The announcement brings an end to one of the most dominant championship reigns in modern heavyweight boxing. After becoming the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the four-belt era by defeating Tyson Fury and later reclaiming undisputed status, Usyk leaves the division as arguably the defining heavyweight of his generation.

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A New Era Begins at Heavyweight

Usyk’s decision instantly transforms the heavyweight landscape.

With three major world titles becoming vacant simultaneously, several contenders who have spent years waiting for an opportunity are now just one victory away from becoming world champion. Instead of one dominant champion holding the division together, the heavyweight class is set to enter another period of multiple titleholders and high-stakes elimination bouts.

The WBC picture appears the clearest, with interim champion Agit Kabayel expected to be elevated to full world champion. Meanwhile, the WBA and IBF will move toward title fights involving their highest-ranked contenders, opening doors for names such as Moses Itauma, Filip Hrgovic, Frank Sanchez and Murat Gassiev depending on each sanctioning body’s final decisions.

For established stars like Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, Usyk’s departure from championship obligations could also create fresh opportunities to re-enter the title picture without having to solve the puzzle that neither man managed to crack.

Perhaps the biggest winners, however, are the division’s rising contenders. Fighters who previously faced years of waiting behind an undisputed champion now have realistic pathways to capturing a world title.

As for Usyk, removing himself from the championship picture also gives him complete freedom to choose the opponent for his farewell fight. Without mandatory defenses or sanctioning body obligations, his final appearance can be about legacy rather than titles.

Whether that final bout is against Rico Verhoeven or another marquee opponent, it will now serve as the closing chapter of one of boxing’s greatest careers rather than another title defense.

Usyk may leave the heavyweight division without his belts, but he leaves it after defeating virtually every elite challenger of his era. The championships will now belong to someone else, but the benchmark for greatness in the division remains the undefeated Ukrainian who conquered cruiserweight, became a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion, and chose to step aside on his own terms.

READ MORE: Donald Trump Asked Dana White Whether a Full Camp Could Prepare Him for a UFC Fight

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Topuria entered the matchup against Gaethje carrying an aura of invincibility. After establishing himself as one of the UFC’s most dominant stars, many expected him to continue his rise. Instead, Gaethje’s relentless pressure, power, and experience proved too much on the night, handing Topuria one of the toughest losses of his career.

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Pimblett Questions Topuria’s Future

Speaking about the defeat, Pimblett made a bold prediction regarding Topuria’s future.

“I don’t think Ilia Topuria ever comes back the same. I’d happily be his first fight back.”

The comments immediately caught attention given the history between the two fighters. Pimblett and Topuria have exchanged insults for years, with their rivalry becoming one of the most personal feuds in the UFC. Despite competing in different divisions for much of their careers, fans have long wanted to see them settle their differences inside the Octagon.

Pimblett believes the damage from a high-profile loss can permanently change a fighter. Combat sports history is filled with examples of champions who never looked quite the same after suffering a devastating defeat. While Topuria remains one of the most talented fighters on the UFC roster, questions will inevitably be asked about how he responds mentally and physically after losing on one of the sport’s biggest stages.

For Pimblett, the timing could be perfect. The British star continues to climb the lightweight rankings and a matchup with Topuria would generate enormous interest due to their long-running feud. It would also give Pimblett the opportunity to score the biggest win of his career against a fighter many still consider among the elite.

Whether Topuria’s next fight ends up being against Pimblett remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the rivalry is far from over. And if Pimblett gets his wish, the UFC could finally book a grudge match years in the making.

READ MORE: Donald Trump Asked Dana White Whether a Full Camp Could Prepare Him for a UFC Fight

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The post Paddy Pimblett Claims Ilia Topuria Will Never Be The Same After Justin Gaethje Loss first appeared on Sidekick Boxing.

During a recent media appearance, UFC CEO Dana White was asked why the promotion does not hold a Pride Night. White gave a straightforward response.

“Do your own thing. I’m just not into it. I let everybody be themselves and do their thing.”

The comments quickly generated discussion among fans, with some viewing them as a reflection of White’s belief that the UFC should not focus on identity-based celebrations, while others felt the promotion could do more to publicly recognize LGBTQ+ members of the MMA community.

A Different Approach From Other Sports Organizations

Unlike several major sports leagues that host Pride-themed events during the year, the UFC has generally taken a different approach. Rather than organizing dedicated celebrations or awareness nights, the promotion has largely focused on athletes’ performances inside the Octagon regardless of their background.

Over the years, openly LGBTQ+ fighters have competed successfully in the UFC and broader MMA landscape, including pioneers such as Amanda Nunes and Raquel Pennington. Their achievements have helped increase visibility and representation within the sport.

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White’s latest remarks suggest that his stance remains unchanged. Rather than creating special events centered on identity or social causes, he prefers a model where individuals are free to express themselves while the promotion stays focused on competition.

Whether fans agree with that philosophy or not, the comments have once again sparked debate about the role sports organizations should play in promoting social and cultural initiatives beyond the competition itself.

READ MORE: Alex Pereira’s Coach Signs With Misfits Boxing, Heavyweight Title Fight Set For September

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The former UFC middleweight and light heavyweight champion shared a post on Instagram Stories that read: “Honestly, I’m afraid to fight again with all of this happening. I think I’ve already done my part.” The message immediately caught the attention of fans, with many questioning whether “Poatan” is preparing to walk away from the sport.

Pereira’s comments come just weeks after his controversial loss to Ciryl Gane in the interim heavyweight title fight at UFC Freedom 250 on the White House lawn. The defeat ended his bid to become the first fighter in UFC history to win championships in three different weight classes.

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The Fallout From the Gane Loss

The aftermath of the loss has been dominated by controversy rather than discussion about the fight itself.

Pereira has repeatedly argued that Gane landed illegal strikes to the back of his head during the finishing sequence and has heavily criticized referee Herb Dean for failing to intervene. Following the bout, the Brazilian star revealed that he was exploring an appeal and even suggested that Dean should not officiate any of his future fights.

The incident quickly became one of the biggest talking points in MMA. While some fighters believed the strikes warranted closer scrutiny, others felt the outcome would likely have remained unchanged regardless of the disputed blows.

Herb Dean later defended his actions, explaining that the strikes did not meet the criteria for illegal blows under the Unified Rules of MMA. Pereira, however, remained unconvinced and continued to voice frustration about the officiating.

At 38 years old, Pereira has already built a remarkable legacy. He became a two-division UFC champion after an elite kickboxing career and established himself as one of the biggest stars in the promotion.

Whether his latest comments are an emotional reaction to the controversy or a genuine indication that retirement is on his mind remains unclear. For now, no official retirement announcement has been made. But with Pereira openly admitting he is “afraid to fight again” amid the ongoing fallout from the Gane fight, questions about his future have never been louder.

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Speaking during a recent podcast appearance, Paul explained that the idea came to him during a visit to Stanford University. According to Paul, he believes his age and physical development could give him an advantage over younger athletes entering the college football system.

“We went to Stanford and the idea happened today. I can walk onto the football team. I’ll have an advantage over the younger, not as big kids before going into the NFL,” Paul said.

The comments quickly generated debate online, with fans split on whether the plan is a genuine ambition or simply another bold challenge from one of combat sports’ biggest personalities.

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Can Jake Paul Really Make It to the NFL?

While Paul has built an impressive athletic profile through boxing, transitioning to American football would be a completely different challenge.

The 29-year-old has spent the last several years focusing on boxing, compiling victories over a variety of opponents and becoming one of the sport’s biggest pay-per-view attractions. His success inside the ring has helped transform him from YouTube celebrity into a legitimate figure in combat sports.

However, reaching the NFL is one of the most difficult achievements in professional sports. Even standout college athletes often fail to make the league, while walk-on players face an even steeper path to earning a roster spot.

Paul’s confidence stems from his physical attributes and years of high-level athletic training. Yet he lacks the recent football experience that most NFL prospects possess, making any potential journey to the league a significant long shot.

Whether the idea becomes reality remains to be seen. Jake Paul has built a career on proving doubters wrong, but earning a place in college football—and eventually the NFL—would arguably be the toughest challenge he has ever attempted. For now, fans can only watch and wait to see whether the boxing star follows through on his latest ambitious goal.

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Speaking on a recent podcast appearance, the former UFC bantamweight champion claimed he received around $600,000 to compete at UFC Freedom 250. While that figure would be a career-high payday for many fighters, O’Malley suggested it was lower than what he could have earned under normal circumstances.

“It definitely sucks,” O’Malley said when discussing the reduced purse.

The comments have reignited the long-running debate over fighter pay in the UFC, particularly when it comes to the promotion’s biggest stars.

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O’Malley Adds His Voice to the Fighter Pay Debate

O’Malley has become one of the UFC’s most recognizable names over the past several years. Known for his flashy striking style, colorful personality and massive social media following, “Sugar” has consistently been one of the promotion’s most marketable athletes.

The UFC White House card was one of the most ambitious events in company history, attracting global attention and featuring several championship-level fights. However, according to O’Malley, the unique nature of the event came with financial sacrifices for some fighters.

His comments are likely to fuel further discussion about how UFC athletes are compensated compared to competitors in boxing, where top stars often earn significantly larger purses.

Despite his frustration over the reported payday, O’Malley still took part in one of the most memorable events the sport has ever seen. The White House card delivered a historic setting and enormous exposure for the fighters involved, but O’Malley’s remarks suggest that not everyone was satisfied with what they earned for making history.

As the conversation surrounding fighter pay continues, O’Malley’s candid admission has once again highlighted one of the most controversial topics in mixed martial arts.

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Poirier was arrested at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport after reportedly being removed from a flight. Bodycam footage released in the days that followed allegedly showed the former interim lightweight champion arguing with airport staff and challenging a police officer before being taken into custody. He was later released and has since publicly acknowledged that he is struggling with life after retirement and needs help.

As expected, the incident drew strong reactions from across the MMA world.

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Covington and Strickland Don’t Hold Back

Colby Covington, who has had a long-running feud with Poirier dating back years, wasted little time taking aim at his former rival. In a video posted to social media, Covington sarcastically referred to Poirier as the “Father of the Year” before mocking the circumstances surrounding the arrest, continuing the bitter war of words that has existed between the two fighters for much of their careers.

Sean Strickland also reacted to the news as footage and details from the arrest spread throughout the MMA community. The former middleweight champion, known for his outspoken personality and unfiltered opinions, joined the growing list of fighters discussing the controversy.

While some fighters chose to criticize Poirier, others expressed concern after the retired UFC star released a heartfelt statement acknowledging that alcohol had become a problem and admitting that he needed help. Poirier explained that retirement has been a difficult adjustment and vowed to take the necessary steps to improve both for himself and his family.

The arrest comes less than a year after Poirier retired from professional MMA following his final fight against Max Holloway. Since leaving competition, the Louisiana native has spoken openly about the challenges of finding purpose away from the sport that defined much of his life.

Whether the focus remains on Covington and Strickland’s reactions or shifts toward Poirier’s recovery, one thing is certain: the story has sparked widespread discussion throughout the MMA world. With Poirier publicly committing to getting help, many fans will now be hoping the former UFC star can overcome the difficulties he has faced since stepping away from competition.

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The UFC makes its long-awaited debut in Azerbaijan this weekend as UFC Fight Night: Rafael Fiziev vs Manuel Torres heads to the National Gymnastics Arena in Baku on June 27.

The card also features several notable names, including undefeated middleweight sensation Shara Magomedov, explosive Brazilian veteran Michel Pereira, rising lightweight Nazim Sadykhov, and top-15 flyweight contenders Asu Almabayev and Charles Johnson.

Fiziev Returns Home

For the first time in his UFC career, Rafael Fiziev will compete in front of a home crowd in Azerbaijan. The former title challenger is looking to bounce back into contention after facing some of the toughest competition in the lightweight division.

Standing across from him will be Manuel Torres, one of the division’s most exciting finishers. The Mexican has built a reputation for ending fights quickly and will be looking for the biggest win of his UFC career.

The co-main event pits fan-favorite striker Shara Magomedov against Michel Pereira in a matchup that promises fireworks. Both men are known for their unpredictable and entertaining styles, making it one of the most anticipated fights on the card.

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How to Watch

Event: UFC Fight Night: Rafael Fiziev vs Manuel Torres

Date: Saturday, June 27, 2026

Venue: National Gymnastics Arena, Baku, Azerbaijan

Preliminary Card: 2:00 PM BST

Main Card: 5:00 PM BST

Broadcast: UFC Fight Pass

Full Fight Card

Main Card

Rafael Fiziev vs Manuel Torres

Shara Magomedov vs Michel Pereira

Nazim Sadykhov vs Matheus Camilo

Asu Almabayev vs Charles Johnson

Ikram Aliskerov vs Brunno Ferreira

Abus Magomedov vs Michal Oleksiejczuk

Preliminary Card

Farman Hasanov vs Eric Nolan

Abdul Rakhman Yakhyaev vs Julius Walker

Nursulton Ruziboev vs Andrey Pulyaev

Kaan Ofli vs Javier Reyes

Daniil Donchenko vs Theodor Berggren

Bekzat Almakhan vs Jean Matsumoto

Tahir Abdullayev vs Jefferson Nascimento

With a homegrown star headlining, several ranked fighters in action and the UFC making history in Azerbaijan, this Fight Night card has all the ingredients to deliver an entertaining night of action.

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Magomedov enters the contest with a professional record of 16-1 and will be looking to bounce back after suffering the first defeat of his career. Across the cage stands the experienced Pereira, who brings a record of 32-14 with two no contests and remains one of the most unpredictable fighters on the UFC roster.

With both men known for their striking ability and highlight-reel finishes, fans can expect fireworks when they meet in Azerbaijan.

Shara Magomedov

Magomedov quickly became one of the UFC’s most talked-about prospects thanks to his aggressive striking style and finishing ability. The Russian middleweight earned victories over fighters such as Michal Oleksiejczuk and Armen Petrosyan before suffering a unanimous decision defeat to Michael Page earlier this year.

Known as “Bullet,” Magomedov possesses excellent kicking attacks, sharp counter-striking and a dangerous ability to finish opponents from range. Fighting in front of a crowd heavily supporting fighters from the region could provide an additional boost as he looks to return to the win column.

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Michel Pereira

Pereira has long been considered one of the most exciting fighters in mixed martial arts. The Brazilian built an impressive winning streak before suffering a setback against elite middleweight contender Anthony Hernandez.

At his best, Pereira combines explosive athleticism with powerful striking and underrated grappling. While he is capable of ending fights with spectacular finishes, his aggression can sometimes leave openings for opponents to exploit.

The 32-fight veteran will likely look to pressure Magomedov early and test whether the Russian has fully recovered from the first loss of his professional career.

Tale of the Tape

How to Watch

Event: UFC Fight Night: Rafael Fiziev vs Manuel Torres

Date: June 27, 2026

Location: National Gymnastics Arena, Baku, Azerbaijan

Main Card Start: 5:00 PM BST

Broadcast: UFC Fight Pass

Fight Analysis and Prediction

This matchup largely comes down to discipline versus chaos.

Magomedov is the cleaner and more technical striker. He does his best work at range, where he can pick opponents apart with kicks and straight punches. Pereira, meanwhile, thrives when fights become wild and unpredictable. His pressure, athleticism and willingness to take risks can overwhelm opponents.

The concern for Pereira is that he has occasionally struggled against technical strikers who maintain distance and force him to chase. Magomedov’s footwork and kickboxing pedigree make him a difficult target, and he should have success landing from the outside throughout the fight.

Pereira’s path to victory likely involves making the fight ugly, mixing in clinch work and forcing exchanges where his explosiveness can make a difference. However, over three rounds, Magomedov’s precision and volume should allow him to control the majority of the action.

Shara Magomedov def. Michel Pereira via Unanimous Decision

READ MORE: Donald Trump Asked Dana White Whether a Full Camp Could Prepare Him for a UFC Fight

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The post UFC Fight Night Shara Magomedov vs Michel Pereira Prediction, Odds and Fight Preview first appeared on Sidekick Boxing.

Du Plessis, who has established himself as the top fighter at 185 pounds, recently addressed criticism from fans who believe he should face top contender Nassourdine Imavov instead. While the South African made it clear he has no issue with fighting Imavov, he believes a clash with Usman presents a different kind of challenge.

According to Du Plessis, he has already demonstrated his striking credentials against some of the division’s best stand-up fighters, including defeating Sean Strickland twice in championship bouts.

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Du Plessis Wants to Showcase His Complete MMA Game

The reigning champion pointed to Usman’s wrestling pedigree and all-around mixed martial arts ability as the main reason the matchup appeals to him.

Usman began his UFC career at middleweight before dropping to welterweight, where he became one of the most dominant champions in the promotion’s history. He also owns a victory over Sean Strickland from earlier in his career and pushed Khamzat Chimaev to a highly competitive decision when they met at middleweight.

For Du Plessis, facing another elite striker would not answer many questions about his abilities. Instead, he wants an opponent capable of testing him in every phase of mixed martial arts.

The champion believes a fight with Usman would allow him to showcase the evolution of his game, particularly his wrestling and grappling, areas that critics have often overlooked during his rise to the top of the division.

Whether the UFC ultimately books Du Plessis against Usman or opts for another contender remains to be seen. However, the South African’s comments make one thing clear: he is eager to prove that he is more than just an effective striker and wants to demonstrate that he can handle one of the sport’s most accomplished wrestlers as well.

With Du Plessis continuing to search for new challenges after successful title defenses, a potential meeting with Usman would undoubtedly be one of the most intriguing fights available in the middleweight division.

READ MORE: Donald Trump Asked Dana White Whether a Full Camp Could Prepare Him for a UFC Fight

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The post Dricus Du Plessis Explains Why Kamaru Usman Is the Fight He Wants first appeared on Sidekick Boxing.