UFC News Roundup: Ankalaev's Gold Grab, Dana White's Big Poirier Plans and More | MMA News - The Times of India
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It’s been a big week in the
UFC
, with major shifts in the landscape.
Magomed Ankalaev
cemented his place as the new light heavyweight champion,
Mauricio Ruffy
made a statement with a highlight-reel knockout, and Jalin Turner stunned fans by announcing his retirement. Meanwhile, Jeremy
Stephens
is returning to the Octagon, and Dana White has teased big plans for
Dustin Poirier
’s final fight. Here’s everything you need to know.
Magomed Ankalaev just shook up the light heavyweight division, taking down Alex Pereira at UFC 313 to become the new champ. It wasn’t some lucky punch—Ankalaev dominated with sharp wrestling and well-placed strikes, making it clear who's boss at 205. Pereira, though, isn’t slipping into the shadows. The former champ, who had a stellar 2024, got slapped with the honorary title of "The One, The Only," a nod reserved for legends like Jon Jones and Conor McGregor. With gold on his waist, Ankalaev now has a target on his back, and the division is swarming with challengers hungry to take their shot at the throne.
Mauricio Ruffy reacts to highlight reel KO of King Green at UFC 313
Mauricio Ruffy? Remember the name. This guy sent shockwaves through UFC 313 with a vicious spinning heel kick knockout of King Green. That’s how you make a statement. He walked out of the cage with a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus and a mic drop callout—Beneil Dariush, he wants you next. Ruffy is undefeated and rising fast, and he’s got his sights set on proving himself against seasoned veterans. Dariush hasn’t responded yet, but with the heat Ruffy’s bringing, UFC matchmakers might just make this fight happen. If it does, buckle up, because this young star is looking to take over the lightweight division with a storm.
Jalin Turner just hit fans with an unexpected bombshell—retirement. After falling to Ignacio Bahamondes via submission at UFC 313, Turner decided he’s done with the fight game. It wasn’t an easy call, but after back-to-back losses, he felt it was time to walk away. Turner’s career was loaded with highlight-reel finishes, and he’ll be remembered as a dangerous striker who could put anyone to sleep. In his farewell, he thanked his supporters and the UFC but admitted the passion just isn’t there anymore. With his exit, the lightweight division loses a big-time finisher, and now the question remains—what’s next for "The Tarantula" outside the Octagon?
Jeremy Stephens is back! After a few years away, the veteran slugger has re-signed with the UFC and is set to throw down with Mason Jones at UFC Des Moines. Stephens, known for his knockout power and aggressive style, isn’t just here for a nostalgia tour—he wants to show he still belongs among the elite. But Jones? He’s a young, hungry prospect looking to take out a veteran name and make a statement of his own. It’s a classic old-school vs. new-school brawl, and fans can expect fireworks when these two step into the cage. The question now is—does "Lil Heathen" still have that knockout magic in him?
Dustin Poirier’s legendary career is nearing its final chapter, and Dana White just confirmed that the UFC is planning something special for his send-off. The former interim lightweight champ has been one of the sport’s most respected warriors, and the UFC wants to make sure his farewell fight is worthy of his legacy. No opponent has been named yet, but White promises it’s going to be a must-watch showdown. Rumors suggest the fight could go down in Poirier’s home state of Louisiana, making for an emotional farewell. "The Diamond" has given fans years of unforgettable wars—now, all eyes are on who will stand across from him for his last dance in the Octagon.
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