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Matchups & bookings

239 stories on this topic, newest first.

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.

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.

Maycee Barber returns from brutal Grasso KO against streaking Judice at UFC 335

The UFC added Barber (15-3) vs. Carli Judice (7-2) at women's flyweight to UFC 335 on Dec. 12 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. It's Barber's first fight since Alexa Grasso knocked her cold in March, ending a seven-fight win streak, and she faces a dangerous Judice riding four straight wins and three post-fight bonuses. The card also added DWCS signing Quentin Pasley (4-0), whom Dana White compared to a young Jon Jones, against Junior Tafa at light heavyweight.

Why it matters: A win keeps the No. 8-ranked Barber in the flyweight title mix under new champion Natalia Silva; a loss to a hot prospect could stall her comeback for good.

Anthony Pettis books boxing return against Jake Paul's Neeraj Goyat in India

Former UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis will box MVP-signed Neeraj Goyat (21-4-2) in a six-round super welterweight bout on Jan. 23, 2027, headlining what's billed as the biggest boxing card in Indian history. The event is co-promoted by Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions, with Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam or Chennai in the running to host. Pettis, 1-1 as a pro boxer, says the fight is personal revenge for brother Sergio's 2025 loss in India; he also wrestles Donald Cerrone at RAF 15 on Nov. 28.

Why it matters: Another UFC name takes the money and exposure outside the Octagon, with MVP using a recognizable ex-champ to plant its flag in a new market.

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.

Makhachev-Prates targeted to headline UFC 336 in Toronto on Jan. 30

Welterweight champion Islam Makhachev's second title defense is reportedly set against surging contender Carlos Prates, with reporter Álvaro Colmenero saying the fight is expected to top UFC 336 on Jan. 30 in Toronto. Makhachev took the 170-pound belt from Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 and defended it against Ian Machado Garry in August; Prates has won three straight, including a knockout of Della Maddalena. Makhachev had said he wants to fight before Ramadan begins in early February.

Why it matters: It would line up the pound-for-pound king against a feared knockout artist and set the UFC's first numbered card of 2027.

Procházka vs. Stirling headlines UFC's Doha return on Nov. 21

The UFC made official a Nov. 21 card at Doha's ABHA Arena headlined by No. 2 light heavyweight Jiří Procházka against undefeated No. 5 Navajo Stirling, who has stopped all three opponents in 2026, most recently finishing Jan Błachowicz in the first round. Ex-bantamweight champ Aljamain Sterling meets red-hot Kevin Vallejos in the featherweight co-main, with Dan Hooker-Brian Ortega and Jared Cannonier-Ikram Aliskerov also on the bill.

Why it matters: The winner likely positions himself for champion Carlos Ulberg, out until 2027 with a knee injury — and a Stirling win would bag a second former champion in a row.

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.

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.

UFC books Oliveira-Lopes BMF for UFC 335 as Strickland digs in

With champion Sean Strickland declaring he 'will not fight or sign any contract' until his pay dispute is resolved, the UFC pivoted its UFC 335 headliner (Dec. 12) to a Charles Oliveira vs. Diego Lopes BMF title bout. A planned Strickland title defense against Nassourdine Imavov is on hold. A new report confirmed Strickland signed a six-fight deal and earned over $1 million for his UFC 328 win over Khamzat Chimaev, complicating his public push for more money. Jorge Masvidal publicly urged the promotion to pay him.

Why it matters: The middleweight title scene is frozen, and the UFC is signaling it will build cards around other stars rather than meet its champion's demands.

Pereira mocks Gane-Hokit UFC 334 billing; Hokit fires back

Alex Pereira used his Instagram to argue the Kayla Harrison–Amanda Nunes bantamweight title fight, not Ciryl Gane's heavyweight defense against Josh Hokit, should headline UFC 334 at Madison Square Garden on Nov. 14 — offering to 'help promote' a card 'no one is paying attention to.' Hokit answered with a string of insults and a prediction that Sergei Pavlovich will finish Pereira when they meet in the UFC 335 co-main on Dec. 12. Pereira lost to Gane at the White House in June and is angling back toward a heavyweight title shot.

Why it matters: It's mostly needling, but it spotlights the UFC's shaky sell on a Hokit title shot many feel is unearned, and keeps Pereira positioned for the Gane rematch he wants.

Allen vs. Duncan headlines UFC Vegas 122 with the middleweight top 10 in flux

No. 4 middleweight Brendan Allen meets red-hot Christian Leroy Duncan in Saturday's UFC Vegas 122 main event at the Meta APEX, a five-round bout both men frame as a step toward the title picture. Duncan, riding a five-fight win streak after beating Roman Dolidze and Jared Cannonier, says a dominant finish could leapfrog him past Nassourdine Imavov or land a fight with former champ Dricus du Plessis. Allen, who took the matchup after higher-ranked opponents declined, vows to drag the striker into deep water: 'He better hope he catches me early.' The card also features Matheus Camilo vs. Jai Herbert and likely last stands for veterans Niko Price and Gerald Meerschaert.

Why it matters: With Strickland threatening to vacate and Imavov waiting on a shot, a statement here could reshuffle a middleweight contender picture already in limbo.

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.

Cerrone vs. Pettis 3 booked — as a wrestling match at RAF 15

Real American Freestyle announced Donald Cerrone vs. Anthony Pettis, a grappling-only match at RAF 15 on Nov. 28 at NOW Arena near Chicago, with both former UFC fighters making their promotional debuts. It's a third meeting between the pair: Pettis won both MMA bouts, a 2013 first-round KO and a 2020 decision at UFC 249. Cerrone, 43, hasn't competed since his submission loss to Jim Miller at UFC 276 in 2022.

Why it matters: RAF keeps stacking its cards with recognizable UFC names, and this one coaxes Hall-of-Famer Cerrone back into competition four years after retirement — on the mats rather than in the cage.

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.

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.

Morales targets January return and a title shot, tells Garry he's an afterthought

Michael Morales (19-0, 7-0 UFC) released a video putting the welterweight division on notice, calling out champion Islam Makhachev, Carlos Prates and Shavkat Rakhmonov — and saving a blunt “F*ck you, Ian Garry” for last. Morales said his next fight is set for January against an unnamed “very tough opponent” that is neither Prates nor Garry, with a title shot targeted for June. Garry, fresh off a decision loss to Makhachev at UFC 330 in August, fired back that he already accepted a main-event date against Morales and accused the Ecuadorian of making excuses behind the scenes. Prates, who knocked out Jack Della Maddalena in May, remains the frontrunner for the next crack at Makhachev.

Why it matters: With Makhachev ruling a stacked division, the Prates–Morales–Rakhmonov–Garry tangle will decide the early-2027 title picture — and nearly a year of inactivity may have cost Morales his place in line.

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.

Talbott torches Figueiredo in a round, points at O'Malley

Payton Talbott (12-1) dropped Deiveson Figueiredo with a straight right in the first seconds and never let up, forcing a TKO stoppage at 2:09 of round one in the co-main event. It is Talbott's second straight win over a former champion following his decision over Henry Cejudo. He called out Sean O'Malley afterward, though O'Malley is angling for a title shot tied to the Petr Yan-Merab Dvalishvili trilogy bout on Nov. 24.

Why it matters: Talbott has forced his way into the bantamweight title conversation; an O'Malley fight would pit two of the division's best strikers, but O'Malley has no incentive to take it unless Dvalishvili wins the belt back.

UFC 335 set: Oliveira defends BMF belt vs. Lopes, Pereira back at heavyweight

The UFC announced its Dec. 12 year-ender at T-Mobile Arena during the UFC 332 broadcast. Charles Oliveira makes his first BMF title defense against Diego Lopes, who moves up to lightweight for the first time. Alex Pereira returns from his loss to Ciryl Gane to face knockout artist Sergei Pavlovich in a five-round heavyweight co-main, with Bo Nickal meeting No. 4 middleweight Joe Pyfer also on the card.

Why it matters: A loaded card gives 2026 a marquee close, and both Pereira and Pavlovich are fighting to re-enter a heavyweight title picture now anchored by champion Ciryl Gane.

Ribovics misses weight as UFC 332 faceoffs boil over

On the eve of UFC 332 in Salt Lake City, Esteban Ribovics was the card's lone miss, tipping the scale a pound over for his lightweight bout with 40-year-old King Green. The ceremonial weigh-ins turned heated when Wang Cong, in her trademark Joker makeup, taunted Natalia Silva ahead of their vacant women's flyweight title main event, forcing security in; co-main men Deiveson Figueiredo and Payton Talbott also had to be separated by Dana White. Silva rides a 14-fight win streak into a bout that crowns only the fourth champion in the division's history.

Why it matters: The flyweight belt has sat vacant since Valentina Shevchenko's injury withdrawal, and Saturday's winner inherits a division split between young risers and aging ex-champions.

White defends Hokit title shot, says Volkov's time will come

Speaking at UFC 332, Dana White defended handing Josh Hokit (4-0 in the UFC) a shot at heavyweight champion Ciryl Gane at UFC 334 on Nov. 14 at Madison Square Garden, rather than a rematch for Alex Pereira, arguing the controversial Gane-Pereira finish didn't demand one and that the UFC makes fights on merit. White also called No. 4 contender Alexander Volkov — whom he once admitted was robbed against Gane — stuck in 'no man's land,' but insisted Volkov will get his shot; Volkov meets Rizvan Kuniev at UFC 333.

Why it matters: With Tom Aspinall's vacated belt still reshaping the division, the UFC is betting on marketability over the queue — leaving established contenders like Volkov and Pereira waiting.

Iasmin Lucindo returns from doping ban as UFC 333 card grows

Former top-10 strawweight Iasmin Lucindo (18-6) returns from a nine-month suspension — for mesterolone her team blamed on a contaminated supplement, a finding CSAD's investigation backed — against Nicolle Caliari at UFC 333 on Oct. 24 in Abu Dhabi. The card also added Bolaji Oki, who drops to featherweight after two straight lightweight losses to meet Daniel Santos. The event is topped by Alexander Volkanovski defending the featherweight title against Movsar Evloev and Petr Yan's bantamweight trilogy with Merab Dvalishvili.

Why it matters: Lucindo was climbing toward a title shot before the flag; the step down against a fighter with one UFC win reflects how much ground she has to make up in a crowded 115-pound division.

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.

UFC 332 reshuffled on fight week: Romero steps in, Smith added

With Natalia Silva vs. Wang Cong for the vacant women's flyweight title headlining a Salt Lake City card many have branded the worst of 2026, the UFC reworked the lineup days out. Bernardo Sopaj withdrew injured, so UNF champ Anthony Romero (7-2) takes the Marcus McGhee fight on three days' notice at featherweight, while undefeated welterweight Jacobe Smith (12-0) was added against Bruce Whitehead, pushing Saturday's slate to 14 bouts.

Why it matters: A thin, heavily criticized numbered card gets even more makeshift — but Roberto Soldic's debut and Figueiredo-Talbott still give it a reason to watch.

Van targets Kape next as flyweight title feud ignites

Fresh off his UFC 331 decision over Alexandre Pantoja, flyweight champ Joshua Van publicly called out No. 1 contender Manel Kape, and the two spent Wednesday trading personal shots on X. Van, who is nursing a right shoulder injury, told Kape to start his weight cut now; Kape, on a four-fight streak that includes a June knockout of Kyoji Horiguchi, fired back with his now-familiar diaper taunts. Nothing is booked yet.

Why it matters: This is the fight the division has been pointing toward, and the champ's eagerness to call it out suggests the shoulder won't delay it for long.

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.

Prochazka vs. Stirling headlines stacked UFC Qatar on Nov. 21

The UFC revealed nine bouts for its Nov. 21 return to Doha's ABHA Arena, topped by a five-round light heavyweight main event between former champion Jiri Prochazka and undefeated Navajo Stirling (11-0), who is riding a six-fight UFC run and coming off a first-round KO of Jan Blachowicz. Aljamain Sterling faces rising featherweight Kevin Vallejos in the co-main, and Brian Ortega makes his lightweight debut against Dan Hooker. The card also features Jared Cannonier vs. Ikram Aliskerov, Kyoji Horiguchi vs. Asu Almabayev, and Aleksandre Topuria vs. Santiago Luna.

Why it matters: With champion Carlos Ulberg still sidelined by a leg injury, a Prochazka win over Stirling would scramble the 205-pound title picture — and a Stirling win would stamp a new contender. Tickets go on sale Oct. 9.

Chimaev vs. Covington finally booked — for RAF wrestling in Abu Dhabi

Real American Freestyle announced Khamzat Chimaev will challenge Colby Covington for the Cruiserweight Crossover title on Nov. 14 at Etihad Arena, settling a feud rooted in their UFC days. Chimaev, 3-0 in RAF, must first get past Robbie Lawler in Las Vegas on Oct. 23. Per MMA Mania, RAF first tried to book Covington against UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland for the Vegas card, but the two couldn't bridge a 10-pound gap — Strickland wanted 200, Covington wanted 190 — and Covington passed.

Why it matters: The promotion's freestyle-wrestling crossover keeps poaching UFC names for grudge matches the Octagon never delivered, giving fighters a lucrative side stage for their rivalries.

Susurkaev out at UFC 334, Cesar Almeida steps in vs. Donte Johnson

Undefeated middleweight prospect Baisangur Susurkaev (12-0) has withdrawn from his Nov. 14 UFC 334 bout with fellow unbeaten Donte Johnson (9-0) at Madison Square Garden for undisclosed reasons. Cesar Almeida (7-3) has agreed to replace him, per reports, though contracts aren't yet signed. Almeida is 3-3 in the UFC and coming off a first-round KO loss to Damian Pinas, while Johnson has won three straight in the Octagon.

Why it matters: A battle of two of the division's most-hyped unbeaten prospects becomes a much softer test for Johnson, who now faces a veteran on a skid instead of a résumé-making win.

ONE fast-tracks 2-0 Tye Ruotolo to lightweight title shot vs. Christian Lee

ONE Championship booked lightweight champion Christian Lee (18-4) to defend his belt against grappling star Tye Ruotolo on Nov. 6 at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, the promotion confirmed Monday. It is a steep jump for Ruotolo, who is just 2-0 in MMA — both wins by rear-naked choke — and will be fighting for a world title in only his third pro bout. Ruotolo submitted Lee's younger brother Adrian in his MMA debut last year and also holds ONE's welterweight submission-grappling championship.

Why it matters: ONE again promotes an elite grappler to a title shot largely on reputation; if Ruotolo can drag the two-division champ into his world it validates the crossover pipeline, and if not it exposes its limits.

Strickland names Imavov for first title defense at UFC 335 — pay the only holdup

Middleweight champion Sean Strickland says his first defense will be a rematch with Nassourdine Imavov, with only a pay deal left to finalize before it's official. The fight is expected to headline UFC 335 on Dec. 12 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, the promotion's last numbered card of the year. Strickland beat Imavov by decision at light heavyweight in 2023; since then Imavov has won five straight, including a stoppage of Israel Adesanya and a decision over Caio Borralho. Strickland, who took the belt back from Khamzat Chimaev in May, still took a shot at Imavov's drawing power.

Why it matters: It finally clears the year-long logjam at 185 pounds and hands the division's most deserving contender his shot — while Chimaev waits on the winner for his rematch.

Zaynukov denies UFC Qatar booking, rules himself out until 2027

Undefeated Makhachev teammate Magomed 'Chanko' Zaynukov (9-0) shot down reports linking him to a bout with Manoel Sousa at UFC Qatar on Nov. 21, saying he never signed a contract and won't fight again this year as he recovers from surgery on a lingering hand injury. He has resumed training but gave no return timeline. The Doha card is still going ahead; only Zaynukov's rumored spot on it is off.

Why it matters: A reminder to treat unconfirmed matchmaking reports with caution — and a setback for a hyped Dagestani prospect who impressed on debut in July.

ONE completes flyweight Muay Thai Grand Prix bracket with Ortikov rematch, Rodtang-Nong-O

ONE Championship set the final quarterfinals of its 2026 Flyweight Muay Thai World Grand Prix for The Inner Circle 39 on Nov. 20 at Lumpinee Stadium. Champion Asadula Imangazaliev (13-0) makes his first title defense in a rematch with Aslamjon Ortikov, who he narrowly beat by split decision for the vacant belt in June, with a semifinal berth also on the line. The bracket also revives the long-anticipated Rodtang vs. Nong-O clash as a quarterfinal, alongside Black Panther vs. undefeated Ubaid Hussain.

Why it matters: ONE is stacking its marquee striking division into a tournament with the belt embedded in the bracket, giving the flyweight Muay Thai title a clear, high-stakes throughline into 2027.

UFC 334 sets Gane-Hokit and Harrison-Nunes for MSG on Nov. 14

The UFC announced its full UFC 334 card for Nov. 14 at Madison Square Garden, with undisputed heavyweight champion Ciryl Gane (14-2, 1 NC) defending against undefeated No. 4 contender Josh Hokit (10-0) in the main event and bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison (19-1) meeting returning two-division great Amanda Nunes (23-5) in the co-main. The undercard adds Caio Borralho vs. Yousri Belgaroui, Uros Medic vs. Kevin Holland, Stephen Thompson vs. Charles Radtke and Jim Miller's 48th UFC appearance against Terrance McKinney. It is the promotion's first trip to the Garden since UFC 322 last November.

Why it matters: Two title fights on one card, and Harrison-Nunes puts the reigning 135-pound champ across from arguably the greatest woman in MMA history — a legacy bout that reshapes the division whatever the outcome.

PFL sets Chicago card, Carmouche-Bishop rematch for first women's flyweight title

PFL announced its full PFL Chicago lineup for Oct. 16 at Wintrust Arena, headlined by a rematch between 2025 tournament winner Liz Carmouche (26-8) and submission specialist Jena Bishop (11-3) for the promotion's inaugural women's flyweight world championship. In the co-main, undefeated 2024 featherweight champion Timur Khizriev (18-0) returns from injuries suffered in an armed attack to rematch Gabriel Braga, and former light heavyweight champ Emiliano Sordi is also back on the ESPN2 main card.

Why it matters: Carmouche, one-half of the UFC's first women's bout in 2013, can cap her PFL run with a first-ever belt, while Khizriev's return is a notable comeback for one of the league's few unbeaten champions.

UFC signs top unsigned bantamweight Asaf Chopurov, books him for UFC 333

The UFC has signed Azerbaijan's Asaf Chopurov, a 24-year-old widely considered the best bantamweight prospect outside the promotion. He's 11-0 as a pro with 10 finishes, went 34-1 as an amateur, and holds the UAE Warriors title. A training partner of champion Petr Yan, Chopurov is expected to debut Oct. 24 at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi against Colby Thicknesse (9-1), on the same card as Yan's title trilogy with Merab Dvalishvili.

Why it matters: It's a genuine talent add to a stacked 135-pound division, and pairing the debut with his training partner's title fight makes the UFC's investment in him obvious from day one.

Brandon Moreno books flyweight bout with Charles Johnson for UFC 335

Former flyweight champion Brandon Moreno is expected to face veteran Charles Johnson at UFC 335 on Dec. 12 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Moreno snapped a two-fight skid with a win over Joseph Morales at Noche UFC 3 in September and wanted one more bout before year's end. Johnson, 35, has alternated wins and losses over his last six.

Why it matters: It's a stay-busy bout to keep Moreno relevant at 125 with the title picture shifting under new champion Joshua Van, rather than a fast track back to contention.

Undefeated Jacobe Smith steps in on nine days' notice for UFC 332

Welterweight prospect Jacobe Smith (12-0) will fight Octagon newcomer Bruce Whitehead on nine days' notice at UFC 332 on Oct. 3 in Salt Lake City. Smith, a former NCAA wrestler, has finished his way up the division with wins over Josiah Harrell, Niko Price and Preston Parsons. Whitehead (8-2) steps in just 13 days after knocking out Ali Abouzalam at Fury FC 124.

Why it matters: Smith keeps one of the division's hottest unbeaten runs moving after a Kevin Holland fight fell through earlier this year, even if a short-notice newcomer is a low-reward assignment.

Robbie Lawler unretires to wrestle Chimaev at RAF 14

Real American Freestyle booked Khamzat Chimaev vs. Robbie Lawler in a catchweight wrestling match for RAF 14 on Oct. 23 at the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas. It marks the 44-year-old Hall of Famer's first competition since retiring from MMA in 2023, and a fourth RAF outing for Chimaev, who is 2-0 with pinfall wins over Dillon Danis and Tyron Woodley since losing his UFC middleweight title to Sean Strickland. The card is headlined by Arman Tsarukyan vs. Danis and features ex-UFC welterweight Michael 'Venom' Page against Alexander Shlemenko.

Why it matters: RAF keeps building cards on UFC nostalgia and grappling paydays; luring Lawler out of a three-year retirement shows how far the promotion will lean on name recognition over competitive stakes.

Rosas Jr. headlines UFC Vegas 121 with Perez-Dumont grudge on the prelims

UFC Vegas 121 lands Saturday at the Meta Apex, headlined by 21-year-old Raul Rosas Jr. (12-1) against 39-year-old spoiler Raoni Barcelos (22-5) in Rosas's first five-round main event — making him the youngest fighter ever to headline a UFC card. Buried on the prelims is the card's most heated bout: a genuine women's bantamweight title eliminator between No. 2 Norma Dumont and No. 4 Ailin Perez, a years-in-the-making grudge match, with Perez already angling for the Kayla Harrison–Amanda Nunes winner.

Why it matters: A thin card, but Rosas's step-up test against a proven hype-train wrecker and the Perez-Dumont winner both carry real divisional consequences at 135.

Tsarukyan cements title case, wonders if Gaethje would rather retire

Fresh off his first-round elbow knockout of Mauricio Ruffy, Arman Tsarukyan said the UFC told him both before and after UFC 331 that he's next for the lightweight title — but he questioned whether Justin Gaethje will actually fight him. Tsarukyan predicted the champ either retires, holds out for a big check, or picks an Ilia Topuria rematch he's already won. Israel Adesanya, meanwhile, handed Tsarukyan the blueprint: wrestle like Khabib did to submit Gaethje at UFC 254.

Why it matters: Gaethje, sidelined into 2027 with hand injuries, holds the leverage, and the logjam behind him — Topuria, Paddy Pimblett — keeps the 155-pound picture unsettled.

PFL books Habirora-El Dafrawy for its final Dubai card before the MVP merger

PFL added a ranked welterweight co-main event for its Nov. 14 show at Dubai's Coca-Cola Arena, pairing undefeated Belgian prospect Patrick Habirora (9-0) against former PFL MENA champion Omar El Dafrawy (16-6). Habirora has knocked out three straight former UFC fighters, including a 20-second finish of Benson Henderson in May. The card, PFL's last in Dubai before merging with Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions, is headlined by Vadim Nemkov's heavyweight title defense against Sergey Bilostenniy and also features Abubakar Nurmagomedov's return.

Why it matters: It's a real building block for one of the PFL's most dangerous young finishers, on the promotion's final Dubai date before a restructuring that reshapes its 2027 landscape.

Kape stakes his claim to Van: 'I'll make this fight look easy'

Manel Kape moved to the front of the flyweight title queue after Joshua Van's decision win over Alexandre Pantoja, promising to 'paint a masterpiece' against the champion and even joking he'll weigh 160 pounds by fight night. On a four-fight knockout streak, Kape opened as roughly a -200 favorite, making Van an underdog for a title defense that isn't yet booked. Daniel Cormier endorsed Kape as a genuine threat, noting he brings the one thing Van's recent grappling-heavy opponents lacked: one-punch power.

Why it matters: After surviving Taira and Pantoja, Van's next likely challenge is a pure striker who can end it in an instant — the first matchup where the champion isn't the sharpest hitter in the cage.

UFC 334 card set: Wonderboy's farewell, and Dana braces for Hokit

The UFC filled out its Nov. 14 Madison Square Garden lineup. Stephen Thompson will fight for the final time, meeting Charles Radtke on the prelims in a retirement bout, while Caio Borralho vs. Yousri Belgaroui and Kevin Holland vs. Uros Medic anchor a deep card beneath the Ciryl Gane–Josh Hokit and Kayla Harrison–Amanda Nunes title fights. Dana White admitted he 'f*cked up' by muddying Gane's promotion to undisputed champion, and made clear he's dreading the idea of the polarizing Hokit taking the belt: 'I literally don't f*cking like anything that Josh Hokit says.'

Why it matters: A Thompson send-off closes the book on one of welterweight's most stylish strikers, while Hokit — 4-0 and one win from a title White openly doesn't want him holding — is now the heavyweight division's wildcard.

Tsarukyan says Gaethje is ducking him — and Vegas agrees he's the problem

After brutally knocking out Mauricio Ruffy, Arman Tsarukyan pressed his lightweight title-shot case, accusing champion Justin Gaethje of avoiding him and predicting Gaethje will either chase an Ilia Topuria rematch or price himself out at '$15 million or I'm retired.' Tsarukyan, on a six-fight win streak and healthy enough to fight in December, said Gaethje must fight him or 'leave the title.' Oddsmakers opened him a massive -450 favorite over the champ.

Why it matters: Tsarukyan has cleared the division twice over yet keeps getting passed; whether the UFC rewards its clear No. 1 contender or the bigger-money Topuria rematch will define 155 pounds into 2027.

Tsarukyan elbow-KOs Ruffy, leaves no doubt as the No. 1 lightweight

Arman Tsarukyan knocked out Mauricio Ruffy with back-to-back elbows at 4:56 of round one in the UFC 331 co-main event, his sixth straight win. Ruffy's improved takedown defense frustrated Tsarukyan early before he mixed a level change into a fight-ending elbow. Tsarukyan demanded a shot at champion Justin Gaethje and later accused Gaethje of being 'scared' and ducking him.

Why it matters: Tsarukyan has done everything possible to force the next title shot, but Gaethje has said he won't fight until 2027 and Ilia Topuria is also cleared and lurking — so the booking is far from settled.

UFC 334 set for MSG: Gane-Hokit and Harrison-Nunes — and Gane is undisputed after all

The UFC announced UFC 334 for Nov. 14 at Madison Square Garden with two title fights: Ciryl Gane defends the heavyweight belt against unbeaten Josh Hokit (10-0), and Kayla Harrison makes her first bantamweight defense against Amanda Nunes, who returns for the first time since 2023. The broadcast also confirmed Gane as undisputed champion following Tom Aspinall's vacating of the belt, reversing Dana White's claim a day earlier that Gane still had to fight for it, which commentators blamed on White's hearing. White made clear he dislikes the outspoken Hokit but won't punish a winning fighter.

Why it matters: The elevation flips yesterday's 'Gane must earn it' stance and hands a title shot to a controversial contender even the boss can't stand, while Nunes' return against Harrison is one of the most anticipated women's fights ever.

Tsarukyan nearly scraps with Ruffy as UFC 331 makes weight

All 24 fighters hit their marks for UFC 331 in Los Angeles, headlined by Joshua Van's flyweight title defense against Alexandre Pantoja in their rematch. At Friday's ceremonial weigh-ins, Arman Tsarukyan again created a faceoff incident, walking into Mauricio Ruffy's outstretched fist and nearly triggering a scuffle before Dana White stepped in. The five-round co-main is billed as a lightweight title eliminator, with the winner in line for Justin Gaethje. Herb Dean drew the main-event refereeing assignment.

Why it matters: The Tsarukyan-Ruffy winner is positioned for a 2027 shot at Gaethje, but Tsarukyan's repeated faceoff antics keep testing the UFC's patience just as he angles back toward a title.

Kayla Harrison targets UFC 334 return against Nunes

Women's bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison is back in full training and targeting a Nov. 14 return at UFC 334 in New York, per American Top Team coach Anderson Franca. Harrison, 19-1, hasn't fought since beating Julianna Pena at UFC 316 in July 2025 and underwent emergency cervical spine surgery that forced her out of a UFC 324 bout with Amanda Nunes. The long-awaited Nunes superfight is expected to be rebooked as her first defense.

Why it matters: It restores one of the biggest women's fights in the sport and hands UFC 334 at Madison Square Garden a headliner after Aspinall's withdrawal gutted the card.

Volkanovski, Evloev square off as UFC 333 build opens

UFC 333 (Oct. 24, Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi) held its first press conference in Los Angeles. Featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski and undefeated challenger Movsar Evloev, who trained together years ago, were respectful and shook hands at their first faceoff. The co-main bantamweight title trilogy between champion Petr Yan and Merab Dvalishvili carried more edge, with each man holding a prior win over the other.

Why it matters: Two title fights anchor the UFC's Abu Dhabi return, and the unbeaten Evloev finally gets the featherweight shot he has waited years for.

Chimaev leaks Covington superfight as RAF 13 goes down tonight

At the RAF 13 press conference, Khamzat Chimaev appeared to accidentally confirm a wrestling match with Colby Covington at RAF's planned Abu Dhabi debut, saying "we're going to wrestle in Abu Dhabi" before catching himself with "maybe I announced that too early." It remains unofficial and hinges on Friday night's Miami card, where Covington defends his RAF cruiserweight crossover title against Belal Muhammad and Chimaev rematches Gilbert Burns more than four years after their UFC 273 war. Muhammad claims Covington has taken out a restraining order in anticipation of trouble; Luke Rockhold also faces UFC middleweight Joe Pyfer on the card.

Why it matters: A Chimaev-Covington bout would be the biggest draw in RAF's short history, and it underscores how top UFC names increasingly use the wrestling promotion to stay active and paid while the UFC stalls on matchmaking.

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.

Tsarukyan calls a Ruffy win a guaranteed title shot: '100 percent'

The UFC 331 co-main is a five-round lightweight bout between Arman Tsarukyan and Mauricio Ruffy, widely viewed as a title eliminator. Tsarukyan, on a five-fight winning streak and fighting for the first time since drubbing Dan Hooker last November, brushed off Ruffy's camp with Volkanovski and Adesanya — 'I'm better everywhere' — and said beating Ruffy '100 percent' earns him a crack at Gaethje. Ruffy enters off knockouts of Rafael Fiziev and Michael Chandler. Tsarukyan also dismissed Topuria's glove accusation as 'just excuses.'

Why it matters: This is the fight that could set the lightweight line — but Tsarukyan's confident timeline collides with a resurgent Topuria and a champion warming to a Topuria rematch, so a win may not be the clean ticket he assumes.

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.

Ortega-Moicano falls apart again; Moicano lands Oct. 31 headliner vs. Nolan

Brian Ortega withdrew from his lightweight debut against Renato Moicano at Saturday's UFC 331, revealing a deep cut that required stitches above his eye — the second time this rematch has collapsed after a UFC 326 cancellation earlier this year. Rather than sit, Moicano (21-7-1) was moved into a five-round main event against No. 11 Tom Nolan (11-1) at UFC Vegas 123 on Oct. 31 at the Apex. UFC 331 drops to 12 fights, with Gable Steveson vs. Sean Sharaf now opening the main card.

Why it matters: Nolan, riding a five-fight streak, gets his first UFC main event and the biggest name of his career, while Moicano keeps momentum after snapping his own skid — and a cursed rematch nine years in the making stays unfinished.

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.

UFC 331 lands Saturday with Tsarukyan calling it title-shot-or-bust

UFC 331 goes down Saturday (Sept. 19) at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, headlined by flyweight champion Joshua Van defending against former champ Alexandre Pantoja in a rematch. In the co-main, No. 1 lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan frames his bout with Mauricio Ruffy as do-or-die, saying a loss ends his title hopes for good after his 2025 withdrawal cost him a shot at Makhachev. The card also features Brian Ortega's lightweight debut against Renato Moicano and Patricio Freire vs. Doo-ho Choi.

Why it matters: Tsarukyan's long, injury-scarred wait for a lightweight title shot could finally resolve at 155, with Justin Gaethje — sidelined into 2027 with hand injuries — waiting on the other side.

Opetaia flattens Mikaelian, agrees to Benavidez super-fight

Jai Opetaia defended his Ring Magazine and Zuffa Boxing cruiserweight titles with a brutal ninth-round standing knockout of Noel Mikaelian in Las Vegas, then invited David Benavidez into the ring, where the two agreed to meet next year. The WBC belt was not on the line due to a legal dispute stemming from Mikaelian's ties to Don King.

Why it matters: Opetaia-Benavidez would be one of the biggest fights Zuffa Boxing could make, but the missing WBC strap underscores the sanctioning-body headaches dogging Dana White's boxing project.

Suarez vs. Jandiroba booked for UFC Vegas 124 with a strawweight title shot on the line

The UFC has booked former title challengers Tatiana Suarez and Virna Jandiroba at strawweight for UFC Vegas 124 on Nov. 7 at the UFC Apex. Both lost title bids last year — Suarez to Zhang Weili, Jandiroba to Mackenzie Dern — and both have since rebounded, leaving the winner as the clear front-runner for the next crack at Dern's belt. The card is topped by a welterweight bout between Gabriel Bonfim and Sean Brady.

Why it matters: It's a de facto No. 1 contender fight between the division's two highest-ranked non-champions, giving a stalled 115-pound title picture a clean next step.

Bilal Hasan books third fight in 95 days, meets Gurule at UFC 334 in MSG

Undefeated flyweight prospect Bilal Hasan (10-0) will face Luis Gurule (11-4) at UFC 334 on Nov. 14 at Madison Square Garden. Hasan, the biggest betting favorite in Contender Series history, earned his deal with a 45-second knockout in August and followed it 18 days later with a second-round KO of Nilson Rojas at UFC Shanghai; the MSG bout would be his third appearance in roughly three months. Gurule, at 1-4 in the UFC, is fighting to keep his roster spot. Only Nazim Sadykhov vs. Jefferson Nascimento is otherwise confirmed for a card that still lacks a headliner.

Why it matters: The UFC is fast-tracking Hasan as a marketable addition to a resurgent flyweight division. That UFC 334 still has no main event underlines how uncertain Islam Makhachev's timeline has left the promotion's fall schedule.

Gaethje talks up UFC 331 co-main, hopes Ruffy 'hits Arman really hard'

Lightweight champion Justin Gaethje, expected to sit out the rest of 2026, previewed the UFC 331 co-main between Arman Tsarukyan and Mauricio Ruffy on Sept. 19, calling it Ruffy's 'first ultimate test' and saying he'd love to see Tsarukyan 'get hit really hard.' Gaethje again cast doubt on Tsarukyan's UFC 311 back injury, suggesting he couldn't make weight. Eddie Alvarez, meanwhile, argued Ruffy's tighter boxing makes him a worse stylistic matchup for Gaethje than Tsarukyan. Tsarukyan is roughly a -325 favorite.

Why it matters: The winner is the presumptive next challenger for Gaethje's belt, so his open rooting against Tsarukyan doubles as a preview of his likely 2027 title defense.

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.

Noche UFC 4 set for Glendale with Silva-Delgado on top

The UFC's Mexican Independence Day card lands Saturday at Desert Diamond Arena, headlined by featherweight Jean Silva against short-notice replacement Jose Delgado after Yair Rodriguez withdrew injured; Silva, a heavy favorite, predicts an early finish. Brandon Moreno, on a two-fight skid and now training with Syndicate MMA, meets TUF 33 winner Joseph Morales in the co-main, while undefeated prospects Marwan Rahiki and Tommy McMillen collide and heavyweights Waldo Cortes Acosta and Curtis Blaydes round out the main card. Cortes Acosta used fight week to blast inactive champ Tom Aspinall.

Why it matters: It's a proving ground for the featherweight prospect pool and a possible last stand for Moreno, whose place in the flyweight rankings is genuinely on the line.

PFL books Lapilus-McKee for its final card before MVP rebrand

The PFL will crown its inaugural bantamweight champion on Dec. 19 at LDLC Arena in Lyon, with home fighter and ex-UFC vet Taylor Lapilus (25-4) facing undefeated wrestler Mitch McKee (11-0) in the main event. It's the last event under the PFL banner before the promotion begins operating as Most Valuable Promotions on Jan. 1, 2027, following its merger with Jake Paul's MVP. McKee earned the shot by upsetting former Bellator champ Sergio Pettis in his promotional debut.

Why it matters: It closes out the PFL name with a marquee title fight in France and marks the formal start of the MVP era, reshaping the No. 2 promotion in North America.

Jean Silva declares himself next at 145 ahead of Noche UFC main event

Jean Silva insists a win over short-notice replacement Jose Delgado in Saturday's Noche UFC headliner in Glendale, Ariz. makes him the next featherweight title challenger, despite sitting No. 6 in the rankings. Silva, whose original opponent Yair Rodriguez pulled out injured, picked Movsar Evloev to dethrone Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 333 in October and called himself the tougher matchup for either man.

Why it matters: The featherweight title picture is unsettled with Volkanovski-Evloev looming, and a highlight-reel Silva win on a marquee card would force his name into the conversation.

UFC 332 lineup completed as critics savage Silva-Wang headliner

The UFC finalized its Oct. 3 card in Salt Lake City, adding former NFL linebacker Anthony Wint (8-0) against fellow undefeated debutant Lucas Armand (6-0) to round out a 13-fight bill — Wint's second UFC bout in 43 days. The event is headlined by Natalia Silva vs. Wang Cong for the vacant women's flyweight title, a booking Brendan Schaub called 'the worst main event in MMA history,' arguing the Paramount+ model has removed the pressure to stack numbered cards. Early money is moving toward underdog Wang (+180). Deiveson Figueiredo vs. Payton Talbott is the co-main.

Why it matters: The backlash is the story: a vacant title on a numbered card headlined by two fighters with little mainstream profile is the clearest test yet of whether the UFC's streaming era softens its matchmaking.

Nemkov defends PFL heavyweight belt vs. Bilostenniy in Dubai

PFL booked Vadim Nemkov's (20-2, 1 NC) first heavyweight title defense against No. 3-ranked Sergei Bilostenniy (15-4) atop PFL Dubai on Nov. 14 at Coca-Cola Arena — the promotion's first Dubai card since the merger with Most Valuable Promotions. Both men train under the Team Fedor banner and have shared camps. Nemkov, a former Bellator light heavyweight king, is 3-0 at heavyweight and won the vacant title by submitting Renan Ferreira last December; Bilostenniy also finished Ferreira, plus Karl Williams and Tyrell Fortune.

Why it matters: It's a genuine title fight between two top-10 global heavyweights and a rare instance of teammates meeting for gold, giving PFL a credible marquee event as it rebuilds around the MVP merger.

Pereira insists Gane rematch is 'going to happen'

Alex Pereira used an Instagram video to declare that a rematch with interim heavyweight champ Ciryl Gane 'makes sense' and is 'going to happen,' again pointing to the illegal shots to the back of his head that preceded Gane's second-round TKO at the June White House card. The undisputed champ Tom Aspinall remains sidelined nearly a year after Gane's eye pokes, and with only UFC 334 and 335 left in 2026, a Gane-Pereira 2 could slot in ahead of any unification.

Why it matters: It's still a callout, not a booking, but it pressures a heavyweight logjam: if Aspinall isn't cleared, the UFC may run back Gane-Pereira for gold rather than keep waiting.

Anik says UFC is weighing an immediate Gaethje-Topuria rematch

UFC lead commentator Jon Anik said on the Anik Bros YouTube channel there are 'internal conversations' about running back Justin Gaethje vs. Ilia Topuria, three months after Gaethje's fourth-round TKO handed Topuria his first pro loss at the White House. Gaethje has said he won't fight again until 2027, has toyed with retirement, and previously rejected a rematch. Anik acknowledged a merit-based logjam behind them, with Arman Tsarukyan facing Mauricio Ruffy on Sept. 19 and Charles Oliveira, Paddy Pimblett and Max Holloway all in the mix.

Why it matters: Handing Topuria an immediate title shot off a finished loss would leapfrog a stacked field of contenders and further scramble the lightweight picture.

Shevchenko gives up flyweight title; Silva-Cong now for the vacant belt

The UFC announced during the UFC Paris broadcast that women's flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko has vacated her title, with an undisclosed injury expected to keep her out roughly a year. Her scheduled UFC 332 defense against Natalia Silva has been rebuilt into a fight for the undisputed vacant belt between Silva (20-5-1, 8-0 UFC) and Wang Cong (10-1), set for Oct. 3 at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City. Commentators did not clarify whether Shevchenko chose to vacate or was stripped, and she has been told a title shot awaits her return. Notably, Wang beat Shevchenko in a 2015 kickboxing bout and has long wanted the MMA rematch.

Why it matters: A three-time defending champion losing her belt outside the cage cracks open one of the sport's most stable divisions, and hands Silva or the surging Wang a first UFC title with Shevchenko lurking on return.

Dana White won't call Tsarukyan-Ruffy a title eliminator

Dana White declined to guarantee that the winner of the Arman Tsarukyan vs. Mauricio Ruffy UFC 331 co-main event (Sept. 19, Los Angeles) gets the next lightweight title shot, despite both fighters saying the UFC promised exactly that. "I hate to say that until the fight is over... Arman says a lot of things. Let's see how this fight plays out," White told Sports Central LA. Tsarukyan, ranked No. 2 at 155, has predicted a Round 3 TKO finish.

Why it matters: It gives matchmakers an out if the bout underwhelms and keeps champ Justin Gaethje's first defense open amid a crowded contender field of Holloway and a recovering Topuria.

Imavov confirms he knows the date for Strickland title shot

Nassourdine Imavov confirmed at a UFC Paris fan Q&A that his next bout is a middleweight title shot against champion Sean Strickland, saying "I know the date for my next fight, and it is for the title." Reports point to UFC 335 on Dec. 12 in Las Vegas. Imavov, riding a five-fight win streak, avenges a 2023 decision loss to Strickland; Khamzat Chimaev, who dropped the belt to Strickland at UFC 328, conceded he'll simply take the winner.

Why it matters: Imavov's own confirmation cements him over Chimaev as next in line at 185 and lines up a grudge rematch to headline the UFC's final numbered card of the year.

Gane opens door to Pereira rematch as Aspinall unification wobbles

Interim heavyweight champ Ciryl Gane says a unification fight with Tom Aspinall is no longer a lock after manager Eddie Hearn flagged that Aspinall needs further eye testing before returning. Gane told RMC Sport he'd accept either Aspinall or a rematch with Alex Pereira, whom he knocked out for the interim belt at UFC White House in June. Ariel Helwani has separately floated a Pereira vs. Josh Hokit bout.

Why it matters: The heavyweight unification keeps slipping as Aspinall's health stalls, leaving Gane in limbo and a rematch of the disputed Pereira finish as a live alternative.

Hooker, Parnasse hit the mark for UFC Paris headliner

Both men weighed 155 pounds Friday for Saturday's UFC Paris main event at Accor Arena, where former KSW double-champ Salahdine Parnasse (23-2) makes a rare debut in a headlining slot against Top-15 veteran Dan Hooker (24-14). The full card made weight, with the lightweight co-main between Fares Ziam and Axel Sola and Michael Page vs. Nursulton Ruziboev at middleweight also official. Parnasse, a heavy betting favorite riding a five-fight win streak, called it the 'perfect' time to arrive; Hooker, on a two-fight skid, framed it as a crossroads fight.

Why it matters: The UFC built the entire Paris show around Parnasse, and a win over a proven gatekeeper would instantly drop him into a stacked lightweight mix behind Gaethje, Topuria and Pimblett.

Imavov, not Chimaev, tipped as Strickland's next challenger

Reports this week indicate champion Sean Strickland will defend the middleweight title against long-waiting No. 1 contender Nassourdine Imavov — a rematch of Strickland's 2023 decision win — rather than grant Khamzat Chimaev an immediate rematch, with December's UFC 335 floated as the target. Chimaev, who lost the belt to Strickland by split decision at UFC 328, shrugged off being passed over: 'How long has Imavov been waiting now? He's already the contender. Whoever wins, we'll take him.' Chimaev added he won't move to light heavyweight until he 'breaks everybody' at 185 and has entertained a fall bout with Caio Borralho.

Why it matters: Imavov's six-fight unbeaten run, capped by his KO of Adesanya, has earned him the shot, and booking him over Chimaev reshapes the entire top of the division while keeping Borz active against a contender.

Jessie Rosas re-signed, books Noche UFC 4 debut

Jessie Rosas — older brother of UFC bantamweight Raul Rosas Jr. — will debut against unbeaten Sean King (6-0) in a featherweight bout on the Sept. 12 Noche UFC 4 prelims in Glendale, Arizona, per Marcel Dorff. Rosas (8-1) was surprisingly cut last month after a medical issue scratched him from UFC Vegas 120, but the release proved short-lived. King, 22, was slated for October's Contender Series before earning a direct promotional entry.

Why it matters: The quick reversal on Rosas' release and a double-debut booking add prospects to a Mexican Independence Day card that has already been reshuffled by Yair Rodriguez's withdrawal.

Sadykhov vs. Nascimento opens the UFC 334 MSG card

Lightweight Nazim Sadykhov will meet former LFA champion Jefferson Nascimento (11-1) in the first announced bout for UFC 334 at Madison Square Garden on Nov. 14. Sadykhov, holder of three Fight of the Night bonuses in six UFC outings, has slid on back-to-back knockout losses to Fares Ziam and Matheus Camilo and needs a win to hold his roster spot. Nascimento seeks his first UFC victory after a debut TKO loss in Baku marred by an unpunished foul. UFC 334 still lacks a headliner.

Why it matters: It's a job-on-the-line striking matchup that kicks off the UFC's annual New York card, whose main event remains up in the air amid Aspinall, Makhachev and Harrison speculation.

Dy-McHugh title bout salvages BKB's Newcastle debut

BKB has rebuilt the top of its Oct. 10 Newcastle card after hometown headliner Mick Terrill withdrew with a cut suffered stepping in on three days' notice against heavyweight champ Gustavo Trujillo in Miami. Super welterweight champion Rolando Dy (6-1) will now defend against five-time BKB champ and Hall of Famer Scott McHugh (17-5) in the BKB 60 main event, with a David Winiarski–Keiron Harding super middleweight rematch in the co-main. Ex-boxing champ JoJo Diaz Jr. also returns on the card.

Why it matters: Losing a local star weeks out is a blow, but a title fight between Dy's finishing run and McHugh's UK pedigree keeps BKB's first Newcastle show credible.

UFC targets Silva vs. Wang Cong interim title to save UFC 332

With Shevchenko out injured, reports say the UFC is building an interim women's flyweight title fight between No. 1 contender Natalia Silva and No. 6 Wang Cong to headline the Oct. 3 Delta Center card in Salt Lake City. The booking traces to social-media sources and is not official; Dana White said the main event will be announced this week. Wang, 6-1 in the UFC with four straight wins since her lone loss, notably beat Shevchenko in a 2015 kickboxing bout, setting up a potential grudge unification down the line.

Why it matters: It keeps a title on a card that has spent weeks searching for a main event, and preserves Silva's earned shot rather than handing it away, but an interim women's flyweight bout headlining a numbered PPV is a hard sell to casual buyers.

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.

Brendan Allen vs. Christian Leroy Duncan to headline UFC Vegas 122 on Oct. 10

The UFC booked a top-10 middleweight main event, pitting No. 5-ranked Brendan Allen against surging Englishman Christian Leroy Duncan at the Apex on October 10. Allen (27-7) rides a three-fight streak, while former Cage Warriors champ Duncan (15-2) has won five straight, including decisions over Jared Cannonier and Roman Dolidze, and gets his first UFC headliner. Loopy Godinez vs. Ketlen Souza also lands on the card.

Why it matters: With Sean Strickland's next defense unsettled, this is effectively a gatekeeping fight for the 185-pound top five — a win vaults Duncan into the title picture and keeps Allen in the mix.

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.

Chimaev widens callout, Borralho answers for UFC 334

Former champ Khamzat Chimaev (15-1), still waiting on a Sean Strickland rematch stalled by Strickland's shoulder injury, posted a callout naming Strickland, Dricus du Plessis, Nassourdine Imavov and Caio Borralho. Borralho (8-1 UFC) answered within hours, pitching a booking at UFC 334 (Madison Square Garden, Nov. 14) or UFC 335 (Las Vegas, December). Borralho says he's roughly 90-95% recovered from the rib surgery that scrapped his Joe Pyfer fight and wants a top-10 name, though he argues Imavov, not Chimaev, has earned the next title shot. Chimaev competes Sept. 5 in a Real American Freestyle grappling match against Tyron Woodley.

Why it matters: Middleweight is gridlocked with the champ hurt and Imavov owed a shot. Chimaev opening up to non-title fights and Borralho volunteering gives matchmakers a marketable pairing to run while the belt sits idle.

UFC Paris fight week: Hooker vows to spoil Parnasse's debut

The UFC returns to Paris' Accor Arena on Saturday with a five-round lightweight headliner between veteran Dan Hooker (24-14) and KSW two-division champ Salahdine Parnasse (23-2), who debuts in front of home fans. Hooker, on a two-fight skid to Arman Tsarukyan and Benoit Saint Denis, said he took the bout for double his Gaethje-fight purse and promised 'the first and last time this kid headlines a UFC event.' Parnasse is a heavy favorite (around -500). The card also features Fares Ziam, Michael Page vs. Nursulton Ruziboev and Morgan Charriere.

Why it matters: Parnasse is one of the UFC's splashiest recent free-agent signings; a debut win over a durable gatekeeper like Hooker instantly stamps him as a lightweight contender.

Wood lands debuting Andrusca on five days' notice in Paris

With Mairon Santos off UFC Paris, No. 8 featherweight Nathaniel Wood (23-6) will instead face undefeated Moldovan Pavel Andrusca (8-0), who steps in on short notice for his UFC debut. Andrusca has finished seven of eight wins, including first-round KOs in his last two UAE Warriors bouts. Separately, Ares FC bantamweight champ Aboubakar Younousov (8-0) claimed Wood turned down a fight with him, blaming his '-ov' surname.

Why it matters: A high-risk, low-reward spot for Wood, who's on a four-fight run and wanted a ranked opponent — instead he's the established name a finisher can build a career on.

Prates plots a Makhachev upset: get smashed, then finish

Welterweight contender Carlos Prates (24-7), the frontrunner for the next crack at champ Islam Makhachev, told Gilbert Burns he expects to be dominated early before rallying for a late knockout, invoking Anderson Silva's comeback over Chael Sonnen. Prates said talks are underway on a date, floating UFC 335 (Dec. 12, Las Vegas) or January in Australia, and came away more confident after watching Ian Machado Garry trouble Makhachev's takedowns at UFC 330.

Why it matters: Makhachev's jump to 170 has a clear next challenger, and Prates' finishing power is the sharpest threat to a 17-fight win streak — even as oddsmakers make him a sizable underdog.

Joshua Pacio to defend ONE strawweight title against Keito Yamakita in Tokyo

ONE Championship booked reigning strawweight MMA champion Joshua Pacio to defend against Japanese grappler Keito Yamakita at ONE Samurai 5 on Nov. 18 in Tokyo. Pacio (24-5), a three-time champion coming off a first-round submission of Mansur Malachiev in July, faces the 13-1 Yamakita, who rides a five-fight winning streak with wins over Alex Silva and Yosuke Saruta.

Why it matters: It's a clean striker-versus-wrestler stylistic clash for one of ONE's most stable titles, and a home-soil title shot for a surging Japanese challenger the division has been building toward.

UFC Paris set as Dan Hooker welcomes KSW star Salahdine Parnasse

The UFC returns to Accor Arena on Saturday with a 14-fight card headlined by lightweight Dan Hooker against debuting Frenchman Salahdine Parnasse, a former two-division KSW champion (23-2) long coveted by the promotion. Hooker, a rankings fixture, is trying to snap a two-fight skid against Arman Tsarukyan and Benoit Saint Denis. The co-main pits French lightweights Fares Ziam and Axel Sola, with Michael Venom Page facing Nursulton Ruziboev at 185.

Why it matters: Parnasse is one of the highest-profile non-UFC signings in years, and Hooker is a stern gatekeeper test for a hyped debutant. A strong European card is next up before the promotion's fall pay-per-view slate.

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.

Umar Nurmagomedov, Song Yadong make weight as Shanghai eliminator locks in

Both bantamweights hit their mark for Saturday's UFC Shanghai main event, with Umar Nurmagomedov (135.5) and Song Yadong (136) squaring off at Shanghai's Oriental Sports Center on Paramount+. Three fighters missed weight down the card — Andre Lima, Jingnan Xiong and Julia Polastri — with all bouts proceeding. Song insists a win guarantees a title shot, though champion Petr Yan plus Sean O'Malley and Merab Dvalishvili all clog the queue ahead of him.

Why it matters: The winner stakes the strongest fresh claim in a bantamweight division whose title picture is jammed with former champions, yet neither man is assured of being next.

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.

Ruffy says UFC promised him a title shot if he beats Tsarukyan at UFC 331

Mauricio Ruffy (14-2) claims the UFC guaranteed him a lightweight title fight with a win over Arman Tsarukyan in the Sept. 19 co-main event in Los Angeles — the same promise Tsarukyan says he received, though Tsarukyan figures Ruffy would need one more win. A knockout artist now training with Alexander Volkanovski, Ruffy is a +300 underdog against the grappler and vows to hunt the finish. Champion Justin Gaethje isn't expected back until 2027.

Why it matters: A striker-vs-grappler eliminator with the No. 1 contender slot ostensibly on the line goes a long way toward settling who's next at 155.

ONE Fight Night 48 fills out with new Muay Thai, kickboxing and MMA bouts for Oct. 2

ONE added several fights to its Oct. 2 Lumpinee Stadium card in Bangkok, headlined by the Shamil Erdogan vs Paul Elliott heavyweight MMA bout. New additions include Nakrob Fairtex vs Iranian knockout artist Parham Gheirati in bantamweight Muay Thai, the rebooked Elbrus Osmanov vs Denis Souza Jr. kickboxing clash, and undefeated flyweight prospect Joshua Perreira (6-0) against Antonio Cesar (14-2).

Why it matters: The Bangkok card is shaping up as a striking-heavy showcase stacked with unbeaten prospects putting their records on the line.

Terrill steps in on days' notice for BKB heavyweight title in Miami

BKB Bare Knuckle Boxing has reshuffled Saturday's BKB 58 in Miami: multi-promotion champ Mick 'The Butcher of Shields' Terrill, originally set to work as ringside commentary, will instead challenge unbeaten BKB heavyweight titlist Gustavo 'The Cuban Assassin' Trujillo after Mark O'Neill withdrew over visa issues. Trujillo is 8-0 in bare-knuckle with all eight wins by first-round KO; Terrill is 11-2 with every win by knockout. The card also features Olympic gold medalist Yuriorkis Gamboa's bare-knuckle debut and appearances by ex-UFC/PFL fighter Aspen Ladd.

Why it matters: A 100%-finishing champion against a 100%-finishing challenger on three days' notice is as high-variance as gloveless combat gets — and a rare marquee bare-knuckle title fight.

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.

Shara Magomedov to wrestle Neiman Gracie on Chimaev's RAF Moscow card

UFC middleweight Shara 'Bullet' Magomedov (17-1) will make his Real American Freestyle debut against former Bellator title contender Neiman Gracie at RAF Moscow on Sept. 5 at VTB Arena. Gracie, a fourth-generation member of the Gracie family, steps in after original opponent Alexander Shlemenko was reshuffled to an October card. The event is headlined by Khamzat Chimaev's wrestling bout with Tyron Woodley.

Why it matters: RAF's rapid crossover pull continues, pulling active UFC contenders and a Gracie onto its expanding international slate as the wrestling promotion pushes past its first year.

Prochazka shoots down UFC 332 interim-title rumor: 'not confirmed'

Jiri Prochazka took to Instagram to deny reports that he's signed to headline UFC 332 in Salt Lake City on Oct. 3 for an interim light heavyweight title, writing that the fight 'is not confirmed yet, still working on that.' Rumors had paired him with Paulo Costa for an interim belt while champion Carlos Ulberg — who KO'd Prochazka earlier this year — rehabs a knee injury. UFC.com still lists the event's main event as TBD vs. TBD with roughly six weeks to go.

Why it matters: A pay-per-view is a month and a half out with no headliner, and the leading rumored fight would hand an interim title to a Costa who has openly eyed free agency — an awkward booking the UFC rarely makes.

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.

UFC sets year-end slate: MSG on Nov. 14, Vegas on Dec. 12

The UFC revealed its final two big shows of 2026: UFC 334 at Madison Square Garden in New York on Nov. 14, and UFC 335 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Dec. 12. Welterweight knockout artist Carlos Prates promptly lobbied to headline UFC 334 against champion Islam Makhachev, claiming he's been promised the next shot. Makhachev, coming off a grueling first title defense against Ian Machado Garry, has said he wants to fight again before Ramadan but is still early in recovery.

Why it matters: Two marquee venues now have dates but no announced main events, framing the promotion's end-of-year matchmaking — with the welterweight title the biggest domino.

Rodrigues grinds down Hernandez, calls out du Plessis

Gregory Rodrigues (20-6) won his first five-round fight, taking a unanimous decision (49-46, 48-47 x2) over Anthony Hernandez in the UFC Sacramento main event. Chopping down Hernandez with calf kicks and outstriking him in the clutch, Rodrigues extended his win streak to four and earned Fight of the Night. He immediately called for former champion Dricus du Plessis. Hernandez, who entered No. 5 at 185, has now lost two straight for the first time in his career.

Why it matters: Rodrigues vaults from the fringe into the middleweight title mix, while a second straight loss stalls Hernandez and raises questions about his future at 185.

UFC Sacramento set: Hernandez-Rodrigues headline, De Ridder debuts at 205

All 26 fighters made weight for Saturday's UFC Sacramento at Golden 1 Center, topped by a middleweight main event between No. 7 Anthony Hernandez (186) and No. 10 Gregory Rodrigues (185). Hernandez looks to rebound from a TKO loss to now-champion Sean Strickland that ended an eight-fight run; 'RoboCop' rides three straight wins. Reinier de Ridder makes his light heavyweight debut against Roman Dolidze after back-to-back losses at 185, and heavyweights Serghei Spivac and Vitor Petrino meet in the co-main.

Why it matters: A clean grappler-versus-striker headliner with real top-15 stakes at middleweight, plus a fresh division for the former ONE two-weight champ de Ridder.

Shevchenko to defend flyweight title against Natalia Silva at UFC 332

Valentina Shevchenko will put her flyweight belt on the line against Natalia Silva in the reported co-main event of UFC 332 on Oct. 3 in Salt Lake City, per ESPN Brasil's Higor Ciconello. Silva has won eight straight in the UFC, her last three victories coming over former champions Rose Namajunas, Alexa Grasso, and Jessica Andrade. Her 90 percent takedown defense will be tested against one of the sport's most complete fighters.

Why it matters: Silva is the division's hottest contender and the most credible threat to Shevchenko's second reign, and the fight hands the still-headliner-less UFC 332 a marquee title bout.

UFC signs undefeated OKTAGON two-division champ Lucia Szabova

The UFC has reportedly signed 10-0 OKTAGON titleholder Lucia Szabova, with a debut booked for Oct. 31 at the Apex against Tainara Lisboa. The 28-year-old Slovak, a Muay Thai striker who holds belts at both bantamweight and flyweight, is the promotion's latest European pickup after Salahdine Parnasse. Lisboa (2-2 UFC) has dropped consecutive fights to Luana Santos and Melissa Croden.

Why it matters: A rare injection of fresh, undefeated talent into a women's bantamweight division badly short of new contenders.

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.

UFC books top-six bantamweight clash Luana Santos vs. Yana Santos

No. 3-ranked bantamweight Luana Santos will meet former featherweight title challenger Yana Santos at UFC Vegas 123 on Oct. 31, per AG Fight. Yana returns for the first time in over a year after three straight decision wins, and confirmed the booking as her highest-ranked UFC opponent yet. Luana is 6-1 in the Octagon with her only loss to Casey O'Neill.

Why it matters: It's a genuine top-six matchup in a bantamweight division still sorting out contenders behind the belt.

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.

Ditcheva breaks both hands; Carmouche-Bishop 2 will crown first PFL flyweight champ

The PFL's inaugural women's flyweight title will be decided Oct. 16 at PFL Chicago, where Liz Carmouche (26-8) rematches Jena Bishop (11-3), whom she stopped in the third round of the 2025 tournament final. The bout materialized because Dakota Ditcheva, the division's undefeated (16-0) star, broke both hands in her comeback win over Denise Kielholtz and is shelved again. CEO John Martin said he 'didn't want the title to wait' for Ditcheva's return.

Why it matters: It's the first new belt introduced since the PFL-MVP merger, but the marquee Carmouche-Ditcheva showdown fans wanted is again on ice — and Ditcheva's recurring hand problems are becoming a real threat to her momentum.

Prates signs new eight-fight deal, says he's next for Makhachev

Carlos Prates told The Ariel Helwani Show he signed a new eight-fight UFC contract and was assured by chief business officer Hunter Campbell that he is next in line for Islam Makhachev's welterweight title. Prates (24-7), who has finished all seven of his UFC wins including former champions Jack Della Maddalena and Leon Edwards, expects the bout in December and vowed to knock Makhachev out. Undefeated Michael Morales remains the other contender in the mix, with Prates expecting Morales to be booked elsewhere.

Why it matters: Makhachev wants to fight before Ramadan, and locking in the division's most explosive finisher gives the 170-pound title its first real stylistic threat after Ian Machado Garry's cautious challenge.

UFC 332 fills out: Figueiredo-Talbott, Johnny Walker's heavyweight debut

The UFC announced seven bouts for UFC 332 on Oct. 3 at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, though the card still lacks a main event. Bantamweight prospect Payton Talbott, back after nearly a year out since beating Henry Cejudo, meets former flyweight champ Deiveson Figueiredo; Johnny Walker debuts at heavyweight against Mick Parkin; and Marvin Vettori returns against Ismail Naurdiev to try to snap a four-fight skid. Rumors point to a Jiri Prochazka vs. Paulo Costa interim light heavyweight title fight headlining while champ Carlos Ulberg recovers from ACL surgery.

Why it matters: The lineup gives Talbott his long-awaited crack at the rankings, but the interim-title chatter for a twice-beaten Prochazka has fans questioning the UFC's belt inflation at 205.

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.

UFC books Sean Brady vs. Gabriel Bonfim as Nov. 7 welterweight main event

The UFC announced Sean Brady vs. Gabriel Bonfim for a five-round main event at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas on Nov. 7. Brady (19-2) is coming off a lopsided win over Joaquin Buckley in May, while Bonfim (20-1) rides a six-fight winning streak highlighted by a decision over former champion Belal Muhammad. The winner takes a clear step toward welterweight title contention.

Why it matters: With Islam Makhachev ruling a crowded 170 pounds, the top contenders are sorting themselves out — and this fight produces a legitimate next-in-line at the APEX.

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.

Makhachev backs Prates for next shot, wants to fight again before Ramadan

Fresh off his record 17th straight win over Ian Machado Garry, welterweight champion Islam Makhachev named Carlos Prates as the most deserving next challenger, citing the Brazilian's activity over the less busy Michael Morales and the long-sidelined Shavkat Rakhmonov. Makhachev, cleared by a doctor after fearing Garry broke his nose with an accidental headbutt, admitted he needs to add size and power at 170 pounds and wants to return by January, before Ramadan. Early lines make him a heavy favorite over both Prates (-250) and Morales (-210).

Why it matters: Makhachev is tilting the welterweight title picture toward Prates over the unbeaten Morales, which points to a Prates-Morales eliminator to settle who actually gets the shot.

UFC 331 main card set: Pantoja-Van 2 tops LA lineup

The UFC announced the full main card for UFC 331 on Sept. 19 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Alexandre Pantoja gets his flyweight title rematch with Joshua Van, who took the belt last December when Pantoja was hurt in the first round. Arman Tsarukyan vs. Mauricio Ruffy serves as the lightweight co-main, with Patricio Pitbull vs. Doo Ho Choi, Renato Moicano vs. Brian Ortega, and Alonzo Menifield vs. Iwo Baraniewski completing the card.

Why it matters: The Tsarukyan-Ruffy winner is positioned for a crack at Justin Gaethje's lightweight belt, and Pantoja-Van 2 finally resolves a title change first decided by an early injury.

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.

UFC 333 set for Abu Dhabi: Volkanovski-Evloev, Yan-Dvalishvili trilogy

Announced during the UFC 330 broadcast, UFC 333 lands at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on Oct. 24 with two title fights. Featherweight champ Alexander Volkanovski finally faces undefeated Movsar Evloev (20-0), while bantamweight champ Petr Yan closes his trilogy with Merab Dvalishvili, the series tied 1-1. The card also carries Alexander Volkov vs. Rizvan Kuniev, Arnold Allen vs. Aaron Pico and Lone'er Kavanagh vs. Ramazan Temirov.

Why it matters: Evloev has waited years for a shot and represents the toughest test left at 145; the Yan-Merab rubber match decides one of the sport's best current rivalries. Two belts on one card gives the fall schedule a genuine anchor.

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.

Tsarukyan-Ruffy set as UFC 331 lightweight title eliminator

Arman Tsarukyan meets Mauricio Ruffy in the UFC 331 co-main event on Sept. 19 in Los Angeles, a bout widely seen as a No. 1 contender fight with champion Justin Gaethje sitting out until 2027. Tsarukyan, repeatedly passed over since his UFC 311 withdrawal, says even a win may not guarantee a shot and vowed to beat 'one more fight' or 'ten more' to become champion. Dana White stepped between the two at their faceoff to head off any repeat of Tsarukyan's past antics.

Why it matters: The winner is the front-runner to challenge Gaethje in 2027, and it's Tsarukyan's chance to finally convert years of near-misses into a title shot.

UFC fast-tracks two Contender Series winners into August debuts

Both fighters signed off DWCS Season 10 Week 1 already have fights. Former NFL linebacker Anthony Wint (7-0), who flattened Matt Adams in 34 seconds, meets fellow newcomer Terrance Chatman on nine days' notice at UFC Sacramento on Aug. 22. Flyweight Bilal Hasan (9-0), the biggest betting favorite in Contender Series history after a 45-second KO, debuts against unbeaten Nilson Rojas (9-0) at UFC Shanghai on Aug. 29.

Why it matters: The rapid bookings underline where the UFC feels thin, a shallow heavyweight pool and a rebuilding flyweight division, and reward the finish-first prospects it wants to build around.

Ochoa injury reshuffles UFC 330 undercard; Turner bumped up

Jose Ochoa withdrew from his UFC 330 flyweight bout with Charles Johnson due to injury, and former LFA champion Eduardo Henrique (15-2) — a recent Contender Series competitor passed over for a contract — steps in on a few days' notice to make his UFC debut. The switch pushed Johnson off the main card and promoted Jalin Turner's lightweight return against Kaue Fernandes into the five-fight main-card lineup. The Philadelphia card holds at 12 bouts and two title fights.

Why it matters: Short-notice debuts and reshuffled slots are fight-week routine, but Turner's jump to the main card hands the returning contender a bigger stage on Saturday.

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.

Buckley vs. Malott headlines UFC Edmonton as card fills out

The UFC made official its Oct. 17 return to Rogers Place, headlined by No. 10 welterweight Joaquin Buckley (21-8) against No. 13 Canadian Mike Malott (14-2-1), with flyweights Erin Blanchfield and Jasmine Jasudavicius in the co-main. Six more bouts were added, including Nate Landwehr vs. Mandel Nallo, Marc-Andre Barriault vs. Kyle Daukaus, and former flyweight title challenger Katlyn Cerminara facing Jamey-Lyn Horth. Contender Series signee Louis Jourdain, brother of Charles Jourdain, makes his UFC debut against Timmy Cuamba.

Why it matters: A ranked welterweight main event with top-five stakes and a deep Canadian undercard gives the Edmonton card genuine division relevance.

Tsarukyan books RAF 14 crossover title fight with Danis, two weeks after UFC 331

Real American Freestyle set Arman Tsarukyan vs. Dillon Danis for the inaugural middleweight crossover championship on Oct. 3 at the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas. The wrestling bout lands just two weeks after Tsarukyan (23-3) faces Mauricio Ruffy in the UFC 331 co-main on Sept. 19 in Los Angeles. Both men arrive off losses: Tsarukyan was outpointed by Colby Covington in July, and Danis is 0-2 in RAF after defeats to Covington and Khamzat Chimaev.

Why it matters: The UFC's top lightweight contender keeps stacking mat appearances even as his long-delayed title shot finally nears, and RAF crowns a novelty belt between two men both coming off defeats.

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.

Yan-Dvalishvili trilogy, Volkanovski-Evloev reported for two-belt UFC 333

Per a report from Red Fury MMA, UFC 333 on Oct. 24 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi will feature two title fights. Featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski defends against undefeated No. 1 contender Movsar Evloev in the main event, while bantamweight champ Petr Yan and Merab Dvalishvili complete their trilogy in the co-main. Merab took the first meeting by decision in 2023; Yan won the belt back in their December rematch. The UFC has not officially announced either bout.

Why it matters: Evloev finally cashes in years of contender purgatory, and a Yan-Merab rubber match settles one of the best 135-pound rivalries going. Two belts on one card gives the second October pay-per-view real weight.

Dana White: Tsarukyan promised title shot if he beats Ruffy at UFC 331

Dana White confirmed that Arman Tsarukyan's original UFC 331 opponent 'fell out' before the Mauricio Ruffy matchup was booked, without naming Charles Oliveira, whose planned rematch collapsed after the death of teammate Allan Nascimento. Per Ariel Helwani, Tsarukyan was told by UFC brass he gets the next crack at champion Justin Gaethje if he beats the No. 10-ranked Ruffy on Sept. 19 in Los Angeles. The card is headlined by the Joshua Van vs. Alexandre Pantoja flyweight rematch.

Why it matters: Beating a No. 10 contender shouldn't earn a title shot, but the UFC is rewarding Tsarukyan for absorbing a late opponent swap — putting the lightweight title picture on hold behind one more eliminator.

UFC returns to Salt Lake City for Oct. 3 UFC 332, Gautier-Kopylov first booking

The UFC set UFC 332 for Oct. 3 at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, its first Utah card since UFC 307 in 2024 and one of two numbered events in October alongside UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi. Neither has a headliner yet. The first confirmed bout pairs undefeated Cameroonian middleweight prospect Ateba Gautier (5-0 UFC) with formerly ranked veteran Roman Kopylov — the toughest test yet for the 24-year-old power-puncher. Johnny Walker's heavyweight debut is also reportedly slated for the card.

Why it matters: Kopylov is a genuine gatekeeper after a thin strength of schedule, and a win would vault 'Mini Ngannou' toward the middleweight top 15. Two numbered cards in one month gives the fall schedule real depth.

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.

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.

Volkanovski expects Evloev next as featherweight title booking nears

Champion Alexander Volkanovski said his next featherweight defense will 'pretty obvious[ly]' be against No. 1 contender Movsar Evloev, adding the fight isn't locked but confirmation should come soon. Evloev is a perfect 10-0 in the UFC and 20-0 overall, and has long been passed over for a shot in part because he has zero finishes in the Octagon. The bout could headline UFC 332 or UFC 333 later this fall.

Why it matters: It would finally settle the sport's most overdue title shot and close off the last live contender at 145 pounds.

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.

Sean Brady left off UFC 330 as Philly's hometown card thins out

No. 5 welterweight and Philadelphia native Sean Brady says he was never offered an opponent for the Aug. 15 UFC 330 card in his own city, telling Home of Fight there were no good options after his win over Joaquin Buckley. Teammate Joe Pyfer also fell off when Caio Borralho withdrew injured, leaving Jeremiah Wells as the card's only local. Fans separately ripped the bout order, which opens the night with top prospect Myktybek Orolbai. Brady will instead wrestle Jordan Burroughs at RAF 12 a week later.

Why it matters: Behind two title fights, a welterweight logjam has left the UFC unable to stock a Philadelphia card with its own ranked Philadelphia fighters.

Jessie Rosas out of UFC Vegas 120; Gianni Vazquez steps in on 2 days' notice

The UFC debut of Jessie Rosas, older brother of Raul Rosas Jr., is off after a UFC doctor pulled him over a potentially infected forehead cut. Gianni Vazquez, released this year after taking a short-notice loss to Javid Basharat in February, replaces him against Miles Johns, with the bout moved to featherweight. Johns has lost three straight. The Meta Apex card is headlined Saturday by Mateusz Gamrot against surging Australian Quillan Salkilld (5-0 in the UFC).

Why it matters: Another late scratch and a recalled castoff underline how thin and churn-prone the UFC's Apex fillers have become the week before a numbered card.

BKB books two-title Mexico debut in Tijuana on Sept. 19

BKB Bare Knuckle Boxing announced its first Mexican card, BKB 59, in partnership with local boxing outfit Zanfer. Tijuana's Julian Fernandez defends the super cruiserweight title against former three-division BKB champion Dan 'Big Pod' Podmore in the main event, while Cecy Ulloa faces Andy Nguyen for the vacant super flyweight belt. It kicks off a multi-year Zanfer partnership aimed at recruiting Mexican fighters into bare knuckle.

Why it matters: Bare-knuckle's push into Latin America gives BKB a foothold in one of combat sports' deepest fan markets.

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.

UFC 331 set for L.A.: Van-Pantoja 2 headlines, Ruffy steps in for Oliveira

The UFC announced UFC 331 for Sept. 19 at Crypto.com Arena, with champion Joshua Van (17-2) defending the flyweight title in a rematch against former champ Alexandre Pantoja (30-6), whose reign ended via a 26-second arm injury at UFC 323. In the five-round co-main, No. 2 lightweight Arman Tsarukyan faces surging Mauricio Ruffy, who replaced Charles Oliveira after 'Do Bronx' withdrew while mourning teammate Allan Nascimento. The 13-fight card also features Renato Moicano vs. Brian Ortega, Patricio Pitbull vs. Doo Ho Choi, Gable Steveson vs. Sean Sharaf and Tai Tuivasa vs. Robelis Despaigne. Early odds have Van-Pantoja near a pick-em.

Why it matters: It resets the flyweight picture — Pantoja gets to prove the belt was lost to a fluke — while Tsarukyan-Ruffy is a de facto No. 1 contender bout for Justin Gaethje's lightweight title.

Joel Alvarez saves UFC 330 bout as Garry buildup turns personal

Joel Alvarez stepped in on short notice to face Chidi Njokuani at UFC 330 (Aug. 15, Philadelphia) after Geoff Neal withdrew from the welterweight bout. On the marquee, buildup to Islam Makhachev's first welterweight title defense against Ian Machado Garry sharpened, with Darren Till branding Garry 'fake' over his recent comments and Makhachev telling him to train more and talk less. Undefeated Michael Morales weighs in as backup, though Makhachev says the Ecuadorian must actually fight to earn a shot.

Why it matters: The card is firming a week out, and the winner of Makhachev-Garry inherits a crowded welterweight queue of Prates, Morales and a returning Rakhmonov.

Makhachev says Morales must fight again as Prates declares himself next in line

With the welterweight belt on the line at UFC 330, the queue behind it got loud. Champion Islam Makhachev argued backup fighter Michael Morales (19-0), inactive since finishing Sean Brady in November, hasn't earned a shot and should face a contender like Carlos Prates or Shavkat Rakhmonov first, while praising a potential Prates bout. Prates (24-7), riding stoppage wins over Jack Della Maddalena and Leon Edwards, told Sean Brady and Uros Medic to 'calm down,' insisting he fights for the belt next and will handle the rest afterward.

Why it matters: The 170-pound division is stacked with unbeaten and finishing contenders, and the winner of Makhachev-Garry inherits a logjam — the jockeying between Prates and Morales sets up the next title fight.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Medic 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.

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

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

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

Ditcheva grinds out rusty return, gets Carmouche title fight next

Dakota Ditcheva returned from a year out with a hand injury to sweep Denise Kielholtz on the cards (30-27 x3) in the PFL New York co-main, moving to 16-0 but failing to finish and drawing boos for a low-output third round; the PFL didn't even give her a post-fight interview. Afterward she called for a flyweight title fight with Liz Carmouche, and PFL CEO John Martin confirmed that's the bout they'll make next.

Why it matters: PFL's marquee women's star looked human for a second straight fight, and Carmouche, a three-time title challenger, is the most credible test the promotion can offer before the UFC-move questions grow louder.

UFC debuts in Serbia as Medic and Rodriguez headline Belgrade

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

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

Jake Paul says his MMA debut will be Nate Diaz in 2027

A day after MVP merged with the PFL, Jake Paul declared he's finally getting in the cage in 2027 and named Nate Diaz as his target, telling his old boxing rival to 'stop ducking'; he floated Mike Perry as an alternative and confirmed he'll box first. Paul beat both Diaz and Perry in the ring, but a Diaz MMA fight would flip the skill advantage to the four-time UFC veteran.

Why it matters: It gives the new MVP-PFL a marquee crossover bout to sell, but it's a spectacle fight, not a sign the merged promotion can build a division to challenge the UFC.

RAF books Chimaev vs. Woodley for Moscow, with ex-ONE triple champ Malykhin debuting

Real American Freestyle announced Khamzat Chimaev vs. Tyron Woodley as the main event of RAF Moscow on Sept. 5, streaming on FOX Nation in the U.S. It is Chimaev's second freestyle-wrestling bout for the promotion after pinning Dillon Danis in June, and the first RAF appearance in his native Russia; Woodley is separately slated to debut against Joaquin Buckley at RAF 12 on Aug. 22. The undercard adds former three-division ONE champion Anatoly Malykhin against fellow heavyweight Pouya Rahmani.

Why it matters: Chimaev is keeping himself busy on the mats while his UFC middleweight future stalls, and RAF is quietly assembling a genuine roster of name fighters. It also underlines how far Woodley, 0-3 in boxing and eight years without a combat-sports win, has drifted from relevance.

Strickland warms to a Chimaev rematch as Imavov fumes on the sidelines

Middleweight champion Sean Strickland, still recovering from a shoulder injury that pushes his first defense toward late 2026 or 2027, signaled he now favors running back his split-decision win over Khamzat Chimaev, mocking 'Borz' over his fight-week weight cut. Chimaev has been calling for the rematch since the loss at UFC 328. No. 2 contender Nassourdine Imavov, who beat Israel Adesanya and Caio Borralho to build a five-fight streak, fired back in the comments: 'You'll do what you're told. See you soon.'

Why it matters: Imavov has the resume for the shot, but Chimaev has the box office and the bad blood, and Strickland's preference tilts the 185-pound picture toward the bigger sell over the more deserving contender.

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

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

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

UFC hands KSW champ Parnasse a Paris main event against Hooker

Two-division former KSW champion Salahdine Parnasse, signed after his win on May's MVP Netflix card, will make his Octagon debut in the main event of UFC Paris on Sept. 5 against No. 12 lightweight Dan Hooker. Hooker says it's the biggest payday of his career 'by a country mile' and openly acknowledges the UFC is fast-tracking the 28-year-old Frenchman toward the top of a lucrative market. One analysis calls Parnasse potentially the UFC's most important signing of 2026, arguing the promotion has been too slow to raid outside talent.

Why it matters: It's a rare high-profile external signing at a time fans are grumbling about roster staleness, and a live test of whether the UFC can build a homegrown French star by feeding him a ranked veteran.

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.

Buckley vs. Malott headlines UFC Edmonton on Oct. 17

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

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

UFC 330 sheds another bout as Neal withdraws; Morales set as title backup

Geoff Neal has reportedly pulled out of his UFC 330 bout with Chidi Njokuani, with the promotion seeking a replacement to keep Njokuani on the Aug. 15 Philadelphia card. Meanwhile, undefeated welterweight Michael Morales (19-0) confirmed the UFC has asked him to make 170 and stand by as the official backup for the Islam Makhachev vs. Ian Machado Garry main event, and says he's been told he's next in line for a title shot regardless. Makhachev himself sarcastically mocked the thinning lineup, calling it 'just wonderFULL.'

Why it matters: The main event carries a card fans have already soured on, and Neal's exit thins it further. Morales' backup role effectively crowns him next challenger over Carlos Prates, who thought the spot was his.

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

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

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

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.

Morales books UFC 330 undercard fight to force next 170 shot

No. 3 welterweight Michael Morales, who missed out on the title shot to Ian Machado Garry despite a seven-fight win streak, has confirmed he'll fight on the UFC 330 undercard on Aug. 15 rather than sit as backup. No opponent is official, but a number-one contender clash with top-ranked Carlos Prates is the logical booking, with the winner in line to face the Makhachev-Garry victor.

Why it matters: The 27-year-old Ecuadorian is refusing to let a personality-driven snub stall his run; a Prates fight would settle the murky welterweight pecking order behind the belt.

Makhachev says he's cracked Garry's game plan for UFC 330

Ahead of his first welterweight title defense against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330 on Aug. 15 in Philadelphia, Islam Makhachev said he's spent the whole camp preparing to chase the movement-heavy Irishman: 'He runs too much. I know his game plan.' Makhachev, on a 16-fight streak tying Anderson Silva's UFC record, dismissed the value of Garry's training partner Charles Oliveira — whom he submitted at UFC 280 — quipping the Brazilian can only 'teach him how to tap fast.'

Why it matters: It's the biggest fight on the near horizon: the pound-for-pound king defending a second divisional belt against a 17-1 contender the fanbase is split on. The stylistic riddle — pressure-grappler vs. elusive counter-striker — is the whole fight.

RAF turns UFC grudges into main events: Covington-Muhammad, Cejudo rematch

The wrestling promotion RAF made two grudge matches official. Merab Dvalishvili vs. Henry Cejudo 2 tops RAF 12 on Aug. 22 in Cleveland for the inaugural Lightweight Crossover title, a rematch just six weeks after Dvalishvili's come-from-behind win. Colby Covington defends his Cruiserweight Crossover belt against Belal Muhammad at RAF 13 on Sept. 19 in Miami — a booking rooted in the brawl Muhammad sparked at the RAF 11 post-fight press conference in July. Both cards stream on Fox Nation.

Why it matters: RAF is leaning hard on UFC name recognition and real bad blood to sell its crossover belts, converting octagon rivalries into mat matchups without touching its elite dedicated wrestlers.

With Ulberg out to 2027, Ankalaev angles for an interim title against Costa

Champion Carlos Ulberg, cageside in Abu Dhabi, confirmed his ACL injury will keep him out until 2027 and named Ankalaev a likely opponent on his return. That timeline reopened interim-title talk: Paulo Costa, who knocked out Azamat Murzakanov in April, mocked Ankalaev's dull win, and Ankalaev fired back on social media offering to fight Costa for an interim belt. Fans questioned whether the post came from Ankalaev or manager Ali Abdelaziz.

Why it matters: With the champ sidelined for a year-plus, an Ankalaev-Costa interim title fight is the cleanest way to keep 205 moving — and it could land on UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi.

Parnasse signs with UFC, lands Paris headliner vs. Hooker

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

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

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

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

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

Mike Perry vs. Dillon Danis booked for Aug. 29 in Orlando

Crypto casino outfit Duel will run a hybrid MMA-boxing-kickboxing card, Duel: Arena, at the Kia Center in Orlando on Aug. 29, headlined by a welterweight bout between Mike Perry (15-8) and Dillon Danis (3-0). Perry is coming off a corner-stoppage win over Nate Diaz at MVP MMA, while Danis has barely competed in MMA since 2019. The event may be co-promoted by Jorge Masvidal's Gamebred banner, and fighter reaction has been largely dismissive.

Why it matters: It's a spectacle booking, not a sporting one — but Perry remains one of the biggest draws outside the UFC, and a highlight finish keeps his comeback narrative alive.

Musaev misses weight, PFL DC title main event reshuffled to Jean vs. Rodriguez

Shamil Musaev, the 2024 PFL welterweight tournament winner, withdrew from Saturday's vacant-title main event against 2025 tournament champ Thad Jean due to weight-cut complications, just hours before the CareFirst Arena card. Undefeated Cuban prospect Ernesto Rodriguez (11-1), already booked lower on the card, moved up on short notice to face Jean (11-0) with the belt still on the line. It's the latest hit to a card that had already lost Magomed Umalatov, Valentin Moldavsky and Mando Gutierrez bouts.

Why it matters: PFL loses one of its most anticipated welterweight matchups and hands a career-defining title shot to an untested short-notice replacement, reshaping the division's next champion.

Gaethje rules out Topuria rematch: 'Arman deserves it way more'

New undisputed lightweight champion Justin Gaethje flatly rejected an immediate rematch with Ilia Topuria, telling RMC Sport Combat that Arman Tsarukyan is far more deserving of the next shot. Gaethje, who forced a corner stoppage before the fifth round at UFC Freedom 250, argued Topuria must return to the win column first and doubted he'd even ask for the fight. Gaethje is expected to sit out the rest of 2026, pointing to a first defense in early 2027.

Why it matters: The champ publicly endorsing Tsarukyan over a Topuria rematch clarifies a lightweight title picture that also involves Oliveira, Holloway and Pimblett.

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

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

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

Imavov says UFC promised him the next Strickland title shot

Nassourdine Imavov says the UFC told him his next fight is for the middleweight belt against Sean Strickland, adding he offered to fight Dricus du Plessis to stay active and was told to wait. Imavov (17-4, 1 NC) is on a five-fight run including knockouts of Jared Cannonier and Israel Adesanya, and lost to Strickland at light heavyweight in 2023. He targets an October or November booking and made the grudge personal, calling Strickland 'not a good person.'

Why it matters: It sets Imavov directly against Khamzat Chimaev, who is also demanding a Strickland rematch, with Dana White having said the fans would decide — leaving the champion's first defense a three-way logjam.

Steveson returns to the wrestling mat vs. Cassioppi at RAF 12

Fresh off a first-round knockout of Elisha Ellison in his UFC debut at UFC 329, heavyweight prospect Gable Steveson will wrestle former college rival Anthony Cassioppi at Real American Freestyle 12 on Aug. 22 in Cleveland. The Olympic gold medalist went 4-0 against Cassioppi in the NCAA ranks and beat Alexandr Romanov at RAF 9 in May. Steveson has said he wants his next UFC bout at the promotion's November Madison Square Garden card.

Why it matters: The UFC's most hyped heavyweight crossover is staying active on the RAF circuit rather than waiting on a matchmaker, and the anniversary card doubles as a showcase for the promotion's UFC-name crossover pipeline.

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.

McKee vs. Shaidulloev to unify PFL and RIZIN featherweight belts in Osaka

PFL and RIZIN announced that AJ McKee (25-2) will meet undefeated RIZIN featherweight champion Razhabali Shaidulloev (19-0) in the main event of Super RIZIN 5 on Sept. 10 at Kyocera Dome Osaka, with both the RIZIN title and the vacant PFL 145-pound title on the line. It is billed as the first fight ever to put two promotions' championships at stake in a single bout, contested under RIZIN rules over three rounds. Shaidulloev has finished all 19 of his wins, 13 in the first round; McKee, a former Bellator champion, rides a three-fight streak since returning to featherweight. The card also features Mikuru Asakura vs. Shinya Aoki.

Why it matters: It is the most ambitious cross-promotional move since the Bellator-RIZIN era and a real statement from PFL that it can make marquee non-UFC fights matter — with McKee getting a career-defining test against the best featherweight outside the UFC.

Muradov jumps up to challenge Fleury for OKTAGON light heavyweight title

OKTAGON double champ Will Fleury (17-3, 1 NC) will defend his light heavyweight belt against interim middleweight champion Makhmud Muradov (29-8, 1 NC) at OKTAGON 92 on Aug. 1 in Prague, after original challenger Daniel Skvor withdrew with a torn pectoral. Muradov, a UFC veteran, moves up a division on short notice for a shot at a second-weight title against a fighter who also holds the promotion's heavyweight strap. The card is co-headlined by Lucia Szabova's bantamweight title defense against Lucie Pudilova.

Why it matters: Two of OKTAGON's unbeaten stars now collide with gold on the line, and a Muradov win would make him a two-division champ — a marquee outcome for Europe's fastest-growing promotion.

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.

Du Plessis passes on Strickland callout, points him toward Imavov

After a lopsided decision over Kamaru Usman at UFC Oklahoma City, former middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis declined to call out titleholder Sean Strickland — whom he has beaten twice — and instead urged Strickland to defend against No. 3 Nassourdine Imavov in December before 'I come take my belt back.' Khamzat Chimaev is also demanding an immediate rematch after his split-decision loss to Strickland at UFC 328. Usman, meanwhile, said an early thumb to the eye blurred his vision and hinted at an undisclosed issue coming in.

Why it matters: DDP stepping aside clears a lane for Imavov or Chimaev next while positioning himself as the eventual winner's problem.

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

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

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

Muhammad kicks Covington at RAF 11 presser as RAF 12 grudge match is booked

The RAF 11 post-fight press conference dissolved into chaos when Belal Muhammad charged the stage and kicked at Colby Covington after a barrage of insults from both men. Security separated them, and RAF officials announced that Covington vs. Muhammad will co-headline RAF 12. Covington dismissed the matchup as "easy money," while Muhammad, who has feuded with him for years, needed to be restrained.

Why it matters: It gives RAF Wrestling its next marquee grudge match and channels a long-running UFC rivalry onto the mats, though it remains a wrestling booking rather than an MMA fight.

Du Plessis-Usman winner eyes Strickland as Chimaev demands rematch

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

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

Blachowicz draws unbeaten Navajo Stirling at UFC Belgrade

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Gaethje's camp rules out rematches, pointing the title at Tsarukyan

Manager Ali Abdelaziz says Justin Gaethje's first defense of the undisputed lightweight title won't be a rematch, ruling out Ilia Topuria, Charles Oliveira, Max Holloway and Paddy Pimblett. That leaves Arman Tsarukyan, the top contender and the only fighter in the 155-pound top five Gaethje hasn't faced, as the clear target. Gaethje has said it's highly unlikely he fights again in 2026, so a bout likely lands around the turn of the year.

Why it matters: It closes the door on Oliveira's campaign for an immediate rematch and finally lines up the Tsarukyan fight the division has been waiting on, even if it means the belt sits idle for months.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Moreno returns against TUF 33 winner Morales at Noche UFC

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

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

Lightweight contenders swarm Gaethje as Oliveira spams for his shot

With Justin Gaethje sitting on the lightweight title and non-committal about his future, the contenders wasted no time. Charles Oliveira flooded the UFC 329 post-fight press conference feed with "Charles vs Justin," leaning on his 2022 first-round submission of Gaethje and his March BMF win over Max Holloway. Holloway, meanwhile, is chasing a rematch of his UFC 300 buzzer-beater KO, and Paddy Pimblett called out the entire top of the division after sleeping Benoit Saint-Denis.

Why it matters: Gaethje has a genuine logjam of credible challengers — Oliveira, Holloway, Tsarukyan, Topuria and Pimblett — but no booking yet, and his own uncertainty leaves the division in limbo.

Grasso-Fiorot flyweight eliminator booked for Noche UFC

Former flyweight champion Alexa Grasso (17-5-1) will face Manon Fiorot (13-2) at Noche UFC 4 on Sept. 12 in Glendale, Arizona. Grasso is coming off a brutal knockout of Maycee Barber at UFC Seattle in March that snapped a three-fight winless run, while Fiorot rebounded from her UFC 315 title loss to Valentina Shevchenko with a 74-second TKO of Jasmine Jasudavicius. It is the second bout reported for the card, alongside a heavyweight return for Curtis Blaydes against Waldo Cortes-Acosta.

Why it matters: With Shevchenko idle and Natalia Silva the presumed next challenger, this is effectively a title eliminator to determine who gets the following crack at 125-pound gold.

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.

Sandhagen and Bautista run it back with title stakes

Cory Sandhagen and Mario Bautista rematch on the UFC 329 main card more than seven years after Sandhagen armbarred a one-week-notice Bautista in his 2019 debut. Bautista (17-3) is now a top-10 bantamweight who rebounded from a decision loss to Umar Nurmagomedov with a submission of Charles Oliveira, and predicts a finish; Sandhagen, coming off a close title-fight loss to Merab Dvalishvili, wants back in the conversation and expects to 'beat up Mario everywhere.'

Why it matters: With a Yan-Dvalishvili trilogy and a possible O'Malley rematch clogging the top of bantamweight, a clean win here gives either man a fresh, rematch-free case for the next title shot.

UFC Shanghai adds Yan Xiaonan vs. Gomes and more

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Song Yadong to headline UFC Shanghai

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

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

Du Plessis lands Usman at UFC Oklahoma City after tough negotiation

The UFC finally made Dricus du Plessis vs. Kamaru Usman official as the July 18 UFC Oklahoma City main event, and du Plessis claims Usman had to be talked into signing: 'They said, We finally convinced him to sign.' It marks du Plessis' first fight since losing the middleweight title to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319 in August, while Usman moves back up to 185 pounds after dropping a close decision to Chimaev in his only prior middleweight outing. Du Plessis cited teammate Justin Gaethje's recent win over Ilia Topuria as reason not to write off the 39-year-old former welterweight king.

Why it matters: A win puts du Plessis back in the middleweight title picture against Chimaev, and pairing him with an all-time welterweight in Usman is the highest-stakes non-title bout the division has on the calendar.

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.

Ruffy named backup for McGregor-Holloway main event

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

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

Pimblett-Saint Denis co-main carries lightweight stakes

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

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

Basharat-Garza booked on six days' notice to complete UFC 329

UFC newcomer John Garza (6-1) stepped in on less than a week's notice to face unbeaten bantamweight Farid Basharat (15-0) at UFC 329, after Ethyn Ewing withdrew with a 'detrimental injury,' rounding the card out to 14 fights. Basharat revealed he is fighting on the final bout of his current UFC deal and will be a free agent afterward, calling the situation 'a gamble.' He pointed to brother Javid Basharat, who went 4-2-1 but was not re-signed, as a cautionary tale about winning not always being enough.

Why it matters: The scramble shows how thin the margins are for roster fighters, where a 6-0 UFC record still doesn't guarantee a new contract without finishes and stakes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Jordan Burroughs to face UFC's Sean Brady in RAF 12 wrestling main event

Real American Freestyle announced that Olympic gold medalist Jordan Burroughs will make his RAF debut against UFC welterweight Sean Brady in the main event at Rocket Arena in Cleveland on August 22. Burroughs, a four-time world champion and 2012 Olympic gold medalist, last competed at the 2024 World Championships. Brady, coming off a win over Joaquin Buckley at UFC 328, is one of the top welterweights in MMA and known for his wrestling despite a non-traditional background.

Why it matters: The crossover pits an all-time freestyle great against an active UFC contender, a novel test of how MMA grappling translates back to the mat and a boost for Burroughs' fledgling promotion.

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.

Jordan Burroughs to face UFC's Sean Brady in RAF 12 main event

Olympic gold medalist and six-time world champion Jordan Burroughs will make his Real American Freestyle debut against UFC welterweight Sean Brady in a catchweight main event at RAF 12 on Aug. 22 at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, streaming on Fox Nation. Brady, the No. 5-ranked UFC welterweight and a BJJ black belt, is coming off a lopsided decision win over Joaquin Buckley but never wrestled in high school or college. The card lands a month after RAF Georgia's Merab Dvalishvili vs. Henry Cejudo bout on July 11.

Why it matters: It's another example of RAF poaching name UFC fighters for freestyle wrestling crossovers — a heavy underdog spot for Brady against arguably the greatest freestyler ever.

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

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

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

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.

Gamrot to test red-hot Salkilld in UFC Vegas 120 headliner

The UFC booked No. 8-ranked lightweight Mateusz Gamrot (26-4) against surging Australian prospect Quillan Salkilld (12-1) in the main event of UFC Vegas 120 on Aug. 8 at the Apex. Salkilld is 5-0 in the UFC with four first-round finishes and four Performance of the Night bonuses, most recently starching Beneil Dariush in Perth. Gamrot returned to the win column in April with a second-round arm-triangle over Esteban Ribovics but has alternated wins and losses across his last four.

Why it matters: It's a genuine hype-versus-pedigree test: a win over a proven top-10 gatekeeper would vault Salkilld into the lightweight title conversation, while Gamrot needs a signature name to reassert himself in a division suddenly in flux under new champ Justin Gaethje.

Umar Nurmagomedov meets Song Yadong atop UFC Shanghai

Umar Nurmagomedov (20-1) will headline UFC Shanghai on Aug. 29 against No. 5-ranked bantamweight Song Yadong (23-9-1, 1 NC), the promotion's first mainland China event in a year. Both men are coming off wins over Deiveson Figueiredo — Song by submission, Nurmagomedov by decision. Umar opened as a lopsided -700 favorite. The bout was rebooked after Umar's original opponent David Martinez withdrew injured.

Why it matters: Nurmagomedov's only loss remains his 2025 title defeat to Merab Dvalishvili, and a win here likely earns him another crack — while an upset would finally push the inconsistent Song into the title picture in a home-country main event.

UFC 330 fills out as Ian Garry calls his shot on Makhachev

UFC 330 (Aug. 15, Philadelphia) grew to 10 fights with the additions of Jalin Turner vs. Kauê Fernandes and Neil Magny vs. Ramiz Brahimaj, beneath the Islam Makhachev–Ian Machado Garry welterweight title main event and Mackenzie Dern's strawweight defense against Gillian Robertson. Garry is predicting a deliberate fourth-round finish, citing Sean Strickland's upset of Khamzat Chimaev. Daniel Cormier called the shot-calling 'misguided,' while Jon Jones favors Makhachev on his 'wrestling pedigree.'

Why it matters: Makhachev is chasing Anderson Silva's 16-fight UFC win streak, and after back-to-back title upsets at UFC 328 and Freedom 250, the underdog Garry has a live blueprint — but Cormier's warning underscores the risk in fighting to a script against the pound-for-pound No. 1.

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

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

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

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.

Alessandro Costa replaces injured Ode Osbourne against Durden at UFC 329

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

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

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.

Chimaev demands immediate Strickland rematch; champ says earn it

Khamzat Chimaev, who dropped the middleweight title and his unbeaten record to Sean Strickland by split decision at UFC 328 in May, is lobbying for an immediate rematch after initially saying he'd move to light heavyweight. 'Accept the fight, don't run, I'll beat you anyway,' Chimaev wrote. Strickland, currently in Florida and eyeing a December return, has said Chimaev must string together wins first, insisting the rankings should matter.

Why it matters: It sets up a defining question at 185 pounds: does a razor-thin title loss earn Chimaev a direct do-over, or does he go to the back of the line?

Dern vs. Robertson set for UFC 330 as challenger dismisses champ's grappling edge

Strawweight champion Mackenzie Dern (16-5) makes her first title defense against Gillian Robertson (17-8) in the UFC 330 co-main on Aug. 15, a matchup pairing the promotion's most accoladed jiu-jitsu champion with its all-time women's leader in submissions and finishes. Robertson, riding a five-fight streak, argued Dern's pure-grappling résumé means little in MMA and accused her of underestimating her; she also acknowledged Zhang Weili deserved the shot first. Dern opened as only a slight favorite.

Why it matters: It's a rare title fight between two elite submission artists, and Zhang Weili's absence from the picture leaves the strawweight pecking order in flux.

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.

Chimaev presses Strickland for middleweight rematch as Eblen reveals the spar that wrecked Sean's shoulder

Khamzat Chimaev publicly demanded an immediate rematch with Sean Strickland, who took his belt by split decision at UFC 328 on May 9, telling 'Tarzan' to 'accept the fight, don't run.' The UFC hasn't committed, with five-fight winner Nassourdine Imavov also lobbying for the next shot. Meanwhile, PFL's Johnny Eblen detailed the fight-week sparring session at Plinio Cruz's gym where Strickland tore up his shoulder — a Type 2 AC separation, SLAP tear and partial rotator cuff tear he fought through.

Why it matters: The middleweight title picture is stuck between a rematch and Imavov's earned claim, and Strickland's injury recovery timeline will dictate when any of it gets booked.

Tsarukyan eyes Oliveira rematch rather than wait on Gaethje

With newly crowned lightweight champion Justin Gaethje unlikely to fight again within six months after his brutal win over Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250, Arman Tsarukyan's manager says a rematch with BMF titleholder Charles Oliveira is the 'most attractive' option to stay active. Tsarukyan beat Oliveira by split decision at UFC 300 in 2024 and has fought just once in the Octagon since. Oliveira has pushed for a winner-take-all bout putting his BMF belt against the lightweight title.

Why it matters: The No. 1 contender accepting a stay-busy fight signals the division won't sit idle waiting on Gaethje — and an Oliveira rematch could decide the next title shot outright.

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

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

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

Fiziev wheel-kicks past Torres in Baku, calls for BMF title shot

Rafael Fiziev snapped a rough run of form with a second-round knockout of surging contender Manuel Torres in the UFC Baku main event, opening the round with a spinning wheel kick that dropped Torres before finishing with ground-and-pound. It was Fiziev's first knockout since stopping Rafael dos Anjos in 2022 and pulled him out of a 1-4 slump that included two losses to Justin Gaethje. Fiziev earned one of four $100,000 Performance of the Night bonuses and called for a BMF title fight against Charles Oliveira, with whom he was previously booked at UFC Sao Paulo before an injury withdrawal.

Why it matters: A signature finish reinserts the No. 12 lightweight into the upper division's conversation, and his BMF callout collides with Oliveira's hopes for a Gaethje rematch — leaving the UFC a real matchmaking decision at 155.

Shara Bullet survives knockdown to edge Pereira, calls out Adesanya

Shara Magomedov was dropped hard by a Michel Pereira right hand in the opening round but rallied to a unanimous decision (29-28 x3) in the UFC Baku co-main event, leaning on volume kicking over the final two rounds. The win moves the one-eyed Russian to 6-1 in the UFC and 17-1 overall. Magomedov called for a fight with former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya — though his friend Abus Magomedov, fresh off a first-round submission of Michal Oleksiejczuk earlier in the night, also requested the same matchup.

Why it matters: Magomedov keeps building a marketable middleweight resume, but a competitive, foul-marred decision over the weathered Pereira raises the question of whether he's a genuine contender or being carefully matched.

Hernandez vs. Rodrigues to headline UFC's Sacramento return

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Charles Oliveira campaigns for Gaethje rematch and title unification

BMF champion Charles Oliveira is pushing to be next for new undisputed lightweight champ Justin Gaethje, pitching a BMF–155 unification bout and citing their history: Oliveira submitted Gaethje at UFC 274 in 2022 after being stripped on the scale. Oliveira says his team planned to meet with the UFC this week and is willing to wait into 2027 if Gaethje, who has said he likely won't fight again in 2026, holds off. Arman Tsarukyan, who beat Oliveira at UFC 300, remains the contender with the strongest ranking case.

Why it matters: Gaethje's title and uncertain timeline have opened a logjam at lightweight, with Oliveira, Tsarukyan and the McGregor-Holloway winner all jockeying for the next shot.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lightweight contenders line up for Gaethje as Oliveira and Pimblett angle for shots

With Justin Gaethje now the undisputed lightweight champion after stopping Ilia Topuria at the White House, the queue is forming. BMF champ Charles Oliveira called for a rematch of his 2022 win, citing the 'scale robbery' that stripped his title before he submitted Gaethje, and pitched it as 'the fight the world wants to see.' Paddy Pimblett, who fights Benoit Saint-Denis at UFC 329 on July 11, said Gaethje's run motivated him and claimed eye gouges and low blows marred their January bout, though he conceded Arman Tsarukyan remains the rightful No. 1 contender.

Why it matters: Gaethje's stunning title win blew the division wide open, with Tsarukyan, Oliveira, the Holloway-McGregor winner and a Topuria rematch all in play — and Gaethje himself hinting he may not stick around long.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Ian Machado Garry vows to dethrone Makhachev at UFC 330

Ian Machado Garry will challenge welterweight champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 330 on August 15, a bout made official last week. In an Instagram breakdown, the Irishman conceded Makhachev has few weaknesses but argued his length, speed and takedown defense present a problem the Dagestani hasn't faced. Makhachev tied Anderson Silva's record 16-fight UFC win streak by taking the title from Jack Della Maddalena and can break it here; Garry insists he'll be "the guy that stopped history from happening."

Why it matters: Makhachev is one win from the longest streak in UFC history, and Garry — a sizable underdog who's repeatedly outperformed expectations — is the obstacle standing between him and the record.