Author: Danny Howard

MMA veteran Phil Baroni was arrested Monday in Mexico for the murder of his girlfriend. Baroni, best known for his runs with the UFC and PRIDE from 2000-2006, directed authorities to help his girlfriend after he beat her unconscious following an argument. According to reports, Baroni lashed out at his girlfriend after finding out she was cheating on him. Police ultimately discovered Baroni’s girlfriend hideously battered and lifeless body. “The New York Bad Ass” went into custody shortly thereafter and awaits further proceedings for the murder charge.  https://twitter.com/TomMill05699265/status/1610500018477367297 Tribuna De La Bahia, who broke the report, described the incident in…

The first big UFC story of 2023 is one the company hopes to forget. UFC President Dana White has been doing the rounds after footage emerged of him striking his wife, Anne, at a New Year’s Eve party in Mexico. Footage shows White and his wife on a nightclub balcony in what seems to be an argument. White then whispers something into his wife’s ear that visibly upsets her, causing her to strike her husband with an open-handed slap. White would retaliate with two slaps of his own as the two were momentarily separated by the end of the 46-second…

The UFC has had a wild ride in 2022. With the year in the books, there are a lot of interesting things that can happen in 2023. Division’s are in flux, legends are set to return, and new stars are ready to ascend to lead the next generation of fighters. These five fights are not only possible–they’re essential to make 2023 a massive year for the sport. Let’s take a look at five UFC fights that must happen in 2023. Jon Jones vs. Francis Ngannou Jon Jones’ return will be the story of 2023 | Zuffa LLC The long awaited…

Derek Brunson (23-8) is not ready to walk away from MMA. The 39-year-old middleweight contender flirted with the idea after Jared Cannonier sparked him out in one of the year’s best stoppages, but he wants to come back in a big way in 2023. Brunson made his intentions known through social media that he hopes to have four fights next year. Even though Brunson’s last fight was a clear loss, the middleweight division is wide open, and he wants to take advantage of the upcoming scramble. https://twitter.com/DerekBrunson/status/1607568603359870977 Before the Cannonier loss, Brunson earned the reputation of a truthmaker at middleweight.…

The FBI is now looking into the events that occurred at UFC Vegas 64. With their inclusion, the FBI joins the Nevada State Athletic Commission and U.S. Integrity’s probe of the Shayilan Nuerdanbieke vs. Darrick Minner fight. Minner’s trainer, James Krause, is at the center of these investigations for possible fight fixing and betting manipulation. ESPN is now reporting that Jeff Molina, another fighter working with Krause’s Glory MMA, is now a person of interest. The UFC released and banned Minner and Krause in response to the allegations last month. That ban also reached out to others involved with the…

UFC 284 is already becoming a chaotic event, but Jared Cannonier is willing to help for the good of the cause and for a chance to travel to Australia. Cannonier, just one week removed from his split-decision victory over Sean Strickland at UFC Fight Night 216, has voiced his hopes to be included on the February card in Perth. With a major fight between Australian hometown hero Robert Whittaker and Paulo Costa off the books, Cannonier wants to step in to avenge his UFC 254 defeat to “The Reaper” and enjoy the offers of an Australian vacation. “Hell yeah, I’ve never been…

The judging controversy surrounding Douglas Crosby and his questionable scorecards continues to ripple through the sport. Ariel Helwani reported that The California State Athletic Commission is now placing restrictions on out-of-state judges for all combat sports held in the state. Judges (and referees) cannot work a fight in California within 24 hours unless they are coming from Nevada. The memo states: “If you work in California on a Friday, the Commission finds it acceptable for you to work as far as Nevada on Saturday or vice versa. If you accept an out-of-state assignment that is within one day of an…

Robert Whittaker vs. Paulo Costa is no longer on the cards for UFC 284 in Perth.Despite the fight being announced, the boisterous Costa repeatedly stated that he never formally committed to the bout against the former interim middleweight champion. Costa took to social media to apologize to Whittaker, pointing the blame at UFC brass for claiming the fight was finalized without Costa signing off on it.As far back as October, Costa downplayed the news as he was engaged in contract negotiations with the UFC. Costa’s fight with Whittaker would be the last fight on his existing contract, and he has…

The last UFC event of the year was devoid of crippling drama and delivered great action from top to bottom. High-stakes clashes at featherweight, lightweight, and middleweight defined the main card. That wasn’t lost on the fighters as the night was full of gutsy performances and big moments. The winners will move on to bigger things in 2023, but the losers are no worse for wear in defeat. It was a great night of action that left a better impression on what the sport is all about following the myriad of controversies from UFC 282 the weekend before. Let’s take…

Conor McGregor has seen better days professionally, but there is no denying that the “Notorious” one is a star. Because of that, it’s a certainty that the UFC will be calling when he picks up saying he wants to fight. With McGregor giving the vibe that he will be fighting again sometime in 2023, there is no shortage of worthy foes ready to face him. When McGregor returns, the MMA world will be watching. Let’s take a look at a few of his potential dance partners for 2023. Dan Hooker New Zealand’s Hooker is a tough, but winnable challenge for…