The McGregor-Holloway rematch is especially intriguing because their first meeting took place in 2013, long before either man became a global name. At that stage, McGregor was still building the aura that would eventually make him one of the sport’s biggest stars, while Holloway was just beginning his climb toward championship-level consistency. More than a decade later, both men are far more complete fighters. McGregor’s best traits have always been precision, timing and confidence in the opening exchanges, but long layoffs and injuries have raised questions about whether he can still sustain that sharpness over multiple rounds. Holloway, by contrast, has developed into one of the most durable and high-volume strikers in MMA, with improved defensive awareness and the kind of pace that can wear down almost anyone.

That stylistic contrast makes the rematch compelling. McGregor has already hinted that he wants another stand-and-trade fight, which plays into the same type of dramatic striking battle fans remember from their first meeting. But Holloway is no longer the fighter who could be overwhelmed by McGregor’s early rhythm alone. He now carries more experience, better layering in his combinations and a stronger sense of how to manage range through long stretches of pressure. If the fight stays upright, the real question is whether McGregor can still create the kind of early damage that changes Holloway’s pace before the fight becomes a test of endurance.

UFC 330 presents a different kind of challenge. Makhachev has built his reputation on control, composure and the ability to force opponents into uncomfortable positions long before they can settle into their preferred game plan. Ian Machado Garry enters the matchup with a very different profile, built around movement, distance striking and clean shot selection. His best chance lies in making the fight look like a kickboxing match for as long as possible, using footwork and long-range offense to stay upright and frustrate Makhachev’s takedown entries.

Still, defeating Makhachev is a tall order for any striker who cannot consistently deny the grappling threat. Even when opponents start well on the feet, Makhachev is known for gradually shrinking space, dragging fights into clinches and making the pace feel heavier as the rounds progress. Garry’s striking can absolutely create problems, especially if he can land early and force Makhachev to reset repeatedly. But the deeper the fight goes, the more the champion’s pressure, chain wrestling and positional control tend to take over. That is what makes this matchup so fascinating: Garry has the tools to make it competitive, but Makhachev has the kind of system that often turns competitive fights into controlled ones.

Together, these main events give UFC 329 and UFC 330 a strong narrative backbone. One asks whether an older but still dangerous McGregor can recapture enough of his old sharpness to beat a more seasoned Holloway. The other asks whether Garry’s technical striking is enough to prevent Makhachev from imposing his preferred terms. Both fights are high-level style tests, and both could say a lot about where their divisions are headed next.

A Tweet read,

“Colby Covington: “I wanna ask LeBron, what does he mean by ‘There’s no party like a Diddy party’?… LeBron you’re a f***ing scumbag and I hope you get locked up in the same cell with Diddy.””

Colby Covington:

“I wanna ask LeBron, what does he mean by ‘There’s no party like a Diddy party’?… LeBron you’re a f***ing scumbag and I hope you get locked up in the same cell with Diddy.”

😳😳😳 (via @MMAFighting, h/t @C0MB4TT) pic.twitter.com/vZFqIy7w29

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) December 11, 2024

Colby Covington’s Controversial Remarks

During a pre-fight press conference ahead of his UFC match against Joaquin Buckley, Covington didn’t hold back. He opened the session by addressing LeBron directly, saying, “I wanna ask LeBron, what does he mean by ‘There’s no party like a Diddy party’?… LeBron you’re a f***ing scumbag and I hope you get locked up in the same cell with Diddy.” Covington’s remarks were about a resurfaced Instagram clip where LeBron praised Diddy’s parties.

The Context Behind the Comments

Diddy, whose real name is Sean Combs, is currently in jail awaiting trial on charges of sex trafficking and racketeering. The allegations against Diddy have brought renewed scrutiny to his infamous parties, which have been described as “freak offs” involving celebrities and other high-profile individuals. Covington’s comments suggest that he believes LeBron’s association with Diddy could tarnish his reputation.

LeBron James’ Response

As of now, LeBron James has not publicly responded to Covington’s comments. LeBron, known for his activism and outspoken nature, has often been a target for criticism from various figures, including Covington. Despite the harsh words, LeBron has maintained his focus on his basketball career and his off-court endeavours.

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A Tweet read,

“| Movsar Evloev will NOT fight at #UFC307 after a replacement could not be found for him following the withdrawal of Aljamain Sterling last week.”

🚨| Movsar Evloev will NOT fight at #UFC307 after a replacement could not be found for him following the withdrawal of Aljamain Sterling last week. ❌
[per @AlexBehunin] pic.twitter.com/i7sU76kFHW

— MMA Orbit (@mma_orbit) September 23, 2024

This tweet quickly spread across social media, with fans expressing their disappointment and frustration over the cancellation.

The Impact on UFC 307

UFC 307, scheduled to take place in Salt Lake City, has lost one of its most intriguing matchups. The bout between Movsar Evloev and Sterling was highly anticipated, as it featured two top contenders in the featherweight division. Evloev, known for his grappling prowess and undefeated record, was looking to solidify his position as a title contender. Sterling, a former bantamweight champion, was aiming to make a statement in his new weight class.

Why the Fight Was Cancelled

The cancellation saga began when Aljamain Sterling was forced to withdraw from the bout due to an injury sustained during training. This left Evloev without an opponent just weeks before the event. Despite the UFC’s efforts to find a suitable replacement, the short notice and the featherweight limit made it challenging to secure a new fighter. Several potential opponents, including rising Brazilian star Diego Lopes, expressed interest but ultimately declined due to the lack of preparation time.

Movsar Evloev’s Reaction

Movsar Evloev, currently ranked sixth in the featherweight division, expressed his disappointment on social media. He stated his readiness to face any willing competitor but acknowledged the difficulties of finding a replacement on such short notice. Evloev’s willingness to fight anyone highlights his competitive spirit and determination to stay active in the division.

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Merab Dvalishvili’s Incident at UFC 306

During the first round of the UFC 306 title fight, Merab Dvalishvili momentarily stopped fighting to shout at Sean O’Malley’s corner team This unusual move caught the attention of both the audience and the officials. Referee Herb Dean had to intervene and pause the fight to address the situation.

A Tweet read,

“Merab Dvalishvili clears up exactly what happened with Sean O’Malley’s corner at #NocheUFC”

What Happened?

According to Dvalishvili, the issue began when O’Malley’s coach, Tim Welch, started shouting instructions that Dvalishvili found distracting and disrespectful. Dvalishvili claimed that Welch’s comments were not just coaching but were intended to provoke and distract him. This led to Dvalishvili shouting back at O’Malley’s corner, asking them to focus on coaching their own fighter.

Dvalishvili’s Explanation

In his explanation, Dvalishvili expressed his frustration with the lack of sportsmanship displayed by O’Malley’s team. He mentioned that this was not the first time he had encountered such behavior from them. Dvalishvili recalled a similar incident during O’Malley’s fight with Aljamain Sterling, where Welch’s comments had also caused a distraction.

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This announcement was made in a tweet which read:

“🚨 Sean Strickland claims the fight against Dricus du Plessis is already booked 👀 ‘Just waiting on Dricus to decide when he’s ready to lose.’ #UFC #MMA.”

🚨 Sean Strickland claims the fight against Dricus du Plessis is already booked 👀

“Just waiting on Dricus to decide when he’s ready to lose.”#UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/k4ghHzWF9a

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) September 11, 2024

Sean Strickland and Dricus du Plessis: The Fighters

Sean Strickland, known for his aggressive fighting style and outspoken personality, is a formidable opponent in the middleweight division. With a professional record that boasts numerous victories, Strickland is a fighter who never shies away from a challenge. His recent performances have solidified his reputation as a top contender in the UFC.

Dricus du Plessis, on the other hand, is a rising star in the middleweight division. Hailing from South Africa, du Plessis has quickly made a name for himself with his impressive skills and determination. His recent victory over Sean Strickland at UFC 297, where he won by split decision, has set the stage for this highly anticipated rematch.

The Rivalry

The rivalry between Strickland and du Plessis has been brewing for some time. Their first encounter at UFC 297 was a closely contested battle, with du Plessis emerging victorious by a narrow margin. This victory not only earned du Plessis the middleweight title but also intensified the rivalry between the two fighters.

Strickland, never one to back down, has been vocal about his desire for a rematch. His recent tweet underscores his confidence and determination to reclaim his title. The anticipation for this fight is palpable, with fans eagerly awaiting the announcement of the official fight date.

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According to MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting), Logan Paul has filed a legal complaint against fellow internet personality and boxer Ryan Garcia. The lawsuit reportedly centers around their respective endorsements for competing hydration drinks.

Logan Paul reveals he filed lawsuit against Ryan Garcia over Prime Hydration https://t.co/JNQqhbhAwQ

— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) May 24, 2024

This development adds another layer of drama to the already-contentious relationship between the two fighters.

The Controversy

Ryan Garcia, known for his outspoken nature on social media, made several damaging remarks about Prime Hydration. Among them, he claimed that the drink contained a banned substance and even went so far as to say it “makes fish cry.” Additionally, Garcia asserted that Prime Hydration could be “f–king you up”. These statements not only tarnished the brand’s reputation but also raised concerns among consumers.

Prime Hydration’s Response

In response to Garcia’s allegations, Logan Paul and KSI’s Prime Hydration filed a defamation lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas. The company contends that Garcia’s false claims have harmed its brand image and misled consumers. Prime Hydration, which boasts over $1 billion in sales last year, is the fastest-rising hydration product on the market. The legal battle aims to set the record straight and protect the brand’s integrity.

The Importance of Verifying Information

This case underscores the significance of verifying information before making public statements. Social media platforms allow instant communication, but misinformation can spread rapidly. Consumers rely on accurate information to make informed choices, especially when it comes to health and wellness products. Prime Hydration’s lawsuit serves as a reminder that false claims can have serious consequences for businesses.

Changing the Narrative

Logan Paul said that Prime Hydration is “under attack” in his Instagram post about the matter. For attention to detail, he presented the lawsuit as an attempt to rewrite history and punish those responsible for harming the brand accountable. Paul praised Prime for their original ideas and robust flavors, expressing trust in their innovative approach to hydration.

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Michael 'Venom' Page says that Ian Garry is "annoying" and motivates him to get in shape 👀

"I'd fight [Ian] next week… for that fight, I'll do it next week… I never like to judge too much from a distance but he inspires me to get in shape because he has an annoying air… pic.twitter.com/1MiVbcaxdj

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) May 18, 2024

Page even mentioned that he’d be willing to lose weight if necessary for the fight. While he has never met Garry in person, he finds the Irishman’s “annoying air” motivating. Interestingly, Garry had previously expressed interest in fighting opponents ranked higher than him, but this matchup could be an exciting addition to the welterweight division.

As much as “Venom” would love the opportunity to serve Garry a piece of humble pie on MMA’s biggest stage, he ultimately prioritizes moving forward in the division and getting back into the title picture.

“Venom” Accuses Ian Garry of “Riding the Coattails”

The phrase “riding the coattails” originates from the image of someone holding onto the coattails of a more successful or influential person. It implies that the person riding those metaphorical coattails is benefiting from the other’s achievements or popularity. In the MMA world, it often refers to fighters who gain attention or opportunities because of their association with more established fighters.

Ian Machado Garry, known as “The Future,” has been making waves in the welterweight division. His impressive performances have caught the eye of fans and fellow fighters alike. However, some critics argue that his rise has been accelerated due to his connections rather than purely based on merit. This is where Page’s accusation comes into play.

“So, it doesn’t matter if I fight this schmuck or some other schmuck,” Page said. “But either way, you know, I preferably like to go forward, you know. I want to be back in the title picture.”

Venom, a dynamic striker with a flashy fighting style, has faced his share of challenges. His transition from Bellator to the UFC was met with high expectations. While he made an impactful debut by defeating Kevin Holland at UFC 299, he aims to climb the welterweight rankings and get back into the title picture. For Page, fighting Garry represents an opportunity to prove himself against a rising star.

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He said, “I’ve spent a lot of time in sports in my career, I’m getting old now, and once in a while you hear — you used to hear it more often than you do now — but it used to be the four majors (baseball, basketball, football and hockey),”

“UFC is now not only mainstream, but it’s one of the four majors. The ratings on ESPN and ESPN2, apples to apples against the NHL — even including the playoffs, we dwarf them.”

If his claims are correct, UFC might have taken over the lead in TV views but NHL surely has a lead in brutal hand to hand combat.

NHL vs UFC: Head to Head

NHL (National Hockey League)

• Structure: The NHL comprises 32 professional ice hockey teams, divided into two conferences (Eastern and Western) and four divisions.
• Game Format: Ice hockey games consist of three periods, each lasting 20 minutes.
• Global Appeal: While popular in North America, the NHL also has a strong following in countries like Canada, Russia, Sweden, and Finland.

UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship)

• Structure: The UFC is not a traditional league but a promotion company that hosts mixed martial arts (MMA) events.
• Fight Format: UFC events feature various weight classes, with fighters competing in a cage (octagon).
• Global Phenomenon: The UFC has a massive global fan base, with events held in different countries and fighters from diverse backgrounds.

NHL vs UFC: Viewership and Ratings

NHL Viewership

• Television: NHL games are broadcast on major sports networks, attracting millions of viewers during the regular season and playoffs.
• Local vs. National: Local team loyalty drives viewership, but national broadcasts also draw substantial audiences.

UFC Viewership

• Pay-Per-View (PPV): UFC’s primary revenue comes from PPV events. Major fights, such as title bouts, generate massive buys.
• Global Streaming: UFC Fight Pass and international streaming platforms expand its reach beyond traditional TV.

Salaries and Earnings

NHL Salaries

• Player Contracts: NHL players sign contracts with varying lengths and values. Top players earn multimillion-dollar salaries. On an average, the salary range is somewhat close to $ 700,000 per year.
• Endorsements: Some NHL stars secure lucrative endorsement deals. Top players like Mitch Marner earn over 15 Million USD from partnerships.

UFC Earnings

• Fight Purses: UFC fighters receive fight purses based on their prominence and performance. Main card fighter and PPV point holders can expect a million dollar pay day. But average athletes barely make around $ 68,000 per year.
  In the past, many former players have criticised the UFC over salary issues. Notable players like heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou left the organization over dispute over pay.
  Currently, UFC is facing an anti-trust lawsuit for low salary payments.

NHL vs UFC: Culture

NHL Fandom: NHL fans embrace team traditions (some dating back decaded), from jersey colors to pre-game rituals. There are numerous local NHL communities that rally around their teams, creating a sense of belonging.

UFC Fandom: UFC fans are passionate about individual fighters and their unique styles. And mostly only the top fighters can drive viewership for the Pay per views. Average fighters don’t enjoy a lot of stardom and live a pretty average life.

Read More: WATCH: 300-Pound Strongman Eddie Hall’s MMA Sparring Session Ends With Vicious Kick To The Head

Brian Shaw recently announced his retirement after winning the title of the Strongest Man on Earth in his final Shaw Classic. Brian Shaw has collaborated with a skilled team in Denver, Colorado, over the past few months, featuring notable figures like trainer Vinnie Lopez, retired jiu-jitsu fighter Cody Donovan, and Denver Broncos strength coach Loren Landow. In a recent YouTube video, Shaw partners with two-time UFC Heavyweight Champion Frank Mir to gain insights into what to anticipate in his upcoming debut fight.

Strongman Legend Brian Shaw Takes MMA Lessons from Former 2x UFC Champ Frank Mir  https://t.co/Fu2wykGdmT#fitnessvolt #fitness #bodybuilding

— Fitness Volt (@fitness_volt) December 7, 2023

Eddie Hall gets dropped during sparring; Brian Shaw weighs more than the heavyweight weight cap

In a recent clip on his YouTube channel, Eddie Hall shared the incident where he experienced a brutal head kick during the MMA training for his upcoming debut on February 17. Eddie Hall was sparring with a 6ft 9in professional Russian fighter. Despite being warned about the fighter’s skills, Hall was dropped by a left high kick during the sparring session. He expressed his shock as he commented, “That’s OK. That was a good one! F*** my life, someone could have told me about that back leg!” Though he got up, he needed some time to recover.

Eddie Hall the strongest man in the world gets taught a lesson in MMA informal sparring practice. pic.twitter.com/yToms7QqOg

— Joseph Davidson (Jaco) (@jaco_davidson) January 19, 2024

He has also been training with UFC Interim Heavyweight Champion Tom Aspinall prior to his debut. They have had some sparring sessions and also were captured, checking their strength.

Eddie Hall and Tom Aspinall
sparring and smashing up the punch machine 💥 🥊 pic.twitter.com/xtatRTKxxJ

— MMA UNCENSORED (@MMAUNCENSORED1) January 24, 2024

This incident adds a dramatic element to Hall’s MMA journey, emphasizing the challenges he faces in adapting his strongman background to the technical demands of mixed martial arts. Brian Shaw’s weight is also almost 100 pounds over the heavyweight cap. The weight-cutting will be a real challenge for the former strongman. The February 17 event is anticipated to showcase a blend of strength and skill among these unconventional competitors.

Read more: WATCH: 300-Pound Strongman Eddie Hall’s MMA Sparring Session Ends With Vicious Kick To The Head

O snap almost forgot, Thanks @drake

— Dricus Du Plessis (@dricusduplessis) January 22, 2024

Drake loses a huge amount of money betting against Dricus Du Plessis

Prior to the fight, Drake posted an Instagram story showcasing his wager of a massive $700,000 on Sean Strickland to retain his middleweight title against Dricus du Plessis. A successful Strickland defense would have resulted in an impressive nearly $1.4 million payout for the rapper. However, the weekend was not kind enough for Drake as he lost the money.

Drake bet $700K on Sean Strickland to beat Dricus Du Plessis tonight 😳

(via @Drake) pic.twitter.com/feg4Un8OID

— br_betting (@br_betting) January 20, 2024

The bout between Sean Strickland and Dricus Du Plessis took place at UFC 297 and the betting odds were almost equal. Sean Strickland was the favourite while Du Plessis was the underdog. This was mostly because Sean put up a masterclass against former UFC Middleweight champion Israel Adesanya and caused a huge upset in the MMA betting scene too.

Dricus Du Plessis’s win over Sean Strickland has been a subject of debate. The close fight had varying opinions from leading figures of the MMA community and the fans. The fight went the distance, and it got bloody as Du Plessis cut Sean above the eye. The South African had swollen eyes too, from the constant jabs of Sean.

Dricus Du Plessis had success in taking down Sean with 6 out of 11 attempts successful but Sean had an overwhelming number of significant strikes 173 to Du Plessis’s 137. The split decision victory is in debate as Du Plessis failed to cause any significant damage during his control time.

The UFC president Dana White believes Sean Strickland had the rounds 1, 2 and 5 and won the fight. He believes that Dricus Du Plessis failed to “take” the championship from the champion as he said “I had it even going to the fifth round, This is the round … see who wants it.’ They both started to turn it up a little bit. It’s just one of those tight fights. But, I’m also one of these guys … I believe you have to take it from the champion.”

Dana White says he had it 2-2 going into the 5th and had Strickland winning the fight. pic.twitter.com/OfVHEVsM4e

— CrashMMA (@mmacrash) January 21, 2024

Many veterans have given their verdict on the match. With many like Joe Rogan and Dana White believing Sean Strickland won the fight, former UFC champion Demetrious Johnson believes Dricus Du Plessis deserved to win.

Read more: WATCH: 300-Pound Strongman Eddie Hall’s MMA Sparring Session Ends With Vicious Kick To The Head