Islam Makhachev

Not every win can look as clean and pretty as that Alexander Volkanovski rematch; sometimes these elite-level wins are just hard miles that the true all-time greats manage to accrue. With this victory, Islam Makhachev not only surpassed Anderson Silva for the longest ever UFC win streak, but he accomplished something that the other double champs arguably haven’t done: defeat the true number one contender in their new division. Ian Machado Garry is a 28-year-old who had solidified his case as next in line, is tough to look against, and a 34-year-old Makhachev still got the job done.

As for what’s next, there are two viable contenders in Carlos Prates and Michael Morales. There is no wrong answer, but I went with Morales since he, in theory, poses a more interesting and physically imposing challenge for Islam.

Makhachev’s next fight: Michael Morales

Mackenzie Dern

Until she slowed down and ultimately punted that fifth round, Mackenzie Dern looked as good as she ever has, dominating ang shutting out Gillian Robertson for 20 of those 25 minutes. Some will still call Dern’s title a “paper belt” since she didn’t beat Zhang Weili for it, but until the Chinese legend actually announces an official comeback, the division will simply have to move on without her. That would mean that Tatiana Suarez should be next, which, after Virna Jandiroba and Robertson, should make for another interesting grappling test for Dern.

Dern’s next fight: Tatiana Suarez

Jalin Turner

A win over a geriatric Edson Barboza last December didn’t tell us much about where Jalin Turner was in his career, after a sudden retirement in March of 2025. Taking care of a hungry Kaue Fernandes who came in on a three-fight win streak does tell us a lot more about what we can expect from “The Tarantula” going forward. I wouldn’t be opposed to fiving Turner his shot to take back the ranked spot he once held, but instead went with Drew Dober, if only for the action potential.

Turner’s next fight: Drew Dober

Dustin Stoltzfus

Dustin Stoltzfus may have busted more than a few parlays, pulling off the upset against Mansur Abdul-Malik as a near five-to-one underdog. After surviving the usual early onslaught from Abdul-Malik, Stoltzfus weathered the storm, hurt Mansur and snatched a rear-naked choke. With this win, Stoltzfus keeps his spot as a viable litmus test for young middleweights. I’d like to see if Donte Johnson, who was also victorious on Saturday, can pass this test.

Stoltzfus’ next fight: Donte Johnson

Esteban Ribovics

I have nothing good to say about this kind of matchmaking from the UFC. Sending a 40-year-old Edson Barboza out there to speedrun some more CTE serves little to no purpose for this promotion. As for Ribovics, he gets to keep serve and hold his position as a TV-friendly fighter. Let’s give him a matchup that will produce similar levels of action, but how about we make it age-appropriate? Let’s give him Manuel Torres.

Ribovics’ next fight: Manuel Torres

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“If it was up to me I would probably be…I just want to help people. I just want to do other things, I want to be praying for people, ministering for people, coaching, helping others. I just want to help serve people,” he said.

“Even when I retired I was ready to just start coaching, doing anything else. Me finding my faith, and this relationship with God, it’s really shown and opened up my eyes. He audibly told me ‘I want you in that area.’ So I’m like ok. You want me here, I’m here, I’m doing it out of obedience.”

Turner’s return is less about rediscovering his love for fighting and more about approaching the sport with a new perspective. His renewed faith has lifted some of that pressure, allowing Turner to focus on the work rather than the result.

“I did love this at one point. It’s not like there’s any love lost, it’s just I found a different passion for it. Finding a higher power, finding that connection that relationship, it’s made it to the point that I come in here free,” Turner said.

“The results aren’t ultimately on me. I show up, I do what I love, I’m training. The outcome is in his hands.”

Stepping away from the sport also gave Turner a chance to appreciate the talent and hunger surrounding him at Bloodline Combat Sports in California. But through all those voices, it was longtime friend and UFC veteran Cub Swanson who reminded him just how quickly things can turn around.

“Stepping away, seeing these guys that are hungry, dude they’re so good. There’s so much talent in that room, and there’s guys that are hungry, guys that deserve to be in the UFC. Richie Miranda just got his opportunity. I was happy for him. Danny Silva I just hope he gets his health back and he’s been a killer. Lerryan (Douglas) he has hands of stone, bro,” he said.

“Having a vet like Cub (Swanson) in my ear helping me out through my challenges because he’s been through some ups and downs. He’s like, ‘All you need is one good win and everything will shift. All you need is one.’ I’ve known Cub since I was 18-years-old. He saw my fight as an amateur so he’s always believed in me.”

Turner isn’t setting a return date just yet, but he’s clearly ready to get back in the cage. Armed with a new five-fight deal, he’s simply waiting for the UFC, and the man upstairs, to give him the green light.

“I signed a new five-fight deal. I know I’m here, I know this is what God’s called me to do,” he said.

“When I retire the next time, for sure going to retire, like I’m done. I’m just waiting for that call. God we good? Alright, cool.”

Watch the entire post-fight scrum with Jalin Turner above.

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Islam Makhachev and Mackenzie Dern retained their titles to close out the night, but it was the undercard, including the prelims, that collected the bonus money. With no Fight of the Night awarded at UFC 330, four fighters earned $100,000 Performance of the Night bonuses.

Among them, Charles Johnson, who landed a Scottish Twister on Eduardo Chapolin, the first time that particular variant of the submission had been used successfully in the UFC. Jeremiah Wells, pushing 40, earned a technical submission over Myktybek Orolbai to kick off that card, as the only hometown fighter on the card. No surprise that he also cashed in come bonus time.

Dustin Stoltzfus earned an upset submission of Mansur Abdul-Malik on the UFC 330 main card to punch his ticket at a 100K bonus, while Jalin Turner knocked out Kaue Fernandes in just 39 seconds one fight later to close out the Performance bonuses.

The remaining finishers on the card all collect $25,000, with Esteban Ribovics, Donte Johnson, Lucas Fernando, and Neil Magny also cashing in. Per UFC CEO and President Dana White, the gate for UFC 330 was $6.7 million, breaking the record at the Xfinity Mobile Arena by $2.2 million. Attendance was 19,238.

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There, both men looked to build on recent success. It was Turner, however, getting the job done before the fight even got going.

Fresh off his win over Edson Barboza, who coincidentally retired earlier in the night, Turner came out and got right to work. Tagging Fernandes off a missed spinning back fist with a left hand, Turner was in the perfect spot. Fernandes went down, and Turner, a.k.a. “The Tarantula,” got right on top of him. Lefts and rights came raining down, bomb after bomb, with Fernandes unable to do anything more but cover up. It was a clear KO finish with the ref soon coming in to make the save.

Improving to 16-9 with the one-sided, lightning-fast victory, Turner has now won two straight. Speaking with Joe Rogan after the fight, Turner said he’d “like to see a number next to my name again.” Noting he’d been ranked before, he added that he was open to fighting anyone in the top five, top ten, or top fifteen.

While top five might be a stretch, it wouldn’t be shocking to see him get a ranked opponent next time out.

Official Result: Jalin Turner def. Kaue Fernandes by KO, Round 1, 0:39

The post UFC 330: Jalin Turner Overwhelms Kaue Fernandes, Gets Quick Finish appeared first on Cageside Press.

Turner, still just 30, was facing a veteran in Barboza, who had been with the UFC since 2010, and had pulled off some of the company’s top highlight reel knocks. Despite struggling of late with two straight losses and a 2-2 record in his last four, Brazil’s Barboza had three post-fight bonuses in that span.

Both fighters chose to stand and trade in the first round with Barboza throwing threatening body kicks early. Turner cracked Barboza over the top with a right hand, as Barboza was already leaking blood from an elbow to the top of his head. Turner landed a flush strike on the inside that floored Barboza. Turner continued marching as Barboza fought to his feet. Pouring blood from the right side of his face, Barboza was fading quickly. Turner showed killer instinct in his return stopping the longtime contender Edson Barboza with an accumulation of strikes against the cage.

Referee Herb Dean called a stop to the action at two minutes and twenty four seconds in the first round. Coming back from a short retirement, Jalin Turner has put his name back into contendership with a dominant stoppage win in his return.

Turner was very emotional in his post fight interview with Joe Rogan, admitting that “I almost gave up on my dream,” and urging fans not to do the same. Looking as good as we have ever seen him Jalin “The Turantuala” Turner just showcased his skill and reminded the division just how talented he is.

Official Result: Jalin Turner def. Edson Barboza by TKO, Round 1, 2:24

The post UFC 323: Jalin Turner Makes Stellar Return From Retirement, Stops Edson Barboza appeared first on Cageside Press.

 

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“Thank you for all the love and support! I started training MMA at 18 in 2013. I started training in my backyard, a SoCal, LA born, IE raised kid with no path and a big dream. God opened the door to MMA when I didn’t know where else to go. I gave myself 4 years to fight in a big promotion and I did, then the 5th year I got to the UFC in 2018. Made it to the top 10 in the toughest division. I made it in a video game. Looking back, it doesn’t feel real. I love you all. I’m sorry I lost my focus and fire earlier than ever expected. 29 years young, time is on my good side. I wish I could reply to everyone’s messages. Just know all the positivity has helped me more than you all know. I appreciate it all!”

Then he added,“Things can change …We’ll see what the future holds.“

Turner (14-9) put up a tough fight against Ignacio Bahamondes at UFC 313 on Saturday night before losing the bout via submission in the first round. Bahamondes said in the post-fight scrum that Turner told him he was going to retire after the loss.

Bahamondes pleaded with him not to call it a career.

“Yeah I told him don’t do that. Don’t do that, come on, if you need help, if you need something, I’m here,” Bahamondes said.

“If you need to come to Chicago and train so just to love it again I told him he could stay in my house. No problem. I’m open to help him, our team is open to help him. I just told him to go back home, just think about it, but please don’t do it. He pushed me to my best and make me so better. He’s still got a lot more to give to this sport.”

Turner finishes his career with a 14-9 professional record including a 7-6 run in the UFC. A short stint in Bellator brought him two wins with no losses. He holds victories over Uros Medic, Brad Riddell, Jamie Mullarkey, Josh Culibao, and King Green.

The post Jalin Turner Confirms Retirement, “Things can change…” appeared first on Cageside Press.

For those keeping track, all of UFC 313’s bonuses were earned on the main card. The Fight of the Night came in the short notice co-main event rematch where Justin Gaethje triumphed once again over Rafael Fiziev. And in the last fight of the night, Alex Pereira lost his light heavyweight belt to Magomed Ankalaev by unanimous decision.

The main card had a little bit of everything: a war, a submission, a retirement, a KO of the Year contender and a title changing hands. Some obvious and some not so obvious picks on this edition of our losers matchmaker piece.

Alex Pereira

Alex Pereira lost in his fourth title defense to a grappling-heavy Magomed Ankalaev on Saturday. UFC 313’s main event saw Pereira defending takedown after takedown, suffering a knockdown and putting up a valiant effort, but ultimately, coming up short. Pereira is now 9-2 with the UFC and no longer undefeated at 205lbs. Saturday’s title fight was the only that Alex has been in with the UFC that has not ended with a finish.

Magomed, who was the #1 ranked light heavyweight coming into the bout, is 12-1-1, 1 NC while with the promotion. Ankalaev has looked incredibly dominant against all his opponents recently (outside of Jan Blachowicz who took him to a draw). Pretty much the only fight to make here barring something unexpected happening is to run this one back immediately. I think this fight left a bad taste in the mouths of a lot of fight fans. With a champion as dominant as Pereira it only makes sense to run it back especially with most of the division already booked up.

Pereira’s next fight: Magomed Ankalaev rematch

Rafael Fiziev

Rafael Fiziev put on an excellent short notice performance but ultimately lost a unanimous decision to Justin Gaethje in the co-main event of UFC 313 Saturday. Fans had not seen Fiziev since February of 2023 when a knee injury triggered a second round TKO loss to Mateusz Gamrot.

Fiziev entered the fight ranked at #11 in the lightweight division. Gaethje entered the fight ranked at #3 though he was originally scheduled to take on the #6 ranked Dan Hooker. The UFC decided to go with Rafael as their replacement and the Fight of the Night co-main event at UFC 313, was ensuing the result.

Fiziev has now lost three fights in a row but with a huge asterisk next to that stat. Two decisions against Gaethje, one on short notice, and then getting injured against Gamrot. Now likely in good graces with both the promotional brass and fans, Fiziev should expect a solid matchup next. Enter Beniel Dariush, who should be Rafael Fiziev’s next opponent.

Dariush is another one of those fighters in the very deep 155lbs roster that is often the odd man out. The #9 ranked lightweight has lost his last two fights and didn’t make it out of the first round in either (against Charles Oliveira and Arman Tsarukyan). Beneil was booked to take on Renato Moicano in January but had to step aside when Rentao was rebooked for a short notice title bout.

Fiziev could also fight the loser of #12 Paddy Pimblett vs. #7 Michael Chandler. That fight goes down at UFC 314 on April 12th. Fiziev getting the loser would mean getting a big name either way that fight goes. Fiziev needs a win, and he needs it over a name with a ranking. But most importantly, he needs fights- you have to stay active. All three potential opponents present an opportunity for Fiziev to showcase his dangerous striking pedigree.

Fiziev’s next fight: Beneil Dariush or Paddy Pimblett vs. Michael Chandler loser

Jalin Turner

Jalin Turner was quickly submitted by Ignacio Bahamondes in the first round of their bout on Saturday. The shocking finish triggered a surprising retirement from an emotional Jalin Turner at just 29 years old.

Turner has now lost four of his last five fights since March of 2023. In that two-year stretch, Turner’s only victory came in December of 2023 against King Green. Jalin entered Saturday night’s fight ranked at #13 at lightweight while his foe was unranked.

The 2018 Contender Series alum pulled off a 5-fight win streak from 2020-2022 and looked extremely promising. If this is it for Turner, it’s been a great career and he’s done a lot in the most competitive division of the sport. I think it’s possible that Turner could fight again with the promotion as it seemed like he was extremely emotional when announcing his retirement. At 6’3″, with a 75.5″ reach, maybe Jalin could have a career resurgence at 170lbs.

Turner competed once at welterweight while in the UFC, losing to Vicente Luque in 2018. It could be a very different story if Turner revisited the weight class after taking a short hiatus from the sport to regain his fire. For his resurgence at welterweight an opponent like Li Jingliang would make a lot of sense. Li has lost three of his last four but to names like Khamzat Chimaev, Daniel Rodriguez and Carlos Prates. “The Leech” last fought in August of last year and would give up some size to Turner standing at 6’0 tall with a 72″ reach. Li is always in good scraps and has been with the UFC over a decade. At 36 years old he is a dangerous but beatable opponent for Jalin. Turner should give it one more shot, and moving up in weight would give him the best opportunity to do just that.

Turner’s next fight: Retirement or move up to 170lbs. and fight Li Jingliang

Iasmin Lucindo

Iasmin Lucindo turned in a lackluster performance Saturday on her way to a unanimous decision defeat against Amanda Lemos. It was a huge opportunity for the 23-year-old as it was her first appearance on a UFC main card.  Unfortunately, she just couldn’t put it together. Iasmin didn’t seem to have an answer for the veteran Saturday as she lost just the second fight of her UFC career, snapping a four fight win streak.

Lucindo entered the fight ranked at #7, Lemos was ranked at #5 in the women’s strawweight division.

Iasmin should fight Tabatha Ricci in her next bout. Ricci last competed in November when she lost against Xiaonan Yan. An earlier loser’s edition had Ricci taking on Marina Rodriguez. But Rodriguez has since been booked to take on Gillian Robertson on May 3rd. Ricci would be a great fight for Lucindo as both fighters are at similar stages in their UFC careers. Solid top 10 prospects that have suffered a few defeats and need to get back on track. Winner of this fight could be looking at a big name in the top 5-6 if they pull off a flashy finish.

Lucindo’s next fight: Tabatha Ricci 

King Green

At UFC 313 on Saturday, King Green was on the wrong side of a highlight reel finish courtesy of Mauricio Ruffy. The spinning wheel kick KO was a wild start to UFC 313’s main card. Green has not made it to the final bell in his last four losses. Green turns 39 in September and his 27-fight UFC stint are a mere loss away from the .500 mark. With a brutal stoppage like that, King, undoubtedly will need time to recover. When Green returns, revisiting the Jared Gordon matchup could be intriguing.

Green fought Gordon in April of 2023. But the fight ended in a no contest in the first round after an accidental clash of heads. It’s the only no contest Green has ever had in his professional MMA career. Green’s only other somewhat unresolved bout was a split draw to Lando Vannata in 2017. Green defeated Vannata by unaimous decision in 2020, when the two finally ran that fight back. Both of those bouts ended up winning fight of the night honors as well.

Gordon is 1-1 since fighting Green. In November of 2023, Jared stopped (and retired) Mark Madsen in the first round before dropping a split decision to Nasrat Haqparast last June. Gordon has had three bouts canceled in the nearly two years since he’s fought King. With one of the cancelled bouts being opposite of Green’s only win in the last four bouts (Jim Miller). UFC should run this one back for some guaranteed action between two fighters at around the same spot in their careers with the promotion. Whoever loses, especially if its ugly, could be a loss away from being cut with how crowded and competitive the division is.

Green’s next fight: Jared Gordon Rematch 

The post What’s Next: UFC 313 Losers appeared first on Cageside Press.

Then it came true.

“Honestly, I don’t know what’s happening. I’m kind of getting scared. I don’t know, maybe I got super powers,” Bahamondes joked with reporters including Cageside Press at his post-fight scrum.

“I can see the future or something. I dream about this like a month ago, and I don’t know. I’m kind of getting scared.”

Bahamondes (17-5) did in fact submit Turner on Saturday night, but he didn’t think it’d be by triangle choke.

“Not really (a triangle), but it was a submission,” that Bahamondes pulled off in his dream.

“We got like an exchange, then we went to the floor, and then I got him in a submission and I submit him. Then I wake up and said oh I guess that’s how I’m going to win.”

Turner announced his retirement just minutes after losing the fight with Bahamondes which didn’t sit well with the winner. He felt compassion for his opponent, and hopes he doesn’t actually call it a career.

“Yeah I told him don’t do that. Don’t do that, come on, if you need help, if you need something, I’m here,” he said.

“If you need to come to Chicago and train so just to love it again I told him he could stay in my house. No problem. I’m open to help him, our team is open to help him. I just told him to go back home, just think about it, but please don’t do it. He pushed me to my best and make me so better. He’s still got a lot more to give to this sport.”

 

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 Watch the entire post-fight scrum with Ignacio Bahamondes above.

The post Ignacio Bahamondes Saw Submission Win In His Dreams, Hopes Turner Continues appeared first on Cageside Press.

Turner (14-8) had an opponent be able to look at him in the eyes for the first time in a long time at UFC 313. The 6’3 155er arrived in Las Vegas off a tough loss to Renato Moicano at UFC 300 last April. Having had a tough run as of recent following an impressive 4-fight win streak he hoped to get back to winning at UFC 313.

Bahamondes (16-5) was more than excited to get Turner as an opponent having called him out before. The also 6’3 lightweight brought his two-fight win streak to UFC 313 with finishes over Christo Giagos and most recently Manuel Torres at Noche UFC.

Round 1 both Turner and Bahamondes came out ready to go. Bahamondes attacked with leg kicks, which Turner clearly expected, as he countered many of them perfectly with strikes up top.

They clinched, but Bahamondes used it to drag Turner down on top of him. After a minute or so of grappling he snatched a beautiful triangle choke and forced the tap.

Bahamondes is the new hot name at 155 pounds while Turner now has to figure out where this loss leaves him in the division.

Official Result: Ignacio Bahamondes def. Jalin Turner via R1 SUB (Triangle), 2:29

The post Igancio Bahamondes Grabs R1 Triangle Finish Over Turner appeared first on Cageside Press.

“I love it. I love it. Since I got into the UFC I knew I was going to fight him. Just because he’s tall, I’m tall,” Bahamondes told reporters including Cageside Press on Wednesday.

“Every day they were saying oh he’s the tallest in the division, and then the other commenter said oh what about Ignacio Bahamondes? He’s tall too. He’s 6’3 too! So I knew it was going to happen. I was ready for it.”

Bahamondes (16-5) actually wanted to fight Turner sooner than UFC 313.

“I thought it was going to be before. (At) Noche we asked for him. The fight (didn’t happen), but soon as I got out of the cage I talked to Sean Shelby,” he said.

“Told him Jalen Turner. He’s next. I want to be on the top 15”

Besides a big fight at UFC 313 Bahamondes has had a busy personal life. More specifically an addition to the Bahamondes family.

“My life is beautiful right now. I have my baby is going to be 7-months (on the) 9th. My wife she’s the best she’s the MVP of every camp. I’m so blessed I’m living my dream,” he said.

“Whenever I got back from Noche I think I didn’t (leave) the house for two weeks. It was so beautiful. It made me emotional because how much time I could spend with my kid. It’s something that men don’t talk (enough about). I always told me wife you got the hardest job in the world.”

Mom is the MVP, but dad life is for real.

“Nobody talk(s) about the dads. Like whenever they got to leave in the morning, leaving the kid and the wife, losing those beautiful times. (Missing) those beautiful times like whenever he started saying ‘papa’ whenever he started moving or doing something funny,” he said.

“It’s hard so having those times and being able to have time with my kid is the best thing that (ever) happened to me.”

 

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Watch the entire media day scrum with Ignacio Bahamondes above. He takes on Jalin Turner at UFC 313 on Saturday night.

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