UFC cuts Michel Pereira, and Alex Pereira erupts

A quieter, business-heavy Tuesday: the UFC parted ways with Michel Pereira weeks after a controversial Herb Dean loss, drawing a furious response from Alex Pereira. Elsewhere, McGregor pivoted to promoting rather than fighting with a new BKFC series, the Contender Series jumped to Paramount+, and both UFC Oklahoma City and RAF 11 rounded into shape for Saturday.

UFC releases Michel Pereira, sparking Alex Pereira's fury over Herb Dean

The UFC removed Michel Pereira from its roster after his unanimous-decision loss to Shara Magomedov at UFC Baku on June 27, ending a six-year run in which the Brazilian went 10-6 and won seven post-fight bonuses. Pereira had only been re-signed to a one-fight deal for the Baku bout and lost four of his last five. He publicly ripped referee Herb Dean for not deducting a point despite warnings for hair-pulling and an apparent eye poke. Alex Pereira blasted the release as an unjust price to pay for a refereeing failure.

Why it matters: A losing veteran being cut is routine, but the pairing of a botched officiating job with an immediate roster cut — and no accountability for Dean — feeds real fighter anxiety about job security.

McGregor turns promoter, hosting BKFC's 'World's Baddest Man' on Fox Nation

Fox Nation announced a new original documentary competition series, 'World's Baddest Man,' produced with Bare Knuckle FC and hosted by co-owner Conor McGregor, premiering in summer 2027. BKFC fighters will compete in a bracket-style bare-knuckle tournament for an eight-figure prize pool and a live championship finale. McGregor, sidelined and facing knee surgery after his UFC 329 flop, will also serve as an executive producer. It further deepens Fox Nation's combat-sports slate alongside its RAF wrestling deal.

Why it matters: It's the clearest sign yet that McGregor's real momentum is on the business side of combat sports, not in the cage, as he builds out BKFC's media footprint.

Ben Askren returns Saturday at RAF 11, one year after a double lung transplant

Ben Askren competes for the first time since 2021 when he faces former UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad in the RAF 11 co-main event this Saturday in Milwaukee, streaming on Fox Nation. The 41-year-old survived life-threatening pneumonia that required a double lung transplant and a 45-day coma roughly a year ago. RAF commentator Chael Sonnen admitted the comeback makes him 'uncomfortable,' echoing Joe Rogan's concerns, while crediting Muhammad for accepting a no-win matchup so Askren could compete.

Why it matters: A comeback this soon after a transplant is a genuine health story, not a promotional stunt — and Muhammad's willingness to take a lose-lose bout is the quiet subplot.

UFC Oklahoma City card set as du Plessis dismisses a Strickland-Chimaev rematch

The UFC finalized its Saturday card at Paycom Center, adding a late featherweight bout between undefeated newcomers Damien Anderson (5-0) and Ezra Elliott (7-0) on four days' notice beneath the Dricus du Plessis vs. Kamaru Usman middleweight main event and a Jared Cannonier vs. Christian Leroy Duncan co-main. Ahead of his first fight since losing the belt to Khamzat Chimaev, du Plessis called a potential Strickland-Chimaev title rematch 'ridiculous,' noting Chimaev never defended the belt, and admitted he prepared for a more aggressive Chimaev than the grinding, crucifix-heavy version he faced at UFC 319.

Why it matters: Du Plessis needs a statement over Usman to force his way back into a middleweight title mix where the champion's next challenger is genuinely unsettled.

Cris Cyborg sets MMA farewell for Aug. 22, plans to start a family

Reigning PFL champion Cris Cyborg confirmed her final MMA bout will come against former top-ranked UFC contender Ketlen Vieira at PFL Tampa on Aug. 22. The 41-year-old, who chases a 30th pro win, says she has one boxing match still booked for later this year before pivoting to motherhood in retirement. She praised Vieira — whom the UFC declined to re-sign — as a credible, in-prime final opponent.

Why it matters: One of the most decorated women's fighters in history is scripting her exit on her own terms, and it closes the book on a career that spanned Strikeforce, the UFC and PFL gold.

Dana White's Contender Series moves to Paramount+ for its 10th season

The UFC's talent-discovery show returns Aug. 11 with a 10-episode 10th season, each Tuesday night featuring five bouts streaming exclusively on Paramount+ as part of the promotion's broadcast deal with the network. Since 2017, DWCS and its Brazil edition have handed out more than 300 contracts and produced four champions in Sean O'Malley, Jamahal Hill, Jack Della Maddalena and current light heavyweight king Carlos Ulberg.

Why it matters: It's another piece of the UFC's programming shift onto Paramount, and the pipeline remains the sport's most reliable source of future contenders and champions.

Khabib calls Ian Machado Garry a 'difficult' puzzle for Makhachev at UFC 330

Ahead of Islam Makhachev's first welterweight title defense against Ian Machado Garry on Aug. 15 in Philadelphia, coach Khabib Nurmagomedov flagged the challenger's height (6-foot-3-plus), reach and range striking as a stylistic problem his camp has never faced, adding that the nearly-35 Makhachev will have to chase him down. PFL champion Usman Nurmagomedov is reportedly mimicking Garry in camp. Makhachev remains a sizeable favorite as he seeks a record 17th straight UFC win, breaking a tie with Anderson Silva.

Why it matters: Even Makhachev's own corner is publicly framing this as a live underdog spot, which is unusual respect for a challenger against the pound-for-pound No. 1.

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