Contender Series in 2021 with a submission win over Mitch Raposo. Despite earning a UFC contract, Hadley struggled to find consistency in the octagon, securing just three wins in seven appearances. His UFC tenure ended on a low note, with three losses in his final four fights, including a setback to Cameron Smotherman in October 2024. Now, Hadley looks to bounce back and claim the PFL title at 135 pounds.

Get ready for the PFL 2025 bantamweight World Tournament, as the league announces its field of competitors, including a notable UFC alum

The bantamweight field also includes notable international talent such as former Bellator title challenger Magomed Magomedov, who narrowly lost a controversial decision to Patchy Mix at Bellator Paris in May 2024. Magomedov, with a record of 24-4, will be a strong contender in the 2025 Bantamweight World Tournament. Alongside him is Leandro Higo, a seasoned Bellator veteran with a record of 23-6.

Undefeated fighters Sarvarjon Khamidov (16-0) and Ciaran Clarke (10-0) will be looking to maintain their perfect records, while others like Ali Taleb, Kasum Kasumov, and Zebenzui Ruiz add further depth to the field.

Alternates Francesco Nuzzi (10-1) and Matheus Mattos (14-3-1) will also be on standby, ready to step in if necessary. With such a stacked roster, the 2025 PFL Bantamweight World Tournament is shaping up to be an exciting and competitive affair.

The post PFL Unveils 2025 Bantamweight World Tournament Field, Featuring Former UFC Talent first appeared on Sidekick Boxing.

Michael Chandler Predicts Electric Fight Against Paddy Pimblett at UFC 314

Anul Anand — Fri, 21 Feb 2025 06:56:59 +0000

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has announced a thrilling matchup between Michael Chandler and Paddy Pimblett at UFC 314 on April 12 in Miami. Chandler, a former Bellator champion, is eager to put on a show against the rising star Pimblett.

In a recent video, Chandler shared his thoughts on the fight, revealing that he was approached with the opportunity on short notice. Despite the tight turnaround, Chandler jumped at the chance to face Pimblett, citing the importance of adapting to the fast-paced nature of the sport.

Michael Chandler predicts an electric fight against Paddy Pimblett at UFC 314, promising to put on a show for the fans

Chandler, who is coming off a unanimous decision loss to Charles Oliveira in November, is looking to bounce back with a statement win. He acknowledges that Pimblett, 30, is a skilled fighter with a bright future, but is confident that he will be able to derail the younger fighter’s momentum.

“I like the matchup, love the matchup actually,” Chandler said. “I respect Paddy. I think Paddy is a skilled fighter, I think he’s still got a bright future, but I think he’s going to run into a buzz saw named Michael Chandler on April 12th.”

Chandler, known for his aggressive and entertaining fighting style, promises to put on a show for the fans. “As always, I will be the most entertaining guy that steps inside the octagon that night,” he said. “I will have everybody on their feet. I will have everybody on the edge of their seat.”

With his sights set on victory, Chandler is looking to make a statement in the lightweight division. “In typical Chandler fashion, we’re going in there with one goal in mind, and that’s to separate our opponent from consciousness,” he said.

The highly anticipated matchup between Chandler and Pimblett is sure to deliver an electric atmosphere at UFC 314. With both fighters known for their exciting styles, fans can expect a thrilling contest that will leave them on the edge of their seats.

The post Michael Chandler Predicts Electric Fight Against Paddy Pimblett at UFC 314 first appeared on Sidekick Boxing.

Sean Brady vs. Leon Edwards: New UFC London Main Event Set

Anul Anand — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 05:52:27 +0000

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has announced a significant change to the main event of UFC London, scheduled to take place on March 22 at the O2 Arena. Sean Brady will now face former welterweight champion Leon Edwards in the headlining bout.

Brady replaces Jack Della Maddalena, who has been reassigned to challenge Belal Muhammad for the welterweight title at UFC 315 in May. Brady, who suffered his only professional loss to Muhammad in October 2022, has since rebounded with impressive victories over Kelvin Gastelum and Gilbert Burns.

Sean Brady vs. Leon Edwards: New UFC London Main Event Set

Edwards, meanwhile, returns to action for the first time since losing his welterweight title to Muhammad in July 2023. Prior to that setback, Edwards had racked up an impressive 12-fight winning streak, including victories over Kamaru Usman and Colby Covington.

The matchup between Brady and Edwards promises to be an exciting one, with both fighters looking to make a statement in the welterweight division. Brady will be seeking to prove himself as a legitimate title contender, while Edwards will be aiming to bounce back from his title loss and regain his position as a top contender. With the stage set for a thrilling encounter, fans can expect an unforgettable night of action at UFC London.

The post Sean Brady vs. Leon Edwards: New UFC London Main Event Set first appeared on Sidekick Boxing.

Get ready for UFC Vegas 103 as Manel Kape takes on Asu Almabayev in a thrilling flyweight matchup on March 1

Anul Anand — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 08:44:04 +0000

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is gearing up for an exciting event on March 1, 2025, as UFC Vegas 103 takes center stage at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada. The highly anticipated main event features a thrilling matchup between Manel Kape and Asu Almabayev in the flyweight division.

Kape, a formidable opponent, will look to assert his dominance against Almabayev, who is seeking to make a statement in the 125-pound division. The main card, which begins at 7 p.m. ET, will also showcase a series of electrifying bouts, including Julian Marquez vs. Cody Brundage, Nasrat Haqparast vs. Esteban Ribovics, and Austen Lane vs. Mario Pinto.

Get ready for UFC Vegas 103 as Manel Kape takes on Asu Almabayev in a thrilling flyweight matchup on March 1

The preliminary card, starting at 4 p.m. ET, promises to deliver just as much excitement, with matchups like Ricardo Ramos vs. Chepe Mariscal, Douglas Silva de Andrade vs. John Castaneda, and Andrea Lee vs. JJ Aldrich.

UFC Vegas 103 will be broadcast live on ESPN+, providing fans with a front-row seat to all the action. With a stacked card featuring a mix of established veterans and rising stars, this event is poised to deliver an unforgettable night of mixed martial arts. Mark your calendars for March 1 and get ready to witness the ultimate display of skill, strength, and determination.

The post Get ready for UFC Vegas 103 as Manel Kape takes on Asu Almabayev in a thrilling flyweight matchup on March 1 first appeared on Sidekick Boxing.

Boxing Meets MMA: Oleksandr Usyk Set for Showdown with UFC Champion Alex Pereira

Anul Anand — Fri, 14 Feb 2025 06:52:14 +0000

In a surprising twist to the ever-evolving world of combat sports, boxing heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has hinted at a potential showdown with UFC middleweight titleholder Alex Pereira. While UFC CEO Dana White has long been critical of “stupid” crossover fights that pit champions from different disciplines against each other, the possibility of this clash has captured the imagination of fans worldwide.

Usyk, who is widely regarded as one of the best boxers in the world, recently discussed his future plans, revealing a two-fight retirement strategy that could include a spectacle fight with Pereira. “First, is who wins the next fight on Feb. 22,” Usyk told TNT Sports. “Next? Maybe a show fight with Alex Pereira. Maybe … why not? Alex wants to.” This statement has generated significant buzz, especially after Pereira publicly called out Usyk just weeks ago.

Ukrainian boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk is set to face off against UFC middleweight champion Alex Pereira in a highly anticipated show fight

Before any crossover bout can take place, Oleksandr Usyk must first defend his boxing belts in a crucial clash against the winner of the upcoming bout between Daniel Dubois and Joseph Parker on February 22 in Riyadh. Meanwhile, Pereira, who made waves in the UFC after dethroning Israel Adesanya, is set to face Magomed Ankalaev in a highly anticipated UFC 313 main event on March 8 in Las Vegas.

If Usyk successfully defends his titles and Pereira continues to dominate in the UFC, fans could see the two stars finally collide in a historic matchup that merges the worlds of boxing and MMA. While the logistics of such a fight are far from confirmed, the excitement surrounding the possibility has certainly raised the stakes for both athletes in their respective combat sports.

The post Boxing Meets MMA: Oleksandr Usyk Set for Showdown with UFC Champion Alex Pereira first appeared on Sidekick Boxing.

UFC Seattle Suffers Another Blow: Highly Anticipated Fight Falls Through

Anul Anand — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 19:07:49 +0000

UFC Seattle’s upcoming event continues to experience setbacks, as another highly anticipated fight has been scrapped from the card. Featherweight contender Edson Barboza has been forced to withdraw from his scheduled bout against Steve Garcia on February 22, 2025, due to an undisclosed injury. The bout was initially set to take place at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington, but with Barboza sidelined, it’s unclear whether Garcia will remain on the card against a late replacement or take time off while Barboza recovers.

UFC Seattle’s lineup takes another hit as a highly anticipated fight is canceled. Get the latest updates on the event

This unfortunate news follows a series of disappointing changes to UFC Seattle, including the cancellation of the highly anticipated bantamweight clash between Dominick Cruz and Rob Font. To make matters worse, a heavyweight matchup between Curtis Blaydes and Rizvan Kuniev, initially slated for UFC Seattle, was pulled to fill an open slot for UFC 313 in Las Vegas next month. These changes have left fans eagerly awaiting the event with a sense of disappointment.

Despite these challenges, UFC Seattle will still feature an exciting main event. Former bantamweight champion Henry Cejudo will face off against No. 8-ranked Song Yadong in what promises to be a thrilling fight in the division. Additionally, middleweights Brendan Allen and Anthony Hernandez will rematch for a shot at climbing the 185-pound title rankings. However, the absence of Barboza, a beloved veteran, is a tough blow to the card, as fans were eagerly anticipating his explosive clash with Garcia.

With UFC Seattle’s lineup taking multiple hits, fans can only hope for a speedy recovery for Barboza and the restoration of a full fight card for the event.

The post UFC Seattle Suffers Another Blow: Highly Anticipated Fight Falls Through first appeared on Sidekick Boxing.

UFC 313 Official Poster Unveiled: Pereira vs. Ankalaev Takes Center Stage

Anul Anand — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 06:05:35 +0000

UFC 313 is just around the corner, and the official poster for the event has been revealed, highlighting the highly anticipated main event between reigning light heavyweight champion Alex “Poatan” Pereira and undefeated contender Magomed Ankalaev. Set to take place on March 8 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, the event promises to be one of the biggest nights in UFC history.

Check out the official poster for UFC 313, featuring the highly anticipated matchup between Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev

Pereira, who claimed the light heavyweight title in November 2023 with a stunning stoppage of Jiri Prochazka at UFC 295, is coming off an extraordinary 2024 campaign. He finished all three of his opponents — Jamahal Hill, Prochazka, and Khalil Rountree — in just six months, cementing his reputation as one of the most dangerous fighters in the division. Now, he’ll face Ankalaev, a fighter with an impressive unbeaten streak spanning his last 12 bouts. Ankalaev previously fought to a split draw with Jan Blachowicz in a vacant title bout at UFC 282 in December 2022, and this will be his second shot at the gold.

In the co-main event, former interim lightweight champion and BMF titleholder Justin Gaethje will face Dan Hooker in a 25-minute fan-friendly brawl. Gaethje is looking to bounce back after a crushing loss to Max Holloway in April 2024, while Hooker, on a three-fight win streak, is eyeing his own title shot. Both fighters are known for their aggressive, hard-hitting styles, making this matchup a must-watch.

With two massive five-round contests headlining the event, UFC 313 is shaping up to be an unforgettable night in the world of mixed martial arts. Fans won’t want to miss it!

The post UFC 313 Official Poster Unveiled: Pereira vs. Ankalaev Takes Center Stage first appeared on Sidekick Boxing.

The UFC is heading back to Montreal after a 10-year absence. Get ready for UFC 315, set to take place on May 10

Anul Anand — Sat, 08 Feb 2025 02:40:30 +0000

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is set to make its long-awaited return to Montreal with UFC 315, marking the promotions first event in the Canadian city in nearly a decade. Scheduled for May 10, 2025, the event will take place at the Bell Center, a venue that has previously hosted seven UFC pay-per-view events.

The UFC is heading back to Montreal after a 10-year absence. Get ready for UFC 315, set to take place on May 10

Montreal was once a regular stop for the UFC, with the city hosting events almost annually until 2015. The last time the promotion visited was for UFC 186 in April 2015, which featured a flyweight title bout between Demetrious “Mighty House” Johnson and Kyoji Horiguchi. Johnson secured a dramatic submission victory via armbar in the final second of the fight, successfully defending his title for the sixth time. The co-main event saw Quinton “Rampage” Jackson return to the UFC and earn a unanimous decision win over Fabio Maldonado.

The announcement of UFC 315 has generated excitement among Canadian MMA fans, who have long awaited the promotion’s return. Montreal has been a key market for the UFC, hosting legendary fights featuring stars like Georges St-Pierre, one of the sport’s most celebrated fighters and a hometown hero.

While no fights have been confirmed for UFC 315, the event is expected to feature high-profile matchups. Given Montreal’s rich MMA history, fans can anticipate a stacked fight card with some of the sport’s top athletes.

With the UFCs return to Montreal, UFC 315 promises to be a landmark event, rekindling the city’s deep connection with MMA. As fight announcements unfold in the coming months, anticipation will only grow for what is shaping up to be a memorable night at the Bell Center.

The post The UFC is heading back to Montreal after a 10-year absence. Get ready for UFC 315, set to take place on May 10 first appeared on Sidekick Boxing.