MMA News

Author: Mike Reichlin

  • Paramount+ Price Increase Hits January 15 Before UFC 324 Debut

    Paramount+ subscribers will see higher prices starting January 15, just nine days before UFC 324 marks the promotion’s debut on the streaming platform.

    The Essential ad-supported plan increases from $7.99 to $8.99 per month, while the Premium ad-free tier rises from $12.99 to $13.99 monthly. Annual subscriptions see steeper hikes, with Essential jumping from $59.99 to $89.99 per year and Premium increasing from $119.99 to $139.99 annually. Paramount is also retiring free trials effective with the price change.

    The timing places the increase just ahead of UFC 324: Gaethje vs. Pimblett on January 24 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The event represents the first numbered UFC card under Paramount’s seven-year, $7.7 billion deal with TKO and the first without a traditional pay-per-view paywall in the United States since UFC 267 in 2021.

    UFC 324 and the Paramount+ Era

    UFC on Paramount+

    UFC 324 features Justin Gaethje facing Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight championship in the main event, with Kayla Harrison defending her bantamweight title against returning Hall of Famer Amanda Nunes in the co-main.

    For UFC fans, the value proposition shifts significantly under the new model. All 13 annual numbered events plus 30 Fight Night cards are included with a standard Paramount+ subscription at no additional cost. Under the previous ESPN arrangement, individual PPV events cost approximately $80 each.

    Paramount announced the increases during its Q3 2025 earnings call, citing continued investment in content and the UFC partnership as driving factors. The streamer reported 79.1 million subscribers as of September 2025.

  • Khamzat Chimaev Calls Out ‘Scared’ Alex Pereira for UFC White House Superfight

    Khamzat Chimaev Calls Out ‘Scared’ Alex Pereira for UFC White House Superfight

    UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev has issued another challenge to light heavyweight king Alex Pereira, targeting a champion vs. champion showdown at the historic UFC White House event on June 14.

    The undefeated Chimaev took to social media on Sunday to call out Pereira, promising a quick finish and taunting the Brazilian’s fanbase in the process.

    Chimaev followed up with a second post directed at Pereira’s supporters, writing, “All Brazilian fans tell this boy if you’re not scared tell him to fight.”

    The 31-year-old Chechen-born fighter has been pursuing Pereira for months, previously accusing the light heavyweight champion of “running away” from the matchup. In December, Chimaev stated he doesn’t believe Pereira wants the fight, claiming “everyone knows this guy is not on my level.”

    Both Champions Coming Off Dominant Title Wins

    Chimaev captured the middleweight title at UFC 319 in August with a dominant unanimous decision over Dricus du Plessis, landing a UFC-record 529 strikes en route to three 50-44 scorecards. He has yet to defend the belt and has fought just once per year since 2022.

    Meanwhile, Pereira reclaimed the light heavyweight championship at UFC 320 in October, stopping Magomed Ankalaev in just 80 seconds to become a two-time 205-pound champion. The Brazilian has since set his sights on a move to heavyweight, with rumors swirling about a potential interim title fight against Ciryl Gane while Tom Aspinall recovers from eye surgery.

    White House Card Taking Shape

    The UFC White House event is scheduled for June 14, 2026, on the South Lawn, with weigh-ins expected at the Lincoln Memorial. Dana White has described it as potentially “the greatest fight card ever assembled” and confirmed approximately 5,000 fans will attend the White House grounds, with another 85,000 at the nearby Ellipse park.

    However, White has stated the promotion won’t begin booking fights until February, leaving Chimaev’s challenge in limbo for now.

    Pereira has not responded to Chimaev’s latest callout. The light heavyweight champion has been focused on securing a superfight against Jon Jones, though Jones recently stated that Dana White “isn’t interested” in making that fight happen.

  • Bo Bassett Calls Out Henry Cejudo, Reveals MMA Training and Role Models

    Bo Bassett Calls Out Henry Cejudo, Reveals MMA Training and Role Models

    Nineteen-year-old wrestling phenom Bo Bassett made headlines at Saturday’s RAF 5 event in Sunrise, Florida, calling out Olympic champion Henry Cejudo immediately after his dominant tech fall victory over Cayden Henschel—and revealing he’s already deep into MMA training.

    The pre-planned callout went exactly as Bassett had envisioned, with Cejudo sitting in the front row and responding immediately.

    “I was planning that,” Bassett told MMA Junkie after the match. “I didn’t know how the match would go, but I knew if I could get to my positions, take care of business that I had a plan in mind. He was front row and he jumped right up on stage. Made it a really cool moment for myself and for the fans and it was very exciting and he basically signed tonight. So hopefully we can wrestle soon.”

    The callout wasn’t just spectacle. Bassett revealed that his interest in combat sports extends well beyond wrestling, confirming that his MMA transition plans are “very serious.” He’s already taken concrete steps, training at Kill Cliff FC earlier in the week.

    “I was at Kill Cliff earlier this week. Awesome experience. I’ve never been in such a high level fight club or MMA gym,” Bassett said. “And so, it was awesome to be around such high level fighters. I have a lot to learn, a huge transition to make, but I’m going to try to start making it early and I’m pretty serious.”

    Bassett’s MMA Blueprint: Three Fighters He Studies Most

    When asked which MMA fighters he studies most closely, Bassett revealed a carefully considered list of wrestlers who have successfully made the leap to fighting.

    First on his list was Merab Dvalishvili, whose Georgian wrestling background has translated into UFC success.

    “I enjoy Merab. I think he’s a crossover in Georgia. At least in his fights, it looks like it. So, I would say Merab is one of my favorites,” Bassett said.

    The young star also named UFC middleweight Bo Nickal as someone he watches closely.

    “I have to go with a guy like Bo Nickal. I really enjoy watching him being from America, sharing the same name. Got to go with Bo Nickal,” he said.

    Perhaps most notably, Bassett pointed to lightweight champion Islam Makhachev as his primary study subject.

    “I think you got to go with one of the Russians. And so I’ll keep it with Islam. Closer to my weight class and someone I really like to watch and actually listen to his interviews as well. He’s very smart,” Bassett explained.

    The selection of Makhachev is particularly telling, as the champion is known for his methodical approach and fight IQ—qualities that suggest Bassett is thinking strategically about his eventual transition rather than rushing into the sport.

    Cejudo Match on the Horizon

    Bassett will be ringside at Wrestle Riot to watch Cejudo compete, showing mutual respect between the two competitors. When asked about the Olympic champion, Bassett praised Cejudo’s professionalism and dedication.

    “He’s an unbelievable human, unbelievable wrestler and he’s a professional at everything he does,” Bassett said. “So I got to get ready for him and I know he’s going to do his work.”

    With Cejudo verbally agreeing to the match at RAF 5, fans may see the intergenerational clash materialize sooner rather than later—and it could serve as a launching pad for Bassett’s MMA career.

    “I really enjoy combat and one-on-one sports. I think that when you’re the man in the arena, there’s nothing quite like that feeling,” Bassett said. “And so, this kind of gives you a feel of what a UFC fight would be like.”

  • Viral Wrestling Star Georgio Poullas Calls Out Logan Paul for Ohio vs. Ohio Match

    Viral Wrestling Star Georgio Poullas Calls Out Logan Paul for Ohio vs. Ohio Match

    Viral wrestling sensation Georgio Poullas has set his sights on a major target, calling out WWE star Logan Paul for an Ohio vs. Ohio wrestling showdown.

    Speaking to MMA Junkie following his dominant tech fall victory over Mugzy at RAF 5 in Sunrise, Florida, the undefeated content creator made his intentions clear. Poullas believes he’s uniquely positioned among RAF competitors to face the former United States Champion.

    “Not necessarily MMA, but you know, my series, I always verse the bigger guys,” Poullas explained to MMA Junkie. “Logan Paul, he’s a lot bigger than me. He’s an Ohio wrestler. I think if me and him were to go at it with the size difference and his wrestling experience, you know, I think that would be exciting. I think it’d be very interesting and I think me more so than any other RAF wrestler makes sense for that match.”

    The callout carries weight given Poullas’s proven track record against larger opponents. The viral star built his following through his signature “$1,000 Takedown Challenge” at Venice Beach, where he remains undefeated against challengers who frequently outweigh him by significant margins.

    Both competitors share Ohio wrestling roots, adding a compelling home-state rivalry element to the potential matchup. While Paul has transitioned from amateur wrestling to WWE, Poullas has taken his grappling skills in a different direction, becoming a viral sensation through his street challenges.

    When asked about his future plans following the RAF 5 victory, Poullas remained open to possibilities. “You know, I really don’t know yet. I’m just kind of going with the flow. We’ll see,” he said. “I did enjoy wrestling here. The opportunities there if I want to take it. I got a few other opportunities as well. So, I’m just kind of playing by ear and we’ll see what happens.”

    The size difference between the two Ohioans would create the classic underdog narrative that has fueled Poullas’s viral success. For Paul, who recently committed to a full-time WWE schedule, an exhibition wrestling match against a proven grappler could offer a unique crossover opportunity.

  • ESPN Purges MMA Broadcast Team Following Loss of UFC Rights to Paramount

    ESPN Purges MMA Broadcast Team Following Loss of UFC Rights to Paramount

    ESPN has parted ways with the majority of its MMA on-air talent following the UFC’s landmark move to Paramount+ in a deal reportedly worth $7.7 billion over seven years.

    The New York Post first reported the sweeping changes, which see the network not renewing contracts for key UFC broadcasting figures including Daniel Cormier, Jon Anik, Dominick Cruz, and Chael Sonnen.

    Additional on-air personalities affected include Karyn Bryant, Laura Sanko, Megan Olivi, Ian Parker, Alan Jouban, Anthony Smith, and Paul Felder.

    Longtime UFC reporter Brett Okamoto is reportedly being retained in a traditional journalist capacity.

    The talent purge coincides with Disney’s ongoing cost-cutting measures and ESPN’s strategic pivot in combat sports coverage. With UFC departing for Paramount+ and CBS, ESPN is redirecting resources toward WWE, which brings premium live events to the network starting in 2026.

    Several affected commentators are expected to continue working with UFC under the new Paramount umbrella. The promotion’s core broadcast team, including Joe Rogan and Jon Anik, will call fights on the new platform rather than as ESPN employees.

    The first UFC event under the Paramount+ deal is just weeks away (UFC 324), officially closing the chapter on the ESPN-UFC partnership that began in 2019.

  • Zuffa Boxing Z01 Launches January 23 at UFC APEX on Paramount+

    Zuffa Boxing Z01 Launches January 23 at UFC APEX on Paramount+

    Dana White’s long-awaited boxing venture officially kicks off on Friday, January 23, when Zuffa Boxing presents its debut event at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, streaming exclusively on Paramount+.

    The event, branded as Z01, marks the first regular-series card under Zuffa Boxing’s long-term media rights agreement with Paramount. It arrives one night before UFC 324, creating a combat sports doubleheader weekend as TKO Group Holdings launches both properties on the streaming platform.

    “We are planning to launch our first boxing show on January 23, which is the night before our first UFC show on P-Sky,” TKO President Mark Shapiro confirmed. “Back-to-back nights. A big weekend for TKO, to say the least.”

    The card features Irish prospect Callum Walsh (15-0) facing Carlos Ocampo in the main event, with Serhii Bohachuk meeting former WBA welterweight champion Radzhab Butaev in the co-main.

    Zuffa Boxing operates as a joint venture between TKO Group Holdings and Saudi entertainment conglomerate Sela, with leadership from White and WWE President Nick Khan. The promotion has signed multiple fighters including former WBA super lightweight champion Jose Valenzuela, Vito Mielnicki Jr., and Justin Viloria, with plans to build a 200-fighter roster.

    Z01 airs at 9 PM ET on Paramount+, followed by UFC 324: Gaethje vs. Pimblett on Saturday at T-Mobile Arena.

    Zuffa Boxing’s Paramount+ Deal

    The January 23 debut fulfills the landmark media rights agreement announced in September 2025 between Paramount and TKO Group Holdings. Under the long-term deal, Paramount+ serves as the exclusive home of Zuffa Boxing throughout the U.S., Canada, and Latin America.

    The agreement guarantees 12 Zuffa Boxing cards in 2026, with plans to expand in subsequent years. Select events may also simulcast on CBS and other Paramount platforms.

    “I’m excited to bring great boxing events to a global audience,” Dana White said when the deal was announced. “There are millions of boxing fans that will now be able to watch competitive fights with up-and-coming boxers as well as the biggest stars in the sport. Paramount will be the home for UFC and boxing fans to watch the greatest fights in combat sports.”

    Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority and President of the Saudi Boxing Federation, added: “This partnership with Paramount reinforces our vision to redefine the way viewers consume boxing. More fight fans will now have access to watch some of the most exciting boxers around.”

    Cindy Holland, Chair of Direct-to-Consumer for Paramount, called the partnership “a bold new chapter – not just for us, but for the future of boxing,” emphasizing the deal advances Paramount’s priorities of delivering premium sports and year-round marquee live events to subscribers.

  • CEO Peter Murray Departs PFL After 8 Years

    CEO Peter Murray Departs PFL After 8 Years

    The Professional Fighters League announced Thursday that Peter Murray, CEO of PFL International Leagues, is departing the organization after eight years with the promotion.

    Murray served as PFL’s founding CEO starting in 2018, playing an integral role in the league’s growth and evolution. He helped strengthen the organization’s business operations, expand its global footprint, and establish PFL as a force in mixed martial arts. His leadership was instrumental during a period of significant development that included the acquisition of Bellator MMA.

    In July 2025, PFL underwent a major leadership restructuring when former Turner Broadcasting CEO John Martin was appointed as the promotion’s new CEO. Murray transitioned to the role of CEO of PFL International at that time, overseeing the company’s regional leagues in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

    “PFL would not be here today without Pete Murray’s relentless entrepreneurship and selfless leadership,” stated Donn Davis, PFL founder and chairman. “He has been my trusted and valued partner building the company and I look forward to his continued support.”

    MMA journalist Ariel Helwani reported that the company recently laid off several longtime employees in addition to Murray’s departure. The organizational changes come as PFL continues to build toward its future under Martin’s leadership.

  • Maycee Barber No Longer Feels Safe With Referee Mark Smith

    Maycee Barber No Longer Feels Safe With Referee Mark Smith

    UFC flyweight Maycee Barber has gone public with strong criticism of referee Mark Smith following her controversial victory over Karina Silva at UFC 323, declaring she no longer feels safe with him officiating her fights.

    During the bout, Silva landed an illegal upkick while Barber had grounded knees. Despite the apparent foul, Smith assessed it as “not a hard blow” and issued no point deduction. Barber revealed the true impact of the strike in a post-fight interview with MMA Fighting.

    “As soon as she hit me, I just remember my face and my neck feeling like I hit my funny bone. And I was like, everything’s tingly,” Barber explained, adding that upon reviewing footage she was visibly wobbled by the illegal strike.

    Barber’s criticism of Smith was direct and unfiltered: “From my perspective now, I’m like, to me, I’m like, I don’t want him reffing my fights at all. I don’t feel safe in there with him anymore. I don’t feel like he’s a fair, a very fair ref.”

    The 27-year-old also raised concerns about the disparity between fighters and officials when it comes to consequences for poor performance.

    “He can have a bad day at work, but he’s going to get paid regardless. So, it kind of sucks that we have us athletes that have to go in and have people that can have off days and still get paid and risk our jobs,” Barber stated.

    Adding to the officiating controversy, Barber revealed a timer malfunction during Round 2 that her coach brought to her attention post-fight.

    “The guy that was in control of the timer, he forgot to hit the timer. So there was a spot where there was like 10 seconds at the end of the round where the triangle shouldn’t have even happened,” she explained.

    Smith’s officiating at UFC 323 drew widespread criticism, with fans and fighters calling his performance “dreadful” after a questionable stoppage in the Brandon Moreno vs. Tatsuro Taira bout earlier on the card.

    Despite the controversies, Barber secured the unanimous decision victory in her first fight in 21 months and is already targeting a quick turnaround.

  • Jon Jones, Daniel Cormier to Coach Against Each Other on ALF Reality Season 3

    Jon Jones, Daniel Cormier to Coach Against Each Other on ALF Reality Season 3

    One of MMA’s most intense rivalries will resume in 2026 as Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier are set to face off… as opposing coaches on ALF Reality Season 3.

    ALF Global founder Alfredo Auditore announced the news on January 5 via social media, sharing a face-off photo of the two UFC legends. The Russian reality series, styled after The Ultimate Fighter, is known for its chaotic format and unscripted confrontations between coaches and fighters.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/DTJAL_5DeMd/

    This marks Jones’ second stint on the show after he previously coached alongside Nate Diaz, who departed following a brawl during filming. Jorge Masvidal stepped in to replace Diaz for Season 2. For Cormier, the UFC Hall of Famer and current broadcaster, this will be his first appearance on the series.

    Jones and Cormier battled twice in the UFC Octagon, with Jones winning both encounters. Their first meeting at UFC 182 in January 2015 saw Jones claim a unanimous decision, while their UFC 214 rematch ended with a Jones head kick knockout—later overturned to a no-contest after Jones tested positive for a banned substance.

    Following the announcement, Cormier hinted at potentially facing Jones beyond the coaching role, calling for a wrestling match in Real American Freestyle.

    “I’m telling you, Real American Freestyle Wrestling is gonna see me and Jon Jones at some point, and I’m gonna kick his ass like you would never believe,” Cormier said on his podcast. “Because guess what? I still shoot. I still train wrestlers every single day.”

    Filming for ALF Reality Season 3 is expected to begin in the coming weeks. No release date has been announced.

  • Maycee Barber Reveals Secret To Beating Ring Rust After 21-Month Layoff

    Maycee Barber Reveals Secret To Beating Ring Rust After 21-Month Layoff

    Maycee Barber looked sharp in her return to the Octagon at UFC 323, defeating Karina Silva by unanimous decision after 21 months away. The flyweight contender has now revealed her unconventional approach to conquering ring rust—and it starts with eliminating negativity entirely.

    Speaking with MMA Fighting following her victory, Barber explained that she expected to perform well despite the extended layoff. Her confidence stemmed from a rigorous training philosophy that never allows for true time off.

    “When I am out, whether I’m injured or not, like I’m either training mentally or I’m training physically. This is my life. And this is a career that I chose that we don’t have an on season, off season. We have, this is an everyday thing,” Barber explained.

    Rather than worrying about ring rust showing up on fight night, Barber believes it appears in camp—where it can be corrected.

    “I think that if I was going to have ring rust, it probably would have been in sparring and it probably would have been in training. There were some sparring rounds that I had that I was like, ‘Oh yeah, my timing is off.’ But that’s what camp is for,” she said.

    Barber credited her coach, Ghee, for his meticulous attention to detail in correcting any issues that emerged during preparation.

    “My coach Ghee, he’s like on top of things. If something’s off, we’re going to fix it. If my jab timing is off, he’s going to go through and dial it in. We did plenty of training to make sure that everything was at the right time and we peaked at the right time,” she explained.

    Perhaps most notably, Barber takes an aggressive approach to protecting her mental space. She actively removes anyone who introduces doubt or negativity into her preparation.

    “I never even let the whole ring rust entry even into my head. If someone tries to bring in negative energy, I’m just like, they’re gone. I just don’t even let that stuff enter my head. Bad energy is not necessary. It’s not for me,” Barber stated.

    When asked about sparring intensity, Barber laughed and offered a glimpse into her killer instinct: “Not me. I try to kill them all and they all know it.”

    The approach clearly paid dividends as Barber looked like she hadn’t missed a beat against Silva, earning a decisive victory to restart her championship campaign.

  • UFC Rankings Report: January 5, 2026

    UFC Rankings Report: January 5, 2026

    As we kick off 2026, the UFC rankings reflect a dramatically reshaped landscape across multiple divisions. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of where every champion and contender stands heading into the new year.

    Men’s Pound-For-Pound: Islam Makhachev continues to reign supreme atop the pound-for-pound rankings, with Ilia Topuria holding firm at No. 2. Khamzat Chimaev sits at No. 3, followed by Alex Pereira at No. 4 and Alexander Volkanovski at No. 5.

    This week’s movement sees Merab Dvalishvili rise one spot to No. 7, while Tom Aspinall drops one to No. 8. Dricus Du Plessis climbs one position to No. 11, with Joshua Van falling one spot to No. 12.

    Flyweight: Joshua Van sits as champion, with Alexandre Pantoja at No. 1. The biggest mover this week is Manel Kape, who rockets up four spots to No. 2. Tatsuro Taira holds at No. 3, while Brandon Royval drops two spots to No. 4. Brandon Moreno and Amir Albazi each fall one spot to No. 5 and No. 6, respectively.

    Bantamweight: Petr Yan holds the title, with Merab Dvalishvili at No. 1, Umar Nurmagomedov at No. 2, and Sean O’Malley at No. 3. Payton Talbott moves up one spot to No. 11, while Rob Font drops to No. 12. Montel Jackson enters the rankings at No. 15.

    Featherweight: Alexander Volkanovski remains champion, with Movsar Evloev leading the contenders at No. 1, followed by Diego Lopes at No. 2 and Yair Rodriguez at No. 3. Jean Silva rises one spot to No. 10, while Josh Emmett falls to No. 11. Kevin Vallejos is newly ranked at No. 13.

    Lightweight: Ilia Topuria now holds the lightweight title. Arman Tsarukyan sits at No. 1, with Charles Oliveira at No. 2 and Max Holloway at No. 3. Paddy Pimblett has climbed to No. 5, setting up his interim title shot against Justin Gaethje at UFC 324.

    Welterweight: Islam Makhachev is listed as champion following his move up in weight. Jack Della Maddalena leads the contenders at No. 1. Shavkat Rakhmonov rises one spot to No. 2, while Ian Machado Garry drops to No. 3. Further down, Geoff Neal moves up one spot to No. 13, with Colby Covington falling to No. 14.

    Middleweight: Khamzat Chimaev wears the gold, with Dricus Du Plessis at No. 1, Nassourdine Imavov at No. 2, and Sean Strickland at No. 3. Jared Cannonier and Michael Page are tied at No. 10.

    Light Heavyweight: Alex Pereira continues his dominant reign as champion. Jiří Procházka and Magomed Ankalaev share the No. 1 spot, with Carlos Ulberg at No. 3 and Khalil Rountree Jr. at No. 4.

    Heavyweight: Tom Aspinall holds the heavyweight strap, with Ciryl Gane at No. 1, Alexander Volkov at No. 2, and Sergei Pavlovich at No. 3.

    Women’s Pound-For-Pound: Valentina Shevchenko tops the women’s P4P list, with Kayla Harrison at No. 2, Zhang Weili at No. 3, and Natalia Silva at No. 4. Mackenzie Dern rounds out the top five.

    Women’s Strawweight: Mackenzie Dern is champion, with Zhang Weili at No. 1, Tatiana Suarez at No. 2, and Virna Jandiroba at No. 3.

    Women’s Flyweight: Valentina Shevchenko holds the title. Manon Fiorot leads at No. 1, with Natalia Silva at No. 2. Alexa Grasso and Erin Blanchfield are tied at No. 3, with Blanchfield moving up one spot this week. Miranda Maverick also rises one spot to share No. 9.

    Women’s Bantamweight: Kayla Harrison is champion, with Julianna Peña at No. 1, Raquel Pennington at No. 2, and Norma Dumont at No. 3.

    Rankings were last updated by UFC.com on Tuesday, December 16, 2025.

  • January 2026 UFC Calendar: Everything You Need to Know Before UFC 324 & 325

    January 2026 UFC Calendar: Everything You Need to Know Before UFC 324 & 325

    January 2026 is the month the UFC officially enters its new era. The Paramount+ transition is complete. The streaming platform is live. And the biggest fights are about to happen. Here’s everything you need to know about the UFC’s January schedule.

    UFC 324: Gaethje vs. Pimblett

    Saturday, January 24, 2026
    T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada
    Live on Paramount+

    This is it. The first major numbered event on Paramount+ and arguably the most important card of the early 2026 season. Everything here is significant.

    Main Event: Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett (Interim Lightweight Title)

    The interim lightweight title is on the line, with the winner earning the next shot at reigning champion Ilia Topuria. Both Gaethje and Pimblett have been vocal about their desire to challenge Topuria, and this fight will settle the question definitively.

    Gaethje is the veteran with elite wrestling and championship pedigree. He’s fought the best lightweights in the world and hasn’t backed down from anyone. His gas tank is legendary, and his ability to control pace and tempo is unmatched. A win puts him directly into a title fight.

    Pimblett brings momentum, charisma, and a loyal fanbase that extends beyond MMA. The Liverpool native has been climbing the rankings with impressive victories. He’s younger than Gaethje and potentially entering his athletic prime. A win here would be the signature victory of his career.

    Co-Main Event: Kayla Harrison vs. Amanda Nunes (Women’s Bantamweight Title)

    Amanda Nunes is coming out of retirement. Let that sink in. The fighter most people consider the greatest women’s MMA competitor of all time is putting on the gloves again to challenge Kayla Harrison for the bantamweight title.

    This fight has backstory. Harrison and Nunes were teammates at the same gym. There’s history. There’s rivalry. And there’s the intriguing question of whether Nunes’ remarkable technical skills have diminished at all during her time away from competition.

    Harrison is the defending champion and one of the most dominant fighters in the sport right now. She’s a heavy favorite in this matchup, but Nunes is Nunes. The striking, the grappling, the fight IQ—these don’t disappear. This could be the most compelling women’s fight of 2026.

    Additional UFC 324 Main Card Bouts

    Arnold Allen vs. Jean Silva (Featherweight): Elite ranked featherweights colliding. Silva brings finishing ability and flashy striking. Allen brings technical depth and wrestling. Divisional implications are huge here.

    Derrick Lewis vs. Waldo Cortes Acosta (Heavyweight): The heavyweight division always delivers fireworks, and Lewis has been vocal about perceiving disrespect from oddsmakers. This should be a war.

    Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Deiveson Figueiredo (Bantamweight): Championship pedigree meets rising contender in a bantamweight battle that will influence divisional positioning.

    Sean O’Malley vs. Yadong Song (Bantamweight): The former champion faces a fighter hungry for a title shot. Song has made his intentions clear. O’Malley has the experience but needs to prove he’s still dangerous after time away.

    UFC 325: Volkanovski vs. Lopes 2

    Saturday, January 31, 2026 (technically very early February)
    Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney, Australia
    Live on Paramount+

    Just one week after UFC 324, the promotion returns to Sydney, Australia, for UFC 325. The featherweight championship rematch between Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes is the main event.

    Main Event: Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes 2 (Featherweight Title)

    Volkanovski is a future hall of famer defending his belt against Diego Lopes in a rematch. The first fight between these two was competitive, and the second chapter profiles as a technical chess match between two elite strikers.

    Volkanovski brings championship experience, elite wrestling, and the credentials of being one of the best featherweights in UFC history. Lopes brings a hungry challenger’s mentality and striking that’s earned him a second crack at the title.

    This is quality featherweight action at its finest. Volkanovski will be the favorite, but Lopes has every chance to pull off the upset on the biggest stage.

    The Broader Context: A Stacked January

    What makes January 2026 so significant isn’t just that UFC 324 and 325 are strong cards—it’s that they’re bookending the month and establishing the tone for the entire year. The Paramount+ platform gets tested with two major numbered events in a single week. The streaming infrastructure needs to hold up. The fights need to deliver. The viewership numbers need to justify the massive investment.

    For fight fans, it’s straightforward: two great cards, packed with compelling matchups, broadcast on your Paramount+ subscription. No PPV fees. No additional charges. Just great fights.

    Looking Beyond January

    While UFC 324 and 325 are the headline acts for January, it’s worth noting what comes next:

    UFC Houston (February 21): Sean Strickland vs. Anthony Hernandez headlines this card at Toyota Center in Houston.

    UFC 326 (March 7): A numbered event in Las Vegas that was supposed to feature Paulo Costa vs. Brunno Ferreira in a middleweight bout, though Costa has since withdrawn.

    UFC London (March): Lerone Murphy has predicted he’ll return here, with possible matchups against top featherweight contenders like Aljamain Sterling or Movsar Evloev.

    UFC Seattle (March 28): The promotion heads to the Pacific Northwest with a card at Climate Pledge Arena.

    But all of that is secondary to what January represents. This is the month the new era truly begins. This is when Paramount+ proves it can deliver. This is when the 2026 season establishes itself as something special.

    Final Thoughts

    January 2026 will be remembered as the month that defined the entire year. Two elite numbered events, blockbuster matchups, incredible depth across multiple divisions, and the debut of the sport’s new distribution model. Whether you’re a casual fan tuning in for Gaethje vs. Pimblett or a hardcore viewer planning your entire month around both cards, January is unmissable.

    Mark your calendars. Get your Paramount+ subscription sorted. And prepare for one of the most compelling months in recent UFC history.

    The year has just begun, and the sport has never looked better.

  • UFC 324 Preview: Gaethje vs. Pimblett Marks Paramount’s First Major Event

    UFC 324 Preview: Gaethje vs. Pimblett Marks Paramount’s First Major Event

    When UFC 324 kicks off on January 24 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, it won’t just be another title fight. It will be the official debut card of the Paramount+ era—the first major numbered event on the sport’s new streaming home. The significance is layered: a new distribution model, a blockbuster fight card, and the start of what Dana White has promised will be an ambitious 2026 schedule.

    And what a card to launch with. Gaethje vs. Pimblett for the interim lightweight title is exactly the kind of compelling, high-stakes matchup needed to set the tone for the new era.

    The Main Event: A Lightweight Showdown

    Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett have both made no secret of their ambitions. The winner of their interim title fight will be next in line to face reigning lightweight champion Ilia Topuria—a fighter who has dominated the division with knockout power and elite wrestling. For both Gaethje and Pimblett, this is the defining moment of their careers so far.

    Gaethje, the former interim champ, brings elite wrestling and a gas tank that’s earned him the respect of the entire division. He’s a calculated striker who’s learned to balance his aggressive nature with technical precision. A win here puts him directly into a title fight with Topuria, his pathway forward crystal clear.

    Pimblett, the Liverpool native with the loyal fanbase and personality that transcends the sport, has climbed the rankings with impressive performances. He’s hungry, confident, and fighting in a new era where the entire sport’s attention might actually be on the Paramount+ platform. There’s an underdog energy to Pimblett’s pursuit of this moment.

    The fight itself profiles as a battle between Gaethje’s veteran savvy and Pimblett’s rising momentum. Both are elite lightweights. Both deserve this opportunity. The stakes couldn’t be higher.

    The Co-Main Event: Amanda Nunes Returns

    If Gaethje vs. Pimblett is the future of the sport, then Kayla Harrison vs. Amanda Nunes is the present colliding with the past. Nunes, widely considered the greatest women’s MMA fighter of all time, is coming out of retirement to challenge Harrison for the bantamweight title.

    Nunes hasn’t fought since 2023. She’s been retired. But the chance to reclaim gold and cement her legacy was apparently too compelling to resist. Harrison, who’s held the bantamweight title and established herself as a dominant force in the division, will be tested against one of the most technically proficient strikers and grapplers the sport has ever seen.

    This is the kind of blockbuster co-main event that validates why the UFC invested so heavily in the Paramount+ partnership. You can’t buy this kind of star power. Nunes’ return is a cultural moment in women’s MMA.

    The Supporting Cast

    UFC 324 doesn’t stop there. The main card also features:

    Arnold Allen vs. Jean Silva (Featherweight): Elite ranked featherweights colliding at the top of a increasingly competitive division. Silva has shown explosive finishing ability. Allen brings technical depth. This is a fight that could determine divisional positioning heading into the rest of 2026.

    Derrick Lewis vs. Waldo Cortes Acosta (Heavyweight): The heavyweight division has always been a wildcard, and Lewis demands respect despite his willingness to be vocal about perceived slights. Lewis recently demanded an investigation after bookmakers made him the underdog against Cortes Acosta—a remarkable bit of transparency about how the sport can feel rigged from inside the fighter’s perspective. This heavyweight collision will be explosive.

    Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Deiveson Figueiredo (Bantamweight): Nurmagomedov continues his climb up the 135-pound rankings. Figueiredo brings championship pedigree. The bantamweight division is absolutely stacked in 2026, and this fight helps sort out where everyone ranks.

    Sean O’Malley vs. Yadong Song (Bantamweight): The former bantamweight champion O’Malley faces Song, who’s openly stated his expectation that a win here puts him in position for a title shot. O’Malley has been the subject of recent internet jokes (his forehead tattoo was reportedly fake, which spawned surprisingly creative discourse), but inside the octagon, he remains dangerous. Song wants to prove he’s the future of the division.

    The Context: Bantamweight Depth

    One of the most compelling stories of UFC 324 isn’t just the individual fights—it’s what they collectively reveal about the bantamweight division’s absurd depth. Harrison, O’Malley, Song, Nurmagomedov, and countless others are all competing at an elite level. The 135-pound weight class is where the best fights in the sport happen right now.

    The Larger Narrative

    UFC 324 is also the first real test of whether the Paramount+ transition will work. The infrastructure is new. The streaming platform needs to perform flawlessly. The promotional machine needs to drive viewership numbers that justify the massive investment TKO made in this deal.

    For fight fans, it’s simple: this is a card worth your attention. For the UFC, it’s a moment that will set the tone for the entire year. And for Paramount+, it’s the moment when the world finds out if they can handle the responsibility of hosting the sport’s biggest moments.

    January 24 can’t come soon enough.

  • The Paramount+ Era Begins: How UFC’s Streaming Shift Changes Everything in 2026

    The Paramount+ Era Begins: How UFC’s Streaming Shift Changes Everything in 2026

    The era of $79.99 pay-per-view has officially ended. On January 1, 2026, the UFC completed its historic transition to Paramount+, fundamentally reshaping how millions of fight fans will access the sport for the next seven years and beyond.

    The shift represents the most significant structural change to UFC distribution since the sport’s mainstream explosion in the early 2000s. For the first time in the promotion’s history, every numbered UFC event and every Fight Night will be included with a Paramount+ subscription—no additional pay-per-view fees required. It’s a seismic moment for the sport, even if the implications haven’t fully sunk in yet for most fans.

    The Deal That Changed Everything

    Last August, UFC Secures New Streaming Partner As Paramount Strikes Whopping $7.7 Billion Deal that fundamentally altered the business model. The deal was so significant that it nearly doubled what the UFC had been receiving annually from its previous ESPN arrangement. But the real story isn’t just the money—it’s what it means for accessibility and the future of how combat sports are consumed globally.

    Starting January 24 with UFC 324, Paramount+ becomes the exclusive home for all UFC numbered events and Fight Nights in the United States and Latin America. The rollout has already begun, with the UFC’s extensive fight library launching on January 3, drawing immediate buzz across the MMA community for how smoothly the transition is being executed.

    What Fans Actually Pay

    The math is staggering when you stack it up against the old model. An ESPN pay-per-view event in 2025 cost $79.99. A fan watching 12 numbered events per year was spending nearly $1,000 annually just on PPV. Now, Paramount+ Essential costs $90 per year (starting January 15), while the Premium ad-free tier runs $140 per year. For a casual fan watching the occasional event, it’s a bargain. For hardcore fans watching everything the promotion puts on, it’s transformational.

    Even when you factor in other Paramount+ content—over 40,000 full TV episodes, hit movies, live sports beyond UFC—the value proposition is impossible to ignore. The sport is no longer gatekept behind the traditional PPV paywall that has defined UFC economics since the early days of the Fertita era.

    The Paramount+ Experience

    MMA journalist Ariel Helwani weighed in on the app’s launch, noting that Paramount+ has designed a dedicated UFC hub with impressive organization. Each champion has its own hub, legendary fighters are properly showcased, and navigation is intuitive. The fight library is extensive, though early reports suggest more archival content will be added in phases.

    The platform’s architecture matters more than most casual fans realize. A well-designed streaming experience removes friction from consumption. If you can easily find fights, browse by division, and discover historical matchups, you’re more likely to spend time on the platform. Paramount seems to have gotten this right out of the gate.

    Select Events on CBS—The Simulcast Strategy

    Paramount isn’t the only place to watch. The deal includes simulcasts of select numbered events on CBS, meaning cord-cutter holdouts and traditional television viewers won’t be completely left behind. It’s a smart hedge that acknowledges not everyone has cut the cord or subscribed to streaming services—especially among the older demographic that’s made UFC a mainstream sport.

    What This Means for 2026

    The Paramount+ transition opens the door to questions about UFC’s future that go beyond just streaming. If the promotion can reliably pull millions of viewers on Paramount+ without the traditional PPV revenue model incentivizing big-name main events, what does that mean for fighter compensation structures? How will the promotion fill its annual calendar? Will the guaranteed Paramount payments create more stability for long-term fighter deals?

    The short answer: 2026 will be a revealing year for how the business adapts. Dana White has already committed to an aggressive schedule featuring 43 events (13 numbered, 30 Fight Nights). That’s ambitious, but with Paramount+ guaranteeing income regardless of individual event performance, the pressure to chase mega-PPV numbers is removed.

    The Legacy Moment

    Twenty-plus years of UFC relying on the PPV model created an entire ecosystem around event nights—sportsbooks adjusting lines, bars strategizing viewership events, families pooling money to watch the big fight. That infrastructure doesn’t disappear overnight, but the incentives that built it are gone.

    What replaces it remains to be seen. But on January 1, 2026, when the UFC quietly transitioned to Paramount+, the sport entered a new era. It might take months or years to fully understand what that means. For now, fight fans should simply enjoy the fact that the barrier to entry just collapsed.

    The Paramount+ era has begun. Everything else about 2026 flows from that single moment.

  • UFC on ESPN: Blanchfield vs. Barber: Preview, Fight Card, and How to Watch

    UFC on ESPN: Blanchfield vs. Barber: Preview, Fight Card, and How to Watch

    UFC returns to the APEX in Las Vegas on Saturday, May 31, for UFC on ESPN: Blanchfield vs. Barber, a pivotal event in the women’s flyweight division. Headlined by a high-stakes bout between top contenders Erin Blanchfield and Maycee Barber, this card features a mix of rising prospects and established contenders across multiple weight classes.

    With title implications on the line and several intriguing matchups, fight fans can expect an action-packed night.

    How to Watch

    Start Times:

    • United States: Main Card at 9:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM PT
    • United Kingdom: Main Card at 2:00 AM BST (Sunday)
    • Prelims: 6:00 PM ET / 3:00 PM PT

    Broadcast Details:

    • United States: ESPN, ESPN+, ESPN Deportes (Spanish)
    • United Kingdom: TNT Sports 1, discovery+ Premium
    • Streaming: ESPN+ app (US), discovery+ Premium or TNT Sports app (UK)

    Main Card

    Weight ClassMatchup
    Women’s FlyweightErin Blanchfield (#4) vs. Maycee Barber (#5)
    LightweightMateusz Gamrot (#7) vs. Ľudovít Klein
    WelterweightBilly Ray Goff vs. Seokhyeon Ko
    Light HeavyweightDustin Jacoby vs. Bruno Lopes
    MiddleweightZachary Reese vs. Duško Todorović

    Prelims

    Weight ClassMatchup
    FlyweightJafel Filho vs. Allan Nascimento
    WelterweightJeremiah Wells vs. Andreas Gustafsson
    Women’s BantamweightKetlen Vieira (#3) vs. Macy Chiasson (#5)
    WelterweightRamiz Brahimaj vs. Oban Elliott
    LightweightKurt Holobaugh vs. Jordan Leavitt
    LightweightMarQuel Mederos vs. Bolaji Oki
    Women’s StrawweightRayanne dos Santos vs. Alice Ardelean

    Main Event Preview

    Erin Blanchfield (13-2)

    Blanchfield enters the main event as one of the division’s fastest-rising stars. At just 25, she has already defeated former champions Rose Namajunas and Jéssica Andrade, compiling a 7-1 UFC record. With a well-rounded skill set and relentless pace, Blanchfield is looking to secure a title shot with a statement win. She suffered a setback in March 2024 when she lost a decision to Manon Fiorot but rebounded with a win over Namajunas last November.

    Maycee Barber (14-2)

    Barber, now 27, is riding a six-fight win streak, having notched victories over top contenders like Katlyn Cerminara, Amanda Ribas, and Andrea Lee. A Dana White’s Contender Series alum, Barber has developed into a powerful striker and aggressive finisher. She aims to cement her status as the clear No. 1 contender with a win over Blanchfield.

    Flyweight Division Context

    This fight has major title implications following champion Valentina Shevchenko’s recent successful title defense against Manon Fiorot at UFC 315 on May 10, 2025. Shevchenko won by unanimous decision (48-47 on all scorecards), reaffirming her dominance in the division at age 37. The winner of Blanchfield vs. Barber could potentially be next in line for a title shot against the champion.

    Other Notable Fights

    • Mateusz Gamrot vs. Ľudovít Klein: A clash between ranked lightweights with Gamrot looking to solidify his top-10 status.
    • Ketlen Vieira vs. Macy Chiasson: A key women’s bantamweight bout between top-five contenders, both seeking a future title shot.
    • Dustin Jacoby vs. Bruno Lopes: A light heavyweight battle with Jacoby’s striking against Lopes’ finishing ability.
    • Rayanne dos Santos vs. Alice Ardelean: Former Invicta champion dos Santos returns from injury to face the surging Ardelean in a strawweight bout.

    Venue and Tickets

    • Location: UFC Apex, Las Vegas, Nevada
    • Tickets: Available via resale markets, with premium VIP packages through UFC’s official provider.

    What’s at Stake

    With both Blanchfield and Barber ranked in the top five, the main event could determine the next title challenger in the women’s flyweight division. Several other bouts feature fighters on the cusp of contention, making this a card worth your time for fans following the next wave of UFC contenders.

  • Topuria Brothers Split from Longtime Coaches Jorge and Agustín Climent

    Topuria Brothers Split from Longtime Coaches Jorge and Agustín Climent

    Ilia and Aleksandre Topuria have officially ended their professional relationship with Jorge and Agustín Climent, marking the conclusion of a long-standing training partnership in MMA.

    As confirmed by MARCA, the decision comes as both parties now live in different cities and face growing professional obligations that prevent them from maintaining the same level of collaboration. The Topuria brothers extended their gratitude for the years of shared growth and learning, wishing the Climents well in their future endeavors.

    Ilia Topuria, who moved from Alicante to Madrid several months ago to be closer to his athletic and commercial commitments, has already begun shaping a new team ahead of UFC 317 and his upcoming bout against Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight title in Las Vegas on June 28.

    The updated training camp includes familiar faces within Topuria’s circle: his brother Aleksandre, Javi Climent (unrelated to the Climent brothers), Jesús Gallo, Doctor Aldo, Fran Ortega, Raúl Valdesuso, Doctor David Beneito, Mathias Ribeiro, and Mani Tavanaei.

    According to reports, the Climent brothers also confirmed the split, expressing mutual respect and appreciation toward Ilia and Aleksandre after their 13-year working relationship.

  • ‘No Is a Full Sentence’: Inside Kayla Harrison’s Life as Fighter and Mother

    ‘No Is a Full Sentence’: Inside Kayla Harrison’s Life as Fighter and Mother

    In the predawn hours, while most fighters are still sleeping, Kayla Harrison is already up preparing lessons for her homeschooled children. By afternoon, she’s at American Top Team, preparing for the biggest fight of her career against Julianna Peña at UFC 316 on June 7 in Newark, New Jersey. This seemingly impossible balancing act between elite athlete and devoted mother isn’t just working—it’s thriving.

    “Anyone who tells you they do it all by themselves is an absolute liar,” Harrison candidly revealed in a recent interview with Megan Olivi. “I don’t have a team. I have a tribe.”

    That tribe—the extended support system that enables her dual life—is at the core of Harrison’s success story. The two-time Olympic gold medalist doesn’t pretend to have superhuman abilities; instead, she credits disciplined planning and unwavering support.

    “When that belt gets wrapped around my waist, it gets wrapped around their waist, too, because they’ve committed. They’ve sacrificed just as much as I have,” Harrison explained, her voice carrying equal measures of determination and gratitude.

    For Harrison, who at 34 feels “better than I did at 24,” the journey to this moment has special significance. The contrast between her past and present fuels her daily drive.

    “I was 16 years old and I had like nothing… I didn’t even have a will to live,” she recalled. “I prayed for the life that I have now. And that keeps me going and gives me more than enough fuel.”

    That fuel powers not just her training but her approach to motherhood. After her last fight, Harrison made the difficult decision to leave her children at home for future bouts after seeing concern in their eyes when she began bleeding during the match.

    “The first thing that popped in my head was, ‘Oh my gosh, I hope my kids know I’m okay,’” she said. “Which is great… Mother instincts kicking in, but not so great when you’re in the middle of a fist fight.”

    Perhaps the most revealing aspect of Harrison’s philosophy comes in her approach to maintaining such a demanding schedule. “No is a full sentence,” she stated firmly, explaining how she protects her time and energy.

    This discipline extends to her mental preparation. Harrison uses daily mantras and positive self-talk, a practice she recommends to all women: “Waking up and giving yourself a freaking high five and telling yourself you’re a badass and you can do hard things.”

    For Harrison, nothing happened overnight.

    “These small little steps every single day have turned into a lifetime of achievement,” she reflected. “I’m not always going to be motivated, but I can always be disciplined.”

    As she approaches her championship opportunity, Harrison carries more than personal ambition. She sees being a UFC champion as “a responsibility… one that you shouldn’t take lightly.”

    “The more people that watch, the more lives that I can help change or be a positive role model to,” Harrison said. “I want to make a difference in the world.”

    With her tribe behind her, Harrison—a two-time Olympic gold medalist (2012, 2016) and two-time PFL champion with an 18-1 MMA record—stands ready for both the cage and the classroom—proving that with discipline, support, and proper boundaries, the impossible becomes possible, one day at a time.

  • ‘Exposing the Holes’: Harrison’s Tactical Approach to Defeating Julianna Peña

    ‘Exposing the Holes’: Harrison’s Tactical Approach to Defeating Julianna Peña

    As the UFC 316 showdown between Kayla Harrison and Julianna Peña approaches on June 7 at the Prudential Center in Newark, Harrison isn’t mincing words about her intentions in the Octagon. The two-time Olympic gold medalist has a clear assessment of her opponent and an even clearer plan to dismantle her.

    “I’m here to show what the difference between good and great is,” Harrison told UFC correspondent Megan Olivi in a recent interview, delivering the statement with the calm confidence of someone who’s performed on the world’s biggest stages.

    For Harrison, Peña’s reputation as a gritty veteran isn’t intimidating—it’s simply another puzzle to solve. “She’s the Ultimate Fighter winner. She’s been around for a long time. She’s gritty,” Harrison acknowledged. “But we’ve seen her lose and we’ve seen the holes in her game, and I’m here to expose it one more time.”

    When asked about Peña’s aggressive style, which has been known to rattle opponents, Harrison displayed the analytical approach that separates elite fighters from the pack.

    “She’s very unorthodox. She definitely likes to brawl,” Harrison assessed. “I think that’s really her only chance—to try and make it a brawl. But my fight IQ, my coaches, my team, we have a plan. I’m going to go out there and implement the game plan and stick to it and be smart and become UFC champion.”

    The 34-year-old judoka, who feels “better now at 34 probably than I did at 24,” isn’t just relying on physical preparation. Her mental framework reveals a methodical approach to the championship bout.

    “Five hard rounds, one minute at a time, one round at a time, one breath at a time, one exchange at a time,” Harrison recited, demonstrating the granular focus that has carried her to Olympic, PFL, and now potentially UFC success.

    While Harrison has championship experience outside the UFC, she appreciates the two fights she’s had in the organization before this title opportunity.

    “I’m grateful for the two fights that I had, and I feel like it’s prepared me even more,” she explained. “Fighting in a new weight class, fighting in a new organization, there are going to be things that are new or different.”

    Despite her tactical focus, Harrison isn’t shying away from bold predictions.

    “Everyone is tough until you beat them,” she stated. “I want to win by KO, TKO, or submission.”

    For Harrison, who has accomplished nearly everything possible in combat sports, this fight represents “the last mountain to climb.” After being America’s first Olympic champion in judo and winning “millions of dollars” in the PFL, Harrison is clear about her motivation: “Really, the only reason I still do this, like I have everything I could ever want, is I want to be UFC champion.”

    With a support system she describes as a “tribe” rather than just a team, Harrison—with her perfect 2-0 UFC record and overall 18-1 MMA record—enters UFC 316 with a level of preparation and determination that she believes will prove too much for Peña’s gritty approach—showcasing what she calls “the difference between good and great.”

  • UFC Rankings Update: Morales Surges, New Faces Enter Top 15

    UFC Rankings Update: Morales Surges, New Faces Enter Top 15

    Following Saturday’s UFC Vegas 106 event at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, the official UFC rankings saw significant movement across several weight classes. The updated rankings, released today (Monday, May 19, 2025), feature dramatic shifts particularly in the welterweight division, while introducing fresh talent to the featherweight and women’s bantamweight rankings.

    Welterweight Shakeup

    Undefeated prospect Michael Morales delivered the most impactful performance of the weekend, demolishing veteran Gilbert Burns in just 3:39 of the first round. This emphatic victory has propelled Morales five spots up the rankings to #7, positioning him within striking distance of title contention.

    The defeat marks Burns’ fourth consecutive loss, resulting in a precipitous five-position drop to #13. This movement has caused ripple effects throughout the division, with several fighters shifting to accommodate the new hierarchy while champion Jack Della Maddalena remains secure at the top.

    Featherweight Fresh Blood

    Brazilian standout Melquizael Costa has broken into the featherweight rankings at #9 following his unanimous decision victory over Julian Erosa in what was deemed the Fight of the Night. The win extends Costa’s UFC streak to four fights, establishing him as an intriguing new threat in a division ruled by Alexander Volkanovski.

    Costa’s arrival comes at the expense of Sodiq Yusuff, who falls out of the rankings entirely after dropping a unanimous decision to Mairon Santos in a lightweight bout.

    Women’s Bantamweight Addition

    The women’s bantamweight division welcomes Luana Santos at #14 after her second-round submission victory over Tainara Lisboa. Santos made history as the first female fighter in UFC history to earn a victory via Americana submission, adding a new stylistic dimension to a division that has struggled with depth in recent years.

    Santos replaces Joselyne Edwards in the rankings, while champion Julianna Peña maintains her position atop the division.

    What’s Next

    Industry analysts expect the UFC to capitalize on Morales’ momentum by matching him against a high-profile opponent from the upper echelon of the division, potentially setting him up for a title eliminator with a victory.

    Costa’s crowd-pleasing style makes him an attractive option for matchmakers, with veterans like Josh Emmett or Lerone Murphy representing logical next opponents.

    Santos will likely face a top-10 opponent in her next outing as the UFC tests her readiness for higher-level competition.

    Tuesday’s bout announcements should provide further clarity on how quickly the promotion plans to advance these rising stars through their respective divisions.

  • UFC Fight Night: Burns vs. Morales Preview, How to Watch

    UFC Fight Night: Burns vs. Morales Preview, How to Watch

    UFC returns to the UFC Apex in Las Vegas this Saturday with a welterweight contest featuring former title challenger Gilbert Burns facing undefeated prospect Michael Morales in the main event.

    • Date: Saturday, May 17, 2025
    • Location: UFC Apex, Las Vegas, Nevada
    • Broadcast: ESPN+ (Main Card: 7:00 PM ET, Prelims: 4:00 PM ET)
    • Main Event: Gilbert Burns vs. Michael Morales (Welterweight)

    Burns (22-8) enters the contest looking to halt a three-fight slide against top-tier competition, while Morales (17-0) aims to build on his first-round victory over Neil Magny from August of last year and continue his ascent in the division.

    Main Card Bouts:

    • Paul Craig vs. Rodolfo Bellato (Light Heavyweight)
    • Sodiq Yusuff vs. Mairon Santos (Lightweight)
    • Dustin Stoltzfus vs. Nursulton Ruziboev (Middleweight)
    • Julian Erosa vs. Melquizael Costa (Featherweight)

    Undercard Highlights:

    • Jared Gordon vs. Thiago Moises (Lightweight)
    • Luana Santos vs. Tainara Lisboa (Women’s Bantamweight)
    • Tecia Pennington vs. Luana Pinheiro (Women’s Strawweight)

    The event was originally reported to take place at the Lusail Sports Arena in Qatar before being relocated to the UFC Apex facility. This bout represents a critical juncture for both competitors—Burns needs a victory to maintain his standing in the welterweight division, while Morales has an opportunity to secure the most significant win of his professional career.

    Current betting odds favor Morales (-700) over Burns (+500), indicating the market’s assessment of the younger fighter’s momentum against Burns’ recent competitive setbacks.

  • De Ridder Goes All In: Former ONE Champ Moving Family to US Amid UFC Title Chase

    De Ridder Goes All In: Former ONE Champ Moving Family to US Amid UFC Title Chase

    Reinier de Ridder is leaving nothing to chance in his pursuit of UFC gold. Fresh off his knockout victory over Bo Nickal, the Dutch middleweight contender revealed he’s relocating his entire family to the United States to maximize his fighting career.

    “We’re going all in on the US move,” de Ridder told MMA Junkie. “I have to, man. I have to. These are the years and we found a school for the kids and everything is set up there. So, yeah, it’s time.”

    The 34-year-old former ONE Championship double champion has been on a torrid pace since joining the UFC, compiling a 3-0 record in less than a year. His commitment to uprooting his life demonstrates his determination to capitalize on his current momentum.

    De Ridder plans to establish his training base at Kill Cliff FC in South Florida, home to numerous UFC contenders, where he can prepare for his upcoming main event against former champion Robert Whittaker at UFC Abu Dhabi on July 26.

    “For some reason it hasn’t really been more than a week after every fight that they booked me a new one,” he noted. “So, I think this might be after this one. It might not be any different if it all goes well.”

    With the middleweight title picture taking shape as Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev prepare to clash at UFC 319 in August, de Ridder’s life-changing move signals his all-in commitment to securing his place in that championship conversation.

  • Neck Hunter: De Ridder Plans to Choke Out Whittaker, Eyes Future UFC Title Shot

    Neck Hunter: De Ridder Plans to Choke Out Whittaker, Eyes Future UFC Title Shot

    Former ONE Championship double champion Reinier de Ridder has a clear strategy for his July 26 UFC Abu Dhabi main event against Robert Whittaker: find the former champion’s neck.

    “One thing we know is he really likes to jump in,” de Ridder told MMA Junkie’s Mike Bohn. “He’s explosive from a distance. So, I think an important thing for me is to keep the pressure on him like I did with Bo. Get close, push him back, and implement my game, maybe hit him with a couple knees again, but mostly just see if I can find his neck.”

    The Dutch submission specialist, who earned 13 of his 20 victories via tapout, believes Whittaker’s aggressive striking style may create openings for his grappling attack.

    Since joining the UFC less than a year ago, “RDR” has compiled a perfect 3-0 record with wins over Gerald Meerschaert, Kevin Holland, and most recently, a stunning knockout of the previously undefeated Bo Nickal.

    Despite Whittaker’s championship pedigree, de Ridder isn’t intimidated.

    “Robert is an interesting one to prepare for because there’s not a lot of guys with his style in the standup,” he explained. “Very explosive, likes to leap in, hands low, good punches, good kicks.”

    With UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis set to defend against Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319 in August, de Ridder knows what’s at stake. A victory over the fifth-ranked Whittaker would likely catapult him into title contention against the winner.

  • UFC 315 Embedded Series Episodes 1-3

    UFC 315 Embedded Series Episodes 1-3

    The UFC has released the first episodes of its behind-the-scenes “Embedded” series for UFC 315, offering fans an inside look at fighters’ final preparations ahead of Saturday’s event in Montreal.

    The popular documentary-style video series follows the main card fighters during fight week, capturing intimate moments of training, weight cutting, and mental preparation as they count down to their respective bouts at the Bell Centre on May 10.

    UFC 315 Embedded: Vlog Series – Episode 1

    Champ Belal Muhammad trains in his private gym and eats like a king; Jack Della Maddalena taste-tests his friend’s new restaurant; Manon Fiorot spars and gets a nice gift; Mike Malott hits pads at Niagara Top Team; Champ Valentina Shevchenko pilots a yacht; Jose Aldo shows off his kickboxing power.

    UFC 315 Embedded: Vlog Series – Episode 2

    Champ Belal Muhammad enjoys fight night with friends; Champ Valentina Shevchenko uses nature as her gym; Manon Fiorot hits pads; Jack Della Maddalena trains after his long travel; Aiemann Zahabi gets a haircut; Valentina Shevchenko spars with Joanna Jedrzejczyk; Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena face off.

    UFC 315 Embedded: Vlog Series – Episode 3

    Champ Valentina Shevhcneko faces off against Manon Fiorot; Champ Belal Muhammad trains at Tristar; Aiemann Zahabi gets a new suit; Manon Fiorot tests her timing and balance; Mike Malott grapples at Niagara Top Team; UFC 315 athletes begin their fight week check ins.

  • UFC 315 Fight Card Update: Kyle Prepolec Replaces Joel Alvarez Amid Ticket Sale Struggles

    UFC 315 Fight Card Update: Kyle Prepolec Replaces Joel Alvarez Amid Ticket Sale Struggles

    In a significant change to the UFC 315 card, Joel Alvarez has been forced to withdraw from his scheduled lightweight bout against Benoit Saint-Denis due to a hand injury. The UFC has acted quickly, bringing in Canadian fighter Kyle Prepolec as a replacement for the May 10 event in Montreal.

    Prepolec will be making his UFC return after a previous 0-2 stint with the promotion in 2019. The fighter known as “Killshot” enters this short-notice opportunity riding a three-fight win streak, with his recent victories coming by a mix of knockouts and decisions on the regional circuit.

    The cancellation was first reported by Twitter/X user @MagicM_MMABets on May 3 and later confirmed by French media outlet La Sueur. MMA journalist Marcel Dorff subsequently verified the news as well.

    Saint-Denis (13-3, 1 NC) will be looking to rebound after suffering back-to-back losses against Dustin Poirier and Renato Moicano. Prior to these setbacks, “God of War” had built an impressive five-fight winning streak in the UFC, with all victories coming via stoppage.

    While some fighters reportedly offered their services as potential replacements, including Mauricio Ruffy, the UFC ultimately decided on Prepolec, who enters as a significant underdog with betting odds around +775 against the ranked Saint-Denis.

    In another concerning development for the event, reports indicate that ticket sales for UFC 315 in Montreal are struggling, with approximately 50% of seats still available despite featuring two championship bouts. This marks the UFC’s first return to Montreal since UFC 186 in April 2015.

    The main event features welterweight champion Belal Muhammad defending his title against Jack Della Maddalena, while women’s flyweight queen Valentina Shevchenko puts her belt on the line against French challenger Manon Fiorot in the co-main event.

  • Replacements Emerge After Joel Alvarez Withdraws from UFC 315 Due to Hand Injury

    Replacements Emerge After Joel Alvarez Withdraws from UFC 315 Due to Hand Injury

    Lightweight contender Joel Alvarez has been forced to withdraw from his scheduled bout against Benoît Saint-Denis at UFC 315 due to a hand injury, dealing a significant blow to the upcoming pay-per-view card.

    Alvarez announced the news on Sunday via his Instagram account, stating that the injury will leave him unable to punch for three weeks, making it impossible to compete at the May 10 event in Montreal, Canada.

    “I’m out of my fight at UFC 315 due to hand injury that leaves me unable to start punching for 3 weeks,” Alvarez wrote on Instagram. “There are many factors that are not in our hand and we cannot control. Camp had been perfect so far. We will be back this year reformed and with a different focus. Thank you very much to everyone always for the support, you are the best.”

    The cancellation is a major blow to the UFC 315 card, as the lightweight matchup between Alvarez and Saint-Denis was widely considered one of the most anticipated fights on the event. Both fighters boast impressive finishing rates, with Alvarez having secured all 22 of his professional victories by either knockout or submission.

    The Spanish fighter has been on an impressive run, winning three consecutive bouts by finish, most recently knocking out Drakkar Klose with a flying knee at UFC Tampa in December. Saint-Denis, meanwhile, was looking to bounce back from consecutive losses to Dustin Poirier and Renato Moicano.

    As news of Alvarez’s withdrawal spread, several fighters have already stepped forward offering to replace him on short notice. Two lightweight contenders in particular have emerged as potential replacements:

    Potential Replacements

    Mauricio Ruffy – The Brazilian prospect wasted no time throwing his name into the mix, suggesting on social media that the UFC could book him against Saint-Denis in a Fight Night main event. Ruffy has been a rising star in the division, most recently securing a unanimous decision victory over James Llontop at UFC 309 in November. The exciting striker had previously called out Saint-Denis following that win, stating: “I think it will be an excellent fight.”

    Mateusz Rebecki – The Polish lightweight also offered his services, announcing on social media that he’s already training at American Top Team in Miami and is on weight. “I’m ready to step in. Let’s go, I’m in Miami with ATT on weight. Let’s do this,” Rebecki wrote. He hasn’t competed since October 2024, when he earned a split decision victory over Myktybek Orolbai in what many considered a Fight of the Year contender.

    With UFC 315 just days away, the promotion will need to act quickly if they intend to find a replacement opponent for Saint-Denis. The event is scheduled to take place at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, and features a welterweight championship bout between Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena in the main event, with Valentina Shevchenko defending her flyweight title against Manon Fiorot in the co-main event.

    As of this writing, the UFC has not announced whether Saint-Denis will remain on the card with a new opponent or if the bout will be scrapped entirely.