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Former UFC star Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone's foray into bull riding took a serious turn this week as he underwent surgery following a significant injury sustained during a bull riding accident. While his mixed martial arts career may be behind him, Cerrone continues to lead an eventful life post-retirement, embracing new and adventurous pursuits. One such endeavor was his decision to try his hand at bull riding, agreeing to take on Dana White's bull, Twisted Steel, for an eight-second ride at the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) "Unleash The Beast" event scheduled for May 18 at AT&T Stadium in Texas. However, Cerrone recently revealed on Instagram that this exciting challenge would no longer be possible due to his injury. "As y’all know, I was set to ride Dana White’s 'Twisted Steel' at the PBR World Finals on May 18," Cerrone wrote. "I was just rushed into surgery with a 100-percent biceps tear off the bone! Guess you mess with the bull, you sometimes get the horns. This is not the end. I will rehab and get back after it." Cerrone remains optimistic about his recovery, expressing determination to return to his active lifestyle. Well, if y’all want to see what happened to the one-arm man, this is it," he continued. "Now, if you’re thinkin’ this is it, and ol’ cowboy is down and out— no sir. @danawhite hooked me up with one of the best surgeons for a full bicep tear, and give it six-eight weeks, and with help from @transcendHrt, and I’ll be back at it. Ain’t going out like this!!" Dana White, the UFC president and owner of Twisted Steel, shared his perspective on the situation, expressing his initial concerns about the challenge. "I thought this was a bad idea for Cowboy from the start," White said in a statement. "Twisted Steel is the nastiest bull in the PBR. He’s bucked 90-percent of his riders. Let’s leave it to the pros at the PBR World Finals in Arlington." Cerrone's determination and resilience are evident as he faces this setback head-on, promising to bounce back stronger.

Don King, the legendary Hall of Fame boxing promoter, and Kris Lawrence's The Heavyweight Factory are joining forces for an unforgettable evening of boxing on June 7 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. The main event features Adrien “The Problem” Broner (35-4-1, 24 KOs) of Cincinnati, as he squares off against the former NABF welterweight champion Blair “The Flair” Cobbs (16-1-1 with 10 KOs), marking Cobbs' return to the ring after a hiatus of nearly two years. Adding to the excitement, newly crowned WBC cruiserweight champion Norair “The Dark Horse” Mikaeljan (27-2, 12 KOs) will defend his title for the first time against the hard-hitting Ryan “The Bruiser” Rozicki (20-1, 19 KOs) from Canada. The event will also showcase Paterson, NJ's Ian “The Young General” Green (18-2, 12 KOs) defending his WBA Continental USA middleweight title, riding high on a streak of six consecutive victories. In a heavyweight feature, Cassius Chaney (23-1, 16 KOs) of New London, CT, will face off against Las Vegas, NV's Michael “The Bounty” Hunter (22-1-2, 16 KOs). Additionally, WBA NABA Light Heavyweight Champion Ahmed “The American Pharoah” Elbiali (23-1, 18 KOs) will put his title on the line, while Miami, FL's Michael “The Brazilian Rocky” Oliveira (21-2, 16 KOs) will showcase his skills in a super middleweight bout. Newburgh, New York's NABA Welterweight Champion Tresean “Trigger” Wiggins (16-5-3, 9 KOs) is also set to defend his title. Opponents for these thrilling matchups are yet to be announced, promising an evening of high-octane action and surprises for boxing enthusiasts.

Justin Gaethje, known for his fearless fighting style and indomitable spirit, is taking a strategic approach to his recovery following a knockout loss to Max Holloway at UFC 300. Gaethje's decision to prioritize his health reflects his maturity as a fighter and a commitment to long-term well-being. In a recent interview on "The MMA Hangout," Gaethje discussed his plans for the coming months, acknowledging the need for extended rest to allow his brain to heal properly. Despite his eagerness to return to competition, Gaethje understands the importance of taking a step back and focusing on non-impactful training activities for the time being. The knockout loss to Holloway was a dramatic moment in Gaethje's career, compounded by a broken nose suffered during the fight. However, Gaethje remains unfazed, emphasizing that the injury did not significantly impact his performance. Gaethje's approach to recovery is multifaceted. While he plans to limit physical training involving contact for at least six months, he emphasizes the importance of staying active through cardio and maintaining overall fitness. This balanced strategy reflects Gaethje's dedication to preserving his physical and mental well-being in a demanding sport like MMA. As Gaethje observes the landscape of the UFC, including upcoming fights like Dustin Poirier vs. Islam Makhachev, he remains focused on his journey back to peak performance. The road to recovery may be challenging, but Gaethje's resilience and determination are unwavering.

Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez, a former five-time world champion, has revealed his opponent for the upcoming bout on July 12 at the Alexis Arguello Arena in Managua, Nicaragua. Gonzalez will be facing off against Rober “El Huracan” Barrera (27-5, 17 KOs), a former WBA world title challenger, in a 10-round Main Event. Fans can catch the action live on ESPN+ and ESPN Knockout in Latin America. After an 18-month break from boxing, Gonzalez is eager to shake off any ring rust. His last bout was in December 2022, in a memorable trilogy against Juan Francisco Estrada. “This comeback is significant in my career, and I'm grateful it's happening in front of my Nicaraguan fans,” expressed Gonzalez. On the other side, Barrera, representing Monteria, Colombia, comes from a family deeply rooted in the sport. His brother, Ronald Barrera, previously faced Gonzalez in Nicaragua and suffered defeat. Now, nearly a decade later, Rober is seeking redemption for his family. “I feel blessed for this opportunity,” Barrera remarked. “For me, this fight is about avenging my brother's loss to ‘Chocolatito’ back in 2013." The announcement of this thrilling matchup has generated significant buzz, drawing a large crowd of media to witness the first face-to-face meeting between the two fighters at the Alexis Arguello Arena today.

The MMA world is abuzz with news of Jon Jones' return to training after recovering from a pectoral injury that sidelined him from a highly anticipated heavyweight title defense. Jones, a three-time light heavyweight champion and one of the sport's most polarizing figures, is on a mission to reclaim his throne in the octagon. Last November, Jones faced a setback when he suffered a pectoral injury, forcing him to withdraw from a scheduled bout against Stipe Miocic at UFC 295. This unexpected turn of events left fans eagerly awaiting Jones' return and speculating about the future of his career. In a recent social media post, Jones shared his excitement about being back in the gym for the first time since his injury. His words, "First day back in the gym since my injury, felt amazing," echoed the sentiment of determination and resilience that has defined his career. Jones' journey back to the octagon has not been without its challenges. Legal issues outside the cage and a previous contract dispute with the UFC have kept him from competing regularly in recent years. However, Jones remains undefeated in legitimate MMA fights, with his only setbacks being a disqualification loss early in his career and a no-contest result due to a failed drug test. Despite the hurdles, Jones' return to training signals a new chapter in his career. With the expectation that his matchup against Miocic will eventually be re-booked, fans are eager to see "Bones" back in action and competing at the highest level once again. As Jones embarks on his road to redemption, the MMA world watches closely, anticipating his comeback and the potential for new heights in his already illustrious career.

In a surprising turn of events, MMA legend Jose Aldo has announced his return from retirement for what he confirms will be his final fight on his current UFC contract. Aldo, a UFC Hall of Famer and former featherweight champion is set to face Jonathan Martinez at UFC 301, marking a pivotal moment in his storied career. Aldo's decision to come out of retirement has raised eyebrows, especially considering his foray into boxing matches post-MMA. However, the Brazilian fighter's motivations are clear: a refreshed mindset and a desire to tie up loose ends. In a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Aldo spoke about the mental and physical toll that years of training had taken on him, leading to his brief hiatus and exploration of boxing. Now rejuvenated, Aldo feels ready to step back into the octagon and face new challenges. The matchup with Jonathan Martinez at UFC 301 not only signifies Aldo's return but also serves as a platform for him to assess his options moving forward. With rumors of potential boxing matches, including one with Floyd Mayweather, Aldo's post-UFC plans are shrouded in anticipation. Aldo's journey hasn't been without its twists. Originally offered a fight with Dominick Cruz, a dream matchup for many fans, Aldo's focus remains unshaken despite the change to Martinez. The UFC 301 bout is a chance for Aldo to showcase his skills once more and potentially negotiate a new deal with the promotion. The stakes are high as Aldo enters the Rio Arena in Rio de Janeiro for UFC 301. His legacy as one of the sport's greatest fighters is already cemented, but a triumphant final fight could add another chapter to his remarkable story.

In the whirlwind of announcements and shifts that characterize the fight world, Cedric Doumbe emerges as a focal point yet again. The latest twist in his journey involves a change in opponents for the upcoming Bellator Champions Series in Paris. Originally slated to face Derek Anderson, Doumbe now steps into the cage against former LFA champion Jaleel Willis on May 17 at Accor Arena. For fans of the sport, Doumbe needs a little introduction. With a record of 5-1, his prowess inside the cage is a testament to his dedication and skill. However, it's not just about Doumbe's abilities; it's also about the narrative that unfolds with each bout, creating a tapestry of triumphs and challenges. On the other side of the Octagon stands Jaleel Willis, a fighter with a 16-5 record and a determination to make his mark in the Bellator arena. Hailing from Memphis, Tennessee, Willis brings a blend of experience and hunger, having earned his spot in Bellator after a commendable run on the regional circuit. The matchup is more than just a clash of styles; it's a convergence of stories. Willis, with his recent wins and setbacks, embodies resilience and the drive to bounce back stronger. Doumbe, coming off a controversial loss, seeks redemption and a chance to reaffirm his dominance. The stakes are high, especially with the event's stacked lineup that includes Patchy Mix vs. Magomed Magomedov for the bantamweight title, Gregory Babene vs. Costello van Steenis, Jonas Bilharinho vs. Yves Landu, and Archie Colgan vs. Thibault Gouti. It's a testament to Bellator's commitment to delivering top-tier matchups that captivate audiences worldwide. As the countdown to May 17 begins, the buzz around Doumbe vs. Willis grows louder. It's not just a fight; it's a narrative of resilience, skill, and the relentless pursuit of greatness in the heart of Paris.

Ryan Garcia is poised to earn a substantial sum, potentially exceeding $50 million, from his recent boxing match against Devin Haney. Dubbed 'KingRy,' Garcia made his return to the ring in a highly anticipated bout on DAZN pay-per-view over the weekend. Facing his long-time rival Devin Haney, with whom he had six encounters as an amateur, Garcia's victory was a significant moment in his career. Despite their even split in the amateur series, with each boxer claiming three wins, Haney entered the ring as the clear favorite. This was partly due to Garcia's pre-fight behavior, which he himself described as "crazy," leading to some wild betting odds. However, Garcia backed himself by placing millions on his own victory, a decision that ultimately paid off. Over the course of 12 rounds, Garcia secured three knockdowns and emerged victorious with a majority decision. In a recent interview with Patrick Bet-David, Garcia revealed that he anticipates earning between $30 million and $50 million from the bout. This figure includes his purse, the winnings from his bets, as well as his share of the gate and pay-per-view revenues. The final amount is still subject to the tallying of pay-per-view and ticket sales, which will significantly impact Garcia's overall earnings. Oscar De La Hoya has indicated that Garcia's return fight against Haney performed well on DAZN. "I don’t know [if my antics helped the fight overall] but I think it brought more eyes to it," Garcia commented on his recent appearance on the PBD Podcast. "The casual fans. I don’t know about the pay-per-view or tickets but we’re going to find out real soon. I’m projected to make around thirty to fifty million from the fight." Regarding the pay-per-view numbers, Garcia mentioned, "No [they haven’t released the pay-per-view numbers yet]. But Oscar said that they are very good. Very good, yeah." While Garcia's match with Haney was financially rewarding, he is already looking ahead to even bigger fights. Since his return to the ring, Garcia has expressed interest in a rematch with Gervonta Davis and a potential showdown with UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley.

Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Bill Haney, who have had unresolved issues, seemed to make progress in their relationship during a recent 10-minute video chat on Instagram. Despite some lingering tension, the conversation appeared to ease the strain between the two. Haney, the father, manager, and trainer of WBC super-lightweight champion Devin Haney, initiated the conversation by addressing Mayweather as "P.B.," a reference to their long-standing relationship. However, he started with hostility, referring to Mayweather with a derogatory term. The conversation took place following Devin Haney's recent loss to Ryan Garcia. Haney trained at Mayweather's gym for years before pursuing his own path. Since then, Bill Haney has criticized Mayweather for not supporting the underserved in Las Vegas and claimed that his son had achieved more at 25 than Mayweather had. During the chat, Mayweather offered his help to Devin Haney, stating that he would always be there for him. While the conversation ended on a lighter note, with Mayweather suggesting a private chat, there were tense moments. Haney expressed his displeasure with Mayweather seemingly refuting claims that Devin had outperformed him in sparring. Despite the tense exchange, Mayweather stayed on the call, trying to understand Haney's perspective. Haney, on the other hand, urged Mayweather to do more for the streets and criticized him for not acknowledging Haney's efforts to look out for Mayweather's children. The conversation ended with Mayweather offering support to Devin Haney and asking for a follow-up call, which Haney jokingly declined. Overall, the chat appeared to be a step toward resolving their differences.

After recovering from a broken arm sustained during his win over Jalin Turner last July, UFC lightweight contender Dan Hooker is eyeing a return to the octagon this summer. The New Zealand native recently expressed interest in facing Beneil Dariush at UFC 303, following Dariush's own desire for the matchup. "I would love to take that fight… June, International Fight Week, I will punch Beneil Dariush’s head clean off his shoulders. There is no doubt about it. That would obviously be my top pick," Hooker told TheAllStar. A fight between Hooker and Dariush makes sense on several fronts, especially given their rankings. Dariush is currently ranked sixth in the lightweight division, while Hooker sits at 11th. For Dariush, coming off back-to-back losses, a win against Hooker could propel him back into title contention. Hooker boasts a professional record of 23 wins and 12 losses, riding a two-fight winning streak. Before his victory over Turner, he secured a TKO win over Claudio Puelles, rebounding from a loss to Arnold Allen. On the other hand, Dariush is 22-6-1 as a pro but is currently on a two-fight losing streak, suffering knockout defeats to Arman Tsarukyan and Charles Oliveira. Prior to these losses, Dariush had an impressive eight-fight winning streak, defeating the likes of Mateusz Gamrot, Tony Ferguson, Drew Dober, Drakkar Klose, and Thiago Moises.

Boxing fans are in for a treat this August as a highly anticipated clash between super-welterweights Vergil Ortiz and Tim Tszyu is reportedly set to take place on August 3 in Los Angeles, California. The news, reported by ESPN, has sent waves of excitement through the boxing world. The bout is expected to be part of a star-studded card at the BMO Stadium, headlined by Terence Crawford facing WBA world super-welterweight champion Israil Madrimov. The event, set to be announced soon, marks the first American venture of Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority. The promotion will be organized by Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing. Before Ortiz can focus on Tszyu, he must first face Thomas Dulorme on April 27 in Fresno, California. The fight with Dulorme serves as the co-main event to Jose Ramirez’s return against Rances Barthelemy. Meanwhile, Tszyu is looking to bounce back from his first career loss suffered last month against Sebastian Fundora. The bloody encounter ended in a split decision, with Fundora taking Tszyu's WBO world title and claiming the vacant WBC world title. The undercard to Crawford-Madrimov is set to feature Isaac Cruz defending his WBA super lightweight title against Jose Valenzuela, as well as heavyweights Jarrell Miller and Andy Ruiz in action. The BMO Stadium, with a capacity of 22,000, promises to be a venue filled with excitement and anticipation for boxing fans.

UFC welterweight contender Stephen Thompson recently addressed the possibility of a fight against Michael Page, agreeing with Page's concerns about the potential for a lackluster bout due to their similar styles. Thompson, known for his dynamic striking abilities, acknowledged the counter-striking similarities between himself and Page, which could lead to a cautious and less engaging fight for fans. Despite the hype surrounding a potential matchup between the two skilled fighters, Thompson emphasized the importance of delivering an entertaining fight that lives up to expectations. In an interview with Inside Fighting, Thompson reflected on Page's recent victory over Kevin Holland and the discussions about a potential showdown between them. While recognizing Page's talents and their shared martial arts background, Thompson expressed reservations about the fight's potential excitement level. "A positive and a positive doesn't always make a positive," Thompson stated, echoing Page's sentiments. "We're both counterstrikers, very similar styles, so it could possibly be me and him bouncing out there in the middle just waiting on somebody to do something, and even though we have similar styles, that doesn't always make it an exciting fight." Thompson, who is coming off a submission loss to Shavkat Rakhmonov, emphasized his desire for entertaining matchups that showcase his skills and provide excitement for fans. While he remains open to facing strong grapplers, he highlighted the importance of delivering an epic performance for the fans. "I'm in the entertainment industry, and I want my fights to be entertaining," Thompson explained. "I want the fans to go, 'That was epic.' Kind of like the Kevin Holland fight that I had because he was game." Thompson also mentioned other potential opponents, including Ian Garry, whom he views as exciting challenges that could test his abilities in the octagon. As discussions about future matchups continue, Thompson's focus remains on delivering thrilling performances and engaging fights that leave a lasting impact on UFC fans.