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Noche UFC 4 made official: Rodriguez vs. Silva set, Silva a big favorite

The UFC formally announced Yair Rodriguez vs. Jean Silva as the Sept. 12 Noche UFC 4 main event in Glendale, Arizona, with a full card now attached — Manon Fiorot vs. Alexa Grasso, Brandon Moreno vs. Joseph Morales, Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs. Curtis Blaydes and more. Silva (17-3) opened as a sizable favorite (around -280) over the returning Rodriguez (20-5), who fights for the first time since his April 2025 win over Patricio Pitbull and makes his first Noche appearance. Silva headlined last year's Noche, losing to Diego Lopes.

Why it matters: A five-round featherweight main event on Mexican Independence Day weekend carries title-shot stakes, with Silva looking to force his way back into the Volkanovski conversation.

Oliveira and Dana White talk up Garry's upset chances at UFC 330

Ahead of Islam Makhachev's first welterweight defense against Ian Machado Garry on Aug. 15 in Philadelphia, Charles Oliveira — who helped build Garry's camp at Chute Boxe — says the Irishman has a 'very good chance,' citing his fight IQ and discipline. Dana White pointed to Garry's takedown defense as a genuine threat, while backup Michael Morales gave him 'zero chance.' Garry remains a +260 underdog to Makhachev's -320.

Why it matters: Makhachev can break Anderson Silva's UFC win-streak record, and the debate centers on the one skill — takedown defense — that could actually derail him.

Makhachev rejects Khabib's retirement plan, eyes 'many more' wins past the record

Ahead of his first welterweight title defense against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330 on Aug. 15 in Philadelphia, Islam Makhachev waved off Khabib Nurmagomedov's advice to retire by 35. A win over Garry would break Anderson Silva's UFC record of 16 straight victories, and Makhachev vowed to push 'many more' beyond 17. The pound-for-pound No. 1 turns 35 in October but says he wants to be 'the best fighter to ever do this.'

Why it matters: The sport's top fighter signaling a long reign at 170 sets the ceiling for the division and reframes UFC 330 as a legacy milestone rather than a routine defense.

UFC 331 fills in: O'Neill vs. Moura, Moicano vs. Ortega

The UFC's Sept. 18-19 Los Angeles card at Crypto.com Arena added pieces. A women's flyweight bout between Casey O'Neill (11-2) and Eduarda Moura (12-2) was reported for the event, while former title challenger Renato Moicano is reportedly set to meet submission specialist Brian Ortega at lightweight on the same night. Moicano stayed sharp in the meantime, tapping former Bellator champion Patricky Freire with an arm-triangle in under four minutes at BJJ Stars 19.

Why it matters: UFC 331 is shaping up around a rumored Tsarukyan-Oliveira lightweight rematch; these additions give two grappling-heavy veterans real divisional stakes on a stacked card.

Medic ices Rodriguez in 30 seconds atop record-breaking Belgrade card

In the UFC's debut in Serbia, hometown welterweight Uros Medic knocked out Daniel Rodriguez just 30 seconds into the main event, dropping him with a left-right combination and finishing on the ground. It was Medic's fourth straight first-round knockout, pushing him toward the 170-pound top 10; he called out Carlos Prates and Leon Edwards. The card produced a UFC-record 12 finishes, 10 in the first round, and no Fight of the Night was awarded. Rodriguez, fighting eight months after release from a Mexican prison, was hospitalized but vowed to return.

Why it matters: Medic has gone from action-fighter curiosity to a genuine welterweight threat in a stacked division, and Belgrade gives the UFC a bankable new star in an untapped European market.

Jean Silva vs. Yair Rodriguez booked to headline Noche UFC on Sept. 12

The featherweight main event for Noche UFC on Sept. 12 at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona is set, with No. 6 contender Jean Silva facing former interim champion Yair Rodriguez, per ESPN Brasil. Silva (6-1 UFC) is coming off a decision over Arnold Allen at UFC 324; Rodriguez ends an 18-month layoff after beating Patricio Freire at UFC 314 in April 2025. The card also features Brandon Moreno, Manon Fiorot vs. Alexa Grasso and Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs. Curtis Blaydes.

Why it matters: A win puts either man on the short list behind champion Alexander Volkanovski, and it gives the UFC's Mexican Independence Day card a real contender-clash headliner.

UFC debuts in Serbia as Medic and Rodriguez headline Belgrade

The UFC stages its first-ever event in Belgrade on Saturday, with hometown knockout artist Uros Medic (all seven wins by stoppage) facing returning welterweight Daniel Rodriguez in a five-round main event; Rodriguez fights for the first time since an eight-month stretch in a Mexican prison and vows to make Medic 'eat his words.' In the co-main, 43-year-old former champ Jan Blachowicz meets unbeaten Navajo Stirling, who took the fight on short notice. Both winners are eyeing a bout with Leon Edwards.

Why it matters: A packed local card gives the UFC a foothold in Serbia and a Top-15 welterweight shuffle, with Medic one violent night away from the Top 10 and Stirling a win from the title conversation.

Nurmagomedov, Colgan on weight for PFL New York title fight that could be Usman's last

PFL lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov (21-0, 1 NC) and undefeated challenger Archie Colgan (13-0) both hit 154.8 pounds for their five-round main event Friday at UBS Arena. Nurmagomedov is on the final fight of his PFL deal and has openly eyed a UFC move should he win. In the co-main, undefeated flyweight Dakota Ditcheva returns from a year out against Denise Kielholtz, with a long-awaited Liz Carmouche fight looming next.

Why it matters: The promotion risks losing its best fighter the moment it rebrands under MVP, and a Colgan upset would blow up both the division and the UFC talk. Ditcheva's return keeps the PFL's biggest women's draw in motion.

UFC Belgrade makes weight as Dana White snaps at Serbia-debut question

All 28 fighters made weight for the UFC's first card in Serbia, with Uros Medic and Daniel Rodriguez both on the 171-pound limit for Saturday's welterweight headliner and Jan Blachowicz and short-notice replacement Navajo Stirling set at 205 for the co-main. The buildup's louder story came at the press conference, where CEO Dana White dismissed a reporter asking which fight he was most looking forward to as 'a sh*tty question,' saying only that he wanted 'a few holy sh*t moments.' The exchange drew online criticism that White is disengaged from the product.

Why it matters: Medic's homecoming and Rodriguez's return from a Mexican prison give the APEX-adjacent card real stakes, but White's shrug is the more telling note about how much promotional energy a Fight Night in a new market actually gets.

Rodriguez returns from a Mexican prison to headline UFC's Serbia debut

The UFC stages its first-ever event in Serbia on Saturday, Aug. 1 at Belgrade Arena, headlined by a welterweight bout between hometown finisher Uros Medic and Daniel Rodriguez. Rodriguez, released this April after eight months in a Mexican jail on a marijuana possession charge, rides a three-fight streak and calls the headline slot 'a dream come true.' Medic (13-3) has stopped all three of his recent opponents, most recently blitzing Geoff Neal in 79 seconds, and is a heavy favorite; he's already eyeing a future clash with Carlos Prates. Jan Blachowicz vs. short-notice Navajo Stirling co-headlines.

Why it matters: It's a landmark first card in a new market wrapped around one of the sport's more improbable comeback stories, with Medic trying to prove he's more than a hometown highlight.

UFC signs Raul Rosas Jr.'s brother, adds two bouts to prop up thin Vegas card

Jessie Rosas (8-1), the older brother of bantamweight Raul Rosas Jr., has signed with the UFC and debuts Aug. 8 at UFC Vegas 120 (Meta Apex), facing veteran Miles Johns, who is riding a three-fight losing streak. The 23-year-old UWC bantamweight champ carries a 75-percent finish rate. The UFC also added Manoel Sousa vs. LFA champion Richie Miranda, fleshing out a card that had been down to only eight or nine bouts a week and a half out. The Gamrot vs. Salkilld lightweight main event now has 11 fights.

Why it matters: Two short-notice signings to save an anemic Apex card underline how thin the mid-tier schedule has gotten, while the Rosas name gives a regional prospect instant profile.

Buckley vs. Malott headlines UFC Edmonton on Oct. 17

The UFC has booked No. 10 welterweight Joaquin Buckley against Canada's Mike Malott in the main event of UFC Edmonton on Oct. 17 at Rogers Place. Buckley (21-8) is on a two-fight skid after decision losses to Sean Brady and Kamaru Usman, while Malott (14-2-1) rides a four-fight streak capped by a third-round TKO of Gilbert Burns in his Winnipeg headliner. The co-main pits flyweights Erin Blanchfield and Jasmine Jasudavicius, a bout relocated from UFC 330 after a Blanchfield injury.

Why it matters: It's a make-or-break spot for both: Buckley is defending a top-10 ranking in hostile territory, and Malott can crack the contender picture at 170 with a home win over a name.

Usman Nurmagomedov defends lightweight belt vs. Colgan atop PFL New York

The PFL has finalized its 11-bout PFL New York card for Friday, July 31 at UBS Arena, headlined by unbeaten champion Usman Nurmagomedov (21-0) defending the lightweight title against fellow undefeated contender Archie Colgan (13-0). The co-main sees top women's flyweight Dakota Ditcheva (15-0) return after more than a year out against Denise Kielholtz. The main card airs on ESPN at 7 p.m. ET.

Why it matters: It's a champion-vs-unbeaten headliner and Ditcheva's long-awaited return, giving the PFL a genuinely stacked card to answer the recurring knock that its top talent goes unseen.

Medic vs. Rodriguez headlines UFC's Serbia debut Aug. 1

UFC Belgrade lands Saturday, Aug. 1 at Belgrade Arena, the promotion's first event in Serbia, headlined by hometown welterweight Uros Medic (13-3) against veteran Daniel Rodriguez in a five-rounder. Medic enters on three straight first-round knockouts and opened as a heavy favorite. The reshuffled co-main pairs former champion Jan Blachowicz with unbeaten Navajo Stirling (10-0) after Blachowicz's original opponent Bogdan Guskov left to face Ankalaev.

Why it matters: Medic gets a rare homecoming headliner as the UFC plants a flag in a new market, while the 39-year-old Rodriguez tries to spoil it and stay relevant in a crowded 170 top 15.

Walker off, Stirling in as UFC Belgrade shuffles for Serbia debut

The UFC's first-ever card in Serbia lands Saturday at Belgrade Arena, headlined by streaking Serbian Uros Medic vs. returning American Daniel Rodriguez. The card took several hits: Johnny Walker's heavyweight debut against Ante Delija collapsed when matchmakers couldn't find a replacement, and the light heavyweight co-main was reworked into Jan Blachowicz vs. Navajo Stirling after Bogdan Guskov was pulled to Abu Dhabi. Stirling (unbeaten, five straight UFC wins) took the short-notice step up, joking he was 'off a massive bender' in Japan when the call came.

Why it matters: It's a milestone international debut for the UFC, and the Blachowicz-Stirling swap is a genuine crossroads fight — a 43-year-old former champ against a rising 28-year-old trying to force his way into the 205-pound picture while the belt sits idle.

Parnasse signs with UFC, lands Paris headliner vs. Hooker

Per Ariel Helwani, longtime free agent Salahdine Parnasse has signed with the UFC and will make his debut in the UFC Paris main event opposite Dan Hooker on Sept. 5. The 28-year-old former KSW two-division champion turned down the UFC in 2024 over a richer KSW deal, but his stock spiked after a first-round knockout on the Rousey vs. Carano Netflix card. Hooker enters on back-to-back losses to Arman Tsarukyan and Benoit Saint Denis.

Why it matters: One of the best non-UFC talents of the past half-decade finally crosses over, and the promotion handed him a main-event slot on home soil — an immediate test that reshapes the 155-pound depth chart.

UFC 331 fills out: Moicano-Ortega and Pitbull-Choi added

The UFC's Sept. 19 return to Los Angeles, reportedly headlined by an Oliveira-Tsarukyan BMF rematch, added two undercard bouts. Renato Moicano meets Brian Ortega — who is finally moving up to lightweight full-time after chronic weight-cutting problems — in a rematch of Ortega's 2017 submission win at UFC 214. On the same card, ex-Bellator great Patricio Pitbull faces UFC Hall of Fame brawler Doo Ho Choi at featherweight.

Why it matters: The LA lineup is quietly stacking former title challengers and crossover names; Ortega's move to 155 and Pitbull's search for footing in the UFC are both worth tracking.

Ankalaev meets Guskov in Abu Dhabi with 205 stakes

The UFC returns to Etihad Arena on Saturday afternoon (Paramount+) with former light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev headlining against short-notice replacement Bogdan Guskov, in for the injured Khalil Rountree Jr. Ankalaev, coming off his first loss since 2018 to Alex Pereira, needs an impressive win to force his way back into the title mix. The co-main pits former flyweight challenger Steve Erceg against unbeaten Ramazan Temirov.

Why it matters: A clean Ankalaev win reinserts him into a 205-pound picture clogged by an injured champion in Carlos Ulberg; a Guskov upset would blow the division wide open.

PFL welterweight title fight official: Jean vs. Rodriguez tonight

PFL Washington, D.C. is a go after both men made weight: undefeated champion Thad Jean (11-0, 169.2) defends the welterweight belt against late replacement Ernesto Rodriguez (11-1, 169.8) atop the CareFirst Arena card on ESPN. Rodriguez, riding a nine-fight win streak, was slated for the prelims until Shamil Musaev fell out with weight-cut complications on Thursday. Tyson Pedro vs. Rafael Xavier serves as the light heavyweight co-main.

Why it matters: Rodriguez went from prelim undercard to a world title shot in 48 hours — an unlikely main event that headlines the PFL's summer run.

UFC Belgrade: Brave CF champ Nikolic signs on a week's notice

Ahead of the UFC's first event in Serbia on Aug. 1, Brave CF bantamweight champion Borislav Nikolic (16-2) has signed and stepped in on roughly a week's notice to face Mark Vologdin, replacing Josias Musasa. The Belgrade Arena card is headlined by hometown welterweight Uros Medic against Daniel Rodriguez, who returns for the first time since his release from prison, and features Jan Blachowicz vs. Navajo Stirling.

Why it matters: The debut Serbia card leans heavily on regional prospects and short-notice signings — Nikolic, on a six-fight win streak, is one of the more credible newcomers on it.

UFC Abu Dhabi set: Ankalaev, Guskov make weight for Saturday headliner

All 26 fighters hit the scale for UFC Abu Dhabi at Etihad Arena, with former light heavyweight champ Magomed Ankalaev (205.5) and short-notice replacement Bogdan Guskov (205.5) both on point for the five-round main event. Guskov stepped in on under two weeks' notice after Khalil Rountree Jr. withdrew injured. In his first outing since losing the title to Alex Pereira, Ankalaev also traded jabs with 'Poatan' online, firing back at a mocking comment that Pereira 'must have just woken up' after being knocked out by Ciryl Gane.

Why it matters: Ankalaev's return launches his climb back toward a suddenly open 205-pound title now held by Carlos Ulberg, and a win keeps his Pereira trilogy campaign alive.

Report: Oliveira to defend BMF belt vs. Tsarukyan atop UFC 331 in LA

Russian outlet Red Fury MMA reports that Charles Oliveira will defend the BMF title against Arman Tsarukyan in the UFC 331 main event on Sept. 19 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. It would be a rematch of their UFC 300 bout, which Tsarukyan won by split decision. Tsarukyan, long viewed as the top lightweight contender, has said he plans to fight for two belts this year.

Why it matters: A Tsarukyan win would hand him a marquee belt and momentum toward the undisputed lightweight title he has repeatedly been denied — while a loss stalls one of the division's most deserving contenders yet again.

Ankalaev calls Saturday's Guskov headliner a 'tuneup,' wants Pereira trilogy

Returning for the first time since Alex Pereira knocked him out at UFC 320, Magomed Ankalaev is dismissing his UFC Abu Dhabi main event against short-notice replacement Bogdan Guskov as 'just a fight to be back.' Guskov (No. 9) stepped in on under two weeks' notice after Khalil Rountree Jr. was injured, and Ankalaev enters a roughly -600 favorite. The Dagestani says he'll chase a Pereira trilogy at light heavyweight or heavyweight, firing back at Pereira's taunt: 'He must have just woken up.'

Why it matters: A win puts Ankalaev straight back into the title mix behind sidelined champ Carlos Ulberg — but publicly branding a top-10 opponent a tuneup invites an ugly upset at the Etihad Arena.

Ankalaev returns Saturday, admits he erred fighting Pereira hurt

Ahead of headlining UFC Abu Dhabi on July 25 against short-notice replacement Bogdan Guskov, former light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev finally addressed the health issues behind his 80-second title loss to Alex Pereira last October, saying he ignored advice to pull out and "made a mistake." He also vowed to chase a Pereira trilogy at heavyweight or 205, calling their series 1-1. Guskov, in for an injured Khalil Rountree Jr., becomes the first Uzbek to headline a UFC card and says a win puts him next in line for the title.

Why it matters: Ankalaev remains the top light heavyweight contender behind new champ Carlos Ulberg; a win keeps him in title range, while Guskov's rise injects a fresh name into the 205-pound picture.

Garry likens UFC 330 title shot at Makhachev to McGregor-Aldo

Ahead of his Aug. 15 welterweight title challenge against Islam Makhachev in Philadelphia, Ian Machado Garry compared the matchup to Conor McGregor's 2015 win over Jose Aldo, framing a victory over the pound-for-pound king as proof of his own greatness. Makhachev, 29-1 and tied for the UFC's longest win streak at 16, would break the all-time record with a win; teammate Cain Velasquez praised him as a 'master' of the sport, and the champion opened as a roughly -300 favorite. UFC 330 also features Mackenzie Dern defending the strawweight title against Gillian Robertson.

Why it matters: It's still pure buildup, but the stakes are real: Garry's chance to become Ireland's second UFC champion against a fighter one win from the sport's consecutive-victory record.

UFC reveals first six Noche fights for Sept. 12 in Glendale

The UFC announced the opening six bouts for Noche UFC on Sept. 12 at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona, during the UFC Oklahoma City broadcast. Former flyweight champ Brandon Moreno faces Joseph Morales, and ex-women's flyweight champ Alexa Grasso meets Manon Fiorot. Also booked: Curtis Blaydes vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta, Kelvin Gastelum vs. 6-foot-5 ex-kickboxer Yousri Belgaroui, Tim Elliott vs. Edgar Chairez, and JJ Aldrich vs. Regina Tarin. The main event is expected to be announced next week.

Why it matters: Two former champions carry title-relevant stakes; Grasso-Fiorot is a genuine 125-pound contender fight anchoring the early build.

Du Plessis meets Usman in Oklahoma City with a title shot in play

UFC Fight Night 281 lands at Oklahoma City's Paycom Center on Saturday, headlined by former middleweight champ Dricus du Plessis against former welterweight king Kamaru Usman at 185 pounds — Usman's first middleweight bout with a full camp after his short-notice loss to Chimaev in 2023. Both made the 186-pound limit, and the winner is positioned for a shot at champion Khamzat Chimaev. Jared Cannonier vs. Christian Leroy Duncan is the co-main.

Why it matters: A du Plessis loss would scramble the middleweight picture further, while a Usman win would complete one of the stranger late-career pivots in the sport.

Eblen and Kasanganay rematch for interim PFL middleweight title

PFL Austin runs Saturday at Austin's Moody Center on ESPN2, headlined by Johnny Eblen (17-1) against Impa Kasanganay (20-6) for the interim middleweight title, a rematch of their 2024 split decision. Eblen stepped in after champion Costello van Steenis withdrew injured from a planned unification, and the winner is slated to face van Steenis to unify. Both made weight. UFC champ Sean Strickland cornered Eblen and has floated an eventual UFC crossover fight between them.

Why it matters: With van Steenis shelved, this interim belt keeps PFL's deepest division moving and teases the unification bout fans have wanted.

Du Plessis-Usman winner eyes Strickland as Chimaev demands rematch

Former champions Dricus du Plessis (23-3) and Kamaru Usman (21-4) headline UFC Oklahoma City on Saturday, July 18, with both men openly campaigning for a shot at middleweight champion Sean Strickland. Du Plessis, coming off his title loss to Chimaev, says he took the Usman fight specifically to prove himself against a wrestler and holds two wins over Strickland; Usman, moving up from welterweight, is chasing two-division champion status. Meanwhile Khamzat Chimaev posted 'I'm ready' in another plea for a Strickland rematch, which du Plessis dismissed as 'ridiculous' given Chimaev has no title defenses.

Why it matters: A crowded 185-pound picture with no clear next challenger means Saturday's result, and how emphatic it is, could reorder the entire division behind Strickland.

Blachowicz draws unbeaten Navajo Stirling at UFC Belgrade

The UFC has booked former light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz (29-11-2) against unbeaten contender Navajo Stirling (10-0) in the co-main event of its first card in Serbia on August 1 at Belgrade Arena. Blachowicz was left without an opponent after Bogdan Guskov was pulled up to face Magomed Ankalaev in Abu Dhabi. Stirling, a City Kickboxing product on a five-fight win streak coming off a TKO of Ion Cutelaba, makes a quick turnaround for his first crack at a former champion. Uros Medic vs. Daniel Rodriguez headlines.

Why it matters: It's a classic gatekeeper test: the 43-year-old ex-champ returning from a torn meniscus against one of the division's fastest-rising 205ers, with real ranking stakes for Stirling.

ONE returns to Bangkok with Di Bella-Zhang title rematch and Crevar

ONE Championship runs two Lumpinee Stadium cards this week, headlined by The Inner Circle 22, where strawweight kickboxing champion Jonathan Di Bella (15-1) defends against Zhang Peimian (20-5) in a rematch nearly four years in the making. The card also features 19-year-old grappling phenom Helena Crevar, the No. 1 pound-for-pound women's grappler, moving up in weight against Paige Clymer. On ONE Fight Night 45, Scottish Muay Thai striker Stephen Irvine debuts on the global roster in a flyweight co-main against Suablack Tor Pran49, who missed weight twice before making the limit on his third try.

Why it matters: ONE's Muay Thai and grappling pipeline keeps producing crossover names like Crevar, who is openly angling for super fights against MMA's biggest women's stars.

Dana White makes Ryan Garcia vs. Conor Benn official for Sept. 12 in Las Vegas

UFC CEO Dana White confirmed WBA/WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia (25-2, 20 KOs) will defend against England's Conor Benn (25-1, 14 KOs) on Sept. 12 at T-Mobile Arena during Mexican Independence Day weekend. It is Zuffa Boxing's biggest card to date and its first global show airing exclusively on Paramount+ in the U.S., with DAZN carrying it in the UK and Ireland. The date is expected to push Noche UFC 4 to Sept. 19.

Why it matters: White's boxing venture is quickly scaling from a curiosity into a marquee-fight platform, and it's now colliding with the UFC's own calendar.

Michael Page headlines UFC Paris additions with middleweight return vs. Ruziboev

The UFC announced a batch of fights for its Sept. 5 card at Accor Arena in Paris. Michael 'Venom' Page (25-3) drops back to middleweight against surging Uzbek Nursulton Ruziboev (37-9), both on three-fight streaks. The card also adds undefeated heavyweight Mario Pinto vs. Ryan Spann, Oumar Sy vs. Modestas Bukauskas, Losene Keita vs. Muhammad Naimov, and home fighter Nora Cornolle vs. Klaudia Sygula. No main event has been announced yet.

Why it matters: Page bounces between divisions again after a criticized welterweight outing, while Pinto-Spann is a genuine top-15 heavyweight rankings play on a card still searching for a headliner.

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.

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.

Rountree out injured, Guskov steps in to face Ankalaev in Abu Dhabi

Khalil Rountree Jr. has withdrawn from the July 25 UFC Abu Dhabi main event with an injury, and No. 10 light heavyweight Bogdan Guskov (18-3-1) takes the fight on 12 days' notice against former champion Magomed Ankalaev (21-2-1). Guskov, who owns an 18-for-18 finish rate, was pulled from a planned Aug. 1 rematch with Jan Blachowicz at UFC Belgrade to accept his first UFC main event. Ankalaev is fighting for the first time since Alex Pereira knocked him out to reclaim the 205-pound title at UFC 320.

Why it matters: It keeps a top-of-division headliner intact but swaps a ranked contender for a dangerous puncher with nothing to lose; a Guskov upset would blow the light heavyweight title picture wide open.

Du Plessis meets Usman in Oklahoma City with the middleweight title picture open

The UFC returns to Oklahoma City on Saturday, July 18, headlined by former middleweight champ Dricus du Plessis (23-3) taking on ex-welterweight king Kamaru Usman (21-4) in Usman's first full middleweight camp. Du Plessis returns from the one-sided loss to Khamzat Chimaev that cost him the belt, while Usman is fresh off a win over Joaquin Buckley. Du Plessis is roughly a -260 favorite; the co-main pits Jared Cannonier against rising Brit Christian Leroy Duncan.

Why it matters: With Sean Strickland's first title defense unbooked, the winner slots straight into the challenger conversation at 185 — and a strong Usman showing would make his two-weight title bid real.

Bryce Mitchell to fight BJJ champ Musumeci in first-of-its-kind grappling clash

Bryce Mitchell will become the first active UFC fighter to face a UFC BJJ champion, meeting Mikey Musumeci in the UFC BJJ 11 headliner on Sept. 24. The match is at featherweight, so Musumeci moves up from bantamweight and his belt is not on the line. Musumeci is unbeaten under the banner with three heel hooks and a foot lock in four appearances, while "Thug Nasty" went 1-1-1 in recent grappling bouts, including a draw with Jean Silva. Mason Fowler defends his light heavyweight title against Nicky Rod in the co-main.

Why it matters: It's the clearest sign yet the UFC intends to blur its MMA and submission-grappling rosters, giving Mitchell a marquee showcase against an elite grappler.

Moreno returns against TUF 33 winner Morales at Noche UFC

Former two-time flyweight champion Brandon Moreno is booked to face "The Ultimate Fighter 33" winner Joseph Morales at Noche UFC on Sept. 12 at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona. Moreno (23-10-2) is trying to snap a two-fight skid after losses to Tatsuro Taira and Lone'er Kavanagh, while Morales (14-2) is 2-0 in his second UFC stint. The card also features a women's flyweight eliminator between Alexa Grasso and Manon Fiorot.

Why it matters: A former champ on the slide against a hungry TUF winner is a near must-win for Moreno's fading title hopes, and it stocks up the UFC's marquee Mexican-heritage card.

McGregor, Holloway make weight as celebrity bets pour in

Conor McGregor (170.5) and Max Holloway (170) both weighed in Friday and had an intense final faceoff ahead of Saturday's UFC 329 welterweight main event in Las Vegas, McGregor's first fight since breaking his leg in July 2021. Drake put $1 million on McGregor at +285, while Jake Paul placed a $500,000 McGregor-Pimblett parlay on his own app; Holloway laughed off Drake's backing, invoking the rapper's betting curse.

Why it matters: Manufactured hype aside, McGregor's return after five years is the biggest box-office event of the year, and it finally gets settled in the cage Saturday night.

McGregor and Holloway have to be separated at UFC 329 faceoff

Conor McGregor (22-6) returns for the first time since breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier in July 2021 to face Max Holloway (27-9) in Saturday's UFC 329 main event at T-Mobile Arena, a welterweight rematch of their 2013 featherweight bout. At Thursday's press conference McGregor ripped Holloway's sunglasses off and slapped away his hand, forcing security to pull the pair apart. Holloway is a roughly -225 favorite, though McGregor's price shortened to +170 during fight week. Dana White says the card will produce the UFC's biggest gate in history.

Why it matters: McGregor has one fight left on his contract and is openly eyeing free agency, so this is likely a brief window to cash in the sport's biggest draw; the winner opens up marquee options with Pimblett, Topuria or a welterweight title chase.

Pimblett-Saint-Denis co-main a near pick'em with title stakes

The UFC 329 co-main event pits Paddy Pimblett (23-4) against Benoit Saint-Denis (17-3, 1 NC) in a three-round lightweight bout. Pimblett is rebuilding after his interim title loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC 324 in January, while Saint-Denis rides a four-fight finish streak that includes stoppages of Dan Hooker, Beneil Dariush and Mauricio Ruffy. Saint-Denis opened around -155 but the line has tightened toward a coin flip during fight week. Both fighters said they wanted five rounds; Saint-Denis denied he was the reason the bout stayed at three.

Why it matters: The winner slots into a crowded top five at 155 pounds and could fast-track back into the title conversation, while a Pimblett win keeps his mooted feud with Ilia Topuria alive.

Pacio defends ONE strawweight title as Folayang eyes farewell

ONE Championship returned to Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok with The Inner Circle 21 and ONE Friday Fights 161. Strawweight MMA champion Joshua Pacio defended his belt against Dagestani contender Mansur Malachiev in a rematch nearly three years in the making. Filipino legend and former lightweight champion Eduard Folayang faced Japanese judoka Shozo Isojima in the co-main event, in what could be the final bout of his career, while 18-year-old Jaradchai Maxjandee chased a $100,000 contract atop the Friday Fights card.

Why it matters: Pacio remains one of ONE's most consistent titleholders, and Folayang's likely send-off marks the end of an era for one of the promotion's foundational stars.

McGregor makes his return against Holloway atop UFC 329

Conor McGregor headlines UFC 329 on July 11 at T-Mobile Arena against Max Holloway in a welterweight rematch of their 2013 featherweight bout, marking McGregor's first fight since the leg break against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021. McGregor dismissed Holloway's stated plan to drag him into deep waters as disrespectful. The fighter class is split on the pick: Dricus du Plessis and Sean O'Malley back a McGregor knockout, while Sherdog's Sean Sheehan and others favor a fresher Holloway to finish the rusty Irishman at 170 pounds.

Why it matters: McGregor's five-year layoff at age 37 makes this the most scrutinized comeback in years, and a welterweight rematch against a durable, high-volume Holloway is a stern test of whether the sport's biggest draw still belongs.

UFC Shanghai adds Yan Xiaonan vs. Gomes and more

The UFC booked Yan Xiaonan (19-5, 1 NC) against surging strawweight Denise Gomes (12-3) in the co-main event of UFC Shanghai on Aug. 29, with Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Song Yadong headlining. It's Yan's first fight in over a year following her decision loss to Virna Jandiroba, while Gomes rides a four-fight win streak. Also added: flyweight prospect Rei Tsuruya (11-1) against Kevin Borjas.

Why it matters: A win keeps the No. 5-ranked Yan in the 115-pound title mix, while Gomes has a chance to crack the contender tier — meaningful movement in a strawweight division still sorting itself behind champion Mackenzie Dern.

McGregor-Holloway 2 headlines UFC 329, 13 years in the making

Conor McGregor (22-6) returns from a five-year layoff Saturday, July 11 at T-Mobile Arena to rematch Max Holloway (27-9) at welterweight, having won their 2013 featherweight bout by decision. The pundit consensus is near-unanimous: McGregor's only real path is an early knockout, with the fight expected to stay on the feet, and his gas tank the biggest question after five years out. Chael Sonnen, Jorge Masvidal, Belal Muhammad and Jose Aldo's coach Andre Pederneiras all frame it the same way — McGregor dangerous early, Holloway favored to take over if it goes long.

Why it matters: It's likely the most-watched UFC card of all time, and the winner has a title path: lightweight or BMF options for Holloway, welterweight or BMF for McGregor — assuming McGregor still has anything left after the leg break and layoff.

Odds tell the story: Holloway favored as McGregor's line steams

Despite losing the 2013 fight, Holloway enters UFC 329 as roughly a -227 favorite over McGregor (+192), reflecting the Irishman's five years out. But McGregor's number has shortened sharply — from as wide as +420 (Holloway -550) at open to under +200 — with money chasing his early-finish threat. The card's biggest lock is Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson (-3300) in his heavyweight debut against Elisha Ellison; Benoit Saint-Denis, Adrian Yanez and Lone'er Kavanagh are also favored in notable spots.

Why it matters: The line movement without a flip captures the whole fight: bettors respect McGregor's power in the first two rounds but still trust Holloway's activity and cardio over 25 minutes.

Makhachev's first welterweight defense vs. Garry set for UFC 330

The UFC released the poster for UFC 330 on Aug. 15 at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, where welterweight champion Islam Makhachev (28-1) makes his first title defense against No. 1 contender Ian Machado Garry (17-1). Makhachev, tied with Anderson Silva for the longest win streak in UFC history at 16, took the belt by dominating Jack Della Maddalena. Garry earned the shot with wins over Carlos Prates and Belal Muhammad. Mackenzie Dern defends her strawweight title against Gillian Robertson in the co-main.

Why it matters: It's the first look at Makhachev as a two-division champion defending 170, against a young, unbeaten-at-welterweight contender — the fight that sets the division's direction post-McGregor weekend.

Hernandez vs. Rodrigues headlines UFC's Aug. 22 Sacramento card

The UFC returns to Sacramento's Golden 1 Center on Aug. 22 with a middleweight main event between No. 6 Anthony Hernandez (15-3) and No. 12 Gregory Rodrigues (15-3). Hernandez looks to bounce back from a loss to Sean Strickland, while Rodrigues rides a three-fight finishing streak. In the co-main, Reinier de Ridder officially moves to light heavyweight to face Roman Dolidze after back-to-back middleweight losses to Brendan Allen and Caio Borralho — with both men on skids. Serghei Spivac vs. Vitor Petrino also lands on the card.

Why it matters: It's a genuine title-relevance middleweight main event, and de Ridder's jump to 205 is a notable pivot for a fighter who arrived with big hype but stalled at 185.

Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Song Yadong to headline UFC Shanghai

The UFC's Aug. 29 return to Shanghai will be topped by a bantamweight title eliminator between No. 3 Umar Nurmagomedov (20-1) and China's No. 5 Song Yadong (23-9-1), fresh off a submission of Deiveson Figueiredo in Macau. Nurmagomedov, coming off his title-shot loss, was pulled from a July 25 date with David Martinez to take this fight. Former strawweight title challenger Yan Xiaonan (19-5) meets No. 13 Denise Gomes in the co-main, with the Road to UFC Season 5 semifinals running the night before.

Why it matters: The winner likely earns the next bantamweight title shot, and the UFC is again building a marquee card around Chinese stars in a key growth market.

McGregor returns Saturday to rematch Holloway at UFC 329

Conor McGregor headlines UFC 329 on July 11 at T-Mobile Arena, facing Max Holloway in a welterweight rematch 13 years after McGregor won their 2013 featherweight bout by decision. It is McGregor's first fight since breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021; a 2024 booking against Michael Chandler collapsed when he broke a toe, footage of which the UFC aired on Countdown. Holloway, coming off a decision loss of the BMF belt to Charles Oliveira, is the betting favorite, though heavyweight champ Tom Aspinall picked a first-round McGregor knockout. Weigh-ins air live on CBS on July 10 with the card streaming on Paramount+.

Why it matters: The UFC's biggest draw returning after a five-year layoff at 37, two weight classes above the original meeting, is the promotion's marquee gamble of the year — and a real test of whether McGregor is anything close to the fighter he was.

Dvalishvili and Cejudo run it back on the mats at RAF Georgia

UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili headlines RAF Georgia on July 11 in his native Tbilisi, facing Henry Cejudo in a wrestling match — their first meeting since Dvalishvili beat Cejudo at UFC 298 in February 2024. The co-main pits Olympic champion Kyle Snyder against longtime rival Abdulrashid Sadulaev for the RAF light heavyweight title, with a card also featuring Arman Tsarukyan, Kyle Dake and Helen Maroulis. It streams on Fox Nation at 12 p.m. ET.

Why it matters: The RAF wrestling circuit keeps pulling in crossover MMA names, and seeing Dvalishvili and Cejudo compete outside the cage is a rare novelty for fans of both sports.

McGregor-Holloway 2 headlines UFC 329 as fight week begins

Conor McGregor (22-6) returns from a five-year layoff to rematch Max Holloway (27-9) at welterweight in Saturday's UFC 329 main event at T-Mobile Arena, 13 years after McGregor won their 2013 featherweight bout by decision. McGregor last fought in 2021, breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier, while Holloway is coming off a decision loss to Charles Oliveira that cost him the BMF title. The UFC released its Countdown episode previewing the five-round fight, and analysts including Darren Till flagged McGregor's long inactivity as the biggest question mark.

Why it matters: It is the biggest draw of the year and likely one of McGregor's final two fights under contract, but at nearly 38 and winless since 2020 he is a live underdog against a top-five opponent, and the result reshapes the top of two divisions' star power.

Ruffy named backup for McGregor-Holloway main event

Lightweight contender Mauricio Ruffy (14-2) confirmed he will serve as the official backup for the UFC 329 main event, traveling to Las Vegas and weighing in Friday in case McGregor or Holloway withdraws. Ruffy, fresh off a first-round knockout of Michael Chandler at UFC White House, weighed roughly 185.6 pounds and would need to cut about 14 pounds to make the non-title welterweight limit. The UFC's precaution nods to McGregor's 2024 withdrawal from a Chandler bout over a broken toe.

Why it matters: A designated backup underscores how much the promotion is protecting its marquee International Fight Week headliner, and gives a surging contender a lottery ticket into a superstar fight.

Pimblett-Saint Denis co-main carries lightweight stakes

Paddy Pimblett (23-4) meets Benoit Saint Denis (17-3, 1 NC) in the UFC 329 co-main event, both looking to climb the lightweight ladder. Pimblett is rebounding from a January decision loss to Justin Gaethje that snapped a nine-fight streak, while Saint Denis rides a four-fight run capped by a February stoppage of Dan Hooker. Coach Din Thomas and Darren Till both backed Pimblett, citing his durability and recovery ability against the aggressive but defensively suspect Frenchman.

Why it matters: With Gaethje now champion and Ilia Topuria lurking, the winner slots back into a crowded lightweight title picture on the sport's biggest card of the summer.

De Ridder vs. Dolidze booked at light heavyweight for UFC Sacramento

Former ONE two-division champion Reinier de Ridder (21-4) and Roman Dolidze (15-5) will meet at 205 pounds at UFC Sacramento on Aug. 22 at Golden 1 Center, with both men moving up from middleweight to snap skids. De Ridder started 4-0 in the UFC before back-to-back losses to Brendan Allen and Caio Borralho prompted the move up, while Dolidze has gone 3-0 in prior light heavyweight appearances. The card is headlined by a middleweight bout between Anthony Hernandez and Gregory Rodrigues.

Why it matters: Two ranked middleweights rebooting at 205 pounds gives a thin light heavyweight division fresh contenders to sort out.

Ethyn Ewing pulls out of UFC 329 injured, leaving Basharat without a dance partner

Conor McGregor's comeback against Max Holloway headlines UFC 329 on July 11 in Las Vegas, McGregor's first walk to the Octagon in five years. The undercard took a hit when unbeaten prospect Ethyn Ewing (10-2) confirmed he's out with an injury he says he carried for five weeks, leaving 15-0 bantamweight Farid Basharat awaiting a replacement. Basharat, fighting on the final bout of his contract, is gambling on a big performance to force a new deal.

Why it matters: McGregor's return is the promotion's biggest 2026 draw, but the shuffled undercard and Basharat's contract limbo are the concrete stakes for the divisions below the marquee.

UFC 330 set for Philadelphia: Makhachev-Garry and Dern-Robertson lead 10 bouts

The UFC confirmed a 10-fight card for UFC 330 on August 15 at Philadelphia's Xfinity Mobile Arena, topped by welterweight champion Islam Makhachev's first title defense against No. 2 contender Ian Machado Garry. Mackenzie Dern defends her strawweight belt against Gillian Robertson in the co-main. A Makhachev win would give him sole possession of the UFC record for consecutive victories at 17, breaking a tie with Anderson Silva. Jon Jones and training partner Usman Nurmagomedov both favor Makhachev's wrestling, while Garry vows to beat him 'where he's best.'

Why it matters: Two titles and a shot at the sport's most iconic win streak make this the summer's most consequential card, with Garry's takedown defense the central question of whether history gets made.

McGregor returns after nearly five years to headline UFC 329 vs. Holloway

Conor McGregor fights for the first time since breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier in July 2021 when he meets Max Holloway in the welterweight main event of UFC 329 on July 11 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. It is a rematch of a 2013 featherweight bout McGregor won by decision, with Holloway moving up to 170 pounds. Jose Aldo, who lost his title to both men, makes Holloway the favorite on activity alone, noting McGregor is 'an unknown quantity' after so long out, while Jon Jones praised the Irishman for returning when he didn't need to.

Why it matters: A McGregor win reopens the promotion's biggest draw; a Holloway win puts him a step from title shots at lightweight or welterweight. Either way it's the marquee fight of International Fight Week.

Reinier de Ridder moves to light heavyweight to face Dolidze at UFC Sacramento

Reinier de Ridder will fight fellow former middleweight Roman Dolidze in a 205-pound bout at UFC Sacramento on Aug. 22 at Golden 1 Center. The former ONE two-division champion started 4-0 in the UFC before dropping back-to-back fights, most recently a decision loss to Caio Borralho, while Dolidze is also on a two-fight skid. The card is headlined by a middleweight bout between Anthony Hernandez and Gregory Rodrigues.

Why it matters: A loss stalls both once-rising contenders; for de Ridder, the jump to light heavyweight signals he may be done chasing a middleweight title shot behind champion Sean Strickland.

PFL sets Washington D.C. card with Jean-Musaev welterweight title fight

PFL finalized an 11-fight card at CareFirst Arena in Washington, D.C. on July 25, headlined by unbeaten Thad Jean (11-0) challenging Shamil Musaev (20-1-1) for the welterweight world title. The co-main pits contender Magomed Umalatov against Ernesto Rodriguez, with Bryce Meredith vs. Jack Cartwright and Sullivan Cauley vs. Rasul Magomedov also on the ESPN main card. The prelims feature veterans Denis Goltsov, Tyson Pedro and Bruno Cappelozza.

Why it matters: It's a title fight between two of PFL's most dangerous finishers and a chance for prospect Jean to validate his rise against an established knockout artist.

Fight Week opens with McGregor-Holloway 2 as undercard sheds two bouts

The 14th International Fight Week (July 9-12) culminates in UFC 329, where Conor McGregor returns from a five-year layoff to face Max Holloway at welterweight, a rematch of their 2013 bout. The card lost two fights to injury: Ode Osbourne (replaced against Cody Durden by Alessandro Costa) and undefeated prospect Ethyn Ewing, leaving Farid Basharat seeking a short-notice opponent. The week also includes a Hall of Fame class headlined by Dominick Cruz and Demetrious Johnson.

Why it matters: McGregor's first fight since July 2021 is the UFC's biggest draw in years, but the withdrawals — including the scrapped Basharat-Ewing prospect clash — thin out an undercard that was supposed to showcase the division's rising talent.

BKFC boss Feldman shoves fighter who nearly launched rival off weigh-in stage

At weigh-ins for Friday's BKFC Liberty Brawl in Philadelphia, welterweight Pat Sullivan shoved opponent Ruben Arroyo hard enough to nearly send him off the stage, prompting BKFC president David Feldman to physically shove Sullivan and berate him as a 'f-ing punk.' The card is headlined by title fights: Austin Trout vs. Ben Bonner for the vacant lightweight belt and Britain Hart defending her strawweight crown against Sarah Shell.

Why it matters: A promoter getting physical with his own fighter is a rare sight, but Feldman's anger was warranted — a careless stage shove can injure a fighter and blow up a card, as Jeremy Stephens vs. Drakkar Klose once showed.

Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Song Yadong headlines UFC Shanghai on Aug. 29

Former bantamweight title challenger Umar Nurmagomedov (20-1) will face No. 5-ranked Song Yadong in the main event of UFC Shanghai on Aug. 29 at the Shanghai Oriental Sports Center. Nurmagomedov, on a two-fight run over Deiveson Figueiredo and Mario Bautista since losing to Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 311, replaces a scrapped David Martinez booking. Song, 23-9-1 and coming off a submission of Figueiredo at UFC Macau, headlines in his home country for the second straight time.

Why it matters: It's a genuine top-five bantamweight clash that keeps Nurmagomedov in the title mix while giving Song a marquee home-soil test — a real ranking-mover rather than a callout.

Alessandro Costa replaces injured Ode Osbourne against Durden at UFC 329

Alessandro Costa (16-5) has stepped in to face Cody Durden in a flyweight bout on the July 11 UFC 329 card in Las Vegas after Ode Osbourne withdrew with injury. Costa enters on wins over Stewart Nicoll and Matt Schnell, while Durden recently snapped a four-fight skid. The McGregor-vs-Holloway-headlined card also features Gable Steveson's debut and Robert Whittaker's light heavyweight move against Nikita Krylov.

Why it matters: A minor swap on a major card, but it keeps UFC 329's deep undercard intact as Conor McGregor prepares for his first fight since 2021.

McGregor's UFC 329 return loses a prelim as Ewing withdraws

With Conor McGregor's five-year comeback against Max Holloway set for July 11 at T-Mobile Arena, UFC 329 lost a bout when rising bantamweight Ethyn Ewing (10-2) pulled out of his matchup with unbeaten Farid Basharat (15-0) due to an undisclosed injury; the promotion is seeking a short-notice replacement. Holloway, coming off his BMF loss to Charles Oliveira, opened as better than a 5-1 favorite in the welterweight-contested rematch, though the line has tightened.

Why it matters: It's the biggest draw of International Fight Week and a genuine test of whether a nearly-38-year-old McGregor can still hang with elite competition after half a decade out.

Makhachev-Garry UFC 330 card fills out with prospects and vets

The UFC announced four new bouts for UFC 330 on Aug. 15 in Philadelphia, including welterweights Myktybek Orolbai vs. Jeremiah Wells, prospect Mansur Abdul-Malik vs. Dustin Stoltzfus, Vicente Luque vs. Tresean Gore, and Geoff Neal vs. Chidi Njokuani. The card is headlined by Islam Makhachev defending his welterweight title against Ian Machado Garry while chasing a record-breaking 17th straight UFC win, with Mackenzie Dern vs. Gillian Robertson in the co-main. Jon Jones picked Makhachev, calling him a possible all-time great alongside himself.

Why it matters: A Makhachev win would make him one of a tiny group to defend titles in two divisions, and the build is now framing him squarely in the GOAT conversation.

McGregor return locked in as UFC 329 card finalizes

The full bout order is set for UFC 329 on July 11 at T-Mobile Arena, where Conor McGregor fights for the first time in nearly five years against Max Holloway in a welterweight rematch of their 2013 meeting. The UFC released a new promo with McGregor vowing to 'son' Holloway again, while the prelims feature Gable Steveson's debut and Robert Whittaker's first light heavyweight outing. Cody Durden, who signed a new four-fight deal, will open the card against late replacement Alessandro Costa after Ode Osbourne withdrew.

Why it matters: McGregor remains the sport's biggest draw, but at welterweight against a surging Holloway the result carries real stakes for whether he has anything left.

McGregor eyes activity at UFC 329, dismisses Gaethje as 'woeful' at his worst

Two weeks out from his welterweight return against Max Holloway on July 11, Conor McGregor talked up staying busy and a possible title run, while taking shots at new lightweight champion Justin Gaethje — calling him 'OK' at his best but 'atrocious' and 'woeful' when off, and noting Holloway has already knocked Gaethje out. McGregor, who has two fights left on his contract and hasn't competed since his 2021 leg break, said he's now a 170-pound fighter and 'open for business.' He also debuted custom Venum 'money' shorts for the bout.

Why it matters: McGregor's first fight in nearly five years anchors a UFC summer expected to break gate records, and his interest in welterweight gold reshapes the division's drawing-power math.

Fiziev fights to stay relevant against Torres in Baku

The UFC returns to Azerbaijan on Saturday with a five-round lightweight main event between No. 11 Rafael Fiziev (13-5) and surging Mexican knockout artist Manuel Torres (17-3), who has finished every UFC opponent in the first round. Fiziev has dropped four of his last five, with losses to Justin Gaethje (twice), Mauricio Ruffy and Mateusz Gamrot, and is fighting to hold his spot in the rankings. The co-main pits one-eyed striker Shara Magomedov against Michel Pereira at middleweight, with Aliskerov-Ferreira and Sadykhov-Camilo rounding out a finisher-heavy main card. All 26 fighters made weight.

Why it matters: With Gaethje now champion and the 155-pound picture suddenly fluid, a Torres upset would vault a first-ever Mexican lightweight contender toward the title conversation while a Fiziev loss likely ends his run as a ranked name.

McKee chases more gold against unbeaten Isbulaev at PFL San Diego

Former Bellator featherweight champion A.J. McKee (24-2) headlines PFL's first San Diego card against undefeated Kazakh prospect Salamat Isbulaev (10-0), who knocked out Jesus Pinedo in his PFL debut. McKee is biding time for a title shot while champion Timur Khizriev recovers from being shot in Dagestan, calling the matchup 'big risk, little reward.' The co-main features former champ and 2025 PFL tournament winner Liz Carmouche against Viviane Araujo. All made weight except Sarvarjon Khamidov, who missed by 1.6 pounds.

Why it matters: PFL CEO Pete... John Martin says he wants a featherweight champion crowned by year's end, and an Isbulaev upset could even open the door to a PFL Kazakhstan event — making this a genuine contender bout, not a placeholder.

McGregor talks down Holloway as UFC 329 rematch nears

Conor McGregor, returning from a five-year layoff, declared himself 'multiple levels above' Max Holloway ahead of their July 11 welterweight rematch headlining UFC 329 in Las Vegas. McGregor dismissed Holloway's record octagon fight time (8:52:43) as proof he 'can't finish people,' despite his own long inactivity since breaking his leg at UFC 264. Lightweight champ Justin Gaethje confirmed he'll be cageside, repeating he'd 'love to punch Conor in the face,' while a pro-Holloway billboard went up in Ireland.

Why it matters: McGregor's first fight in four years is the UFC's biggest 2026 draw, and Gaethje eyeing the winner ties the marquee bout directly to the lightweight title picture.

Hernandez vs. Rodrigues to headline UFC's Sacramento return

Anthony Hernandez (sources confirm) will face Gregory Rodrigues in the middleweight main event of UFC Sacramento on Aug. 22, the promotion's first event in the city since 2019. 'Fluffy' looks to rebound from a third-round TKO loss to new champion Sean Strickland that snapped his eight-fight win streak, while 'Robocop' rides a three-fight run including two first-round knockouts.

Why it matters: It's a contender-clearing bout in a middleweight division now led by Strickland, with the winner re-entering the top-10 mix.

Fiziev, Torres make weight for UFC Baku lightweight headliner

Rafael Fiziev (13-5) and Manuel Torres (17-3) both hit 156 pounds for Saturday's UFC Baku main event at the National Gymnastics Arena, with the full card weighing in clean. Hometown favorite Fiziev is trying to halt a slide of four losses in five, including a knockout defeat to Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 325. Torres, 5-1 in the UFC with all six Octagon fights ending in the first round, gets his first five-round headliner and says he wants to be a feared finisher in the Mike Tyson mold. Shara Magomedov vs. Michel Pereira serves as the middleweight co-main.

Why it matters: It's a true crossroads at 155: a loss likely ends Fiziev's contender hopes, while a finish would vault Torres toward the top 10 of the sport's deepest division.

Hernandez vs. Rodrigues set to headline UFC Sacramento on Aug. 22

No. 6 middleweight Anthony Hernandez (15-3) returns from his loss to champion Sean Strickland to headline UFC Sacramento against No. 12 Gregory Rodrigues (19-6) on Aug. 22 at the Golden 1 Center. It's the UFC's first event in Sacramento since 2019. NorCal native Hernandez gets a homecoming after his eight-fight win streak was snapped, while Rodrigues rides three straight wins, including one-punch knockouts of Jack Hermansson and Brunno Ferreira.

Why it matters: Two of the division's most dangerous finishers meet with title-picture stakes for the winner, especially with a Strickland-Chimaev rematch looming above them.

McGregor predicts 'demolition' as Oliveira says he was the real pick

Conor McGregor, an underdog returning from a five-year layoff, is forecasting an 'absolute demolition' of Max Holloway in their UFC 329 rematch on July 11 in Las Vegas, claiming his long rest has him entering his prime. BMF champion Charles Oliveira disputes how the fight came together, insisting the bout was supposed to be his and that McGregor 'ran' from him to pick the easier path in Holloway. McGregor counters that the UFC chose the opponent, not him.

Why it matters: McGregor's first fight since 2021 anchors International Fight Week, but the matchmaking dispute underscores how a stacked lightweight queue gets reshuffled around a returning superstar.

Cris Cyborg books MMA retirement fight vs. Ketlen Vieira at PFL Tampa

PFL announced that women's featherweight champion Cris Cyborg (29-2) will have her final MMA bout in the PFL Tampa main event on Aug. 22 at Benchmark International Arena, defending her title against newly signed ex-UFC contender Ketlen Vieira (16-5). Cyborg, a champion in the UFC, Strikeforce, Bellator, Invicta and PFL, is unbeaten in nine straight. Vieira, cut by the UFC in May despite being a top-five bantamweight coming off a win over Jacqueline Cavalcanti, moves up to featherweight and confirmed her PFL signing this week.

Why it matters: It marks the end of one of the most decorated careers in women's MMA history, and PFL landing a recently released top-five UFC contender continues its pattern of capitalizing on UFC cuts.

McGregor predicts 'demolition' of Holloway in UFC 329 rematch

Ahead of his first fight in five years, Conor McGregor vowed to 'son' Max Holloway again when the pair rematch at welterweight in the UFC 329 main event on July 11 in Las Vegas. McGregor, a +190 to +210 underdog, claimed his long layoff leaves him fresher and that Holloway, despite winning the featherweight and BMF titles, only improved by adopting his moves. Georges St-Pierre cautioned McGregor must embrace the grind to succeed. The card lost flyweight Ode Osbourne, leaving Cody Durden without an opponent.

Why it matters: McGregor's comeback after a broken leg and two-fight skid is the UFC's biggest box-office bet of the summer, and the result reshapes the lightweight title queue.

UFC Baku closes out the schedule with Fiziev vs. Torres

The UFC's final card before a weeklong break lands Saturday, June 27, at Baku Crystal Hall, with Azerbaijan's Rafael Fiziev meeting surging Mexican finisher Manuel Torres in the lightweight main event. Fiziev is looking to rebound from a TKO loss to Mauricio Ruffy, while Torres (5-1 in the UFC) leads the division in knockdowns per 15 minutes. The co-main pits strikers Shara Magomedov and Michel Pereira, with Asu Almabayev, Nazim Sadykhov and Ikram Aliskerov also featured.

Why it matters: A pick-em main event in a hostile home crowd is a real test of whether Fiziev's stock has slipped and whether Torres is a genuine 155-pound contender.

UFC Oklahoma City card fills out behind Du Plessis-Usman, with Vera-Jourdain reportedly co-main

The UFC officially added eight bouts to the July 18 Paycom Center card headlined by former middleweight champ Dricus du Plessis vs. former welterweight king Kamaru Usman, who moves up to 185. Announced fights include Jared Cannonier vs. Christian Leroy Duncan, Kevin Holland vs. Jacobe Smith, Brad Tavares vs. Marc-Andre Barriault and a strong prospect block (Austin Bashi, Tommy McMillen, Fatima Kline vs. Tabatha Ricci). A bantamweight co-main between Marlon Vera and Charles Jourdain was reported to round out the lineup at 14 fights. Du Plessis said Usman was reluctant to sign and framed the wrestling test as a way back to a title shot.

Why it matters: It's a high-stakes middleweight crossroads: a win pushes Du Plessis back toward the belt and tests whether the 185-pound elite can handle Usman's wrestling, the exact area Khamzat Chimaev exposed.

Ian Garry talks up Makhachev title fight, tells Morales to move to 185

Ahead of challenging welterweight champ Islam Makhachev in the UFC 330 main event on Aug. 15 in Philadelphia, No. 1 contender Ian Machado Garry argued the division would be 'better off' with him as champion, citing Makhachev's once-a-year activity and a deeper slate of rematches with Carlos Prates and Shavkat Rakhmonov. Garry (17-1) also suggested undefeated contender Michael Morales move up to middleweight, threatening to 'punch a hole in his head' at 170; Morales fired back on Instagram with 'suck it' and said he isn't budging from welterweight.

Why it matters: Makhachev sits one win from tying Anderson Silva's record streak, but a logjam of Garry, Prates and Morales behind him means the division's direction hinges on whether the champion actually defends with any regularity.

Makhachev to defend welterweight belt against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330

Islam Makhachev makes the first defense of his welterweight title against Ian Machado Garry on Aug. 15 at UFC 330 in Philadelphia. Garry (10-1 in the UFC) earned the shot with wins over Carlos Prates and former champ Belal Muhammad and says he was promised the fight as far back as January, claiming Makhachev turned down offers including a proposed Ilia Topuria superfight at the White House. Makhachev, riding a 16-fight win streak tied with Anderson Silva for the longest in UFC history, dismissed Garry as a backfoot fighter who 'constantly runs away' and said grappling can't be learned in a single camp. Myktybek Orolbai vs. Jeremiah Wells has been added to the card.

Why it matters: It's the marquee striker-vs-grappler test of the summer and Makhachev's chance to cement a second-division reign, with Garry trying to halt a historic streak and re-stamp Irish MMA at the top.

Du Plessis returns against Usman in UFC Oklahoma City headliner, opens big favorite

Former middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis (23-3) makes his first walk since losing the belt to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319, headlining UFC Oklahoma City against ex-welterweight king Kamaru Usman (21-4) on July 18 at the Paycom Center, streaming on Paramount+. Du Plessis opened as a heavy favorite, around -350 to Usman's +285, and said he chose the grappling-heavy matchup over Nassourdine Imavov specifically to showcase his improved wrestling, claiming the UFC had to 'convince' Usman to sign. Usman is coming off a June 2025 decision win over Joaquin Buckley after a long layoff.

Why it matters: It's a high-stakes 185-pound crossroads: a win keeps Du Plessis next in line for a title rematch, while a 21-4 Usman moving back up could reorder a division now ruled by Chimaev.

BKFC books bare-knuckle card on the field at Fenway Park

Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship will stage BKFC 92 on Aug. 29 directly on the field at Boston's Fenway Park, the first sanctioned bare-knuckle event ever held in Massachusetts. Featherweight champion Kai Stewart (9-0) defends his belt for a sixth time against New England native Harry Gigliotti (6-0). The rest of the card is still to come, and co-owner Conor McGregor has hinted a BKFC broadcast deal with FOX is near.

Why it matters: While the UFC swears off outdoor shows, BKFC keeps planting flags in iconic venues — an aggressive, distinct growth play in combat sports' second tier.

UFC 329 main card set: Steveson bumped to prelims for King Green vs. McKinney

The UFC finalized the main card for its July 11 International Fight Week event at T-Mobile Arena, headlined by Conor McGregor's return against Max Holloway and co-headlined by Paddy Pimblett vs. Benoit Saint-Denis. The biggest change: Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson's debut against Elisha Ellison was pushed off the main card to the prelims, replaced by a lightweight scrap between King Green and Terrance McKinney. The card also features Cory Sandhagen vs. Mario Bautista and Brandon Royval vs. Lone'er Kavanagh. Dana White, meanwhile, downplayed McGregor's claim that his next bout is already booked for April.

Why it matters: Slotting two action lightweights over the year's most-hyped debut signals the UFC is protecting Steveson for a bigger TV window rather than burning him in a card-opener.