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Khizriev returns from being shot five times, edges Braga amid boos

In the PFL Chicago co-main event, Timur Khizriev (19-0) won a split decision over Gabriel Braga (17-4) in his first fight since being shot five times by masked attackers in Makhachkala, Dagestan in July 2025. Braga stunned him with a left hook and dropped him twice in the second round, and all three unofficial Sherdog scorers favored the Brazilian; the Chicago crowd booed the verdict. It was the pair's second meeting, both split decisions going Khizriev's way. Elsewhere, Sarvarjon Khamidov (18-1) knocked out Rafael do Nascimento in the first round to press his bantamweight title case.

Why it matters: Khizriev survives a remarkable comeback night with his unbeaten record and featherweight title hopes intact, but a disputed decision over the man who nearly finished him leaves the win under a cloud.

Nickal vs. Pyfer pulled from UFC 335, rebooked as February Cleveland headliner

Bo Nickal (9-1) says his middleweight bout with Joe Pyfer (16-3), announced for UFC 335 on Dec. 12 in Las Vegas, has been moved to a Fight Night card he'll headline in Cleveland in February. Nickal revealed the change on stage at a campaign rally for Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy. Pyfer rides a four-fight winning streak capped by a second-round TKO of Israel Adesanya, while Nickal has back-to-back finishes of Rodolfo Vieira and Kyle Daukaus since his lone pro loss to Reinier de Ridder.

Why it matters: It strips a marquee contender bout from a year-end numbered card, fueling the ongoing complaints about thinning pay-per-view lineups, while handing Nickal a hometown main-event stage.

Buckley goes silent, snubs White's handshake as UFC Edmonton loads up

All 26 fighters hit their marks for UFC Edmonton at Rogers Place, headlined by welterweight Joaquin Buckley (No. 10) against hometown favorite Mike Malott, with flyweight contenders Erin Blanchfield and Jasmine Jasudavicius in the co-main. At Friday's ceremonial weigh-ins Buckley, on a two-fight skid, refused handshakes from both Malott and Dana White and then sat mute through his scheduled interview. Malott (14-2-1) enters on a four-fight streak that includes a TKO of Gilbert Burns; Buckley needs a win to halt his slide.

Why it matters: There are real stakes beneath the theatrics — Malott's push up a loaded welterweight division and Buckley's standing in the top 10 — with the loser facing pointed questions about his place on the roster.

Adesanya to end skid in Riyadh against surging Shara Magomedov

Ariel Helwani reports the UFC is targeting Israel Adesanya vs. Shara 'Bullet' Magomedov for the main event of UFC Saudi Arabia on Dec. 5 at the anb Arena in Riyadh, though the promotion has not confirmed it. Adesanya, 37, is on a four-fight skid — most recently a TKO loss to Joe Pyfer — and left Eugene Bareman's City Kickboxing earlier this year. Magomedov (17-1, 6-1 UFC) has won two straight over Michel Pereira and Marc-Andre Barriault and called Adesanya out after UFC Baku; his lone loss came to Michael Page.

Why it matters: It's a soft landing for a fading great — a fellow pure striker with no title-caliber résumé — and a genuine career crossroads: a fifth straight loss would make retirement talk unavoidable, while a win reinserts a marquee name into a middleweight picture clouded by Sean Strickland's exit threats.

Basharat breaks silence: UFC 'isn't what it used to be'

A day after news of his release, undefeated bantamweight Farid Basharat (16-0, 7-0 UFC) issued his first statement, saying he was never offered a new contract or opponent after beating John Garza at UFC 329 in July. The top-10 fighter called himself the best bantamweight in the world and accused the promotion of 'heading in a different direction from what we all grew up loving.' Six of his seven octagon wins came by decision, widely seen as the reason a finish-hungry UFC moved on. Brother Javid Basharat was also cut and has signed with PFL.

Why it matters: It puts a specific, articulate grievance behind a trend fans have sensed for months: the UFC screening Contender Series talent for knockouts and shedding grinders and point-fighters, regardless of record or ranking.

Three weeks on, Barcelos still has no diagnosis and won't rule out retirement

Raoni Barcelos says doctors still cannot explain why he lost consciousness during a grappling exchange in the fifth round of his UFC Vegas 121 headliner against Raul Rosas Jr. on Sept. 26, while leading on the scorecards. The 39-year-old, transported to a Level 1 trauma center that night, is undergoing a battery of tests in Las Vegas — including a recent MRI — and is on a six-month suspension. He insists he doesn't want to stop, but admits retirement 'hasn't been ruled out.' Rosas reunited with him this week and posted a message of respect.

Why it matters: A mysterious collapse with no diagnosis is a genuine safety concern, not a routine KO, and it may quietly end the career of a durable veteran who had wins over Said Nurmagomedov, Cody Garbrandt and Payton Talbott.

UFC signs 7-0 finisher Gnizditskiy after visa scuttled his Contender Series bout

Undefeated Russian light heavyweight Ivan Gnizditskiy (7-0) has signed directly with the UFC despite missing his scheduled DWCS appearance against Nell Ariano due to visa issues, his manager told MMA Junkie. The 30-year-old, who fought twice in ONE Championship in 2025, has finished all seven pro wins — six by KO/TKO — and is expected to debut in December.

Why it matters: A perfect finishing rate getting a direct signing on the same day a 16-0 decision specialist is publicly protesting his release is the clearest illustration yet of the roster calculus Basharat was complaining about.

Covington vs. Danis submission-only grappling match set for Nov. 3 in Rome

Colby Covington and Dillon Danis will meet in a submission-only grappling match on Hype Fighting's Nov. 3 card in Rome. It's a rematch of sorts — Covington beat Danis by technical fall at RAF 7 in March and is 5-0 on the crossover wrestling scene since leaving the UFC. The bout lands just 11 days before Covington is due to grapple Khamzat Chimaev at RAF Abu Dhabi on Nov. 14.

Why it matters: Covington has quietly built a full second act in crossover wrestling, while Danis keeps chasing relevance years removed from an actual fight.

Cormier denies Pereira's 'manipulation' claim, calls rematch push misguided

A day after Alex Pereira accused the UFC of using 'influencers' like Daniel Cormier to manufacture fan support for Ciryl Gane vs. Josh Hokit, Cormier pushed back on his YouTube channel, denying he was told to promote the fight and playing interview footage to rebut Pereira's account of their GOAT conversation. Cormier called Pereira 'misguided' for demanding an immediate Gane rematch after being stopped in June, arguing he has no case beyond the alleged illegal blows. Hokit piled on, mocking Pereira for forgetting 'who made him rich.' Gane defends against Hokit at UFC 334 on Nov. 14, while Pereira meets Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 335 on Dec. 12.

Why it matters: The spat is really about whether a one-fight heavyweight loser earns an instant title rematch; Cormier's answer, go beat Pavlovich first, reflects where the division's logjam actually sits.

Ketlen Vieira hit with six-month PFL ban for failed drug test

Former UFC bantamweight contender Ketlen Vieira has been handed a six-month suspension after testing positive for a WADA-banned steroidal substance in her PFL debut, an August loss to featherweight champion Cris Cyborg in which she also missed weight by more than seven pounds. Vieira said the positive stemmed from medication she took to treat a lingering knee injury as a free agent outside any testing pool, insisting there was no intent to cheat. The ban is retroactive, clearing her to return on March 22, 2027. Cyborg publicly thanked the Mohegan Tribe's regulators for taking testing seriously.

Why it matters: It's another high-profile PFL signing undone the moment a fighter leaves the UFC's year-round testing pool, and it dents both Cyborg's title-run narrative and Vieira's fresh start at once.

Even Volkanovski needles UFC pay in his latest comedy skit

Ahead of his UFC 333 featherweight title defense against undefeated Movsar Evloev on Oct. 24 in Abu Dhabi, Alexander Volkanovski released another Sportsbet comedy short, this one casting him as a movie star. Amid the gags, including a crack about having 'seen Islam Makhachev, twice,' his fictional agent delivers the punchline about a flop film: 'it still made more than what Dana pays.' The bit lands while a genuine fighter-pay revolt simmers across the roster.

Why it matters: When a loyal, about-to-defend champion is openly ribbing Dana White over pay in a sponsored skit, the fighter-pay conversation has spread from malcontents to the promotion's marquee names.

Paulo Costa says he'll 'fight somewhere' this year as UFC freeze-out drags on

No. 4 light heavyweight Paulo Costa, who hasn't fought since knocking out Azamat Murzakanov in April, said on X he's heard 'nothing from the UFC' and plans to compete 'at an event at the end of the year.' Costa has one bout left on his deal and has balked at taking five-rounders without extra pay; Dana White counters that Costa has turned down multiple offers. Because he's still contracted, any rival-promotion MMA fight would have to wait until he fights that bout out.

Why it matters: Another marquee name openly agitating to leave adds weight to the pay-dispute drumbeat, and a free-agent Costa would be an obvious target for the PFL's rebuilt super-promotion.

Julianna Peña trades the Octagon for the wrestling mat at RAF Abu Dhabi

Former two-time UFC bantamweight champ Julianna Peña will make her Real American Freestyle debut Nov. 14 against Bellator and PFL veteran Diana Avsaragova at Etihad Arena — her first competition since losing the belt to Kayla Harrison at UFC 316 in June 2025. The freestyle bout, not a title match, falls the same night as UFC 334, where Harrison defends against Amanda Nunes; Peña famously beat Nunes at UFC 269. RAF Abu Dhabi is headlined by Khamzat Chimaev vs. Colby Covington for the cruiserweight crossover title.

Why it matters: RAF keeps luring recognizable MMA names onto the mat, and booking Peña opposite the Harrison-Nunes title fight she's linked to is pointed counter-programming.

Harrison recounts neck-surgery doubts ahead of Nunes title fight

UFC women's bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison, out since submitting Peña at UFC 316, detailed the two-level cervical fusion for five herniated discs that scuttled her first booking with Amanda Nunes and left her wondering if she'd 'ever be OK again.' Now healthy, the -195 favorite defends against Nunes in the UFC 334 co-main on Nov. 14 at Madison Square Garden, and hinted retirement isn't far off: 'not much longer.'

Why it matters: One of women's MMA's most decorated athletes returns from a career-threatening injury for a legacy fight — and is already eyeing the exit.

Allen submitted Duncan while fighting off a fight-week staph infection

Teammate Belal Muhammad revealed that Brendan Allen battled a staph infection from the Tuesday of fight week, requiring antibiotics he was still taking after Saturday's win. Allen, who looked sluggish at times, still submitted Christian Leroy Duncan with a fifth-round rear-naked choke for his fourth straight victory and a Performance of the Night bonus. Allen himself called the showing disappointing, saying he felt slow and 'non-reactive.'

Why it matters: It recontextualizes a tentative-looking main event and underscores how close the No. 4 middleweight came to compromising the biggest fight of his current run — all while he keeps angling for Dricus du Plessis.

Ex-UFC featherweight Thiago Tavares, now a neurologist, hunts for a living CTE marker

Former UFC featherweight Thiago Tavares, who retired in 2021 and used his fight earnings for medical school, is now a practicing neurologist researching chronic traumatic encephalopathy. His master's project will study 40 UFC fighters from the 2010-2017 era, using EEG helmets and AI to search for a reliable marker of CTE in living patients — something that can currently only be confirmed post-mortem.

Why it matters: Fighter brain health is the sport's most consequential long-term issue, and a former competitor turned physician chasing an in-life CTE diagnostic is a genuine contribution rather than another retirement anecdote.

Jacobe Smith wants Holland's head after two scrapped camps

Unbeaten welterweight prospect Jacobe Smith (13-0) says he wants to 'kill' Kevin Holland, who has twice pulled out of their scheduled bout and forced Smith through two training camps. Smith, who blitzed late replacement Bruce Whitehead in 92 seconds at UFC 332, pointed out that Holland is healthy enough to face Uros Medic at UFC 334 on Nov. 14 and vowed to chase him if Holland wins.

Why it matters: Smith is one of 170's most promising unbeaten wrestlers, and a grudge with a popular veteran gives matchmakers an easy sell — provided Holland can get through Medic first.

Salkilld eyes UFC Sydney return after finishing Dariush and Gamrot

Unbeaten UFC lightweight Quillan Salkilld (6-0 in the promotion) signaled he's targeting the UFC's February return to Sydney, posting 'Reporting for duty #feb.' The 26-year-old Australian has climbed the rankings off first-round finishes of Beneil Dariush and Mateusz Gamrot and is overdue a step up against the division's elite. No opponent has been named for the Afterpay Arena card.

Why it matters: A home-soil date for one of lightweight's fastest risers would anchor the Sydney card and set up Salkilld's first real test near the top of a stacked division.

Fili starches Kamaka with a 22-second head kick

Veteran Andre Fili (26-14, 1 NC) knocked Kai Kamaka III out cold with a right head kick just 22 seconds into the second round of their featherweight bout at UFC Vegas 122. The 36-year-old, in his 28th Octagon appearance, snapped a two-fight skid and drew praise from peers for pulling his follow-up punch once he saw Kamaka was already out. The finish, a Knockout-of-the-Year candidate, landed Fili a $100,000 Performance bonus.

Why it matters: Thirteen years into his UFC run, Fili remains a dangerous divisional stalwart and an ideal measuring stick for rising featherweights.

Meerschaert retires after 60 fights and a sixth straight loss

Gerald Meerschaert hung up his gloves in the Octagon following a second-round TKO loss to Julius Walker in the UFC Vegas 122 prelim headliner. The 38-year-old, who moved up to light heavyweight for the bout, was overmatched and finished on the ground, closing his run with six consecutive defeats. 'GM3' retires 37-23 across a near-20-year career, holding the records for most finishes and most submission wins in UFC middleweight history.

Why it matters: One of the division's most dangerous finishers walks away; even in defeat, his submission legacy outlasts a rough final stretch.

Report: Strickland locked into six-fight UFC deal worth $1M-plus per bout

MMA Junkie's Mike Bohn reported that middleweight champion Sean Strickland signed a new six-fight contract before dethroning Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328, earning more than $1 million for that fight and debunking the viral $400,000/$400,000 figure behind his pay complaints. Strickland countered that the UFC strong-armed him — 'Sign this or we won't do this' — and declared he 'will not fight or sign any contract' until the dispute is resolved, while floating a move to 205 pounds to run out his deal and box Jake Paul. Brendan Schaub, siding with the sentiment but not the plan, warned that fighters who go against the UFC's monopoly 'never' win.

Why it matters: The reported contract makes Strickland's exit talk far harder to execute and leaves the middleweight title picture frozen, with the Nassourdine Imavov rematch and contenders like Du Plessis stuck waiting on a champion who says he's checked out.

Jon Jones calls Miocic win likely his last fight, regrets missing White House

Jon Jones said it's 'more than likely' he never fights again and believes his November 2024 TKO of Stipe Miocic at Madison Square Garden was his final cage moment, though he remains in the UFC testing pool to keep the door open. He also named skipping the White House card as one of the big regrets of his life, having pushed to be part of it. Reports that Tom Aspinall's recent title vacancy had motivated a comeback appear, for now, to have cooled.

Why it matters: With Ciryl Gane installed as heavyweight champion and Josh Hokit next, the division is moving on without its greatest-of-all-time claimant — and the dream matchups it once promised.

Natalia Silva's title homecoming parade draws almost nobody

New women's flyweight champion Natalia Silva returned to Pingo-d'Água, Minas Gerais for a hometown parade and found empty streets, standing in a pickup bed with music and fireworks but no crowd. The lukewarm reception underscored lingering fan skepticism toward Silva, who took the belt Valentina Shevchenko was reportedly pushed to vacate, by outpointing Wang Cong at UFC 332 for her ninth straight UFC win. Commentators contrasted the scene with Charles Oliveira's rapturous 2021 welcome.

Why it matters: It crystallizes the UFC's marketing problem at 125 pounds — a champion with a 15-fight winning streak who hasn't captured the division's audience, in a year with barely any women's title fights.

Mikey Musumeci vacates UFC BJJ title to prioritize MMA move

Mikey Musumeci, the face of UFC BJJ and its bantamweight champion, announced he is vacating his belt to prioritize a move to mixed martial arts, ending what he called his 'serious' jiu-jitsu career at 30. He says he'll still take occasional UFC BJJ super fights but wants to focus on MMA training, having recently dominated UFC's Bryce Mitchell in a crossover grappling match under modified rules. His teammate Jalen Fonacier will face debutant Kleber Barboza for the vacant title at UFC BJJ 13 on Oct. 29.

Why it matters: Losing its most decorated and marketable champion exposes how thin UFC BJJ's two years of matchmaking has been, and sets up a possible MMA debut for one of grappling's biggest names.

Jake Paul cleared to fight, floats UFC hit list as Strickland angles for the door

Promoter Nakisa Bidarian said Jake Paul has been medically cleared to return to boxing, nearly 10 months after Anthony Joshua broke his jaw and forced two surgeries. Paul posted a wish list spanning boxing and MMA — Canelo Alvarez, Francis Ngannou, Conor McGregor, Nate Diaz, Tom Aspinall and UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland among the names. Strickland, meanwhile, escalated his pay grievances, saying his 'heart isn't in MMA anymore,' citing a groin tear and knee problems and musing about vacating his belt to speed-run his contract toward a Paul payday. Paul's reply: 'Tell your promoter to call MVP.'

Why it matters: A sitting UFC champion openly courting a boxing exit, as fighters point to Conor Benn's reported $15M Zuffa Boxing deal and Conor McGregor's purses, keeps the fighter-pay fight at the center of the sport.

Former UFC middleweight Tim Kennedy shot in deadly Congo ambush

Former UFC and Strikeforce middleweight Tim Kennedy, a decorated Army Green Beret, was reportedly wounded in a Sept. 17 ambush in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, taking three gunshots to the leg before an eight-hour evacuation and medevac to the U.S., where he is listed in stable condition. Former New Zealand SAS soldier Justin Conaglen was killed and a third contractor wounded. Reports tie the three-man team to contracting work protecting mining revenues, with unconfirmed speculation linking it to Erik Prince's security operations and a possible clash with Russia's Africa Corps.

Why it matters: One of the sport's most prominent military veterans was nearly killed far from the cage — a jarring reminder of the life Kennedy led alongside his fighting career.

Strickland threatens to vacate belt, speed-run contract and box Jake Paul

Sean Strickland said that unless UFC pay improves he's "kinda over it," floating a plan to vacate the 185-pound title, move to 205 to run out his contract, then box Jake Paul. He pointed to Conor McGregor's reported $30 million and Conor Benn's $15 million as proof he's underpaid, and said he earned far less than Israel Adesanya or Khamzat Chimaev, the men he beat for the belt. Paul responded by asking if Strickland is out of contract and telling him to have his promoter "call MVP"; Strickland said he was shocked Paul would actually agree to box him.

Why it matters: A reigning champion openly plotting his exit over pay, days after UFC booked UFC 335 without him, turns the middleweight title picture and the promotion's pay optics into a live problem.

Imavov runs up on Strickland at the UFC PI over stalled title fight

Nassourdine Imavov confronted Strickland outside the UFC Performance Institute in Las Vegas, demanding he sign the title-fight contract and again offering to pay out of his own pocket, before security pulled him back as he tried to charge at the champion. Imavov had first gone to Strickland's gym looking for him. Strickland dismissed the viral footage as "fake content" and "definition of cringe," saying it was staged for clicks and that he just felt awkward.

Why it matters: The No. 1 contender is effectively doing the UFC's matchmaking in public while the champ stalls over money, piling pressure on a middleweight title fight that may now slip into 2027.

Chris Leben ends 13-year MMA layoff for Akiyama's retirement fight

Black Combat announced Chris Leben vs. Yoshihiro Akiyama at Black Combat 17: Vantablack on Nov. 21 at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, with the bout serving as Akiyama's retirement fight. It's a rematch of their 2010 UFC 116 Fight of the Night, which Leben won by third-round triangle choke. Leben, 46, hasn't fought MMA since a 2013 loss to Uriah Hall; Akiyama, 51, closes a career that ran through the UFC and ONE Championship.

Why it matters: A 16-year-old rematch as a send-off is pure nostalgia booking, but it marks Leben's first MMA fight in nearly 13 years and a fitting curtain call for one of Japan's cult stars.

Silva to Shevchenko: 'Get in line' for a shot at my belt

New flyweight champion Natalia Silva pushed back on Valentina Shevchenko's vow to reclaim the title, telling the ex-champ to "get in line" and noting that Shevchenko fought roughly once a year. Silva, 9-0 in the UFC, said she won't sit and wait and wants to be active in early 2027, floating Alexa Grasso and Erin Blanchfield as contenders. Her stance contradicts the reported UFC assurance that Shevchenko — who was pushed to vacate due to injury — would get an immediate title shot on her return.

Why it matters: The 125-pound picture isn't settled: a champion signaling she'll defend against the queue rather than hand Shevchenko a return bout reshapes who fights for the belt next.

Rakhmonov resurfaces, teases 19-0 vs. 19-0 showdown with Morales

Shavkat Rakhmonov, sidelined by recurring knee surgeries since his December 2024 win over Ian Machado Garry, hinted at his return with a cryptic '19-0 vs 19-0' TikTok caption and a spider emoji nodding to Michael Morales' logo. Morales is the only UFC welterweight who matches his record, and he recently called Rakhmonov out as 'the final boss.' With Carlos Prates the front-runner for Islam Makhachev, the winner would be positioned as the next challenger.

Why it matters: Two of the division's most avoided finishers against each other would settle a logjam at the top of welterweight, though Rakhmonov's injury history makes any booking a gamble.

Edson Barboza isn't done — signs with grappling promotion ACBJJ

Two months after retiring from MMA following a fourth straight loss (a TKO defeat to Esteban Ribovics at UFC 330), Edson Barboza has signed with Absolute Championship of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for gi, no-gi and mixed grappling. The 40-year-old, never known for his ground game across 33 UFC bouts, has already dabbled, drawing with Shara Magomedov under the Hype FC banner in March. No date or opponent is set.

Why it matters: Another UFC veteran extends his career on the mats rather than the cage, part of a growing landing spot — alongside RAF and others — for retired names chasing competition without the damage.

UFC gives Niko Price a do-over retirement fight this weekend

Niko Price returns against Leon Shahbazyan on the UFC Vegas 122 prelims Saturday after his first retirement, at UFC Seattle, was overshadowed by Michael Chiesa also hanging them up that night. Price says Sean Shelby reached out offering a 'proper' send-off, a matchup the welterweight calls a fair one rather than a feed to a hyped prospect. Price (16-11) enters on a four-fight skid but insists this is the end — golden nuggets aside.

Why it matters: A rare bit of sentiment from the matchmakers for one of the era's most reliably violent action fighters, who deserved a better exit than he got in Seattle.

Bisping, Volkov pile doubt on Pereira's heavyweight experiment

Ahead of Alex Pereira's UFC 335 co-main against Sergei Pavlovich, the skeptics are lining up. Michael Bisping says a loss could end Pereira's career, calling him flat-footed and undersized against natural heavyweights. Alexander Volkov, who faces Rizvan Kuniev at UFC 333, predicts a Pereira losing streak given Pavlovich's power — the same Pavlovich who iced Pereira's teammate Tallison Teixeira in 39 seconds.

Why it matters: Pereira opened as the betting underdog for a reason; a loss would strand him in a brutal division with no quick path back to gold at 39.

Wang Cong blames eye poke for flat title-fight loss

In her first comments since dropping the vacant women’s flyweight title to Natalia Silva in the UFC 332 main event, Wang Cong said an early eye poke blurred her vision and explained her sluggish start. Silva took the decision 49-46, 48-47, 48-47, extending her UFC run to 9-0 and her overall streak to 15. Dana White said Wang will 'hate herself' watching the film because she waited too long to press the pace. The loss snapped Wang's four-fight winning streak.

Why it matters: The excuse frames a lackluster main event and does nothing to settle a 125-pound title picture still shadowed by Valentina Shevchenko's promised return.

Three UFC 332 fighters hospitalized after record-KO card

Three fighters were taken to a Salt Lake City hospital for precautionary tests after UFC 332. Retiring veteran Court McGee and Andrey Pulyaev, whose jaw was broken by Damian Pinas, both underwent CT scans of the head and face, while debutant Bruce Whitehead was sent for a testicular ultrasound after taking a knee to the groin 30 seconds into his short-notice loss to Jacobe Smith. The card set a UFC single-event record with 11 knockouts.

Why it matters: The casualty list is the price of the most finish-heavy card in UFC history, and a grim coda to McGee's 16-year run on the roster.

O’Malley fires back at Talbott: ‘Ain’t duckin no one’

After calling out Sean O’Malley following his 129-second TKO of Deiveson Figueiredo, Payton Talbott drew a response: O’Malley posted his résumé, noting four of his last seven fights came against three of the greatest bantamweights ever and insisting he is 'duckin no one.' Henry Cejudo backed Talbott, urging the UFC to 'stop protecting' O’Malley and book the fight. Talbott says the matchup likely hinges on whether Merab Dvalishvili or Petr Yan wins their UFC 333 trilogy in Abu Dhabi.

Why it matters: Talbott has beaten two former champions in a row and wants a third, but O’Malley's path back to a title shot through a Yan win could keep the fight on ice.

Dos Anjos stopped by Hernandez, hints at the end

Former lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos (31-18) returned from a two-year layoff and looked sharp early before Alexander Hernandez dropped and finished him in the second round for RDA's fourth straight loss. The 41-year-old removed his gloves in the cage, though he stopped short of a formal retirement announcement, saying only 'life moves on' after citing three surgeries and ring rust. It was the 50th pro fight of his career.

Why it matters: A two-time era-defining lightweight appears to be bowing out on a four-fight skid, while Hernandez revives his own career with the biggest win on his resume.

Glover: Barcelos' collapse was brain swelling, not a knockout

Glover Teixeira, who cornered Raoni Barcelos and accompanied him to the hospital, said on his Overdogs podcast that Barcelos' fifth-round collapse against Raul Rosas Jr. at UFC Vegas 121 was not a knockout but a traumatic brain injury — swelling that caused his body to shut down as a defense mechanism. Barcelos, 39, was ahead on all three scorecards with no clear inciting blow when he went unconscious, was stretchered out and spent three nights in the hospital before his Tuesday discharge. Teixeira also criticized referee Herb Dean for a late stoppage and openly wondered whether Dean should retire. Barcelos needs further testing before any decision on his fighting future.

Why it matters: A sobering reminder of MMA's medical stakes, and with a former champion again publicly questioning Herb Dean's stoppages, fresh scrutiny falls on one of the sport's most experienced referees.

Anthony Smith stopped in bare-knuckle return after felony arrest

Former UFC light heavyweight title challenger Anthony Smith was beaten up and stopped in the second round by former PFL fighter Jordan Heiderman at Jorge Masvidal's Gamebred Bareknuckle event in Santo Domingo on Friday. It was Smith's first bout since a July arrest on domestic-violence and related charges, which he denies. A betting favorite, Smith was bullied on the canvas and cut up before the referee waved it off — his fourth loss in five fights. Gamebred brass defended the booking by citing due process while the case is pending.

Why it matters: A once-elite 205er now trading on name value in bare-knuckle MMA, fighting under a legal cloud that promoters chose to work around rather than wait out.

Court McGee set to close a 16-year UFC run at home

Utah's Court McGee, the TUF 11 winner, makes his final walk in the UFC 332 opener against Eric Nolan in Salt Lake City, retiring at 41 after a 25-fight, 16-year UFC run. A recovering heroin addict who was clinically dead for minutes after a 2005 overdose, McGee built a fan following on his candor about sobriety and now turns fully to coaching and his nonprofit, The McGee Project. He finishes with Octagon wins over a young Robert Whittaker and Tim Means.

Why it matters: One of the sport's genuine good-news stories bows out on his own terms — a reminder that longevity in the UFC is as much about what fighters build outside the cage as inside it.

Umar Nurmagomedov signs with RAF, faces Urijah Faber on Nov. 14

One-time UFC bantamweight title challenger Umar Nurmagomedov has signed with Real American Freestyle and will make his debut against Urijah Faber at RAF Abu Dhabi on Nov. 14 at Etihad Arena. The 30-year-old is pivoting to the wrestling mats after a stunning knockout loss to Song Yadong in the UFC Shanghai main event in August. Faber is 0-2 in RAF, having lost by tech fall to Henry Cejudo and Arman Tsarukyan. The card is headlined by Colby Covington defending a cruiserweight crossover title against Khamzat Chimaev.

Why it matters: A top UFC bantamweight choosing a RAF wrestling bout over an Octagon return is a notable detour, and another sign of the promotion's growing pull on name fighters between MMA fights.

Steveson's 12-second KO loss keeps drawing hard questions

Two weeks on from Sean Sharaf flatlining -2000 favorite Gable Steveson in 12 seconds at UFC 331, the fallout continues. Jon Anik now doubts the Olympic gold medalist even reaches 10 UFC fights, saying 'how do you regroup' from being knocked out that fast. Joe Rogan suggested having Jon Jones in his corner bred overconfidence. Sharaf, meanwhile, has mused aloud about walking away on top, though his finances make a retirement unlikely.

Why it matters: One of the most hyped wrestling-to-MMA prospects in years now faces a mental rebuild in public, and the reactions show how quickly the sport soured on a can't-miss narrative.

White endorses a BMF shot for King Green if he beats Ribovics

Asked at the UFC 332 press conference whether King Green is the right man to revive the BMF title, Dana White agreed: 'I absolutely agree.' Green, 40 and on a four-fight winning streak with three straight finishes, faces Esteban Ribovics on Saturday and has pushed for a ranked opponent he can't seem to get. The symbolic belt is currently held by Charles Oliveira, whose grappling-heavy win over Max Holloway underwhelmed fans who want the BMF returned to its barnburner roots.

Why it matters: There's no booking yet, but a crowd-pleaser like Green holding the BMF belt would be the UFC's clearest attempt to restore a title that has drifted from its all-action purpose.

Barcelos discharged as White breaks silence on the scare

Raoni Barcelos was released from a Las Vegas hospital Tuesday, three days after collapsing unconscious in the fifth round of his UFC Vegas 121 loss to Raul Rosas Jr. Dana White, speaking publicly for the first time, said the 39-year-old is 'up walking around, talking' and defended the promotion's medical response, while waving off any talk of a return: 'Who gives a s---? As long as the kid is OK.' His coach says a stroke and heart attack have been ruled out, but the cause is still unknown; retired veteran Matt Brown warned a cage fatality is inevitable.

Why it matters: There is still no diagnosis, and the scare has reopened the sport's safety conversation while clouding the future of a veteran White sounds disinclined to rebook.

Sterling says UFC gave him one hour to take Vallejos in Qatar

Aljamain Sterling said the UFC gave him a one-hour deadline to accept his UFC Qatar co-main (Nov. 21) against undefeated prospect Kevin Vallejos, taking the call fresh off the mats. He also revealed he turned down a UFC 333 bout with Aaron Pico: 'What the f--- does that fight do for me? The guy's 1-1.' The former bantamweight champ wants a featherweight title shot at the Volkanovski-Evloev winner.

Why it matters: A window into how fast the UFC moves to fill cards — and into Sterling's bet that beating a hot prospect, not a 1-1 name, is his cleanest route to a two-division title shot.

Figueiredo angles for a flyweight return and a shot at Van

Ahead of his UFC 332 co-main against Payton Talbott, Deiveson Figueiredo said he has asked the UFC to move him back to 125 pounds for a crack at champion Joshua Van and a third flyweight title reign: 'The UFC gives me an opportunity, I go out there and knock him out.' The former two-time champ, 4-4 at bantamweight and on a two-fight skid, hasn't made the flyweight limit in nearly four years.

Why it matters: A long shot given his slide and the Kape logjam, but Figueiredo's power would still make him a live threat in a division short on finishers.

Musumeci to make MMA jump, eyes UFC flyweight belt

BJJ standout Mikey Musumeci, 30, told Ariel Helwani he plans to make his MMA debut this year and is in talks with multiple promotions, likely relinquishing his UFC BJJ bantamweight title. The four-time IBJJF world champion, three months into MMA training at Syndicate MMA under John Wood, wants to build up on the regional scene before targeting the UFC's 125-pound crown currently held by Joshua Van. Musumeci pointed to taking Bryce Mitchell down twice in their recent grappling match as evidence his wrestling will translate.

Why it matters: A decorated grappler entering an already-stacked flyweight division is a compelling crossover, but Musumeci himself concedes the striking gap is enormous — this is a long-term project, not an instant contender.

Barcelos speaks from hospital bed for the first time: 'I just fainted'

Two days after collapsing unconscious in the fifth round of his UFC Vegas 121 main event loss to Raul Rosas Jr., Raoni Barcelos posted a video from his hospital bed saying he is 'doing well' and vowing to 'come back stronger.' The 39-year-old, who was ahead on the scorecards, said he simply 'fainted' and is completing standard tests; his team has ruled out a stroke and a heart attack but still has no explanation for the episode. Commentator Paul Felder, who called the fight, said the scene was so alarming he feared a heart attack when he saw doctors check Barcelos' pulse in the cage.

Why it matters: It is a reassuring update on one of the year's scariest scenes, but with the cause still unknown, Barcelos' path back to competition and the medical clearance behind it remain unresolved.

Hokit calls Aspinall's eye injury fake, mocks Steveson before UFC 334

On 'The Ariel Helwani Show,' undefeated heavyweight Josh Hokit (10-0) baselessly claimed Tom Aspinall is faking the eye injuries — which required multiple surgeries after Ciryl Gane's double eye poke — to engineer a UFC release and chase a boxing payday. Hokit, who faces newly promoted champion Gane for the undisputed title at UFC 334 on Nov. 14 at Madison Square Garden, also mocked Gable Steveson after his 12-second KO loss at UFC 331, claiming the Olympian 'isn't even sparring' under Jon Jones. Aspinall vacated the belt this month and is not expected to have a status update until 2027.

Why it matters: None of it changes the UFC 334 booking, but Hokit is building the villain persona the promotion is leaning on to sell a title fight against a challenger almost no one saw coming.

Barcelos conscious, lucid and out of danger after Vegas 121 collapse — cause still unknown

A day after going limp against the cage and being stretchered out of UFC Vegas 121, Raoni Barcelos is stable, alert and responsive, according to the UFC, his coach Davi Ramos and his doctor. Ariel Helwani reported the 39-year-old can talk, walk and eat, though he remains under observation at a Las Vegas trauma center after a CT scan and full assessment. The exact cause of the sudden loss of consciousness in the fifth round is still unclear, and there is no timeline for his release. Barcelos was ahead on all three scorecards when the bout was stopped.

Why it matters: The scariest moment of the UFC year appears to have a survivable ending, but the unexplained collapse in a fighter who was winning will fuel hard questions about in-cage medical response and what actually happened.

Gaethje defends Topuria: 'He didn't quit on the stool' — and shrugs off the loaded-gloves claim

Justin Gaethje pushed back on the narrative that Ilia Topuria quit before the fifth round of their UFC Freedom 250 title fight, saying Topuria's 'body was too compromised' and that his corner made the call to protect him. Gaethje also brushed aside Topuria's accusation that he loaded his gloves, chalking it up to internet 'engagement farming.' The champion, who hasn't decided whether he'll fight again after the damage he absorbed, said Arman Tsarukyan — winner of six straight — is clearly the rightful next contender over a Topuria rematch.

Why it matters: Gaethje endorsing Tsarukyan over a lucrative Topuria rematch frames the lightweight title picture, even as his own future hangs on whether he returns at all.

Rosas Jr. rallies to KO Barcelos in scary UFC Vegas 121 finish; veteran conscious in hospital

In his first UFC main event, Raul Rosas Jr. (13-1) trailed Raoni Barcelos on all three scorecards entering the fifth round and needed a finish. He got a bizarre one: an inside-trip takedown at 1:38 of round five left the 39-year-old Barcelos unconscious on the landing, and he was carried out on a stretcher. Rosas asked fans to pray for his opponent; coach Davi Ramos and Ariel Helwani later reported Barcelos was awake, speaking and moving after a CT scan. The bout won Fight of the Night, and Luis Hernandez, Yazmin Jauregui and others took home bonuses on the card.

Why it matters: At 21 with a six-fight winning streak, Rosas keeps his youngest-champion-in-history dream alive and pushes into the bantamweight rankings — but the manner of the finish, and Barcelos being up on the cards, will fuel more debate about durability and stoppage safety.

Till outpoints Romero before record BKFC crowd, gets in Lorenzo Hunt's face

Darren Till survived a nasty third-round cut and knockdown to sweep the scorecards 49-46 across the board against 49-year-old Yoel Romero in the BKFC 94 main event in Manchester, where a promotion-record 15,800 fans packed the AO Arena. The bare-knuckle bout was cagey, but Till's range and clinch work carried him to a second straight BKFC win. Afterward he called out Tommy Fury and Mike Perry before a heated shouting match with champion Lorenzo Hunt, who ripped his performance.

Why it matters: Till is now 2-0 in bare-knuckle and remains one of BKFC's biggest draws, but the ceiling of his ex-UFC crossover run still hinges on a Mike Perry fight that Perry's recent injury has thrown into doubt.

Cejudo edges Walton in boxing debut as Ferguson stops Sebie in Miami

Henry Cejudo made his professional boxing debut in the Misfits Boxing main event, using speed and timing to edge 20-year-old Euphoria actor Javon 'Wanna' Walton — a late replacement for Deen the Great — by split decision. Cejudo called out the no-show Deen afterward. In the co-main, Tony Ferguson defended his Misfits middleweight belt with a second-round TKO of short-notice replacement Mahmoud Sebie, fighting through the recent loss of his mother.

Why it matters: The crossover-boxing lane for UFC exiles keeps widening: Cejudo hinted he could commit to it, and Ferguson's late-career reinvention as a Misfits champion continues far from the Octagon.

UFC exiles headline crossover Saturday: Till-Romero at BKFC, Cejudo's boxing debut

Two crossover cards stacked with former UFC names run Saturday. At BKFC 94 in Manchester, Darren Till (1-0 bare-knuckle) headlines against 49-year-old Yoel Romero, with champion Dave Mundell defending his middleweight belt against Jack Cullen. On the Misfits Boxing card in Miami, two-division UFC champ Henry Cejudo makes his pro boxing debut against 20-year-old actor Javon 'Wanna' Walton, while Tony Ferguson defends a Misfits middleweight title against late replacement Mahmoud Sebie. The Misfits weigh-ins turned chaotic, including an undercard influencer knocked flat by a cheeseburger slap.

Why it matters: The post-UFC economy keeps humming — Till, Romero, Cejudo and Ferguson are all cashing checks the Octagon never offered, a reminder of how much combat-sports money now sits outside the promotion.

Musumeci grinds down Mitchell as controversial draw saves Fowler's belt at UFC BJJ 11

At UFC BJJ 11 in Las Vegas, bantamweight champ Mikey Musumeci moved up to featherweight and beat Bryce Mitchell by unanimous decision in a crossover match with an agreed no-leglock, no-guard-pull stipulation; he threatened D'Arce and guillotine chokes but couldn't finish, and survived a third-round power slam. In the co-main, light heavyweight champion Mason Fowler retained via split draw against CJI champ Nick Rodriguez, a result most observers and the UFC's own commentators scored for Rodriguez. On the prelims, debutant Daniel Deeder forced a graphic Kimura arm break on Kolby Gonzalez.

Why it matters: The UFC's grappling sub-brand keeps courting mainstream MMA eyeballs with freakshow matchups, but a scoring system that hands a champion a title-saving draw in a fight he appeared to lose is going to keep drawing scrutiny.

Hokit fires back at Volkov's 'mental illness' jab as Weidman backs the upset

Josh Hokit responded to Alexander Volkov mocking his UFC 334 title shot against Ciryl Gane, telling the Russian he's 'lucky to still be on the roster' and noting Volkov lost to the last two men Hokit beat. Volkov had sarcastically 'praised' the UFC for handing a title shot to a fighter he claims has a 'serious mental condition.' Meanwhile, Chris Weidman laid out a path for Hokit, predicting he could 'ragdoll' Gane, Cain Velasquez-style, as a +245 underdog.

Why it matters: The back-and-forth underscores a real gripe: higher-ranked contenders like Volkov and Sergei Pavlovich were passed over for the fast-rising, controversy-magnet Hokit, raising the familiar question of whether merit still earns UFC title shots.

Gaethje, banged up and unsure, weighs walking away as champ

On the Flagrant podcast, UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje, 37, said he hasn't decided whether he'll fight again, citing a deep knee bruise and hand injuries that keep him from punching, plus a desire to preserve his health after grueling 2026 wins over Paddy Pimblett and Ilia Topuria. He acknowledged Arman Tsarukyan is 'next in line' if he defends, but confirmed he won't fight again in 2026. In the same sit-down he dismissed Topuria as undersized for 155, saying 'El Matador' should return to featherweight and will 'never be champion at lightweight.'

Why it matters: The division's entire title picture now hinges on a champion who openly says he may never compete again, leaving Tsarukyan's earned shot in limbo and further deflating Topuria's rematch campaign.

Ruffy breaks silence on Tsarukyan KO: 'It was my carelessness'

Mauricio Ruffy posted his first statement since being knocked out cold by an Arman Tsarukyan elbow in the dying seconds of round one at UFC 331. The Brazilian said he had Tsarukyan hurt and fading, then chose to ride out the clinch rather than escape with four seconds left, dropping his guard — 'the mistake was totally mine, my carelessness, and his merit.' The loss leaves the No. 10 lightweight 2-2 in his last four, both defeats by stoppage.

Why it matters: Rare full accountability, but two knockout losses in four fights stall a feared striker who'd been building toward the 155-pound top ten; a bout with fellow finisher Quillan Salkilld looms as a reset.

Demetrious Johnson tells Pantoja to 'ride off into the sunset'

UFC Hall of Famer Demetrious Johnson advised Alexandre Pantoja to retire after his second straight loss to champion Joshua Van at UFC 331, arguing the 36-year-old has beaten everyone at 125 and has only newcomers left to face. Pantoja hasn't announced his plans, posting a Rocky Balboa quote about moving forward that hinted he intends to fight on. A path back remains: he holds a win over top contender Manel Kape, who fights Van next.

Why it matters: Flyweight's former standard-bearer is at a genuine crossroads as the division's torch passes to Van and Kape, and his choice shapes the top of the 125-pound ladder.

Volkov mocks Hokit's title shot, brands Gane 'dirty'

Passed over again for a heavyweight title shot, Alexander Volkov delivered a deadpan roast on The Ariel Helwani Show, sarcastically 'supporting' the UFC for handing the 'mentally ill' Josh Hokit a shot at Ciryl Gane at UFC 334 — prompting Hokit to fire back on social media. Volkov also called Gane 'dirty,' citing the eye pokes that ultimately forced Tom Aspinall to vacate and back-of-the-head strikes on Alex Pereira. Volkov meets Rizvan Kuniev at UFC 333 on Oct. 24.

Why it matters: The Volkov-Kuniev winner is positioned as next for the Gane-Hokit victor, so the barbs come with real title-shot stakes at heavyweight.

Steveson breaks silence, answers Sharaf's 'loophole' taunts

Three days after his 12-second knockout loss to Sean Sharaf at UFC 331 — the biggest betting upset in UFC history — Gable Steveson issued a statement centered on the 2019 sexual-assault allegations Sharaf hammered throughout fight week. The Olympic gold medalist reiterated he was never charged, that the case was dropped for inadequate evidence, and insisted a changed law would not have altered the outcome. He also congratulated Sharaf, wrote 'you caught me,' and vowed to rebuild as he did after wrestling losses.

Why it matters: The allegations, revived as a fight-week tactic, now frame the fallout around the sport's most decorated wrestling prospect — and a 4-1 record that no longer carries any aura of inevitability.

Strickland walks away from 60-mph ATV rollover, spars next day

UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland shared video of an ATV crash in Las Vegas in which he says the vehicle — driven by a friend at 60 mph — rolled six times while he wore no helmet. He escaped with scrapes; his friend was knocked unconscious and hospitalized. Strickland was back sparring shirtless at Xtreme Couture the next day. It echoes the 2018 motorcycle crash that sidelined him for nearly two years.

Why it matters: The champ is already nursing a shoulder injury that has delayed a rumored December title defense against Nassourdine Imavov — and joyriding helmetless is a needless way to jeopardize it.

Hearn eyes early-2027 Aspinall return as Gane calls him 'mentally fragile'

Manager Eddie Hearn said Tom Aspinall still wants to fight but won't be medically cleared until early 2027, with doctors telling the former heavyweight champ his eye 'will not pass the medicals' as is. Aspinall vacated the title last week after three surgeries stemming from the eye pokes in his UFC 321 no-contest with Ciryl Gane. Gane, now undisputed champ, twisted the knife, calling Aspinall 'fragile mentally' for how he handled the injury and communication around it.

Why it matters: Heavyweight moves on without its best fighter: Gane defends against Josh Hokit at UFC 334 in November while Aspinall's comeback slips into next year at the earliest.

Jones takes the blame as Steveson's meltdown draws piling-on

Jon Jones said it was his call to rush Gable Steveson straight to the back after the 12-second KO by Sean Sharaf, explaining the booed cage exit that saw Steveson leave before Bruce Buffer read the result. Henry Cejudo urged Steveson to take a full year off to fix his striking defense, while Israel Adesanya and Joe Rogan told him to log off and get back in the gym. Valter Walker argued the fight-week abuse over Steveson's 2019 allegations 'mentally f***ed' him before the loss.

Why it matters: The most-hyped wrestling prospect the UFC has signed just cratered on his biggest night, and how he handles the fallout — and the striking holes everyone now sees — will define whether he's a future contender or a cautionary tale.

Van reveals he beat Pantoja with a torn shoulder

Joshua Van disclosed at the UFC 331 post-fight press conference that he tore the AC joint in his right shoulder in mid-August, after the Philadelphia press conference, and couldn't spar until the final two weeks of camp — running cardio in place of live rounds. He still outpointed Alexandre Pantoja over five rounds for his second title defense. Van will undergo MRIs to gauge the damage and is unlikely to return before 2027, with Manel Kape the likely next challenger.

Why it matters: A 24-year-old grinding out a Fight-of-the-Year-caliber win on one shoulder only strengthens the case that flyweight has a genuine star — but the injury, atop a punishing recent schedule, argues for a real break.

Sharaf was sleeping on a floor weeks before flooring Steveson

Details emerged around Sean Sharaf's 12-second KO of Gable Steveson. Sean Strickland posted DMs showing Sharaf — a former Marine, winless in two prior UFC bouts and reportedly more than $600,000 in debt — sleeping on a mat weeks before the fight; Sharaf plans to give his $100,000 bonus to his ailing mother. Steveson, meanwhile, drew criticism from Daniel Cormier and others for walking out of the cage before the decision was read, and his manager Abe Kawa invoked the early losses of GSP, Islam Makhachev and Cormier himself in vowing a comeback.

Why it matters: The upset of the year has a genuine rags-to-riches subplot, while the hyped Olympic gold medalist's rough exit — and hostile reception — shows how fast a crossover prospect's shine can dim.

Sean Sharaf flatlines Gable Steveson in 12 seconds — the biggest upset in UFC history

Marine Corps veteran Sean Sharaf knocked out Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson with a single left hook just 12 seconds into their heavyweight bout, the third-fastest KO in UFC heavyweight history. Steveson entered as high as a -2500 favorite, making Sharaf's win the biggest betting upset the promotion has seen. Steveson, cornered by Jon Jones, left the cage before the result was announced and drew criticism; Dana White matched Sharaf's $50,000 Proper Chaos bonus with another $50,000.

Why it matters: In 12 seconds the UFC's most-hyped heavyweight prospect was exposed and his aura destroyed — a reminder that elite wrestling credentials guarantee nothing in MMA. How the 26-year-old rebounds now defines his career.

Patricio Pitbull scores his first UFC KO, saves his roster spot and calls out Jean Silva

Fighting on the final bout of his UFC deal, Patricio Pitbull dropped Doo Ho Choi with a right hand and finished him at 3:28 of round one for his first UFC knockout and 38th career win. The former Bellator double champ apologized for his lackluster three prior UFC outings, said the pressure in the UFC dwarfs Bellator, and called out featherweight Jean Silva.

Why it matters: The performance likely earns Pitbull a new contract and finally gives the Bellator legend a signature UFC moment; a Silva matchup would be a natural, high-heat featherweight booking.

Tai Tuivasa ties UFC record with 8th straight loss and looks headed for release

Tai Tuivasa dropped a split decision to the returning Robelis Despaigne on the UFC 331 prelims, in an ugly, cardio-drained heavyweight scrap. The defeat is Tuivasa's eighth in a row, tying Tony Ferguson for the longest losing streak in UFC history; he hasn't won since knocking out Derrick Lewis in February 2022. Dana White praised him but stopped short of committing to his future.

Why it matters: One of the promotion's most popular heavyweights is almost certainly out of chances in the UFC after a stunning fall from a five-fight win streak and title contention.

Aspinall ends podcast, exits social media, eyes early-2027 return

Days after vacating the heavyweight title, Tom Aspinall wrapped his YouTube podcast and stepped away from social media to focus on recovery from the eye damage suffered in the UFC 321 no-contest with Ciryl Gane. A recent training setback reset his rehab; Ariel Helwani reports the current hope is a return early in 2027, though some insiders speculate retirement. Randy Couture, who fractured his own orbit years ago, sympathized and floated a possible landing spot for Aspinall at Ki MMA.

Why it matters: The 33-year-old was arguably the sport's most dangerous heavyweight; a year-plus on the shelf with no firm timeline leaves the division rebuilding around Gane and whoever emerges next.

Pitbull faces a must-win UFC test against surging Choi

Former two-division Bellator champion Patricio Pitbull (1-2 in the UFC) admits he hasn't liked any of his Octagon performances and vows to finally show his potential Saturday against Doo Ho Choi in UFC 331's featured bout. Now 39, Pitbull has dropped decisions to Yair Rodriguez and Aaron Pico around a win over Dan Ige. Choi, the callout initiator, rides a three-fight winning streak, all stoppages, and holds height, reach and pace advantages. A third UFC loss would drop the Brazilian legend to 1-3 and cloud his future in the division.

Why it matters: It's the clearest test yet of whether one of the best featherweights ever to fight outside the UFC has anything left, or whether Father Time has closed the window.

Topuria cleared to return, blames Gaethje's gloves — and Gaethje bites on a rematch

Ilia Topuria announced he has passed his final medical tests and is cleared to return, three months after his UFC Freedom 250 loss to Justin Gaethje, where his corner stopped the fight after the fourth round with Topuria suffering two broken orbital bones. In his first comments since, Topuria insinuated Gaethje had something 'weird' on his gloves and told Gaethje and manager Ali Abdelaziz off. Gaethje first dismissed it ('94 days and the best you could come up with is a lame excuse') but then told Joy of Everything he'd take the rematch — 'I just beat the s— out of him, of course I would' — a reversal after previously ruling it out. He plans to return in 2027.

Why it matters: A Gaethje-Topuria rematch would be one of the biggest fights the UFC can make, and the champion's softened stance moves it from fantasy booking toward the front of the lightweight queue — ahead of contenders like Tsarukyan, Oliveira and Holloway.

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.

Gane set for undisputed status as heavyweight contenders scramble

A day after Tom Aspinall vacated the heavyweight title over a re-aggravated eye injury, interim champion Ciryl Gane is expected to be elevated to undisputed without fighting. Unbeaten Josh Hokit (10-0) was first in line, calling for Gane and pitching a two-fight plan that includes a Pereira defense in early 2027; Alex Pereira continues to lobby for an immediate rematch, while No. 2 Alexander Volkov and No. 3 Sergei Pavlovich stand as the cleanest rankings options. Jon Jones, who held the belt before Aspinall, spent the day amplifying posts mocking his rival's exit.

Why it matters: Gane inheriting the belt via a foul-marred no-contest and an opponent's injury is an awkward look, and the UFC's choice of first challenger — a loud unbeaten in Hokit, a returning star in Pereira, or a ranked pick in Volkov/Pavlovich — sets the tone for a division that's been parked for nearly a year.

Garcia's messy week: bareknuckle hand injury and a De La Hoya blow-up

Days after stopping Conor Benn in two rounds, Ryan Garcia said he hurt his right hand not on Benn but in a bareknuckle brawl with a friend in his hotel room the following night. He also unloaded on promoter Oscar De La Hoya for skipping the fight, calling him 'weird' after De La Hoya declined a ringside seat. Benn, meanwhile, released his first statement since the loss, saying he's stepping away to spend time with his family.

Why it matters: Garcia has one bout left with Golden Boy before free agency and is already talking to Dana White about a Zuffa Boxing move, so his public feud with De La Hoya is as much about his next contract as his next fight.

Aspinall vacates UFC heavyweight title, reveals fresh eye injury

Tom Aspinall (15-3, 8-1 UFC) announced Monday he is relinquishing the undisputed heavyweight title, citing ongoing complications from the double eye poke Ciryl Gane landed at UFC 321, which turned their October 2025 bout into a no-contest. Aspinall said he had agreed to a return date and was back sparring when a training accident caused further damage to his right eye, leaving his timeline unclear. He insists he is not retiring and pointedly blamed the fouls that 'changed the course of my career.' The move comes a day after Dana White said the UFC would discuss his status.

Why it matters: A logjammed division finally moves: Aspinall exits without a single successful defense, and interim champ Gane — who knocked out Alex Pereira at Freedom 250 — is now the obvious candidate to be elevated to undisputed.

Pereira lobbies for Gane rematch at MSG with heavyweight belt in flux

With Aspinall stepping aside, Alex Pereira is publicly angling for a rematch with Ciryl Gane at Madison Square Garden on the UFC 334 card (Nov. 14). Pereira maintains his Freedom 250 stoppage loss was tainted by illegal shots to the back of the head and says he has earned a crack at a third divisional title, while leaving a return to light heavyweight as a fallback. Nothing is booked.

Why it matters: If the UFC promotes Gane to undisputed, a Pereira rematch is its most marketable near-term option while the division resets — but a former two-division champ freshly knocked out demanding a title shot will test how much goodwill his short-notice history has banked.

Chimaev threatens layoff for surgeries if UFC doesn't book him by December

Former middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev says that if the UFC fails to book him before the end of the year, he will step away to address a backlog of health issues, disclosing he has been under anesthesia seven times, had six surgeries, and is missing half his thyroid. He targeted October and then December in Abu Dhabi but has no opponent; with Sean Strickland vs. Nassourdine Imavov rumored for the title, Chimaev would need a non-title contender bout to stay active. He also admitted he was compromised entering his UFC 328 loss to Strickland.

Why it matters: A former champion who once fought twice in ten days now faces a possible year-plus on the shelf, and his admission that he fought Strickland hurt reframes that upset — and clouds his path back into the 185-pound title mix.

McGregor spotted on crutches, eyes summer 2027 return

Conor McGregor was photographed on crutches in Beverly Hills with a fresh surgical scar, weeks after August surgery to repair the ACL and meniscus he tore just 69 seconds into his UFC 329 loss to Max Holloway. He is targeting International Fight Week in summer 2027 — the final fight on his current UFC deal. McGregor also took a shot at Holloway for waving to the referee to stop the fight, insisting Holloway should have 'finished the f***ing fight.'

Why it matters: The recovery timeline pushes McGregor's next appearance to nearly two years after a comeback that lasted barely a minute, keeping one of the sport's biggest draws on the shelf and his 'last dance' perpetually over the horizon.

White says UFC 'will definitely' discuss stripping Aspinall

With Tom Aspinall approaching a full year out — he hasn't fought since the October 2025 eye-poke no-contest against Ciryl Gane and remains uncleared after multiple eye surgeries — Dana White said the promotion will begin talks about his heavyweight title status. White pointed to Valentina Shevchenko's recent decision to vacate the flyweight belt and said he assumes Aspinall won't want to tie up the division either.

Why it matters: Stripping Aspinall would open a heavyweight title picture that already has Gane, the interim champ, campaigning for a rematch — and would formalize a growing rift after Aspinall signed with Dana White rival Eddie Hearn's Matchroom.

McMillen survives knockdown, wins FOTY contender over Rahiki

Undefeated featherweight prospects Tommy McMillen and Marwan Rahiki delivered an instant classic, with McMillen (12-0) badly hurt by a second-round uppercut before roaring back to drop Rahiki in the third and take a unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-27). The war earned Fight of the Night, McMillen's third straight bonus, and handed Rahiki his first pro loss. McMillen said he wants to return quickly, eyeing Dec. 12 in Las Vegas.

Why it matters: The UFC has been fast-tracking McMillen as a star, and this is the performance that cements the hype — a durable, finish-hunting 145er with momentum in a division suddenly crowded with contenders.

Extended Poirier arrest footage surfaces: 'F*** the fans,' repeated challenges to officers

Atlanta police released roughly 28 minutes of bodycam footage from Dustin Poirier's June 21 arrest for public drunkenness at Hartsfield-Jackson airport, after he was removed from a Delta flight. The former interim lightweight champion is shown repeatedly challenging officers to remove his cuffs and fight 'one-on-one,' telling officers 'f*** the fans,' referencing past jail time, and stepping through his handcuffs in a holding cell. Poirier had apologized after the initial clip went viral in the summer and said he was seeking help for alcohol issues; he has not commented on the new video.

Why it matters: Poirier retired as one of the most respected lightweights of his era, and he has already said the incident cost him sponsorships. The fuller record deepens a reputational hit for a fighter who was a locker-room and fan favorite.

White admits he wanted Ngannou to lose to Gane; 'Predator' fires back

Dana White told BigBoyTV that Francis Ngannou is the fighter he most wanted to see lose, pointing to Ngannou's January 2022 title defense against Ciryl Gane at UFC 270 — the bout after which White notably declined to wrap the belt around the champion. The admission follows White branding Ngannou a 'bad guy' and ruling out any return this week. Ngannou responded on social media, framing White as the man he spent 'three years and a lot of money in law firms' escaping and telling him to 'take that loss.'

Why it matters: The lingering feud is a reminder of how badly the UFC's split with its former heavyweight champion still stings — all while its actual heavyweight title sits frozen with Tom Aspinall sidelined and Gane holding interim gold.

Makhachev names Prates and Morales as his top welterweight threats

Islam Makhachev, eyeing a return before Ramadan in early 2027 as he rehabs minor spinal issues, singled out Carlos Prates and Michael Morales as the two most serious contenders at 170 pounds. The champion also left the door open to a future bout with Shavkat Rakhmonov once the injured Kazakh returns, telling him to 'rehabilitate' first. Ian Machado Garry, who beat Prates before losing his own title bid, argued Prates has the aggression to trouble Makhachev.

Why it matters: With Makhachev sidelined into 2027, the champion himself is sketching the welterweight pecking order — elevating Prates and Morales over the long-injured Rakhmonov as the men most likely to get the next shot.

One fight from freedom, McGregor eyes BKFC as Alvarez warns of a UFC 'trap'

Conor McGregor says he 'can't wait' to make a bare-knuckle debut once his UFC deal expires — 'one more to go and the Mac Daddy is free' — after his UFC 329 return ended when he tore his ACL with the first kick he threw against Max Holloway. Eddie Alvarez, who left Bellator amid litigation, cautioned that the UFC will not let its 'biggest bargaining chip' walk easily, predicting it offers McGregor a matchup 'to get you beat in such a way that you have no value outside this company.'

Why it matters: McGregor is 1-3 in his last four and hasn't won since 2020, but he still owns a stake in BKFC and enormous drawing power — setting up a contract standoff over how, and whether, the UFC lets its biggest star leave.

Costa says he asked for his release and the UFC refused

Paulo Costa revealed on The Ariel Helwani Show that he has repeatedly asked the UFC to release him — most recently days ago — but the promotion insists he fight out the final bout on his deal first. Costa, 16-4 and coming off a knockout of Azamat Murzakanov at UFC 327, wanted an interim light heavyweight title fight at UFC 332 while champion Carlos Ulberg recovers from ACL surgery, but the UFC instead booked Natalia Silva vs. Wang Cong for the vacant flyweight belt. He says he's turned down a five-round offer without a belt at his current pay and has been asking to fight since May.

Why it matters: A frustrated contender publicly agitating to leave, with RIZIN, MVP and Scott Coker's startup all circling, is another sign of how contested the free-agent market has become for name UFC fighters.

White says Topuria is 'ready to fight,' weighs Gaethje rematch or Pimblett

Dana White told The Jim Rome Show that Ilia Topuria is cleared and eager to return after the corner stoppage loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250, his first pro defeat. White floated both a Gaethje rematch and a grudge match with Paddy Pimblett as options, though no fight is booked. Gaethje, sidelined into 2027 with a knee bone bruise, has dismissed an immediate rematch, and Belal Muhammad argued Topuria hasn't earned one since he 'made you quit.' Topuria broke months of silence this week, posting training footage and declaring 'we are back.'

Why it matters: Topuria remains one of the UFC's biggest draws, so his availability reshapes the lightweight logjam behind an injured champion and a stacked contender line of Tsarukyan, Ruffy and Pimblett.

Dana White shuts the door on Ngannou: 'He's a bad guy'

Dana White told the Nightcap show he has no interest in ever bringing Francis Ngannou back to the UFC, placing the former heavyweight champion on his 'Oscar De La Hoya list' and calling him 'a bad guy' he won't do business with. Ngannou, who left in 2023, has since won eight straight MMA fights across PFL and MVP, most recently a first-round knockout of Philipe Lins on Netflix in May, and boxed Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.

Why it matters: White formally ruling out the sport's biggest heavyweight name closes off any dream reunification of the division and pushes Ngannou's next act toward MVP or another boxing payday.

Gaethje rules out any 2026 title defense, casts doubt on Tsarukyan

Speaking on Demetrious Johnson's podcast, new undisputed lightweight champion Justin Gaethje confirmed he won't fight again in 2026, citing a deep bone bruise in his knee and hand injuries from his fourth-round TKO of Ilia Topuria, and said retirement remains on the table. Gaethje also broke down the footwork read that beat Topuria and questioned Arman Tsarukyan's account of his 2025 pullout, claiming Tsarukyan withdrew from the UFC 311 title fight because he couldn't make weight rather than because of a back injury. He added he'd rather see Tsarukyan get knocked out than grind past Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331 on Sept. 19.

Why it matters: The champion parking the belt until 2027 freezes an already logjammed division, and the Tsarukyan-Ruffy winner may have to keep waiting even after Dana White walked back the title-eliminator framing.

Makhachev reveals spinal issues, targets a pre-Ramadan return

Welterweight champion Islam Makhachev said three post-fight MRIs after his UFC 330 decision over Ian Machado Garry uncovered minor spinal issues he's now rehabbing, calling it nothing serious. He wants his second 170-pound defense booked before Ramadan begins around Feb. 8, 2027, pointing to a December-or-January window. Carlos Prates, who says he's signed a new deal and been promised the shot, remains the likeliest challenger.

Why it matters: The Garry fight was closer and more damaging than the scorecards suggest, and a tight pre-Ramadan window pressures the UFC to lock in the Prates fight rather than run another eliminator.

Diego Sanchez jailed on aggravated DWI, probation violation

TUF 1 winner and former UFC lightweight title challenger Diego Sanchez, 44, was arrested Sept. 7 in Socorro County, New Mexico, on charges of aggravated DWI (blood-alcohol over .16) and a probation violation. Police responded to a gas station after an employee reported a man following a woman to a restroom and found Sanchez unable to complete field sobriety testing. The arrest violates the terms of a 2025 firearm case — Sanchez received five years of supervised probation in March, with a condition to abstain from alcohol — and he was held without bond.

Why it matters: Sanchez's post-fighting struggles are well-documented, and a probation violation exposes the Hall-of-Fame-fight veteran to the prison sentence he avoided earlier this year.

Josh Hokit rages at Pereira, Topuria title-rematch talk

Undefeated heavyweight Josh Hokit (10-0, 4-0 UFC), fresh off wins over Curtis Blaydes and Derrick Lewis, unloaded on social media after Alex Pereira campaigned for a rematch with interim champ Ciryl Gane and Jon Anik floated a Gaethje-Topuria rematch. 'Neither Ilia Topuria nor Alex Pereira deserve a f---ing title shot in their next fight,' Hokit wrote, arguing both were 'handily destroyed' and should earn their way back. He accused Tom Aspinall's manager Eddie Hearn of stalling and pitched himself as the only viable opponent left for Gane.

Why it matters: It's promo noise, but Hokit has a real point about a logjam at heavyweight: with Aspinall's return unbooked and Gane holding interim gold, the contender math is genuinely stuck.

Shevchenko's exit blamed on shoulder, back ligament damage

Valentina Shevchenko's coach Pavel Fedotov detailed the injury behind her decision to vacate the flyweight title: ligament damage to her shoulder and back suffered in camp for an Oct. 3 defense against Natalia Silva at UFC 332. Fedotov says the recovery is lengthy — reports put it near a year — and that 'Bullet' intends to return and fight for the belt once healthy. Silva now meets Wang Cong for the vacant strap in Salt Lake City.

Why it matters: It confirms the vacating was medical rather than a soft retirement, keeping the door open for the nine-time defending champ to reclaim the belt — and leaving the new 125-pound champion fighting under an asterisk until she does.

Parnasse storms into lightweight top 10 after debut KO

The post-UFC Paris rankings landed, and KSW import Salahdine Parnasse debuted straight into the lightweight top 10 (ninth in the media rankings) after his first-round finish of Dan Hooker, who slid to 13th. Heavyweight Mario Pinto and featherweight Pavel Andrusca also cracked their divisions' top 15 off Paris wins. Michael Bisping and Daniel Cormier both flagged Parnasse as championship material, with Cormier naming Paddy Pimblett as the grappler who could slow him.

Why it matters: A one-fight jump into the top 10 is rare and validates the hype around Parnasse's move from KSW; his called-for 'dream fight' with Max Holloway would immediately be a title-adjacent bout.

Colby Covington cracks door open for a UFC return

Colby Covington told MMA Junkie he is 'technically retired' only as red tape to chase crossover bouts in Real American Freestyle wrestling, where he's 4-0 and just beat Arman Tsarukyan for an inaugural cruiserweight title. The former welterweight title challenger, who left the UFC after losing to Joaquin Buckley in 2024 and was snubbed from the White House card, says he'd entertain 'big and huge offers' for an MMA comeback but is at peace either way.

Why it matters: A Covington return still moves the needle at 170 as a name opponent and grudge draw, but his 'only for big fights' framing signals he won't come back as a gatekeeper.

Chris Weidman moves to the booth for Contender Series debut

UFC Hall of Famer and former middleweight champ Chris Weidman makes his color commentary debut on Tuesday's Dana White's Contender Series Week 5 at the Meta Apex, joining Laura Sanko and play-by-play man Dan Hellie for the five-fight card. Weidman, 42, has worked as a UFC desk analyst and co-hosts Paramount's 'Deep Waters' podcast since his 2024 retirement. The trial mirrors Michael Chiesa's recent path to the UFC booth.

Why it matters: The UFC is openly auditioning new broadcast voices for its Paramount era, and a name like Weidman calling live fights is a low-risk way to test who graduates to Fight Night cards.

Tony Ferguson defends Misfits boxing title vs. Biyong on Sept. 26

Former UFC interim lightweight champ Tony Ferguson will make his first defense of the Misfits Boxing middleweight title against former pro soccer player Kenzo Biyong on Sept. 26 at the James L. Knight Center in Miami, streaming on DAZN. Ferguson, 42, is 2-0 in the promotion after stopping Salt Papi and outpointing Warren Spencer, and lost a wrestling match to Arman Tsarukyan at RAF 10 in June. The card is headlined by Henry Cejudo's boxing debut against 'Deen the Great' and also features Chase DeMoor vs. Alex Pereira coach Plinio Cruz.

Why it matters: Ferguson's second act as an influencer-boxing champion keeps rolling, a soft landing for a former UFC star who left on an eight-fight skid.

Rakhmonov admits UFC return isn't guaranteed after knee wrecked

Shavkat Rakhmonov (19-0), sidelined since his December 2024 decision over Ian Machado Garry, said he fought that bout with a torn knee ligament and 'shouldn't have fought at all,' calling it 'the Kazakh way.' Coach Edward Bazrov says the welterweight won't be ready before February 2027, and Rakhmonov himself won't guarantee he ever competes again. Both Islam Makhachev and Sean Brady have publicly doubted the once-feared contender will return.

Why it matters: A man who was one fight from a title shot may be finished, further thinning a welterweight contender pool already reshaped by Makhachev's reign.

Ex-UFC contender Marlon Moraes floors motorist as a Florida cop

Bodycam footage went viral of former UFC and WSOF bantamweight title challenger Marlon Moraes, now a Coral Springs, Florida police officer, hip-tossing a confrontational motorist who told him 'you can't do sh*t' during a March 27 traffic stop. Moraes joined law enforcement in 2024, and he hasn't left MMA behind either — he snapped a seven-fight skid on Aug. 28 with a decision over Maximiliano Perez in Brazil and says he's not retired.

Why it matters: A reminder of the unusual second acts fighters build after the UFC, and that Moraes is still angling for one more run.

Parnasse folds Hooker in one round on UFC debut, calls out Holloway

Former two-division KSW champion Salahdine Parnasse justified the hype in his UFC debut, headlining UFC Paris with a first-round TKO of Dan Hooker at 2:35. A liver kick buckled Hooker before a head kick and a left hook finished him against the fence. Parnasse, a roughly -575 favorite, extended his stoppage streak to six and called for Max Holloway next, though Belal Muhammad and others pushed for a Michael Chandler matchup. Hooker has now been finished in three straight.

Why it matters: Parnasse instantly enters the lightweight top 15 and looks like a rare prospect whose finishing power translates against elite competition, giving a loaded division a genuine new threat.

Sola sleeps Ziam, Keita and Pinto also cash bonuses in Paris

UFC Paris delivered finishes top to bottom. In the co-main event, Axel Sola knocked out fellow Frenchman Fares Ziam with a single left hook at 1:40, handing Ziam the first knockout loss of his career and moving to 3-1 in the UFC. Losene Keita rebounded from his debut loss by flatlining Muhammadjon Naimov in the opening round, and undefeated heavyweight Mario Pinto (13-0) survived an early scare to stop Ryan Spann. All four — Parnasse, Sola, Keita and Pinto — took home $100,000 Performance of the Night bonuses, with no Fight of the Night awarded.

Why it matters: France's next wave keeps producing — Sola and Keita are climbing fast at lightweight and featherweight, while Pinto's unbeaten run makes him a live name in a thin heavyweight class.

Chimaev pins Woodley in 94 seconds at RAF Moscow

Khamzat Chimaev needed just 94 seconds to tech-fall former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley in the RAF Moscow wrestling main event, improving to 2-0 in Real American Freestyle after a June win over Dillon Danis. Chimaev, who lost his UFC middleweight title to Sean Strickland in May, overpowered the smaller Woodley with a body-lock takedown. The event was not streamed in the U.S. over sanctions concerns tied to the venue; reports link Chimaev to a RAF rematch with Gilbert Burns next.

Why it matters: Chimaev is staying active on the mats while insisting he'll return to UFC middleweight, keeping his name warm without risking his MMA standing against a name opponent.

Page grinds out Ruziboev but doubts a new UFC deal

Michael 'Venom' Page won the final fight on his UFC contract with a low-output unanimous decision (29-28 x3) over Nursulton Ruziboev at UFC Paris, extending him to 4-0 in his last four but again without a finish. Page, now 5-1 in the UFC across a stint marked by frustration over matchmaking and inactivity, said afterward he doubts the promotion will re-sign him, conceding that from the UFC's perspective the performance 'didn't change anything.' He maintains he needs bigger names to show his best.

Why it matters: One of the most decorated strikers to ever leave the regional and Bellator scene may be headed back to free agency, a cautionary tale about how the octagon has muted his highlight-reel style.

Slimmed-down Chimaev weighs in for RAF Moscow, stoking UFC return talk

Khamzat Chimaev weighed 192.5 pounds for his RAF Moscow wrestling match with Tyron Woodley (193.6) on Saturday — his lightest in a while, down from over 200 for his June RAF debut against Dillon Danis — fueling speculation he's eyeing a UFC return near the middleweight limit. He co-headlines RAF 13 in Miami against Gilbert Burns on Sept. 18. The Moscow card reportedly streams only inside Russia after a venue switch tied to US sanctions concerns.

Why it matters: Chimaev stays active on the mats while lobbying Dana White for an Octagon return, and his trimmed frame hints he's holding at 185 rather than moving to light heavyweight.

Adesanya starts fresh at Volkanovski's Sydney gym

Israel Adesanya has surfaced training at Freestyle MMA Performance Centre in Sydney alongside featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski and lightweight Mauricio Ruffy, weeks after ending his career-long partnership with City Kickboxing. Footage from the Engage brand and Ruffy's social media shows the former two-time middleweight champ drilling under coach Joe Lopez, with his dietitian's 'pre-camp' post hinting a fight is already booked. Adesanya, winless in over three years, has been finished in three of his four straight losses, most recently a KO by Joe Pyfer in March.

Why it matters: A wholesale coaching and camp change is the clearest sign yet that Adesanya intends to keep fighting rather than retire, and whether new voices can arrest his slide will shape the middleweight fringe.

Michael Page fights out his UFC deal in Paris

Michael 'Venom' Page faces Nursulton Ruziboev on Saturday's Paris main card in the final bout of his UFC contract, admitting his run has underdelivered — four wins in five fights, all by decision, with no finishes. The 39-year-old, a slight favorite, vowed to 'take risks' and 'reintroduce myself,' while conceding he and the promotion 'don't seem as aligned' as he expected and that he wants a sit-down about his role. A dud could end his UFC stint and send the ex-Bellator star back to free agency.

Why it matters: MVP was a viral signing who never got the marquee fights (a Leon Edwards bout never materialized); his performance and pending free agency are a test of whether the UFC still values him.

Aspinall not medically cleared, return date still unknown

Tom Aspinall's manager Eddie Hearn says the heavyweight champion still needs additional testing on the eye injury he suffered in the UFC 321 no-contest against Ciryl Gane, and has no clearance date. Aspinall (15-3) is training and eager, but Hearn stressed the holdup is a commission and medical question, not motivation, and wouldn't confirm a rumored Gane rematch at UFC 334 in November. Gane holds the interim belt after stopping Alex Pereira and is the obvious unification opponent.

Why it matters: The entire heavyweight division is frozen behind an undisputed champion who can't get cleared, and every month of delay strengthens the case to strip or unify around Gane.

Chimaev books second RAF grappling match, a Burns rematch

Khamzat Chimaev will face Gilbert Burns in the co-main event of Real American Freestyle's RAF 13 on Sept. 18 in Coral Gables, Florida, a grappling rematch of their 2022 UFC 273 Fight of the Night. It's Chimaev's second RAF booking this month — he faces Tyron Woodley at RAF Moscow on Sept. 5. The card is headlined by Colby Covington vs. Belal Muhammad. Burns, who retired from MMA in April after five straight losses, makes his RAF debut; Chimaev is still awaiting his next UFC assignment after losing the middleweight title to Sean Strickland.

Why it matters: RAF continues to pull recognizable UFC names onto the wrestling mat, and it keeps the former champ active and visible while the UFC sorts out his return.

Vera splits from Parillo, joins Rosas Jr. camp to break 0-4 skid

Marlon Vera has parted ways with longtime striking coach Jason Parillo, the two having worked together since 2018, and merged into Raul Rosas Jr.'s team with his own gym as the base. Vera (23-12-1) called the amicable split a change he needed after dropping four straight to Sean O'Malley, Deiveson Figueiredo, Aiemann Zahabi and David Martinez. He also opened up about the mental toll of the slide. He faces Charles Jourdain at UFC 331 on Sept. 19 in Los Angeles.

Why it matters: A fifth straight loss could threaten Vera's roster spot, so this camp overhaul is a genuine last-stand gamble for a former title challenger and reliable draw.

Sharaf rips UFC's Steveson push, invokes 2019 assault case

Sean Sharaf (4-2), an ex-Marine set to face Gable Steveson at UFC 331 on Sept. 19, publicly blasted the promotion for repeatedly featuring his opponent in content collaborations, referencing Steveson's 2019 sexual-assault arrest — charges that were never filed due to insufficient evidence. Steveson, the Tokyo Olympic gold medalist, is 4-0 with all first-round finishes; Sharaf has been knocked out in both his UFC appearances.

Why it matters: It's a rare on-record shot at how the UFC chooses which fighters to build, and it drags a fast-tracked prospect's past back into the spotlight weeks before a marquee card.

Gaethje floats McGregor, says Topuria win already avenged his losses

New lightweight champion Justin Gaethje says beating Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250 effectively squared his accounts with Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira, since Topuria had finished both — so he named Conor McGregor as the opponent he'd want, despite never fighting him. Gaethje reiterated he won't compete again in 2026 as both hands recover, while Arman Tsarukyan holds a verbal promise of the next shot if he wins later this month. McGregor is sidelined into 2027 with a knee injury.

Why it matters: The McGregor talk is a non-starter given the layoffs, but Gaethje's ambivalence toward rematches muddies a title picture Tsarukyan is supposed to headline next.

Gamebred FC books Anthony Smith for Oct. 2 despite pending domestic-violence charges

Jorge Masvidal's Gamebred FC will run Anthony Smith vs. Jordan Heiderman in a bare-knuckle heavyweight tournament bout headlining an October 2 card in the Dominican Republic. Smith was arrested in Nebraska in July on felony counts including terroristic threats and false imprisonment stemming from an altercation with his wife; he has pleaded not guilty and is out on bond. President Lex McMahon issued a lengthy statement defending the booking on due-process grounds.

Why it matters: A promotion platforming a fighter awaiting a domestic-violence trial is a live test of how the sport handles fighters with pending charges, and it drew immediate backlash.

Alex Pereira's sister Aline drawn against ONE prodigy Smilla Sundell on Contender Series

Aline Pereira, sister of former two-division champ Alex Pereira, will fight for a UFC contract against Smilla Sundell in a bantamweight bout on the October 13 Contender Series card. Pereira (3-2, all wins by decision) is the marketable name, but she faces a live threat: Sundell, 21, was ONE Championship's youngest-ever champion as a Muay Thai titlist and is 2-0 in MMA with two violent stoppages.

Why it matters: It's a classic name-value booking, but Sundell is a genuine prospect the UFC's thin women's bantamweight division badly needs — and a heavy favorite over Pereira.

Tsarukyan eyes five lightweight defenses to top Makhachev before facing Ruffy

Ahead of his September 19 UFC 331 co-main against Mauricio Ruffy, Arman Tsarukyan says that if he wins the 155-pound title he wants at least five defenses to break Islam Makhachev's divisional record of four, rather than chase Makhachev up to welterweight. He also floated a title shot against champ Justin Gaethje and pitched Ilia Topuria vs. Paddy Pimblett. Tsarukyan's camp claims the UFC verbally promised him the next shot with a win over Ruffy.

Why it matters: It's forward-looking talk, but Ruffy is the only real obstacle between Tsarukyan and a Gaethje title fight that, with Gaethje sidelined into 2027, may define the lightweight timeline.

Song forgives Usman's cage rush after Shanghai KO

Song Yadong, who flatlined Umar Nurmagomedov with a second-round uppercut at UFC Shanghai, has defended Umar's brother Usman — the PFL lightweight champ who jumped the fence and appeared to load up an elbow during Song's celebration. Song said Usman 'just thought I was going over to attack him' and dismissed talk of malice. Analysts also weighed in: AKA's Javier Mendez pinned the finish on Umar dropping his head on a takedown attempt, while Henry Cejudo called it a fluke shot that Umar lands on the right side of 'nine out of 10 times.'

Why it matters: Song's magnanimity cools a flashpoint that nearly marred a landmark Chinese win, while the analyst chorus underlines how seriously to take a bantamweight who just crashed the title race.

Perry breaks silence on dislocated shoulder, Duel Arena loss

Mike Perry (15-9) issued his first statement since Duel Arena 1, where he dislocated his shoulder and was stopped in the first round by short-notice replacement Brandon Jenkins after Dillon Danis withdrew. Perry offered only vague 'health is wealth' reflections and no timeline for a return. Jenkins took credit for an elbow he says caused the dislocation, and wants Nate Diaz next while leaving the door open to a Perry rematch in 2027.

Why it matters: Another setback for the 34-year-old, whose post-UFC run as a crossover attraction is wobbling; where he resurfaces — a return to MVP MMA or elsewhere — is now an open question.

Gaethje says he can't punch anything, won't return until 2027

UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje told Sports Illustrated both hands remain injured from his fourth-round TKO of Ilia Topuria at the White House in June, and he won't compete again in 2026. Having beaten Paddy Pimblett in January and Topuria in June, the 37-year-old says he'll weigh retirement versus another run over the rest of the year. He doubts an immediate Topuria rematch is next, noting the UFC ultimately picks his opponent.

Why it matters: The champion parking the belt into 2027 freezes a division where Arman Tsarukyan, Charles Oliveira and Max Holloway are all angling for the next shot. Tsarukyan can still bank a title guarantee by beating Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331 on Sept. 19, but the belt won't be available for a while.

Zabit Magomedsharipov ends seven-year absence, outpoints Youssef Zalal

Former UFC featherweight contender Zabit Magomedsharipov returned to competition for the first time since his November 2019 win over Calvin Kattar, taking a unanimous-decision grappling win over active UFC featherweight Youssef Zalal in the ACBJJ 22 main event in Istanbul. Zalal, who finished strong, was visibly upset with the verdict. On the same card, ex-UFC welterweight champ Belal Muhammad submitted Kerim Engizek with a rear-naked choke and Brendan Allen heel-hooked Magomedrasul Gasanov.

Why it matters: Magomedsharipov remains one of the sport's great what-ifs, and even a grappling cameo revives talk of a full comeback — he floated waiting 'eight years more' for another. It's also a live look at how a long-idle contender moves against current UFC competition.

Song Yadong demands the belt as O'Malley pushes Song vs. Merab

Fresh off his second-round uppercut knockout of Umar Nurmagomedov, Song Yadong called his win the best moment of his life and demanded a title shot, saying he believes he'd knock out champion Petr Yan in a rematch. Sean O'Malley — who beat Song in January — backed him publicly, arguing Song is a 'problem' for Merab Dvalishvili and should face the Georgian if Dvalishvili beats Yan at UFC 333 on Oct. 24.

Why it matters: Song has vaulted from No. 6 into the bantamweight title conversation with one punch, but with Yan-Dvalishvili III and O'Malley also lobbying, the 135-pound queue is jammed. His demand sets up a logjam the winner in Abu Dhabi will have to sort out.

Duel Arena's chaotic debut spills into the stands with Dumas brawl

Fallout from the inaugural Duel Arena card in Orlando turned uglier a day later. Released UFC middleweight Sedriques Dumas was filmed body-slamming a fan in a Joker costume during a stands brawl that broke out after Paul 'Gypsy Crusader' Miller's split-decision win, an incident that could jeopardize Dumas' Sept. bout with Mickey Gall. Meanwhile main-event winner Brandon Jenkins claimed a clean elbow — not just bad luck — caused Mike Perry's fight-ending shoulder dislocation, and the show's lead commentator branded it 'the worst event I've ever worked.'

Why it matters: The card was already a circus after Danis pulled out and Perry got hurt; a fighter with a criminal record brawling with spectators is exactly the kind of liability that follows crossover freak-show promotions. Dumas' scheduled UFC-adjacent return now hangs in the balance.

Usman Nurmagomedov storms cage after brother's KO, denies swing at Song

PFL lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov leapt the fence and rushed into the Octagon after Umar was knocked out, colliding with a celebrating Song Yadong and appearing on some angles to pull an elbow before holding back. Facing calls to have his corner license revoked, and even for the UFC to scrap plans to sign him, Usman called critics 'spiteful, petty, and envious' and insisted, 'If I had wanted to, I would have hit him.' Daniel Cormier defended him but noted corners aren't allowed in the cage.

Why it matters: A commission sanction or licensing issue would complicate the UFC's expected move to sign the undefeated free agent once his PFL deal expires.

Glover Teixeira batters Shogun Rua over eight rounds in boxing debut

Former UFC light heavyweight champion Glover Teixeira, 46, dropped and dominated fellow Brazilian legend Mauricio 'Shogun' Rua, 44, to win a lopsided unanimous decision (79-72, 79-72, 80-71) in their boxing match atop Spaten Fight Night 3 in Sao Paulo. Teixeira, cornered by Alex Pereira, scored a second-round knockdown and swelled Rua's eye shut over a bout many fans called brutal to watch. Rua billed it as his combat swan song; Teixeira left the door open to fight again.

Why it matters: Both men retired from MMA on the same UFC 283 card in 2023; the punishment Rua absorbed underlines why the crossover-boxing circuit for aging legends draws as much concern as nostalgia.

Trujillo stops Terrill in the second to defend BKB heavyweight title

Undefeated BKB heavyweight champion Gustavo Trujillo was pushed out of the first round for the first time in his bare-knuckle career before folding late replacement Mick Terrill with a rasping body shot at 2:59 of Round 2 at BKB 58 in Miami. Terrill, a former BKFC heavyweight champion, took the fight on days' notice after the original bout collapsed over visa issues. Boxing champion Tyson Fury made a surprise ringside appearance and spoke inside the trigon before the main event.

Why it matters: The win keeps the Cuban's perfect record intact and, with WBC and WBO rankings already to his name, teed up his stated goal of a gloved-boxing crossover bout against a ranked name.

Bilal Hasan cashes in the hype with one-punch KO in UFC debut

Eighteen days after winning a UFC contract on the Contender Series, flyweight Bilal Hasan opened the UFC Shanghai main card and knocked out fellow unbeaten Nilson Rojas with a straight right at 2:28 of Round 2. Hasan, who walked out to Billie Jean and hit Michael Jackson moves on what would have been Jackson's 68th birthday, moved to 10-0 with eight knockouts and called out Andre Lima, who had submitted Namsrai Batbayar earlier on the card.

Why it matters: The flyweight division has been starved for fresh faces, and the UFC just found a marketable 25-year-old finisher who backs up the showmanship. Hasan is the second quick DWCS turnaround (after Anthony Wint) the promotion has fast-tracked this year.

Julia Polastri head-kicks ONE legend Xiong Jingnan to 0-2 in the UFC

Julia Polastri stiffened former ONE strawweight queen Xiong Jingnan with a flush right head kick at 3:06 of Round 1 on the Shanghai prelims, the Brazilian setting the finish up by feinting punches to draw Xiong's head into the strike. Xiong, a 19-4 signing who arrived from ONE with title hype, has now lost both UFC outings (to Angela Hill and Polastri). Because both women missed weight, Polastri's highlight KO was ineligible for a performance bonus.

Why it matters: One of the most decorated fighters ONE ever produced looks like a roster casualty at 38, another cautionary tale about crossover stars aging out. Polastri, meanwhile, delivered one of the nastiest women's KOs the UFC has seen.

Marlon Moraes snaps seven-year winless run in Sao Paulo return

Former WSOF champion and UFC title challenger Marlon Moraes won a mixed martial arts fight for the first time since 2019, grinding out a unanimous decision over 14-15 journeyman Maximiliano Perez under the Liga Monstro Combate banner in Sao Paulo. The victory ends a brutal skid — seven straight losses across his UFC exit and a PFL run — that had prompted two prior retirements. Some cageside suggested the 38-year-old may now walk away for a third time.

Why it matters: A dignified footnote for a fighter who was once a top-five bantamweight and one of the sport's best kickers. Whether he retires or not, it's a rare feel-good result for a name diehards remember from his WSOF and PRIDE-adjacent peak.

Glover Teixeira says Shogun boxing match won't be his last

Ahead of boxing Mauricio 'Shogun' Rua in a battle of former UFC light heavyweight champions atop Spaten Fight Night 3 in Sao Paulo, Glover Teixeira said he doesn't intend to make it one-and-done, joking he'd like 'easier' bouts against influencers next. Rua has said he'll retire after the eight-round clash; the pair, who retired on the same UFC night in January 2023, are meeting years after a proposed MMA fight fell through.

Why it matters: A nostalgia headliner for Brazilian TV rather than a sporting event, but it keeps two beloved 205-pound greats in the spotlight — and signals Teixeira, nearly 47, sees a second act in the celebrity-boxing circuit.

Dillon Danis pulls out of Mike Perry fight two days out; Brandon Jenkins saves the card

Danis withdrew from Saturday's Duel Arena 1 headliner in Orlando, with Perry announcing it at the pre-fight press conference ('he backed out because he's a p***y'). Danis then posted graphic video of a deep arm laceration being stitched, writing, 'S*** happens in the fight game. Beyond disappointed.' UFC and MVP MMA veteran Brandon Jenkins accepted the replacement bout on roughly 48 hours' notice.

Why it matters: Another Danis no-show extends his long pattern of scrapped bookings — though a gruesome injury gave him a legitimate excuse this time.

Jose Aldo returns to face Marlon Vera in Hype FC grappling match on Oct. 4

The UFC Hall of Famer, retired from MMA since his 2025 loss to Aiemann Zahabi, will run back his 2020 win over Marlon Vera — this time in submission grappling under Hype FC, headlining Oct. 4 in Vera's native Ecuador at Coliseo General Ruminahui in Quito. Vera, mired in a four-fight skid, still has an Octagon return booked against Charles Jourdain at UFC 331.

Why it matters: Grappling superfights keep pulling in marquee names, and Aldo's first bout since retiring hints the featherweight great isn't finished competing.

Aspinall goes public: 'I'm not leaving the UFC'

Heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall issued a statement Wednesday denying rumors he had relinquished his title and split with the UFC, after his boxing coach Stipe Drvis claimed on Instagram Live that Aspinall would never fight in the promotion again. 'I'm not leaving the UFC. I've never said I have in any interview,' Aspinall wrote, adding that he speaks with the UFC daily. He hasn't fought since the no-contest with Ciryl Gane at UFC 321 last October, when eye pokes and subsequent surgeries sidelined him; Gane won the interim belt over Alex Pereira and awaits a unification rematch, with November's UFC 334 at Madison Square Garden floated as a possible return.

Why it matters: The heavyweight belt has been effectively frozen for nearly a year, and Aspinall's signing with Dana White rival Eddie Hearn only fueled exit speculation. His denial keeps the Gane unification alive rather than heading toward a strip-and-vacate.

Ex-Bellator's Alejandra Lara banned nine months over cocaine metabolite

The Nevada Athletic Commission handed former Bellator flyweight title challenger Alejandra Lara a nine-month suspension and a $412.50 fine after she tested positive for benzoylecgonine, the primary metabolite of cocaine, around her April 24 loss to Jaleen Robledo at Tuff-N-Uff 153. Lara, 32, is eligible to return Jan. 24, 2027 and must undergo additional testing to be relicensed in Nevada. She responded that she had been appealing on the grounds that consuming coca leaf is an Indigenous cultural practice in South America.

Why it matters: A reminder that commission testing follows fighters onto the regional circuit long after they leave a major promotion. Lara challenged Ilima-Lei Macfarlane for Bellator gold in 2018 before her post-2023 slide.

Bella Mir vows to rebuild as her mother torches the judges

A day after the biggest upset in Contender Series history, 23-year-old Bella Mir posted a level-headed statement: 'It takes way more than hate and one single loss in my MMA career to break me.' The daughter of Frank Mir, a record -6000 favorite, dropped a unanimous decision to Alex Apodaca, who out-struck her over three rounds and took the UFC contract. Apodaca said she knew she'd won by the end of round one. Mir's mother, Jennifer, drew heavy backlash for flooding Apodaca's social media with claims the judges 'OBVIOUSLY' robbed her daughter.

Why it matters: The hype machine took a real hit, but Mir's composure — and elite wrestling pedigree — keep her a UFC prospect once she banks experience. The parental meltdown is the day's cautionary sideshow.

Kevin Holland cops to being Dana White's '$11 million man'

After White told reporters that one Contender Series graduate who never fought for a title has earned over $11 million in the UFC, fans quickly fingered Kevin Holland — who first denied it ('That fighter's not me'), then flipped: 'I may have made $11 million, but I've had four kids, paid taxes and got divorced three times.' Holland has fought 29 times since 2018, banking 10 fight-night bonuses. Ariel Helwani cast doubt on the figure, arguing White inflates such numbers by folding in bonuses.

Why it matters: A rare public data point on UFC pay, and a window into how White markets the Contender Series pipeline. Whether the $11 million is real or spin is itself the story.

Dvalishvili says Russian-flag beef with Makhachev is about politics, not the champ

Merab Dvalishvili moved to squash a brewing feud after Islam Makhachev accused him of resenting his success. Dvalishvili said his frustration at Makhachev's UFC 330 celebration was that the champ's team was allowed to bring a Russian flag into the Octagon when Merab was never permitted his Georgian or American flag in five title fights — and framed it as objection to 'Russian politics and the Russian government,' citing Russia's occupation of Georgia and war in Ukraine, not to Makhachev or Russian people. He faces Petr Yan in a bantamweight trilogy at UFC 333 on Oct. 24 in Abu Dhabi.

Why it matters: The Dagestan camp rivalry is heating up ahead of UFC 333, with Umar Nurmagomedov calling his beef with Merab personal. Merab's clarification separates the geopolitics from the fight-week noise.

Bella Mir bloodied in biggest DWCS upset as White hands out five contracts

Bella Mir, daughter of former UFC champ Frank Mir and the largest betting favorite in Contender Series history at -6000, dropped a unanimous decision (three 29-28 cards) to +1500 underdog Alex Apodaca in the Week 3 main event at Meta Apex. Apodaca stuffed takedowns, outstruck the fading prospect and left her bloodied to hand Mir the first loss of her career; pros piled on afterward. Dana White still signed five fighters off the card, including first-round finishers Guilherme Uriel, Ronald Humphrey and Nick Galanti.

Why it matters: The most-hyped women's prospect in years got a brutal reality check at 23, and the manufactured 'best athlete of all time' narrative collapsed in 15 minutes — a reminder that name and odds mean nothing once the cage closes.

Oliveira pitches three-belt Gaethje rematch, rejects Pimblett and Arman

BMF champion Charles Oliveira says he's next in line for Justin Gaethje and wants their UFC 274 sequel with the lightweight title, BMF belt and Gaethje's commemorative White House belt all on the line. Oliveira dismissed title eliminators against Arman Tsarukyan or Paddy Pimblett, saying he'll wait until Gaethje is ready even if that means early 2027. He confirmed the UFC offered him Mauricio Ruffy but he turned it down over short notice; Ruffy now faces Tsarukyan at UFC 331.

Why it matters: Oliveira is trying to leapfrog the Tsarukyan-Ruffy winner on story value alone, and the UFC's answer will decide whether the lightweight title picture runs through merit or marketing.

Makhachev eyes three more fights and a Prates defense before retiring

Fresh off breaking Anderson Silva's UFC record with his 17th straight win over Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330, welterweight champ Islam Makhachev says he has 'at least three more very hard and exciting fights' left and wants to reach a 20-win streak before walking away. The 34-year-old admitted the Garry bout was tougher than expected and named Carlos Prates as his preferred next defense, with Michael Morales and Shavkat Rakhmonov also looming.

Why it matters: Unlike GST-Pierre, Khabib or Jones, the pound-for-pound king is signing up to run the welterweight gauntlet rather than protect his legacy — the surest path to settling the GOAT debate for good.

Shogun Rua plans to retire after Glover Teixeira boxing match

Former UFC and PRIDE champion Mauricio 'Shogun' Rua says his Saturday boxing bout against Glover Teixeira at Spaten Fight Night 3 in Sao Paulo will likely be the last time he competes. The two ex-champions retired from MMA on the same night at UFC 283 in January 2023, and Rua came out of retirement only to check this crossover off his list. Head coach Andre Dida is barred from the arena over a brawl at last year's Spaten event.

Why it matters: A genuine send-off for one of the most beloved fighters of the PRIDE and early-UFC light heavyweight eras, closing the book on a rivalry two decades in the making.

Darren Till says he'll fight Yoel Romero on a torn ACL at BKFC 94

Darren Till revealed he is 'still walking around with a torn ACL' — plus a torn MCL in the other knee — ahead of his Sept. 26 bare-knuckle main event against Yoel Romero at BKFC 94 in Manchester. The 33-year-old, who last fought MMA in a 2022 loss to Dricus du Plessis, says he's delaying knee surgery to cash in on bare-knuckle and boxing bouts but hasn't closed the door on an MMA return once he's healthy.

Why it matters: Till remains one of the sport's biggest UK draws, and the injury details underline how far his body has kept him from the Octagon even as promoters keep dangling a comeback.

Rodrigues reveals infection outbreak among health issues in Sacramento camp

Gregory Rodrigues detailed a brutal training camp before his UFC Sacramento win over Anthony Hernandez, initially citing a herpes outbreak — later edited to 'a lot of infections outbreak' — alongside a dislocated finger, a locked-up back and a weakened immune system. It's unclear whether any contagious skin issue was active during fight week or flagged to the California commission; comparable cases have scrapped bouts on fight day. Rodrigues still dropped Hernandez three times and has called for Dricus du Plessis.

Why it matters: Suspected skin infections have pulled fighters off cards this year, so a champion-tier contender publicly disclosing one after competing raises real commission and safety questions.

Bella Mir headlines Contender Series as record women's favorite

Frank Mir's daughter Bella Mir (4-0) headlines Week 3 of Dana White's Contender Series on Tuesday against Alex Apodaca (3-1) at the Meta Apex, with a UFC contract on the line; both made weight and the five-fight card is official. The reigning NCAA wrestling champion opened as the biggest women's betting favorite in Contender Series history. Mir says she wants to debut in the UFC by year's end while still chasing a 2028 Olympic wrestling berth plus BJJ and boxing titles, all with White's blessing.

Why it matters: The women's bantamweight division badly needs new names, and White has openly framed Mir as a multi-sport project the UFC wants to build around.

Edson Barboza calls retirement final: 'Leave me alone'

After a fourth straight loss — a finish by Esteban Ribovics at UFC 330 in Philadelphia — Edson Barboza confirmed his 17-year career is over and warned managers and promoters not to offer him fights. The 39-year-old pointed to a severe left-eye injury suffered against Lerone Murphy as the turning point, saying he can still beat many fighters but no longer at the elite level. He now wants to move into coaching.

Why it matters: One of the most electric strikers of his generation walks away after a decade-and-a-half fixture across the UFC's lightweight and featherweight ranks.

Merab warns Yan could 'beat the s---' out of him again in trilogy

Ahead of the UFC 333 trilogy on Oct. 24 in Abu Dhabi, Merab Dvalishvili admitted he under-prepared and burned himself out for the rematch, and that repeating those mistakes would cost him again against a healthy Petr Yan. Islam Makhachev and Umar Nurmagomedov both backed Yan to win and 'silence' Merab, with Makhachev reviving the flag feud from his UFC 330 win. Umar argued Yan's boxing and Merab's inability to control him on the mat point to the same result.

Why it matters: Framing for the biggest fight in bantamweight history, with the winner carrying the belt into 2027.

Anthony Smith breaks silence a month after felony arrest

Ex-UFC light heavyweight title challenger and current broadcaster Anthony Smith posted his first public statement since his late-July arrest in Nebraska, sharing a family photo and writing, 'I'll be able to tell my story someday soon... Character is revealed in chaos.' Smith faces four felony counts, including a Class 2 felony, terroristic threats and two counts of first-degree false imprisonment stemming from a July 26 altercation with his wife, who has publicly disputed the allegations. He has pleaded not guilty, is out on bail and is due back in court Sept. 21; there is still no word on his broadcast future.

Why it matters: One of the sport's most prominent voices is facing serious criminal charges that could carry decades in prison, and his silence-then-statement leaves both his legal fate and his UFC on Paramount+ role unresolved.

Masvidal says UFC return talks 'getting closer,' eyes Leon Edwards

Jorge Masvidal confirmed he's in active negotiations with the UFC about a comeback, telling MMA Junkie the 'numbers are getting closer and closer' and teasing 'big news' this year or early next. The former BMF titleholder, 41, hasn't fought MMA since a 2023 loss to Gilbert Burns and named longtime rival Leon Edwards as the opponent he wants to 'close that chapter out' with.

Why it matters: A genuine box-office draw re-entering the welterweight mix — against a rival with real history — would be a notable free-agency-style signing, though nothing is finalized yet.

Cejudo gets revenge, pins Merab in 36 seconds at RAF 12

Henry Cejudo avenged last month's comeback loss to Merab Dvalishvili on the RAF wrestling mat, scoring a four-point takedown and immediate pinfall just 36 seconds in to claim the promotion's lightweight crossover title. Dvalishvili called for a wrestling trilogy; Cejudo instead called out Cody Garbrandt. In the co-main, Olympic gold medalist Jordan Burroughs returned from a two-year layoff to tech-fall UFC welterweight Sean Brady 11-0.

Why it matters: Pure crossover spectacle, but it keeps two active UFC names busy in the offseason — Dvalishvili still has a Petr Yan trilogy booked at UFC 333 in October.

Ex-NFL linebacker Anthony Wint wins UFC debut 11 days after DWCS deal

Heavyweight Anthony Wint, a former New York Jets linebacker, submitted Terrance Chatman with a first-round arm-triangle choke to open the UFC Sacramento main card — just 11 days after earning his contract with a 34-second knockout on Dana White's Contender Series. Wint moves to 8-0 with finishes in nearly every pro appearance, giving up 35 pounds on the scale but never in trouble.

Why it matters: A remarkably fast prospect-to-winner turnaround adds another football-to-MMA convert to a heavyweight division always hunting for fresh, finishing power.

Dana White doubles down on Ian Machado Garry criticism

At the UFC Sacramento post-fight presser, Dana White again ripped Ian Machado Garry for being too respectful in his UFC 330 title loss to Islam Makhachev, singling out the Irishman hugging his opponent between rounds instead of hunting a fifth-round finish. Makhachev echoed the sentiment, saying Garry 'respects too much.' White insisted Garry may never get another Makhachev shot.

Why it matters: The public dressing-down signals Garry has slipped in the UFC's eyes and will likely have to rebuild through the welterweight contender pack before sniffing another title fight.

Volkanovski says a bad night vs. Evloev could end his career

Alexander Volkanovski, who turns 38 next month, says retirement is on the table if things 'go terribly wrong' in his Oct. 24 featherweight title defense against undefeated Movsar Evloev (20-0) at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi. The champion insists he has no plans to walk away and will 'keep it rolling' if he comes through unscathed, adding that 'money's always good.' Coach Joe Lopez doubts Volkanovski would actually retire on a loss, citing how competitive he is.

Why it matters: The 145-pound title picture hinges on whether an era-defining champion has one more run in him against the best pure grinder he has faced.

Holloway calls McGregor 'delusional'; McGregor fires back at 'most punched face'

Max Holloway dismissed Conor McGregor's talk of a planned 'generational beating' at UFC 329, saying the Irishman 'felt slow' and 'looked old' before blowing out his ACL seconds into the fight. McGregor responded on social media, branding Holloway the 'most punched face in UFC history.' McGregor is targeting a trilogy next summer; Holloway says he'd rather take a lightweight or welterweight title shot but would sign for McGregor again.

Why it matters: Pure buildup for a possible 2027 trilogy — neither man has a booking, and McGregor is sidelined for close to a year.

Dos Anjos returns at 41, faces Alexander Hernandez at UFC 332

Former lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos will end a two-year layoff against Alexander Hernandez at UFC 332 in Salt Lake City on Oct. 3, per an ESPN report. Dos Anjos, 41, has undergone three knee surgeries in 14 months since blowing out his knee against Geoff Neal at UFC 308, and returns on a three-fight losing skid, dropping back to 155 pounds. Hernandez, eight years younger and 4-1 in his last five, moves up to welterweight for the bout.

Why it matters: It's a live comeback for one of the division's great pressure fighters, but at 41 with a rebuilt knee and three straight losses, RDA is fighting for relevance as much as a win.

Tackett taps Gracie again as UFC BJJ 10 crowns new champs

Andrew Tackett submitted Jonnatas Gracie via face crank in the first round at UFC BJJ 10 in Las Vegas, extending his perfect run to 7-0 and defending the welterweight title for a fourth time. Brianna Ste-Marie took the women's featherweight belt from Rebeca Lima with a second-round arm-triangle, while Adele Fornarino and Cassia Moura each won quick submissions to set the inaugural flyweight final. Tackett called out grappling stars Kade Ruotolo, Mica Galvao and Jozef Chen, plus UFC fighters Sean Brady and Paddy Pimblett.

Why it matters: Tackett has become the face of the UFC's grappling venture, and a Fornarino-Moura final pits two pound-for-pound elites for a first belt — the strongest matchup the division could make.

Sean Brady: Rakhmonov 'done,' won't fight again

Welterweight contender Sean Brady told Daniel Cormier he doesn't believe Shavkat Rakhmonov (19-0) will ever return, arguing the undefeated Kazakh's recurring knee problems will keep breaking down in camp. Rakhmonov hasn't fought since beating Ian Machado Garry at UFC 310 in December 2024, has since had surgery and a re-injury, and was removed from the rankings earlier this year despite recent training footage.

Why it matters: Rakhmonov was a near-certain future champion before the injuries; if a rival's read is right, one of the sport's cleanest title cases becomes its biggest what-if.

Chimaev wades into Fazil hotel-brawl claims, warns of 'consequences'

A day after Namo Fazil said 15 Chechens jumped him during his weight cut before his DWCS loss to Kaik Brito, Khamzat Chimaev responded on social media, calling for Chechen-Kurd unity and warning that 'when someone speaks bad there always will be consequences.' Fazil identified Chimaev teammate Baisangur Susurkaev as one of the men involved; Susurkaev posted images mocking Fazil. The friction reportedly stems from Fazil's callouts of Islam Dulatov.

Why it matters: An alleged ethnic-tinged assault at the fighter hotel now involves one of the UFC's biggest stars — a genuine disciplinary and safety issue, not manufactured beef.

Makhachev suspended 30 days; coaches admit they lied about the scorecards

The Pennsylvania commission handed Islam Makhachev a 30-day medical suspension for a rib contusion suffered from Ian Machado Garry's body kicks at UFC 330, the only setback among the four title-fight participants. Coach Javier Mendez revealed he and Khabib Nurmagomedov told Makhachev the fight was 2-2 entering the fifth round to motivate him, despite believing he led. Tresean Gore and Ramiz Brahimaj drew indefinite suspensions off the card.

Why it matters: The short suspension keeps Makhachev on track for his pre-Ramadan turnaround against Carlos Prates or Michael Morales, even after a bruising night.

Pimblett says he'd 'terrorize' Topuria and Tsarukyan, respects neither the same

On the Green Light podcast, Paddy Pimblett said he would 'absolutely terrorize' Ilia Topuria and Arman Tsarukyan if matched with either, but would stay respectful against Max Holloway or Charles Oliveira. He said he respects Topuria despite years of beef, but has 'no respect' for Tsarukyan, dismissing him as a 'rich kid.' Pimblett wants to fight again before year's end after his 52-second win over Benoit Saint-Denis.

Why it matters: Just talk for now — Topuria has no booked return and Tsarukyan faces Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331 — but it maps out Pimblett's preferred path back toward the lightweight title.

Yair Rodriguez out of Noche UFC 4, Jose Delgado steps into main event

Former interim featherweight champion Yair Rodriguez (20-5) has withdrawn from his Sept. 12 Noche UFC 4 headliner against Jean Silva for undisclosed reasons, extending a long run of inactivity. Arizona's Jose Delgado (12-2, 4-1 UFC), coming off wins over Andre Fili and Austin Bashi, steps in on short notice for his first UFC main event at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale. Silva confirmed the swap on social media: 'New opponent, same date, same goal.'

Why it matters: Silva-Rodriguez looked like a title eliminator; against a green Delgado a Silva win carries far less weight, cracking the door open for contenders like Kevin Vallejos and complicating Volkanovski's next defense.

Namo Fazil says 15 men jumped him before DWCS loss; rivals call it karma

Namo Fazil, knocked out cold by Kaik Brito in the third round of Tuesday's Contender Series main event, claims 15 Chechen men stormed his hotel room mid-weight-cut and slapped him, blaming the incident for his flat performance. Dana White acknowledged 'some s--t' happened at the fighter hotel. Chimaev teammate Baisangur Susurkaev posted taunting stories ('Left hand 2-0 Namo cryer'), while UFC middleweight Robert Valentin accused Fazil of attacking him in Thailand in 2023 and going after non-fighters.

Why it matters: The trash-talking prospect built hype off feuds with Chechen fighters; now that beef has followed him into a hotel room and out of a UFC contract, a cautionary tale about where manufactured animosity actually leads.

Henry Cejudo books pro boxing debut against influencer Deen the Great

Two-division UFC champion and Olympic gold medalist Henry Cejudo, 39, will make his pro boxing debut Sept. 26 against influencer boxer Nurideen 'Deen the Great' Shabazz (7-1 exhibition) at a Misfits Boxing card in Miami, streaming on DAZN. It comes just five weeks after Cejudo's scheduled RAF 12 wrestling rematch with Merab Dvalishvili on Aug. 22. Cejudo retired from MMA a second time in December after losing to Payton Talbott at UFC 323.

Why it matters: 'Triple C' is chasing paydays across three combat sports rather than another Octagon run, the latest UFC name to cash in on the influencer-boxing circuit.

Jon Jones fires back at Makhachev GOAT talk: 'Make it make sense'

As Islam Makhachev's UFC 330 win — a record 17th straight and a first welterweight defense — fuels GOAT chatter, Jon Jones pushed back on X with a graphic showing he leads all fighters with 16 title-fight wins, three clear of GSP, with Makhachev 12th at seven. Henry Cejudo slotted Makhachev fifth all-time (behind Jones, Johnson, Silva, GSP), while Chael Sonnen questioned ranking him over the recently-beaten Ilia Topuria given both hold one career loss.

Why it matters: The criteria fight — win streak versus title-fight victories versus level of competition — is the whole ballgame, and Jones weighing in personally guarantees the debate runs until Makhachev's next booking is set.

Hernandez vows a finish in Sacramento homecoming against Rodrigues

Anthony 'Fluffy' Hernandez (15-3) headlines UFC Sacramento on Saturday at Golden 1 Center against Gregory 'Robocop' Rodrigues (19-6), his first bout since Sean Strickland snapped his eight-fight streak in February. The NorCal native, who trained with Strickland for camp, says he wants to 'hurt somebody' and refuses to leave it to the judges. Serghei Spivac vs. Vitor Petrino and Reinier de Ridder vs. Roman Dolidze round out the main card.

Why it matters: It's the UFC's first trip to Northern California since 2019, and a No. 6-ranked middleweight coming off his first loss in five years needs a statement to stay in the 185-pound mix.

Robertson rejects Din Thomas apology as done 'for ratings'

Gillian Robertson broke her silence on the fallout from coach Din Thomas retiring from cornering on the live UFC 330 broadcast after her loss to Mackenzie Dern. In a statement to Ariel Helwani, Robertson said she had no warning and has not responded to Thomas's voice-message apology, citing his private remark to her team that going public 'was more so for TV purposes and ratings.' Thomas had coached her since she was 15, a relationship spanning over 15 years.

Why it matters: What briefly looked like reconciliation is now a burned bridge, leaving a ranked strawweight contender to rebuild her title run without the mentor who guided her entire career.

Chimaev pushes for Strickland rematch as White eyes UFC 333

Khamzat Chimaev publicly prodded Dana White on X — 'What are we waiting for? I want to fight' — pressing for a rematch with middleweight champion Sean Strickland, who dealt him the first loss of his career this year. White said Chimaev is 'always in conversation' and remains under consideration for UFC 333 on Oct. 24 in Abu Dhabi, though that card already carries two title fights. Before any Octagon return, Chimaev faces Tyron Woodley in a Real American Freestyle wrestling match on Sept. 5 in Moscow.

Why it matters: Strickland is still recovering from a shoulder injury and in no hurry, leaving the division's biggest rematch stuck in limbo as Chimaev grows visibly impatient.

Makhachev's GOAT case draws pushback; Rogan floats a lightweight return

With Makhachev now holding the promotion's longest win streak at 17, the GOAT debate drew skeptics. Chris Weidman, Dustin Poirier (who named Jon Jones) and Jorge Masvidal argued he isn't there yet, while Michael Chiesa said he's already passed Georges St-Pierre. Joe Rogan, meanwhile, suggested Makhachev looked less dominant at 170 than at 155 and floated vacating the welterweight belt to return to lightweight — a move complicated by his 191-pound walk-around weight.

Why it matters: The discourse frames Makhachev's real legacy test: whether he keeps steamrolling a bigger, more dangerous welterweight field or retreats to the division he once ruled.

Din Thomas apologizes for quitting on Robertson as Strickland-Woodley feud erupts

Din Thomas apologized to Gillian Robertson on his Deep Waters podcast, calling his UFC 330 post-fight retirement announcement 'despicable' and 'irresponsible' and admitting he 'stole her moment' after her strawweight title loss to Mackenzie Dern. Sean Strickland had ripped Thomas as a 'sh*t coach,' which prompted Tyron Woodley — a longtime Thomas pupil — to warn Strickland off in a private DM. Strickland then leaked the exchange, firing back with a photo of Woodley's seven-fight losing skid.

Why it matters: A coach publicly writing off his own fighter after her biggest night was the sport's ugliest storyline of the week, and the fallout is pulling in champions rather than dying down.

Tsarukyan says handshake with Hunter Campbell guarantees title shot, accuses Oliveira of ducking

Arman Tsarukyan told Ariel Helwani that a verbal, handshake agreement with UFC CBO Hunter Campbell guarantees him a shot at Justin Gaethje's lightweight title if he beats Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331 on Sept. 19. Tsarukyan said the Ruffy bout replaced a planned Charles Oliveira rematch and claimed Oliveira 'found an excuse' to withdraw following the death of Chute Boxe teammate Allan Nascimento, pointing to Oliveira training and streaming days later and likely angling for a Diego Lopes fight instead. He also debuted a new nickname, 'Batman.'

Why it matters: It clarifies the lightweight pecking order behind Gaethje, but Tsarukyan invoking a grieving rival's dead teammate is the kind of line that follows a fighter around.

Dern trashes her own title defense: 'I would not want to fight Zhang Weili feeling the way I felt'

Fresh off a dominant decision over Gillian Robertson, strawweight champion Mackenzie Dern told Ariel Helwani she was unhappy across the board — cardio, endurance, striking and grappling — and believes she should have finished the fight. Dern named Zhang Weili, Tatiana Suarez and Lupita Godinez as possible next opponents but reiterated she doesn't feel she needs to beat Zhang to validate her reign. Daniel Cormier praised her improvements from cageside.

Why it matters: Zhang never lost the belt in the cage, so Dern's self-criticism keeps the division's biggest question — champion vs. shadow champion — hanging over an otherwise clean title defense.

Holloway needles Makhachev over two-belt flex as welterweight future comes into focus

Max Holloway questioned why Islam Makhachev keeps carrying both his welterweight and old lightweight belts, asking 'why the f*ck do you have two belts? For aura?' Makhachev fired back that the pair are 'even too heavy to hold.' Beyond the jab, the post-UFC 330 conversation centered on whether Carlos Prates or Michael Morales is next, with analysts arguing the bigger welterweights present far tougher stylistic problems than Makhachev faced at 155.

Why it matters: Makhachev's record 17-fight win streak is secure, but his grinding decision over Garry showed the champ-champ is beatable at 170 — making his next assignment the most intriguing pick in the sport.

Din Thomas quits cornering on live TV, drawing backlash

After Gillian Robertson lost a one-sided decision to Mackenzie Dern at UFC 330, longtime coach and UFC analyst Din Thomas announced on the post-fight show that he is done cornering fighters, saying that title shot "might be as far as she can go." The timing and phrasing drew heavy criticism: commentator Jon Anik called it "awful" and "not about you," Sean Strickland tore into Thomas, and Dana White said he was blindsided. Thomas, who cornered champions at American Top Team, says he will still work with fighters but no longer wants the full fight-week grind.

Why it matters: A respected cornerman walking away mid-broadcast, and appearing to write off his own fighter's ceiling moments after her biggest night, is a rare and ugly look that leaves Robertson's team in flux.

Raul Rosas Jr. lands first UFC headliner against Raoni Barcelos

The UFC booked 21-year-old bantamweight prospect Raul Rosas Jr. against 39-year-old veteran Raoni Barcelos to headline UFC Fight Night on Sept. 26 at the Apex in Las Vegas, the first main event for either man. Rosas (12-1) rides a five-fight win streak, while Barcelos (22-5) is also on a five-fight run with recent wins over Montel Jackson, Ricky Simon, Cody Garbrandt and Payton Talbott.

Why it matters: It's a genuine step up for Rosas, pairing the hyped youngster with a grizzled gatekeeper who has beaten a run of ranked names.

Neil Magny ties Charles Oliveira for second-most UFC wins

Neil Magny's second-round stoppage of Ramiz Brahimaj at UFC 330 was the 25th UFC victory of his career, moving him past Max Holloway and level with Charles Oliveira for second all-time, three behind Jim Miller's record 28. The 39-year-old welterweight gatekeeper says durability and timing will let him eventually catch Miller.

Why it matters: Magny has quietly assembled one of the deepest résumés in company history and is now within reach of the all-time UFC wins record.

Edson Barboza retires in tears after TKO loss at UFC 330

Longtime lightweight and featherweight fighter Edson Barboza called it a career after a second-round TKO loss to Esteban Ribovics, laying his gloves in the center of the Octagon during an emotional Joe Rogan interview. The 40-year-old Brazilian exits on a four-fight skid but leaves a 16-year UFC run defined by iconic finishes, including his spinning wheel-kick knockout of Terry Etim. Dana White praised him as an 'absolute savage' at the post-fight press conference.

Why it matters: Barboza was one of the most exciting strikers the UFC ever produced; his exit closes the book on an era of the lightweight division and removes a durable gatekeeper from the 155-pound picture.

Van and Pantoja have to be pulled apart at UFC 331 presser

The flyweight title rematch got heated at Friday's UFC 331 press conference. Champion Joshua Van and former titleholder Alexandre Pantoja traded insults, and Pantoja had to be restrained by Dana White after rising from his chair and moving toward Van. Van, who took the belt at UFC 323 in December when Pantoja dislocated his elbow 26 seconds in, taunted him with the belt during a chippy faceoff. The two rematch Sept. 19 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

Why it matters: It injects real venom into a rematch Pantoja feels he never truly lost, and shows a new, needling side of the young champion Van.

Oktagon two-division champ Lucia Szabova reportedly UFC-bound

Oktagon MMA's first and only two-division women's champion, Lucia Szabova (10-0), has reportedly signed with the UFC, per promoter Ondrej Novotny. The Slovakian 'Silent Killer' holds Oktagon's bantamweight and flyweight belts and has fought most of her career at 135 pounds. Her UFC division is undecided, but women's bantamweight is thin while the roster awaits Kayla Harrison's defense against Amanda Nunes.

Why it matters: An undefeated European standout is a rare jolt of fresh talent for a stagnant women's bantamweight picture short on contenders.

Morales cuts nearly 60 pounds to make weight as UFC 330 backup

Undefeated welterweight Michael Morales (7-0 UFC) hit 170 pounds Friday to serve as the UFC 330 main-event backup, revealing he dropped from close to 230 down to 170 — roughly 23 of it during fight week alone. Coming off three straight knockouts over Sean Brady, Gilbert Burns and Neil Magny, Morales is on standby to step in for the title fight should Makhachev or Garry fall out.

Why it matters: The willingness to gut a brutal cut for a title chance underlines that Morales is the clear next man up at welterweight.

Darren Till knocks out BKFC rival Lee Browne in Liverpool street fight

Video went viral Friday of former UFC welterweight title challenger Darren Till dropping bare-knuckle fighter Lee Browne with a three-punch combination outside a Liverpool pub, after weeks of social-media trash talk. Browne, who went 1-5 in BKFC between 2022 and 2024, was reportedly the one who called Till out. Till is preparing to face Yoel Romero at BKFC 94 on Sept. 26 at Manchester's AO Arena, a card BKFC says is on pace to break attendance records.

Why it matters: A former UFC headliner knocking out a rival on a public street is a legal and reputational grenade weeks out from his biggest bare-knuckle bout, and exactly the kind of chaos BKFC has built its Till push around.

Makhachev pitches free agent Usman Nurmagomedov for a UFC title run

At UFC 330 media day, Makhachev endorsed longtime teammate Usman Nurmagomedov joining the UFC now that the welterweight move has cleared the lightweight logjam. The PFL lightweight champ (22-0, 1 NC) is a free agent after a first-round KO of Archie Colgan closed out his contract. Makhachev says he's 'ready to fight for the title tomorrow' but should take one debut fight first, floating Arman Tsarukyan or Max Holloway.

Why it matters: Nurmagomedov is combat sports' hottest free agent, and a UFC signing would immediately reshape a lightweight division already stacked with contenders.

Makhachev shuts down retirement talk, targets a 20-fight streak

On UFC 330 fight week, Joe Rogan floated the idea that Makhachev (28-1) could follow Khabib Nurmagomedov and retire on top if he submits Ian Machado Garry on Saturday in Philadelphia. Makhachev flatly rejected it, saying he feels healthy at 34, isn't done, and wants to push his UFC-record win streak to 20. A win over Garry breaks Anderson Silva's mark of 16 straight and makes Makhachev the fifth fighter to defend titles in two divisions. Dana White says he'll weigh the GOAT question only after seeing Saturday's performance.

Why it matters: The record streak and two-division reign put Makhachev squarely in the GOAT debate, and whether he keeps going or walks away on top reshapes the entire welterweight title picture behind him.

Cyborg to close out MMA career against Vieira at PFL Tampa

PFL finalized its Aug. 22 card at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, headlined by Cris Cyborg (29-2) defending the women's featherweight title against fellow Brazilian Ketlen Vieira (16-5) in what the promotion bills as her final MMA fight. Former PFL lightweight champion Gadzhi Rabadanov returns against newcomer Tracy Reeder in the co-main after Jakub Kaszuba withdrew. The card also features Taila Santos, Natan Schulte and 2025 tournament winner Marcirley Alves.

Why it matters: One of the most decorated women in MMA history is set to walk away, and Vieira — a former UFC bantamweight title challenger — gets a chance to spoil the send-off and take PFL gold.

Dern-Robertson grudge simmers ahead of UFC 330 co-main

Strawweight champion Mackenzie Dern (16-5) makes her first title defense against Gillian Robertson (17-8) in Saturday's co-main event, a grappler-vs-grappler matchup between the two winningest submission artists in UFC women's history. Robertson, on a five-fight run and chasing Canada's first UFC champion since Georges St-Pierre, says she now dislikes Dern and plans to 'make it dirty' for a TKO. Dern says she holds no personal grudge but has 'tricks up my sleeve.'

Why it matters: A Robertson win would end Canada's near-decade title drought and tee up a bout with Zhang Weili; a Dern defense would answer critics who still question the legitimacy of her reign.

Khabib names McGregor his toughest mental test, credits White's 'cold-blooded' UFC

In Philadelphia to corner Makhachev, Khabib Nurmagomedov gave a long interview with Lex Fridman, calling his UFC 229 grudge match with Conor McGregor the toughest fight mentally of his career to that point and crediting the 'real' rivalry for pushing the bout beyond the sport. He praised Dana White as a 'cold-blooded' genius who always put the UFC first, ranked Joe Rogan the promotion's second-most-important figure, and called his own eventual appearance on Rogan's podcast 'inevitable.'

Why it matters: The retired champion turned coach remains one of the sport's most influential voices, and his read on the McGregor era and White's methods lands as MMA's biggest weekend unfolds.

Payton Talbott lined up for another ex-champ in Figueiredo at UFC 332

Brazilian reporter Leo Guimaraes reports Payton Talbott (11-1) has verbally agreed to face former two-time flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo (25-7-1) at UFC 332 on Oct. 3 in Salt Lake City, though contracts aren't yet signed. Talbott is coming off the biggest win of his career, a decision over Henry Cejudo at UFC 323. Figueiredo has dropped four of his last five at bantamweight and rides a two-fight skid after losses to Umar Nurmagomedov and Song Yadong.

Why it matters: It's another legacy name handed to the 27-year-old prospect, a Cejudo-style test that keeps building his contender case at 135.

Uros Medic reveals he beat Rodriguez on a torn meniscus, needs surgery

Uros Medic says he tore his meniscus during a warmup on the Monday of UFC Belgrade fight week, with the UFC Performance Institute draining fluid from his knee just so he could walk. He hid the injury and still knocked out Daniel Rodriguez in 30 seconds at the UFC's first Serbia event, banking a $100,000 Performance of the Night bonus and extending his run to four straight. Medic expects minor arthroscopic surgery in the coming days and hopes to return in November or December.

Why it matters: The No. 10 welterweight called out Leon Edwards after the win; a quick recovery keeps that step-up in play before year's end.

Wonderboy eyes MSG send-off with one fight left on his deal

Stephen Thompson (17-9-1) says he has one fight remaining on his UFC contract and wants to close it out at Madison Square Garden on Nov. 14, likely UFC 334. The 43-year-old former two-time title challenger is scanning the welterweight roster for a 'barnburner' opponent to go out on. He is currently on a three-fight losing streak, dropping bouts to Gabriel Bonfim, Joaquin Buckley and Shavkat Rakhmonov.

Why it matters: One of the division's most beloved strikers is signaling the end; MSG would be a fitting stage, though his slump complicates the farewell matchup.

Court McGee sets retirement fight for UFC 332 in Salt Lake City

TUF Season 11 winner Court McGee announced that his bout at UFC 332 on Oct. 3 at Delta Center will be the final fight of his 16-year UFC run, completing his last four-fight contract. McGee (22-14) has dropped four of his last five, most recently a decision loss to Michael Chiesa. An opponent is not yet set; it will be his 29th UFC appearance, in his home state.

Why it matters: Another long-tenured veteran heads for the exit — McGee shared the cage with future champions Robert Whittaker, Sean Strickland and Carlos Condit across a career few outlast.

Cerminara returns from two-year layoff on building UFC Edmonton card

Former title challenger Katlyn Cerminara will face Jamey-Lyn Horth at flyweight on the Oct. 17 UFC Edmonton card, her first fight since a March 2024 loss to Maycee Barber and the birth of her daughter. The event is headlined by Joaquin Buckley vs. Mike Malott at welterweight, with Erin Blanchfield vs. Jasmine Jasudavicius in the flyweight co-main.

Why it matters: A 37-year-old comeback bid on a Canadian card that is quietly filling out with divisional stakes at 125 pounds.

Morales cutting a brutal number as UFC 330 title-fight backup

Undefeated welterweight Michael Morales (19-0), serving as the backup for Makhachev vs. Machado Garry, revealed he still had roughly 20-plus pounds to shed days out from Friday's weigh-in, after starting camp above 220. As a title-fight backup he gets no one-pound allowance. Fans and Garry himself have urged the ranked contender to move up rather than burn a camp on standby.

Why it matters: A top-of-the-division welterweight torching a full cut on the off-chance he's needed underscores both the UFC's thin backup planning and how extreme 170-pound weight cuts have become.

Barboza says UFC 330 'could be the finish line'

Edson Barboza, 40, meets Esteban Ribovics on the UFC 330 main card and says the bout could be his last, though he won't commit to retirement. On a three-fight skid and a heavy underdog, the longtime lightweight enters 18-14 across 32 UFC appearances, having beaten a who's-who of the division over 15 years. He says the decision will be made in the moment, win or lose.

Why it matters: One of the most vicious strikers the lightweight division has produced is openly weighing the end, with Ribovics favored to force the issue.

Ditcheva broke both hands in PFL New York win, faces another long layoff

Dakota Ditcheva (16-0) revealed on her YouTube channel that she broke both hands during her unanimous-decision win over Denise Kielholtz at PFL New York, her first fight in over a year. She said she felt it early in the second round and hid it from her corner. The damage stems from a fracture she declined to have surgically repaired after breaking both hands against Sumiko Inaba in 2025. She's back in splints awaiting a surgical decision and expects to be sidelined, delaying an anticipated bout with Liz Carmouche; she also floated a boxing crossover under MVP.

Why it matters: The PFL's brightest women's star can't stay healthy, and losing her again — with Usman Nurmagomedov also headed for free agency — thins an already shallow marquee roster.

Rockhold vs. Pyfer set for RAF 13 wrestling card after Philly snub

Real American Freestyle booked former UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold against current UFC contender Joe Pyfer in a catchweight wrestling match at RAF 13 on Sept. 19 in Miami. Rockhold, 41, is 0-1 in the promotion after losing to Colby Covington in January; Pyfer, riding a four-fight UFC streak capped by his March KO of Israel Adesanya, missed a UFC 330 homecoming in Philadelphia when a bout never materialized. RAF 13 is headlined by Covington vs. Belal Muhammad.

Why it matters: Pyfer keeping active on a wrestling mat rather than in the Octagon underscores the UFC 330 matchmaking gripes from Philadelphia-based fighters. For RAF, banking a top-15 UFC name is a real credibility get.

Salkilld may have tweaked knee in Gamrot win, eyes MSG date with Saint-Denis

A day after submitting Mateusz Gamrot in the first round of his UFC Vegas 120 main event, Quillan Salkilld said he 'heard a little pop' in his knee during an early wrestling exchange and needs it checked before booking anything. The Australian, now 6-0 in the UFC and closing on the lightweight top five, said he wants a fight that lifts him toward the top and floated Benoit Saint-Denis at November's Madison Square Garden card, reasoning that BSD took little damage in his 52-second loss to Paddy Pimblett.

Why it matters: Salkilld is the division's hottest riser, but a serious knee issue could stall a run built on three 2026 finishes. A clash with the equally violent Saint-Denis is exactly the kind of top-10 test that would confirm the hype.

Del Valle knocks out Elkins in 35 seconds to end his career

Yadier del Valle spoiled Darren Elkins' farewell at UFC Vegas 120, dropping the 42-year-old with a left hand and forcing a stoppage just 35 seconds into the first round. Elkins had vowed to retire win or lose, and did, walking away 29-13 with the second-most wins and most bouts in UFC featherweight history. Del Valle, 24, rebounds from his first pro loss and moves to 11-1.

Why it matters: One of the division's most durable gatekeepers is gone, and del Valle's power keeps him on the featherweight prospect track — though the one-sided sendoff told us little about his ceiling.

White: Oliveira pulled from Tsarukyan eliminator after teammate's death

Dana White confirmed that Mauricio Ruffy was not the planned opponent for Arman Tsarukyan in the UFC 331 co-main event, saying Tsarukyan's original fight 'fell out.' That fight was a Charles Oliveira rematch; Oliveira is reported to have withdrawn following the August 3 death of his teammate, flyweight Allan Nascimento, who died of an apparent heart attack. Ruffy (14-2), fresh off wins over Michael Chandler and Rafael Fiziev, steps in for the September 19 title eliminator in Los Angeles.

Why it matters: It explains a surprise reshuffle at the top of the lightweight queue and puts a hot-streaking striker one win away from a Gaethje title shot instead of a proven former champ.

Bella Mir draws Alex Apodaca for DWCS headliner

Bella Mir, the 23-year-old daughter of former UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir, will headline the August 25 Dana White's Contender Series card against Alex Apodaca in a women's bantamweight bout. It is Mir's fifth pro fight and her first MMA outing in over a year; she is 4-0 with three finishes. Apodaca enters on a three-fight win streak.

Why it matters: A high-profile prospect gets her audition for the UFC in a thin bantamweight division that badly needs new contenders.

Soldic enters free agency as ONE deal expires, UFC move looms

Roberto Soldic announced his ONE Championship contract has expired, making the 31-year-old former KSW two-division champion a free agent. 'Robocop' — a devastating puncher with 18 KOs among 21 wins, and the only man to ever knock out current UFC middleweight champ Dricus du Plessis — went just 1-1-1 across three ONE bouts and last competed in a 2025 boxing match. He turned down a UFC offer in 2022 to sign with ONE; a move to the Octagon is now widely expected.

Why it matters: A genuine name hits the market amid a busy free-agency stretch, and Soldic's power plus his history with du Plessis give the UFC an easy sell at welterweight or middleweight.

Gamrot-Salkilld set at UFC Vegas 120 as Lemos survives weigh-in scare

UFC Vegas 120 is locked at the Meta APEX, with No. 11 lightweight Mateusz Gamrot (26-4, 1 NC) facing streaking Australian Quillan Salkilld (12-1), who is 5-0 in the UFC and riding 12 straight wins after knocking out Beneil Dariush. Amanda Lemos, mired in a 2-4 skid, needed three trips to the scale before hitting 115.5 pounds, while 42-year-old Darren Elkins made 145.5 for the retirement bout that closes out a 16-year UFC run. All 24 fighters made weight.

Why it matters: It's a classic prospect-versus-veteran headliner with real stakes near the top of a stacked lightweight division — a win vaults Salkilld into the rankings conversation.

UFC re-signs Dumas to face CM Punk-slayer Gall in ridiculed booking

The UFC has reportedly re-signed Sedriques Dumas — thought to have been cut after going winless in his last four — to face Mickey Gall at UFC Vegas 121 on September 26. Gall, who hasn't fought since a 2024 knockout loss to Ramiz Brahimaj, is best known for submitting CM Punk and has also dropped four straight. The matchmaking drew near-universal mockery online, with fans branding it one of the worst bookings of the year.

Why it matters: Two fighters on long losing skids getting a card slot is a curious use of roster space in a year fans have repeatedly criticized for thin matchmaking.

Abdelaziz pushes UFC to re-sign 16-0 Farid Basharat as free agency drags

Bantamweight Farid Basharat (16-0), who holds the division's longest active UFC win streak after beating John Garza at UFC 329, still has no new contract and declared free agency in the cage with Joe Rogan. Manager Ali Abdelaziz called it 'crazy' if the UFC lets him walk. Basharat's brother Javid was also not re-signed after a February win, echoing prior head-scratching exits for Muhammad Mokaev and Rinat Fakhretdinov.

Why it matters: The UFC's habit of not renewing winning, undefeated prospects keeps feeding rival promotions ready-made contenders.

Blachowicz answers Whittaker's callout after Stirling KO loss

Robert Whittaker, fresh off knocking out Nikita Krylov in his light heavyweight debut at UFC 329, named Jan Blachowicz among his wanted opponents. Blachowicz, winless in five and coming off a brutal three-minute KO loss to Navajo Stirling at UFC Belgrade, brushed off retirement calls and accepted on X: 'Let's turn your words into action.' Whittaker won't fight City Kickboxing teammates Carlos Ulberg or Stirling, making the matchup a logical one. It isn't booked.

Why it matters: Two former champions in the twilight of their careers angling for a bout that would likely send the loser toward retirement.

Darren Elkins to retire after UFC Vegas 120, wants to leave gloves in the cage

Longtime featherweight Darren Elkins (29-12, 19-11 UFC), 42, announced Saturday's bout against Yadier del Valle will be his last. Elkins said his body is breaking down after nearly two decades and that he wanted to retire inside the Octagon rather than on social media. A union pipe fitter by trade, he ruled out bare-knuckle boxing but left the door open to grappling or RAF wrestling.

Why it matters: Elkins was one of the UFC's most durable action fighters and a rare no-trash-talk veteran; his exit closes the book on a generation of the featherweight division.

Brock Lesnar retires, shuts the door on any fighting return

Brock Lesnar, 49, announced on The Pat McAfee Show that he is retired from professional wrestling following his SummerSlam loss to Oba Femi on Aug. 1, calling it the end of his career in combat sports entirely. Asked about a comeback amid offers from promotions like MVP and RIZIN, the former UFC heavyweight champion said, 'I ain't doing jack.' Lesnar, who last competed in MMA at UFC 200 in 2016 (a win over Mark Hunt overturned to a no-contest after a failed drug test), thanked Dana White and the UFC and said he plans to focus on his family.

Why it matters: Lesnar was one of the biggest pay-per-view draws in MMA history and a heavyweight champion; his firm 'no' ends years of periodic speculation about a cage return and closes one of the sport's great crossover careers.

Shavkat Rakhmonov back sparring after knee surgery

New training footage shows undefeated welterweight Shavkat Rakhmonov (19-0) sparring — moving fluidly, stuffing takedowns and hunting submissions — the most encouraging sign yet after a knee injury that required surgery and cost him nearly 20 months. 'Nomad' hasn't fought since defeating Ian Machado Garry in December 2024, a fight in which he aggravated the knee, and his team has pointed to an early-2027 return. He was removed from the rankings during the layoff and will likely need a fight before another title shot.

Why it matters: Rakhmonov is the only man to beat title challenger Garry and long the division's boogeyman; his return would reshuffle an already crowded welterweight top five.

Allan Nascimento dies at 34 after apparent heart attack

UFC flyweight Allan Nascimento was found unresponsive Monday, Aug. 3 after an apparent heart attack in his sleep and was pronounced dead at the scene. The 34-year-old Chute Boxe Diego Lima product went 4-2 in the UFC with two Performance of the Night submissions, most recently losing a split decision to Mitch Raposo in June, and finished his career 22-7. He was a close friend and training partner of BMF champion Charles Oliveira.

Why it matters: A sudden death of an active, top-15-adjacent fighter is the heaviest kind of news the sport carries, and it lands amid a week of alarming fighter-health stories.

Danny Silva survives pulmonary embolism, questions his future

UFC featherweight prospect Danny Silva revealed he spent three days hospitalized after a massive thrombosis in his neck sent a clot to his lung, causing a pulmonary embolism. Silva said doctors told him half of such patients don't survive, and that he had been sparring and running days earlier. The 29-year-old (11-2), coming off a second-round KO of Kurtis Campbell at UFC London in March, says he's now on medication for months and is unsure whether he'll fight again.

Why it matters: A blunt reminder of the risks fighters carry outside the cage, and a potential premature end for one of the featherweight division's more promising young strikers.

Zabit books first competition in seven years, grapples Youssef Zalal

Zabit Magomedsharipov will finally return to competition, facing top-ranked UFC featherweight Youssef Zalal in a 154-pound no-gi grappling match headlining ACBJJ 22 on Aug. 30 in Istanbul. It's Zabit's first outing since 2019, after he withdrew from a July grappling bout with Raul Rosas Jr. with an injury. Former welterweight champion Belal Muhammad also features on the card, grappling ex-Oktagon titleholder Kerim Engizek at 198 pounds.

Why it matters: One of the featherweight division's great what-ifs steps back onto a competition mat, even if it's grappling rather than a UFC return.

McGregor undergoes fifth career surgery to repair torn ACL

Conor McGregor announced he has gone under the knife to repair the ACL and meniscus he tore in the opening minute of his UFC 329 loss to Max Holloway, a comeback that lasted just 69 seconds. It's the fifth surgery of his career, with recovery expected to run roughly a year. McGregor has one fight left on his UFC contract and has billed his next appearance as a 'Last Dance,' floating International Fight Week 2027.

Why it matters: The injury clock, the contract clock and the retirement talk now all point at a single farewell bout that may not happen until 2027.

Khabib sets Usman's free-agency clock: talks next month, decision 'very soon'

Khabib Nurmagomedov said negotiations over cousin Usman's future will open next month with an answer expected 'very soon,' a day after Dana White grinned 'sure' when asked about signing him. Usman (22-0) fought out his PFL contract Friday with a first-round knockout of Archie Colgan and is now the sport's biggest free agent. Coach Javier Mendez named Arman Tsarukyan and Ilia Topuria as dream matchups but expects a top-five debut opponent such as Paddy Pimblett or Max Holloway. PFL CEO John Martin says he wants to keep his lightweight champion.

Why it matters: With Makhachev now campaigning at welterweight, the logjam that kept Usman out of the UFC is gone — his signing would instantly reshape a lightweight division now headed by Justin Gaethje.

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.

Blachowicz breaks silence, retirement questions loom after Stirling KO

Jan Blachowicz spoke out after being knocked out by Navajo Stirling in the UFC Belgrade co-main, posting before-and-after photos of a stitched facial gash with the caption, 'It is what it is. Another one for the collection.' The loss stretches the former light heavyweight champion's winless run to five fights (0-3-2), with no victory since May 2022. At 43 — the second-oldest man on the roster — Blachowicz now faces open questions about whether he keeps fighting.

Why it matters: A proud former champion is sliding into gatekeeper territory; the UFC's next call, another ranked matchup or a nudge toward the exit, decides how his story ends.

Medic wants Leon Edwards next after 30-second Belgrade knockout

Fresh off icing Daniel Rodriguez in 30 seconds in his Serbian homecoming — his fourth straight first-round finish — Uros Medic again called out former welterweight champion Leon Edwards, who is 0-3 in his last three but still ranked in the top 10. Medic said beating two former champions puts him 'next in line for the belt.' Rodriguez, fighting for the first time since an eight-month stint in a Mexican prison, said he 'loaded up on the jab and he beat me to the punch.'

Why it matters: Edwards is exactly the ranked-but-fading name that could vault a surging Medic into the welterweight top 10 — if the UFC chooses to reward its newly minted Serbian draw.

Oliveira dusts Oban Elliott on debut, angles for UFC 330 turnaround

Unbeaten Brazilian welterweight Michael Oliveira, a former paratrooper, made one of nine debuts on the card and stopped Oban Elliott in the first round, flooring him twice before a 1:49 TKO. Oliveira immediately called for a quick turnaround at UFC 330 in Philadelphia on Aug. 15, offering to step in against Chidi Njokuani. Elliott, now 3-3 in the UFC and on a three-fight skid, posted a gracious reaction and faces an uncertain roster future.

Why it matters: The UFC left Serbia touting Oliveira as a possible next Brazilian star, and his willingness to fight again in two weeks fits exactly the activity Dana White rewards.

Anthony Smith's wife calls felony arrest a 'mental health crisis'

Days after Anthony Smith was arrested in Nebraska on three felonies, including attempted first-degree domestic assault and terroristic threats, his wife Mikhala broke her silence, saying she was 'always safe,' that Smith 'would never hurt me,' and that she 'called for help to protect him from himself.' Manager Brian Butler urged the public not to rush to judgment. Dana White, in Belgrade, called it a situation that 'can happen to anybody.' Smith is due in court Aug. 17.

Why it matters: The statements reframe a case that could carry up to 20 years, but the felony charges stand, and the UFC's hands-off response keeps the fighter-welfare question in play.

Prosecutors: Smith tried to run down his wife, threatened to kill her

New details from Anthony Smith's bond hearing allege the retired light heavyweight threatened to kill his wife, forced her into his vehicle after a July 26 altercation at a Gretna, Neb. bar, and then repeatedly tried to strike her with the car at their home; she avoided injury. LowKick's account adds that witnesses reported gunshots inside the home and that Smith threatened self-harm if police entered. Smith, 38, was released on $500,000 bond with a no-contact order and cannot leave Nebraska; he waived his preliminary hearing and is due in Sarpy County District Court on Aug. 17. He faces attempted first-degree domestic assault, terroristic threats and first-degree false imprisonment, and is presumed innocent.

Why it matters: The specifics turn a one-line arrest report into some of the most serious allegations ever leveled at a former UFC title challenger and current broadcast analyst, and neither Smith nor the UFC has commented.

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.

Rousey won't rule out a second MVP fight, keeps ripping Hunter Campbell

Months after submitting Gina Carano in 17 seconds atop MVP MMA's Netflix debut, which drew a reported 17 million viewers, Ronda Rousey has left the door open to another appearance under Jake Paul's banner despite retiring after the fight. She again blasted UFC chief business officer Hunter Campbell, saying his refusal to book Rousey-Carano let MVP become 'the biggest rival the UFC is ever going to have.' Rousey praised the arrival of more promoters, including Scott Coker's return.

Why it matters: A pioneer publicly framing a Netflix-backed rival as legitimate competition feeds the wider argument that fighters finally have alternatives to the UFC.

Oliveira's camp shuts down Diego Lopes talk, holds out for a Gaethje rematch

Charles Oliveira's manager and coach Diego Lima denied reports linking the BMF champion to a title defense against Diego Lopes, saying the only goal is the undisputed lightweight belt. Lima acknowledged Arman Tsarukyan sits ahead of Oliveira in the pecking order but argued 'do Bronxs' would sell far more and already owns a win over champion Justin Gaethje, who is expected back around March or April 2027. Oliveira is 2-0 in his current run after submitting Gamrot and dominating Holloway.

Why it matters: It clarifies the logjam behind Gaethje: Tsarukyan-Oliveira are jockeying for the next shot while a retirement-curious champion sits on the belt into 2027.

Anthony Smith arrested in Nebraska on three felonies, faces up to 20 years

Former UFC light heavyweight title challenger and current Paramount+ analyst Anthony Smith, 38, was booked into Sarpy County Jail in Nebraska on Monday night on charges of domestic violence causing serious bodily injury, terroristic threats and first-degree false imprisonment. The domestic violence count alone carries a maximum of 20 years. Details of the incident have not been released, and Smith remains in custody with no court date set. He retired from the UFC in 2025 and won a bare-knuckle MMA bout earlier this year.

Why it matters: Smith is a prominent broadcast voice for the promotion, not just a former fighter, which makes the felony charges an immediate problem for the UFC's Paramount+ desk. The allegations are serious and unresolved.

Jon Jones again denies steroid use: 'That was proven'

In an interview with ALF Global, Jon Jones once more rejected the doping accusations that shadow his legacy, insisting he 'never took steroids' and blaming his failed tests on a tainted supplement with 'zero performance-enhancing effects.' Jones (28-1) referenced the picogram turinabol findings and the tainted-supplement rulings, arguing fans ignore the documented conclusions. In the same conversation he claimed he would have submitted Alex Pereira 'pretty quickly' and outwrestled Daniel Cormier.

Why it matters: The steroid asterisk is the crux of the Jones GOAT debate, and his retirement hasn't dulled his need to relitigate it. It's talk, not news, but it's the framing he wants attached to his career.

McGregor out a year, brands 2027 return 'The Last Dance'

Dana White confirmed at the Zuffa Boxing 9 press conference that Conor McGregor is expected to be sidelined for about a year after tearing his ACL and meniscus 69 seconds into his UFC 329 loss to Max Holloway. McGregor is now targeting International Fight Week 2027 for the final bout of his UFC contract, posting footage of himself kicking before the fight and captioning it 'The Last Dance.' He has echoed Holloway's call for a trilogy and hasn't won since stopping Donald Cerrone in January 2020.

Why it matters: If McGregor fights out his deal and doesn't re-sign, the UFC's biggest-ever draw becomes a free agent at 39 on a three-fight skid — an outcome that reshapes the promotion's star economy and opens the door to boxing, BKFC or MVP.

Till vs. Romero finally booked for BKFC 94 in Manchester

David Feldman announced Darren Till vs. Yoel Romero for BKFC 94 on Sept. 26 at Manchester's AO Arena, a catchweight bout at 190 pounds. The two former UFC middleweight title challengers first traded callouts years ago. Till (18-5-1) is coming off a knockout of Aaron Chalmers in his May bare-knuckle debut, while the 49-year-old Romero has bounced between bare-knuckle and Gamebred promotions since retiring from MMA in 2024. David Mundell defends the BKFC middleweight title against Jack Cullen in the co-main.

Why it matters: It's the biggest UK card BKFC has run and another marquee ex-UFC name migrating to bare-knuckle — a reminder that Feldman's promotion is now a real landing spot for recognizable veterans.

'John Pork' delivers on the hype, sets sights on Topuria

Dagestan's Magomed 'John Pork' Zaynukov justified his viral buildup on his UFC debut, battering fellow unbeaten Damian Rzepecki with elbows and front kicks over three rounds for a shutout decision to move to 9-0. He immediately called out former lightweight champ Ilia Topuria, needling Rzepecki's ties to Topuria's camp. Mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov's first note after the win was that Zaynukov shouldn't have missed a takedown.

Why it matters: The Nurmagomedov gym's prospect pipeline keeps producing lightweights, and Zaynukov's meme following plus a ready-made Topuria feud hand the UFC a marketable new 155er.

Saidov's 10-0 statement finish leaves Jacoby fearing a broken arm

Unbeaten Russian light heavyweight Muhammad Saidov made a statement UFC debut, overwhelming 20-fight octagon veteran Dustin Jacoby with punches, knees and head kicks for a second-round TKO to improve to 10-0 with nine finishes. Jacoby, who had entered on a three-fight knockout streak, said afterward he believes he broke his right arm early in the fight and would get X-rays once home.

Why it matters: A thin light heavyweight division just gained a genuine finisher, and handing a hot veteran his first stoppage loss in years is the kind of debut that fast-tracks a prospect.

Walker ties Demian Maia's record with fifth straight submission

Heavyweight Valter Walker (16-1) tapped Thomas Petersen in just 92 seconds at UFC Abu Dhabi, this time with a calf slicer after breaking a four-fight heel-hook streak, to match Demian Maia's modern UFC record of five consecutive submission finishes. The stoppage earned a $100,000 Performance of the Night bonus. Afterward, Walker took aim at referee Herb Dean over the Pereira-Gane finish and reiterated he won't fight ranked heavyweights 'for peanuts.'

Why it matters: Walker's leg-lock streak is now a legitimate divisional storyline, but his pay complaints signal a looming standoff over the ranked opponents he'll need to climb.

Despaigne re-signs with UFC after knockout tear elsewhere

First Round Management announced that Cuban heavyweight Robelis Despaigne (6-2) has re-signed with the UFC nearly two years after being cut following losses to Waldo Cortes-Acosta and Austen Lane. The 6-foot-7 ex-taekwondo Olympic bronze medalist went 7-0 in Karate Combat, won its heavyweight title over Sam Alvey, then knocked out Junior dos Santos on the MVP MMA Netflix card in May. No date or opponent has been set, and the move takes him off a rumored Francis Ngannou matchup.

Why it matters: The UFC's thin heavyweight division gets back a genuine finisher — all six of Despaigne's MMA wins are knockouts — though his first stint showed the hype outpaced the results.

Usman reveals torn pec in du Plessis loss, weighs retirement

Kamaru Usman fought Dricus du Plessis with a torn pectoral muscle, co-host Henry Cejudo revealed on Usman's Pound 4 Pound podcast, though the former welterweight champion refused to lean on it as an excuse. Usman dropped a lopsided decision (50-45, 49-46, 49-46) at UFC Oklahoma City despite a strong fifth round and Fight of the Night honors. Now 39 and 1-4 in his last five, Usman says he has to sit with his team and assess 'whether it's worth continuing to do this.'

Why it matters: One of the greatest welterweights ever and a guaranteed Hall of Famer is openly contemplating the end, with a fresh injury layoff ahead of any decision.

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.

Namajunas stalls on return after 'brutal' eye surgery, torn thumb

Rose Namajunas revealed a three-month recovery from eye surgery after an eye poke in her UFC 324 loss to Natalia Silva, requiring a silicone tube in her eye plus a torn thumb UCL. Cleared to train in April, the two-time strawweight champ says she has no fight booked and is searching for a 'purpose and a reason' to return after losing three straight title eliminators at flyweight. She's not retired but is targeting a comeback next year.

Why it matters: A former champion with no clear path to a flyweight title shot is at a genuine career crossroads, with a strawweight return the likelier route to relevance.

Andrade delivering food to make ends meet during injury layoff

Former strawweight champion Jessica Andrade says she has been working as an app-based food-delivery driver and taking landscaping jobs while recovering from a shoulder injury sustained in her August 2025 loss to Loopy Godinez. Andrade, who holds the record for most wins and post-fight bonuses in UFC women's history across 30 fights, previously accused her former coach and manager of embezzling roughly $2 million and once sold her own fight gear for income.

Why it matters: A record-setting former champion driving deliveries revives the fighter-pay debate — sharpened by the reported eight-figure boxing deals Zuffa is handing crossover names while the UFC pays out about 20% of revenue.

Aspinall calls eye surgeries worse than a vasectomy, eyes Gane rematch

Heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall says he underwent three eye surgeries after the multiple eye pokes that ended his UFC 321 bout with Ciryl Gane in a no-contest, describing being kept awake while doctors 'slice your eyeball open' as the worst pain he has endured. He admitted he initially feared permanent vision loss and pushed back on fans who accused him of ducking out. A rematch with interim champ Gane is expected later this year.

Why it matters: It's the clearest explanation yet for the heavyweight title's near-year of gridlock, and frames the Gane rematch that will finally settle who holds the undisputed belt.

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.

Bud Light drops Poirier after airport arrest

Dustin Poirier says Bud Light "terminated my contract immediately" after his June arrest for public drunkenness at Atlanta's airport, costing his family a deal worth a few hundred thousand dollars. The retired former interim lightweight champion, now 28 days sober, said UFC executive Hunter Campbell reached out the day after the incident to offer the promotion's support, though he never heard from Dana White. Sean Strickland had publicly urged Bud Light to stand by "The Diamond" rather than cut him loose.

Why it matters: A rare, unvarnished look at how a sponsor and the UFC treat a fan favorite in crisis; Poirier's sobriety fight now plays out without his biggest endorsement.

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.

Royval says UFC passed him over for a headliner on follower count

No. 3-ranked flyweight Brandon Royval revealed the UFC once denied him a 2022 main event because Alexa Grasso had far more social media followers, telling Ariel Helwani he was "pissed." The point was moot when his opponent Askar Askarov withdrew and Grasso vs. Viviane Araujo took the slot anyway. Fresh off a Fight of the Night submission of Lone'er Kavanagh at UFC 329, Royval has since leaned into building his online following and landed three Fight Night headliners.

Why it matters: A candid window into how the UFC weighs drawing power and social reach over rankings when it builds cards.

Jones says alcohol capped his legacy as White squashes their beef

Jon Jones told Ring Magazine he believes "all my setbacks in life have been directly related to alcohol," wondering how much further his career could have gone without the partying. Separately, Dana White returned Jones' "homie for life" olive branch on The Pivot, again calling him the greatest of all time months after Jones publicly requested his release for being left off UFC Freedom 250.

Why it matters: Jones and the UFC patching things up quietly keeps a comeback on the table, even with nothing booked and the heavyweight title elsewhere.

Logan Paul calls McGregor 'cooked,' pitches a WWE showdown

After Conor McGregor's UFC 329 comeback ended in 69 seconds with a torn ACL and meniscus, Logan Paul said on Impaulsive that he texted WWE bosses about booking a fight, declaring the Irishman "incapable of fighting." McGregor, who faces surgery, still insists he'll return by the summer of 2027 to fight out the final bout on his UFC contract.

Why it matters: The vultures are already circling McGregor's drawing power just as his in-cage future looks bleaker than ever.

Michael Page vents on matchmaking, says Paris bout is last on his deal

Michael Page revealed that his Sept. 5 UFC Paris bout with Nursulton Ruziboev is the final fight on his current contract, and that no talks to re-sign have begun. The former Bellator star, 4-1 in the UFC but winless by finish and repeatedly booed, said he has fruitlessly asked for top-10 names across his last three fights, calling the process 'excuse after excuse.' He committed to middleweight, dismissing welterweight as full of fighters who 'don't want to fight.'

Why it matters: A high-profile 2024 signing openly questioning his future underlines the gap between name value and the finish-driven résumé the UFC actually rewards — Page likely needs a highlight KO in Paris to earn a new deal.

Poirier urges Chandler to retire as 'Iron' eyes a welterweight move

Dustin Poirier, who buried a years-long feud with Michael Chandler, publicly questioned why his former rival is still fighting after a fourth straight loss — a first-round KO by Mauricio Ruffy at UFC Freedom 250. Chandler, 40 and 2-6 in the UFC, has teased jumping to welterweight rather than retiring. Poirier called that a bad idea given the damage Chandler is absorbing at 155, asking, 'If 155ers are stopping you, what are 170s gonna do?'

Why it matters: It's a pointed intervention from a retired peer on fighter health, and a reminder that Chandler's marketability now outstrips his results as the UFC weighs what to do with a fading former Bellator champ.

Tommy McMillen breaks Nate Diaz's strike record in Oklahoma City

In just his second UFC fight, featherweight Tommy McMillen battered Alberto Montes to a third-round TKO on the UFC Oklahoma City main card, landing 252 significant strikes to break Nate Diaz's long-standing record for a three-round bout — third-most all-time behind only Max Holloway and Rob Font in five-rounders. The 2-0 prospect, who trains alongside Sean O'Malley in Arizona and cut a Diaz-style post-fight promo, banked his second straight Performance of the Night bonus and wants to fight at Noche UFC in September.

Why it matters: On a card headlined by aging former champs, the loudest takeaway was a potential new star — a high-volume, trash-talking fan magnet the UFC badly needs as its veteran draws fade.

Pantoja cleared to return, wants his flyweight belt back from Van

Former flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja says he is fully recovered from the arm dislocation that ended his UFC 323 title defense against Joshua Van after just 26 seconds last December, and he wants an immediate rematch. Pantoja praised Van's fifth-round TKO of Tatsuro Taira at UFC 328 but insisted, 'As a man, I don't think he beat me.' Reports have floated Van-Pantoja 2 for UFC 331 on Sept. 19 in Los Angeles, though nothing is confirmed.

Why it matters: A healthy Pantoja restores flyweight's marquee fight; Van won the belt on a freak injury and still owes the former champ a clean answer.

McGregor says injury was ACL and meniscus, targets a summer return

McGregor revealed the knee injury that ended his UFC 329 comeback against Max Holloway in 69 seconds was a torn ACL and meniscus — the same combination he suffered on the opposite leg in their 2013 fight. He says he is already walking without crutches and expects to return by next summer, faster than his 2013 recovery. Dana White confirmed the ACL tear but said any return talk is pointless until McGregor is through surgery and rehab.

Why it matters: The tear likely wipes out the April date the UFC had floated for McGregor's contract-ending bout, pushing any return to mid-2027 at the earliest.

Reug Reug leaves ONE as a free agent, teases an August fight

Former ONE heavyweight champion Oumar 'Reug Reug' Kane confirmed his release from ONE Championship after five years, citing fallout from his fourth-round KO loss in the May rematch with Anatoly Malykhin, which spilled into a post-fight brawl between corners. Kane says he is ready to fight in August with an opponent to be announced Friday. His exit adds to a steady drain of MMA talent from ONE as the promotion leans into striking, and fans immediately floated a UFC move or crossover bouts with Francis Ngannou or PFL's Vadim Nemkov.

Why it matters: A title-winning heavyweight hitting the open market is rare, and where Kane lands is a live read on the UFC-PFL-MVP tug-of-war for big men.

Boxer Hannah Rapp killed in Texas road-rage crash at 26

Hannah Rapp, who challenged Tiara Brown for the WBC women's featherweight title in June on Jake Paul's MVP card, died Saturday after a driver allegedly passed her on a Texas highway, stopped, reversed and struck her as she rode her bicycle. She was 26. Brazos County deputies arrested and charged 31-year-old Charles Medina with manslaughter. WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman and MVP led an outpouring of tributes for the 8-0-1 prospect.

Why it matters: A rising fighter's death months after her first world-title shot stunned the combat-sports community.

Askren loses to Belal Muhammad and retires a year after double lung transplant

Ben Askren returned to competition for the first time since a double lung transplant, and lost 6-3 to former UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad in the RAF 11 co-main event. The 42-year-old Olympian, who says he flatlined multiple times during last year's battle with necrotizing pneumonia, built an early 3-0 lead on defense before fading as Muhammad rallied in the third period. Askren left his shoes on the mat afterward, confirming the match was his last.

Why it matters: It closes the book on the competitive career of one of MMA's most influential wrestlers, and the comeback itself, from near death to sharing a mat with a ranked UFC contender, was the emotional centerpiece of the night.

White confirms McGregor tore his ACL, needs surgery before any return talk

Dana White confirmed that Conor McGregor suffered a torn ACL in his 69-second UFC 329 loss to Max Holloway, injuring the knee on a missed flying kick in the opening seconds. McGregor will undergo surgery and lengthy rehab, and White shut down any discussion of a next fight until the Irishman is cleared to train. McGregor, who has one bout left on his UFC deal and is lobbying to have the loss overturned to a no-contest, still wants a Holloway trilogy.

Why it matters: Surgery pushes McGregor's expected 2027 return even further out and casts fresh doubt on whether the sport's biggest draw fights again at all.

Volkan Oezdemir accepts 16-month ban after EPO positive

Former light heavyweight title challenger Volkan Oezdemir (21-8), ranked No. 8 at 205 pounds, revealed he tested positive for EPO in out-of-competition tests on Feb. 16 and March 5 and accepted a 16-month CSAD suspension, backdated to Feb. 16 and running through June 17, 2027. In a lengthy statement he said a self-described healthcare professional he met on Instagram after ankle surgery handed him a vial he called safe and undetectable; Oezdemir injected it and took full responsibility. He last fought in November 2025, stopping Alonzo Menifield in Qatar.

Why it matters: EPO is a serious endurance-booster — the same drug that ended T.J. Dillashaw's title reign — and losing a top-10 light heavyweight until mid-2027 thins an already shallow 205-pound contender pool.

Askren wrestles again a year after a double lung transplant at RAF 11

Real American Freestyle's RAF 11 goes down Saturday in Milwaukee on Fox Nation, headlined by UFC lightweight Arman Tsarukyan against retired Colby Covington for a crossover title. The co-main marks Ben Askren's return to competition versus former UFC welterweight champ Belal Muhammad, roughly a year after the double lung transplant that followed a coma and multiple resuscitations. Covington publicly questioned whether Askren should be back on the mat so soon. Frankie Edgar and Clay Guida also wrestle on the card.

Why it matters: It's a freestyle-wrestling card, not MMA, but Askren's comeback from near-death is one of combat sports' most remarkable stories of the year.

Irene Aldana retires and is removed from the UFC roster

Former women's bantamweight title challenger Irene Aldana (15-8) has retired at 38 and been taken off the UFC roster, MMA Fighting reported and ESPN Deportes confirmed. Ranked No. 12 at the time, she hadn't fought since a bloody September 2024 decision loss to Norma Dumont at Noche UFC, a bout that left a severe cut requiring multiple surgeries. Aldana challenged Amanda Nunes for the belt in 2023 and banked five UFC bonuses. Lightweight Victor Martinez was also cut.

Why it matters: Losing a durable, action-first top-15 name — amid speculation the UFC is quietly winding down 135 — further hollows out the women's bantamweight division.

McGregor insists his UFC finale 'has to be' a Holloway trilogy

A week after his UFC 329 comeback ended in a 69-second TKO loss when he blew out his right knee on the opening kick, Conor McGregor said the final fight on his contract 'has to be' a trilogy with Max Holloway, rejecting calls for Michael Chandler or Dustin Poirier. He's still awaiting MRI results and expects surgery. Dana White declined to entertain any matchmaking, saying McGregor must first get healthy — 'Father Time is undefeated.' Ali Abdelaziz theorized McGregor fought hurt to tick a bout off his deal.

Why it matters: Nothing is bookable until McGregor's diagnosis and recovery timeline are known, and Holloway is unlikely to sit idle waiting for him.

Crawford beats Gaethje for Fighter of the Year ESPY

Retired boxer Terence Crawford won the 2026 ESPY for Best Fighter, beating out lightweight champion Justin Gaethje, the lone MMA nominee, plus boxers Claressa Shields and Gabriela Fundora. Gaethje had been a heavy betting favorite following his upset TKO of Ilia Topuria at UFC White House and his win over Paddy Pimblett, but Crawford's win over Canelo Alvarez carried the vote. Gaethje's manager Ali Abdelaziz called the result 'mind blowing,' noting Gaethje won two fights in six months as an underdog.

Why it matters: With MMA and boxing lumped into one combat-sports category since 2018, even a career-defining title run wasn't enough to top a boxing legend, a reminder of where the sports still rank in mainstream awards voting.

Jon Jones keeps UFC door open, still in testing pool

Jon Jones (28-1) confirmed he remains under UFC contract and in the drug-testing pool, saying the promotion is contractually obligated to offer him fights and that he'll 'answer the call' if it comes. Jones, who cornered Gable Steveson at UFC 329 and turns 39 on Sunday, said his priority is being a father for now but sounded his most open to a return since the failed White House talks. He also downplayed his feud with Dana White, calling him a 'homie for life' and stressing they can still do business.

Why it matters: A Jones return still looms over the heavyweight division, and his thawing relationship with White keeps a superfight, most obviously against Tom Aspinall, theoretically alive.

Vance says Gaethje's mother wants him retired as champ passes on Pimblett

On the Joe Rogan Experience, VP JD Vance said that when he asked Justin Gaethje at the White House whether he was done fighting, the new undisputed lightweight champion hesitated before his mother answered 'Yes.' Gaethje, who finished Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250, has already ruled out a 2026 return. Separately, he told Pat McAfee he has no interest in running back his UFC 324 win over Paddy Pimblett — 'Destined for each other to fight again? No.' — despite Pimblett's fresh 52-second submission of Benoit Saint-Denis at UFC 329.

Why it matters: If Gaethje walks away or sits out deep into 2027, the lightweight belt freezes with Arman Tsarukyan and Charles Oliveira waiting — and the division's most active contender, Pimblett, told he's not next.

McGregor awaits knee scans as doctor sees signs injury may not be dire

Conor McGregor says results from scans on the knee he wrecked 69 seconds into his UFC 329 loss to Max Holloway are due Thursday, and he's demanding the bout be ruled a no contest with all bets returned. Sports-medicine physician Dr. Brian Sutterer, who hasn't examined McGregor, noted the Irishman not wearing a brace and showing decent range of motion suggests no high-grade collateral ligament tear, though it says nothing about the ACL or meniscus. McGregor has one fight left on his UFC deal and has vowed to return.

Why it matters: The severity of the injury dictates whether McGregor's promised farewell fight happens at all — and how long his half of the contract keeps the UFC waiting.

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.

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.

McGregor plans surgery and one last contract fight after 69-second flop

Conor McGregor said he will undergo surgery on the leg he injured 69 seconds into his UFC 329 loss to Max Holloway, then rehab and return to fulfill the final fight on his UFC contract. He denied fighting on a pre-existing injury, with no timetable given for a return that his team had once targeted for no later than April 2027. Michael Chandler, twice booked to fight McGregor, publicly pushed back on conspiracy theories that the Irishman faked or hid the injury, insisting 'he's not a quitter.'

Why it matters: It signals McGregor isn't retiring outright, but another open-ended layoff at 38 leaves his last contracted bout — Holloway wants the trilogy — hostage to the severity of the injury and his recovery.

Costa, Blachowicz turned down the Ankalaev fight — and Costa ripped UFC pay

Before Guskov signed on, the UFC offered the short-notice Ankalaev fight to both Paulo Costa and Jan Blachowicz. Costa (16-4) says he declined a non-title, five-round bout on 13 days' notice, a 16-hour flight, and no extra money, and accused the promotion of pushing away talent the way it did Francis Ngannou. Blachowicz said he was willing but hesitated over making weight, so Guskov landed the fight first; Blachowicz still hopes to stay on the UFC Belgrade card.

Why it matters: Costa is a win from a title shot on the last fight of his deal, and his public gripe reopens the recurring fight over how the UFC compensates short-notice replacements against elite opposition.

Sandhagen fears torn hamstring from Bautista's UFC 329 kneebar

Cory Sandhagen revealed he believes Mario Bautista's late first-round kneebar tore his hamstring at UFC 329, sharing a graphic image and saying he'll get an MRI this week. The injury compromised his movement, yet he still won the second round before Bautista dropped him in the third to take a unanimous decision. The loss drops Sandhagen to 1-3 in his last four, and a significant tear could sideline him well into 2027.

Why it matters: A serious layoff further stalls a former title challenger already sliding down the bantamweight ladder, and delays the long-teased O'Malley matchup fans want.

McGregor faces ACL fears and doubts over his headliner future

A day after his 69-second loss to Max Holloway, the picture around Conor McGregor darkened: Dana White said he suspects a torn ACL, the second straight main event McGregor has lost to a leg injury. McGregor insisted on X he had no pre-existing issue ("My head gasket is gone"), and coach John Kavanagh confirmed the knee buckled on the very first kick of a switch kick drilled daily in camp. Chael Sonnen argued the UFC can no longer main-event him, noting McGregor is now 1-4 over his last five fights. Islam Makhachev ("Conor beat Conor") and Terence Crawford piled on.

Why it matters: The sport's biggest draw may be finished as a headliner, and with no signature win since 2020 the UFC loses its most bankable pay-per-view name.

Aspinall says he's healthy and eyeing a Paris return against Gane

Heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall says he's ready to fight again and has told the UFC as much, floating the Sept. 5 UFC Paris card as a target. Aspinall has been out since his UFC 321 title defense against Ciryl Gane in October was ruled a no-contest after a double eye poke. Gane has since won an interim belt again by knocking out Alex Pereira, setting up a rematch — though Aspinall's relationship with Dana White remains frosty after he brought in boxing promoter Eddie Hearn as an advisor.

Why it matters: The undisputed heavyweight title has been frozen for the better part of a year; Aspinall naming a date is the first concrete step toward unifying it against Gane.

McGregor's comeback ends in 69 seconds as his knee buckles

Conor McGregor's first fight in five years was over almost before it started at T-Mobile Arena. He appeared to blow out his right knee throwing a jumping roundhouse kick in the opening seconds, collapsed repeatedly, and referee Mike Beltran waved it off at 1:09 of Round 1, giving Max Holloway a TKO win. Dana White said the working assumption is a torn ACL pending an MRI; McGregor refused crutches leaving the arena. He has now lost four of his last five and, at nearly 38 with another serious leg injury, his future is in doubt.

Why it matters: The sport's biggest draw goes down without landing a punch, facing potentially another year out or the end of his career — and Holloway wins the rivalry without the satisfaction, already floating a trilogy.

Pimblett sleeps Saint-Denis in 52 seconds, declares himself UFC's new face

Paddy Pimblett stole the show in the co-main event, catching Benoit Saint-Denis with a D'arce choke off an ill-advised takedown attempt and putting him fully unconscious 52 seconds into the first round. It was Pimblett's first fight since losing an interim-title bid to Justin Gaethje in January, and it earned a $100,000 Performance of the Night bonus. Reacting live to McGregor's injury backstage, he proclaimed himself the promotion's new top star and called his jiu-jitsu 'the best in the world,' naming Ilia Topuria, Arman Tsarukyan, Charles Oliveira and a Gaethje rematch as options.

Why it matters: With McGregor sidelined indefinitely, the UFC's biggest remaining draw at lightweight just made an emphatic case to headline — and a Topuria grudge match is the matchmaking everyone is calling for.

Gable Steveson's hype survives contact with a first-round KO

Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson, one of the biggest betting favorites in UFC history, delivered on the hype in his promotional debut, stopping former police officer Elisha Ellison with punches and knees at 2:31 of Round 1. Cornered by Jon Jones, the wrestler out-landed Ellison 41-14 and looked to hurt him rather than grapple, keeping all four of his pro wins to first-round knockouts. He looked raw in spots but finished emphatically.

Why it matters: The UFC is banking on Steveson as a heavyweight crossover star, and a clean knockout debut keeps that project on the fast track.

Garbrandt hints at retirement after Yanez knockout

Former bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt was knocked out by Adrian Yanez inside three minutes on the prelims, wobbled by a counter and finished at 2:47 of Round 1 for his eighth career loss and third in four fights. He removed his gloves in the cage while awaiting the result but did not lay them down, and left without a post-fight interview, strongly hinting his run is over. Yanez, who credited coach Sayif Saud with talking him off a firefight, scored his first win in two years.

Why it matters: A 2016 champion looks to be at the end of the line, while Yanez resurrects a stalled career and re-enters the bantamweight picture.

King Green completes buzzer-beating comeback on McKinney

In a Round-of-the-Year contender that opened the main card, 39-year-old King Green survived an early beating from Terrance McKinney — a submission scare and full mount included — before dropping McKinney with a liver shot and finishing with punches with one second left in Round 1. The comeback earned a $100,000 Performance of the Night bonus and extended Green's win streak to four; he wants to fight again in September.

Why it matters: A veteran written off years ago is in the best run of his career, and his throwback style keeps making him one of the lightweight division's most watchable acts.

Dvalishvili punches Umar fan, brawl erupts at RAF Georgia

At the RAF Georgia press conference in Tbilisi, former UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili punched a Umar Nurmagomedov supporter who approached him about his comments, touching off a mass scuffle involving members of Abdulrashid Sadulaev's camp. Asked about a possible RAF wrestling match with Umar, Dvalishvili said 'No, never, f--- that guy,' while insisting he'll wrestle anyone else the promotion picks. Nurmagomedov responded on social media invoking Caucasus honor. Dvalishvili continues to reject a UFC rematch, citing a promised title rematch with champion Petr Yan; the card was headlined by his wrestling rematch with Henry Cejudo.

Why it matters: The bad blood only fuels demand for a Dvalishvili-Nurmagomedov rematch the champ keeps refusing, and it further tangles an already crowded 135-pound title picture behind Petr Yan.

Poirier apologizes for airport arrest, ties it to his homeless father

Retired former interim lightweight champion Dustin Poirier addressed his June 19 public-intoxication arrest at Atlanta's airport, saying thoughts of his homeless father on Father's Day led him to drink heavily during a work trip. He apologized to the desk agents and police, and spoke of struggling to find purpose since his 2025 retirement. Colby Covington mocked the arrest to promote his beer brand, drawing a sharp rebuke from PFL/Bellator middleweight Johnny Eblen, who called the remarks 'tasteless.'

Why it matters: A candid glimpse of a beloved retiree wrestling with post-career purpose, and another flashpoint in Covington's serial feuds.

Gaethje undecided on future, eyes 2027 title defense

New UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje, who dethroned Ilia Topuria at the White House in June, said he still hasn't decided whether to retire but plans to rest a few injuries and likely defend the belt in 2027 after fighting twice this year. He's floated Arman Tsarukyan, a Max Holloway rematch and even Conor McGregor. Reports suggest Tsarukyan may instead run it back with BMF champ Charles Oliveira in the meantime.

Why it matters: The 155-pound title picture is effectively on hold behind a champion weighing retirement, freezing a stacked contender queue for the rest of the year.

Askren to wrestle Belal Muhammad at RAF 11 a year after lung transplant

Former ONE and Bellator champion Ben Askren will return to competition against ex-UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad in the RAF 11 co-main event in Milwaukee on July 18, roughly a year after a double lung transplant that followed a life-threatening bout of pneumonia. Joe Rogan, a longtime Askren backer, questioned the wisdom of the comeback, citing the immunosuppressant drugs Askren must now take.

Why it matters: A remarkable recovery story, but one that carries real medical risk for a fighter still early in life after major transplant surgery.

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.

Adesanya splits from City Kickboxing after 16 years

Israel Adesanya announced he has left City Kickboxing and head coach Eugene Bareman, the only camp of his professional career, with the split effective May 20. The 36-year-old former middleweight champion has lost four straight and five of his last six, most recently a second-round TKO to Joe Pyfer in the UFC Seattle headliner in March. Adesanya said he needs focused, individual training rather than competing for coaching attention in a stacked gym, and praised CKB while insisting the move was 'a long time coming.'

Why it matters: A late-career coaching change for one of the division's all-time greats signals how deep his slump has become, and where he lands next will shape whether he has anything left for one more run.

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.

Pimblett and Saint-Denis meet for lightweight position in co-main

Paddy Pimblett (23-4) faces Benoit Saint-Denis in the UFC 329 co-main event, a top-five lightweight bout in his first outing since losing an interim-title war to now-undisputed champ Justin Gaethje at UFC 324. Saint-Denis, riding four straight finishes including a 16-second KO of Beneil Dariush, dismissed fan concern over a foot scab as staph and insisted he is healthy. Pimblett wants his No. 5 ranking back and used the buildup to blast Arman Tsarukyan for chasing a title shot while wrestling in RAF instead of fighting in the Octagon, saying he 'beat an absolute bum' and needs to 'stop tickling people.'

Why it matters: The winner slots directly back into a Gaethje-headed title picture, and Pimblett's swipe at Tsarukyan crystallizes a real divisional debate: whether an inactive contender moonlighting in freestyle wrestling still deserves a lightweight shot.

Gable Steveson debuts as biggest betting favorite in UFC history

Olympic gold medalist and two-time NCAA heavyweight champion Gable Steveson (3-0, all first-round KOs) makes his UFC debut against Elisha Ellison on the UFC 329 prelims, opening as high as -4000 — described as the biggest favorite in promotional history. Steveson vowed to beat Ellison 'in the worst way possible' and credited coach Jon Jones, who has a one-third say in his camp at Jackson Wink. He also floated an eventual heavyweight collision with training partner Josh Hokit, whom he expects to drop to 205.

Why it matters: A wide-open heavyweight division badly needs new blood, and the UFC is betting heavily that an elite wrestling pedigree plus Jon Jones's tutelage can fast-track Steveson the way Hokit rose from the undercard to a White House main card.

Whittaker commits to light heavyweight, calls middleweight chapter closed

Former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker (26-9) debuts at 205 pounds against veteran Nikita Krylov on the UFC 329 prelims and says the move is permanent, calling the easier weight cut 'life-changing' after a rough two-fight skid to Reinier de Ridder and Khamzat Chimaev. Whittaker acknowledged the added danger — 'power is the ultimate equalizer' at 205 — but believes his skills are champion-level. Krylov, a natural light heavyweight, predicts the move flops like Israel Adesanya's and Chris Weidman's rather than following Alex Pereira's blueprint.

Why it matters: One of the division's most accomplished names is starting over at 205 at 35, joining a growing migration of ex-middleweights; how he fares against a rangy, durable spoiler sets the ceiling on his final run.

Garbrandt uses UFC 329 week to press promotion on fighter care

Former bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt, 35, who faces Adrian Yanez on the UFC 329 prelims, called on the promotion to do more for fighters transitioning to retirement — pointing to the lack of healthcare, insurance and retirement plans for athletes classified as independent contractors. He cited Dustin Poirier, who retired last year and was recently arrested for alleged public drunkenness, defending him against media ridicule and saying many fighters struggle without the structure and income the sport provides.

Why it matters: Fighter pay and post-career support remain the sport's most persistent structural fault line, and a former champ raising it during the year's biggest fight week keeps the issue in front of fans and the promotion.

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.

Pimblett eyes McGregor at MSG as he meets Saint-Denis in co-main

Paddy Pimblett (23-4) looks to rebound from his UFC 324 interim-title loss to Justin Gaethje against surging Benoit Saint-Denis (17-3), who rides a four-fight finishing streak, in the UFC 329 co-main event. Pimblett dismissed the Frenchman's chin and cardio — 'Justin Gaethje's a completely different animal' — and predicts a finish inside two rounds. He's already campaigning for a McGregor fight at Madison Square Garden if both win, while coach Firas Zahabi argued the BSD scrap is too good not to have been a five-round main event of its own.

Why it matters: The winner is one fight from a Gaethje title shot, but Pimblett is openly angling for a McGregor money fight instead — a reminder that at 155 the marketable name often trumps the rankings.

Strickland apologizes to Poirier after mocking his depression

Sean Strickland drew heavy backlash for dismissing Dustin Poirier's admission of depression following Poirier's July 4-weekend arrest for public intoxication at an Atlanta airport, saying a rich, successful man has no right to be depressed. After speaking with Poirier, the middleweight walked it back: 'I spoke to Dustin and he is legitimately messed up by his actions... I repent and I am sorry.' Strickland also urged sponsor Bud Light not to drop the retired former interim champion.

Why it matters: A rare public apology from Strickland, and a window into Poirier's post-retirement struggles — who has said he remains under UFC contract and would be open to a McGregor fight.

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.

Poirier addresses airport arrest, opens up on depression and a possible return

Dustin Poirier gave his first interview since his June 21 arrest for public drunkenness at the Atlanta airport, where body-cam footage showed him threatening a police officer. Poirier apologized to airport staff and police, said he still refuses to watch the video, and disclosed a long battle with depression tied to his alcoholic, now-homeless father, adding that the arrest has already cost him sponsorships. He also revealed that brain scarring and behavioral changes flagged by his wife and neurologists factored into his 2025 retirement, yet said he remains under UFC contract and would return for the right fight — naming a fourth bout with McGregor or a long-sought clash with Nate Diaz. Sean Strickland drew backlash by telling Poirier he is 'not allowed to be depressed.'

Why it matters: One of the era's most respected lightweights airing a public reckoning with mental health, CTE fears and a possible comeback is a sobering counterweight to fight-week hype — and Strickland's response reopened the sport's uglier debate around it.

Vera faces Jourdain at UFC 331 with his roster spot on the line

No. 10 bantamweight Marlon Vera meets Charles Jourdain at UFC 331 on Sept. 19, per Vera's management. Vera (23-12-1) is on a four-fight losing streak — all decisions, to Sean O'Malley, Deiveson Figueiredo, Aiemann Zahabi and David Martinez — and hasn't won since UFC 292 in 2023. Jourdain (18-8-1) has won all three of his fights since dropping to bantamweight, earning bonuses in each, and a win would push him into the divisional top 15. UFC 331 is rumored for the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.

Why it matters: It's a genuine crossroads bout: a former title challenger fighting to keep his ranking against a surging contender trying to break in, with real stakes for both at 135.

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.

Herb Dean officiating draws mounting fighter criticism after Pereira loss

Charles Oliveira became the latest fighter to question referee Herb Dean, saying Dean should have stepped in over illegal back-of-the-head shots during Ciryl Gane's TKO of Alex Pereira at UFC White House, though Oliveira stopped short of Pereira's call to bar Dean from his fights. Henry Cejudo called the idea of Dean as the officiating gold standard a 'joke,' also citing Dean's non-action in the Michel Pereira–Shara Magomedov bout in Baku. Veteran referee John McCarthy defended Dean while arguing Pereira's continued social-media campaign is damaging his own stoic image.

Why it matters: A wave of high-profile complaints is turning individual controversies into a broader accountability debate for UFC officiating and the commissions that oversee it.

Poirier opens up on airport arrest and father's homelessness

Retired former interim champion Dustin Poirier addressed his June 21 arrest for public intoxication after being removed from a flight in Atlanta on Father's Day. In a lengthy interview, Poirier revealed his father is an alcoholic currently homeless, and said dwelling on that situation led him to drink at the airport during a bout of depression. He said he has returned to therapy and acknowledged he 'knew better in the moment.'

Why it matters: A candid look at a beloved recently retired star's mental-health struggles, a reminder that life after fighting can be its own fight.

Denver Post profiles Gaethje's improbable climb to undisputed gold

A long-form feature traces Justin Gaethje's path from an Arizona mining town and a copper-mine summer to becoming undisputed UFC lightweight champion by upsetting Ilia Topuria at the White House as roughly a 6-1 underdog. Gaethje, 37, has been an underdog in 12 of his 16 UFC fights and detailed how coach Trevor Wittman and his team refined his car-crash style into a smarter, spot-fighting approach after early losses. Gaethje says he is torn on retirement but currently plans to fight again.

Why it matters: The reigning lightweight champion's next move — defend or retire — hangs over a division stacked with Topuria, Pimblett and Saint Denis.

Gaethje cashes in: Oval Office visit and a $3.6 million sponsorship

New lightweight champion Justin Gaethje returned to the White House, this time as a guest, meeting President Trump with his parents weeks after his fifth-round stoppage of Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250. Manager Ali Abdelaziz says Gaethje has since signed a $3.6 million sponsorship deal, crediting 'the White House effect.' Gaethje has argued he should be compensated for what he's already done rather than pushed straight back into a title defense he's in no rush to book.

Why it matters: The upset over Topuria reshaped the lightweight division, and the commercial windfall complicates any timeline for Gaethje's first defense, which he's signaled won't come this year.

Whittaker defends his light heavyweight jump ahead of Krylov clash

Former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker moves up to 205 pounds for the first time at UFC 329, facing Nikita Krylov on July 11. At 6-foot, Whittaker will be one of the smallest light heavyweights on the roster and has drawn viral criticism over his size, but insists the cut to middleweight had become unsustainable and was affecting his performances. He says he's walking around 220-225 pounds and leaned up properly rather than simply eating more.

Why it matters: A former champion abandoning his division is a real inflection point; if the move works against a rugged veteran like Krylov, it opens a new chapter for one of the sport's best 185ers.

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.

Pimblett meets Saint Denis in UFC 329 co-main, waves off Topuria talk

Paddy Pimblett faces No. 5-ranked Benoit Saint Denis in the UFC 329 co-main event on July 11 as he looks to rebound from his January decision loss to Justin Gaethje. Pimblett brushed off a next fight with Ilia Topuria, saying the Spaniard's broken orbital from his Freedom 250 loss to Gaethje means he won't return in 2026, and repeatedly called Topuria a 'fat featherweight' who would be too small at 155. He acknowledged a Gaethje rematch is further off, likely requiring wins over Saint Denis and one more contender.

Why it matters: Saint Denis is a live, dangerous obstacle; the winner slots into a lightweight title picture reshaped by Gaethje's reign and Topuria's uncertain timeline.

Diego Lopes signals a move to lightweight after featherweight dead end

Two-time featherweight title challenger Diego Lopes says he wants his next fight at 155 pounds, citing a blocked path at 145 as long as Alexander Volkanovski reigns. Lopes, who has lost only to Volkanovski across his last nine fights and knocked out Steve Garcia at UFC White House, weighed in as the backup for Topuria–Gaethje to signal his intent. He named a Yair Rodriguez rematch as the one featherweight fight that still interests him, but said he'd pick lightweight if forced to choose.

Why it matters: A healthy Lopes at lightweight adds a dangerous name to an already loaded division and frees up the featherweight logjam behind Volkanovski.

Gaethje reflects on the long road to undisputed gold: 'I never really lost hope'

New undisputed lightweight champion Justin Gaethje told coach Trevor Wittman he never abandoned his title dream despite submission losses to Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira and the brutal Max Holloway knockout at UFC 300. Gaethje rebuilt with wins over Rafael Fiziev and Paddy Pimblett before upsetting Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250 at the White House, rallying from a near second-round finish. He capped the win with a cage backflip he'd previously sworn off after the third round.

Why it matters: Gaethje's climb reframes the 155-pound title picture, with a Charles Oliveira BMF-versus-belt superfight and an Arman Tsarukyan rematch both looming.

Shogun Rua and Glover Teixeira to finally meet — in a boxing ring

Former UFC light heavyweight champions Mauricio 'Shogun' Rua and Glover Teixeira will fight an eight-round hybrid boxing match in the main event of Spaten Fight Night 3 in Sao Paulo on Aug. 29, roughly 14 years after the UFC first floated the bout. Both around 45 and both having left the UFC on the same night in January 2023, they'll settle a matchup that never materialized in MMA. Shogun believes it will be his retirement fight but wouldn't confirm it.

Why it matters: A long-teased Brazilian legends fight lands on a fast-growing, Globo-televised platform, underscoring how post-UFC crossover cards are becoming real business for aging stars.

Strickland eyes eventual UFC title clash with PFL's Johnny Eblen

UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland, fresh off upsetting Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328, says a fight with training partner Johnny Eblen is 'inevitable,' predicting Eblen will win a PFL belt, sign with the UFC and get one fight before challenging him. Eblen is set to face Impa Kasanganay for an interim PFL title at PFL Austin on July 18 after Costello van Steenis withdrew injured. Meanwhile, Strickland's teammate Manel Kape brushed off a recent social-media spat with the champ, both training out of Xtreme Couture.

Why it matters: Cross-promotional title talk remains hypothetical, but Eblen's PFL trajectory and Strickland's endorsement make it one of the more plausible UFC-PFL bridges being discussed.

Garry vows four rounds of domination before finishing Makhachev at UFC 330

Welterweight challenger Ian Machado Garry (17-1) says he wants no early knockout of Islam Makhachev at UFC 330 on Aug. 15 in Philadelphia, instead predicting a fourth-round finish so there are no excuses. Makhachev (28-1) is tied with Anderson Silva for the longest win streak in UFC history at 16 and would break the record with a win. Jon Jones and Georges St-Pierre both backed the champion's grappling edge, with GSP floating an eventual move to middleweight in pursuit of a three-division milestone no fighter has reached.

Why it matters: The main event pits pound-for-pound king against a rising striker, and Makhachev is one win from standing alone atop the UFC's all-time streak list.

Topuria surfaces in public for first time since Gaethje beatdown

Ilia Topuria (17-1) made his first public appearance roughly two weeks after his corner-stoppage TKO loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250, which cost him the lightweight title and cost him orbital fractures and a broken nose. Photos show swelling and bruising largely healed, though he wore sunglasses over the injured eye. He is under a 180-day medical suspension and isn't expected back before 2027. Merab Dvalishvili argued Topuria fought effectively blind after eye pokes, while Bryce Mitchell said pride, not a lack of ability, undid him.

Why it matters: One of the sport's biggest stars had his aura punctured, and the eye-poke controversy adds fuel to a rematch Topuria has already promised to chase.

Peers rally around Poirier after post-retirement arrest

Following Dustin Poirier's arrest for public drunkenness after an altercation at Atlanta's airport, the retired interim lightweight champion admitted he's struggling and needs help. Matt Brown urged fans not to let one night define Poirier and offered advice on adjusting to life after fighting, while American Top Team's Dalton Rosta suggested CTE could be a factor and cautioned against piling on. Poirier posted that he is working on himself.

Why it matters: A beloved veteran's public struggle reopens the conversation about fighter mental health and the difficult transition out of the sport.

Dern to defend strawweight title against Robertson at UFC 330, not Zhang Weili

Mackenzie Dern's first defense of the vacant 115-pound title she won at UFC 321 will come against No. 4 Gillian Robertson in the UFC 330 co-main on Aug. 15 in Philadelphia, not the long-anticipated bout with Zhang Weili. Dern said she doesn't know why the Zhang fight fell through, citing scrapped talk of Macau, the White House and New Jersey, but says she wasn't disappointed. The grappling matchup pits Dern against the UFC's all-time women's submission leader, and Dern is openly gunning for a finish.

Why it matters: Robertson is a deserving contender, but until Dern beats Zhang the 'real champion' question hangs over a divided strawweight division — and the promotion's continued interest in dates suggests Zhang remains in the title picture.

Poirier addresses airport arrest: 'I need some help'

Retired former interim lightweight champion Dustin Poirier was arrested for misdemeanor public drunkenness at Atlanta's airport after being denied boarding a Delta flight, with bodycam footage showing him challenging an officer to a fight. Poirier, 37, owned the incident in an Instagram statement, saying retirement has been hard and that alcohol 'isn't the answer,' adding it 'ruined my father's life and I will not allow it to ruin mine.' Jon Jones publicly urged Poirier to forgive himself.

Why it matters: One of the sport's most respected fighters speaking candidly about post-retirement struggle and drinking is a reminder of how rough the transition out of competition can be.

Usyk floats Jon Jones for boxing 'last dance'

Having vacated his IBA, WBC and WBA heavyweight titles, Oleksandr Usyk wants one final crossover bout — and adviser Sergey Lapin told The Ring that Jon Jones and Deontay Wilder are the names under consideration for a U.S. date later this year. Jones, who retired as UFC heavyweight champion and asked for his release after being left off the White House card, has openly mused about a move to boxing. He has no professional boxing experience.

Why it matters: It's speculative, but a Usyk-Jones spectacle would be the biggest combat-sports crossover since McGregor-Mayweather — and a clean exit for a still-contracted Jones from the UFC.

Cyborg calls PFL Tampa her last contracted fight — but leaves the door open

Cris Cyborg (29-2, 1 NC) faces former UFC contender Ketlen Vieira for the PFL women's featherweight title on Aug. 22 in Tampa, billed as a retirement bout and her shot at a 30th pro win — a milestone no woman in a major promotion has reached. The 40-year-old says it's the final fight on her contract but wants to weigh boxing, where she holds a WIBA belt and still covets a WBC title, plus possible MVP MMA bouts before deciding.

Why it matters: Cyborg chasing 30 wins and a boxing crown keeps one of women's MMA's all-time greats relevant beyond the cage and gives PFL a marquee summer headliner.

Fiziev spinning-kicks Torres into oblivion to headline UFC Baku

Rafael Fiziev knocked out Manuel Torres 15 seconds into the second round of the UFC Baku main event with a spinning wheel kick and follow-up punches, his first KO since 2022 and a badly needed win after losing four of his previous five. Fiziev revealed his vision was doubled from a late first-round jab and threw the blind spinning kick on instinct, and he credited Justin Gaethje's upset of Ilia Topuria for restoring his confidence. He's now angling for a BMF title shot against Charles Oliveira, a fight that fell through in 2024 when Fiziev withdrew injured.

Why it matters: A genuine resurrection for a once-hyped lightweight who looked finished, and it sets up a marketable veteran scrap with Oliveira in a stacked 155-pound division.

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.

Yakhyaev sleeps Walker in 8 seconds after Walker predicted the same fate

Light heavyweight prospect Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev floored Julius Walker with his first punch and finished him in eight seconds at UFC Baku, the seventh-fastest knockout in UFC history and second-quickest at 205. The cruel irony: days earlier Walker had described his 'perfect' outcome as a one-punch first-strike KO. Walker, now 1-3 in the UFC on a two-fight skid, posted a reflective statement, while the unbeaten Yakhyaev (10-0) collected a $100,000 bonus and called for a top-10 opponent.

Why it matters: Yakhyaev is fast becoming one of the division's most dangerous finishers, with three straight first-round stoppages to open his UFC run.

Yakhyaev sparks Walker in eight seconds — after Walker predicted exactly that

Undefeated light heavyweight prospect Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev moved to 10-0 (3-0 UFC) by knocking out Julius Walker with the first punch he threw, an overhand right counter that ended things in eight seconds — the seventh-fastest finish in UFC history and second-fastest at 205 pounds. The cruel twist: days earlier Walker had told an interviewer his 'perfect world' outcome was a first-punch knockout. Yakhyaev took home a $100,000 bonus; Walker (7-3, 1-3 UFC) is now on his first two-fight losing streak.

Why it matters: Light heavyweight is starved for young talent, so a 25-year-old finishing machine going 3-0 with this kind of highlight is a genuinely meaningful addition to a thin division.

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.

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.

Usyk vacates all three heavyweight titles, eyes 'last dance'

Unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk (25-0) announced he is relinquishing his WBA, IBF and WBC belts, opening the division after his controversial stoppage win over kickboxer Rico Verhoeven in May. The 39-year-old says he isn't retiring and wants one final bout. The vacancies set up a scramble, with Agit Kabayel in line for the WBC, Murat Gassiev for the WBA, and Frank Sanchez positioned for the genuinely open IBF strap.

Why it matters: A crossover figure who beat Fury, Joshua and Dubois walking away from the belts reshapes heavyweight boxing overnight — and his recent novelty bout against a kickboxer underscores how blurred the combat-sports lines have become.

Cris Cyborg sets retirement fight vs. Vieira at PFL Tampa

PFL women's featherweight champion Cris Cyborg (29-2) will close out her career on Aug. 22, headlining PFL Tampa against former UFC title challenger Ketlen Vieira (16-5), who makes her PFL debut with the belt on the line. A champion in every major promotion she's fought for, Cyborg has not lost since 2018. The card airs on ESPN.

Why it matters: One of the most accomplished fighters in women's MMA history gets a title-fight sendoff, while Vieira has a chance to spoil the farewell and capture featherweight gold in her first PFL outing.

Joe Lauzon signs with BKFC for Fenway Park debut

Longtime UFC lightweight Joe Lauzon (28-15), a 27-fight veteran and one of the promotion's all-time bonus leaders, has signed a multi-fight deal with BKFC and will debut at BKFC 92 on Aug. 29 at Fenway Park in Boston. The 42-year-old Massachusetts native hasn't competed since a 2019 TKO of Jonathan Pearce; his opponent is yet to be named. The card is headlined by featherweight champ Kai Stewart defending against Harry Gigliotti.

Why it matters: A submission-first grappler with a near-seven-year layoff switching to bare-knuckle is a curious fit, but the hometown draw at an iconic venue is exactly the nostalgia play BKFC trades on.

Topuria's first loss draws strong reactions from peers

Two weeks after Justin Gaethje stopped Ilia Topuria to take the lightweight title at UFC Freedom 250, the fallout continues. Paddy Pimblett argued Topuria 'never comes back the same' having only ever been 'the hammer, never the nail,' and offered to be his first fight back. Merab Dvalishvili said he's 'heartbroken' and hasn't slept, claiming Gaethje may have used illegal eye tactics, while Baku headliner Manuel Torres said the title changing hands will 'make the division flow.'

Why it matters: How Topuria responds to the first defeat of his career will define the lightweight division's near future — and the chorus of opinions shows how much his aura of invincibility shaped it.

Aspinall back in full training, in talks for Gane unification rematch

Tom Aspinall (15-3) announced he is back in full training for the first time since October's UFC 321 no-contest, where repeated eye pokes from Ciryl Gane left him with double vision and required surgery on both eyes. He says his team is in talks with the UFC and referenced a 12-week camp, hinting at a return window around September. Gane holds the interim title after knocking out Alex Pereira at the White House event and has called for the unification bout; UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi is floated as a likelier landing spot than the non-PPV UFC Paris card.

Why it matters: This is the fight that unfreezes a heavyweight division stuck in limbo for most of a year. The wrinkle is Aspinall's new advisor Eddie Hearn, who has publicly urged him not to take the rematch under his current UFC deal.

Strickland targets December for first middleweight title defense

Sean Strickland says he's eyeing a December return for the first defense of his second middleweight reign, which would make a third fight in 2026 after beating Anthony Hernandez and dethroning Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328. Strickland fought Chimaev through a torn shoulder that still needs to heal. Chimaev has accused him of 'running' from a rematch, while Nassourdine Imavov also waits on a title shot.

Why it matters: A December timeline pushes any Chimaev rematch or Imavov shot to year's end, leaving the 185-pound title picture in a holding pattern through the fall.

Topuria's camp eyes December return after first career loss

Ilia Topuria's physical trainer Jesus Gallo says the former two-division champion has recovered remarkably from the two broken orbital bones suffered in his fourth-round TKO loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250, projecting a possible comeback in December. Teammate Merab Dvalishvili argued Topuria was effectively fighting blind and was also affected by an eye poke, while former opponent Bryce Mitchell suggested Topuria would be better off returning to featherweight.

Why it matters: How and where Topuria rebuilds — at 155 or back at 145 — shapes two divisions, and the talk of his vision issues keeps the manner of Gaethje's upset in dispute.

Gaethje is the lone MMA fighter nominated for 2026 ESPY

Fresh off becoming undisputed lightweight champion by stopping Ilia Topuria, Justin Gaethje is the only MMA representative among the four 'Best Fighter' nominees at the 2026 ESPYs, which merged the previously separate MMA and boxing categories. He's up against boxers Terence Crawford, Claressa Shields and Gabriela Fundora, with the ceremony set for July 15 on ABC.

Why it matters: Consolidating the MMA award into a single combat-sports category dilutes the sport's recognition, leaving Gaethje to carry the banner against three decorated boxers.

Poirier admits he needs help after volatile airport arrest

Bodycam footage released by Atlanta police showed retired former interim lightweight champion Dustin Poirier in an aggressive, profane confrontation with officers after being denied boarding a Delta flight on June 21; he was charged with public intoxication. Poirier, who retired after losing to Max Holloway at UFC 318 in July 2025, issued a statement saying 'I'm at the point where I need some help' and that 'alcohol isn't the answer,' adding it 'ruined my father's life.' Peers reacted across the spectrum, with King Green defending him and longtime rival Colby Covington mocking him.

Why it matters: One of the sport's most respected fighters publicly acknowledging a post-retirement struggle puts a spotlight on the well-documented difficulty MMA fighters face when they stop competing.

Pimblett, Rogan split on whether Topuria recovers from first loss

The fallout from Ilia Topuria's stoppage loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250 continues, with Topuria sidelined by reported broken orbital bones and a broken nose. Paddy Pimblett, who faces Benoit Saint-Denis at UFC 329 on July 11, argued Topuria has 'never been the nail' and won't come back the same. Sean O'Malley and Joe Rogan disagreed, with Rogan predicting Topuria returns 'better than ever' because a first loss teaches humility. O'Malley's coach Tim Welch noted Topuria has lost his aura of invincibility.

Why it matters: How Topuria responds will define the upper reaches of two divisions, with a drop back to featherweight or a lightweight rebuild both on the table.

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.

Volkanovski and Rogan back Pereira's back-of-the-head complaint against Gane

The controversy from Ciryl Gane's second-round TKO of Alex Pereira for the interim heavyweight title at UFC Freedom 250 keeps growing. Reviewing the sequence, Alexander Volkanovski said he counted more than 10 illegal back-of-the-head shots and faulted referee Herb Dean for never warning Gane during the finishing flurry. Joe Rogan agreed a couple of shots clearly landed illegally but attributed most to the movement and chaos of the scramble rather than intent. Pereira, who has floated retirement and an appeal, has since backed off the appeal while his future stays uncertain.

Why it matters: Gane is now set for a unification rematch with Tom Aspinall, so whether the title-winning finish was tainted feeds directly into how the heavyweight picture is judged — and revives the long-running officiating debate around Dean.

Dustin Poirier admits he needs help after airport arrest video surfaces

Atlanta police released body-cam footage of Dustin Poirier's Father's Day arrest at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, showing the retired former interim lightweight champion, removed from a Delta flight, cursing at gate agents and threatening to fight a responding officer before submitting to arrest on a public intoxication charge. He was booked into Clayton County Jail and bonded out hours later. In an Instagram statement, Poirier wrote, 'I'm at the point where I need some help,' saying alcohol 'isn't the answer' and that walking away from fighting hasn't been easy.

Why it matters: One of the most respected fighters of his era openly struggling in retirement is a sobering reminder of the post-career void the sport rarely addresses.

Back-of-the-head controversy spreads as Pereira teases retirement, Fili protests loss

The officiating fallout from the White House card widened. Alex Pereira, who lost his interim heavyweight bid to Ciryl Gane and has accused referee Herb Dean of allowing illegal shots to the back of his head, wrote he's 'afraid to go back to fighting' and feels he's 'already done my part,' hinting at retirement and calling for the UFC to part with Dean. Days later, featherweight Andre Fili lodged the same complaint after his UFC Vegas 119 TKO loss to Vinicius Oliveira, posting photos of a bloodied scalp and arguing an illegal elbow ended the fight before the bell. Dana White has publicly sided with Pereira's grievance.

Why it matters: Two illegal-blow complaints in two weeks, plus a champion-caliber name flirting with walking away, turn a one-off gripe into a real officiating-standards problem the UFC can't keep waving off.

Dustin Poirier arrested for public drunkenness in Georgia

Retired former interim lightweight champion Dustin Poirier was arrested in Georgia on Sunday and booked on a misdemeanor public-drunkenness charge, released after roughly three hours and appearing in court Monday morning. Details of the incident remain unclear, though Ben Askren claimed Poirier was 'having a good time' and wrestling people at the Atlanta airport. Poirier, 30-10 (1 NC) and retired since his July 2025 loss to Max Holloway at UFC 318, posted only: 'Love you all. I'm working on myself.'

Why it matters: One of the most beloved fighters of his era stumbling shortly into retirement is a reminder of how hard the post-career transition can be, even for a fighter who walked away on his own terms.

Gaethje rules out retirement, refuses Topuria rematch, wants equity

A week after his fourth-round TKO of Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250 made him undisputed lightweight champion, Justin Gaethje told the JRE MMA Show he plans to keep fighting. He flatly rejected an immediate Topuria rematch — "He quit on the stool. He quit twice" — and suggested 'El Matador' face Paddy Pimblett first, comparing the win to how he derailed Tony Ferguson at UFC 249. Gaethje also pushed for greater purses and an equity stake in the company. Separately, he turned down a truck that Arman Tsarukyan, who won $5.7 million betting on the upset, offered as a thank-you — prompting an irritated Tsarukyan to vow to "whoop" him.

Why it matters: The new champ shutting the door on a Topuria rematch points his first defense toward Tsarukyan or the McGregor-Holloway winner, and his equity push revives the sport's fighter-pay fight.