There were fireworks at UFC 317, and the effects are still being felt throughout the MMA world. Ilia Topuria’s strong knockout of Charles Oliveira in the main event has caused a lot of talk and fresh narratives in the sport. Paddy Pimblett couldn’t hide his anger at Oliveira’s approach, Sean O’Malley was glad that Topuria didn’t respond to his callout, Alex Pereira is working hard with top training partners, and Bo Nickal just announced a big move back to wrestling. This is a detailed look at all the main MMA headlines, reactions, and what they symbolize for the sport’s future after UFC 317.
Paddy Pimblett Rips Charles Oliveira Over UFC 317 Loss
Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett had one of the most talked-about reactions following UFC 317. Pimblett was not satisfied with Charles Oliveira’s tactics after watching Ilia Topuria beat him in the first round.
Pimblett didn’t hold back in his podcast and interviews. He asked why Oliveira would stand in front of someone like Topuria without a good defense. He said:
What the f**k was that game plan, lad? Just standing in front of him and getting punched in the face like an amateur?
Pimblett’s harsh review rapidly spread like wildfire. He said that a fighter with Oliveira’s experience should never have fought so predictably and called the fight “embarrassing.”
At UFC 317, the Liverpool lightweight also had a heated face-off with Topuria that almost turned into a fight until security stepped in.
People have said that Pimblett will fight Justin Gaethje next, but the idea of a bout between Pimblett and Topuria looks even more interesting now. UFC executives would want to set up that heated grudge match.
Pimblett’s bitter statements show that Topuria’s knockout win wasn’t simply amazing; it also raised major issues about Oliveira’s training and strategy, sparking arguments all over the MMA world.
Sean O’Malley Admits Relief After Topuria’s KO Win
Sean O’Malley, the former bantamweight champion, was also very interested in UFC 317. His honest reaction was relief.
Before the fight, O’Malley had openly called out Topuria. But after seeing Topuria’s brutal KO, O’Malley was pleased the fight never happened.
O’Malley said on his YouTube channel, “Thank God he didn’t accept my callout.”
He said that Topuria’s performance was elite and compared his talent level to Jon Jones’s, which is a symbol of respect from one champion to another. O’Malley’s statements, on the other hand, make it apparent that his future is to focus on himself on becoming a better fighter, at least for now.
It was nice to see how honest the reaction was. O’Malley knows that picking the wrong opponent may ruin a career. Topuria’s stunning finish at UFC 317 might have scared off other fighters who wanted to call him out from other divisions, at least until someone figures out how to deal with his fierce boxing.
Alex Pereira Training With Brazil’s “Fighting Nerds” for UFC Return
While UFC 317 was in the headlines, another UFC champion was quietly working on his own comeback.
The former UFC light heavyweight champion, Alex Pereira, has been in Brazil training with the “Fighting Nerds” group, which is recognized for its high-level sparring and tactical preparation. Online videos of Pereira’s training showed him focusing on his famous deadly kickboxing skills, as well as drilling defensive grappling.
Fans are thrilled about Pereira’s relationship with fellow Brazilian UFC star Caio Borralho. The “Fighting Nerds” club in São Paulo is recognized for its very technical training, and Pereira’s choice to train there shows that he isn’t taking any shortcuts to get back in shape.
Even though there have been reports that Pereira is going to retire or take a break, it is apparent that he is still in form and plans to get his title back. Pereira’s focus on basics and precision makes it clear that he will be a scary opponent when he returns to the Octagon, whether he fights Magomed Ankalaev again or someone else.
This is an excellent development for the UFC’s light heavyweight scene. There are a lot of talented fighters in the division, and Pereira’s growth will just add to the excitement.
Bo Nickal Signs With Real American Freestyle in Return to Wrestling
Outside of the UFC octagon, another development happened in combat sports this week: UFC middleweight Bo Nickal is going back to his wrestling roots.
Nickal earned a contract with Real American Freestyle (RAF), a new professional wrestling league created by Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff. RAF says it will mix traditional freestyle wrestling and pro-wrestling storytelling to make a new kind of fighting sport.
Nickal is a three-time NCAA Division I wrestling champion and is largely considered to be one of the best pure wrestlers of his generation in the United States. He has been a rising MMA star in the UFC, but his recent loss to Reinier de Ridder stalled his progress.
He hasn’t given up MMA just because he’s signed with RAF. Nickal has even made it clear that he would be able to do both jobs at the same time. But it’s evident that he sees the wrestling league as a means to make money off of his wrestling skills, grow his brand, and give fans a new opportunity to have fun.
Nickal’s signing provides the new league instant credibility with serious wrestling fans, and the first event will be in Cleveland on August 30.
For MMA fans, it also shows how combat sports are becoming more and more similar, allowing fighters to use their skills in a lot of different ways and, make a lot of money doing it.
