Mixed Martial Arts is a sport that allows for and crafts some of the most inspirational stories in professional sport competition. Whether it be the story of Francis Ngannou battling through the poverty-ridden streets of Cameroon or Chael Sonnen having to wash the dishes when the maid did not show, the early years of a fighter's life can bring forward motivation, fortitude, and strength. For Datrelle Kozeluh, the environment around him would not deter his dreams of a career in MMA.
Much like any other sport, fight fans enjoy the liberty of rooting for and following the careers of any particular fighter that they choose to follow. This freedom often bring a certain loyalty to their respective fighter(s). Many fight fans mutually enjoy well-respected, top athletes across the globe like ONE Championship's Rodtang and UFC's Alexander Volkanovski. Of course, the opposite side of the coin here is true as well. There are certain figures within the combat sports community that fight fans, well, simply can not stand. So, in no particular order, here is the most disliked figures in combat sports today.
Bellator returns to Paris, France, today with an exciting 14-fight card. In the main event, the "Dream Catcher" Gegard Mousasi will look to earn a rematch against Johnny Eblen for the Bellator Middleweight Championship after losing the title at Bellator 282. To earn the honor, Mousasi will have to get through the incredibly skilled Fabian Edwards.
Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship is back and bringing its biggest event in the history of the promotion to the 1stBank center in Broomfield, Colorado as former UFC contender Chad Mendes takes on former UFC lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez and in the main event former UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold faces former UFC talent Mike Perry.
Rizin did not disappoint when it came to star power for Rizin Landmark 5. They booked some of their most popular fighters for their second show of the year. In the main event, Mikuru Asakura will take on former featherweight champion Juntaro Ushiku. In the co-main event, former K-1 kickboxer Ren Hiramoto will take on the returning Yutaka Saito. There is also the return of Rena, Kanna Asakura, Roque Martinez, and much more to look forward to.
The U.S. Midwest has seen an exponential amount of growth of interest in combat sports throughout the last few years. Since 2022, major MMA promotions like Legacy Fighting Alliance and Bellator have held events throughout the region and regional combat sports promotions seemingly hold an event each month.
The dust has settled after an explosive evening of action-packed fights this past weekend at Bellator 293 in Temecula.
Here are our five biggest takeaways from Temecula:
A lightweight champion will be crowned in the newly founded Anthony Pettis Fighting Championship on April 23rd. Midwest MMA staple Josh Rohler will step into the cage against the highly touted Johnny Hopper for the 155-lb. strap. MMASucka was able to get an inside look into the career, faith, and fight ahead for Ohio's "Rockin" Rohler.
