Tag: Justin Scoggins

20 former UFC fighters who could return to the promotion in 2024

Who of these former UFC fighters could get a second chance with the promotion in 2024?

It’s hard to make it to the UFC.

Thousands of professional fighters try every year – and most fail. For a small percentage, however, they sign their names on the dotted line to fight for the biggest MMA promotion in the world.

Sometimes the opportunity comes a bit too soon. Other times, they’re faced with difficult matchups that time proves were bigger challenges than originally anticipated.

When the pink slip comes and a fighter departs the promotion, there is often a phrase they hear on the way out: “Go get a few more wins, and the UFC will consider bringing you back.”

Easier said than done.

For the vast majority, they won’t be back. However, it’s not impossible. A number of fighters have done it over the years. Just look at former UFC flyweight champion Brandon Moreno. He was released from the promotion, built his way back, became a contender, and then won a UFC title.

Current roster members Nicolas Dalby, Dustin Jacoby, Modestas Bukauskas, Kurt Holobaugh, Roosevelt Roberts, and Rhys McKee are among those who have reinforced the possibility.

With the new year upon us, here are 20 former UFC fighters who could return to the promotion in 2024.

Note: Fighters considered for this list had to have competed in at least one UFC bout.

UFC veterans in MMA and boxing action Nov. 3-5

Check out which veterans of the UFC are competing in combat sports across the globe this weekend.

This week, the UFC returns to Brazil for UFC Fight Night 231 in Sao Paulo.

The event at Ginasio Do Ibirapuera features a heavyweight tilt between [autotag]Jailton Almeida[/autotag] and [autotag]Derrick Lewis[/autotag]. Elsewhere, many other combat sports events are taking place that feature a number of familiar names that have competed under the UFC banner.

Check out which veterans of the global MMA leader are competing in MMA and boxing Nov. 3-5.

Scroll below to see how the UFC veterans fared last week, and see the names and details of this weekend’s competitors.

Upcoming event information from Tapology.

7 former UFC fighters, other notables added to XMMA 6 in South Carolina

Check out the latest fight card from XMMA, a promotion which has centered around pairing notable names from the UFC and beyond.

XMMA is back for its first event of 2023 and putting on another card filled with notable names.

This time, seven UFC alumni and two former Bellator standouts are on tap for the event Wednesday. XMMA 6 will take place at John T. Rhodes Myrtle Beach Sports Center in Myrtle Beach, S.C., and streams free on YouTube.

The promotion launched in January 2021 with XMMA 1 in West Palm Beach, Fla., and was headlined by Andre Fialho vs. James Vick. XMMA 2 took place in July 2021 with a Ben Saunders vs. Ramsey Nijem main event. XMMA 3 followed shortly thereafter in October, headlined by Cody Gibson vs. John Dodson. XMMA 4 took place on April 2, headlined by John Dodson vs. Francisco Rivera. The most recent show the promotion put on was XMMA 5 in July, headlined by Will Brooks vs. Luis Pena.

Keeping with notable names as top-billing, XMMA 6 features nine major promotional notables from years past. Scroll below to see which UFC alums and other fighters are currently scheduled to compete.

BKFC 35: Best photos from Myrtle Beach

Check out these photos from BKFC 35, which took place in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Check out these photos from the fights at BKFC 35, which took place at Myrtle Beach Sports Center in Myrtle Beach, S.C. (Photos courtesy of BKFC)

Photos: BKFC 35 weigh-ins and faceoffs

Check out these photos from the BKFC 25 weigh-ins and fighter faceoffs in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Check out these photos from the BKFC 35 weigh-ins and fighter faceoffs in Myrtle Beach, S.C. (Photos courtesy of BKFC)

UFC veterans in MMA and bareknuckle action Jan. 27-29

Check out which veterans of the UFC are in MMA and bareknuckle boxing action this weekend across the globe.

The UFC is idle after its first pay-per-view event of the year in Brazil, UFC 283.

Elsewhere, many other MMA events are taking place that feature familiar names that have competed under the UFC banner.

These 7 veterans of the global MMA leader are competing in MMA bareknuckle boxing this week from Jan. 27-29.

Check out the names and details about their bouts below.

Upcoming event information from Tapology.

These 10 UFC veterans are in MMA and bareknuckle action Aug. 26-28

Check out which veterans of the UFC are competing in promotions across the globe this weekend.

The UFC is idle this week before it takes the show to Paris for UFC Fight Night 209.

However, there are a number of MMA and bareknuckle events taking place that feature many familiar names that have competed under the UFC banner.

From one of the greatest of all time to a one-time appearance in a finale of The Ultimate Fighter, there are 11 veterans of the global leader competing this weekend from Aug. 26-28.

Check out the names and details about their bouts below.

7 fighters who should fill remaining spots on Dana White’s Contender Series, Season 4

Dana White’s Contender Series, Season 4 is right around the corner – and its lineup is filling up quickly.

Dana White’s Contender Series, Season 4 is right around the corner – and its lineup is filling up quickly.

While many top regional fighters and high-ceiling prospects have been snatched up by the promotion, some very worthy prospects still remain without a contract.

The UFC is working on fights for the first six events but the final four still seem largely open. Here are five of the most deserving candidates to snatch one of the final slots.

Johnny Munoz (Bantamweight, 10-0)

One of the best pound-for-pound prospects in North America, it’s about time for [autotag]Johnny Munoz[/autotag] to be noticed. One of the faces of King of the Cage for the past five years, Munoz is ready to venture outside the promotion. A versatile, multi-faceted finisher, Munoz presents a puzzle no opponent has been able to figure out yet. He holds an 80 percent finishing rate with five submissions and three knockouts. He currently holds the KOTC bantamweight title. To put it simply, Munoz on DWCS is an absolute no-brainer.

Nikolas Motta (Lightweight, 11-3)

[autotag]Nikolas Motta[/autotag] first entered the national and international spotlights as a participant on “The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 4.” He went through the proverbial wringer, competing in Shooto Brasil in his native country. All the while, he trained with UFC champs Jose Aldo and Renan Barao. Dedicated to his craft, Motta moved to the United States in order to find fights, where he began training with Eddie Alvarez. He competed for 864 Fighting Championship, then took on a plethora of challenges and won the vacant CFFC title. Sure he’s had a couple losses, but the final product is better because of them. He’s already ready, but if the UFC needs him to prove that one more time on DWCS, so be it.

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