The world of combat sports has been rather busy in the last few days. From presidential objectives to violent knockouts, contentious comments, and emerging stars, here’s what’s been going on and what it could mean for MMA, boxing, and their crossover moments.
McGregor Pulls Back from Presidential Race, But Politics Isn’t Out
Former MMA star Conor McGregor has officially stepped out of the run for president of Ireland. Many people were taken aback by the change, not just because his campaigning had been unusual, but also because it made it seem like he still had political ambitions. His withdrawal doesn’t seem to mean that he is completely leaving public life; McGregor has hinted that he might still be involved in politics in some way.
There are a lot of rumours about why he left, but they all point to pressure, lack of momentum, or problems with his fighting or work schedule. What we do know is that McGregor is still a topic of contention because of his MMA career, his commercial dealings, and his legal problems. His choice has sparked new debate about whether fighters should get involved in politics, how famous people affect politics, and whether McGregor might come back later, maybe under different circumstances.
Terence Crawford vs. Ilia Topuria: The Boxing–MMA Divide
After beating Canelo Alvarez, boxing great Terence Crawford is still the talk of the combat sports world. Ilia Topuria, the UFC lightweight champion, said recently that he could beat Crawford in both boxing and MMA. Crawford shot back, calling Topuria’s statements “clout-chasing” and saying that he is nowhere near Conor McGregor’s level of crossover appeal.
The conversation shows how boxing and MMA have been at odds for a long time. Crossover fights get a lot of attention and make a lot of money, yet most boxing legends won’t accept MMA champions who want to box. There are still fences between the two sports because of the ability gap, the different rules, and the history.
Crawford’s answer shows the cautious pride of boxing supporters, reminding them that MMA athletes have a hard time crossing over.
Noche UFC San Antonio: Knockouts, Drama, and Fighter Safety
Noche UFC San Antonio lived up to its reputation as one of the UFC’s most exciting annual cards. Mexican Independence Day weekend brought fireworks inside the octagon, with unforgettable moments:
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Diego Lopes scored a spinning back-elbow knockout against Jean Silva, earning double bonuses and cementing himself as a featherweight contender.
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Unexpectedly, Jared Gordon disclosed that a car had struck him less than 24 hours prior to his fight. Despite suffering knee injuries, he proceeded with the fight but ultimately lost.
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Sedriques Dumas left on a stretcher after a brutal low blow, with the bout ruled a no-contest.
These incidents sparked renewed concerns about fighter safety. From freak accidents before fight night to weight-cutting risks and in-cage injuries, questions are growing about whether promotions and commissions are doing enough to protect athletes.
Injuries, Weight Cuts, and New Proposals
Injury news continues to shake up divisions:
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Anthony Hernandez withdrew from UFC Vancouver’s main event due to injury, disrupting the middleweight division’s momentum.
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Joe Rogan suggested restructuring MMA weight classes to add divisions every 10 pounds. His argument is that this could reduce extreme weight cuts and improve safety. Critics argue it would dilute talent and complicate matchmaking.
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In boxing, Oleksandr Usyk delayed his WBO mandatory defense against Joseph Parker due to a back injury. But controversy grew when Usyk was spotted playing football publicly, raising doubts about the severity of his injury.
These stories spotlight the ongoing debate around regulation, transparency, and fighter health, with fans and experts divided on how the sport should evolve.
Additional Headlines: Boxing Championships & UFC’s Next Stop
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The 2025 World Boxing Championships wrapped up in Liverpool (Sept 4–14). Controversy struck when several female competitors were excluded for failing to meet genetic sex test requirements, sparking debate about gender inclusion and fairness.
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Looking ahead, UFC Fight Night: Ulberg vs. Reyes takes place on September 28 in Perth, Australia. This light heavyweight clash could determine the next wave of contenders in the division.
A Turning Point for MMA and Boxing
The last few days have shown how unpredictable combat sports can be. McGregor’s political detour, Crawford’s blunt statements, Lopes’s knockout brilliance, and safety scares in San Antonio are just a few examples. Fighters are more than simply athletes now; they are cultural icons, political figures, and sometimes even controversial public figures.
It’s evident that MMA and boxing will keep changing, finding a balance between showmanship and safety, heritage and new ideas, and competition and chances to cross over. As 2025 comes to a close, combat sports are still as exciting and unexpected as ever.
