Abdullaev's 19-second KO tops DWCS signings

Contender Series delivered the day's realest news out of Las Vegas: four more UFC contracts, headlined by a 19-second knockout Dana White called the best talent the show has ever produced. Away from the cage, the fallout kept coming — Michael Page torched his UFC exit as a fresh free agent, Ilia Topuria's camp poured cold water on White's comeback timeline, and Jon Jones used the vacant heavyweight belt to remind everyone he still exists.

Abdullaev's 19-second KO leads four new DWCS contracts

Dana White handed out four UFC deals on Week 6 of Dana White's Contender Series. Kyrgyzstan's Akbar Abdullaev (14-0) stole the night, flattening Ednilson Santos with a single right hand in 19 seconds — a finish White called the work of 'the greatest talent that's ever been on this show.' Welterweight Mayton Perea (TKO, :45), middleweight Igor Cavalcanti (TKO, R1) and Luis Hernandez (rear-naked choke, R2) also signed, while decision-winner Tyshawn Williams was the lone winner passed over and offered another shot. The season's DWCS signing count is now up to 28.

Why it matters: Abdullaev arrives as arguably the most hyped Contender Series prospect ever, and at lightweight, a division that always needs fresh blood. White wants him in the Octagon by October or November.

Michael Page calls UFC release 'disrespectful' as a free agent

Michael Page (26-3) spoke out for the first time since the UFC declined to renew his deal, telling Ariel Helwani the cold handling of it — no phone call, no contract talks, and being quietly dropped from the rankings — was 'disrespectful' after he went 5-1 with a four-fight win streak. 'Venom' fought out his contract with a lackluster decision over Nursulton Ruziboev at UFC Paris and was denied a post-fight interview for the second time. He says offers are 'flying in,' with Jake Paul's MVP/PFL and BKFC's Dave Feldman both publicly interested.

Why it matters: Page never found his Bellator highlight-reel form in the UFC, but cutting a 5-1 fighter outright sends a pointed message about the promotion's patience for point-fighting — and a reminder that the PFL and BKFC are waiting for names the UFC discards.

Topuria's camp shoots down Dana White's comeback timeline

Ilia Topuria's strength coach Jesus Gallo contradicted Dana White's claim that the former two-division champ is 'ready to fight,' telling reporters 'that's news to me' and revealing Topuria hasn't resumed any MMA training. Topuria is still recovering from the broken orbital bones he suffered in his upset loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250, his first career defeat. White has floated a Gaethje rematch or a Paddy Pimblett grudge match, but Gallo says a real training camp hasn't even begun.

Why it matters: White is selling an imminent return the fighter's own team won't confirm — and until Topuria is actually training, the lightweight title picture behind Gaethje stays frozen.

Jones teases return, needles Aspinall over vacated belt

With the heavyweight title newly vacant, Jon Jones spent the week sniping at Tom Aspinall on X — questioning the legitimacy of his eye injury and agreeing with fans who claimed Aspinall didn't fancy a Ciryl Gane rematch. Teammate Gable Steveson says the open belt has 'put another fire' in Jones and predicts a comeback. Jones, who retired in April 2025 after turning down a reported $30 million to face Aspinall, beat Gane for the title in 2023 — making a rematch with the newly elevated undisputed champ an obvious lure.

Why it matters: It's teammate talk and Twitter, not a signed bout — but with Gane upgraded and Alex Pereira also circling, Jones re-entering the picture would reshape the heavyweight title race overnight.

Cejudo's boxing debut swaps in 'Euphoria' actor Javon Walton

Henry Cejudo's pro boxing debut got a strange rewrite: original opponent Deen The Great pulled out injured, so the two-division UFC champ and Olympic wrestling gold medalist will now headline Misfits Boxing in Miami on Sept. 26 against 20-year-old actor-boxer Javon 'Wanna' Walton. Walton, best known as Ashtray in HBO's 'Euphoria,' is 3-0-1 under Jake Paul's MVP banner. The card airs on DAZN.

Why it matters: Cejudo, retired from MMA since his 2025 loss to Payton Talbott, is the latest ex-champ chasing influencer-boxing money — now against an opponent nearly two decades younger with a real, if short, pro record.

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