- The Situation:
UFC middleweight Sedriques Dumas stunned fans by publicly revealing a screenshot of his bank account that showed he had only $13.96 left. - Background:
- Dumas’ career has been turbulent. He was arrested earlier in 2025 on charges including felony home invasion and illegal weapon possession.
- Those legal problems forced him out of UFC 317 and drained his finances through expensive legal fees.
- His professional record stands at 2 wins and 2 losses in the UFC, meaning he has not been able to secure the steady fight bonuses or sponsorships that top-tier fighters enjoy.
- Why it matters:
- Fighters’ pay in the UFC has long been a controversial issue, and Dumas’ situation highlights the financial instability many lower- and mid-tier athletes face.
- His upcoming fight against Zach Reese at Noche UFC 3 (Sept 13, 2025) now carries enormous personal stakes—possibly deciding whether he can continue as a professional fighter.
➡️ For Dumas, this isn’t just about competition—it’s about survival, both in the sport and financially.
2️⃣ Scottish Legend Paul Craig Retires After Brutal KO Loss
- The Fight:
At UFC Paris, 37-year-old Paul Craig faced Modestas Bukauskas in a light-heavyweight clash. Unfortunately, Craig was caught early with a devastating elbow strike, suffering a first-round KO loss. - Career Record:
- Final tally: 17 wins, 10 losses, 1 draw, 1 no-contest.
- Known for his elite grappling and slick submissions, he holds six submission victories in the UFC’s light-heavyweight division—second only to Glover Teixeira.
- Notable Moments:
- His most famous win came against Magomed Ankalaev in 2018, where Craig pulled off a last-second triangle choke with just one second left in the fight.
- Another highlight was his victory over Jamahal Hill, snapping his opponent’s arm with a brutal armbar submission.
- Retirement Statement:
After the loss, Craig said: “This is a young man’s game. The young eat the old. My time is done.”
➡️ Paul Craig leaves as the most decorated Scottish fighter in UFC history, respected for his grit, resilience, and submission skills.
3️⃣ Nassourdine Imavov Calls Out Champion Khamzat Chimaev
- Recent Performance:
In the main event at UFC Paris, Nassourdine Imavov defeated Brazilian contender Caio Borralho via unanimous decision. Despite fighting with a lingering leg injury that limited his movement, Imavov adapted his strategy, using sharp boxing and clinch work to dominate. - Post-Fight Callout:
- On ESPN’s post-fight show, Imavov declared he wants to challenge UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev.
- He acknowledged most fans and analysts will label him the underdog, but he embraced the role: “I like to be counted out. It makes me stronger.”
- Context:
- The middleweight division is heating up with contenders like Reinier de Ridder and Paulo Costa in the mix.
- Imavov’s win in Paris places him firmly among the top title challengers.
➡️ Imavov has positioned himself as a serious contender, with the Chimaev matchup potentially becoming one of the most intriguing middleweight title fights in recent memory.
4️⃣ Caio Borralho Reflects on First UFC Loss
- The Loss:
Brazilian middleweight Caio Borralho entered UFC Paris undefeated in the UFC, but his run ended with a decision loss to Imavov. - His Response:
- After the fight, Borralho released a heartfelt statement: “Maybe the defeat makes you forget who you are, but it also helps you remember what you fight for.”
- He promised to come back stronger and is already aiming for a return at Madison Square Garden (November) or T-Mobile Arena (December).
- What’s Next:
Borralho is still a rising star with a solid record and remains in the top-10 conversation, but this loss forces him to regroup.
➡️ While the loss stings, Borralho’s maturity in defeat suggests he’ll remain a dangerous contender.
5️⃣ Tim Elliott Reveals He Broke His Leg at UFC 319
- The Fight:
Veteran flyweight Tim Elliott faced Kai Asakura at UFC 319. Despite suffering a leg injury from a hard kick, Elliott fought through the pain and secured a second-round guillotine choke submission win. - The Injury:
- After the fight, Elliott revealed he had suffered a broken leg.
- Doctors estimate an eight-week recovery period.
- Career Note:
- At 38 years old, Elliott has fought 35 professional bouts and remains one of the most durable and experienced fighters in the UFC.
- He has won six of his last eight fights, proving he’s still competitive despite his age.
➡️ Elliott’s toughness continues to inspire fans, and his career longevity is remarkable.
6️⃣ Emotional UFC Debut for Ante Delija – Celebrated by Tom Aspinall
- The Moment:
Croatian heavyweight Ante Delija, a former PFL champion, made his long-awaited UFC debut in Paris. He delivered a spectacular first-round knockout victory. - Aftermath:
- Delija collapsed to his knees in tears, overcome by emotion after 20 years of waiting for this opportunity.
- His teammate and friend, UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, was ringside and was seen crying as well, celebrating Delija’s success.
- What’s Next:
- Aspinall himself is preparing for a title defense against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321.
- Delija’s debut positions him as a fresh face to watch in the heavyweight division.
➡️ This was one of the most heartwarming moments of the weekend, showing the deep bonds between fighters and the perseverance required to reach the UFC.
7️⃣ Pitbull vs. Keita Cancelled Due to Weight Cut Failure
- What Happened:
A highly anticipated featherweight fight at UFC Paris between former Bellator champion Patricio “Pitbull” Freire and newcomer Losene Keita was called off. - Reason:
- Keita missed weight by 3 pounds, coming in at 149 lbs.
- The bout was canceled during weigh-ins, though it remains unclear whether it was the UFC, the commission, or Pitbull himself who pulled the plug.
- Impact:
Fans were disappointed, as this fight was expected to showcase whether Pitbull could compete with top UFC featherweights in his first big UFC test.
➡️ While scrapped for now, UFC officials are reportedly interested in rebooking the matchup in the near future.
📊 Recap Table (01–03 September 2025 MMA/UFC News)
| News Highlight | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Sedriques Dumas Struggles | Publicly showed $13.96 bank balance; legal issues; must win at Noche UFC 3 |
| Paul Craig Retires | Ends decorated career after KO loss; six UFC submissions; Scottish MMA legend |
| Nassourdine Imavov | Beat Caio Borralho; called out middleweight champ Khamzat Chimaev |
| Caio Borralho | Took first UFC loss; vowed to return stronger, aiming for fights later in 2025 |
| Tim Elliott Injury | Won at UFC 319 but revealed broken leg; 8-week recovery |
| Ante Delija Debut | Emotional KO win after 20 years waiting; celebrated with champ Tom Aspinall |
| Pitbull vs. Keita Cancelled | Fight scrapped after Keita missed weight by 3 lbs |
