From major UFC victories to hints of legendary matchups, the worlds of boxing and MMA are buzzing with action this week — and Irish fighters are right at the heart of it. With Shauna Bannon and Caolan Loughran celebrating wins at UFC London, and Katie Taylor preparing for a blockbuster trilogy fight, Irish talent is making a global mark in combat sports.

Here’s a roundup of the biggest boxing and MMA stories right now, including a dedicated look at the Irish athletes leading the charge.

Boxing: Usyk Eyes MMA, Zepeda Set for Rematch

• Oleksandr Usyk, unified heavyweight boxing champion, has teased a potential move to mixed martial arts after being challenged by UFC star Alex Pereira. While Usyk appears interested in the crossover, he’s currently focused on a boxing rematch with Daniel Dubois, hoping to regain his undisputed crown.
• William Zepeda, WBC interim lightweight champion, is gearing up to defend his title against Tevin Farmer on 29 March. Their first bout ended in controversy, and both fighters are eager to settle the score.

MMA: New Formats and Massive UFC Bouts Ahead

• A new promotion called ‘Dirty Boxing’ has launched, mixing elements of MMA and boxing with smaller gloves and hybrid rules. UFC veterans Yoel Romero and Andrei Arlovski both secured knockouts at the first event in Miami, generating excitement around this fresh take on combat sports.
• Meanwhile, UFC President Dana White has confirmed that a blockbuster bout between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall is close to being finalised. The potential clash is set to be one of the most anticipated heavyweight showdowns in UFC history.

Spotlight on Irish Fighters: UFC Success and Boxing Greatness

It’s been an eventful week for Ireland’s top combat athletes:

• Shauna Bannon scored her second UFC win at UFC London, defeating India’s Puja Tomar with a slick armbar submission in the second round. The Tallaght native improved her professional record to 7–1 and continues to rise in the UFC strawweight division.
• Caolan Loughran also impressed, earning a split decision victory over Nathan Fletcher. Known for his relentless pressure and grappling, Loughran now stands at 10–2–0 and is quickly becoming a serious contender.
• On a bittersweet note, Molly McCann announced her retirement from MMA following her latest bout at UFC London. The popular fighter, known for her grit and fan-friendly style, hinted at a possible move into boxing or punditry.
• Looking ahead, Katie Taylor is preparing for one of the most anticipated boxing matches of 2025 — a third fight against Amanda Serrano. The bout will headline an all-women’s card at Madison Square Garden on 11 July, marking a monumental moment in women’s boxing. With the series tied at 1–1, the trilogy will determine once and for all who reigns supreme.

Final Thoughts

Whether it’s dominant wins in the UFC, exciting new fight formats, or major boxing trilogies, the fight world is thriving — and Ireland is right at the centre of the action. With Katie Taylor gearing up for yet another historic night and new UFC stars on the rise, Irish fans have plenty to be excited about.

Stay tuned to itson.ie for the latest fight news, results, and interviews with Ireland’s top fighters.