MMA News

Author: Bishal Roy

  • Brock Lesnar: Dana White Refused My Calls Before I Crashed a UFC Event

    Before former UFC Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar ever threw a punch in the UFC, he was buying nosebleed seats and scaling security barriers just to get a meeting with UFC CEO Dana White.

    Lesnar revealed the full story on the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast, detailing how his path to the UFC was anything but straightforward. After parting ways with WWE (despite a 10-year deal worth $20 million guaranteed) he got cut from the Minnesota Vikings, found the IRS at his door, fought a custody battle for his daughter, and got sued by Vince McMahon for violating a non-compete clause.

    “It was a tough time in my life from 2004 to 2006,” Lesnar said.

    He eventually found work in Japan, where a K-1 promoter introduced him to MMA. After a quick stoppage win in Los Angeles, Lesnar set his sights on the UFC but couldn’t get anyone to pick up the phone.

    “Dana White wanted nothing to do with me,” he said. “He wouldn’t return my phone calls.”

    So Lesnar took matters into his own hands. He bought four nosebleed tickets to a UFC event at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, watched Randy Couture win the heavyweight title, then vaulted the security barrier and introduced himself ringside.

    “I grabbed Dana and I introduced myself: ‘I’m Brock Lesnar,’” he said. “We went to the back and he said ‘I’ll give you a shot.’ He gave me a one-fight deal.”

    That fight was against Frank Mir, and Lesnar tapped out in 90 seconds. He assumed it was over. Then White walked into his locker room with news about the pay-per-view numbers.

    “Dana comes in: ‘you’re not done.’ And the next day we negotiated a real contract.”

    Lesnar went on to steamroll Heath Herring and defeat Couture for the UFC heavyweight title. He defended it twice before diverticulitis nearly killed him. ‘The Beast’ then made a dramatic comeback against Shane Carwin before eventually losing the belt to Cain Velasquez. His final UFC appearance, a win over Mark Hunt at UFC 200, was later overturned due to a failed drug test.

    “I look back now and I can’t believe I did it,” Lesnar said. “I want nothing to do with it now.”

    Brock Lesnar is currently involved in a feud with Oba Femi and they will lock horns at the upcoming WWE WrestleMania 42 Premium Live Event.

  • Dana White Corrects Islam Makhachev Return Date After July Claim

    Dana White Corrects Islam Makhachev Return Date After July Claim

    UFC CEO Dana White recently clarified the timeline for Islam Makhachev’s next fight after his manager claimed the welterweight champion would compete during International Fight Week in July. White confirmed Makhachev will return to the Octagon in August instead.

    Ali Abdelaziz recently told TMZ that Makhachev’s next fight was set for July, potentially on the same card as Conor McGregor’s highly anticipated comeback on July 11.

    “Islam got offered a different fight at welterweight to be the main event and Islam said, ‘Hey, let’s do this in July’,” Abdelaziz stated.

    “He had some stuff going on, you know, Dana spoke about it, he had some stuff going on, but I can tell you this, if (the Ilia Topuria) fight was offered in June, and Islam even only had one leg, he would’ve took the fight.

    The MMA manager added that the bout is “a done deal already” and involves a welterweight number one contender match. “The UFC will probably announce it soon,” Abdelaziz said.

    Dana White Clarifies August Timeline

    White quickly addressed the confusion on social media.

    “Not true……. It’s August.”

    The correction rules out any possibility of Makhachev appearing during International Fight Week alongside McGregor’s return. Makhachev fought twice in 2025 before capturing the welterweight championship.

    Potential Opponents Remain Unclear

    Makhachev’s opponent for his first welterweight title defense has not been officially announced. Abdelaziz indicated the Russian accepted a bout against the top-ranked contender despite dealing with a minor hand issue.

    Makhachev and his team have previously campaigned to face Kamaru Usman, though the former champion’s 1-3 record in his past four UFC appearances makes that matchup unlikely.

    Ian Machado Garry appears to be the most deserving option with a 17-1 record, his lone loss coming against Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310 in December 2024.

    Michael Morales represents another possibility after the 19-0 Ecuadorian stopped Sean Brady inside one round at UFC 322 in November. However, Morales lacks the high-level wins that Machado Garry has accumulated, making it unlikely he jumps the queue for a title shot.

  • Paul Hughes Withdraws from PFL Belfast with Knee Injury: ‘I Am Absolutely Crushed’

    Paul Hughes Withdraws from PFL Belfast with Knee Injury: ‘I Am Absolutely Crushed’

    Paul Hughes recently withdrew from the PFL Belfast main event scheduled for April 16th after sustaining a knee injury in training. The fighter announced the setback on social media and will undergo surgery soon.

    In a recent Instagram video post, Hughes revealed the unfortunate incident and said that his PFL comeback fight was called off due to a serious knee injury.

    “I’m out of PFL Belfast. Did everything I possibly could. Surgery next week to fix the issue. I’m sorry to all my supporters. I am absolutely crushed,” Hughes said.

    “The card will go ahead featuring the best talent the island has to offer. Including my teammates and the future of Irish MMA.

    “I will be back as soon as humanly possible. The obstacle is the way.”

    Hughes was set to headline the event against Jay Jay Wilson in front of his hometown crowd. The promotion announced the change on Wednesday, with Wilson now facing undefeated Darragh Kelly (9-0) in the new main event.

    PFL Belfast Card

    The withdrawal is a significant blow for the Belfast card, as Hughes holds a perfect 4-0 record in his hometown with all four victories coming by first-round finish. The 27-year-old fighter carries a professional record of 14-3 and has challenged for the 155-pound championship in both PFL and Bellator.

    PFL’s Ray Sefo issued a statement wishing Hughes a speedy recovery. The promotion moved quickly to secure Kelly as a replacement opponent to maintain a competitive main event for the April 16 card.

    No timeline has been provided for Hughes’ return to competition following the surgery.

    We at MMA News wish Paul Hughes a speedy recovery.

  • Conor McGregor’s UFC Return Confirmed: ‘Rumors Are True’

    Conor McGregor’s UFC Return Confirmed: ‘Rumors Are True’

    Former two-division champion Conor McGregor has reignited speculation about his UFC return, expressing interest in competing again in 2026. ‘The Notorious’ who holds a 22-6 record, has been inactive since suffering a broken leg in his TKO loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021.

    As per Ariel Helwani, McGregor’s return is being targeted for July 11th during UFC International Fight Week. Helwani also reported that Max Holloway is being considered as a potential opponent for the Irishman’s comeback fight.

    Conor McGregor Teases Return

    In a recent Instagram post, ‘The Notorious’ seemed to confirm recent rumors surrounding a potential comeback at the UFC’s International Fight Week event in July.

    McGregor has been active on social media regarding his return plans. He posted and then deleted a message stating he had been offered an opponent and a date, which he accepted. More recently, McGregor indicated he is open to facing a “no name” opponent and urged the UFC to send him a contract.

    “The rumours are true! Mr. Confidence returns to save fighting again! Call your grandma! Nanny we did it! Watch and pay me. F— you pay me. You fat Irish prick you don’t have my money I put your brain to sleep,” McGregor began.

    “See ya’s in the Casinos after, the Mac loves yas all, I got love for yas all it’s an honor it’s light work it’s easy. FOR LIFE AND ETERNITY ITS MCGREGOR! BIG MONEY MAC DADDY MCGREGOR I EXPECT FAWNING OF THE HIGHEST FOR LIFE. I DO THIS FIGHT GAME EASY PEEZY. THE SOUND OF MY SHOTS OFF THE HEAD GO “BING” in green dot laser form. Go BHB!

    Conor McGregor’s Impending Return

    The 38-year-old fighter was scheduled to return at UFC 303 against Michael Chandler in June 2024, but withdrew from that bout due to a toe injury. His last appearance in the octagon ended with the gruesome leg break against Poirier nearly five years ago.

    UFC CEO Dana White has publicly welcomed McGregor’s potential comeback, though he has stated he is not interested in booking the previously planned matchup with Chandler.

    White’s comments suggest the promotion is open to McGregor’s return but may be exploring different opponent options.

    While McGregor has expressed his desire to compete in 2026, no official fight announcement has been made by the UFC. The promotion has not confirmed the July 11 date or any specific opponent for McGregor’s return.

  • Francis Ngannou Was ‘Not Aware’ of PFL Release

    Francis Ngannou Was ‘Not Aware’ of PFL Release

    Francis Ngannou is no longer under contract with the Professional Fighters League as the promotion announced they have parted ways with the former UFC heavyweight champion. The split was revealed in March, less than six months after Ngannou’s lone appearance for the organization.

    PFL released a statement confirming the decision.

    “The Professional Fighters League has made the decision to part ways with Francis Ngannou,” the promotion said. “We have great respect for Francis as both an athlete and a person, and we wish him success in the next chapter of his combat sports career.”

    Francis Ngannou: Decision To Part Ways Was Not Mine

    Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, Ngannou said:

    “They wanted to get ahead of the story, which is what every organization would do. Because we part ways since January. I also wanted them to come up with something better. Because the decision to part ways was not mine. I was a little surprised when they sent me that. They should have also told me… People just sent it to me. I just saw it out there; I wasn’t aware at all.”

    The 39-year-old Ngannou fought just once for PFL, defeating Renan Ferreira via first-round knockout in October 2024 to capture the symbolic PFL super fights heavyweight title. That victory marked his return to MMA after a two-year absence from the sport.

    Ngannou’s PFL Tenure

    Ngannou signed with PFL in May 2023 after departing the UFC in January of that year. Beyond competing, he also served as chairman of PFL Africa, which launched in May 2025.

    The Cameroonian fighter holds an 18-3 professional MMA record with 12 knockouts. He is still recognized as the lineal heavyweight champion of mixed martial arts despite not holding an active title.

    Ngannou did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the split, according to ESPN. He is now a free agent and able to negotiate with any promotion.

  • Michael Bisping Believes Lerone Murphy Deserved the Win at UFC London

    Michael Bisping Believes Lerone Murphy Deserved the Win at UFC London

    Michael Bisping believes Lerone Murphy should have defeated Movsar Evloev at UFC London. The featherweight bout ended in a majority decision for Evloev (20-0), but Bisping disagreed with the judges’ scorecards.

    The UFC London main event saw two judges score the fight 48-46 for Evloev, while the third judge scored it 47-47. Evloev also had a point deducted in Round 4 for low blows. Murphy’s record now stands at 17-1-1.

    Bisping’s Analysis

    Michael Bisping, who did commentary live, said right away that he saw the fight differently. On his YouTube channel, Bisping said:

    “I’ll just get to the point: I thought Lerone — and I’ve got nothing against Movsar, and this is not me being biased, for all the American fans — I thought Lerone should have won that fight.”

    “I thought he won the first three rounds. I thought Movsar didn’t pick it up and really start going for it until Rounds 4 and 5. And clearly Movsar won Rounds 4 and 5. He dominated those rounds. He busted him up. He damaged him. Lerone was talking about at the end of 4, he blew his hip out and whatnot.”

    He also pointed to the score math and deduction, saying:

    “But even still, that’s three rounds to two. And then, even if you give Movsar the third round, which was a close one, Movsar had a point deducted for the two groin shots. He had a point deducted in Round 4.”

    Bisping further stated that the deduction could have altered the final result to a draw. He said:

    “Now, maybe I’m wrong, but there was the point deduction. So, should it have been a draw? Because if it’s two rounds apiece, and let’s just say Movsar won three out of [five], well then, he’s essentially lost one of them because he loses the point. So, if anything, it should have been a draw, in my humble opinion.”

    Bisping scored the fight either a draw or in favor of Murphy. There is debate among commentators, including Michael Bisping, who scored rounds 1-3 for Murphy and cited the point deduction, according to TNT Fight Sports YouTube Review.

    Evloev is now positioned as next in line for a featherweight title shot.

  • Dana White Accidentally Leaks Conor-Garry Fight: ‘Won’t Be in Ireland’

    Dana White Accidentally Leaks Conor-Garry Fight: ‘Won’t Be in Ireland’

    Conor McGregor’s next opponent remains uncertain, but UFC CEO Dana White might have dropped a hint, suggesting a possible fight with Ian Machado Garry. Michael Chandler has long been expected to face McGregor, but White’s comments add a new twist to the situation.

    McGregor has not fought since his July 2021 loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264, where he suffered a broken tibia. Chandler last fought in November 2022, losing to Dustin Poirier. White previously stated that McGregor would not fight in 2024, with a return expected in early 2025.

    Dana White on UFC Ireland

    In an interview, Dana White responded to a question about the UFC’s rumored return to Ireland and whether McGregor and Garry would be fighting there. White said:

    “Yeah, that’s a great question. Definitely not with those fights. But, yes. I mean, I love Ireland, too. So, [I would] love to go back to Dublin, do a show there. And we’re definitely taking Zuffa Boxing to Ireland, too. “But the Conor/Garry fight won’t be in Ireland.

    The situation remains fluid, with McGregor’s return anticipated but the opponent and date still to be determined.

  • Alexander Volkanovski Predicts Movsar Evloev’s Win At UFC London

    Alexander Volkanovski Predicts Movsar Evloev’s Win At UFC London

    UFC Featherweight Champion Alexander Volkanovski believes Movsar Evloev will defeat Lerone Murphy at UFC London and has stated his preference to fight Evloev next. Volkanovski (28-4-0) expressed his opinion on his YouTube channel.

    Volkanovski is coming off a unanimous decision victory over Diego Lopes on January 31, 2026, at UFC 325. He has a UFC record of 15-3-0 and competed in 8 title bouts in the UFC with a record of 8-3-0 in those fights.

    Volkanovski Prefers Evloev For Legacy

    Volkanovski explained why he prefers to fight Movsar Evloev over Lerone Murphy, citing legacy and the challenge of Evloev’s wrestling style.

    “I think pretty consistently Movsar will be able to get the takedowns and win the rounds because of it. So yeah, that’s going to be my take. So I’m going to have to go with Movsar, decision… It’s still going to be reasonably close but just, you know, I know Movsar is just going to keep edging him.”

    ‘The Great’ is looking for a challenge to try to beat a style that has proven dominant across multiple weight classes. He said:

    “I love that. I think that’s bigger for my legacy. That’s going to be much bigger. But, they’re both great fights for the legacy, both of them. But, if I had to choose who I’d probably prefer, it’d probably be Movsar,” Volkanovski said.

    Volkanovski mentioned that he has experience facing this wrestling style, referencing his first fight against Islam Makhachev at UFC 284. He believes that Evloev will consistently secure takedowns and win rounds because of it.

  • Sabah Homasi DQ’d After Spinning Backfist Breaks Carrera’s Nose at BKFC 87

    Sabah Homasi DQ’d After Spinning Backfist Breaks Carrera’s Nose at BKFC 87

    Sabah Homasi was recently disqualified at BKFC 87 on March 20th, after breaking Leonel Carrera’s nose with a spinning backfist. The fight took place at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida. The move is illegal in Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), but legal in MMA.

    Homasi had entered the fight with a 1-1 BKFC record. He had a win against Peralta on December 21st, 2024, and a win against Tello on April 4, 2025. Homasi also has an MMA record of 17-12 and is a veteran of Bellator and the UFC.

    Controversial Disqualification

    After missing a left hand, Homasi landed a spinning backfist that dropped Carrera. Carrera immediately told the referee that his nose was broken, and the fight was stopped after the ringside doctor intervened.

    Christian Torres, an 8-fight BKFC veteran, confirmed in the comments of an Instagram post that spinning backfists are illegal in BKFC. Fighters are warned against using them in rules meetings.

    “Yes, these are very illegal and we are warned in the back and rules meetings to not throw them as well.”

    The disqualification at BKFC 87 serves as a reminder that fighters crossing between combat sports must fully adapt—not just in style, but in rules awareness. It’s a tough lesson for Homasi, who showed finishing ability in the exchange but ultimately leaves with a loss that will likely spark debate among fans.

  • Colby Covington Accuses UFC of Freezing Out Uncooperative Fighters

    Colby Covington Accuses UFC of Freezing Out Uncooperative Fighters

    Colby Covington has accused the UFC of freezing out fighters who don’t accept the fights offered to them. Covington claims that the UFC lawyer, Hunter Campbell, dictates fight choices and has always disliked him.

    Speaking on a livestream with Neon, Covington described the pressure he feels from the UFC to accept fights even if he doesn’t agree with the terms. He said that fighters in the UFC don’t have much control over their careers.

    Covington’s Claims Against the UFC

    ‘Chaos’ also claimed that if a fighter turns down a fight, the UFC can “freeze” them out by not offering matches for long periods, effectively stopping them from earning money.

    “You have no say. Hunter Campbell who is like the UFC lawyer, he kind of just tells you what direction they’re gonna go and it’s either you take it or leave it so you don’t really get a choice what you want to do.”

    “They just leave you and ice you, they won’t give you fights, they’ll let you just sit out and say, ‘Hey, you turned down this fight, now you’re not gonna fight for the year, we’re not gonna make money’, they just freeze you out.

    He added:

    “You’re forced, even if it’s not a good move and you don’t think you’re getting paid what you deserve it doesn’t matter, they say either accept it and be a company man, or we’ll ice you and you don’t get to make money”

    Fighters Remain Hush

    Covington also claimed that the UFC blocked him from fighting Arman Tsarukyan. He stated that fighters with large platforms are paid well and won’t speak out against the UFC.

    “The thing is, those guys that would make the biggest influence, that have the biggest platforms like Ilia (Topuria), (Islam) Makhachev, Khabib (Nurmagomedov), those guys are getting paid so well that they’re never gonna speak out against the UFC.

    “Those guys are making $5 million a fight. $5 million to $10 million.”

    According to Bo Nickal, the UFC offered Covington a middleweight fight for UFC Freedom 250 at the White House as an ultimatum, but he declined it.

    The former UFC Interim Welterweight Champion has been inactive in the UFC for over 15 months. His last UFC fight was a loss to Joaquin Buckley on December 14, 2024.

    Colby Covington is scheduled to face Dillon Danis in a wrestling match (co-main event) at RAF 7 on March 28th, 2026, at the Yuengling Center in Tampa, Florida.

  • Lerone Murphy Hires Mental Coach Before Movsar Evloev Fight

    Lerone Murphy Hires Mental Coach Before Movsar Evloev Fight

    Lerone Murphy (18-0-0) has hired a mental coach to gain an edge before his upcoming fight against Movsar Evloev (19-0-0) at UFC London on March 21st, 2026. The undefeated Murphy is headlining the event at The O2 Arena in a featherweight title eliminator bout.

    Murphy is coming off a first-round knockout win over Aaron Pico in August. Evloev last fought in December 2024, beating Aljamain Sterling. Evloev recently resolved late visa issues to make the event. The winner of this fight is likely to get a shot at featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski.

    Murphy’s Mental Edge

    In an interview with Cageside Press, Lerone Murphy explained he decided to hire a mental coach to improve his performance for the upcoming fight:

    “For me, having a mental coach is about getting that extra 1% out of yourself. I’m strong‑minded anyway, I’m a good fighter, but how can I get better? Can I get better? I’m always trying to improve in every area possible. So it’s helped. It’s helped switch me on, focus me, and not carry baggage into fights.”

    Murphy is preparing for the first time without long‑time head coach Carl Prince after they reportedly parted ways, and he is instead leaning on teammate‑turned‑coach Jordan Barton and a wider mix of training influences while remaining anchored in Manchester.

  • Michael ‘Venom’ Page Frustrated with UFC Matchmaking: ‘No Clear Communication’

    Michael ‘Venom’ Page Frustrated with UFC Matchmaking: ‘No Clear Communication’

    Michael “Venom” Page (24-3) has expressed frustration with UFC matchmaking, citing a lack of clear communication and defined paths toward title contention. Page contrasts his current UFC experience with his time in Bellator, where he felt there was more transparency.

    Page explained that he feels like he’s “working blind” due to the lack of transparency from the promotion. He questions whether his current matchmaking reflects his standing in the division.

    Page joined the UFC in 2024 and holds a 3-1 record in the promotion, including a win over Jared Cannonier at UFC 319 on August 16, 2025.

    MVP on UFC Matchmaking

    Page elaborated on his frustration with the lack of clear goals in UFC matchmaking, making it difficult for fighters to plan their careers. Michael ‘Venom’ Page said via Cageside Press:

    “It’s very difficult to say. I just don’t know how they’re making their decisions. It feels like there’s no clear communication that ‘this is what we’re looking for.’ Even rankings don’t really mean anything. Before, at least you had an idea: if you get to that ranking, something might happen. Now it seems sporadic. Without clear direction from the UFC, it’s hard for anyone to speculate until there’s a clear ‘these are the things that will push you forward.’”

    Page’s upcoming fight at UFC London against Sam Patterson is part of a main card that includes Movsar Evloev vs. Lerone Murphy, Luke Riley vs. Michael Aswell, and Roman Dolidze vs. Christian Leroy Duncan. UFC London takes place on March 21, 2026, at the O2 Arena.

  • Chuck Norris ‘In Good Spirits’ After Medical Emergency

    Chuck Norris ‘In Good Spirits’ After Medical Emergency

    Reports suggest that Chuck Norris was hospitalized in Kauai, Hawaii on March 19th, 2026, after a sudden medical emergency. The 86-year-old martial artist is reportedly in good spirits following the incident.

    According to TMZ, the actor was rushed to a local hospital after the emergency developed quickly. He had been staying on the island of Kauai recently. No official statement has been released regarding the specific nature of the medical issue.

    ‘In Good Spirits’

    Despite the lack of specific details, reports indicate that Norris is “in good spirits” and maintaining a positive attitude. The hospitalization occurred within a day of the emergency, suggesting he was stabilized quickly.

    Chuck Norris celebrated his 86th birthday on March 10th, posting a video on Instagram showing him sparring. In that post, Chuck Norris (from Instagram post) joked that he does not age but “levels up,” and thanked supporters while saying he was grateful for another year and the chance to keep doing what he loves.

    There is currently no confirmed timeline for his discharge. Fans are awaiting updates from Norris’ official channels.

    We at MMA News wish him a speedy recovery.

  • Dana White Defends UFC London Card Amid Criticism

    Dana White Defends UFC London Card Amid Criticism

    UFC CEO Dana White is defending the UFC London card, specifically the main event between Lerone Murphy and Movsar Evloev, against criticism that it is a weak card. The UFC London event is scheduled for March 21st at The O2 in England.

    The card has faced criticism for poor turnout at previous events. The UFC London card features undefeated fighters, including Kurtis Campbell (8-0-0).

    Other fights include Nathaniel Wood (22-6-0) vs. Losene Keita (16-1-0), Roman Dolidze (15-4-0, ranked No. 11 middleweight) vs. Christian Leroy Duncan, and Michael Venom Page vs. Sam Patterson (14-2-1).

    White Hypes UFC London

    Dana White attempted to hype up the UFC London event, defending it against the criticism it continues to receive. Speaking with TNT Sports, White said:

    “It’s an unbelievable card, the card is fun.”

    He added, referencing the main event:

    “Seven undefeated fighters on the card, (I love the stats). I love it, I mean, this is what fighting is all about, this is what I always talk about.”

    The UFC London main event features Lerone Murphy and Movsar Evloev. Both Murphy and Evloev have stated that they haven’t been told that their UFC London main event is a number one contender fight, with the UFC likely keeping their options open.

  • Gzim Selmani Eyes BKFC Title, Calls Out Eddie Hall, Targets Summer Return

    Gzim Selmani Eyes BKFC Title, Calls Out Eddie Hall, Targets Summer Return

    Gzim Selmani is back in training less than a week after his BKFC debut KO, targeting a return around summer 2026 — and he has the heavyweight title firmly in his sights.

    The former WWE tag team champion, known in wrestling as Rezar of the Authors of Pain, laid out his competitive roadmap on The Ariel Helwani Show following his 2nd-round finish of Daniel Curtain in Newcastle, England.

    “I hope somewhere around the summertime I’ll be in there again.”

    The Title Picture

    Selmani made no secret of where he sees himself in the BKFC heavyweight division. Selmani noted that the path to a title shot in BKFC doesn’t necessarily require a lengthy queue.

    “Not too far away, I think. Let me rack up some wins — and I’ll knock them out, too.”

    He pointed to the fact that Andrei Arlovski received a title shot after only a handful of BKFC fights as evidence that big names move quickly in the promotion.

    With Selmani’s combat sports pedigree — trained by Golden Glory alongside Alistair Overeem, a Bellator veteran who nearly signed with the UFC — he considers himself an immediate contender.

    Eddie Hall Callout — No Response

    Selmani also addressed a callout he made to World’s Strongest Man Eddie Hall, who had been targeting smaller opponents including Dylan Danis.

    “He was calling out Dylan Danis, and I’m watching from home thinking, ‘What the hell are you doing? This guy is a quarter of your size. If you’re really that tough, call out a heavyweight.’ He got beat up by his buddy Hafthor Bjornsson, and now you want to call out this little kid? So I called him out — but his management didn’t want anything to do with it.”

    The Conor McGregor Connection

    UFC legend Conor McGregor — who is a part-owner and partner in BKFC — personally invited Selmani to a show in Manchester, which introduced him to the promotion. Selmani mentioned McGregor by name in his viral post-fight promo and described the investor group’s conviction in BKFC’s global potential.

    “They really believe in the company — they know it’s going to go globally and be as big as UFC or bigger.”

    It’s a significant vote of confidence for a promotion that McGregor has been tied to as an investor since 2024, and one that Selmani clearly views as far more than a post-WWE landing spot. His identity in BKFC is built on a simple philosophy he has carried his entire career — the bad guy who keeps beating hometown heroes in front of hostile crowds.

    “I was automatically always a bad guy. I used to go to all the other countries to fight — Macedonia, England, Bosnia — and I always fought the hometown heroes, and I always beat them up. They always boo me, and I love it. Let me be the bad guy, but I’ll still knock your favorite out.”

    Newcastle was the latest chapter in that story. Summer 2026 will be the next one.

  • Anderson Silva on UFC Settlement: ‘It’s Not Free Money — I Suffered a Lot for This’

    Anderson Silva on UFC Settlement: ‘It’s Not Free Money — I Suffered a Lot for This’

    UFC Hall of Famer Anderson Silva recently said that the UFC antitrust settlement money was anything but free — and he has a pointed message for fighters frustrated about pay in the current era.

    ‘Spider’ addressed both topics on The Ariel Helwani Show, revealing it was Jon Jones who first told him about the class action lawsuit during a shared training session.

    “When people are talking about that, I really don’t know. Jon Jones talked to me. One time I was training with Jon Jones, and Jon Jones told me about that. I said, ‘Bro, I don’t know. I think I go talk to Dana about that.’ And Jon Jones said, ‘That’s the truth.’ But this is not about UFC anymore — this matter happened, UFC has to pay. Check it out with your lawyer and with your team.”

    ‘It’s Not Free Money’

    When Helwani casually referred to the settlement as “free money,” Silva corrected him immediately and with conviction.

    “It’s not free money. I pay tax, but — remember — it’s not free money. This money is what the UFC needed to pay for everybody. For me it’s nothing free, because I suffered a lot for this money to come to my account.”

    Silva spent years as part of a class of fighters whose compensation was at the center of the UFC antitrust litigation. His framing — that the payout reflects wages owed, not a windfall — is a notable perspective from one of the sport’s all-time greats.

    His Advice to Fighters on Contracts

    Silva was measured but direct when asked about fighters who feel the UFC underpays them. His view: the contract you sign is the deal you agreed to, and fighters bear responsibility for understanding what they’re signing.

    “It’s very hard to say something — because when you sign the contract, when you see the deal, you sign the contract. You know the deal you worked. Your lawyer, your manager have to explain what you signed. Everybody knows I have my fight with Dana, but inside the ring I know it’s my work. I know how to work inside the ring. Outside is a business, and Dana worked for this business for many, many years. And the people, when they come sign the contract with UFC — they need to understand that and have your manager, have your lawyers, and stay ready to take the good decision.”

    He summed up his view of Dana White and UFC business in one line:

    “When you sign the contract, when you agree with everything in the contract, you can’t say nothing. Dana is Dana — he’s not personal, it’s business.”

    The comments land amid an active ongoing debate about fighter pay in the post-PPV Paramount era, with fighters across the roster raising questions about how compensation is structured now that the UFC’s revenue model has fundamentally shifted.

  • Alex Pereira: From Nosebleed Seats at UFC in 2013 to Headlining the White House in 2026

    Alex Pereira: From Nosebleed Seats at UFC in 2013 to Headlining the White House in 2026

    In 2013, Alex Pereira attended a UFC event in São Paulo from the nosebleed section — sitting so high up, he says, he was “almost hitting my head on the ceiling.” On June 14, 2026, he headlines the UFC Freedom 250 event on the lawn of the White House.

    That moment came up during a wide-ranging conversation on The Ariel Helwani Show, where Pereira sat down for one of the most personal interviews of his career — touching on poverty, family, charity, and a decade-long journey from a tire shop in Brazil to one of the biggest events in combat sports history.

    “Thirteen years later — 2013, you’re up there trying not to bang your head on the ceiling, and now you’re headlining the White House. It’s a movie scene.”

    Grounded by Where He Came From

    Despite his transformation into one of the UFC’s biggest stars, Pereira still regularly returns to the borracharia — the tire shop in Brazil where he worked before his fighting career took hold. The visits aren’t nostalgic; they’re intentional.

    “Those guys are my friends. It keeps me grounded to see where I came from. Those guys were very important for my life. Even with what I have, they’re still happy for me — and it’s good for me to go there and learn more about life. It’s important for me not to forget where I came from. Many people start doing well in life and just get too big for their head and disappear.”

    Pereira worked at the tire shop until around 2016. He said the version of himself who worked there “never imagined the White House. I didn’t even imagine I’d make a living from fighting — until ten years ago, or more.”

    UFC Changed Everything

    Pereira was honest about the financial reality of his kickboxing years. His Glory run was successful enough to buy a house for his parents and an apartment for himself — but he always knew it wasn’t fully sustainable long-term.

    “The reality of my life really changed once I joined the UFC. Now family is set up.”

    That security now extends to his father. ‘Poatan’ recently gave him a golf cart for his gated community — a deliberate choice, as he doesn’t want his father navigating public roads. The reaction caught him off guard.

    “My father always wanted to have a car and he could never have one. A few years ago he bought a little old car, drove a little bit, had a few scrapes — and had to sell it to buy stuff for the house. So now I gave him a nice golf cart. He cried. I had never seen my father cry before.”

    From the Tire Shop to the White House

    Pereira described the White House booking as something that came to him — not something he lobbied for. He is aware of its magnitude.

    “I see how many people were trying to get on the card, everybody talking about it. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity — a unique event everybody wants to be part of. And I’m gifted to be part of it.”

    He fights Ciryl Gane in the co-main event of UFC Freedom 250 for the interim heavyweight title. A win would make him the first fighter in UFC history to hold championships in three different weight classes — capping a journey that, by any measure, nobody saw coming when he was fixing tires in São Paulo.

    Pereira also founded Instituto Poatan, a free youth combat sports institute in his hometown that has enrolled more than 400 children and served over 800 since it opened — part of a giving-back philosophy rooted in his own family’s experience receiving food donations during hard times. More at @institutopotan on Instagram.

  • Ex-WWE Star Gzim Selmani Predicts BKFC Will Be Bigger Than UFC and WWE

    Ex-WWE Star Gzim Selmani Predicts BKFC Will Be Bigger Than UFC and WWE

    Gzim Selmani — the former WWE tag team champion known as Rezar of the Authors of Pain recently made a thunderous BKFC debut in Newcastle, England, finishing Daniel Curtain in the second round and delivering a post-fight promo that host Ariel Helwani called “front-runner for promo of the year.”

    The Albanian-Dutch heavyweight sat down with Helwani on The Ariel Helwani Show to break down what drew him to bare knuckle, the psychological side of competing, and why he believes BKFC is on a trajectory that could eventually rival the UFC itself.

    “I’m here to knock people out anywhere in the world. Come get it. I’m done with everybody. Give it. Get it. I’m the Albanian psycho. I’m the one who came from WWE to this place. I have fought my ass off and I’m here. Thank you to David Feldman. Thank you to Conor McGregor. I’m here to stay — whether you like it or not. The Albanian psycho has arrived at BKFC.”

    Why Bare Knuckle — Not MMA, Not Boxing

    Selmani was deliberate in his choice of BKFC over other combat sports options. When asked why he gravitated toward the most extreme end of the spectrum, his answer was characteristically direct.

    “It’s the next level of violence, and it’s the most extreme option out there. It’s perfectly for me. As my nickname says it — it’s the perfect place for a psychopath.”

    He also described the visceral satisfaction of returning to real fighting after years in the scripted world of professional wrestling.

    “It was so good to be in there again. Just the feeling of putting your knuckles against somebody’s face and just punching as hard as you can and as fast as you can and trying to hurt somebody as much as you can — it’s something you can’t compare with wrestling. It’s something that I needed.”

    The Switch He Can’t Control

    Selmani offered a candid look at the psychological transformation he goes through before fights — something he traces back to his very first pro bout at 18 years old in Romania, fighting a 38-year-old Siberian opponent.

    “My first pro fight was in Romania. I had just turned 18 years old and I fought a 38-year-old guy — a Siberian Romanian guy. I just flipped 20 minutes before the fight, and my coach said, ‘You just look like a psychopath.’ I went in there, fought my ass off, won — and that’s when he gave me the nickname.”

    That transformation, he says, is entirely involuntary.

    “I have no control over it. I just become a different person. As soon as I know it’s victory or death, I flip that switch automatically and become completely someone else. It’s something that comes out when it needs to come out — and that’s during fights.”

    ‘Bigger Than UFC and WWE’

    Perhaps his boldest statement of the interview was his prediction for BKFC’s future — a prediction he made after seeing the Newcastle show firsthand from backstage and inside the ring.

    “I think this company is going to be as big or bigger than UFC and even WWE, to be honest. The excitement that the fans get from a show like this, the adrenaline rush — it’s unmatched by any other organization in the world. I’ve been around almost every organization. I see the potential now in BKFC and I know it’s going to go globally big.”

    He backed up the prediction with a scouting report on the competition level:

    “They’re high level, man. Especially watching them warm up and watching the fights — these guys are as real as it gets. The quality of fighting is very high here. Especially without the gloves, it’s a different ball game.”

    Conor McGregor is an investor and partner in BKFC, and Selmani credited him alongside president David Feldman by name in his post-fight promo. The combination of McGregor’s star power and BKFC’s raw product is, in Selmani’s view, a formula that has nowhere to go but up.

  • Daniel Cormier Recalls Knife Brawl During A Show: ‘Scared The Sh*t Out of Everybody’

    Daniel Cormier Recalls Knife Brawl During A Show: ‘Scared The Sh*t Out of Everybody’

    MMA legend Daniel Cormier had once considered leaving a Russian reality TV show after a violent brawl involving a knife. The incident occurred during filming of ALF MMA, a reality show where Cormier and Jon Jones served as opposing team captains. The show, filmed earlier this year in Thailand, saw tempers flare and one fighter, Sergei, attempt to grab a kitchen knife during the altercation.

    Cormier, a retired fighter, expressed serious concerns for the safety of those involved. Jones also felt the situation was too intense. The episode featuring the brawl was released on Tuesday.

    Cormier’s Reaction to the Brawl

    “We’ve seen a few fights since we’ve been here, and this was by far the biggest fight,” Cormier said.

    The situation escalated when Sergei, after being punched, “runs into the kitchen, and he wants to grab a knife. Because all he’s thinking about now is protecting himself. It was very intense.”

    Cormier was so concerned that he considered leaving the show altogether.

    “It was really one of the most intense moments that I personally have seen, being a part of this show for two seasons now,” Jones said.

    “Sergei went to grab that knife and scared the sh*t out of everybody. Daniel Cormier, one of his assistants was really close to the situation, our female translator had to grab the knife from one of the guys. It was really intense, and I think for the first time, everybody on set kind of felt really unsafe.”

    Jones Steps In

    Jones addressed the participants, urging them to calm down. He emphasized the importance of safety and the potential consequences of their actions. Despite the chaos, both Cormier and Jones ultimately remained on the show as coaches.

    In the end, the situation showed how quickly things can get out of hand. Things were eventually brought under control, and both stayed on the show, but the moment clearly left its mark.