Yardbarker

Jaren Kawada

Contributor

Jaren Kawada is a sports writer based in Indianapolis, Indiana, and originally from Honolulu, Hawaii. Kawada has over five years of experience with his work also seen on Fantasy CPR, BetSided and Sportskeeda. Kawada is an alumnus of Butler University and in his free time enjoys training in kickboxing and Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

Mateusz Gamrot calls for 'easier' rematch with Arman Tsarukyan should he beat Dan Hooker at UFC 305

Mateusz Gamrot sees his matchup with Dan Hooker at UFC 305 as a stiff test but is eyeing a bigger fight in his future should he pick up his fourth straight win on Saturday.

Derrick Lewis scheduled to return at UFC Edmonton

The fight will be Lewis' second of 2024 after knocking out Rodrigo Nascimento in the main event of UFC St. Louis in May.

Rose Namajunas vs. Erin Blanchfield announced as main event for UFC Fight Night in Edmonton

For the first time in over a decade, Rose Namajunas will fight three times in a calendar year.

Four fighters earn contracts in Week 1 of 'Dana White's Contender Series'

Dana White's Contender Series returned for its eighth season on Tuesday with a bang. While the show has been criticized recently for losing its exquisiteness and handing out too many contracts, the opening episode of the 2024 season featured four knockouts from the five fights.

Watch: Lone'er Kavanagh opens 'Dana White's Contender Series' with stunning first-round knockout

Not only was the highlight immediately one of the best knockouts in "DWCS" history, but it was also one of the few flyweight fights on the show that ended with a single punch.

Keep an eye on Bruno Lopes in Week 1 of 'Dana White's Contender Series'

For the next 10 Tuesday nights, UFC fans will get five extra fights per week with "Dana White's Contender Series" back for its eighth season.

Derek Brunson offers to fight at PFL 8 on short notice

After nine months on the shelf, Brunson is looking to make his second walk to the smart cage on just three days' notice.

Two-time champion vows to take his next team to Super Bowl amid free agency

The LB began his career with the New York Giants as the No. 15 overall pick of the 2010 NFL Draft.

Noah Lyles responds to Anthony Edwards shoe-event controversy

Noah Lyles' 2024 Olympic tenure ended prematurely due to a COVID-19 diagnosis, but the track star found himself back in the center of the spotlight during the final few days of the competition. 

Three fighters miss weight ahead of UFC Vegas 95

UFC Vegas 95 made it through the weigh-ins without a fight getting called off, but three will not commence as originally planned. A trio of fighters weighed in over their contracted limit, causing their respective bouts to proceed as a catchweight.

Chelsea Chandler recalls beginning MMA career by 'beating a boy up' in first karate class

Every fighter has a unique path to the UFC, but Chelsea Chandler's is a fond memory from her childhood. 

Pair of PFL stars set to make long-awaited debuts in October

The PFL has finally announced fight dates for Francis Ngannou and Cris Cyborg.

Belal Muhammad breaks into top five of pound-for-pound rankings

The UFC rankings were updated on Tuesday after another Fight Night event with several names shaking up the respected list. 

Former UFC title challenger has emotional reaction to Imane Khelif Olympic controversy

The ordeal has caused mixed reactions from athletes and celebrities, including former UFC title challenger Megan Anderson, who opened up on her personal connection to Khelif's situation.

Jared Cannonier, Caio Borralho to headline UFC Vegas 96

On less than three weeks' notice, Caio Borralho will get his first UFC main event fight at UFC Vegas 96 when he takes on former title challenger Jared Cannonier.

Saudi chairman moving on from Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford, targeting 'bigger fights'

After months of negotiations, Turki Alalshikh has abandoned setting up one superfight but is committed to others.