Keita (16-1) was making his much anticipated promotional debut in Paris. He misses weight for the first time in his professional career that included a run as a two-division champion at 145 and 155 pounds.

Pitbull (37-8) was justifiably upset with the miss having traveled to Paris, made weight, and on short-notice.

To say Patricio Pitbull is disappointed that Losene Keita couldn’t make weight is an understatement. #UFCParis pic.twitter.com/nfoNGyPPzQ

— Cageside Press (@Cagesidepress) September 5, 2025

“I did my part, but my opponent didn’t do his. I was called on short notice, traveled, dealt with jet lag and made weight. My opponent was at home, had 3 more hours to try and chose not to. I really would like to fight on the UFC Rio card. I’ll face anyone who makes weight @UFC,” Pitbull wrote on X.

He wasn’t done. In an interview for UFC social media he continued letting loose on Keita.

“I’m absolutely sure he didn’t try going to the bath tub [to cut more weight]. There’s plenty of ways. He was surrounded by kids. There was no one older to put him in place, ‘Stay there, go make weight’.

At 9am he weighed in, he was over, and instead of trying until 11am, which is the limit, he was eating baby food. F*ck you, man. If you want to blame anyone, blame my opponent. Black Panther? He’s Fat Panther.”

No word on if the UFC will try to rebook the fight, but it’s notable that Pitbull called out Arnold Allen for a fight at UFC Rio later this year.

The post Losene Keita Misses Weight, Fight With Pitbull Cancelled appeared first on Cageside Press.

Kicking off this UFC Shanghai edition of TTP is our interview with Dana White’s Contender Series welterweight, Wes Schultz. Schultz talks about his first run on the Contende Series, where he faced Mansur Abdul-Malik. Then he shares where his head went in between fights and whether or not he’d be invited back to the show. After that “Party Time” breaks down his upcoming fight with Mario Mingaj, which takes place during an October episode of Dana White’s Contender Series.

Fights, Dogs and Parlays: UFC Paris (14:06)

Two weeks removed from UFC Shanghai, we’re finally back to live fights. UFC Paris takes place bright and early on Saturday and it’s headlined by a pair of middleweights looking for a title fight. Fighting Nerd, Caio Borralho looks to take the number one spot from its current owner Nassourdine Imavov. Plus, the co-main event sees his teammate Mauricio Ruffy get a big step up against Benoit St. Denis. We’ll break down those fights as well as some of our other favorite fights on the main card. Plus, as always, we’re hitting you with an underdog and a plus-money parlay that we think will make your wallet fat this weekend. For this segment, all odds via FanDuel Sportsbook.

Chasen Blair Interview (19:34)

Closing out this UFC Paris edition of TTP is our interview with Dana White’s Contender Series lightweight, Chasen Blair. Blair also talks about his first effort at Dana White’s Contender Series and the awkward circumstances behind it. Plus, he shares his thoughts on his path to get there in the first place. He also talks about his friendship with Paddy Pimblett and how training with him has helped to lead him back to the show. And, of course, we end everything with a breakdown of his upcoming fight. He throws down next Tuesday on Dana White’s Contender Series against Samuel Sanches.

The post TTP Ep. 496: Wes Schultz, Chasen Blair, and UFC Paris appeared first on Cageside Press.

The UFC made the announcement on Tuesday morning.

Paris has become a yearly destination for the UFC marking their fourth event in the city since 2022. The promotion made it’s debut there in 2022 with a headliner of Cyril Gane vs. Tai Tuivasa. Gane took the victory by TKO in the third round.

Since then many French mixed martial artists have begun to make noise in the UFC. Most recently Manon Fiorot challenged Valentina Shevchenko for the UFC flyweight title at UFC 315 in May.

Benoit Saint-Denis has made waves in the lightweight division and comes off a submission victory over Kyle Prepolec on that same card. One interesting potential matchup for the ‘God of War’ would be Mateusz Gamrot who has been calling him out recently.

Other French fighters who have been making their way in their divisions include Nassourdine Imavov, Fares Ziam, William Gomis, Morgan Charriere and Nora Cornolle.

No bouts have been announced for the card at this time.

UFC Paris takes place on Sept 6 at Accor Arena in Paris, France. The event will be a fight night.

The post UFC Returns To Paris On September 6 appeared first on Cageside Press.

If UFC Rankings Aren’t Total Bullshit, I Should Be Ranked #6 in the Lightweight Division Tomorrow. Why? In the last 8 months, I’ve fought 3 times and I’m on a 6-fight win streak in the lightweight division, with 5 stoppages. Yet, ranked above me are:

— Renato Moicano UFC (@moicanoufc) October 1, 2024

“If UFC Rankings Aren’t Total Bullshit, I Should Be Ranked #6 in the Lightweight Division Tomorrow. Why? In the last 8 months, I’ve fought 3 times and I’m on a 6-fight win streak in the lightweight division, with 5 stoppages,” said his tweet.

Moicano (20-5-1) has a point. In his last 6-fights, at lightweight, he holds victories over Jai Herbert, Alexander Hernandez, Brad Riddell, Drew Dober, Jalin Turner, and now Benoit Saint-Denis. Keep in mind the one loss he holds in that time span is one to Rafael dos Anjos that ended up being a 160-pound catchweight.

‘Money’ wasn’t done pleading his case. He went onto criticize the fighters ranked above him.

“#10 Max Holloway: A legend, but he’s a 145 and will be facing Topuria for the featherweight belt at UFC 308. Even if he loses, his spot in the lightweight rankings makes no sense. He just beat Gaethje, so if anything, he should be ranked #3. I’d gladly take #7 if that was case,” he said in the thread.

Holloway is indeed continuing his run at featherweight with the main event title shot coming up against Topuria at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi.

“#9 Rafael Fiziev: Coming off 2 losses to Mateusz Gamrot and Justin Gaethje. His last fight was in September 2023. #8 Mateusz Gamrot: Coming off a loss to Dan Hooker in August 2024,” he continued. 

“#7 Beneil Dariush: Coming off 2 losses to Charles Oliveira and Arman Tsarukyan. His last fight was in December 2023,” Moicano said about Dariush. 

The criticism that makes the most sense if that of Michael Chandler who has not fought since Nov 2022 where he lost via submission to Dustin Poirier.

“#6 Michael Chandler: If anyone doesn’t deserve this spot, it’s Michael Chandler. He’s 2-3 in the UFC, coming off a loss to Dustin Poirier in November 2022. Since then, he’s been sitting out, waiting for Conor McGregor’s return, and only now decided to fight Charles Oliveira,” he said.

Moicano’s case hangs on losses and inactivity. He has fought three times in 2024, none in 2023 due to injury, and three times in 2022.

With the shoulder injury suffered during camp for Saint Denis it’s likely Moicano will be out for while leaving the lightweight division to shuffle around.

Current UFC lightweight rankings:

• (C) Islam Makhachev
• #1 Arman Tsarukyan
• #2 Charles Oliveirsa
• #3 Justin Gaethje
• #4 Dustin Poirier
• #5 Dan Hooker
• #6 Michael Chandler
• #7 Beneil Dariush
• #8 Mateusz Gamrot
• #9 Rafael Fiziev
• #10 Max Holloway
• #11 Renato Moicano
• #12 Benoit Saint Denis
• #13 Rafael dos Anjos
• #14 Jalin Turner
• #15 Paddy Pimblett

The post Renato Moicano Frustrated At Ranking Following UFC Paris appeared first on Cageside Press.

Veteran combat sports journalist Kevin Iole posted x-ray photos of the shoulder showing how bad the injury really is.

Incredible toughness! @mocainoufc fought second round of fight with severely damaged shoulder #ufcparis pic.twitter.com/DyyjUOmbTS

— Kevin Iole (@KevinI) September 29, 2024

Moicano (20-5-1) reacted to the photos on X saying he suffered the injury three weeks prior to the fight, thanking his team for helping him prepare nonetheless.

I hurt my shoulder 3 weeks ago… but I couldn’t pull out of a main event… thank you my team for helping me training like that e get me ready for the fight #ufcparis #att https://t.co/V5rExjLHQM

— Renato Moicano UFC (@moicanoufc) September 29, 2024

“I hurt my shoulder 3 weeks ago… but I couldn’t pull out of a main event… thank you my team for helping me training like that e (sic) get me ready for the fight.”

MMAJunkie acquired photos from Moicano’s manager showing more of the shoulder.

Here’s another angle of Renato Moicano’s shoulder from the time of the injury, per his manager @ko_reps.

Moicano somehow 10-8’d Benoit Saint Denis and beat him via doctor stoppage at #UFCParis. pic.twitter.com/CAGuBTTzXK

— Nolan King (@mma_kings) September 29, 2024

Regardless of the injury Moicano pushed to stay in the fight and his team worked with him to train in a way that they would not make the injury worse. During the fight fans online began to talk about his shoulder looking damaged.

The injury makes what Moicano did in the fight even more remarkable given that he landed so much damage on Saint Denis that the doctor stopped the fight…because Saint Denis could not continue.

In his post-fight interview and press conference Moicano continued his call outs of England’s Paddy Pimblett and New Zealand talent Dan Hooker.

No word on how long UFC lightweight Renato Moicano will be out with the shoulder injury.

The post Renato Moicano Fought BSD With Severely Injured Shoulder appeared first on Cageside Press.

Gomis (13-2) fights in his native country for the third time in his UFC career. 3-0 in the UFC with wins over Jarno Errens, Francis Marshall and Yanis Ghemmouri set him up for a date with Brito in Paris.

Brito (17-3-1) took on Gomis riding a five-fight win streak with wins over Andre Fili, Lucas Alexander, Westin Wilson, Jonathan Pearce and Jack Shore, a win at UFC Paris would set him up for a ranking.

Brazil’s Joanderson Brito started the night on an impressive finishing streak, having ended five straight fights inside the distance. Gomis had been stopped just once in his pro career, back in 2016 by Morgan Charriere, who coincidentally had won earlier in the night.

With Brito on the hunt off the opening bell, stalking Gomis, the French fighter wisely took the fight to the cage. There, he looked for a takedown but it was Brito getting in control and landing it. That didn’t last long as Brito immediately lost position, allowing Gomis to get on top. Gomis went to work from inside the guard, and would spend plenty of time on top before Brito finally escaped up just as his opponent looked to pass guard.

The bulk of the remainder of the round would play out on the feet, with Brito driving the action, and Gomis taking a few wild swings in response late before one final takedown.

Brito would clinch up with Gomis and land a takedown about 30 seconds into the second round. With Brito in side control, Gomis was trapped lying parallel to the fence. Tje Brazilian fired some knees to the body, then looked to take the back, winding up in half-guard in a three-quarter position. That allowed Brito to lock up an arm-triangle choke, but he didn’t have it. Instead Brito readjusted, with Gomis initially giving a thumbs up to the ref.

Brito would hold onto that position for a good while, then walk down Gomis when they did go back to the feet. Gomis wound up with his back to the cage, just over a minute on the clock. Brito clinched up again, but ultimately they’d head to round three.

Stand-up took over early in the third, with Brito utilizing kicks along with his hands. He was marching forward, Gomis countering, with the French fighter clinching up about 90 seconds or so in. That slowed the pace, but they wouldn’t stay there long. Gomis would end up firing a front kick, then another kick to the body as Brito again played the role of aggressor. They would end up clinching again, Brito controlling from the back, firing knees, and trying to drag Gomis down. As time ticked away, Brito was at risk of losing his finish streak, but he was never really at risk of losing the fight. What looked to be a comfortable two-round lead heading into the third for Brito somehow wound up a split decision win by Gomis, with opinion online decidedly favoring Brito in face of two 29-28 scores awarded to William Gomis.

Official Result: William Gomis def. Joanderson Brito by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

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Jousset (10-2) brought his two-fight win streak into UFC Paris with wins over Kiefer Crosbie and Kenan Song. He scoffed at Battle calling him a ‘boring’ fighter saying they would see on Saturday who the boring fighter really was.

Battle (10-2) made sure you knew what he was saying with a 5-1-1 UFC record so far on this run. Wins over AJ Fletcher, Gabe Green, Takashi Sato and Tresean Gore set him up for a date with Duncan in France.

TUF winner Battle opened the fight holding center, then closing distance and tying up with Jousset, getting his opponent to the mat – only for him to pop right back up. From there, a clinch battle would play out, Battle often in control but Jousset’s takedown defense looking decent. Battle used head position and over/underhooks to maintain control, but Jousset finally broke free with about 2:15 left on the clock.

Despite the space the pair would lock up once more, another takedown turning into little more than a mat return with both men back to their feet in a heartbeat. Battle from there worked his jab, but Jousset had more success with his right hand, with a body shot mixed in for good measure.

Round two saw Jousset connect flush with a right hand in the opening seconds. Battle, who once fought as a heavyweight, ate that and fired back. But Jousset, training at City Kickboxing in New Zealand, demonstrated an improved stand-up game, connecting with uppercuts and short combos. Battle responded by taking the fight to the fence, working in shorts to the body and a jump knee that didn’t connect. After a few moments they moved back to center, Battle standing toe-to-toe and coming on strong, rocking Jousset! Jousset moved back to the fence, and his body language was not good, as he was turning and covering up just as Battle was unloading a deluge of left and rights. The volume of Bryan Battle was too much, and ref Herb Dean came in to wave things off!

The victory gives TUF 29 champ Battle his sixth in the UFC, with just a single loss and a No Contest in his last outing.

Official Result: Bryan Battle def. Kevin Jousset by TKO, Round 2, 3:47

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Charriere (19-10-1) at 28-years-old has a lot of professional MMA experience, but didn’t make his UFC debut until 2023. With a 1-1 record he came off a loss to Chepe Mariscal last April. Taking on Miranda at home gave him a chance to make things right in front of his crowd.

Miranda (17-6) is one of the quieter featherweights, but not one to take any light fights, having made his UFC debut against Benoit Saint Denis. He came off a win over Shane Young at UFC 293 he looked to make it two-in-a-row against Charriere.

The clinch game came into play early in Charriere vs. Miranda, with Charriere pushing Mirana up against the cage. Battles for head position, wrist control, and a potential takedown ensued before, after about two minutes, Miranda attempted to jump guard. Charriere remained standing and chose not to engage, but that saw the fight move back to center.

There, a bit of back-and-forth gave way to Miranda shooting for a takedown, only for Charriere to sprawl, stuff the attempt, and land his own takedown instead. Miranda however would scramble and take the back with about a minute left on the clock. Charriere was on his knees, Miranda on his back, but too high up, and the French fighter was able to escape back to his feet.

Following a bit of a grind in the opening round, Morgan Charriere brought about an abrupt, sudden end in round two. The pair had tied up on the feet when Miranda turned, out of position. He fired a sloppy back fist, but it was a Charriere right hand that connected clean, dropping Miranda. Charriere landed an extra ground strike or two to seal the deal, notching the second straight finish on the UFC Paris main card!

Official Result: Morgan Charriere def. Gabriel Miranda by KO (punch), Round 2, 0:27

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Ziam (15-4) came into the fight on a three fight win streak with victories over Michal Figlak, Jai Herbert and Claudio Puelles. Adding Frevola to his resume could shoot him into a ranked fight next.

Frevola (11-4-1) had tasted a top 15 ranking, but a loss against UFC Paris headliner Benoit Saint Denis set him back a bit. With wins over Drew Dober, Ottman Azaitar and Genaro Valdez, Frevola still had enough steam left to make a run at the rankings.

Perhaps trying to show a different side of himself, the normally patient Ziam came out swinging heavy to start Saturday’s main card opener. Frevola, recently a new dad, proved he had come to Paris for a fight in the early going, taking some decent swings of his own before catching a kick and converting it into a takedown just over a minute into the opening round. While Ziam nearly escaped, a resulting scramble saw Frevola end up on top with a mounted guillotine briefly in play. Ziam would finally free himself, and go back to chucking massive right hands. Soon, Frevola was hurt, his face showing the effects of Ziam’s efforts. Ziam went to the body, with the pair then tying up alongside the fence.

Frevola would survive that late-opening round onslaught, and came out in round two seeking another takedown. He put Ziam against the fence, looking to change levels; Ziam proved up to the challenge in terms of takedown defense, and added an elbow over the top before they broke. Another, shorter clinching exchange later in the round would be similarly less than fruitful for Frevola, while Ziam’s stand-up had him winning the fight. In the final minute, it was Ziam taking the back with Frevola going belly down next to the fence. Ziam went after a rear-naked choke, only for Frevola to pull free and survive.

Matt Frevola entered round three almost certainly in need of a finish to come away from UFC Paris with a victory. It was Ziam controlling early in the frame, however, working hands, then putting on a body lock, pressing his weight on Frevola and finally landing a trip takedown. Ziam would eat precious minutes in a slower, more grinding third round, before suddenly flipping a switch – and turning Matt Frevola off.

Still tied up against the fence, Ziam launched a standing knee while at the same time using the clinch to drive Frevola’s head down into it. Frevola was out like a light, with the ref coming in to put a stop to follow-up strikes that certainly weren’t required. And with that, Fares “Smile Killer” Ziam had a signature win.

Official Result: Fares Ziam def. Matt Frevola by KO (knee), Round 3, 2:59

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Sy (10-0) looked to keep his perfect professional MMA record at UFC Paris. The 28-year-old has had to deal with a long list of fight cancellations, but his opponent made it to fight night on Saturday. Sy’s lone UFC victory came against Tuco Tokkos in May.

Da Woon (15-5-1) entered the UFC on fire rattling off four straight victories with one draw, but has since dropped three consecutive fights. He fought for a badly needed victory against the undefeated Sy.

Round 1 Sy came out with the pressure on Da Woon. Sy used the leg kicks to keep Da Woon at bay. Da Woon fired off a flying knee that rocked Sy right into a takedown attempt which he scored. Da Woon was able to get back to his feet, and Sy let him back up.

Another takedown attempt by Sy was stuffed as well. Now Da Woon went in with his own pressure and lead the dance.

Round 2 Da Woon came out with confidence seeing that he withstood some of the best that Sy had. Sy looked a bit tired at the end of the first round, and it looked like it continued on early in the second. He chose to use a much more patient attack in this round.

Da Woon showed no fear of Sy’s right hand in the second round doing well to block it and get his own attacks going. Sy’s jab worked well as well as the body kicks. With 30 seconds left Sy went off with combos set up by the jab attacks earlier in the round. The round ended with Sy shooting for a takedown.

Round 3 Sy looked calm and went back to his jab attack. He continued to land inside leg kicks as he looked to set up a high kick. Sy’s jab looked on point in this round and Da Woon ate a healthy helping of them.

Sy looked fresh again in this round using his movement to find angles. With just over a minute left Sy stuffed a takedown attempt, and took Da Woon down instead. Da Woon went to his knees, Sy took the back, but was too high. Da Woon shook him off, Sy looked for an arm, but ran out of time.

Official Result: Oumar Sy def. Da Woon Jung via Unanimous Decision (30-27×3)

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