Shakur Stevenson wants to finally make a megafight against Gervonta "Tank" Davis happen.  The WBC...

<p>Shakur Stevenson wants to finally make a megafight against Gervonta "Tank" Davis happen.</p><p>The WBC lightweight champion defended his title for the third time Saturday, earning a unanimous decision win over William Zepeda at Louis Armstrong Stadium in New York. Stevenson said he's "chasing" Davis, the WBA lightweight champ, following his latest victory.</p><p>"I think it could be (my next fight)," Stevenson told "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kp-qX9xFsk">The Ariel Helwani Show</a>" on Monday. "I don't put it past him (to accept it). Whenever he picks up the phone and says, 'Yo, let's make this fight happen,' it will happen."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>A potential matchup between Davis and Stevenson, the top two lightweights in the world, has been discussed for years but has yet to materialize. Stevenson said he wants to sit down and talk to Davis himself about a deal for the fight.</p><p>"This is the biggest fight in the world. This is the biggest fight in the sport of boxing," Stevenson said. "Everybody wants to see this. Casuals, noncasuals, boxing fans, everybody wants to see this fight."</p><p>Stevenson said he'd prefer the bout to take place in a stadium in New York. The 28-year-old is from Newark, while Davis, 30, was born in Baltimore.</p><p>"We're both from the East Coast," Stevenson said. "Where's the biggest stadium ... in New York? MetLife? That's where we gotta fight."</p>

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 12: Shakur Stevenson looks on before his lightweight title fight against William Zepeda at Louis Armstrong Stadium on July 12, 2025 in New York City.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31789890/related

Stevenson eyes 'biggest fight in the world' vs. 'Tank' Davis

The knockout king struck again.  Derrick Lewis picked up an emphatic win in the UFC Nashville mai...

<p>The knockout king struck again.</p><p>Derrick Lewis picked up an emphatic win in the UFC Nashville main event, defeating Tallison Teixeira via 35-second TKO on Saturday night at Bridgestone Arena.</p><p>The 40-year-old Lewis overcame a massive age gap to hand Teixeira, a 25-year-old heavyweight prospect, his first MMA loss. Lewis was more than a 2-1 underdog going in.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>With the victory, "The Black Beast" extended the record for most knockouts in UFC history with his 16th.</p><p>Teixeira landed the first significant blow of the fight, a left punch that appeared to irritate Lewis' eye. But Lewis responded immediately, charging forward and dropping Teixeira with a left of his own. He pounced on Teixeira and battered him with ground-and-pound. Teixeira made it to the edge of the Octagon and grabbed the fence in a desperate attempt to get up, and just as he returned to his feet, referee Jason Herzog made the questionable decision to call off the fight.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Gets dropped with a massive left, eats at least 11 unanswered, undefended shots, climbs the cage with both hands not defending himself .. stop with the bad stoppage talk 😂😂 Derrick Lewis is just a beast and Tallison was too inexperienced for a main event <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFCNashville?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UFCNashville</a> <a href="https://t.co/w1XcQetKba">pic.twitter.com/w1XcQetKba</a></p>— RedWolf🐺 (@RedWolfMMA) <a href="https://twitter.com/RedWolfMMA/status/1944250733534105792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 13, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>After the main event ended, Lewis once again took off his shorts, waved them around in the air, and then mooned the crowd. He celebrated in similar fashion <a href="https://www.thescore.com/mma/news/2910682">last year at UFC St. Louis</a>.</p><p>Lewis, ranked No. 9 in the heavyweight division, stepped into the cage for the first time since May 2024. The former title challenger is riding a two-fight winning streak and is 3-1 in his past four Octagon appearances.</p><p>Teixeira fell to 1-1 in the UFC and 8-1 as a professional. The Brazilian signed with the promotion last year after a win on Dana White's Contender Series. He debuted at UFC 312 in February and earned a 35-second TKO victory.</p>

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - JULY 12: Derrick Lewis reacts after a knockout victory against Tallison Teixeira of Brazil in a heavyweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at Bridgestone Arena on July 12, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee.

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Lewis TKOs Teixeira in 35 seconds at UFC Nashville

Shakur Stevenson defeated William Zepeda via unanimous decision to retain the WBC lightweight cha...

<p>Shakur Stevenson defeated William Zepeda via unanimous decision to retain the WBC lightweight championship Saturday night at Louis Armstrong Stadium in New York.</p><p>The judges scored the fight 118-110, 118-110, and 119-109 in Stevenson's favor.</p><p>Stevenson, often criticized for being a timid, defensive-minded boxer, dazzled in his latest title defense against Zepeda, putting on an entertaining, back-and-forth fight. He outlanded the challenger 295-272 in total punches and 199-153 in power shots. Zepeda had a 119-96 edge in jabs.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"It wasn't the performance I was looking for, because I came in here trying to prove a point, and I was trying to fight," Stevenson said in his postfight interview. "I took more punishment than usual. But at the end of the day, I told y'all, whatever it takes to get the job done - I got a dog in me. I'm not no puppy, I'm not no poodle. I'm a tough guy."</p><p>Stevenson was especially dominant in the second half of the fight, outstriking Zepeda in four of the last six rounds. Stevenson said he made some adjustments midway through the bout to ensure Zepeda wasn't able to push him up against the ropes.</p><p>"That was one of the toughest fighters at 135 pounds. ... He came in and pushed me to another level," Stevenson said of Zepeda.</p><p>Stevenson, a 28-year-old from Newark, lifted his professional record to 24-0 with 11 knockouts. He's held the WBC lightweight title since November 2023 and defended it three times.</p><p>Zepeda, who entered as the WBC interim lightweight champion, suffered his first career loss. The 29-year-old Mexican fell to 33-1 with 27 knockouts.</p>

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 12: Shakur Stevenson reacts after defeating William Zepeda during their lightweight title fight at Louis Armstrong Stadium on July 12, 2025 in New York City.

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Stevenson beats Zepeda to retain lightweight title

UFC strawweight Fatima Kline delivered a vicious knockout in her third Octagon appearance.  Kline...

<p>UFC strawweight Fatima Kline delivered a vicious knockout in her third Octagon appearance.</p><p>Kline clubbed Melissa Martinez with a head kick to score the finish at the 2:36 mark of the third round in the opening fight at UFC Nashville on Saturday night.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="et" dir="ltr">JESUS <br><br>Fatima Kline KOs Melissa Martinez via Headkick <a href="https://t.co/Wyx8RkHcip">pic.twitter.com/Wyx8RkHcip</a></p>— RookieParlays (@RookieParlays) <a href="https://twitter.com/RookieParlays/status/1944165894499848391?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>With the victory, Kline - who turned 25 years old Saturday - improved to 2-1 in the promotion.</p>

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - JULY 12: (R-L) Fatima Kline kicks Melissa Martinez of Mexico in a strawweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at Bridgestone Arena on July 12, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee.

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Watch: Kline lands brutal head-kick KO at UFC Nashville

Katie Taylor defeated Amanda Serrano via majority decision to retain the undisputed women's junio...

<p>Katie Taylor defeated Amanda Serrano via majority decision to retain the undisputed women's junior welterweight championship in their trilogy bout Friday night at Madison Square Garden in New York.</p><p>Two judges scored the fight 97-93 in Taylor's favor, while the third had it a 95-95 draw.</p><p>Taylor is now 3-0 against Serrano after taking a split decision in their first fight in April 2022 and then a unanimous decision in their highly anticipated rematch last November.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"I thought I did enough," Taylor said in her postfight interview. "I thought I boxed very, very smart, very well. It's always a very, very close contest with myself and Amanda. Sometimes it's hard to tell from each round."</p><p>Taylor and Serrano headlined an all-women's card, which also featured Alycia Baumgardner defending the undisputed junior lightweight championship with a unanimous decision win over Jennifer Miranda and Shadasia Green upsetting Savannah Marshall to unify the WBO and IBF super middleweight titles.</p><p>It also marked the second boxing event to stream live on Netflix after the blockbuster Jake Paul-Mike Tyson fight last November. Taylor-Serrano 2 was the co-main event of that card.</p><p>The third meeting between Taylor and Serrano was much more tactical than the first two matchups, which were epic, back-and-forth Fight of the Year candidates. This time, the two women's greats delivered a relatively low output, each landing 70 punches in the razor-thin contest. Taylor had a 57-49 edge in power shots, while Serrano topped the champion 21-13 in jabs.</p><p>Taylor said she stuck to a "disciplined and smart" approach in the trilogy bout.</p><p>"I was planning to do that the other two times, but it just didn't work out like that," Taylor said with a laugh. "I feel like I executed the game plan very well."</p><p>Taylor is now riding a three-fight winning streak and improved to a career 25-1 with the victory. The 39-year-old Irishwoman captured the undisputed junior welterweight title in November 2023.</p><p>Serrano, the unified featherweight champion, has lost two straight. The 36-year-old Puerto Rico native fell to 47-4-1 as a pro.</p>

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 11: Katie Taylor celebrates after defeating Amanda Serrano by a majority decision in their undisputed IBF, WBA, WBC, WBO, and Ring super lightweight championship bout during Netflix's Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano 3 at Madison Square Garden on July 11, 2025 in New York City.

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Taylor beats Serrano for 3rd time, retains undisputed title

Charles Oliveira had never felt knockout power like Ilia Topuria's until UFC 317.  The former lig...

<p>Charles Oliveira had never felt knockout power like Ilia Topuria's until UFC 317.</p><p>The former lightweight champion said earlier this week he considers Topuria the hardest hitter he's fought in the Octagon. Topuria knocked out Oliveira in the first round on June 28 in Las Vegas to capture the vacant 155-pound title.</p><p>"(Topuria is) definitely the one who hit me the hardest," Oliveira told <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZ7FQmhQfJQ">Ag. Fight</a> in Portuguese, according to <a href="https://www.mmafighting.com/2025/7/10/24464742/charles-oliveira-ilia-topuria-hit-me-the-hardest-asked-what-had-happened-ufc-317">MMA Fighting's Guilherme Cruz</a>. "I've been hit before by super tough guys like Justin Gaethje, Dustin Poirier, Michael Chandler, (guys) that knocked me down and hurt me, but (Topuria) really hits hard."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The loss to Topuria marked the first time Oliveira was knocked fully unconscious in 47 professional MMA bouts, and just the fifth knockout or TKO defeat of his career. The 35-year-old Brazilian said he had no recollection of the fight after it ended.</p><p>"I didn't know what had happened," Oliveira said. "It was something new for me."</p><p>"Do Bronx" is one of the most experienced fighters on the UFC roster. He's tied for sixth-most fights (35) and second-most wins (23), and he owns the most finishes (20) and submissions (16).</p><p>Oliveira held the lightweight belt from 2021-22.</p>

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JUNE 28: Charles Oliveira of Brazil and Ilia Topuria of Georgia exchange blows in their lightweight main event title bout during UFC 317 at T-Mobile Arena on June 28, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Oliveira: Topuria the hardest hitter I've faced in UFC

The Professional Fighters League (PFL) hired former Turner and Time Warner executive John Martin ...

<p>The Professional Fighters League (PFL) hired former Turner and Time Warner executive John Martin as its new CEO, the promotion announced Thursday.</p><p>Former CEO Peter Murray will transition to the role of PFL International CEO, where he will oversee the organization's international leagues such as PFL Europe and PFL Africa. Murray will report to Martin in his new role.</p><p>"John Martin is the ideal CEO to lead the next chapter of growth at PFL," chairman and founder Donn Davis said in a statement. "He is a proven media, content, and sports executive who is a respected global leader and business operator at scale. I am thrilled to work closely with John to deliver on the vision to make PFL everything the fans, fighters, and sport of MMA deserves."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗧𝗼 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗴𝘂𝗲 <a href="https://twitter.com/JohnMartinPFL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JohnMartinPFL</a> ! 🤝<br><br>We would like to welcome our new CEO as we enter a new era for the Professional Fighters League ➡️⏳ <a href="https://t.co/oNNjceVrac">pic.twitter.com/oNNjceVrac</a></p>— PFL (@PFLMMA) <a href="https://twitter.com/PFLMMA/status/1943287465621565834?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Martin served as chairman and CEO of Turner from 2014-18, managing several cable and digital networks including TNT, TBS, CNN, and Turner Sports. Before that, Martin was CFO at Time Warner Inc., a top entertainment conglomerate at the time.</p><p>As PFL CEO, Martin will oversee "all aspects of the company's strategy, management, operations, finances, and personnel," according to a press release.</p><p>Martin has been "a dedicated follower of MMA from its earliest days," per the release, and has a black belt in karate and a blue belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.</p><p>"MMA represents the biggest opportunity in sports, and the PFL has secured a unique position that will never be replicated," Martin said in a statement. "I'm incredibly excited about the future of the PFL and confident that we're only at the beginning of what this organization will achieve. My two greatest passions are leading media companies and MMA, so stepping into the position of PFL CEO is truly a dream role for me."</p>

LAS VEGAS, NV - JANUARY 10: Turner Chairman and CEO John Martin participates in a keynote panel on reimagining television at CES 2018 at Park Theater at Monte Carlo Resort and Casino in Las Vegas on January 10, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. CES, the world's largest annual consumer technology trade show, runs through January 12 and features about 3,900 exhibitors showing off their latest products and services to more than 170,000 attendees.

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PFL hires ex-Turner executive John Martin as new CEO

Major League Baseball will use the automated ball-strike challenge system (ABS) during next week'...

<p>Major League Baseball will use the automated ball-strike challenge system (ABS) during next week's All-Star Game in Atlanta.</p><p>The decision comes after the league revealed that it could begin using ABS on a full-time basis starting in 2026.</p><p>In this year's All-Star Game, umpires will call balls and strikes. However, each team will be given two challenges via ABS; successful challenges are retained. Only pitchers, catchers, and hitters can ask for challenges.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>MLB's competition committee will meet later this summer to decide if the robotic system will be implemented next season. MLB used ABS in spring training this year after testing it in the minor leagues over the last six seasons.</p><p>"I think that teams are really positive about ABS," MLB commissioner Rob Manfred <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3295992" href="https://thescore.com/news/3295992">said</a> in June.</p><p>The All-Star Game takes place July 15 at Truist Park.</p>

ATLANTA, GA - JULY 04: A detail shot of an 'All-Star Game Atlanta 2025' sign in the outfield prior to the game between the Baltimore Orioles and the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on Friday, July 4, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.

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MLB to use ABS challenge system in All-Star Game

With half the year in the books, theScore hands out the gongs to the best of the best in mixed ma...

<p><em>With half the year in the books, theScore hands out the gongs to the best of the best i</em><em>n mixed martial arts </em><em>across five categories.</em></p><h3>Male Fighter of the Half-Year</h3><p><strong>Winner: </strong>Merab Dvalishvili</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789442/cropped_GettyImages-2219120442.jpg?ts=1749409609" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789442/w220xh124_GettyImages-2219120442.jpg?ts=1749409609 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789442/w320xh180_GettyImages-2219120442.jpg?ts=1749409609 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789442/w640xh360_GettyImages-2219120442.jpg?ts=1749409609 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789442/w768xh432_GettyImages-2219120442.jpg?ts=1749409609 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789442/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2219120442.jpg?ts=1749409609 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Elsa / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>When Dvalishvili toppled Sean O'Malley from the UFC bantamweight throne last year, many expected his reign to be short-lived. That was because Umar Nurmagomedov, the then-undefeated cousin of Khabib, looked like the future of the division. But the UFC's top bantamweight was Dvalishvili all along. He came through as the underdog in his first title defense against Nurmagomedov, earning a hard-fought unanimous decision win at UFC 311 in January. Then, five months later at UFC 316, Dvalishvili made a statement in a rematch with O'Malley, tapping him out in the third round for his first submission win in the UFC and first finish since 2021. The 34-year-old Georgian has been a machine so far this year - pun definitely intended - and there's no stopping him.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Female Fighter of the Half-Year</h3><p><strong>Winner: </strong>Kayla Harrison</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789404/cropped_GettyImages-2219117193.jpg?ts=1749357283" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789404/w220xh124_GettyImages-2219117193.jpg?ts=1749357283 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789404/w320xh180_GettyImages-2219117193.jpg?ts=1749357283 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789404/w640xh360_GettyImages-2219117193.jpg?ts=1749357283 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789404/w768xh432_GettyImages-2219117193.jpg?ts=1749357283 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789404/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2219117193.jpg?ts=1749357283 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Ed Mulholland / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>UFC strawweight champion Zhang Weili was also in the mix for this award, but no one in women's MMA defined the first half of the year quite like Harrison. Her long-awaited coronation occurred at UFC 316 in June, when she easily submitted Julianna Pena to become the new women's bantamweight champ. Harrison proved she's a pound-for-pound great - just in case there was anyone who didn't already know it - and is single-handedly injecting life back into the division.</p><h3>Fight of the Half-Year</h3><p><strong>Winner: </strong>Joshua Van vs. Brandon Royval</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">WHAT A FIGHT 😱<br><br>[ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFC317?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UFC317</a> is LIVE on <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNPlus?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ESPNPlus</a> PPV NOW ] <a href="https://t.co/tKrUgcmfGV">pic.twitter.com/tKrUgcmfGV</a></p>— UFC (@ufc) <a href="https://twitter.com/ufc/status/1939169116147040580?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 29, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>This fight just happened - it was at UFC 317 in late June - but it immediately jumped to the top of the list. Van and Royval delivered an instant classic, displaying tenacity, heart, and an insane amount of perseverance as they slugged it out for three rounds. Van and Royval combined for 419 significant strikes, the most in a three-round bout in UFC history. It also marked the first time two fighters landed at least 200 significant strikes each in a fight. </p><h3>Knockout of the Half-Year</h3><p><strong>Winner: </strong>Mauricio Ruffy's spinning-wheel-kick KO of King Green</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">King Green vs Mauricio Ruffy | FINISH <br><br>On March 8, 2025, at the T-Mobile Arena, King Green faced Mauricio Ruffy. Midway through Round 1, Ruffy was settling in and testing his range. He unleashed a spinning wheel kick that sent Green to the shadow realm, securing a… <a href="https://t.co/uRxtF0c7vo">pic.twitter.com/uRxtF0c7vo</a></p>— MMAVisualized (@MMAVisualized) <a href="https://twitter.com/MMAVisualized/status/1908966305698558141?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 6, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Ruffy of Fighting Nerds fame is a bad, bad man. Two minutes into the biggest fight of his career at UFC 313 in March, Ruffy spun to his right and clocked Green with a spinning wheel kick that <em>immediately </em>shut out the lights. It was quick, it was violent, and it was beautiful - all in one. It'll be tough for anyone to top Ruffy's finish for the 2025 Knockout of the Year.</p><h3>Submission of the Half-Year</h3><p><strong>Winner: </strong>Jean Silva taps Bryce Mitchell with a ninja choke</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">JEAN SILVA WINS THE FIGHT BY SUBMITTING BRYCE MITCHELL IN THE 2ND ROUND 🔥🔥<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFC314?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UFC314</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UFC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MMA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MMA</a> <a href="https://t.co/pyQLCB6zC8">pic.twitter.com/pyQLCB6zC8</a></p>— FEDZ_MMA (@Fedzmma) <a href="https://twitter.com/Fedzmma/status/1911254102018830782?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 13, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Submission of the Year is probably still up for grabs as we enter the second half of 2025, but as of right now, another Fighting Nerd is in the lead. You don't see a ninja choke every day, and the fact that Jean Silva managed to pull one off against Bryce Mitchell - an elite-level grappler - at UFC 314 in April is super impressive. Silva got hold of the choke while on the feet, then dragged Mitchell to the mat and forced the tap, like a boa constrictor putting its prey to rest. Nasty stuff.</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31730020/related

Midyear MMA awards: Top fighters and moments of 2025 so far

Welterweight Gunnar Nelson has been forced to withdraw from his UFC 318 fight against Neil Magny ...

<p>Welterweight Gunnar Nelson has been forced to withdraw from his UFC 318 fight against Neil Magny after suffering a hamstring injury, he <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DLsMR5VtDgO/?img_index=1">announced</a> on Instagram on Friday.</p><p>The pay-per-view event is scheduled to take place July 19 in New Orleans.</p><p>Nelson was looking to rebound from a unanimous decision loss to Kevin Holland in March. That marked the 36-year-old's first Octagon appearance in over two years.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Magny is riding a two-fight skid and is 1-3 in his past four outings. His lone victory in that stretch was a third-round TKO of Mike Malott at UFC 297 in January 2024.</p><p>In the UFC 318 main event, Dustin Poirier is slated to make his final walk to the cage for a trilogy bout against BMF champion Max Holloway.</p>

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 21: Gunnar Nelson of Iceland poses on the scale during the UFC Fight Night ceremonial weigh-in at The O2 on March 21, 2025 in London, England.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31710401/related

Nelson out of UFC 318 bout vs. Magny due to injury

Paddy Pimblett would favor a prime Conor McGregor against current UFC lightweight champion Ilia T...

<p>Paddy Pimblett would favor a prime Conor McGregor against current UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria.</p><p>Pimblett, a top-ranked lightweight contender, said he believes McGregor would knock out Topuria if they met in the Octagon at the peaks of their careers.</p><p>"You see some people saying now (Topuria is) better than McGregor. But he's not," Pimblett said on Thursday's episode of the "<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rj-clifford-on-topurias-stardom-paddy-pimblett-talks/id1124228879?i=1000715552392">UFC Unfiltered</a>" podcast. "In the prime, at the same time, McGregor would've knocked him out with a straight left."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Topuria claimed the vacant lightweight title with a ferocious first-round knockout of former champion Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 last weekend in Las Vegas. Topuria, one of the top knockout artists in MMA, has drawn comparisons to McGregor throughout his rise, especially after joining the 36-year-old Irishman as the only two fighters in UFC history to win both the featherweight and lightweight titles.</p><p>Topuria and Pimblett faced off in the cage after the UFC 317 main event, though the promotion has yet to confirm if that will be the next lightweight title fight.</p><p>Pimblett, whose history with Topuria dates back to 2022, criticized the champion for trying to act like McGregor outside the Octagon and using similar trash talk.</p><p>"He's trying to be Conor McGregor, isn't he?" Pimblett said. "He's got the same tattoos, he's got the - he even said the other day, 'I'm gonna put my balls on your forehead' to me, which is what McGregor said to Chad Mendes. He's literally - he's just a carbon copy of McGregor. Some people can't see through that."</p>

MIAMI, FLORIDA - APRIL 12: Paddy Pimblett of England reacts after defeating Michael Chandler of the United States by TKO in a lightweight fight during UFC 314 at Kaseya Center on April 12, 2025 in Miami, Florida.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/31710042/related

Pimblett: Prime McGregor would KO Topuria

Conor McGregor wants to make his UFC return at the event proposed by President Donald Trump in 20...

<p>Conor McGregor wants to make his UFC return at the event proposed by President Donald Trump in 2026.</p><p>"Excited with President Trump announcing a UFC fight event at the White House," McGregor <a href="https://x.com/TheNotoriousMMA/status/1941100827789369432">wrote</a> Friday on X. "I would be honored! Count me in!"</p><p>Trump <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3307844" href="https://thescore.com/news/3307844">said</a> Thursday he's thinking of hosting a UFC event on the White House grounds next year to celebrate 250 years of American independence. There would be at least 20,000 spectators in attendance, he said.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>McGregor, the biggest star in MMA history, hasn't stepped into the Octagon since July 2021 when he lost to Dustin Poirier. The 36-year-old Irishman was scheduled to return to action at UFC 303 last summer against Michael Chandler, but he withdrew from the fight two weeks before the event after suffering a toe injury.</p><p>UFC CEO Dana White said in May he didn't see McGregor fighting "any time soon."</p><p>McGregor, who became the first UFC fighter to hold two titles simultaneously in 2016, has two fights left on his contract.</p><p>McGregor visited the White House in March to meet with Trump. He also addressed the press, expressing concern about Ireland's current political landscape.</p>

Irish professional mixed martial artist and businessman Conor McGregor (L) speaks from the White House briefing room podium with White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt (R) in Washington, DC, on March 17, 2025.

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McGregor: I'd be 'honored' to fight at UFC event at White House

Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson says he was high on marijuana when he agreed to return to ...

<p>Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson says he was high on marijuana when he agreed to return to boxing and fight Jake Paul in a blockbuster matchup last year.</p><p>"Absolutely," Tyson, 59, told <a href="https://x.com/JackThompsonFOX/status/1940518439694876709">Fox Sports' Jackson Thompson</a>.</p><p>He added he likely wouldn't have accepted the fight had he been sober.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"I don't really believe so, no, I wouldn't have did that," Tyson said. "Because without the cannabis, I'm getting too involved in my feelings. With cannabis, I'm very objective."</p><p>Tyson dropped a unanimous decision to Paul, a 28-year-old YouTube star turned prizefighter, in a lackluster bout last November at AT&amp;T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. It was Tyson's first professional boxing match since 2005.</p><p>The event broke multiple records, including an $18.1-million gate, the biggest in U.S. boxing history outside of Las Vegas. Over 72,300 fans attended the event, and 60 million households globally watched the fight on Netflix.</p><p>Tyson, an advocate for cannabis reform, said he used the substance "not long at all" before the Paul fight and then again immediately afterward.</p><p>"Soon as I fought Jake Paul, I said, 'Give me a joint,'" Tyson said. "In the ring, I said, 'I need a joint right away. ... Let's get out of here.'"</p>

20 June 2025, Berlin: Mike Tyson, boxer and entrepreneur, smokes a joint at the Royal Queen Seeds stand at the Mary Jane cannabis trade fair. Tyson owns cannabis farms and sells his marijuana products in several US states. Photo: Sebastian Gollnow/dpa

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Mike Tyson says he accepted Jake Paul fight while high on marijuana

Tyson Fury hinted Thursday that he will face unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk for a th...

<p>Tyson Fury hinted Thursday that he will face unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk for a third time April 18, 2026, at Wembley Stadium in London.</p><p>Fury announced the bout on Instagram.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DLozEmPNTRz/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DLozEmPNTRz/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div>
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</div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DLozEmPNTRz/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Tyson Fury (@tysonfury)</a></p>
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<script async="" src="https://www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></figure><p>Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority, said Wednesday that Fury was <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3307285" href="https://thescore.com/news/3307285">coming out of retirement</a> to compete at a Riyadh Season event in 2026. Fury announced in January he was hanging up his gloves, though he's retired and unretired several times in the past.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Fury fought Usyk twice in 2024, losing both matchups by decision.</p><p>Usyk is scheduled to face Daniel Dubois in an undisputed heavyweight title rematch July 19 at Wembley Stadium.</p><p>Sergey Lapin, the manager of Team Usyk, told <a href="https://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/45654401/tyson-fury-claims-oleksandr-usyk-trilogy-set-april-2026">ESPN's James Regan</a> that the Ukrainian champion would be open to facing Fury again.</p><p>"The idea of a third fight with Tyson Fury has been on the table between our teams ever since their second bout," Lapin said in a statement. "And I have never had any doubt that, together with Goldstar Promotions, we could turn it into a reality.</p><p>"Right now, both Oleksandr Usyk and our team are fully focused on the upcoming fight with Dubois ... and on achieving the historic goal of becoming a three-time undisputed world champion. ... When this goal - three-time undisputed - is accomplished, and the dust settles, we'll be open for the next round."</p>

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - DECEMBER 21: Oleksandr Usyk punches Tyson Fury during the IBF, IBO, WBA, WBC and WBO Undisputed World Heavyweight titles' fight between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury as part of Oleksandr Usyk v Tyson Fury 2, Reignited card at Kingdom Arena on December 21, 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

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Fury teases Usyk trilogy bout set for April 2026

Jake Paul is officially a ranked boxer after his latest victory over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.  The ...

<p>Jake Paul is officially a ranked boxer after his latest victory over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.</p><p>The World Boxing Association (WBA) ranked Paul, the YouTube star turned prizefighter, No. 14 in the cruiserweight division after he defeated Chavez by unanimous decision Saturday in Anaheim.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Full WBA Rankings at Cruiserweight: <a href="https://t.co/u5ykTmYSlq">pic.twitter.com/u5ykTmYSlq</a></p>— Boxing Kingdom (@BoxingKingdom14) <a href="https://twitter.com/BoxingKingdom14/status/1939930127057432948?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 1, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>As a result of being ranked, Paul is now eligible for a world title shot against WBA and WBO cruiserweight champion Gilberto "Zurdo" Ramirez.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"I want to be world champion. ... I want (to fight) everybody," Paul said Saturday.</p><p>Paul made his professional boxing debut in 2020 and holds a 12-1 record. The win over Chavez was his sixth in a row.</p><p>Paul, 28, went 3-0 last year, defeating 59-year-old former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson, ex-UFC fighter Mike Perry, and journeyman Ryan Bourland. His lone career loss came against Tommy Fury in February 2023.</p><p>Ramirez co-headlined the Paul-Chavez card, earning a unanimous decision win over Yuniel Dorticos to retain his titles. Paul and Ramirez engaged in a faceoff at the postfight press conference. </p>

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 28: Jake Paul looks on ahead of his fight against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr at Honda Center on June 28, 2025 in Anaheim, California.

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WBA ranks Jake Paul at cruiserweight after win

New UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria is also the new pound-for-pound king.  Topuria moved in...

<p>New UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria is also the new pound-for-pound king.</p><p>Topuria moved into the No. 1 spot in the men's rankings Tuesday, three days after capturing the vacant 155-pound title with a first-round knockout of Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 in Las Vegas. Topuria surpassed former lightweight champion Islam Makhachev and bantamweight champ Merab Dvalishvili, who are now Nos. 2 and 3, respectively.</p><p>Here's a look at the updated rankings:</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>UFC men's pound-for-pound rankings</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1. Ilia Topuria (+2)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2. Islam Makhachev (-1)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3. Merab Dvalishvili (-1)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4. Dricus Du Plessis</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5. Alexandre Pantoja (+4)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6. Alexander Volkanovski</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7. Magomed Ankalaev (-2)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8. Jack Della Maddalena (-1)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9. Tom Aspinall (-1)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10. Alex Pereira (-1)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>11. Max Holloway</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>12. Belal Muhammad</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>13. Arman Tsarukyan (+1)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>14. Khamzat Chimaev (+1)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>15. Charles Oliveira (-2)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Topuria became the 10th two-division champion and first undefeated two-division champion in UFC history with the win over Oliveira. The 28-year-old Georgian-Spaniard captured the featherweight title in February 2024, defended it once, and then announced in December that he was vacating the belt to move up to the lightweight division.</p><p>The UFC booked the vacant title fight between Topuria and Oliveira after Makhachev, one of the most dominant champions in the promotion, said he was moving to welterweight to challenge for a second title.</p><p>Topuria is in the midst of one of the greatest runs in UFC history. He's knocked out future Hall of Famers Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway, and Oliveira in his past three Octagon appearances. Topuria is 9-0 in the promotion and 17-0 as a professional.</p><p>Topuria's next matchup hasn't been set, though he's expressed interest in a superfight with Makhachev and a lightweight title defense against Paddy Pimblett.</p><p>Makhachev had been the UFC's No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter since November 2023, a month after he knocked out Volkanovski in a rematch at UFC 294. The Dagestani is expected to face 170-pound champion Jack Della Maddalena later this year.</p>

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JUNE 28: Ilia Topuria of Spain reacts to his win over Charles Oliveira of Brazil in the UFC lightweight championship bout during the UFC 317 event at T-Mobile Arena on June 28, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Topuria becomes UFC pound-for-pound king after Oliveira win

Ilia Topuria captured the vacant UFC lightweight championship Saturday night, knocking out Charle...

<p>Ilia Topuria captured the vacant UFC lightweight championship Saturday night, knocking out Charles Oliveira in the first round of the UFC 317 main event in Las Vegas.</p><p>In the co-headliner, Alexandre Pantoja defended the flyweight title for the fourth time with a third-round submission of Kai Kara-France.</p><p>Here are four takeaways from the pay-per-view event.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Topuria is quickly becoming the face of the UFC</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792407/cropped_GettyImages-2222692330.jpg?ts=1751225840" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792407/w220xh124_GettyImages-2222692330.jpg?ts=1751225840 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792407/w320xh180_GettyImages-2222692330.jpg?ts=1751225840 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792407/w640xh360_GettyImages-2222692330.jpg?ts=1751225840 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792407/w768xh432_GettyImages-2222692330.jpg?ts=1751225840 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792407/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2222692330.jpg?ts=1751225840 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Chris Unger / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Dana White called Topuria a star after UFC 317, and he's certainly not wrong.</p><p>Many would argue the UFC product hasn't been its best in 2025, but Topuria is one of the bright spots. With Jon Jones retiring, Conor McGregor nowhere to be found, and several current champions struggling to create buzz, the promotion desperately needs someone like Topuria to shine in the Octagon <em>and</em> draw in fans. And Topuria is delivering on all fronts.</p><p>We've all had high hopes for Topuria since his UFC debut in 2020. But it's never been clearer that the 28-year-old Georgian-Spaniard is a special, generational talent. On Saturday, Topuria put an exclamation mark on what is arguably the greatest three-fight run in UFC history: knockouts of three future Hall of Famers in Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway, and Oliveira. It's impossible to overstate the impressiveness of these victories. It's not just who he's beating, it's how he's doing it: in dominant, violent fashion.</p><p>We're witnessing an all-time great in the making - and he's carrying the sport on his shoulders.</p><h3>Pantoja deserves more pound-for-pound respect</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792408/cropped_GettyImages-2222688316.jpg?ts=1751225905" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792408/w220xh124_GettyImages-2222688316.jpg?ts=1751225905 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792408/w320xh180_GettyImages-2222688316.jpg?ts=1751225905 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792408/w640xh360_GettyImages-2222688316.jpg?ts=1751225905 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792408/w768xh432_GettyImages-2222688316.jpg?ts=1751225905 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792408/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2222688316.jpg?ts=1751225905 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jeff Bottari / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Pantoja is the UFC's most dominant champion. That's a fact. So why is he the lowest-ranked champion on the men's pound-for-pound list at No. 9?</p><p>Truthfully, it makes no sense. Pantoja's reign is the longest out of the eight current male champions. He won the title in July 2023 and has defended it four times. He's also outclassed almost everyone the UFC has put in front of him, which has created a wide gap between him and the rest of the 125-pound contenders.</p><p>After his latest victory over Kara-France, Pantoja deserves to move up several spots in the pound-for-pound rankings. As things stand, the Brazilian is being outright disrespected.</p><h3>Van injects new blood into the flyweight division</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792409/cropped_GettyImages-2222689076.jpg?ts=1751225988" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792409/w220xh124_GettyImages-2222689076.jpg?ts=1751225988 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792409/w320xh180_GettyImages-2222689076.jpg?ts=1751225988 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792409/w640xh360_GettyImages-2222689076.jpg?ts=1751225988 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792409/w768xh432_GettyImages-2222689076.jpg?ts=1751225988 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792409/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2222689076.jpg?ts=1751225988 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jeff Bottari / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>First of all, Joshua Van and Brandon Royval can take a bow. Their main-card flyweight bout was incredible and easily the front-runner for Fight of the Year.</p><p>Secondly, Van is a special talent.</p><p>Think about this: The 23-year-old fought Bruno Silva three weeks ago, stopping him in the third round of a grueling fight. Then he agreed to step in on two weeks' notice against the No. 1-ranked flyweight in the UFC after Manel Kape fell off the card with an injury. And he got the job done.</p><p>Van is moving up the flyweight ladder at a record pace. He faced off with Pantoja in the Octagon after their respective wins and is likely next in line for a title shot. He's injected some new blood into the 125-pound title picture, and at this point, it seems like the only man with any chance of stopping him is the champ himself.</p><h3>Dariush still a player at 155 pounds</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792410/cropped_GettyImages-2222682195.jpg?ts=1751225994" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792410/w220xh124_GettyImages-2222682195.jpg?ts=1751225994 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792410/w320xh180_GettyImages-2222682195.jpg?ts=1751225994 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792410/w640xh360_GettyImages-2222682195.jpg?ts=1751225994 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792410/w768xh432_GettyImages-2222682195.jpg?ts=1751225994 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792410/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2222682195.jpg?ts=1751225994 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jeff Bottari / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Thirty-six-year-old Beneil Dariush came back from an 18-month layoff to beat Renato Moicano, snap a two-fight losing streak, and earn his first victory since October 2022.</p><p>All of which is to say, Dariush has still got it.</p><p>Dariush has been one of the most underrated lightweights throughout his entire 11-year UFC career. He hit a rough patch against some tough competition in 2023, but he put on a gutsy performance in his UFC 317 return. He survived a knockdown in the first round and outworked Moicano in the next two to get the judges' nod.</p><p>Dariush might not be fighting for a title anytime soon, but he showed Saturday that he still deserves to be talked about at 155 pounds.</p>

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A rematch between Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn will take place Sept. 20 in London, Turki Alals...

<p>A rematch between Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn will take place Sept. 20 in London, Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority, confirmed to his media outlet, <a href="https://ringmagazine.com/en/news/chris-eubank-vs-conor-benn-ii-set-for-sept-20-in-london-says-turki-alalshikh">Ring Magazine</a>, on Sunday.</p><p>A venue hasn't been finalized.</p><p>Eubank and Benn delivered a Fight of the Year candidate in April, with Eubank earning a unanimous decision victory at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. Negotiations for a rematch began shortly after the fight, though a date wasn't set until now.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The matchup will again be contested at middleweight with a 10-pound rehydration clause. Eubank missed weight for the first fight, coming in 0.05 pounds over the 160-pound limit.</p><p>Eubank is riding a three-fight winning streak. The 35-year-old Englishman holds a 35-3 career record. </p><p>Benn suffered his first pro loss against Eubank, falling to 23-1. The 28-year-old London native has fought just once in the last 16 months.</p>

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 26: Chris Eubank and Conor Benn at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on April 26, 2025 in London, England.

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Devin Haney will challenge Brian Norman Jr. for the WBO welterweight title in November in Riyadh,...

<p>Devin Haney will challenge Brian Norman Jr. for the WBO welterweight title in November in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority, <a href="https://x.com/Turki_alalshikh/status/1939344917295161406">announced</a> Sunday.</p><p>A specific date for the matchup wasn't revealed.</p><p>Haney, the former undisputed lightweight champion and WBC junior welterweight titleholder, is seeking a title in a third weight class. The November bout will mark his first fight at 147 pounds.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 26-year-old is coming off a unanimous decision win over Jose Ramirez at a blockbuster event in New York's Times Square in May. Haney holds a 32-0 (1 NC) record.</p><p>Norman delivered a Knockout of the Year candidate earlier in June in Tokyo, finishing Jin Sasaki in the fifth round to retain his title. The 24-year-old was promoted to WBO welterweight champion last August and has defended the belt twice this year. Norman is 28-0 (2 NC).</p>

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 01: Devin Haney weighs in for his welterweight bout against Jose Ramirez at the Manhattan Center for their fight in Times Square on May 01, 2025 in New York City.

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Jake Paul defeated Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. via unanimous decision in a cruiserweight bout Saturday...

<p>Jake Paul defeated Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. via unanimous decision in a cruiserweight bout Saturday night at Honda Center in Anaheim.</p><p>The judges scored the fight 99-91, 97-93, 98-92 in Paul's favor.</p><p>Paul returned to the boxing ring for the first time since he beat 58-year-old former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson in a blockbuster fight last November on Netflix.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"The Problem Child" dominated Chavez throughout Saturday's main event. He controlled the action with his jab and stayed busier than his opponent. Paul outstruck Chavez 140-61 in total punches, 65-8 in jabs, and 75-53 in power shots.</p><p>Paul, the YouTube star turned prizefighter, is now riding a six-fight winning streak. He hasn't lost since facing Tommy Fury in February 2023. Paul, 28, holds a 12-1 professional record with seven knockouts.</p><p>Chavez, a former WBC middleweight champion, saw his two-fight winning streak end. The 39-year-old Mexico native fell to a career 54-7-1 (1 NC).</p>

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 28: Jake Paul throws a punch at Julio Cesar Chavez Jr during their fight at Honda Center on June 28, 2025 in Anaheim, California.

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