The former UFC bantamweight champion, who last competed in mixed martial arts in 2016, expressed her enthusiasm for what she’s calling “the biggest super fight in women’s combat sport history.”
“Been waiting so long to announce this: Me and @ginacarano are gonna throw down in the biggest super fight in women’s combat sport history!” Rousey wrote. “And we’re partnering with the fighter-first promotion @MostVpromotions as well as the baddest streamer on the planet @netflix! This is for all MMA fans past, present and future. More to come… much more ;)”
Been waiting so long to announce this: Me and @ginacarano are gonna throw down in the biggest super fight in women’s combat sport history! And we’re partnering with the fighter-first promotion @MostVpromotions as well as the baddest streamer on the planet @netflix! This is for… pic.twitter.com/vR9IxchOO2
The May 2026 bout marks a historic moment for Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), which is making its first foray into mixed martial arts after establishing itself in the boxing world.
The promotion has built a reputation around fighter compensation and athlete advocacy, something Rousey appeared to reference with her “fighter-first promotion” comment (a clear reference to UFC’s often-criticized fighter pay structure.)
Rousey’s cryptic closing line, “More to come… much more,” has already sparked speculation among fans about what else MVP might have planned for its push into mixed martial arts.
The Rousey vs. Carano matchup brings together two of the most influential figures in women’s MMA history.
Former UFC bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey is coming back to mixed martial arts for the first time in nearly a decade, and she’s doing it against fellow women’s MMA pioneer Gina Carano.
The blockbuster matchup was confirmed Tuesday by Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions, with the fight set for May 16 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. The event will stream live on Netflix and marks MVP’s first professional MMA event.
Rousey (12-2) and Carano (7-1) will compete at 145 pounds under the Unified Rules of MMA, with the bout sanctioned for five, five-minute rounds using 4-ounce gloves inside a hexagon cage.
“Been waiting so long to announce this: Me and Gina Carano are gonna throw down in the biggest super fight in women’s combat sport history!” Rousey said in a statement to ESPN.
Rousey, 39, last competed in MMA in December 2016, when she lost to Amanda Nunes at UFC 207. Before that devastating knockout loss, Rousey had been the sport’s biggest star, winning her first 12 professional fights — 11 of them in the first round — and successfully defending the UFC women’s bantamweight title a record six consecutive times. She was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2018 and spent four years as a WWE performer, winning three world championships.
Carano, 43, hasn’t fought since her lone career defeat against Cris Cyborg for the inaugural Strikeforce women’s 145-pound title in August 2009 — making this a return from a 17-year layoff. Carano was instrumental in bringing mainstream attention to women’s MMA during her career from 2006 to 2009 and went on to appear in films including Haywire, Fast & Furious 6, Deadpool, and The Mandalorian.
“Ronda came to me and said there is only one person she would make a comeback for and it has been her dream to make this fight happen between us,” Carano said. “This is an honor. I believe I will walk out of this fight with the win, and I anticipate it will not come easy, which I welcome.”
A kickoff press conference is scheduled for March 5 at Intuit Dome, with additional fights for the card to be announced at a later date.
Gable Steveson isn’t waiting for a UFC contract to start calling out the biggest names in the heavyweight division. In an interview with Submission Radio ahead of his third professional MMA fight on February 19 at MFL 3 in Mexico, the Olympic gold medalist made it clear he believes he already belongs with the division’s elite.
“Those three big names — Pereira, Aspinall, Gane — I can compete with most definitely. Especially right now,” Steveson told host Denis Shkuratov. “But if you keep giving me time, the gap will keep coming in — with the youthfulness that I have, with those guys being a little older. Tom is a little older, but Pereira — really older. Gane — really older. As time goes on, you don’t get any faster.”
It’s a bold claim from a fighter who is just 2-0 as a professional, but Steveson has never lacked confidence. The two-time NCAA Division I National Champion and 2020 Olympic gold medalist has been on an accelerated path toward the UFC since making his MMA debut at LFA 217 in September, where he finished Braden Peterson in 98 seconds.
Steveson Embraces the “Savior” Label
The heavyweight division has been in a state of uncertainty, with Jon Jones flirting with retirement and the top contenders jockeying for position. Many fans and media members have started attaching the “savior” label to Steveson, and while he deflects the title, he doesn’t shy away from the expectations that come with it.
“It’s a one of a kind thing when a lot of people put your name as the savior. But I’m young. I’m hungry. I’m ready to work, and I work hard every single day to make that possible,” Steveson said. “The next version of Gable you’ll see is even better than the one you saw last time.”
When asked about the pressure of being called a future UFC champion before even fighting in the promotion, Steveson pointed to his track record of performing under the brightest spotlights.
“That pressure has been put on Steveson and I feel like I’ve directed all the things you could possibly say about: can he do it or can he not? I feel like I’ve proved everyone wrong every single time,” he said. “Pressure makes diamonds, and the diamond in the rough is found now. It’s just me.”
White House Card and Getting Paid
Steveson also made his pitch for the UFC’s rumored White House card, an event he’s been vocal about wanting to be part of for months.
“It would be an honor to be on the White House card. I would love to be the face of it — Olympic champion from USA coming to support the American company, the UFC, and kind of grow myself in that area,” Steveson said. “But if it happens, it happens. If it doesn’t, the world keeps going on. Whether I’m on the White House card or the next card or the one before that, people will watch.”
As for navigating the attention that comes with his rapid rise, Steveson offered a motto that captures his approach: “If they’re going to love you one day, they’re going to hate you the next day — just make sure you get paid both times.”
Steveson faces Hugo Lezama, a 14-fight veteran, on Thursday at MFL 3 in Mexico. A dominant performance could be the final step before the UFC call he’s been working toward.
Gable Steveson has named his Mount Rushmore of MMA heavyweights, and some fight fans on social media are outraged by one omission.
“My Mount Rushmore of heavyweights would probably be, Cain Velasquez, Daniel Cormier, Jon Jones, and I always have to throw Brock Lesnar in.”
Fedor Emelianenko’s omission is a choice, and has caused a stir on MMA Twitter. Many consider The Last Emperor to be the G.O.A.T., Steveson rationalized the decision by pointing to Lesnar’s undeniable results at the box office. “When Brock showed up, people watched and people cared.”
He called Lesnar one of the best combat sports athletes of all time, and added, “What an honor it was to be next to him in the Gopher wrestling room and in many other things. What a great time we’ve had.”
Gable Steveson on Jon Jones
Steveson spoke very highly of Jon Jones, who he considers a mentor and a really close friend. “I grew up watching the guy. He kind of watched my Olympic career. To kind of be friends now, it’s great. An amazing dude. He puts forth his best effort with me. When he comes into the gym, he’s always on me, and however long it takes to get something correct, he’s there the whole time.”
“Jon Jones is a legend in a great sport. A lot of people want to hate him one day and want to love him one day, but you can’t deny — he’s the one of one.”
Gable Steveson’s Next MMA Fight
Gable Steveson is 2-0 in professional MMA, with an upcoming third fight against Hugo Lezama at Mexican Fight League 3 on February 19, 2026.
The 2020 Olympic gold medalist, two-time NCAA Division I national champion, two-time Dan Hodge Trophy winner, four-time Big Ten champion, and five-time All-American at University of Minnesota, won his professional MMA debut against Braden Peterson at LFA 217 on September 12, 2025, and his second bout with a 24-second knockout in late 2025.
Jorge Masvidal’s Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA is roaring back to life with an ambitious double-tournament series offering $1 million in total prize money across two weight classes.
The promotion announced plans for simultaneous 16-fighter tournaments at heavyweight and lightweight, each carrying a $500,000 grand prize. The tournament series launches April 10 in the Dominican Republic, followed by a second event May 1 in Miami, with all four rounds of both brackets scheduled throughout 2026.
The announcement marks Gamebred’s return after a 17-month hiatus since its last event on November 15, 2024. Masvidal revealed the extended break was necessary to secure funding for a full year of competition.
Heavyweight Tournament Kickoff Confirmed
Four heavyweight matchups for the April 10 opener have been confirmed:
Anthony Smith vs. Chase Sherman
Guto Inocente vs. Mohammed Usman
Alexandr Romanov vs. Nikolay Kovalenko
Bruno Cappelozza vs. Todd Duffee
The remaining four heavyweight bouts and all eight lightweight tournament matchups will be announced in the coming days. Smith’s inclusion marks a surprising return to competition for the former UFC light heavyweight title challenger, who retired in April 2025 and has since worked as a UFC broadcast analyst.
Masvidal: Filling a Void in Combat Sports
Speaking to MMA Junkie Radio, Masvidal positioned Gamebred as addressing a gap in the current combat sports landscape while prioritizing fighter compensation.
“I don’t mind taking the loss (from a smaller gate) for making a huge statement online,” Masvidal explained. “We’re giving as much money as we can to the fighters. Really, who’s doing anything right now? It’s just worked out perfectly.”
The promotion president expressed confidence that his timing aligns perfectly with the current state of regional MMA: “We’re coming in strong these next few years. People are going to have to move aside, brother.”
Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA operates under the Unified Rules of mixed martial arts without gloves—a distinct format from bareknuckle boxing. From mid-2023 to late 2024, the promotion held five events featuring UFC veterans including Junior Dos Santos, Roy Nelson, Alan Belcher, Hector Lombard, and Francisco Trinaldo.
“I never wanted to leave,” Masvidal said of the hiatus. “The whole time I was working, in the shadows in the back. It’s what business owners do. I was just hustling, brother. Seeing what I could do, what networks I could get on, what sponsors I could bring on board. I did everything to keep the dream alive, just like fighting. I was able to secure some funds, so here we go.”
With eight heavyweight spots and 16 lightweight positions still to be announced, Masvidal’s tournament series represents one of the largest prize pools in regional combat sports for 2026.
Michael Chiesa has announced that his upcoming fight against Carlston Harris at UFC Seattle on March 28, 2026, will be the final bout of his MMA career, ending a 14-year run in the UFC.
Chiesa revealed his retirement plans during an appearance on The Anik & Florian Podcast, confirming that the matchup at the Climate Pledge Arena will be his last time competing inside the Octagon.
The welterweight bout serves as a homecoming for “Maverick”, who hails from Spokane Valley, Washington, roughly four hours from Seattle. The Washington native will have the opportunity to compete in front of friends, family, and home-state supporters for his final walk to the cage.
Michael Chiesa announces his March 28th bout with Carlston Harris will be the last of his MMA career, finishing where he started with the UFC. (@MikeMav22)
Chiesa earned his UFC contract by winning The Ultimate Fighter: Live tournament in 2012, defeating Al Iaquinta in the finale. He compiled a 19-7 professional record with the majority of those bouts coming inside the Octagon.
Known for his grappling-heavy style and back-taking ability, “Maverick” earned double-digit submission victories throughout his career. The 38-year-old picked up notable wins over Rafael dos Anjos, Carlos Condit, and Diego Sanchez while competing at lightweight and welterweight.
After moving to 170 pounds, Chiesa enjoyed a strong surge with back-to-back wins over Condit and Sanchez. Most recently, he snapped a lengthy skid by defeating Court McGee at UFC Atlanta in June 2025.
It was an honor sharing the octagon with you tonight @Court_McGee. There isn’t many people in the fight game that I respect as much as you.
Chiesa has already built a decent presence as an analyst and commentator on various MMA broadcasts, positioning him for a seamless transition once he retires. Given his experience and comfort on the microphone, the welterweight veteran expected to remain a visible figure in the UFC and wider MMA landscape.
Harris enters the bout looking to halt his own struggles after dropping back-to-back fights, making this a pivotal matchup for both welterweights at UFC Seattle.
Nate Diaz believes Max Holloway (27-8) will successfully defend his BMF title against Charles Oliveira (36-11) at UFC 326, setting up a potential return to the promotion in June.
Holloway is set to put his BMF title on the line against Oliveira on March 7 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas in the main event of UFC 326, where he aims to be the first fighter to successfully defend the ceremonial UFC belt.
El cinturón BMF está en juego nuevamente!!! #UFC326
Nate Diaz Claims He’ll “Slap” Max Holloway on UFC White House Card
Nate Diaz last fought in the UFC in 2022, choking out Tony Ferguson at UFC 279. Since then, he has fought Jake Paul and rematched with Jorge Masvidal in the boxing ring.
Despite his success outside the UFC, Diaz has expressed interest in returning at the UFC White House event this June. He also claimed he started a whole division with his initial BMF title fight in 2019.
“I like Max (in that fight),” Diaz told ClockedNload. “Yeah [I like Max in that fight]. I’ll slap the sh*t out of him, though. That was rude what I just said, but I’ll f*ck him up. Yeah, the White House [event] would be perfect.”
“I’ll slap the sh*t out of Max Holloway… White House would be perfect.”
Dana White Left The Door Open For Nate Diaz’s UFC Return
Throughout his UFC career, Nate Diaz and Dana White didn’t always see eye to eye, with the UFC CEO often joking about the difficulty of dealing with the Diaz brothers.
— MMA History Today (@MMAHistoryToday) June 5, 2016
However, White indicated that the door is open for Diaz to return to the promotion.
“This will always be Nate’s house. Nate grew up here… He fought some of the biggest fights ever here. We love the kid. I don’t know about fighting in the future, but this will always be his house. We’ll see,” White said at the DWCS 57 post-fight press conference.
Sean O’Malley revealed he hasn’t received any communication from the UFC regarding the historic White House event scheduled for June 14, 2026. The former bantamweight champion shared his uncertainty on social media, stating he hasn’t gotten a call about the highly anticipated card.
“I haven’t got a call, I haven’t heard nothing,” O’Malley said. “Suga Show might not be on the White House.”
The revelation comes despite O’Malley’s recent unanimous decision victory over Song Yadong at UFC 324 in January, where he bounced back from consecutive losses to Merab Dvalishvili. Following that win, O’Malley called for a rematch against current bantamweight champion Petr Yan, specifically targeting the White House event.
White House Card Still Shrouded in Mystery
O’Malley’s comments highlight the broader confusion surrounding the June 14 card, which remains without a single officially announced fight. UFC President Dana White confirmed in early February that matchmaking meetings were underway, stating fights would be “dialed in by this weekend.” However, no official announcements have followed.
The UFC White House card is expected to feature approximately 6-7 fights on the South Lawn, with 3,000-4,000 live spectators and an additional 85,000 fans watching from The Ellipse on large screens. The event will stream on Paramount+ as part of the UFC’s $7.7 billion broadcast deal.
O’Malley’s Championship Path
Currently ranked #3 in the bantamweight division, O’Malley lost his championship to Dvalishvili twice in 2025 — first by unanimous decision at UFC 306, then by submission at UFC 316. His victory over Yadong at UFC 324 marked his return to the win column and potentially positioned him for another title opportunity.
A showdown with Yan at the White House would represent a significant redemption opportunity for O’Malley, who previously defeated “No Mercy” at UFC 280 in October 2022. That victory ultimately led to his championship reign, making a White House rematch particularly meaningful for the polarizing star.
With only four months until the historic event and zero confirmed matchups, the UFC’s silence continues to fuel speculation about which fighters will make the exclusive card. Whether O’Malley receives that call remains to be seen.
UFC legend Frankie Edgar has expressed concerns about Charles Oliveira’s mindset ahead of his rematch against Max Holloway at UFC 326.
Oliveira (36-11-0, 1 NC), the No. 3-ranked UFC lightweight, is set to challenge BMF titleholder Holloway in the main event of UFC 326 in Las Vegas on March 7. “Do Bronx” aims to regain the lightweight title, which he lost after missing weight before his victory over Justin Gaethje in 2022.
El cinturón BMF está en juego nuevamente!!! #UFC326
During a recent appearance on The Bohnfire podcast with MMA Junkie’s Mike Bohn, Frankie Edgar stated that while he sees Max Holloway on a resurgence, he isn’t sure if Charles Oliveira still has the same drive he once had.
“I think Holloway is on a tear, kind of like a resurgence a little bit,” Edgar said. “[Lightweight] is definitely his weight class now. I think going down to 145 [pounds] was too taxing on him.”
“Oliveira, I don’t know, sometimes you just wonder,” he continued. “He had such an up-and-down type of career until he became the champion, and you just wonder if he’s still hungry. That’s what I wonder. I feel like Holloway is still chasing the bone.”
Oliveira most recently competed at UFC Rio in October, where he secured a dominant second-round submission victory over Mateusz Gamrot. Before that, “Do Bronx” suffered a brutal knockout loss to Ilia Topuria at UFC 317 in his third attempt to capture the lightweight title.
UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs. Hernandez takes place this Saturday, February 21, 2026 from the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. The card streams live on Paramount+ and features a middleweight main event with massive title implications, as former champion Sean Strickland takes on the surging Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez in a five-round headliner.
A Pivotal Night for UFC’s Middleweight Division
The middleweight division has undergone a rapid changing of the guard over the past two years. Khamzat Chimaev captured the title with a dominant decision over Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319 in August 2025, and the undefeated champion has indicated he plans to defend only once more at 185 pounds before pursuing a second belt at light heavyweight. That timeline makes Saturday’s main event feel like a true title eliminator, with the winner likely next in line for Chimaev.
This card also marks the UFC’s tenth visit to Houston and its first since UFC 271 in February 2022, when Israel Adesanya defended his middleweight title against Robert Whittaker in front of nearly 18,000 fans.
How to Watch
Date/Time: Saturday, February 21, 2026 — Prelims at 5:00 PM ET / 2:00 PM PT, Main Card at 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT
Venue: Toyota Center, Houston, Texas
Streaming: Paramount+ (entire card)
Full Fight Card
Match
Weight Class
Main Card (8:00 PM ET – Paramount+)
Sean Strickland vs. Anthony Hernandez
Middleweight (Main Event – 5 rounds)
Geoff Neal vs. Uroš Medić
Welterweight
Dan Ige vs. Melquizael Costa
Featherweight
Serghei Spivac vs. Ante Delija
Heavyweight
Jacobe Smith vs. Seokhyeon Ko
Welterweight
Zach Reese vs. Michel Pereira
Middleweight
Preliminary Card (5:00 PM ET – Paramount+)
Chidi Njokuani vs. Carlos Leal
Welterweight
Ode Osbourne vs. Alibi Idiris
Flyweight
Alden Coria vs. Luis Gurule
Flyweight
Nora Cornolle vs. Joselyne Edwards
Women’s Bantamweight
Ramiz Brahimaj vs. Punahele Soriano
Welterweight
Jean-Paul Lebosnoyani vs. Phil Rowe
Welterweight
Yadier del Valle vs. Jordan Leavitt
Featherweight
Carli Judice vs. Juliana Miller
Women’s Flyweight
Fight Previews
Middleweight Main Event: Sean Strickland vs. Anthony Hernandez
This is the fight the middleweight division has been building toward. Sean Strickland (29-7) hasn’t competed since losing to Dricus du Plessis in their title rematch at UFC 312 in February 2025. A suspension stemming from a physical altercation at a Tuff-N-Uff event last summer further delayed his return, but the former middleweight champion completed anger management and has been cleared to compete. At 34, the outspoken Californian insists he’s the only fighter at 185 pounds capable of dethroning Chimaev.
Standing across from him will be one of the most dangerous contenders in the division. Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez (15-2) owns an eight-fight win streak and holds the distinction of having the longest active winning streak in UFC middleweight history without receiving a title shot. Over that run, Hernandez has brutalized Michel Pereira, broken Chris Weidman’s UFC middleweight takedown record against Brendan Allen, and submitted Roman Dolidze for a Performance of the Night bonus. An injury forced him to withdraw from a scheduled title eliminator against Reinier de Ridder last October, but Hernandez is healthy and hungry.
The stylistic matchup is fascinating. Strickland thrives standing behind his jab and forward pressure, while Hernandez’s relentless wrestling and grinding pace have overwhelmed everyone in his path. Former champion Dricus du Plessis predicted the fight will go the distance, noting that Strickland’s ability to get back to his feet after takedowns could neutralize Hernandez’s grappling. Hernandez is the significant betting favorite at nearly 3-to-1, but Strickland’s experience against elite competition — including wins over Israel Adesanya and Paulo Costa — makes him a live underdog. The stakes are enormous: a win likely earns a shot at Chimaev’s title.
Welterweight Co-Main Event: Geoff Neal vs. Uroš Medić
Houston native Geoff Neal (16-7) returns to his home city under emotional circumstances. In a candid recent interview, “Handz of Steel” revealed he has been privately battling drug and alcohol addiction for five years, dating back to the COVID-19 pandemic. The No. 12-ranked welterweight says he’s now sober and clear-headed for the first time in years, crediting his wife and a disciplined recovery program for the turnaround.
Uroš Medić (12-3) is one of the most explosive finishers at 170 pounds. The Serbian striker has delivered back-to-back first-round knockouts and holds the rare distinction of having every single one of his UFC fights end in a stoppage. With eight career knockouts and seven first-round finishes, this matchup screams fireworks.
Featherweight: Dan Ige vs. Melquizael Costa
Veteran Dan Ige (19-10) continues to stay active against dangerous opposition. The Hawaiian featherweight has been a mainstay in the UFC’s 145-pound division for years and will look to use his experience edge against Melquizael Costa (25-7), a Brazilian finisher who adds international intrigue to the main card.
Heavyweight: Serghei Spivac vs. Ante Delija
Serghei Spivac (17-6) takes on 2022 PFL Heavyweight Tournament winner Ante Delija (26-7) in a battle of big men with grappling pedigrees. This bout was originally scheduled for UFC 325 before being moved to the Houston card. Spivac is the more established UFC heavyweight, while the Croatian Delija looks to make a statement in his ongoing Octagon career.
Welterweight: Jacobe Smith vs. Seokhyeon Ko
Keep an eye on Jacobe Smith (11-0). The undefeated welterweight prospect is a two-time NJCAA wrestling champion and Oklahoma State All-American who has finished every opponent since entering the UFC, including a first-round knockout of Preston Parsons and a submission of veteran Niko Price. He faces Seokhyeon Ko (7-0), who is also unbeaten. Something has to give in this clash of rising 170-pounders.
Middleweight: Zach Reese vs. Michel Pereira
Zach Reese and Michel Pereira round out the main card with a middleweight bout that should deliver action. Pereira is always one of the most entertaining fighters on any card he appears on, while Reese looks to continue climbing the 185-pound ranks.
Stay tuned to MMANews.com for live results, fight recaps, and post-event analysis from UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs. Hernandez.
Nate Diaz has made his intentions clear: he wants back in “real action” and has his sights set on three potential opponents for the historic UFC White House event scheduled for June 14, 2026. In an interview with TMZ Sports, the 40-year-old Stockton native didn’t hold back when discussing his return plans.
“I’m ready to get back in real action. I want to fight either McGregor, maybe Dustin Poirier if he stops being such a p*ssy, and maybe Mike Perry.”
The callout comes as UFC President Dana White finalizes the fight card for the unprecedented White House event, which will take place on the South Lawn and coincide with President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday and America’s 250th anniversary celebrations.
Dana White confirmed this week that the six-to-seven fight card is already built and will meet with President Trump this week to finalize production plans.
Diaz Praises Jake Paul, Confirms White House Interest
Diaz also commented on Jake Paul’s recent performance against former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, praising Paul for taking on the toughest challenge of his career.
“He’s doing a great job,” Diaz said of Paul, who lost via sixth-round knockout on December 19, 2025, suffering a double broken jaw in the process. Diaz previously defeated Paul by majority decision in their July 2023 boxing match.
When asked about the UFC White House event, Diaz expressed clear enthusiasm for the opportunity.
“Yeah, that’d be dope, to. America gang, baby. You already know what’s popping.”
The fighter emphasized his desire for a legitimate MMA contest rather than another exhibition bout, stating he wants a “real fight” for the “right price.”
Three Names, One Stage
The most obvious matchup is the long-awaited trilogy with Conor McGregor. The two legends split their 2016 encounters, with Diaz submitting McGregor at UFC 196 before losing the rematch at UFC 202. McGregor has confirmed his participation in the White House event and hasn’t fought since breaking his leg against Poirier in July 2021.
Diaz’s callout of Dustin Poirier escalates a feud that dates back years. Poirier retired in July 2025 after losing to Max Holloway at UFC 318, but still has multiple fights remaining on his UFC contract. The former interim lightweight champion has struggled with retirement and recently teased a comeback, specifically mentioning Diaz as a potential opponent for Zuffa Boxing.
The wild card is “Platinum” Mike Perry, now a free agent after starring in the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship. Diaz’s emphasis on wanting a “real fight” for the “right price” suggests he’s prioritizing a UFC return over other formats.
Max Holloway is acknowledging Charles Oliveira’s evolution as a fighter ahead of their BMF title fight at UFC 326. Nate Diaz has also expressed interest in fighting the winner of the bout, which takes place March 7 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Holloway and Oliveira, both UFC lightweights, are set to headline UFC 326 for the BMF title. Their first fight in 2015 ended with an Oliveira shoulder injury at 1:39 of the first round. Oliveira has since claimed he was “just a boy” during that initial encounter.
In episode 4 of his BMF Champ Champ series on YouTube, Holloway addressed Oliveira’s claim, noting they were both early in their careers at ages 23 and 25. Max Holloway said:
“Oliveira is just a killer, you know? His striking came a long way and if you see most of his finishes, a lot of the times it’s not hail-Mary submissions that he’s finishing people with.
He’s a real mixed martial artist, I saw an interview where he said the first time we fought he was jiu-jitsu Oliveira, now he’s MMA Oliveira and I respect that, I agree with that, come March 7, though, we get to find out everything. Oliveira is Oliveira.”
Nate Diaz has declared his interest in returning to the promotion to take on the UFC 326 main event winner, predicting that Holloway will win. If Holloway (fighting out of Gracie Technics) is successful at UFC 326, he could become the first fighter to successfully defend the BMF title.
Jaylen Brown, the Boston Celtics star, revealed he has spoken with UFC CEO Dana White about potentially fighting in the UFC or boxing after his NBA career. The five-time NBA All-Star and 2024 NBA Finals MVP made the comments at NBA All-Star Media Day on February 15, 2026.
Jaylen Brown: "Maybe post part of my career, I would love to partake in something like UFC or even boxing. I've talked to Dana White about some stuff but will see as things go on" pic.twitter.com/Mn6ClQrnVT
Brown, 29, confirmed his interest in combat sports after his basketball career and that he has spoken with Dana White about it.
“To be honest, I’ve toyed with this, and I’ve talked to some people, maybe post part of my career, I would love to take part in something like UFC, or even boxing,” Brown told reporters. “I’ve talked to Dana White about some stuff, but we’ll see as things go on.”
He is listed at 6-foot-6 and weighs 223 pounds, which would place him in the UFC heavyweight division. Brown also has training in Muay Thai.
Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla is a well-known MMA fan who attends UFC events and uses fight footage as teaching tools with the team.
Cain Velasquez was released on parole today and is exploring hosting a one-day Holotropic Breathing Seminar in the San Jose area. Velasquez posted on Instagram about his release and plans for the seminar, which will include guided breathing, a mental/emotional reset, a meet-and-greet, a Q&A, and a group photo.
Velasquez wrote, “After my release on February 15th, I’m exploring the idea of hosting a one-day Holotropic Breathing Seminar in the San Jose area.” He added that breathwork has been a powerful tool for him and he’d like to share it with others. The seminar would be a paid, limited-capacity event.
In August 2024, Velasquez pleaded no contest to charges of attempted murder, felony assault with a firearm, and shooting at a motor vehicle. The charges stemmed from a February 2022 incident in Santa Clara County, California. He was sentenced to five years in prison but was eligible for parole after time served, house arrest, and good behavior. Velasquez still faces four years of supervised parole.
Colby Covington is actively negotiating with the UFC to secure a spot on the promotion’s unprecedented White House event scheduled for June 14, 2026. The historic card will take place on the South Lawn of the White House, coinciding with both the United States’ 250th anniversary celebration and President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday.
For Covington, a vocal Trump supporter, competing at the White House would represent the pinnacle of his fighting career. During his appearance on Hot Cakes & Hot Takes, he said:
“I’ve been negotiating with the UFC for the White House card. You know, that’s the one that I want,” Covington said. “This would be the biggest fight I’ve ever had. To fight on the south lawn in front of the President would be the greatest honor of my career.”
Recent Fighting Activity
Covington enters these negotiations coming off a difficult loss at UFC Tampa in December 2024, where he was defeated by Joaquin Buckley via third-round TKO due to doctor’s stoppage. The loss marked a setback for the former interim welterweight champion, who holds a 17-5 overall MMA record.
During his UFC inactivity, Covington remained active by competing in a Real American Freestyle (RAF) wrestling match against former UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold at RAF 5 in January 2026. The crossover wrestling event allowed Covington to showcase his NCAA Division I All-American wrestling credentials.
Potential Matchup
Covington has identified Paddy Pimblett as his ideal opponent for the White House card, envisioning an American versus British rivalry that would resonate with the patriotic nature of the event.
“I’d really like to fight with Paddy Pimblett. He had shown interest that he might want to come up a weight class to welterweight,” Covington explained.
The matchup would require Pimblett, who typically competes at lightweight (155 pounds), to move up to welterweight (170 pounds). Covington believes this makes sense given Pimblett’s significant weight cuts, noting that the Liverpool fighter “weighs 200 [pounds]” between fights.
McGregor Fight Ruled Out
While speculation had swirled about various high-profile matchups for the White House event, UFC President Dana White has definitively shut down rumors of Covington facing Conor McGregor. White called such speculation “total BS” and indicated that official matchmaking meetings were underway.
Event Details
The UFC White House card will feature six to seven fights with a capacity of 3,000-4,000 attendees on the South Lawn. The event will be simulcast on CBS and Paramount+. Weigh-ins are expected to take place at the Lincoln Memorial.
Dustin Poirier suffered a broken toe during a training session on February 14, 2026, at American Top Team in Florida.
Poirier showed off the injury on social media. “Broke my damn toe today,” he wrote, accompanied with a video showing off the mangled toe. An audible gasp can be heard from his training partners when he gives them a good look at the damage.
The former interim UFC lightweight champion is still training regularly, leading to the injury. Poirier, who has a professional record of 30-10 with one no contest, retired after his fight against Max Holloway.
Former UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis is blaming Khamzat Chimaev for what he calls a “terrible fight” when they met at UFC 319 in August 2025. Du Plessis (record not provided) lost the title to Chimaev (record not provided) by unanimous decision. Now, he’s calling for a rematch.
Du Plessis is targeting a return to the Octagon at UFC 327 in Miami on April 11, 2026. Speaking with Fight Forecast, Du Plessis stated he would “love to be on that April card.” He added that there is “no opponent yet, there’s no contract yet.” Chimaev has also been considering a move to light heavyweight.
Du Plessis Aims to Counter Chimaev’s Wrestling
Du Plessis anticipates Chimaev will rely on his wrestling in a potential rematch. He plans to counter it to force his own fighting style. In an interview with Fight Forecast, Du Plessis explained why he felt the fight with Chimaev was terrible and what he needs to do to win in a rematch:
“It’s always great if you have a guy that comes and fights because it’s my style and it’s what I love to do entertain, to hear the crowd go crazy. But he knows that and that’s why he went for that style. Once again, I understand that it wasn’t the best fight to watch. In fact, it was a terrible fight to watch, but he did what he had to do to win that title and good for him. My responsibility is to stop him from doing that and that’s what I will do.”
Du Plessis aims to regain the title before the end of 2026.
Gable Steveson says his jump to the UFC is approaching. The Olympic gold medalist told ESPN MMA’s Brett Okamoto that the promotion has been in regular contact and that his debut is “getting to that point where it’s close.”
“We’ve been in actually a lot of contact. I would say after every single fight, it’s a call,” Steveson said. “It’s all good messages. It’s all positive things, good energy. We talk on a great basis. So when the time is coming, it’s just when I want the time to come.”
Steveson (2-0 MMA) fights Hugo Lezama, a 14-fight veteran, on Thursday, February 19 in Mexico on the Mexico Fight League card. He says a dominant performance there could seal the deal.
“I think a big knockout next Thursday will make it perfect,” Steveson said. “Just be ready for all aspects of it. But I think that’ll be a big jump for me if I can go out there and dominate a guy with a lot of experience and make that next step.”
Jon Jones Predicts UFC Title Within One Year
Steveson trains alongside former UFC champion Jon Jones at Jackson Wink MMA, and Jones has a bold prediction for his teammate: UFC champion within 12 months.
“One year from now, UFC champion,” Steveson said, relaying Jones’s words. “I believe it because I got full confidence in myself. But with a guy like John kind of got in the way for me, I feel like the confidence just goes through the roof. The best thing about it is he sees me firsthand training with him and hitting the pads and going through all the motions. So, his word is gold with that.”
Steveson acknowledged the timeline might shift slightly. “And if it’s not next year, it’ll be soon after that. It just depends how the cards fall.”
White House Card in Play
The UFC’s rumored White House card is on Steveson’s radar. As a U.S. Olympic champion, he believes there’s a natural fit.
“There’s got to be a place for a guy that can represent in America,” Steveson said. “I don’t think there’s one American champion right now besides [Gaethje]. But he’s kind of the interim. So if the White House happens for me, it happens for me. If it doesn’t, I keep moving on.”
A knockout win in Mexico would prompt a direct call for the spot. “Yeah, most definitely. I’ll call for it. I think it’s rightfully so,” Steveson said. “Especially if it’s a big knockout that happens next Thursday — it’d be my third in MMA, one in dirty boxing.”
Heavyweight’s Missing Puzzle Pieces
Steveson sees opportunity in a heavyweight division he describes as having “a lot of missing puzzle pieces.” His approach remains measured despite the accelerated timeline.
“We’re still going slow, but slow in the heavyweight division is fast,” Steveson said. “I think with my potential, my speed, my technique, my durability, my endurance — everything and my wrestling included — is going to be a new thing for people to see.”
His striking development has surprised even himself. “I got lightning in my hands. You would have never guessed,” Steveson said. His last outing lasted 20 seconds — a knockout of an experienced, 220-pound opponent.
Whether Thursday’s fight goes the same way or runs the full 15 minutes, Steveson says he’s ready. “I’m going to give you hell for 15 minutes. If it goes 20 seconds, there’s nothing I can do about it.”
Alex Pereira has fueled growing speculation about his long-anticipated move to heavyweight with a cryptic post on Instagram. The UFC light heavyweight champion captioned a post “1-2-3 and go” on Thursday, with many fans interpreting the numbers as a nod to his pursuit of a third UFC title in a third weight class.
The post arrives just two days after UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinallshared a gruesome photo following double eye surgery, leaving the 265-pound division without an active champion for the foreseeable future. Aspinall was diagnosed with significant traumatic bilateral Brown’s syndrome after Ciryl Gane’s eye poke at UFC 321 in October.
Interim Title Fight With Gane Gaining Steam
With Aspinall sidelined indefinitely, rumors of an interim heavyweight title fight between Pereira and Ciryl Gane have gained serious traction. UFC commentator Joe Rogan revealed in December that he had heard significant chatter about the matchup, and even Aspinall has endorsed the idea, telling Paddy Pimblett, “It would be a good fight. I think it’s a good stylistic matchup.”
A report from MMA journalist Rueben Carter on January 14 claimed Pereira had informed the UFC that he intends to vacate his light heavyweight title to move up in weight. No formal announcement has materialized yet, but today’s post suggests momentum is building again.
A Historic Move In The Making
Pereira originally targeted a superfight against Jon Jones at the UFC White House card on June 14, but that path stalled after Jones’ retirement and Dana White’s reluctance to book the fight. In December, Pereira posted on Instagram, “Looks like the White House is a no go!!!”
The only fresh matchup remaining at light heavyweight is Carlos Ulberg, who is on a nine-fight win streak and has publicly called for the Pereira fight. But with the 38-year-old walking around at 235 to 243 pounds and the heavyweight division in limbo, a historic third title run appears to be the more likely path forward.
Justin Gaethje has made it clear: he wants Ilia Topuria (c) at the UFC White House card on June 14, and he’s not interested in waiting around.
Speaking with Helen Yee at the Celebrity Sweat flag football game during Super Bowl week at Cal Berkeley, the interim UFC lightweight champion laid out his ideal 2026 in plain terms.
“I hope I fight in June and get a win versus Ilia and then we’ll see from there,” Gaethje said. “See you in June at the White House. Let’s go.”
When asked whether he needs a knockout to make a statement, Gaethje kept things simple. “No, of course. I’m always trying to knock everybody out,” he said. “But I just will fight my best and hardest. And for the fans.”
The tone was measured and professional throughout, a far cry from the trash talk that often defines high-profile UFC matchups. Gaethje appears locked in on preparation rather than promotion, which tracks with the disciplined approach he took heading into UFC 324.
The Pieces Are Falling Into Place
The timing lines up on multiple fronts. Dana White confirmed earlier this week that matchmaking for the historic White House event is officially underway, with UFC matchmaker Mick Maynard flying in for the session. White said fights would be “dialed in by this weekend.”
On the other side, Topuria signaled his return from personal leave earlier this month, and he previously indicated he was targeting a spring or summer bout against whoever held the interim title. The undefeated champion sits at 17-0 and has been dominant since arriving in the UFC, winning titles at both featherweight and lightweight.
The June 14 event on the White House South Lawn is expected to feature six to seven fights, and a lightweight title unification bout between Topuria and Gaethje would be a natural centerpiece for what White has called “the greatest fight card ever assembled.”
For Gaethje, who has fallen short in two previous undisputed title fights against Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira, this represents what could be his final shot at undisputed gold — and he knows it.
The Professional Fighters League (PFL) continues to build its Women’s Flyweight Division, recently adding former LFA champ Cheyanne Bowers to the roster.
NEW PFL SIGNATURE
🇺🇸Cheyanne Bowers (7-2) has signed with the PFL ! The former LFA fighter was highlighted in my 20 Female Fighters the UFC needed to sign in 2026, but PFL cut the queue and signed her first.
“The Boss” is riding a two-fight winning streak, with both victories coming by first-round submission last year. The 31-year-old American last tasted defeat in January 2025, when she suffered a split decision loss to Shannon Clark at LFA 200.
The PFL announced the signing on its website recently. The addition of Bowers aims to bolster the women’s talent pool.
What Is Cheyanne Bowers’ Pro Record Coming Into PFL?
Cheyanne Bowers carries a 7-2 professional record, with five of those victories coming by submission since turning pro in October 2022.
“The Boss” is set to enter a competitive PFL women’s flyweight division that features notable names such as Dakota Ditcheva, Taila Santos, and Liz Carmouche. Details regarding her promotional debut, including the date and opponent, are expected to be announced in the near future.
Nate Diaz is teasing a return to MMA, setting his sights on the ‘BMF’ title. Diaz posted on X on Wednesday asserting his claim as the originator of the ‘BMF’ title and his intention to win it.
“Let’s not act like I didn’t start a whole division bringing value to all these guys claiming they’re it. I gave opportunity and put notice on the dopest fights. I got unfinished business and I plan on going and taking what’s mine ASAP. First to ever start a division and the dopest one at that.”
Diaz previously lost to Jorge Masvidal for the inaugural ‘BMF’ title at UFC 244.
Let’s not act like I didn’t start a whole division bringing value to all these guys claiming they’re it. I gave opportunity and put notice on the dopest fights I got unfinished business and I plan on going and taking what’s mine asap 1st to ever start a division and the dopest… pic.twitter.com/DbiYibmqb6
As a free agent, Diaz has been inactive in MMA since approximately 2023, but is interested in a UFC return including the White House event in 2026.
Diaz last fought in the UFC nearly three years ago. He has expressed interest in returning to MMA, boxing, and jiu-jitsu to stay active, and confirmed his interest in fighting at the UFC White House event in 2026. Diaz has also targeted Paddy Pimblett as a potential opponent for 2026. His last pro fight was in 2004, winning a majority decision in boxing.
UFC welterweight Geoff Neal has opened up about a five-year battle with drug and alcohol addiction, describing a stretch where he says he was “there” but not truly present in his own life.
Neal shared the revelation during an interview with James Lynch on the Home of Fight YouTube channel ahead of his Feb. 21 bout in Houston against Uros Medic.
“I had a real issue for five years,” Neal said. “Right around COVID, right when I got sepsis, I fell in the hole. This is my first time even opening up about it. I had a problem with addiction. Drugs and alcohol. It was rough.”
“The longest I was sober was like two weeks”
Neal said the cycle didn’t just impact his personal life — it also bled into how he prepared to compete.
“Within that five years, the longest I was sober was like two weeks,” Neal said. “And those two weeks were usually before a fight. I would only slow down two weeks before the fight and I’m coming to the fights underprepared, out of shape.”
Despite that, Neal said he managed to keep his footing in the division.
“It’s crazy I stayed in the rankings the whole time,” Neal said. “It was rough. Five years is just ups and downs, just constant.”
Not living — just existing
When Neal described how addiction felt over time, he emphasized how it dulled everything outside of the moment-to-moment grind.
“It really feels like those past five years, I wasn’t living,” Neal said. “I was there but I wasn’t present… Now I’m actually living life. I’m actually experiencing again for the first time.”
Neal also credited his wife for staying with him through it.
“Thank God for my wife,” Neal said. “My wife was here with me through the whole time. She dealt with all the ups and downs.”
Building a routine that protects sobriety
Neal said he’s made major lifestyle changes to avoid putting himself in situations where he knows control can slip. That included cutting off certain relationships and avoiding certain places.
“I would still put myself in situations that… you know damn well you’re not going to be able to control yourself, so why are you putting yourself in that situation?” Neal said. “I had to cut a lot of friends off. I had to stop going certain places, just kind of isolate myself in a sense.”
He also pointed to changing his work environment as part of that shift.
“I can’t work at Moxy’s no more,” Neal said. “I recently went back to Texas Roadhouse… It’s more like a family restaurant… I got to know myself better than that.”
Cold turkey and “75 soft”
Neal said a modified version of the “75 Hard” challenge was a key reset point for him. He called his version “75 soft,” and said the essentials for him were a clean lifestyle — especially no drugs or alcohol.
“75 Hard was the first day I was sober,” Neal said. “Now I’m pushing 100 now. I’m not keeping track… I want it to be a forever thing. I want it to be my lifestyle.”
Neal added that alcohol now feels like something he can’t go back to.
“Whenever I even see liquor, I get sick to my stomach,” Neal said. “I don’t think I’ll ever drink again. After my fight, I’m not going to pick up a bottle again. I think it’s for the best for my family, for my kids, for my wife, for everybody, for my career.”
Why he wanted a “low energy fight” next
In the same interview, Neal explained why he didn’t want a Kevin Holland fight at this point, saying there’s too much “beef” and outside noise tied to that matchup while he’s trying to keep his life steady.
“I got a lot going on,” Neal said. “I’m trying to just have a low energy fight… The less noise the better, because I don’t want to get stressed out and get triggered.”
Neal said that’s part of why he appreciated the UFC lining up Medic next, and he believes the work he’s put in will show on fight night.
“My weight’s been coming down,” Neal said. “My weight’s great right now… It’s way better than it was for my past five fights. This weight cut should be a breeze.”
As for the matchup, Neal predicted he’ll finish Medic quickly.
“I feel like I’m gonna get it done in the first round,” Neal said. “And if not, I’ll take it in the third round.”
Islam Makhachev says he is ready for whatever matchup the UFC gives him next, including a potential fight with Ilia Topuria and a possible appearance on a White House card.
In an exclusive interview with Telegraf.rs, Makhachev addressed the current title picture and made it clear he is waiting on the promotion’s decision for his next assignment.
“Now in my division there are enough contenders who deserve to fight for the title. The UFC has to give me a new target, that’s it, I’m just waiting.”
Makhachev Responds To Topuria Matchup Talk
A potential fight between Makhachev and Topuria has become one of the most discussed ideas among MMA fans in recent weeks. Asked directly about that matchup, Makhachev gave a straightforward answer.
“I like this idea. If the UFC wants it, and I know a lot of MMA fans want this fight, I’m ready.”
The comments come as Topuria has also returned to the spotlight, with recent coverage focusing on his next move in the UFC title mix. MMA News recently covered Topuria signaling his UFC return.
White House Option Also On The Table
Makhachev also addressed the possibility of competing on a UFC event at the White House, another topic that has generated major attention across the sport.
“It is also one of the arenas where maybe I’m going to fight next. We have the Ramadan month so I will not train for a month and after that I will slowly begin my training camp and I will be ready. [Whether it’s] the White House or other dates, I’ll be ready.”
That timeline points to a post-Ramadan return to camp before he locks in an official date. MMA News has also reported that UFC White House matchmaking is underway, adding more intrigue to where Makhachev could appear next.
For now, Makhachev’s position is simple: he is waiting for the UFC’s call, but he is openly on board with both a Topuria showdown and a White House setting.
Islam Makhachev used his visit to Belgrade to speak on Serbia’s MMA scene, saying the local support and tournament setup left a strong impression.
During an exclusive interview with Telegraf.rs, Makhachev discussed his reception in the country after being welcomed by Serbian MMA and boxing officials and meeting with President Aleksandar Vucic.
“Very nice. Your president invited us and welcomed us very well. It’s a pleasure to be here and today is a great event, the European Championships, I saw the young generation and it reminds me of how many times I competed in other different sports and amateur is a big step for the new generation.”
Makhachev Highlights Local Atmosphere In Belgrade
The UFC champion said his team has enjoyed its time in the Serbian capital, noting both the area where they are staying and their experience with local food.
“Yes, we were in some restaurants. We are staying in a very nice area close to the water. It’s good, almost like in our country.”
His visit has drawn significant attention in regional combat sports circles, with focus on both his appearances and his comments during the trip. MMA News recently covered Makhachev in another cross-sport setting when Anthony Joshua met him backstage at PFL Dubai.
Makhachev also thanked supporters in Serbia and pointed to the event’s scale as a positive signal for younger athletes coming through amateur MMA.
“I know that I have a lot of fans in Serbia. MMA is popular in Serbia, and even today the European Championships is held here. I just want to say thank you to all the people who support me around the world, especially in Serbia.”
“It’s good. Like I said, four cages in the same arena I’ve never seen before. It’s a very good opportunity for the kids.”
As the Belgrade visit continues, Makhachev’s comments underline both his appreciation for the local fanbase and his view that large-scale amateur events can help develop the next generation.
