As Josh Thomson reflects upon his 16-year career in mixed martial arts (MMA), he stands on a unique threshold of reflection and observation. Having transitioned from a professional fighter to an analyst, Thomson has experienced the sport firsthand and now analyzes how it has changed over the years. At 46, he carries with him not
Bellator
In a world turned upside down by the COVID-19 pandemic, few organizations faced as pressing a challenge as Bellator MMA. The organization’s president, Scott Coker, found himself at the heart of an urgent decision-making process just hours before what was set to be Bellator 241. This fight card, planned to showcase some electrifying matchups at
Jason Jackson, the heralded welterweight with a professional mixed martial arts (MMA) record of 18 wins and 5 losses, steps back into the octagon with a renewed sense of purpose and determination. As he prepares for the upcoming 2025 Professional Fighters League (PFL) welterweight season, Jackson’s journey is laden with the kind of trials that
Yaroslav Amosov is not just stepping into the cage; he is embarking on a journey to cement his presence in one of the most prestigious mixed martial arts promotions. After a significant tenure in Bellator, where he emerged as a champion amidst challenging personal circumstances—including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine—Amosov (27-1) is making his eagerly
As the announcement reverberates through the combat sports community regarding PFL’s acquisition of Bellator MMA and its subsequent shutdown in 2025, many fans and fighters are left with a bittersweet nostalgia. Bellator, which blossomed into a quintessential promotion over nearly 15 years, has now officially become a chapter in the annals of mixed martial arts
Umar Nurmagomedov’s recent loss at UFC 311, where he faced off against bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili, has sent shockwaves through the MMA community. Many expected Umar, an undefeated fighter up to that point, to emerge victorious. His older brother, Usman Nurmagomedov, the reigning Bellator lightweight champion, was among those taken aback by the outcome. Having
In a dramatic shift within the mixed martial arts (MMA) landscape, PFL MMA recently announced the phasing out of the Bellator brand, which has been a significant player in the sport since its inception in 2008. The acquisition, formalized in November 2023, was geared towards enhancing PFL’s already impressive roster of fighters. The chairman of
The start of 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for the Nurmagomedov family and their camp, establishing them as one of the foremost powerhouses in mixed martial arts (MMA). While the focus is on Usman Nurmagomedov, the spotlight will also shine on his teammates who are vying for championship titles in various
In the ever-evolving world of mixed martial arts (MMA), national pride often plays a central role in shaping perceptions and rivalries. Khabib Nurmagomedov, a titan of the sport and a symbol of Dagestani combat prowess, has made it clear that he believes the quality of Irish fighters does not measure up to those from his
Aaron Pico, a name once synonymous with promise in the mixed martial arts (MMA) landscape, is currently navigating a pivotal juncture in his career. Dubbed as potentially the greatest prospect ever in MMA, Pico made a splash when he debuted under the Bellator banner at just 20 years old in 2017. His early career was
The world of mixed martial arts has continuously evolved, captivating audiences with its blend of skill, brutality, and sportsmanship. As promotions vie for attention, they often curate fight cards that seem too big to fail—events designed to capture the public’s imagination and ultimately generate a hefty payday. However, the question arises: how many of these
MMA is a sport rife with unpredictability, and the year 2024 was no exception. Fans and analysts alike often find themselves swept up in the excitement of upsets—those surprising turnarounds where the underdog triumphs against all expectations. The odds compiled by the betting markets often set the narrative, but when fighters take to the cage,