The first quarter of 2025 has already delivered seismic shifts in the MMA world, with several fighters making significant leaps in the rankings. Among them, Joaquin Buckley and Umar Nurmagomedov have emerged as standout names, redefining their respective divisions through exceptional performances and strategic career moves. These athletes are not just climbing the rankings—they’re reshaping the competitive world of modern MMA.
Michael Chandler: Tennessee’s MMA Powerhouse and UFC Star
Michael Chandler is one of the most explosive and dynamic fighters in mixed martial arts history. With an impressive wrestling background, heavy hands, and relentless pace, he has cemented his place among the elite of the lightweight division.
From his early days in Missouri to becoming a champion in Bellator and a top contender in the UFC, Chandler’s career is a testament to perseverance, hard work, and elite-level athleticism.
Interview with Hailey Pennington, Professional Boxer and Entrepreneur
Introduction
Hailey Pennington (2-0-0, 2KOs) is a professional boxer and has accomplished quite a bit with hard work and discipline. Currently, she has several business ventures, besides boxing. For instance she owns her gym, is a trainer/coach, as well as a promoter. I am certain that she is likely a mentor to others. Especially, with being young and having many business endeavors. Hailey is a wonderful person for the younger generation to look up to. She has a proven track record with success. Hailey is thriving as a woman, in the combat sports industry in 2025.
MMA & Boxing Columnist | Business Development Consultant
I have been a fan and avid viewer of all combat sports for decades. I was once a Judoka, which is what eventually piqued my interest in Mixed Martial Arts. I have been a spectator of the UFC since 2001. For 25 years I’ve worked in healthcare, and now am trying to make something that was a hobby, into a full-time endeavor.
Henry Cejudo vs Song Yadong: Triple C to Get Back on Track?
Two top-tier bantamweights Henry Cejudo and Song Yadong will step into the Octagon in the main event of UFC Fight Night 252, at the Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle on Saturday, February 22.
Fans are eagerly anticipating what promises to be an exciting matchup, with the best sports betting sites gearing up to provide competitive odds for the bout.
Following back-to-back losses against Aljamain Sterling and Merab Dvalishvili, Cejudo will be looking to restore his winning reputation. Before those defeats, Triple C was on a six-fight win streak taking out some big names such as Dominick Cruz, Marlon Moraes, TJ Dillashaw and Demetrious Johnson.
Meanwhile, Song is also focused on getting back to his best after losing to Petr Yan at UFC 299. Before that, Kung Fu Kid was on a two-fight win streak following victories over Ricky Simon and Chris Gutierrez.
The Mayweather Collection: A Peek Into the Lavish Lifestyle of Floyd Mayweather
Floyd Mayweather, renowned for his unbeaten boxing record and larger-than-life persona, has consistently captured global attention both inside and outside the ring. Beyond his athletic achievements, one of the defining aspects of Mayweather’s public image is his extravagant lifestyle, showcased most prominently through his luxurious collection of cars, watches, and other assets. Dubbed “The Mayweather Collection,” this assemblage symbolizes opulence, success, and a relentless pursuit of the finer things in life.
Conor McGregor’s Anticipated Return to the Octagon in Early 2025
Conor McGregor, the former UFC two-division champion, is set to make his long-awaited return to the octagon in early 2025. This comeback follows a hiatus that began after his loss to Dustin Poirier in July 2021, when he suffered a significant leg injury. UFC President Dana White has confirmed that McGregor is preparing for a return, with potential opponents being discussed.
Exclusive Interview with Professional Boxer Shauna O’Keeffe
Introduction
Ireland has its very own beautiful and talented rising star, who happens to be an excellent professional boxer by the name of Shauna O’Keeffe (5-0, 3 KOs). She is ranked # 1 in the women’s lightweight division for her country, and #17 in the world. It has been incredible to watch her passion come out when she fights. She seems like a well composed and focused athlete. Following Shauna’s impeccable progress and writing about it along the way, has really encouraged me in wanting to write and learn more about boxing. She is an inspiration to an abundance of other women in the sports industry and beyond. Shauna O’Keeffe is a remarkable woman and a bad-ass fighter. Let’s take a deeper look into her life.
MMA & Boxing Columnist | Business Development Consultant
I have been a fan and avid viewer of all combat sports for decades. I was once a Judoka, which is what eventually piqued my interest in Mixed Martial Arts. I have been a spectator of the UFC since 2001. For 25 years I’ve worked in healthcare, and now am trying to make something that was a hobby, into a full-time endeavor.
Exclusive Interview with 2024 FightMatrix Rookie of the Year, Thomas Gantt
Introduction
[#302 WW] 
Thomas Gantt (9-0, 1 NC) is a 31-year old professional MMA athelete, fighting out of North Carolina. He is also the recipient of the 2024 FightMatrix.com rookie of the year award. The primary reason for Gantt claiming this award is his incredible schedule in his first year as a pro. He has fought in nine professional bouts in 2024, winning eight of them, and receiving one No Contest due to an unintentional knee to the head of a downed opponent. Including his three amateur fights in the same year before beginning his pro career, Gantt has fought a total of twelve times in a calendar year. He has already fought and won once in 2025, and we are only 6 days into the year! Keep reading to learn more about Tommy Gantt and his journey.
Jon Jones Reflects on His Career Path and the Evolution of MMA
Man in red hoodie and black pants playing guitar photo – Free Lithuania Image on Unsplash
Jon Jones, one of the most decorated fighters in MMA history, recently reflected on a career path he might have taken if he hadn’t pursued professional fighting. Speaking on the Alex G Was Here YouTube channel while test-driving a Bugatti, the UFC heavyweight champion revealed that he had initially envisioned a very different life for himself—one rooted in service and protection. Jones shared that he was deeply interested in joining the military or working in law enforcement, driven by a desire to help others and, in his words, “be a hero.”
The Top 7 Highest-Paid Boxers
Considered the third highest-paid sport in the world according to GambleOntario.ca, boxing gave birth to some of the richest sportspersons ever, while their earnings are as stunning as their knockouts. Starting off with the king on this list, here are the seven highest-paid boxers who ever lived.
Floyd Mayweather
As for the best-paid sportsmen, few could compete with Floyd “Money” Mayweather. Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on February 24, 1977, Mayweather is boxing’s undisputed king of pay-per-view and guaranteed payouts.
The Mayweather career is marked by perfection: 50 wins, 0 losses and incomparable skill inside the ring. Defensive mastery and precision made Mayweather be referred to as “TBE”, the best ever. Not only did skills make a fortune, but Mayweather also made sure business acumen created his fortune. He negotiated his own contracts, one reason being the creation of Mayweather Promotions to make sure he took home the lion’s share of revenue after every fight.
The 2015 bout against Manny Pacquiao was billed as the “Fight of the Century,” a title fight that raked in more than $600 million in revenue. Mayweather’s personal take from the fight? A cool $250 million. Still not satisfied, Mayweather took on MMA superstar Conor McGregor in 2017, a crossover fight that earned him a really impressive $300 million.
Exclusive Interview with Professional Boxer, Piero Valdivieso
Introduction
Piero Valdivieso is a Peruvian professional boxer, who fights out of Miami, FL, USA. He is ranked as the #1 Super Featherweight and #3 Pound-for-Pound in Peru and #365 in the world by Boxrec.com. Weighing approximately 130 lbs, he is twenty-four years old and holds a record of 7-0 with 5 knockouts. His boxing manager is Gwen Legge from California, USA. She owns Eruption Boxing and MMA Management Company. Mr Valdivieso began to box at the age of 14 years old. Keep Reading
MMA & Boxing Columnist | Business Development Consultant
I have been a fan and avid viewer of all combat sports for decades. I was once a Judoka, which is what eventually piqued my interest in Mixed Martial Arts. I have been a spectator of the UFC since 2001. For 25 years I’ve worked in healthcare, and now am trying to make something that was a hobby, into a full-time endeavor.
Exclusive Interview with Professional Boxer, Guillermo Gutierrez
Introduction
Guillermo Gutierrez (11-2) is a 26 year old professional boxer, in the Super Flyweight division. Weighing approximately 115 lbs, he is fighting out of San Antonio, Texas, USA. His boxing manager is Gwen Legge from California, USA. She owns Eruption boxing and MMA management company. Mr Gutierrez has been boxing since he was a young child.
MMA & Boxing Columnist | Business Development Consultant
I have been a fan and avid viewer of all combat sports for decades. I was once a Judoka, which is what eventually piqued my interest in Mixed Martial Arts. I have been a spectator of the UFC since 2001. For 25 years I’ve worked in healthcare, and now am trying to make something that was a hobby, into a full-time endeavor.
MMA Current Records & Stats: Comprehensive Fighter Data for Next Year
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is a sport driven by precision, performance, and historical achievements. Statistics and records play a vital role in shaping fan engagement, sports betting, and fighter analysis. Whether it is the number of wins, finishes, or knockout records, MMA stats provide a comprehensive view of the sport’s dynamics and legacy.
Why is David Teymur’s Counterstriking Feared in Lightweight?
David Teymur’s counterstriking makes him a scary fighter in UFC’s lightweight division. His Muay Thai skills, built up over many years, are vital to his MMA success. Teymur’s strong left hand, great timing, and smart distance control make him tough to beat. He’s really good at figuring out what his opponents will do and using it against them.
Inside the Flyweight Division: Alexandre Pantoja Talks UFC 310 and the Road Ahead
UFC 310 is right behind the corner, and who is better to talk about it than the reigning flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja? No one is better, as the flyweight division never disappoints. With the upcoming bout between Pantoja and Kai Asakura scheduled for UFC 310 on December 7th, Alexandre shared his thoughts with good people from Stake, where he is employed as an ambassador for the sports betting and casino brand.
Keep reading to find out Pantoja’s thoughts on the entire division and former champions and pioneers in the divisions, such as Demetrious Johnson and Henry Cejudo, who did wonders for him and the rest of the top fighters who came afterward, such as Brandon Moreno, Kai Kara France, and Deiveson Figueiredo.
Today, we have flyweight as one of the most exciting weight classes in the UFC, and Pantoja stands at the top of it, ready to defend his title once again. So, stick with us for just another few lines as we bring you the best bits from the Stake’s exclusive interview with Alexandre Pantoja.