MMA News

Author: Mike Reichlin

  • PFL Pittsburgh Preview: Eblen Looks to Rebound Against Battle

    The Professional Fighters League makes its Pittsburgh debut this Saturday with a 12-bout card at the UPMC Events Center. The main card airs on ESPN2 at 10 p.m. ET, with the early card streaming on the ESPN App starting at 7 p.m. ET.

    Here’s a breakdown of the fights worth watching on the PFL Pittsburgh card.

    Johnny Eblen (16-1) vs. Bryan Battle (12-2, 1 NC) – Middleweight Main Event

    This is the most important fight on the card for the PFL middleweight division’s pecking order. Eblen, the former Bellator middleweight champion, hasn’t competed since losing his title to Costello Van Steenis via last-second rear-naked choke in Cape Town last July. That loss snapped a 16-fight winning streak that dated back to his 2017 pro debut.

    The timing is notable. Van Steenis just defended the middleweight title with a third-round knockout of Fabian Edwards at PFL Madrid last week, so a strong Eblen performance here could put him right back in the title picture.

    Battle brings a different kind of momentum. The Season 29 TUF winner was released by the UFC after consecutive weight misses despite going 7-1 in the Octagon. He signed with the PFL in September 2025, picked up two sub-60-second knockouts in Dirty Boxing Championship, and now steps into the SmartCage for the first time against the division’s top-ranked fighter.

    Battle’s finishing ability is real, with nine stoppages across his 12 wins. But Eblen’s pressure wrestling has historically neutralized dynamic strikers. The question is whether the Cape Town loss left a psychological mark or sharpened Eblen’s focus.

    Dalton Rosta (11-2) vs. Impa Kasanganay (19-6) – Middleweight Co-Main Event

    Rosta gets a homecoming fight in Pittsburgh after reaching the 2025 PFL Middleweight World Tournament Finals, where he lost to Edwards by third-round head kick knockout. This is also a gym war: Rosta trains at Kill Cliff FC, Kasanganay at American Top Team, two South Florida rivals separated by a short drive.

    Kasanganay, a former PFL light heavyweight champion, has been a fixture at the top of the PFL roster since its acquisition of Bellator. He’s fought Eblen (split decision loss) and Edwards (TKO loss) in recent years. This is a borderline must-win for both fighters if they want to stay in the title conversation at 185 pounds.

    Fights to Watch on the Undercard

    The lightweight matchup between two-time PFL champion Natan Schulte (25-5-1) and undefeated Jakub Kaszuba (15-0) is arguably the best fight outside the main card. Schulte hasn’t fought in the PFL SmartCage in three years and faces a real test in Kaszuba, the two-time PFL Europe lightweight champion riding a unanimous decision win over Sergio Cossio from last August.

    At women’s flyweight, Ariane Lipski da Silva (17-11) makes her PFL debut against Sumiko Inaba (8-2). Lipski, a 14-fight UFC veteran nicknamed “Queen of Violence,” owns 10 finishes across her 17 wins. Inaba went five rounds with undefeated Dakota Ditcheva last year and has never been stopped in her two career losses.

    Undefeated featherweight prospect Alexei Pergande (7-0) out of Kill Cliff FC takes on 10-fight UFC veteran Julio Arce (21-6), who enters riding a three-fight winning streak. Pergande is one of the PFL’s more intriguing young talents and could make a statement here.

    How to Watch PFL Pittsburgh

    PFL Pittsburgh airs Saturday, March 28 from the UPMC Events Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The main card starts at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes. The early card begins at 7 p.m. ET on the ESPN App.

  • UFC Fight Night 271 Preview: Adesanya vs. Pyfer, Full Card, How to Watch

    UFC Fight Night 271 Preview: Adesanya vs. Pyfer, Full Card, How to Watch

    UFC Fight Night Seattle Poster

    UFC Fight Night 271 lands at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle this Saturday, March 28, with a main event that could mark the end of an era or the start of a comeback. Former two-time middleweight champion Israel Adesanya (24-5) takes on Joe Pyfer (15-3) in a five-round headliner that carries career-altering stakes for both men.

    Main Event: Israel Adesanya vs. Joe Pyfer (Middleweight)

    The numbers tell a brutal story for Adesanya. Losses to Sean Strickland, Dricus Du Plessis (submission), and Nassourdine Imavov (second-round TKO) have left the former champion at 0-3 since regaining the belt from Alex Pereira in April 2023. At 36 years old, the margin for error is gone. Another loss, especially to a fighter ranked 14th, would make any conversation about title contention impossible.

    Pyfer is seven years younger, riding a three-fight win streak, and carries legitimate finishing power. Thirteen of his 15 career victories have come by stoppage. Since his only UFC loss to Jack Hermansson in February 2024, he knocked out Marc-Andre Barriault in the first round, decisioned Kelvin Gastelum with two knockdowns, and submitted Abusupiyan Magomedov in the second round. He’s ascending while Adesanya is sliding.

    The physical matchup still favors the former champion. Adesanya holds a five-to-six-inch reach advantage at 80 inches and stands 6’4″ to Pyfer’s 6’2″. When Adesanya is moving well and using his jab, teep kicks, and distance management, shorter pressure fighters struggle to close the gap. The question is whether the Adesanya who made that style look effortless still exists.

    Pyfer’s path to victory is straightforward: close distance, cut the cage, and force Adesanya into exchanges. His major weakness is cardio in championship rounds, which is how Hermansson beat him. But that vulnerability matters less if Pyfer can land the overhand right that Imavov used to drop Adesanya in their February fight. The betting line has been volatile. Adesanya opened as an underdog before settling as a slight -140 favorite, reflecting genuine uncertainty about where he is as a fighter.

    Co-Main Event: Alexa Grasso vs. Maycee Barber (Women’s Flyweight)

    Grasso (16-5-1) won their first meeting clearly at UFC 258, outboxing Barber and controlling the striking. Since then, their careers have moved in opposite directions. Grasso won the flyweight title and lost it, going 0-2-1 in her last three with a draw against Shevchenko followed by losses to Shevchenko and Natalia Silva. Barber (15-2) has rattled off seven consecutive wins since that 2021 loss.

    Barber enters as the -180 favorite, a reflection of momentum more than anything. Grasso’s losses came against elite competition, and her technical striking looked sharp even in defeat. Whether Barber has improved enough to reverse the result from five years ago is the central question. A win for either fighter likely positions them for a title shot at 125 pounds.

    UFC Seattle Fight Card

    Main Card Fights to Watch

    Michael Chiesa vs. Niko Price (Welterweight) — This is expected to be Chiesa’s retirement fight, and Seattle is home turf for the TUF: Live winner. Price stepped in after Carlston Harris withdrew due to visa issues. Chiesa has talked about this being a full-circle moment tied to his late grandfather, who inspired him to start fighting.

    Julian Erosa vs. Lerryan Douglas (Featherweight) — Erosa is fighting in his home state at the tail end of his career against Douglas, a promotional newcomer with knockout power. Douglas is the heavy favorite, but Erosa has a history of pulling off the improbable.

    Mansur Abdul-Malik vs. Yousri Belgaroui (Middleweight) — The closest line on the card, essentially a pick’em. Abdul-Malik is 3-0-1 in the UFC with a 100% KO/TKO rate and elite wrestling credentials. Belgaroui is a world-class kickboxer who trains with Alex Pereira and Glover Teixeira, coming off a third-round TKO in his UFC debut.

    Terrance McKinney vs. Kyle Nelson (Lightweight) — McKinney is the definition of first-round chaos. If you’re tuning in, don’t blink.

    Preliminary Card

    The prelims carry some solid matchups. Chase Hooper vs. Lance Gibson Jr. features a heavy favorite in Hooper (-280) against a UFC newcomer. Marcin Tybura vs. Tyrell Fortune is heavyweight action between a veteran gatekeeper and an ascending prospect. Ricky Simon vs. Adrian Yanez should produce fireworks, and Casey O’Neill vs. Gabriella Fernandes rounds out the women’s flyweight action. The card opens with Bruna Brasil vs. Alexia Thainara at strawweight.

    Full Fight Card

    Main Card (Paramount+, 8 PM ET)

    • Israel Adesanya vs. Joe Pyfer — Middleweight
    • Alexa Grasso vs. Maycee Barber — Women’s Flyweight
    • Michael Chiesa vs. Niko Price — Welterweight
    • Julian Erosa vs. Lerryan Douglas — Featherweight
    • Mansur Abdul-Malik vs. Yousri Belgaroui — Middleweight
    • Terrance McKinney vs. Kyle Nelson — Lightweight

    Preliminary Card (Paramount+, 5 PM ET)

    • Ignacio Bahamondes vs. Tofiq Musayev — Lightweight
    • Chase Hooper vs. Lance Gibson Jr. — Lightweight
    • Marcin Tybura vs. Tyrell Fortune — Heavyweight
    • Casey O’Neill vs. Gabriella Fernandes — Women’s Flyweight
    • Navajo Stirling vs. Bruno Lopes — Light Heavyweight
    • Ricky Simon vs. Adrian Yanez — Bantamweight
    • Alexia Thainara vs. Bruna Brasil — Women’s Strawweight

    How to Watch

    • Date: Saturday, March 28, 2026
    • Venue: Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle, Washington
    • Prelims: 5:00 PM ET on Paramount+
    • Main Card: 8:00 PM ET on Paramount+
    • UK: Main card on TNT Sports; prelims on UFC Fight Pass
  • Gable Steveson Signs With RAF Wrestling, Debuts May 30 in Dallas

    Gable Steveson Signs With RAF Wrestling, Debuts May 30 in Dallas

    Gable Steveson is heading back to the mat. The Olympic gold medalist and undefeated MMA prospect has signed a multi-match deal with Real American Freestyle (RAF), with his debut set for RAF09 on May 30 in Dallas, Texas. The event streams exclusively on Fox Nation.The announcement came via Ariel Helwani on Wednesday.

    The signing puts one of the most prominent names in amateur wrestling history into RAF, which was co-founded by Eric Bischoff and features active UFC fighters like Arman Tsarukyan and Colby Covington on its roster.

    The promotion runs real freestyle wrestling — not pro wrestling — and has been building toward a rematch between Steveson and current RAF heavyweight champion Wyatt Hendrickson, who handed Steveson the only loss of his wrestling career with a dramatic last-second takedown in the 2025 NCAA Division I championship match.

    Steveson, 25, is currently 4-0 as a professional MMA fighter with four stoppages. He trains under Jon Jones and has been vocal about wanting to reach the UFC. Dana White confirmed the promotion is “very much” interested in signing him once he builds enough experience. The RAF deal is not expected to interfere with his MMA trajectory — several active UFC fighters compete in the promotion simultaneously.

    His combat sports résumé coming in is hard to match: 2020 Olympic gold medalist, two-time NCAA Division I champion, two-time Dan Hodge Trophy winner, and five-time All-American. He had brief stints with WWE (released May 2024) and the NFL’s Buffalo Bills (released August 2024) before committing full-time to MMA last fall.

    RAF09 takes place May 30 in Dallas on Fox Nation.

  • How UFC Is Working Around Sanctioning June 14 White House Card

    How UFC Is Working Around Sanctioning June 14 White House Card

    UFC Freedom 250

    UFC has announced that the Association of Boxing Commissions (ABC) will serve as the independent regulatory body for its historic event at the White House on Sunday, June 14 — and the setup is unlike anything fans have seen from a major UFC card. The full announcement is available at UFC.com.

    Because the event takes place on federal property — the South Lawn of the White House — there is no legal requirement for the UFC to have a state athletic commission oversee the proceedings. ABC President Timothy Shipman confirmed as much in a statement, noting the organization has been asked to assist in assembling judges, referees, and inspectors for the card.

    The unconventional regulatory structure raised questions about title fight legitimacy, but the ABC’s statement addressed that directly. Shipman confirmed that “all bouts on this card are officially licensed and sanctioned contests,” and that the UFC will abide by all applicable requirements including medical examinations, pre- and post-bout physicals, and athlete safety protocols.

    UFC has not publicly addressed whether the titles will be recognized under the same terms as a traditionally state-sanctioned event, but the ABC’s involvement appears designed to provide that legitimacy in the absence of a state commission.

    What’s On The Card

    The six-bout card features a championship doubleheader. Ilia Topuria (c), the UFC Lightweight Champion and No. 2 ranked pound-for-pound fighter, defends against interim champion Justin Gaethje in the main event.

    In the co-main, Alex Pereira (c) looks to become a champion in a record third weight class when he faces former interim UFC Heavyweight Champion Ciryl Gane.

    UFC Chief Business Officer Hunter Campell and Senior VP of Government & Regulatory Affairs Marc Ratner will work directly with the ABC on regulatory oversight. The event marks the first professional sports event ever held at the White House.

    The event will stream live on Paramount+ in the United States at no additional cost to subscribers. Additional details, including fight week activities, will be announced at a later date.

  • Alex Pereira Expects Jon Jones Fight to Happen, Plans to Stay at Heavyweight

    Alex Pereira Expects Jon Jones Fight to Happen, Plans to Stay at Heavyweight

    Alex Pereira says he believes a fight with Jon Jones will eventually happen — and that he has no intention of ever going back to light heavyweight.

    “Poatan” opened up about both topics on Monday’s episode of The Ariel Helwani Show, offering a clear-eyed take on his long-term future in the UFC.

    On the prospect of facing Jones, Pereira explained the logic simply: Jones will need an opponent, and there’s only one name that makes sense.

    “I believe it happens because he has to be released from the UFC, and I don’t think the UFC is going to release him anytime soon,” Pereira said through an interpreter. “If he wants to fight, who’s going to be against him? It’s going to be against me.”

    Pereira is currently scheduled to fight Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title at UFC Freedom 250 this June in Washington, D.C. A win there would make him the first fighter in UFC history to hold championships in three different weight classes.

    Expecting to retire as a Heavyweight

    As for light heavyweight, Pereira made clear that chapter is closed — not out of frustration, but out of a sense that he’s done everything there is to do at 205 pounds.

    “I could make light heavyweight again, but I don’t think there’s anything new for me there,” he said. “Many guys just go on the heat of the moment and when they lose, they come back to the weight division, but I’ve been expressing for a long time that I’ve been wanting to fight a heavyweight. I think I’ll stay here.”

    The comments came in the same interview where Pereira revealed he signed a new eight-fight contract with the UFC, saying the lucrative deal made it easy to walk away from the belt without looking back.

    With Jiří Procházka and Carlos Ulberg set to fight for the vacant light heavyweight title at UFC 327, Pereira’s heavyweight era is now fully underway.

  • Alex Pereira Signs New 8-Fight Deal With UFC, Says Contract Made Vacating Title Easy

    Alex Pereira Signs New 8-Fight Deal With UFC, Says Contract Made Vacating Title Easy

    Alex Pereira has signed a new eight-fight contract with the UFC, and the Brazilian says the deal made it easy to walk away from the light heavyweight title.

    Pereira made the revelation on Monday’s episode of The Ariel Helwani Show, explaining that the UFC took care of him financially to the point where vacating the belt was a non-issue.

    “Honestly, I just wanted to let go of my belt and fight heavyweights, maybe even fight for a belt,” Pereira said through an interpreter. “But even if it was a regular fight, I just expressed that I wanted to do a heavyweight fight, and they really took good care of me. The way they gave me this last contract was so good that I left it open for them to do whatever they wanted—it didn’t matter.”

    “With this new deal that UFC gave to me, I don’t care about letting go of the belt or anything like that. They took really good care of me.”

    It was announced on February 27, 2026, that Jiří Procházka and Carlos Ulberg would headline UFC 327 for the vacant UFC Light Heavyweight Championship following Pereira’s decision to move up.

    Pereira is scheduled to attempt to become the first UFC fighter to win titles in three divisions, competing for the interim heavyweight championship against former interim champion Ciryl Gane. A victory would make the former kickboxer the first-ever three-weight UFC world champion, a feat no one in the promotion’s history has accomplished.

    Pereira previously signed an eight-fight deal ahead of UFC 300 in early 2024. This new contract signals the UFC’s commitment to keeping one of its biggest stars locked in for the foreseeable future as he embarks on a heavyweight run.

  • UFC, $7.7B Paramount Deal Up for SBJ Awards

    UFC, $7.7B Paramount Deal Up for SBJ Awards

    The UFC is receiving industry-wide recognition this awards season, earning multiple nominations at Sports Business Journal’s 19th Annual Sports Business Awards.

    The promotion is nominated for Sports League of the Year, going up against the NFL, MLB, NHL, National Women’s Soccer League, and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee. Meanwhile, the UFC and Paramount media rights deal is nominated for Deal of the Year — a historic seven-year, $7.7 billion agreement that will bring all UFC events to Paramount+ and CBS starting in 2026, eliminating the traditional pay-per-view model for U.S. fans.

    TKO President & COO Mark Shapiro, who helped broker the Paramount deal alongside CEO Ariel Emanuel, is also individually nominated for Executive of the Year. The awards ceremony takes place May 20, 2026, at the New York Marriott Marquis in Times Square.

  • Nate Diaz vs. Mike Perry Added to Netflix MMA Debut on May 16

    Nate Diaz vs. Mike Perry Added to Netflix MMA Debut on May 16

    Nate Diaz and Mike Perry have officially been added to Netflix’s first-ever live MMA event, set for Saturday, May 16 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.

    The two fan favorites join what is already a loaded card, turning the event into a triple-headliner. The show is promoted by Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) in partnership with Netflix and will stream live globally to all Netflix subscribers at no additional cost.

    Full Fight Card

    Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano (featherweight, 145 lbs, 5×5-minute rounds)
    Nate Diaz vs. Mike Perry
    Francis Ngannou vs. Philipe Lins

    Diaz vs. Perry

    The matchup has been a long time coming. Perry called out Diaz for years, and Diaz publicly named Perry as one of his top targets for a return to action earlier this year. The booking delivers a street-fight-style confrontation that figures to be one of the most entertaining bouts on the card.

    Rousey vs. Carano Headlines

    Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano — two pioneers who helped build women’s MMA — finally meet inside the cage. Rousey returns to combat sports after nearly a decade away, while Carano steps back in for the first time in years. The bout will be contested under the Unified Rules of MMA using 4-ounce gloves.

    Ngannou Returns to MMA

    Francis Ngannou faces Brazil’s Philipe Lins in a heavyweight showcase. It marks Ngannou’s highly anticipated return to MMA following his PFL championship victory in 2024, after a two-fight stint in boxing.

    How to Watch

    Netflix’s first live MMA event takes place Saturday, May 16, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. The event streams live on Netflix and is included with all subscription plans.

  • Alistair Overeem: UFC Heavyweight Division in Decline, Jones Fumble About Fighter Pay

    Alistair Overeem: UFC Heavyweight Division in Decline, Jones Fumble About Fighter Pay

    Alistair Overeem hasn’t been shy about his views on the state of the UFC heavyweight division. In a recent chat with leading MMA journalist Kyle Dimond for Bloody Elbow, the former title challenger offered a frank assessment of where the weight class stands today.

    “It’s no secret that there is a decline, unfortunately,” Overeem said. “The top guys will remain the top guys, but it’s not as colorful as it once used to be. Used to be you’d have 15 to 20 top-name heavyweights. That’s now not the case. It kind of slowly declined.”

    The Tides of Combat Sports

    Overeem sees the heavyweight dip as part of a broader cycle he’s witnessed before — one that saw kickboxing and K-1 go through similar lulls before MMA surged, and which boxing is now emerging from. He pointed to the geographic concentration of the sport’s golden era as part of the explanation.

    “Before we saw a similar decline in K-1, in kickboxing. And that kind of happened to MMA now as well. Boxing made a revival,” he said. “The golden era of MMA — Fedor, Big Nog, Vitor Belfort, Sakuraba — and then later into the UFC: Franklin, Brock Lesnar, Ronda Rousey, Jon Jones. This originated from different promotions and different countries pushing the sport. There’s also not much coming from Japan these days, and at the height in the 90s and early 2000s there were a lot of fighters coming from there.”

    On Jon Jones and the UFC

    Overeem was measured on the Jon Jones situation, declining to take sides but offering his read on why the standoff between Jones and the promotion has dragged on. The UFC recently announced Alex Pereira vs. Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title at UFC Freedom 250 — a fight that came together after Jon Jones confirmed he had been in talks for the White House card before negotiations broke down.

    “It’s between him and the UFC,” Overeem said. “John will have his reasons and the UFC will have their reasons. I think ultimately it’s just fighter pay — they offered him something with the Tom Aspinall fight and they didn’t want to give the same offer with Pereira or something like this. Between Jon and the UFC, there’ll be a lot of details we don’t even know about. So it’s difficult to have an opinion on that.”

    Pereira vs. Gane and the Weight Math

    On the upcoming interim title fight itself, Overeem sees it as a favorable stylistic setup for Pereira — more so than Jones would have been.

    “For Pereira the Gane fight is more beneficial. Gane is more of a striker than a wrestler and submission artist than Jones is. Jones is extremely well-rounded on the ground. I think it’s going to be a great fight and more favorable to Pereira.”

    He also spoke to Pereira’s dramatic weight journey, calling it remarkable. “Alex will be like 109, 110 kg and Gane will be 115, 116 — it will not be that much different. Alex Pereira is a big guy. It’s amazing what he’s been doing with his weight going up — he was middleweight at one point. Crazy.”

    Ngannou’s Situation

    Overeem also weighed in on Francis Ngannou, who has since signed to fight Philipe Lins on May 16. At the time of the interview, Ngannou was linked to a Renan Ferreira bout, and Overeem was skeptical.

    “It’s unfortunate we’re not going to see him versus Jon Jones. Politics play [a role]. He’s going to now fight [Renan] Ferreira. Seems like a light heavyweight — might be a tough night for him.”

  • Joe Rogan Calls Power Slap ‘Insulting’ to Real Fighting

    Joe Rogan Calls Power Slap ‘Insulting’ to Real Fighting

    Joe Rogan has a theory about why Power Slap exists — and it starts with Dana White’s love of gambling.

    During a recent episode of The Joe Rogan Experience featuring actor and musician Luke Grimes, Rogan floated the idea that the slap fighting league operates as a side revenue stream for the UFC boss, fueled by his well-known appetite for high-stakes gambling.

    “That’s my theory about Slap Fight,” Rogan said. “Why they’re doing Slap Fight. I think it’s like Dana’s gambling money. I think it’s like he needs some source of revenue outside of the UFC so he doesn’t lose his UFC money.”

    Rogan reinforced the point by recalling a conversation with White about his lifestyle. “Because that dude gambles,” he said. “I asked him once, ‘Oh, you like living here?’ He goes, ‘I love the action.’”

    Both Rogan and Grimes also acknowledged that Power Slap is simply hard to watch. “It’s tough to watch, man. I don’t watch it,” Rogan said. “You just [see] people getting brain damage over and over again.”

    Rogan also took issue with the sport’s branding, noting that calling the competitions “fights” felt like a stretch. “They call it fights, too. Like, okay. It’s kind of insulting to an actual fight,” he said.

    White launched Power Slap in 2023 through a partnership with the TBS network. The league has drawn criticism from combat sports figures and medical professionals over concerns about competitor safety.

  • Du Plessis on Chimaev vs. Strickland: “Sean Definitely Beats Khamzat Striking”

    Du Plessis on Chimaev vs. Strickland: “Sean Definitely Beats Khamzat Striking”

    Dricus Du Plessis believes Sean Strickland has a genuine shot at dethroning Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328 — and he’s speaking from experience having faced both men.

    Du Plessis, who lost the UFC middleweight title to Chimaev at UFC 319 last August, appeared on SA Boxing Talk this week and offered his candid assessment of the May 9 main event at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

    “I honestly believe Strickland can land that fight,” Du Plessis said. “It’s a fight that makes the most sense right now. I believe Strickland in the striking definitely beats Khamzat for sure.”

    Chimaev Drops Rountree in Sparring Footage Ahead of UFC 328

    He was careful not to overlook Chimaev’s wrestling, however.

    “Khamzat is a problem to deal with when he has you on your back — we’ve seen that many times. But I think Strickland has a very good chance in that fight.”

    Du Plessis Questions Whether Chimaev Can Adapt

    Du Plessis expressed doubt that Chimaev can evolve his game the way a champion typically needs to over multiple defenses.

    “I don’t think he has the ability to change,” Du Plessis said. “I don’t think he has the ability to become a striker or even just match any good striker. He doesn’t. I was in there with him striking — it’s not a fight.”

    He added that Chimaev’s success against him came down to execution, not versatility.

    “He implemented his game plan a lot better, and he won the fight fair and square. It wasn’t controversial. But he was better at 10% of this game than me — and now I know it, and I’ve been working on it.”

    Du Plessis Still Wants the Rematch

    Du Plessis called Chimaev’s approach against him “a pretty cowardly game plan” and made clear he believes a second fight would go differently.

    “The second time will be a way different result — I know that for a fact,” he said. “25 minutes is not a lot of time to adapt that quickly on the fly.”

    He also acknowledged some ambivalence about a rematch being his next step.

    “I know Khamzat and I kind of don’t want to fight each other — I’m not really excited for that fight. Not a lot of people are.”

    Strickland, who earned his title shot with a knockout of Anthony Hernandez in February, faces Chimaev (15-0) when the champion makes his first title defense at UFC 328 on May 9.

  • Chimaev Drops Rountree in Sparring Footage Ahead of UFC 328

    Chimaev Drops Rountree in Sparring Footage Ahead of UFC 328

    New sparring footage of Khamzat Chimaev dropping light heavyweight Khalil Rountree Jr. has circulated ahead of the UFC middleweight champion’s title defense at UFC 328 on May 9 against Sean Strickland, sending MMA social media into a frenzy.

    Chimaev hasn’t competed since claiming the middleweight title with a dominant performance over Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319 last August. His impressive striking on a fighter who competes at 205 pounds reinforces the picture of a champion operating at a dangerous level heading into the grudge match with Strickland.

    Du Plessis Gives Strickland a Real Shot

    Former middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis, who lost the title to Chimaev and previously defeated Strickland, offered a notable assessment of the May 9 matchup. “Sean Strickland has a very good chance against Khamzat Chimaev,” du Plessis said, one of the most credible Strickland endorsements heading into fight night.

    UFC 328 is shaping up as one of the most anticipated events of the year. Strickland’s ability to apply pressure and absorb punishment makes him a legitimate threat, and with DDP sounding the alarm, the champion will have little room for complacency.

  • Trump Recommends Jake Paul Fight Khabib Nurmagomedov

    Trump Recommends Jake Paul Fight Khabib Nurmagomedov

    President Donald Trump confirmed he will attend the upcoming UFC 250th anniversary event at the White House, telling Jake Paul that the idea originated with Dana White and that every fighter on the card wants to be part of it.

    Trump made the comments during a sit-down interview with Paul recorded at a factory rally in Ohio on March 13, 2026 — the debut episode of Paul’s new show.

    “I will be [at UFC 250]. It’s going to be amazing — at the White House,” Trump said. “Dana is a great guy. He had the idea of staging it right at the front door of the White House. He’s got a tremendous card. They all want to fight at the White House. It’s going to be in honor of the 250th year.”

    The event, formally titled Freedom Fights 250, is scheduled for June 14 on the South Lawn of the White House, coinciding with the U.S. 250th anniversary celebration and President Trump’s 80th birthday. Dana White has confirmed the card is set and includes multiple title fights.

    Trump Recommends Khabib as Jake Paul’s Next Fight

    The conversation also turned to Paul’s future in boxing, with Trump offering his own fight suggestion. When asked who he’d want to see Paul face next, Trump went straight to a recognizable name from MMA.

    “I probably [want to see you fight] Khabib. How about Khabib? I think he’s been just great,” Trump said.

    Paul didn’t hesitate: “I’m down.”

    Khabib Nurmagomedov retired undefeated from MMA in 2020 with a 29-0 record following his submission win over Justin Gaethje at UFC 254. He has since been involved in boxing discussions on multiple occasions but has never officially crossed over.

    Paul also mentioned his promotion pipeline during the interview, including a planned Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano fight on Netflix and potential matchups with Oleksandr Usyk in MMA, Francis Ngannou, Ryan Garcia, and Tommy Fury.

    Trump Breaks Up a Fight for Kobe Bryant

    In one of the lighter moments of the interview, Trump recounted a story from his past involving the late NBA legend Kobe Bryant.

    “It wasn’t a fight — I was breaking up a fight,” Trump said. “Which sometimes is more dangerous than being in a fight. Kobe was having a hard time with somebody and it worked out fine. Probably not a smart thing to do.”

    Paul responded with a laugh: “Historically, it’s never good to break up fights.”

  • Cain Velasquez Thanks Fans After Prison Release

    Cain Velasquez Thanks Fans After Prison Release

    Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez has broken his silence with a heartfelt Instagram video message, expressing his gratitude to fans and the MMA community for their support during his time behind bars.

    Velasquez, 43, was released from California State Prison on February 15, 2026, after serving approximately 11 months in custody. He had been sentenced to five years in prison in March 2025 following a no-contest plea to charges stemming from a 2022 shooting incident in which he chased and fired at a vehicle carrying Harry Goularte — a man accused of repeatedly molesting his then-4-year-old son. Velasquez received credit for 1,283 days of pre-sentence time served while awaiting sentencing.

    https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVxclkgCkj3/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Cain’s Message: “Just thank you”

    Now a few weeks removed from his release, the former two-time heavyweight champion addressed his supporters directly in a video posted to Instagram:​

    “I just wanna thank everybody for their love and support. Your words of encouragement constantly lift me up. I just wanna take this time here to thank everybody for the constant support. You have no idea what your words, encouragement, and love have meant to me and my family. Just thank you.”

    Velasquez also noted that he has been taking the transition back to normal life slowly, saying he didn’t want to overwhelm himself adjusting to a new rhythm after his time away. He closed the video with a simple but telling sentiment: “It’s good to be out.”

    The MMA world rallied widely behind Velasquez throughout his legal ordeal. UFC CEO Dana White wrote a letter to the court on his behalf, describing him as a “model example of how a professional athlete should carry himself”.

    Velasquez still has a June 3 court appearance scheduled to determine the amount of restitution he owes, while Goularte’s criminal case remains ongoing.

  • Francis Ngannou Backs Jon Jones, Teases Super Fight if Jones Leaves UFC

    Francis Ngannou Backs Jon Jones, Teases Super Fight if Jones Leaves UFC

    Francis Ngannou is throwing his support behind Jon Jones as the former heavyweight champion’s public fallout with the UFC intensifies.

    Ngannou took to X to back Jones, suggesting he deserves both his freedom and a massive payday — and teasing a potential super fight if Jones walks away from the promotion.

    “Watching this story unfold yesterday was very interesting. I have lots to say, but for now, Jonny boy, if you manage to get your freedom, then let me know,” Ngannou wrote. “You deserve that $30M+ after everything you’ve done for the sport, and they should be rolling out the RED CARPET for you.”

    Jones vs. White: The Dispute

    The post comes amid a heated public standoff between Jones and UFC CEO Dana White. At the UFC 326 post-fight press conference, White declared Jones was “never, ever, ever” a consideration for the high-profile UFC White House event, citing Jones’ hip arthritis and doubts about his ability to compete.

    White also stated he had sent a message to Jones’ lawyer explicitly saying a White House fight would “never happen, ever” — even as Jones publicly claimed he was in active negotiations for the card.

    Jones fired back, questioning whether the UFC wanted him to publicly agree that their negotiations were “complete bullshit.” He later posted — and then deleted — a statement requesting his release from the organization.

    “If the UFC genuinely believes I’m finished, then I would like to respectfully request my release from my contract,” Jones wrote.

    Ngannou’s Message Carries Weight

    Ngannou’s show of support is notable given his own well-publicized exit from the UFC in 2022 over financial disputes — a situation that closely mirrors what Jones is now experiencing. The Cameroonian powerhouse went on to sign with the PFL and pursue boxing, and his reference to Jones “getting his freedom” is a direct nod to that shared experience.

    The post immediately sparked speculation about a potential Ngannou vs. Jones super fight outside the UFC, should Jones secure his release.

    Whether Jones ultimately leaves or stays, the public pressure campaign is escalating — and having a fighter of Ngannou’s stature weigh in only amplifies the situation heading into what figures to be a pivotal stretch for both men.

  • Colby Covington vs. Dillon Danis Set for RAF 07 on March 28 in Tampa

    Colby Covington vs. Dillon Danis Set for RAF 07 on March 28 in Tampa

    The freestyle wrestling promotion — co-founded by Hulk Hogan and broadcast on Fox Nation — will host the highly anticipated matchup at the Yuengling Center. The event marks RAF’s second Florida stop of 2026, following RAF 05 in January where Covington defeated Luke Rockhold in front of a packed South Florida crowd.

    Covington, a former NCAA Division I All-American and multiple-time UFC welterweight title challenger, has become one of RAF’s marquee attractions. Danis, a Bellator MMA veteran and jiu-jitsu specialist who recently drew attention with a 15-second submission win on the Misfits Boxing card, has been vocal about wanting to expand his combat sports profile.

    The two have traded verbal shots publicly for months, with Covington previously dismissing Danis as someone who could “never get in the UFC”.

    RAF 07 on March 28 is also expected to feature Cruiserweight Champion Kyle Dake defending his title against Parker Keckeisen. Tickets are available via Ticketmaster.

    RAF 07 Poster
  • Islam Makhachev Fires Back at Topuria: “We Both Know Who Chickened Out”

    Islam Makhachev Fires Back at Topuria: “We Both Know Who Chickened Out”

    UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has fired back at Ilia Topuria’s social media callout, flipping the cowardice accusations right back on the Georgian contender.

    In a post on X Tuesday afternoon, Makhachev wrote: “We both know who chickened out here 😉 you can cover your cowardice with nasty tweets, but don’t worry, one day you will get what you asked for! and your fat ass manager don’t have to ask for billions to fight me, we’ll do it for free.”

    The reply directly addresses Topuria’s earlier callout, in which the undefeated contender accused Makhachev of faking an injury to dodge the fight.

    As MMA News reported, Topuria claimed he accepted the bout without hesitation when presented with it, only to learn the next morning that Makhachev had reported a hand injury.

    Topuria also took aim at both men’s management in his original post, writing: “Both of their manager is a bitch and also ugly as hell” — a line Makhachev appeared to return with his “fat ass manager” dig, widely read as a shot at Topuria’s camp.

    UFC president Dana White has denied that a Makhachev vs. Topuria fight was ever formally booked for the June 14 White House card. Topuria is now set to face interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje in a title unification bout on the South Lawn of the White House, while Makhachev sits out with the reported injury.

    Makhachev’s pointed response — and offer to fight “for free” — signals the undisputed lightweight showdown remains a matter of when, not if.

  • Ilia Topuria Calls Out Islam Makhachev, Vows Quick Work at White House

    Ilia Topuria Calls Out Islam Makhachev, Vows Quick Work at White House

    UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria took to social media to blast Islam Makhachev and his manager following the fallout from the UFC White House card announcement, promising a brutal finish of interim champion Justin Gaethje on June 14.

    In a lengthy post on X, Topuria claimed he always knew he’d be part of the historic White House event — even when the UFC initially told him he wouldn’t be included — calling it part of the negotiation process. He alleged that he had verbally accepted a fight against Islam Makhachev before the card was announced, only to wake up the next morning and learn that Islam had pulled out citing injury.

    UFC president Dana White subsequently denied that a Topuria vs. Makhachev superfight was ever officially booked for the event, stating the matchup “was never in the works” and that Makhachev is currently nursing a hand injury. White also confirmed that Topuria himself was not originally scheduled to appear on the card.

    With Makhachev out of the picture, the UFC turned to interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje — who secured the interim belt with a unanimous decision win over Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324 — to headline the Freedom Fights 250 event opposite Topuria. The card is set for June 14 on the South Lawn of the White House, coinciding with the U.S. 250th anniversary and President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday.

    Topuria didn’t mince words about both parties in his post, calling out the managers of Makhachev and Gaethje before turning his attention directly to “The Highlight”: “Justin, see you at the White House. I’m not someone who humiliates people. It will be quick. When you wake up, everything will already be over.”

    Topuria enters the unification bout with an undefeated 17-0 record and captured the lightweight title with a first-round KO of Charles Oliveira at UFC 317.

  • UFC Rankings: UFC 326 Fallout

    UFC Rankings: UFC 326 Fallout

    Here is the confirmed UFC Rankings Report for Tuesday, March 10, 2026, following UFC 326: Holloway vs. Oliveira 2 this past Saturday from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

    Lightweight

    Charles Oliveira rises to No. 3 and claims the BMF title. “Do Bronx” entered the fight unranked in the BMF picture but delivered one of the best performances of his career, dominating Max Holloway via unanimous decision (50–45, 50–45, 50–45) to become just the fourth man to hold the BMF championship. Oliveira controlled every round with takedowns, clinch work, and ground-and-pound elbows, shocking a Vegas crowd that expected Holloway to win.

    Max Holloway falls from No. 2 in the BMF conversation. The former featherweight king, who entered as a -235 favorite, drops to 27–9 overall and has now lost to Ilia Topuria and Oliveira in back-to-back BMF-adjacent fights. Despite the setback, Holloway retains his lightweight ranking as he continues to be viewed as a top-five presence at 155 lbs.

    Middleweight

    Caio Borralho rises to No. 5. The Brazilian earned a critical bounce-back win over Reinier de Ridder via unanimous decision (30–27 across all three cards) in the co-main event, moving up one spot in the 185 lb rankings following his first UFC loss six months ago. Borralho is now 18–2 overall and firmly back in the title conversation behind champion Khamzat Chimaev and No. 1 contender Sean Strickland.

    Reinier de Ridder drops to No. 9. The former ONE Championship double champion has now lost back-to-back fights inside the Octagon, slipping further down the middleweight rankings. After going 4–0 to start his UFC career, back-to-back losses have cooled the hype around “The Dutch Knight.”

    Bantamweight

    Raul Rosas Jr. enters the rankings. The unranked 21-year-old prospect defeated No. 13 Rob Font (22–10) via unanimous decision (30–27 across all three judges), earning his way into the top 15 at 135 lbs. Font has now dropped consecutive fights and may fall out of the top 15 entirely in the next rankings cycle.

    Middleweight (Prelim Movers)

    Gregory Rodrigues rises to No. 12. The Brazilian bounced back in devastating fashion, knocking out No. 15 Brunno Ferreira with a thunderous right hand at the 1:47 mark of Round 1 — avenging a 2023 knockout loss to Ferreira. Rodrigues is now 19–6 and earned a Performance of the Night bonus for the finish.

    Brunno Ferreira drops from No. 15. Back-to-back losses in the Octagon — both stoppages — put Ferreira’s top-15 middleweight standing in jeopardy heading into his next assignment.

    Pound-for-Pound

    Charles Oliveira re-enters the men’s P4P top 10 at No. 9. His dominant showing over a fellow future Hall of Famer was enough for the voting panel to bring “Do Bronx” back into the elite conversation. Islam Makhachev (No. 1), Ilia Topuria (No. 2), and Khamzat Chimaev (No. 3) remain unchanged at the top.

    Visit UFC.com to see the full rankings for every division.

  • Sean O’Malley Reacts to UFC 326, White House Card, Aspinall-Hearn

    Sean O’Malley Reacts to UFC 326, White House Card, Aspinall-Hearn

    Sean O’Malley shared his thoughts about the biggest topics in combat sports during his latest podcast with the MMA Guru — from Charles Oliveira’s dominant UFC 326 performance to his own booking on the historic UFC Freedom 250 White House card, plus his candid reaction to Tom Aspinall signing with Eddie Hearn.

    O’Malley Locked In for the White House

    “Suga Sean” confirmed he’ll be fighting on one of the most historic events in UFC history — UFC Freedom 250, set for June 14 on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C., as part of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations. O’Malley will face Canadian contender Aiemann Zahabi in a three-round bantamweight bout on the main card.montanasports+1

    When asked about his inclusion, O’Malley didn’t mince words:

    “I mean, is it a surprise to anybody? I had to be on that.”

    He sees it as a massive growth opportunity for his brand, noting that millions of fans who don’t normally watch MMA will tune in simply because of the setting.

    “It’s an opportunity for the Sugar brand to grow and have millions of people that might not have ever seen me fight — because they don’t watch fighting — watch that night because it’s at the White House. I’m very grateful that the UFC put me on the card. It’s an opportunity to go out there, get a dub, beautiful performance, grow the brand — and it’s going to be f***ing epic.”

    O’Malley is coming off a unanimous decision win over Song Yadong at UFC 324 in January, looking to string together a winning streak after back-to-back title losses to Merab Dvalishvili.

    The Jones-Pereira Fight That Never Was

    O’Malley also weighed in on a rumored fight that apparently fell through ahead of the White House card.

    “It could have been a sneaky Jones-Pereira and they never ended up getting it done,” O’Malley acknowledged, suggesting a potential Jon Jones vs. Alex Pereira super-fight was discussed at some point before the card was finalized.

    The main event of UFC Freedom 250 will instead feature Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje in a lightweight title unification bout, alongside Alex Pereira vs. Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title.

    Oliveira Grapples His Way to BMF Gold

    Turning his attention to UFC 326, O’Malley shared his honest take on Charles Oliveira’s dominant unanimous decision win over Max Holloway for the BMF title at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

    Oliveira scored takedowns in all five rounds and won every round on all three scorecards (50-45 across the board) in what became a lopsided grappling clinic. O’Malley gave Holloway credit early:

    “Max looked so sharp the first 15, bro. When he was letting his hands go, jabbing high, jabbing low, twos straight — Charles Oliveira ate a couple shots, said, ‘F**k this.’”

    But he was also quick to give Oliveira his flowers, pointing out that the BMF title on the line may have clouded public perception of the performance:

    “I think if it wasn’t a BMF on the line, you would have just said, ‘Oh my god, Oliveira just dominated Max Holloway. This is really impressive.’ But I thought he looked good on the feet against Max.”

    O’Malley Baffled by Tom Aspinall’s Eddie Hearn Move

    Perhaps the most surprising topic of the podcast was UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall’s decision to sign with boxing promoter Eddie Hearn’s newly launched Matchroom Talent Agency. The deal is strictly commercial and advisory in nature — not promotional — as Aspinall remains under contract with the UFC.

    Still, O’Malley was visibly confused: “Tom Aspinall signs with Eddie Hearn? What the f**k — sign with Eddie Hearn?” He added: “I thought Tom left the UFC and said peace out on boxing.”

    The move comes at a tense time, with Hearn and Dana White on opposing sides of the combat sports business landscape following White’s launch of Zuffa Boxing. O’Malley didn’t think it was necessarily the wisest play for Aspinall:

    “I don’t know if that was a smart move. We will see. But that seems a little risky to me.”

    Aspinall has not competed since a no-contest against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321 in October due to an eye poke, with his return timeline still uncertain.

  • Jon Jones Publicly Requests UFC Contract Release Following Dana White Dispute Over White House Card Snub

    Jon Jones Publicly Requests UFC Contract Release Following Dana White Dispute Over White House Card Snub

    Jon “Bones” Jones has formally requested his release from the UFC following a fiery public dispute with UFC CEO Dana White over his exclusion from the promotion’s highly anticipated White House event, scheduled for June 14, 2026.

    The fallout began Saturday night when, following UFC 326, White told reporters that Jones was “never, ever, ever” considered for the White House card, citing Jones’ hip arthritis, a prior retirement announcement, failed drug tests, and a general lack of trust. White claimed he had already sent a message to Jones’ legal team dismissing any possibility of him appearing on the card.

    Jones, 38, quickly fired back on X (formerly Twitter) with an initial wave of emotional, now-deleted posts that revealed the extent of his frustration. In those since-removed tweets, Jones appeared blindsided by White’s statements, writing “I’m released from the UFC?!!” and lamenting repeatedly that the situation was “how f***ing painful.” He also hinted that the UFC had privately pressured him to publicly accept White’s narrative — essentially asking Jones to be “the fall guy” by agreeing that no negotiations had ever taken place.

    After deleting that raw outburst, Jones composed himself and posted a lengthier formal statement on Monday. In it, Jones stated that his team had engaged in genuine contract negotiations with the UFC for the White House fight, that he had reduced his asking price, and that the offer he received in return was a lowball. He also pushed back on White’s hip arthritis claims, noting that arthritis being “painful” does not mean he cannot compete, and pointed out the logical inconsistency in White’s position: “If I had accepted the lowball offer, suddenly my hip would be fine and I’d be on the White House card? That doesn’t make sense.”

    Jones revealed he had received stem cell treatment just last week to prepare for the fight and had training camp scheduled to begin Monday — the same day he posted his statement. He also disclosed that as recently as last Friday, the UFC had reached out to him about the White House card, but with an even lower financial offer than previously discussed.

    Closing his statement with an ultimatum, Jones wrote: “If the UFC truly feels like I’m done, then I respectfully ask to be released from my contract today. No more spins, no more games. Bones out.”

    Jones last competed in November 2024, when he successfully defended the UFC Heavyweight Championship against Stipe Miocic. He briefly announced his retirement in 2025 before reversing course upon the announcement of the White House event. As of Monday evening, the UFC has not made any formal statement on Jones’ contract status, and industry insiders consider an outright release to be unlikely. UFC heavyweight contender Tom Aspinall has since publicly voiced his support for Jones amid the fallout.

    The UFC Freedom 250 White House card, headlined by Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje, is set for June 14, 2026, on Paramount.

  • Francis Ngannou vs. Philipe Lins Official for May 16 Netflix Card

    Francis Ngannou vs. Philipe Lins Official for May 16 Netflix Card

    Francis Ngannou is officially headed back to MMA. On Monday, it was confirmed that the former UFC heavyweight champion will take on Philipe Lins in a five-round heavyweight contest on May 16 at Intuit Dome in Los Angeles.

    The bout joins the already announced Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano main event on a historic card that will stream live on Netflix. Per ESPN, Ngannou vs. Lins will serve as the co-main event for Most Valuable Promotions’ inaugural MMA show, listed on the official event graphic as a 5×5 professional MMA bout.

    For Ngannou, the fight marks his first MMA appearance since he stopped Renan Ferreira in the first round to win the PFL Super Fights heavyweight championship in October 2024. He parted ways with the PFL earlier this month, making his landing spot on the May 16 card his first bout as a free agent.

    Lins enters the matchup with experience across the UFC, Bellator, and PFL. ESPN noted that the Brazilian won the 2018 PFL heavyweight tournament and previously put together a four-fight winning streak in the UFC from 2022 to 2024.

    According to ESPN, the contest will be contested under the Unified Rules of MMA inside a hexagon cage with 4-ounce gloves. With Ngannou now officially added, the May 16 lineup has become one of the most high-profile MMA events of 2026.

  • UFC 326: How to Watch Historic CBS Broadcast

    UFC 326: How to Watch Historic CBS Broadcast

    UFC 326: Holloway vs. Oliveira 2 takes place Saturday, March 7, 2026, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas — and for the first time in UFC history, select bouts will air live on CBS.

    What’s on CBS vs. Paramount+

    CBS will carry the promotion’s first-ever broadcast network telecast, simulcasting select bouts from 8:00–10:00 PM ET. Specifically, CBS airs the final hour of the prelims (8–9 PM ET) and the first hour of the main card (9–10 PM ET). The remainder of the main card — including the Max Holloway (c) vs. Charles Oliveira BMF Title headliner — continues exclusively on Paramount+.

    The full broadcast breakdown is as follows: Early Prelims (5–7 PM ET) on Paramount+; Prelims (7–9 PM ET) on Paramount+, with the 8–9 PM hour simulcast on CBS; Main Card (9 PM–midnight ET) on Paramount+, with the 9–10 PM hour simulcast on CBS.

    How to Watch Without Cable

    Fans can watch the full event — from early prelims through the main card — by subscribing to Paramount+, with plans starting at $8.99/month. Those without cable can still catch the CBS simulcast portion for free via a digital antenna tuned to their local CBS affiliate, or through streaming TV services that carry CBS.

    Main Card Fight Card

    The UFC 326 main card features five bouts: Max Holloway (c) vs. Charles Oliveira (Lightweight, BMF Title); Caio Borralho vs. Reinier de Ridder (Middleweight); Rob Font vs. Raul Rosas Jr. (Bantamweight); Drew Dober vs. Michael Johnson (Lightweight); Gregory Rodrigues vs. Brunno Ferreira (Middleweight).

    UFC 326 marks a landmark moment for the promotion, as the new Paramount/Skydance media rights agreement brings UFC to broadcast television on CBS for the first time. For full card details and fight previews, see our complete UFC 326 guide.

  • Dan Bilzerian Called Out by Israeli MMA Fighter Haim Gozali After Threatening to ‘Kill Israelis’

    Dan Bilzerian Called Out by Israeli MMA Fighter Haim Gozali After Threatening to ‘Kill Israelis’

    Israeli MMA fighter and 6th-degree Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt Haim Gozali has issued a direct no-holds-barred fight challenge to social media personality Dan Bilzerian after Bilzerian posted a clip stating he would “sign up tomorrow and go put boots on the ground and go f***ing kill Israelis.”​

    In a video posted to his social media accounts, Gozali volunteered himself as the first opponent to test whether Bilzerian’s combative bravado extends beyond the internet. “Let’s see if he’s a hero only online, or also in reality,” Gozali said in the post, which quickly amassed over 1,000 likes and more than 100 replies, with many supporters tagging Bilzerian as a “coward” and amplifying the challenge.

    Bilzerian’s latest remarks are consistent with a pattern of escalating anti-Israel rhetoric. The former social media personality has, in recent years, publicly called Hamas a “resistance organization,” praised its late leader Yahya Sinwar as a “hero,” denied the scale of the October 7 attacks, and stated on a major television appearance that “Jewish supremacy is the greatest threat to the world today.” He has also made inflammatory claims blaming Israel for the assassination of JFK, the fall of Muammar Gaddafi, and other global events.

    This is not Gozali’s first clash with Bilzerian. The Israeli veteran previously challenged Bilzerian after the influencer called out Rabbi Shmuley — a man more than 20 years his senior — to an MMA fight. Gozali has also extended challenges to Bilzerian ally: Jake Shields, Holocaust-denier.

    The episode highlights a growing trend of combat sports figures entering politically charged public disputes, as tensions between online bravado and real-world accountability continue to generate viral moments across social media platforms.

  • Tom Aspinall Signs with Eddie Hearn’s New Matchroom Agency

    Tom Aspinall Signs with Eddie Hearn’s New Matchroom Agency

    Eddie Hearn has landed one of combat sports’ biggest names for his newly launched Matchroom Talent Agency, signing UFC Heavyweight Champion Tom Aspinall as its first major client, it was announced Thursday.​

    The deal pairs the 31-year-old British champion — currently sidelined and recovering from a serious eye injury — with Hearn’s new management venture, a separate arm from his well-established Matchroom Boxing promotional outfit. The signing marks a significant power play for Hearn in the combat sports world and represents a new business direction beyond boxing promotion.

    Tom Aspinall ‘Looking’ Ahead

    The news comes four months after Aspinall’s ill-fated title defense against Ciryl Gane, which ended in a no-contest in October 2025 after the Frenchman landed a double eye poke that left Aspinall unable to continue. Aspinall was subsequently diagnosed with bilateral traumatic Brown’s syndrome — a condition affecting ocular mobility — and has undergone surgery on both eyes. As recently as February 2026, Aspinall disclosed he still had a persistent black spot in his vision and had not yet been medically cleared to return to training.

    TKO vs. Matchroom: Shots Fired

    The signing has an unmistakable political dimension. Hearn had been publicly critical of the UFC’s treatment of Aspinall in the aftermath of the Gane no-contest, with UFC CEO Dana White controversially suggesting Aspinall was unwilling to continue the fight and questioning the severity of the injury. Hearn called out White’s handling of the situation on multiple occasions, stating White “humiliated” the champion. Aspinall’s father also disclosed publicly that his son has approximately three fights remaining on his current UFC contract.

    The timing of the signing also comes on the heels of Hearn losing one of his top Matchroom Boxing stars, Conor Benn, who recently departed for an eight-figure deal with Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing. Hearn responded by launching the Matchroom Talent Agency — a management-focused entity — and wasted no time securing Aspinall as its marquee first signing.

    Aspinall remains the reigning UFC Heavyweight Champion. His next title defense, return timeline, and future contractual situation with the UFC remain unknown pending his full medical clearance.​