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  • Michael Chiesa Reveals One Career Regret Ahead of Final UFC Fight

    Michael Chiesa Reveals One Career Regret Ahead of Final UFC Fight

    Michael Chiesa has one major regret as he is gearing up for his final UFC appearance at UFC Seattle on Saturday night. The veteran welterweight recently revealed that a simple seating change cost him a potential title shot against Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2018.

    Chiesa is set to face Niko Price at the Climate Pledge Arena in what marks his retirement bout after more than a decade in the octagon. The Washington native gets a fitting homecoming as he looks to end his career on his own terms.

    The Seat Swap That Changed Everything

    The regret stems from the chaotic UFC 223 fight week in April 2018. Chiesa was originally scheduled to face Anthony Pettis on that card, but the event became one of the most turbulent in UFC history.

    Max Holloway was initially set to challenge Khabib Nurmagomedov for the lightweight title after stepping in for an injured Tony Ferguson. However, Holloway was later pulled from the fight, forcing the UFC to scramble for alternatives.

    As per Chiesa, he had an opportunity to face Nurmagomedov for the title but made a decision that ultimately cost him. Chiesa says swapping seats with Calvin Kattar prevented him from getting the late-notice title fight against “The Eagle.”

    “If there’s one thing I could change, I wish that I would have given Calvin Kattar that front seat because I would have fought Khabib and that’s literally what it boiled down to,” he told Full Send MMA. “Calvin Kattar was sitting in the front and I was getting on the bus looking kind of rough.

    “I was like five pounds over when I was cutting to 155 and Calvin’s like, ‘Oh, you can take my seat’ and I sat in the window and my coach sat next to me and then everything happened.”

    The UFC eventually settled on Al Iaquinta as Nurmagomedov’s opponent, with Iaquinta losing via unanimous decision. Nurmagomedov would go on to successfully defend the lightweight title multiple times before retiring undefeated.

    Final Fight Preparations

    Chiesa’s original opponent for UFC Seattle withdrew due to visa issues, putting his retirement fight in jeopardy. Price stepped in as a replacement, allowing Chiesa to compete in front of his hometown crowd.

    “I knew but I just wasn’t sure. I kind of wanted to wait for the UFC to announce it,” Chiesa told reporters on Wednesday. “With everything that we talked about with the Seattle curse for me, I’m just going to wait until they announce it so I don’t get ahead of myself.”

    The card carries additional significance as fellow UFC lightweight Terrance McKinney is also competing. Chiesa noted it had been eight days from when he learned Carlston Harris was out until Price was confirmed as his opponent.

    At 19-7 in his professional career, Chiesa has established himself as a consistent presence in the welterweight division. His retirement bout represents the end of an era for the “Maverick,” who has been a fixture in the UFC since his days on The Ultimate Fighter.

  • Israel Adesanya Says Coaches Have Ruined His Question Mark Kick

    Israel Adesanya Says Coaches Have Ruined His Question Mark Kick

    Israel Adesanya believes coaches have helped take away one of his best weapons ahead of his return to the Octagon at UFC Seattle.

    The former two-time middleweight champion headlines Saturday night’s card against rising contender Joe Pyfer at the Climate Pledge Arena in his first fight in over a year. Adesanya is coming off a three-fight losing streak, but he remains one of the most dangerous strikers in the UFC.

    However, ‘The Last Stylebender’ admits he’s been forced to rearrange his striking arsenal due to opponents and their coaches studying his signature technique.

    Question Mark Kick No Longer Surprising Opponents

    Adesanya revealed that his question mark kick, once a devastating weapon in his arsenal, has lost its effectiveness as coaches have learned to prepare their fighters for the technique.

    “I do my thing but I also have to switch it up because my question mark kick isn’t landing the way it used to because all these c—- know when it’s coming. Their coaches warn them outside the cage,” Adesanya told UFC.com during fight week while doing a frustrated impression of his reaction to the coaches’ instructions.

    “I’ve switched up my game. I’ve tweaked things up and revised old moves.”

    The question mark kick has been a staple of Adesanya’s striking game throughout his UFC career, helping him become one of the most feared middleweights in the division. The deceptive technique starts as a leg kick before transitioning into a head kick, often catching opponents off guard.

    Adapting Game Plan for UFC Seattle

    Despite needing to adapt his approach, Adesanya has promised an aggressive performance against Pyfer. The former champion successfully made weight on Friday and appears confident that his recent losses won’t impact his mindset entering the fight.

    Adesanya has been honest about needing to tweak elements of his game following his championship losses. The Nigerian-born fighter last competed in September 2023, giving him over a year to analyze and adjust his fighting style.

    Pyfer enters the bout ranked No. 14 in the middleweight division with a 15-3 record, representing a significant step up in competition for the rising contender. A victory over the former champion would immediately thrust him into title contention.

    UFC Seattle takes place Saturday night at the Climate Pledge Arena, with Adesanya looking to halt his losing streak and re-establish himself as a force in the middleweight division.

  • Francis Ngannou Accuses UFC of Trying to ‘Destroy’ Him

    Francis Ngannou Accuses UFC of Trying to ‘Destroy’ Him

    Former UFC Heavyweight Champion Francis Ngannou believes the UFC has actively worked to undermine him since he departed from the promotion in January 2023. ‘The Predator’ left the promotion after failed contract negotiations, walking away as the reigning titleholder.

    Speaking with Ariel Helwani, Ngannou addressed why more fighters don’t follow his path of leaving the UFC to pursue opportunities elsewhere. He pointed to the treatment he’s received since his exit as a cautionary tale.

    “Since I left, don’t you see what they try to do?” Ngannou said. “All this, blah, blah, blah. All the things, all the narratives they try to drive.”

    “The mission has always been to destroy Francis, to damage Francis,” he added. “Tell me about somebody who left, went out, and (could be) something. Basically as a champion. Nobody has left as a champion, so they want to close that door.”

    Ngannou’s Post-UFC Journey

    After leaving the UFC, Ngannou signed with the PFL in May 2023. He competed once under the PFL banner, defeating Renan Ferreira via TKO in October 2024 to win the PFL Super Fights heavyweight title.

    During his time with PFL, Ngannou also pursued boxing matches against Tyson Fury in October 2023 and Anthony Joshua in March 2024. He parted ways with PFL in early 2026.

    Ngannou has since signed with Most Valuable Promotions and is scheduled to face Philipe Lins in the co-main event of MVP’s debut MMA card on Netflix on May 16th, 2026, at Intuit Dome in California. The event is headlined by Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano.

    The Cameroonian fighter enters the bout on a seven-fight MMA winning streak with a professional record of 18-3.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Dana White Corrects Islam Makhachev Return Date After July Claim

    Dana White Corrects Islam Makhachev Return Date After July Claim

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

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

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

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

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

    Dana White Clarifies August Timeline

    White quickly addressed the confusion on social media.

    “Not true

. It’s August.”

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

    Potential Opponents Remain Unclear

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    PFL Belfast Card

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

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

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

    We at MMA News wish Paul Hughes a speedy recovery.

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

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

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

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

    Conor McGregor Teases Return

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

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

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

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

    Conor McGregor’s Impending Return

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

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

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

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

  • Francis Ngannou Was ‘Not Aware’ of PFL Release

    Francis Ngannou Was ‘Not Aware’ of PFL Release

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

    PFL released a statement confirming the decision.

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

    Francis Ngannou: Decision To Part Ways Was Not Mine

    Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, Ngannou said:

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

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

    Ngannou’s PFL Tenure

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

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

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

  • 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 rĂ©sumĂ© 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.

  • UFC Legend Georges St-Pierre Biopic In Development With Director Thomas Soto

    UFC Legend Georges St-Pierre Biopic In Development With Director Thomas Soto

    Georges St-Pierre is getting the Hollywood spotlight. A biopic chronicling the UFC Hall of Famer’s journey from Saint-Isidore, Quebec, to becoming a two-division champion is officially in development with director Thomas Soto at the helm.

    The project will cover St-Pierre’s rise through the UFC ranks, his championship setbacks, and the historic comeback that saw him capture titles in two weight classes. Casting is currently underway for the film.

    “We have been considering telling my story for a moment now, and when we found this team, it was clear to us that we wanted this to be told in a new creative way,” St-Pierre stated.

    The production is being spearheaded by executive producers Brandon St-Jacques and Jean-Christophe Pelchat, with Bruno Rosato and Vito Balenzano attached as producers, while casting details are set to be revealed in due course.

    Director’s Vision For ‘GSP’ Story

    Thomas Soto emphasized that his approach to the material will focus on the man behind the legend.

    “I want to tell the story of Georges behind ‘GSP’ in a way that feels intimate, honest, and deeply human,” the director stated.

    The biopic will trace the former UFC two division champion’s journey from his formative years in Quebec through both the triumphs and adversities that defined his career. No release date has been announced for the film.

    Two-Division Champion Legacy

    Following his retirement, Georges St-Pierre made a stunning comeback at UFC 217 in November 2017 to defeat fellow Hall of Famer Michael Bisping and capture the middleweight championship. The victory made him one of the few fighters to hold UFC titles in two different weight classes.

    “Rush” began his journey in the Octagon in 2004 and went on to win the welterweight title in a rematch against Matt Hughes at UFC 65 in November 2006. After losing the belt to Matt Serra at UFC 69 in April 2007, he returned for a dominant run that cemented his legacy as one of the sport’s greatest welterweights.

    St-Pierre announced his retirement in February 2019, closing out a decorated career with a 26-2 record, including an impressive 20-2 run in the UFC, highlighted by wins over the likes of Nate Diaz, Carlos Condit, B.J. Penn, and others.

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

    Michael Bisping Believes Lerone Murphy Deserved the Win at UFC London

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

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

    Bisping’s Analysis

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Dana White on UFC Ireland

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

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

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

  • “No Idea How To Score Fights” – Movsar Evloev Wins Eliminator

    “No Idea How To Score Fights” – Movsar Evloev Wins Eliminator

    It appears Movsar Evloev will be next in line for Alexander Volkanovski and the UFC featherweight championship, as he defeated Lerone Murphy in a battle of undefeated contenders that headlined UFC London.

    In what was a bit of a surprise, Evloev did not go for any takedowns in the first 10 minutes of the fight. Instead, the two fighters, after some feeling out, both used their striking to try and get the upper hand.

    Evloev seemed to hold his own landing on the body during the first round. It appeared Murphy’s striking skillset was stronger, and he was landing the better attacks in round two.

    Evloev finally landed a takedown in the third round. Murphy, however, got up quickly, and his movement appeared to give Evloev some struggle. But Evloev found success with his striking, including some solid pressure near the fence, landing on the body again.

    Despite gaining some momentum, Evloev landed a pair of low blows on Murphy and was deducted one point. He then went back to his bread and butter during the fourth round, landing a pair of takedowns. Evloev then controlled the fifth round.

    In spite of the point deduction, Evloev managed to edge Murphy out in a majority decision.

    Movsar Evloev Narrowly Wins Title Eliminator Against Lerone Murphy In UFC London Main Event

    Evloev now improves to 20-0 in his MMA career. This marked Evloev’s first fight since defeating Aljamain Sterling at UFC 310 in December 2024.

    This marked Murphy’s first loss in professional MMA. He entered this fight off a highlight knockout of Aaron Pico at UFC 319 — one of 2025’s top knockouts in the sport.

  • “Crispy Hands” – Luke Riley Strikes His Way To UFC London Win

    “Crispy Hands” – Luke Riley Strikes His Way To UFC London Win

    Luke Riley’s boxing was on full display, as the young prospect scored another victory in the UFC by defeating Michael Aswell Jr. in the UFC London co-main event.

    Aswell looked to bring pressure and take control right away. He landed a hard shot early on Riley and looked to press him by the fence to control the action there. Riley battled back, however, matching pressure and gaining momentum during the first round.

    Riley continued to bring pressure in the second round to his benefit, not letting off on the gas and forcing Aswell to fight on the back foot. Aswell landed a few good shots in the third and looked to tie up Riley with his grappling, but it was for naught.

    Luke Riley Bests Michael Aswell Jr. In UFC London Co-Main

    Riley, a Cage Warriors veteran, made his UFC debut in November at UFC Qatar, finishing Bogdan Grad.

    Aswell is now 1-2 in the UFC, entering tonight’s fight off a win over Lucas Almeida at UFC Rio last October.

  • “#1 Bad Fight” – Michael Page Wins Snoozefest with Sam Patterson

    “#1 Bad Fight” – Michael Page Wins Snoozefest with Sam Patterson

    Michael “Venom” Page made a statement with his walkout song choice, but his UFC London fight with Sam Patterson ended up being more like a lullaby.

    In a bout that received plenty of boos and criticism on social media from fight fans and pundits, MVP scored a decision win over Patterson.

    A tactical approach to round one saw Patterson get off to a better start, landing the few punches that were thrown during the frame. Page responded in the second round with pressure, landing countershots and tying up Patterson in the clinch.

    Page’s striking (whatever was thrown) and control in the third round helped him win the fight.

    Just 39 strikes were landed in the bout, with 27 of them coming from MVP.

    Michael “Venom” Page Gets Judges’ Nod Over Sam Patterson

    MVP has now won three straight and five of his last six. He is 4-1 since coming over to the UFC from Bellator.

    Patterson falls to 14-3-1, seeing a four-fight win streak get snapped in this outing.

  • “Future UFC Champion” – Iwo Baraniewski Sleeps Austen Lane

    “Future UFC Champion” – Iwo Baraniewski Sleeps Austen Lane

    Iwo Baraniewski had a quick night at the office at UFC London, providing one of the card’s highlights with a quick finish of Austen Lane.

    With just one left hand, Baraniewski dropped Lane a little more than 20 seconds into the bout. Baraniewski then got on top and rained down some ground-and-pound en route to a stoppage win.

    The fight lasted a whole 28 seconds. Baraniewski landed 10 of 13 significant strikes. Lane went 0 for 4.

    Iwo Baraniewski Puts Out Austen Lane At UFC London

    Baraniewski is now 8-0. He earned a UFC contract with a 20-second stoppage of Mahamed Aly on Dana White’s Contender Series, and made his UFC debut with an 89-second finish of Ibo Aslan at UFC 323.

    Lane has lost five of his last six fights.

  • Danny Silva Hands Kurtis Campbell First Loss At UFC London

    Danny Silva Hands Kurtis Campbell First Loss At UFC London

    One of the highly-touted English prospects on the UFC London card, Kurtis Campbell was given his first MMA loss in the event’s main card opener, courtesy of Danny Silva.

    Silva, trainee of Cub Swanson, found himself in trouble early, as Campbell scored an early takedown and nearly locked up a rear-naked choke. Silva, however, was able to work his way into top position and trouble Campbell some. Campbell continued with grappling pressure throughout the first round, but Silva did some damage at the end of the round.

    Silva then needed just three strong right hands to drop Campbell and end the contest.

    Danny Silva Stops Kurtis Campbell At UFC London

    Silva, a 2023 DWCS winner, rebounds from a loss to Kevin Vallejos. He is now 3-1 in the UFC.

    Campbell is the former FCC champion, entering this fight 8-0. He earned a UFC contract on Dana White’s Contender Series last September, stopping Demba Seck in 80 seconds.

  • “A Savage” – Mason Jones Wins Wild War With Axel Sola

    “A Savage” – Mason Jones Wins Wild War With Axel Sola

    Mason Jones and Axel Sola put on a display of violence that really brought the UFC London crowd to its feet with a needed Fight of the Night nominee. Jones came away with the win via decision.

    Jones looked to work his combinations in round one, but the momentum came to a sudden swing when Sola landed a spinning elbow that dropped Jones. Sola also used his grappling to keep a hold of Jones, scoring a pair of takedowns in the process.

    Of course, Jones was not deterred. Jones’ striking volume increased, looking to keep the pressure on Sola and overwhelm him. Sola held his own, but Jones notably was able to get the upper hand when he landed knees on the inside.

    The two traded back-and-forth in the third, with Jones continuing to bust Sola up by targeting a nasty cut under his right eye. Jones ended the fight by looking for a late finish, landing a barrage of strikes against the fence, going on to win on the judges’ scorecards.

    Mason Jones Survives Bloody Battle, Scores Decision Over Axel Sola At UFC London

    Jones has now won seven straight, including four wins in Cage Warriors after his first stint in the UFC. He’s now 3-0 since returning to the Octagon.

    This marked the first loss of Sola’s career. The former Ares FC champion made his UFC debut in September, scoring a third-round finish of Rhys McKee.

  • UFC London Results: Evloev vs Murphy Live Updates & Highlights

    UFC London Results: Evloev vs Murphy Live Updates & Highlights

    UFC London results and highlights are updated live as the action unfolds from the O2 Arena in London, England. The main event will feature a featherweight bout between Movsar Evloev and Lerone Murphy. MMANews has you covered with all the results and highlights!

    Movsar Evloev vs. Lerone Murphy – Featherweight Main Event

    This main event presents a battle of unbeaten fighters, with the winner most likely scoring the next title shot at featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski.

    Evloev is 19-0 but did not fight in 2025. His most recent bout came against Aljamain Sterling, scoring a decision win at UFC 310. Murphy, meanwhile, is 17-0-1, having won all fights since going to a draw in his UFC debut. He enters this fight off his highlight knockout of Aaron Pico at UFC 319.

    The co-main event will feature another featherweight matchup, as Luke Riley takes on Michael Aswell. Riley made his UFC debut at UFC Qatar, scoring a finish of Bogdan Grad. Aswell is 1-1 in the UFC, coming into this bout off a first-round finish of Lucas Almeida at UFC Rio in October.

    If you can’t watch the action, check here for all the latest results and highlights from UFC London!

    How to Watch UFC London

    • Date: Saturday, March 21, 2026
    • Venue: O2 Arena, London, England
    • Streaming: Paramount+ (exclusive)
    • Prelims: 1 PM ET / 10 AM PT
    • Main Card: 4 PM ET / 1 PM PT

    UFC London Quick Results

    • Main Event: Movsar Evloev vs. Lerone Murphy — Movsar Evloev def. Lerone Murphy via majority decision (48-46 x2, 47-47)
    • Co-Main Event: Luke Riley vs. Michael Aswell — Luke Riley def. Michael Aswell Jr. via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)
    • Michael Page vs. Sam Patterson — Michael Page def. Sam Patterson via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 x2)
    • Iwo Baraniewski vs. Austen Lane — Iwo Baraniewski def. Austen Lane via TKO (Rd. 1, 0:28)
    • Roman Dolidze vs. Christian Leroy Duncan — Christian Leroy Duncan def. Roman Dolidze via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
    • Kurtis Campbell vs. Danny Silva — Danny Silva def. Kurtis Campbell via TKO (Rd. 2, 0:31)

    UFC London Results & Highlights

    Preliminary Card (Paramount+, 1 PM ET)

    Women’s Strawweight: Shanelle Dyer vs. Ravena Oliveira

    Result: Shanelle Dyer def. Ravena Oliveira via TKO (Rd. 2, 1:17)

    Lightweight: Shem Rock vs. Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady

    Result: Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady def. Shem Rock via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

    Heavyweight: Louie Sutherland vs. Brando Pericic

    Result: Brando Pericic def. Louie Sutherland via TKO (Rd. 1, 1:48)

    Middleweight: Mantas Kondratavicius vs. Antonio Trocoli

    Result: Mantas Kondratavicius def. Antonio Trocoli via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-27 x2)

    Heavyweight: Mario Pinto vs. Felipe Franco

    Result: Mario Pinto def. Felipe Franco via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

    Featherweight: Nathaniel Wood vs. Losene Keita

    Result: Nathaniel Wood def. Losene Keita via split decision (29-28 x2, 28-29)

    Lightweight: Mason Jones vs. Axel Sola

    Result: Mason Jones def. Axel Sola via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 x2)

    Preliminary Card (Paramount+, 4 PM ET)

    Featherweight: Kurtis Campbell vs. Danny Silva

    Result: Danny Silva def. Kurtis Campbell via TKO (Rd. 2, 0:31)

    Middleweight: Roman Dolidze vs. Christian Leroy Duncan

    Result: Christian Leroy Duncan def. Roman Dolidze via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

    Light Heavyweight: Iwo Baraniewski vs. Austen Lane

    Result: Iwo Baraniewski def. Austen Lane via TKO (Rd. 1, 0:28)

    Welterweight: Michael Page vs. Sam Patterson

    Result: Michael Page def. Sam Patterson via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 x2)

    Featherweight: Luke Riley vs. Michael Aswell Jr.

    Result: Luke Riley def. Michael Aswell Jr. via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

    Featherweight: Movsar Evloev vs. Lerone Murphy

    Result: Movsar Evloev def. Lerone Murphy via majority decision (48-46 x2, 47-47)

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

    Alexander Volkanovski Predicts Movsar Evloev’s Win At UFC London

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

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

    Volkanovski Prefers Evloev For Legacy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Controversial Disqualification

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

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

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

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

  • PFL Madrid Results: Van Steenis vs Edwards Live Updates & Highlights

    PFL Madrid Results: Van Steenis vs Edwards Live Updates & Highlights

    PFL Madrid results and highlights are updated live as the action unfolds from the Palacio Vistalegre in Madrid, Spain. The main event will feature a middleweight title fight between Costello Van Steenis and Fabian Edwards. MMANews has you covered with all the results and highlights!

    Costello Van Steenis vs. Fabian Edwards – PFL Middleweight Championship Main Event

    Van Steenis has won five of his last six, and this marks his first PFL middleweight championship title defense. Van Steenis scored a come-from-behind, last-second submission of Johnny Eblen at PFL Cape Town last July to become PFL middleweight champion.

    Edwards has won three straight and earned tonight’s title opportunity by winning the 2025 PFL Middleweight World Tournament, knocking out Dalton Rosta in the final. Edwards has previously challenged Eblen for the Bellator middleweight title twice, losing both times.

    The co-main event will see A.J. McKee take on Adam Borics. McKee scored a decision over Akhmed Magomedov at PFL Cape Town, rebounding from a loss to Paul Hughes — just the second of McKee’s career. Borics is 2-2 in his last four after starting his MMA career 18-1. He last fought in June, defeating Jeremy Kennedy.

    If you can’t watch the action, check here for all the latest results and highlights from PFL Madrid!

    How to Watch PFL Madrid

    • Date: Friday, March 20, 2026
    • Venue: Palacio Vistalegre, Madrid, Spain
    • Streaming: ESPN Unlimited
    • Prelims: 1 PM ET / 10 AM PT
    • Main Card: 4 PM ET / 1 PM PT

    PFL Madrid Quick Results

    • Main Event: Middleweight Championship: Costello van Steenis vs. Fabian Edwards – Costello van Steenis def. Fabian Edwards via KO (Rd. 3, 1:48)
    • Co-Main Event: AJ McKee vs. Adam Borics – AJ McKee def. Adam Borics via unanimous decision (30-27 x2, 29-28)
    • Franco Tenaglia vs. Yassin Najid – Franco Tenaglia def. Yassin Najid via TKO (Rd. 2, 5:00)
    • Jacinta Austin vs. Benita van Rooij – Jacinto Austin def. Benita van Rooij via TKO (Rd. 1, 2:40)
    • Linton Vassell vs. Jose Augusto – Linton Vassell def. Jose Augusto via TKO (Rd. 2, 2:48)

    PFL Madrid Results & Highlights

    Preliminary Card (ESPN Unlimited, 1 PM ET)

    Featherweight: Ignacio Campos vs. Mathys Duragrin

    Result: Ignacio Campos def. Mathys Duragrin via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

    Catchweight (160 lbs.) : David Mora vs. Claudio Pacella

    Result: Claudio Pacella def. David Mora via unanimous decision (30-27 x2, 30-26)

    Bantamweight: Mattia Giordano vs. Ernesto Schisano

    Result: Mattia Giordano def. Ernesto Schisano via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

    Lightweight: Gino van Steenis vs. Mark Ewen

    Result: Gino van Steenis def. Mark Ewen via KO (Rd. 1, 2:43)

    Flyweight: Borja Garcia vs. Rafael Calderon

    Result: Borja Garcia def. Rafael Calderon via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

    Bantamweight: Kevin Cordero Lopez vs. Luciano Pereira

    Result: Luciano Pereira def. Kevin Cordero via KO (Rd. 1, 2:10)

    Main Card (ESPN Unlimited, 4 PM ET)

    Heavyweight: Linton Vassell vs. Jose Augusto

    Result: Linton Vassell def. Jose Augusto via TKO (Rd. 2, 2:48)

    Women’s strawweight: Jacinta Austin vs. Benita van Rooij

    Result: Jacinto Austin def. Benita van Rooij via TKO (Rd. 1, 2:40)

    Welterweight: Franco Tenaglia vs. Yassin Najid

    Result: Franco Tenaglia def. Yassin Najid via TKO (Rd. 2, 5:00)

    Featherweight: AJ McKee vs. Adam Borics

    Result: AJ McKee def. Adam Borics via unanimous decision (30-27 x2, 29-28)

    PFL Middleweight Championship: Costello van Steenis vs. Fabian Edwards

    Result: Costello van Steenis def. Fabian Edwards via KO (Rd. 3, 1:48)

  • Colby Covington Accuses UFC of Freezing Out Uncooperative Fighters

    Colby Covington Accuses UFC of Freezing Out Uncooperative Fighters

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

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

    Covington’s Claims Against the UFC

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

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

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

    He added:

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

    Fighters Remain Hush

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

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

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

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

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

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