CageCrashers

Your ultimate source for the latest MMA and UFC news! Breaking fight announcements to in-depth fighter profiles and event coverage

[CageCrashers @CageCrashers]

🚨 Big news for @UFC fans! The @welcomeOVO x UFC collaboration, led by megastar @Drake, is a game-changer for the sport! 🦉👊 This partnership, featuring legends like @GeorgesStPierre and @JonnyBones, dropped an iconic apparel collection during International Fight Week, showcasing OVO’s signature style with UFC’s gritty energy. From snapback hats to hoodies, the gear is already selling out fast on @Fanatics and @UFCStore! 🔥

Why it’s huge for UFC:
- Global Reach: Drake’s massive following amplifies UFC’s brand to new audiences, blending MMA with pop culture. 🌎
- Merch Madness: Exclusive OVO x UFC designs, including fighter-specific gear for stars like @CharlesDoBronx, @IliaTopuria, and @AlexandrePantoja, boost fan engagement and revenue. 💸
- Cultural Cred: Aligning with OVO elevates UFC’s streetwear game, appealing to younger fans and collectors. 🧢

This collab is a knockout for UFC’s visibility and fanbase growth! Get your gear before it’s gone! 👉 #UFC317 #OVOxUFC @TKOGrp @danawhite

[MMA Orbit @mma_orbit]

🙏❤️ Ben Askren has successfully undergone a double lung transplant.

“We are forever grateful to the donor and their family… I’m hopeful Ben will be able to share the next update in the coming weeks.”

[via Amy Askren FB]

[CageCrashers @CageCrashers]

Gutted there's no UFC next week 😢. The octagon's been delivering banger after banger, and now we’re stuck with a weekend of no fights? Feels like a personal betrayal. Who else is moping over this? #UFC #NoFights #SendHelp

[CageCrashers @CageCrashers]

What’s Next for “La Leyenda”?

With the lightweight belt around his waist, Topuria’s future is brimming with possibilities. Here are the most likely paths for Ilia Topuria in 2025 and beyond:

1. Title Defense Against Paddy Pimblett: The post-fight shove at UFC 317 ignited a rivalry with Paddy Pimblett, who grinned and taunted Topuria, saying, “You’ll never knock me out.” Topuria has called for this “huge fight,” dismissing Pimblett’s chances but recognizing the matchup’s massive draw. Given Pimblett’s popularity and recent win over Michael Chandler (@MikeChandlerMMA), this could headline a PPV in 2025, potentially in Spain or the UK.

2. Superfight with Islam Makhachev: Topuria’s dream of facing Islam Makhachev (@IslamMakhachev) remains alive. After Makhachev vacated the lightweight title and moved to welterweight, Topuria accused him of “running away.” If Makhachev loses to Jack Della Maddalena (@JackDella) and returns to 155 pounds, a clash with Topuria could be the biggest fight in UFC history, as Topuria himself predicted. His brother Aleksandre Topuria envisions Ilia winning and defending the lightweight belt, then challenging for a third title at welterweight, a historic feat no UFC fighter has achieved.

3. Welterweight Ambitions: While a stretch, Topuria hasn’t ruled out moving to 170 pounds. On X, he responded to fans, saying, “If the fans want to see me fight at welterweight, and there’s a champion the company has at the moment, why not?” A matchup with welterweight contenders like Bel BEL Muhammad (@BullyB170) or Jack Della Maddalena would be a daring leap, but Topuria’s confidence and physique suggest he could compete at a higher weight class.

4. Featherweight Return?: Though Topuria vacated the featherweight title, a return isn’t impossible. Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes (@DiegoLopesMMA) will vie for the vacant belt at UFC 314. If Topuria seeks to reclaim his throne or settle unfinished business, a rematch with Volkanovski or a clash with Lopes in Madrid could electrify fans, as speculated on X.

5. Legacy-Building Defenses: Topuria aims to emulate the lengthy title reigns of legends like Jon Jones (@JonnyBones) or Georges St-Pierre (@GeorgesStPierre). Defending the lightweight title against contenders like Arman Tsarukyan (@ArmanTsarukyan) or Justin Gaethje (@JustinGaethje) could solidify his status as a pound-for-pound great. His #3 P4P ranking as of June 2025 reflects his elite status.

The Legend Continues

Ilia Topuria is more than a fighter; he’s a trailblazer redefining what it means to be a UFC champion. His blend of technical mastery, knockout power, and unshakable belief has made him a fan favorite and a nightmare for opponents. Whether he’s trading barbs with Paddy Pimblett, chasing Islam Makhachev, or eyeing a historic third belt, Topuria’s journey is far from over. As he told ESPN, “Soon, they are going to be on my team.” With the MMA world watching, “La Leyenda” is poised to write the next chapter of his epic saga. The Octagon awaits, and Topuria is ready to conquer. #UFC317

[Lucky MMA @luckyfunmma]

🚨BREAKING: Kayla Harrison vs Amanda Nunes is being targeted for #UFC321 this November, at Madison Square Garden in New York🗽

[CageCrashers @CageCrashers]

@DovySimuMMA He’s a real one

[CageCrashers @CageCrashers]

The Drake Curse Continues!
🚨 DRAKE DROPS $200K BET ON @CharlesDoBronxs TO BEAT @IliaTopuria AT #UFC317! 🥊💰 The rap superstar @Drake is backing Brazil, saying, “Brazil, I love you and I owe you. Betting on Brazil.” If Oliveira pulls off the upset against the undefeated lightweight title contender, Drake could pocket $880K! But here’s the kicker: the infamous Drake Curse has fans on edge. 😬 Will Oliveira break the curse, or is @ElMatadorTopuria destined to keep his 17-0 record and claim the vacant lightweight belt? 🏆 #DrakeCurse #UFC #MMA credit to @MMAFighting

[CageCrashers @CageCrashers]

🚨 BJ Penn Faces Legal Setback Amid Ongoing Challenges 🚨

UFC legend BJ Penn's legal and mental health struggles continue, as a court recently rejected his request for an identity test for his mother. This development adds to the former champion's ongoing personal challenges outside the octagon. Stay tuned for updates on this story. 📰

#UFC #BJPenn #MMANews

[CageCrashers @CageCrashers]

O.M.G. Ilia is that man! 🏆

[CageCrashers @CageCrashers]

@BillyQMMA lol that part

[CageCrashers @CageCrashers]

@upfrontmma @CasualMMAinc @TheUFCStats @MMAFighting @BillyQMMA @MrNiceGuysDude @espnmma @danawhite Haha I love it!

[CageCrashers @CageCrashers]

ANDDDD STTTIIILLLLL!!! Pantoja is a monster. Not sure anyone is on his level right now.

[CageCrashers @CageCrashers]

And Stilll…or New Champion?

[CageCrashers @CageCrashers]

@upfrontmma @MrNiceGuysDude @CasualMMAinc @BillyQMMA @ChampRDS @MMAFighting @TheUFCStats @uncrownedcombat @ufc lol 😂 yes

[CageCrashers @CageCrashers]

Holy Shit! That fight needed another two rounds. Van and Royval was insanity!!! Van with the unanimous decision!!! Craziness

[CageCrashers @CageCrashers]

Let the fireworks 🎆 begin! @JoshuaVanBT

[CageCrashers @CageCrashers]

@BillyQMMA I think that layoff definitely lit a fire back in him

[CageCrashers @CageCrashers]

Great fight by both but Beneil was the better fighter tonight. 29 - 28 unanimous decision.

[CageCrashers @CageCrashers]

This one is not the one to miss! Money Moicano for the win

[CageCrashers @CageCrashers]

What a fight by Talbott. Great win and hopefully that will elevate him to bigger heights. 29 - 28 Talbott