← All topics · RSS

Signings, releases & free agency

72 stories on this topic, newest first.

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

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

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

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

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

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

UFC releases undefeated, top-10 bantamweight Basharat after 7-0 run

Farid Basharat (16-0), the No. 9-ranked UFC bantamweight, has been removed from the roster after fighting out his contract with a July win over John Garza at UFC 329. The 29-year-old Afghan-born Briton went 7-0 in the Octagon with wins over Jean Matsumoto, Chris Gutierrez and Taylor Lapilus, but six of those came by decision and he wasn't offered a new deal despite asking Joe Rogan for one cageside. He follows Muhammad Mokaev, Michael Page and his own brother Javid — now in the PFL — as winning fighters cut loose.

Why it matters: The UFC keeps parting with undefeated, ranked fighters whose only sin is a shortage of finishes, undercutting its claim to roster the world's best and feeding the free-agent pipelines of the PFL and others.

Sundell outpoints Pereira's sister as DWCS finale hands out four deals

The final episode of Contender Series Season 10 handed out four UFC contracts and tied the show record at 46 for the year. The headline result was 21-year-old former ONE Muay Thai champion Smilla Sundell outpointing Alex Pereira's sister Aline Pereira by unanimous decision at bantamweight; White said he wanted Sundell to gain more experience but was outvoted by matchmaker Mick Maynard. Luis Francischinelli (first-round TKO), Douglas da Lapa (third-round TKO of a durable Davi Cabral) and Greg Foster (decision) also earned deals, while main-event grappler Erick Visconde was passed over despite beating Ilias Bulaid.

Why it matters: Sundell is a blue-chip striker the UFC pushed through over White's own objection, giving a thin women's bantamweight division a real prospect while Aline Pereira's bid to join her brother stalls.

MVP says three Misfits fights will out-earn his entire UFC run

Michael 'Venom' Page, let go after going 5-1 in the UFC, revealed his new Misfits Boxing deal pays seven figures per fight — roughly double his UFC money — and that three bouts will net more than his whole six-fight Octagon contract. Page said he felt 'free of the shackles' creatively, called the UFC's pay reputation 'embarrassing,' and added that Misfits wants him to front a future MMA venture.

Why it matters: A concrete dollar figure from a recent UFC roster member hands the fighter-pay argument exactly the kind of evidence Strickland and Costa have only gestured at.

Michael 'Venom' Page lands at Misfits Boxing after UFC walk

Michael 'Venom' Page signed a multi-fight, multi-year deal with KSI's Misfits Boxing, announced in the ring at the promotion's London card. Per Ariel Helwani, it's an exclusive combat deal that still permits grappling and wrestling bouts. The UFC declined to re-sign the 39-year-old despite a 5-1 Octagon run and a four-fight win streak; Page said he felt 'disrespected' by how his exit was handled and that he now feels 'free.'

Why it matters: The UFC let a marketable crossover name walk over money, and influencer boxing keeps scooping up that talent — though at 39 and out of a tepid UFC stretch, what Page delivers in the ring is an open question.

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.

Dana White's personal runner KOs his way onto the UFC roster

Salhahuddin 'Sal' Everett, who climbed from UFC security guard to Dana White's personal runner, flattened undefeated Ozzy Martin in 1:57 to earn a contract in the Contender Series co-main, with White stepping away from cageside to stay impartial. It headlined a four-contract night: Preston LaGrange upset Nell Ariano as a +400 underdog, Mateus Soares starched Ryuho Miyaguchi in 63 seconds, and Roque Conceicao locked a triangle through a slam. Everett, now 5-0 with all finishes, says he wants to keep his day job.

Why it matters: It's the rare Contender Series story with a genuine hook, and the four signings keep stocking a roster the UFC is churning through faster than ever — 42 deals across Season 10 so far.

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

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

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

Zabit Magomedsharipov resurfaces, signing with RAF to face Giga Chikadze

One of MMA's great what-ifs is back in competition. Zabit Magomedsharipov has signed a four-match deal with Real American Freestyle, the pro-wrestling promotion, and will debut Nov. 14 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi against fellow UFC featherweight veteran Giga Chikadze, per ESPN and manager Ali Abdelaziz. Magomedsharipov, 35, last fought in MMA in November 2019, beating Calvin Kattar before walking away 18-1 and a perfect 6-0 in the UFC. He has grappled sparingly in recent years, most recently outpointing Youssef Zalal at ACBJJ 22 in August. The RAF Abu Dhabi card is headlined by a Khamzat Chimaev–Colby Covington crossover bout and also features Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Urijah Faber.

Why it matters: It isn't the MMA comeback fans fantasize about, but it's the closest they'll get to seeing one of the most gifted fighters of his generation compete again.

Sam Alvey takes his power to BKFC, eyeing Ironweight gold by April

Longtime UFC and Bellator veteran Sam Alvey has signed a multi-fight deal with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship and will debut Dec. 4 at a BKFC Fight Night in Hershey, Pa., against an opponent to be named in the promotion's new Ironweight division. Alvey, 40, went 11-13 in the UFC from 2014 to 2022 before reviving his career in Karate Combat, where he won two titles, including a unanimous-decision win over Uriah Hall. He remains under contract with Karate Combat but is exclusive to BKFC for bare-knuckle. “By April 2027, I will have my hand held high and the BKFC belt around my waist,” Alvey said.

Why it matters: Bare-knuckle keeps proving a reliable second act for recognizable MMA names, though the format strips away the kicks and takedowns that filled out Alvey's long résumé.

Soldic survives early knockdowns to win octagon debut

Former two-division KSW champion Roberto Soldic, one of the UFC's bigger free-agent signings of the year, weathered two early knockdowns from Khaos Williams before taking over and battering him across rounds two and three for a unanimous-decision welterweight win. Williams showed a granite chin to survive, but Soldic won two 10-8 scorecards in the second. He declined to call anyone out, saying he'll fight whoever the matchmakers send.

Why it matters: After several high-profile outside signings flopped on debut, Soldic proved his skills translate and injects a finisher into a crowded welterweight division.

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

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

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

Contender Series' first slam KO — and an illegal-knee win Dana White ripped

George Staines scored the first slam knockout in Contender Series history, finishing Loai Abushaar in Round 1 of the Week 8 main event, as all four winners earned UFC contracts. But the night was overshadowed when Ian Escuza landed a clearly illegal knee to a downed Luca Borando in his 32-second TKO; referee Herb Dean and the NSAC let the result stand, and Escuza was signed anyway after Sean Shelby argued for him. Dana White said flatly of Dean, 'He f--ked up.' Adama Diop and Aieza Bertolso also earned deals.

Why it matters: The UFC handing a contract to a fighter who won on an illegal strike — over White's own objection — is an awkward look for a promotion already fielding questions about officiating and result integrity.

Musumeci to make MMA jump, eyes UFC flyweight belt

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

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

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.

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.

DWCS makes history: six contracts, two of them to losers

Week 7 of Dana White's Contender Series produced six UFC contracts — the first time in the show's history that two fight-losers were signed. Piero Guaylupo and Callum Connor combined for nearly 400 significant strikes in a Fight of the Year contender that earned both deals, and Jaden Ortega was signed despite dropping a decision to Alvi Dasuyev. Marcos Degli, Carlos Prates's touted flyweight teammate, submitted Paris Moran with a standing one-armed rear-naked choke, and Damian Piwowarczyk scored a first-round TKO. Only headliner Norbert Novenyi Jr. won without earning a contract.

Why it matters: A deep, finish-heavy week restocks the lighter divisions — and White rewarding losers underlines how much the UFC now prizes action over unbeaten records.

Dana White rebuffs Costa: 'He's turned down fights'

Responding to Paulo Costa's public ultimatum, Dana White said the light heavyweight has been offered fights and declined them, dismissing the idea the UFC is freezing him out. Costa says he has one bout left on a deal priced for three rounds and wants either that fight, a five-rounder at higher pay, or an immediate release. White pointed out that even injured Tom Aspinall gets offered fights — the same mechanism that lets the UFC toll a contract indefinitely each time an offer is declined.

Why it matters: It's the familiar standoff of a name fighter trying to reach free agency: every rejected offer can extend Costa's deal, leaving him idle at 205 while champion Carlos Ulberg rehabs a knee.

Costa gives UFC an ultimatum; Ankalaev volunteers as the 'get-out-of-jail-free card'

Paulo Costa went public with his contract standoff, laying out three options for chief business officer Hunter Campbell: honor the three-round fight already in his deal, offer a five-round light heavyweight bout in six weeks with raised pay, or release him now. Costa, coming off finishes of Roman Kopylov and Azamat Murzakanov and already linked to boxing manager Eddie Hearn, has one fight left. Ex-champ Magomed Ankalaev volunteered, telling Costa a win over him means free agency and millions while a loss was expected anyway.

Why it matters: It's another Hearn-managed fighter openly feuding with the UFC over money and terms, and it exposes a stalled light heavyweight division with champion Carlos Ulberg sidelined into 2027.

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

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

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

Ki MMA touts eight-figure war chest as Fedor eyes a Couture superfight

Scott Coker's newly named Ki MMA promotion, launched Monday with roughly $60M in financing, is opening its checkbook for free agents. Matchmaker Rich Chou said the company has an 'eight-figure war chest' and named ex-UFC welterweight Michael Venom Page as a target of interest. Fedor Emelianenko, on hand at the launch, said he remains open to finally fighting Randy Couture — 'I'm ready if he's ready' — reviving the 2007 superfight that UFC litigation once killed. Ki plans about a dozen events across four continents in 2027, built around a 32-man featherweight grand prix.

Why it matters: A well-funded new promoter actively bidding on free agents gives fighters real leverage for the first time in years — and a credible alternative destination outside the UFC-PFL axis.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Coker launches Ki MMA, built around a 32-man featherweight grand prix

Scott Coker unveiled his new promotion, Ki MMA (pronounced "key"), set to launch in Q1 2027 alongside co-founder Peter Levin and longtime matchmaker Rich Chou, reportedly backed by roughly $60 million. The centerpiece is a 32-fighter featherweight World Grand Prix split into four eight-man continental brackets across North America, South America, Asia and Europe, single-elimination, with the eventual champion needing five wins. In a break from the UFC and PFL, fights will take place in a ring rather than a cage. No roster signings were announced, though Coker said the budget can chase 'any free agents.'

Why it matters: This is the first seriously funded new-promotion challenger since the PFL-Bellator consolidation, and a ring-based global tournament with a war chest gives non-UFC talent — especially young featherweights — a fresh place to land.

Shaydullaev outlasts McKee, unifies RIZIN and PFL gold, signs with MVP

Razhabali Shaydullaev survived an early knockdown to grind out a unanimous decision (30-27 x3) over A.J. McKee in the Super RIZIN 5 main event in Osaka, defending his RIZIN featherweight title and claiming the vacant PFL belt. It was the first time in 20 pro fights the 25-year-old Tajik went the distance, moving him to 20-0. Ariel Helwani reported, and multiple outlets confirmed, that Shaydullaev has signed a two-year deal beginning in 2027 with Jake Paul's MVP, making him the first fighter inked since MVP's merger with the PFL. He'll defend the RIZIN strap once more against Kyoma Akimoto on New Year's Eve before the move. On the undercard, Mikuru Asakura knocked out Shinya Aoki in the first round.

Why it matters: MVP just landed arguably the best featherweight outside the UFC as its statement first signing, and a double champion at that gives the rebranded promotion instant credibility heading into 2027.

Soldic finally signs with UFC, says pay is 'not even close' to ONE

Former two-division KSW champion Roberto Soldic, who makes his long-delayed UFC debut against Khaos Williams at UFC 332 on Oct. 3, said his new UFC deal is 'not even close' to what he earned in ONE Championship — though he took the cut to compete on the biggest stage. Soldic ripped his ONE tenure, where a promised 10-fight deal across MMA, Muay Thai and kickboxing produced just three MMA bouts in four years (1-1-1) and left him 'semi-retired' and depressed. It will be his first fight since February 2025.

Why it matters: Soldic joins Salahdine Parnasse as another marquee ex-ONE name choosing the UFC despite less money, and his account adds to a growing picture of activity problems inside ONE Championship.

Jake Paul moves to sign Michael Page after UFC cuts him loose

A day after Dana White confirmed the UFC won't re-sign Michael 'Venom' Page, MVP co-founder Jake Paul publicly pitched him with a 'bring MVP to MVP' post on X. Page went 5-1 in the Octagon but never scored a finish, and his low-output UFC Paris win over Nursulton Ruziboev drew boos. He's already booked to face Alexander Shlemenko in a Real American Freestyle wrestling match on Oct. 23, with BKFC also circling.

Why it matters: Page is exactly the recognizable name the merged MVP-PFL roster wants to launch its 2027 era, and his exit shows the UFC is willing to let a winning fighter walk over style.

White signs four on Contender Series, likens Pasley to Jon Jones

Week 5 of Dana White's Contender Series Season 10 ran Tuesday at the Meta Apex, producing four UFC contracts. Christian Natividad folded Colton Loud with a body shot in 70 seconds on eight days' notice; Martin Kozak, 24, became the youngest Slovakian signed to the UFC with a second-round TKO of Christian Echols, who had missed weight by three pounds; Isaac Moreno earned a decision White admitted he had to argue past his matchmakers; and 4-0 headliner Quentin Pasley finished Arlind Berisha with first-round elbows, drawing repeated Jon Jones comparisons from White. Apollo Gomes beat Won Il Kwon by decision but was denied a deal, the first week this season with fewer than five signings.

Why it matters: This is the UFC's prospect pipeline in real time — Pasley and Kozak are the names to file away, and White publicly overruling his matchmakers on Moreno is a window into how borderline calls get made.

Dana White confirms UFC is done with Michael Page

Speaking after Tuesday's Contender Series, Dana White ended the speculation: the UFC will not re-sign Michael 'Venom' Page. 'I don't think we're signing him, no... What's the confusion?' White said, noting Page had already been pulled from the rankings. Page's win over Nursulton Ruziboev at UFC Paris was the final bout on his deal; he leaves 5-1 in the Octagon on a four-fight streak but scored zero finishes and drew boos for low-output performances. The 39-year-old free agent could land with the PFL/MVP group or Scott Coker's new promotion.

Why it matters: A recognizable, top-15-caliber name hits free agency, and the reasoning — winning wasn't enough without entertainment — is a blunt statement of how the UFC values its roster.

UFC yanks Michael Page from rankings, signaling release

The UFC notified its ranking panel to remove Michael Page from eligibility 'effective immediately' and re-rank the middleweight division to 15 fighters, per an email shared by reporter John Morgan. The move comes days after Page (5-1 UFC) closed out his six-fight contract with a dull decision over Nursulton Ruziboev at UFC Paris, a bout the crowd booed and after which he was denied a post-fight interview. Page, a Bellator knockout artist who never finished a foe in the Octagon, said he doubted the promotion would re-sign him, though a new deal isn't formally ruled out.

Why it matters: One of the sport's flashiest strikers turned into a low-output point-fighter in the UFC, and the promotion is willing to let a 5-1 name walk over style rather than results — a warning shot about entertainment value. PFL, ONE and bare-knuckle will all circle a free-agent MVP.

Roberto Soldic signs with the UFC as a welterweight

Former two-division KSW champion Roberto Soldic (21-4, 18 KOs) has signed with the UFC and been added to the official roster as a welterweight, per reports from Pelunaton and The MMA Matchmaker. The 31-year-old Croatian, who split two KSW bouts with Dricus du Plessis and holds a 2018 KO over him, leaves ONE Championship after a stalled three-fight run there. No debut has been announced, though it is rumored for UFC 334 in New York on Nov. 14.

Why it matters: A rare direct-to-roster signing drops a proven finisher into an already stacked 170-pound division, with a possible du Plessis trilogy or a top-15 debut immediately on the table.

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.

Dana White signs all five DWCS winners after Week 4, including a 15-second KO

Every winner earned a UFC contract on Week 4 of Contender Series Season 10 at the Apex, with four of five bouts ending in finishes. Modestino Rodrigues starched Brandon Holmes in 15 seconds on a stoppage White called one of the worst in the show's history, while Silvestre Sanchez, Gabriel Lourenco and Adam Darby also scored stoppages and Adam Livingston edged a split decision. White has now signed 20 fighters through four weeks of the season.

Why it matters: The pace of signings is filling the roster fast, and White himself notes it will force veteran cuts to make room for the incoming class.

Usman Nurmagomedov turns down $2M-per-fight PFL offer, torches UFC's lightweights

The undefeated PFL lightweight champ (22-0, 1 NC) says he rejected a re-signing offer north of $2 million per fight and remains in a 90-day exclusive negotiating window before he can legally talk to the UFC. He mocked the UFC's top 10 for recycling each other, singling out Paddy Pimblett ('lost to a 37-year-old veteran'), Ilia Topuria and Arman Tsarukyan. He expects to be the promotion's best 155-pounder the moment he signs.

Why it matters: MMA's hottest free agent is publicly pricing himself and angling for a UFC debut at or near the title — a live threat to a lightweight division Justin Gaethje won't defend until 2027.

Chris Barnett becomes first male ex-UFC fighter to sign with Power Slap

Power Slap announced Wednesday that fan-favorite heavyweight Chris 'Beastboy' Barnett has signed on, with an opponent and debut date still to be determined. Barnett, 40, went 2-4 across six UFC fights — remembered for a Performance of the Night spinning-wheel-kick KO of Gian Villante — before his 2025 release, and most recently scored a 61-second KO in Karate Combat. He's the first male former UFC fighter to cross into Dana White's slap-fighting venture, following the paths of Paige VanZant and Emily Whitmire.

Why it matters: White continues to funnel released and crossover talent into his own promotions; Barnett breaking the male-UFC-to-Power-Slap barrier signals more such moves to come.

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

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

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

Bella Mir headlines Contender Series as record women's favorite

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

Kaik Brito's brutal walk-off KO caps six-contract Contender Series night

Kaik Brito flattened popular prospect Namo Fazil with an overhand right 12 seconds into the third round in the Contender Series Season 10, Week 2 main event, earning a UFC contract on his second try after a 2023 loss. Dana White handed out six deals from just five fights, including both Roman Puga and losing fighter Taner Trembley after their three-round war. Trent Miller pulled a Von Flue choke on Douglas Rodrigues as a +500 underdog.

Why it matters: Brito (20-6, with finishes in 19 of 20 wins) enters a crowded welterweight division as a proven knockout artist, and White called his finish one of the best in show history.

Cormier presses free agent Usman Nurmagomedov to sign with UFC

PFL lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov, a free agent after knocking out Archie Colgan in the final bout of his contract, was backstage at UFC 330, where Daniel Cormier urged him to make the jump: "It's time for legacy. You think they're bums? Come show me." Nurmagomedov (22-0) appeared to question the level of UFC lightweights in the exchange. PFL still holds an exclusive negotiating window amid its merger with MVP before the UFC can formally bid.

Why it matters: The best lightweight competing outside the UFC edging toward the Octagon would immediately reshape a division ruled by Justin Gaethje and thick with Dagestani talent.

Jairzinho Rozenstruik signs with the PFL

Former UFC heavyweight contender Jairzinho Rozenstruik has signed with the PFL, per reporter Danny Podolsky. The 38-year-old Surinamese knockout artist (15-6, 13 by KO) headlined six UFC cards before his 2025 release following a decision loss to Sergei Pavlovich, then won the inaugural Dirty Boxing Championship heavyweight title. No debut date, opponent, or format has been announced.

Why it matters: PFL adds a proven, heavy-handed name with a résumé against former champions to bolster its heavyweight division.

Oktagon two-division champ Lucia Szabova reportedly UFC-bound

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

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

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.

Makhachev pitches free agent Usman Nurmagomedov for a UFC title run

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

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

Contender Series Season 10 opens with four signings and two blitz KOs

On the Season 10 premiere of Dana White's Contender Series at the Meta APEX, four prospects earned UFC deals: heavyweight Anthony Wint (7-0), flyweight Bilal Hasan (9-0), featherweight Thomas Pagliarulo (11-2) and middleweight Joseph Kropschot (9-3). Wint, a former Jets linebacker, stopped Matt Adams with ground-and-pound in 34 seconds, while Hasan, a record -5000 favorite, knocked out Mridul Saikia in 45. Kropschot took a decision after refusing to relent on a fight-ending armbar Jon Kunneman wouldn't tap to. White declined to sign lightweight Abe Alsaghir despite his split-decision win, saying the judges 'blew that decision.'

Why it matters: Wint (targeted for UFC Sacramento on Aug. 22) and the heavily hyped Hasan headline a heavyweight-and-flyweight infusion, and Wint continues the NFL-to-MMA pipeline White keeps feeding.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Abdelaziz says PFL never offered Usman a new deal, 90-day window now running

Manager Ali Abdelaziz told MMA Junkie that PFL had a chance to re-sign lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov (22-0) before his July 31 first-round knockout of Archie Colgan but did not, so the unbeaten champ 'gambled on himself' by fighting out his contract. PFL now holds a 90-day exclusive negotiating window before Abdelaziz talks to other suitors, and he cautioned a UFC move is not certain — Khabib Nurmagomedov has to sign off. Islam Makhachev called it 'a dream for our team' for Usman to join the UFC and floated debut opponents like Ilia Topuria or Arman Tsarukyan.

Why it matters: The most coveted free agent in MMA won't hit the open market for three months, tempering the UFC hype — and the family veto means Usman's landing spot is still genuinely open.

Aspen Ladd signs with BKB, debuts bare-knuckle Aug. 29

Former UFC and PFL bantamweight contender Aspen Ladd (12-5 in MMA) has signed with BKB Bare Knuckle Boxing and will debut against Brazil's Bianca Daimoni at BKB 58 on Aug. 29 at Miami's James L. Knight Center. Ladd, who reached No. 2 in the UFC rankings and shared the cage with Kayla Harrison, Germaine de Randamie and Raquel Pennington, went 1-0 in a BKFC appearance last November. The card is headlined by heavyweight champ Gustavo Trujillo's title defense against Mark O'Neil and features Olympic gold medalist Yuriorkis Gamboa's bare-knuckle debut.

Why it matters: Another established MMA name crossing into bare-knuckle underscores BKB's aggressive roster-building and the growing pull of the format for fighters seeking a second act.

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

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

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

Dana White grins at the prospect of signing free agent Usman Nurmagomedov

Asked at the UFC Belgrade press conference whether the promotion is interested in newly minted free agent Usman Nurmagomedov, Dana White answered with a smiling 'Sure' and later reposted the clip with a grinning emoji. The 22-0 PFL lightweight champion fought out his contract Friday and has UFC ties through brother Umar, cousin Khabib and teammate Islam Makhachev. Makhachev, however, has publicly doubted the UFC will match the money Nurmagomedov earns as the PFL's highest-paid fighter.

Why it matters: MMA's hottest free agent choosing between a UFC legacy run and PFL money is the sport's most consequential contract fight, and White just signaled the bidding is on.

Usman Nurmagomedov flattens Colgan in a round, enters free agency 22-0

Usman Nurmagomedov retained the PFL lightweight title by first-round TKO over previously undefeated Archie Colgan (13-1) in the PFL New York main event at UBS Arena, dropping him with a question-mark kick and finishing with uppercuts and ground strikes at 3:42. It was the final bout of his PFL contract, leaving the 22-0, 1 NC champion a free agent. Post-fight he said he'll see what Dana White offers while daring new PFL co-owner Jake Paul to pay him what he's worth. Khabib, Islam Makhachev, Justin Gaethje and Kamaru Usman were cageside.

Why it matters: The best lightweight outside the UFC is now on the open market just as the MVP-PFL merger gives the PFL money to keep him, setting up a real bidding war for a fighter who could contend for UFC gold quickly.

MVP and PFL merge into one company, and Jake Paul wants the UFC's throne

Most Valuable Promotions and the Professional Fighters League announced a merger that will operate under the MVP banner, led by co-founders Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian, with outgoing PFL CEO John Martin staying on as CEO and board member. The combined outfit claims roughly 400 fighters across MMA and boxing and five events in August, with a full relaunch targeted for early 2027. Paul framed the play bluntly: 'We don't wanna just pick a fight, we wanna win the fight' against the UFC.

Why it matters: PFL already absorbed Bellator; folding in Paul's promotional and media muscle is the most serious attempt in years to build a No. 2 that can actually bid for talent. Whether it survives where Affliction, EliteXC and Strikeforce failed is the question that shapes the non-UFC market for the rest of the decade.

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.

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.

Despaigne re-signs with UFC after knockout tear elsewhere

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

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

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

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

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

Dana White: 'Thank god' Fedor turned down the UFC's biggest offer

On The Pivot podcast, Dana White recounted flying to meet Fedor Emelianenko to book a dream heavyweight fight with then-champion Brock Lesnar, offering the PRIDE legend "so much money." Fedor declined, and White says he and Lorenzo Fertitta were relieved on the flight home. Emelianenko never fought in the UFC, finishing his career in Bellator and retiring in 2023 after a knockout loss to Ryan Bader.

Why it matters: The one marquee name that got away, and a reminder of the era when Fedor's camp held out for terms the UFC wouldn't meet.

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

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

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

Irene Aldana retires and is removed from the UFC roster

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

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

LFA light heavyweight champ Lucas Fernando signs, booked for UFC 330 debut

Reigning LFA 205-pound champion Lucas Fernando (13-3) has signed with the UFC and will debut against Rafael 'Bipolar' Tobias (14-2) at UFC 330 on Aug. 15 in Philadelphia. Fernando, a former DWCS competitor riding a four-fight streak with back-to-back first-round knockouts, gets his second crack at the promotion; Tobias is seeking his first UFC win after dropping his debut to Diyar Nurgozhay. UFC 330 is topped by Islam Makhachev vs. Ian Machado Garry and Mackenzie Dern vs. Gillian Robertson.

Why it matters: A finish-heavy regional champion adds fresh blood to a light heavyweight division suddenly crowded with middleweights moving up.

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

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

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

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.

Loik Radzhabov turns down UFC renewal to fight in Russia

Lightweight Loik Radzhabov says he rejected a new UFC offer and is leaving the promotion to pursue fights closer to home. The 32-year-old, 18-6-1, went 2-2 across four UFC bouts after debuting in 2023 and says the UFC offered a comeback path but he'd rather compete in Russian leagues. He's in negotiations with ACA and eyeing an October or November return, potentially on an ACA card in Tajikistan.

Why it matters: It's a rare case of a fighter choosing regional stability over the UFC banner, a reminder that ACA and European promotions are viable landing spots for fighters with roots outside the U.S.

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.

Joe Lauzon gets UFC's blessing for BKFC debut at Fenway Park

Longtime UFC lightweight Joe Lauzon (28-15), who hasn't fought since 2019 but was never released, secured permission from the UFC to make his BKFC debut on Aug. 29 at Fenway Park in Boston. Lauzon said Hunter Campbell even offered financial help, but insisted the draw is the venue, not money. He remains unsure whether the UFC has fully released him or simply approved this one bout; an opponent is TBD.

Why it matters: It's a window into how the UFC handles dormant contracts of respected veterans, and continues BKFC's run of landing recognizable MMA names — Darren Till and now Lauzon — as it stages a first-of-its-kind card at a Major League Baseball park.

Joe Lauzon signs with BKFC for Fenway Park debut

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

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

Ian Garry signs commercial deal with Eddie Hearn ahead of UFC 330 title shot

Welterweight contender Ian Machado Garry announced he has joined Eddie Hearn's Matchroom Talent Agency for a marketing and commercial deal, while remaining with Vayner Sports for management and UFC fight negotiations. Garry (10-1 in the UFC, off wins over Belal Muhammad and Carlos Prates) challenges Islam Makhachev for the title at UFC 330 on Aug. 15 in Philadelphia. He becomes the second UFC star with Hearn after heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, whose deal covers all aspects of his career.

Why it matters: Hearn's deepening reach into the UFC roster fuels his escalating feud with Dana White and the broader Zuffa Boxing–Matchroom rivalry, just as one of his clients prepares to challenge the pound-for-pound king.