MMA Knockout

MMA & Boxing Today: UFC 300 Finalized, Miami Becomes UFC Hotbed, Anthony Joshua Makes Statement + More

Find out what happened in the world of combat sports during a busy week of action.

Zain Bando

MMA & Boxing Today: UFC 300 Finalized, Miami Becomes UFC Hotbed, Anthony Joshua Makes Statement + More
MMA & Boxing Today: UFC 300 Finalized, Miami Becomes UFC Hotbed, Anthony Joshua Makes Statement + More /

MMA Knockout’s Zain Bando is back with another weekly combat sports update, a deep dive into the world of combat sports and a recap of the biggest news stories.

Whether it was Sean O’Malley’s dominant five-round striking display against Marlon Vera in his first successful title defense at UFC 299, or Anthony Joshua’s thunderous knockout of Francis Ngannou, the combat sports world had something for everyone. 

Without further ado, let’s get to the news.

Sean O'Malley during a UFC press conference.
(via Zuffa LLC)

Dana White credits UFC fanbase for appearing in Miami

When the dust finally settled in Miami, Fla., Saturday night, Dana White quickly gave props where it was due.

For the last three years, White and the UFC prioritized Florida when hosting events, as there were fewer COVID restrictions. With the pandemic in the past, White recognizes the city of Miami as a key destination to put on yearly events.

UFC 299 Video: Former POTUS Donald Trump Gets Overwhelming Ovation in Miami

UFC 299's $14.14 million-dollar gate was the highest in Kaseya Center history, breaking a record previously set by UFC 287 in April 2023.

“Miami is on fire,” White told reporters. “It is such a great destination.”

White put Miami in the same category as Las Vegas, MSG, and Anaheim as staple destinations for future pay-per-views. It remains to be seen if another return is plausible later in the calender.

Dana White UFC
(Zuffa LLC)

Sean O’Malley has options regarding his next title defense

O’Malley’s victory over Vera marked the beginning of a promising title run at 135 lbs. Despite Merab Dvalishvili‘s status as the clear No. 1 contender, O’Malley is seeking an even greater challenge in newly minted featherweight champion, Ilia Topuria.

Topuria became just the second fighter in UFC history to dethrone former kingpin Alexander Volkanovski, ushering in a new era in the division.

UFC 299 Results: Sean O'Malley vs. Chito Vera Ends in One-Sided Masterclass

O’Malley wants to face Topuria at UFC 305 or UFC 306. “Dana, get me a jet to Spain,” O’Malley said in the Octagon after defeating Vera.

(via Zuffa LLC)

Anthony Joshua re-defines fighting logic with KO against Francis Ngannou

Joshua sent a message to Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk that the heavyweight championship will have to go through him.

Boxing News: Anthony Joshua Knocks Out Francis Ngannou in Devastating Fashion

A second-round KO against former UFC heavyweight champion Ngannou was all Joshua needed to make his statement crystal clear.

Regardless, Joshua will have to wait for Fury and Usyk to fight, and possibly rematch, in order to see who is the greatest heavyweight boxer in the world. Only time will tell.

Eddie Hearn Names 3 Big Next Fights for Anthony Joshua
Reuters

UFC 300’s bout order and promo finalized

During the UFC 299 pay-per-view broadcast, the first official promo package for UFC 300 aired. 

Anticipation continues to mount as the UFC is less than a month away from the milestone event taking place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

UFC 300: 'BMF' Title Fight & the Return of Jim Miller Added to Las Vegas Showcase

Check out the promo below, featuring the likes of Jamahal Hill, Alex Pereira, Justin Gaethje, Max Holloway, and other notable names.

Content is unavailable

Besides the trailer reveal, they announced the official bout order, which included moving Bo Nickal vs. Cody Brundage to the pay-per-view portion, along with the final fight announcement between Renato Moicano and Jalin Turner.

At press time, there is no word on whether UFC 300 will have any abnormal broadcast elements given its stature in MMA.

The PFL was also back in the fold, as it began its European season Thursday. With March moving quickly, expect April to add even more action-packed activity, especially with the No. 2 promotion.

To conclude, the calendar now shifts back to Las Vegas for UFC Vegas 88 from the UFC APEX, kicking off Saturday night at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.

Stick with MMA Knockout for more daily coverage of the UFC, MMA, WWE, and AEW.

Follow MMA Knockout on Twitter and Facebook.

Published
Zain Bando
ZAIN BANDO

Zain Bando is a writer for MMA Knockout, part of the Sports Illustrated/Minute Media umbrella. He has covered combat sports since 2019 for notable outlets BJPenn.com and FanSided MMA. He also co-hosts a podcast called "The MMA Outsiders," part of the Empty The Bench Podcast Network, which airs Tuesday nights at 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT. A Chicago suburban native, Bando has been enthralled with MMA since 2006 and has been fortunate to attend some of the most high-profile events in the sport's history, both as a fan and media member, including UFC 264, Bellator 297 and Kayla Harrison's PFL MMA debut. He is excited to take the next step in his combat sports writing journey and looks forward to continuing his following of the fight game for years to come. Bando can be reached via email at zainbando99@gmail.com or by social media @zainbando99

Home/UFC