Dave Van Auken – Fight Bananas Official

June 22, 2025

Published by Dave Van Auken on June 22, 2025

The Legacy of Jon Jones

Jon Jones’s legacy is undeniably one of extraordinary athletic achievement: youngest champ, multi-divisional reigns, dominant wins, and longevity. But it’s also a complex narrative, marred by off-field misconduct, doping controversies, and lingering “what ifs” about elite matchups avoided. For many, he’s the GOAT; for others, his record isn’t uncontested. As of now, his legacy hangs in dynamic tension—legendary yet unfinished, hero-like yet flawed. Jon Jon is the Youngest-ever UFC champ at age 23 by defeating […]

June 19, 2025

Published by Dave Van Auken on June 19, 2025

UFC Baku: A Career-Defining Moment for Rafael Fiziev

IRafael Fiziev will make his first-ever UFC appearance in Azerbaijan at UFC Baku — and with it, the weight of expectation from a passionate local crowd. He acknowledged the immense responsibility. “Fighting in my homeland is a huge honor… I’ve had three defeats in a row, and I need this victory … to stay in the title race.” That bar of expectation is high. After snapping a three-fight skid — including tough losses to Justin Gaethje (twice) […]

May 11, 2025

Published by Dave Van Auken on May 11, 2025

A Dustin Jacoby Exclusive

Written by: Ryan Jarrell ‘The Hanyak’ plans to stop another prospect and start another title run Dustin Jacoby has been a fixture in the fight game for a very long time now. After initiallygaining fame when he first competed in the UFC back in 2011, ’The Hanyak’ then spent timeas a professional kickboxer for Glory Kickboxing where he fought the likes Alex Pereira and others. Staying on the grind comes naturally to the Factory X […]

March 31, 2025

Published by Dave Van Auken on March 31, 2025

A new era in professional boxing begins with the launch of Off The Hook Boxing Series

BILOXI, MS. – March 30, 2025 – A new era in professional boxing begins with the launch of Off The Hook Boxing Series, under the leadership of combat sports executive Dean Toole, currently the CEO of Gamebred Bare Knuckle MMA and Gamebred Boxing and the founder of Island Fights. The inaugural event is slated for Saturday, May 3rd, at the Biloxi Civic Center in Biloxi, Mississippi, signaling the start of an ambitious venture to reshape […]

February 4, 2025

Published by Dave Van Auken on February 4, 2025

All IN on UFC Seattle

written by: Ryan Jarrell The UFC middleweight division has an important bout set when #9 Brendan Allen faces #12 Anthony Hernandez on February 22nd at UFC Seattle. This exciting showdown is a rematch from 2018, long before either man signed to the largest promotion in the world. In case you were wondering, Hernandez outlasted Allen in their first fight en route to an Unanimous Decision victory and the LFA middleweight title. It goes without saying […]

January 15, 2025

Published by Dave Van Auken on January 15, 2025

What’s Next for Holy Holm?

What’s Next for Holly Holm? As the MMA world reflects on Holly Holm’s incredible journey through the UFC, fans are left wondering what the future holds for the legendary fighter. Known for her striking skills and fierce determination, Holm has consistently pushed the boundaries of women’s sports. A future UFC hall of famer, Holm biggest win came at UFC 195 where she shocked the world with Knocking Out previously undefeated Ronda Rousey. With her departure […]

January 9, 2025

Published by Dave Van Auken on January 9, 2025

Anything goes for Pearl Gonzalez

Pearl Gonzalez was born in Chicago, Illinois where at the age of 11 years old got into combat sport classes. PG won the Golden Gloves amateur championship in 2008. Pearl has fought for the biggest promotions in combat sports for the past 15 years. While still fighting, Pearl has gracefully transition into being one of the best commentators, podcasters and hosts in all of combat sports. Pearl is one of the biggest influences in the […]

January 5, 2025

Published by Dave Van Auken on January 5, 2025

Anything goes with Grant Dawson

Grant Dawson is a 22-2-1 UFC Lightweight that just might be the most underrated fighter in all of MMA. Grant, an ascending fighter in the uber tough UFC Lightweight division has his sights on Championship Gold. Grant is 10-1-1 under the shark tank called the UFC. KGD has a big fight coming up at UFC 311 against Diego Ferreira. I have talked to Grant a lot over the last couple of years and I have […]

January 3, 2025

Published by Dave Van Auken on January 3, 2025

Anything goes with Cody Durden

Cody Durden going into his 5th year fighting in the UFC Flyweight Division. Cody has captured 6 wins under the banner including a 4 Fight Win Streak. Playing multiple sports as a kid, Durden was an aspiring baseball player but around the eighth grade he switched completely to wrestling due to stoppage of growth and what a decision that was! Cody trains at one of the best gyms in the world at American Top Team […]

December 31, 2024

Published by Dave Van Auken on December 31, 2024

Anything goes with Diana Belbiţă

Diana Belbiţă currently holds two wins in the UFC’s highly competitive straw weight division. The Romanian martial artist is also a former kickboxing and kempo champion. Before being signed the UFC, Belbita fought fellow UFC fighter Ariane Lipski de Silva for the highly regarded KSW flyweight belt. At only 28 years old, the Warrior Princess is ready to enter her prime and looks to make 2025 her year. Here are 5 random questions having nothing […]