MMA News

Category: MMA

  • Cyborg Doubles Down On Dakota Ditcheva Callout, Will Make 135 For Retirement Fight

    Cyborg Doubles Down On Dakota Ditcheva Callout, Will Make 135 For Retirement Fight

    Cris Cyborg has doubled down on her pursuit of Dakota Ditcheva for her retirement fight, responding directly to the PFL star’s recent comments on The Ariel Helwani Show.

    The 40-year-old featherweight champion took to social media to address Ditcheva’s skepticism about the matchup, pledging to make 135 pounds for a superfight scheduled for fall 2026.

    “I can make 135 for a superfight in the fall @dakotadofficial,” Cyborg wrote. “If this is a fight you want… there isn’t a bigger fight that the @PFLMMA can put on for either one of us. I’m 40. My body carries much less muscle than it did when I struggled to make 140. I won’t miss weight for my retirement fight.”

    The callout comes after Ditcheva appeared on The Ariel Helwani Show on January 13, where she questioned the logic of facing Cyborg at a catchweight. The undefeated flyweight contender suggested the legendary champion should instead face Leah McCourt, who has been requesting the fight for years.

    “Respectfully, she’s not giving the fight. I am,” Ditcheva said on the show. “I 100% would be the one who sells that fight more. It would be a superfight, but she’s calling me out like she’s picking me. She needs me.”

    Cyborg won the PFL featherweight title in December at PFL Lyon, submitting Sara Collins in the third round. The Brazilian legend has stated 2026 will mark her final year competing in MMA, making the choice of opponent for her farewell fight a significant decision for both her legacy and PFL’s promotional plans.

    Ditcheva, currently recovering from a broken hand that forced her withdrawal from PFL Dubai in February, hopes to return in April or May. The 27-year-old captured the 2024 PFL flyweight tournament championship and remains undefeated at 15-0.

  • Ray Sefo, PFL Part Ways As Organization Continues Restructuring

    Ray Sefo, a legendary kickboxer who has been a long prominent face of the PFL’s executive team, has parted ways with the MMA organization.

    The news was first reported by Ariel Helwani on the January 13 edition of The Ariel Helwani Show. Helwani added that Sefo is one of several names in the organization’s behind-the-scenes team who have also parted ways with the PFL.

    Sefo had a highly successful kickboxing career, winning championships with the ISKA and World Muay Thai Federation, along with being the K-1 World Grand Prix 2000 runner-up.

    He transitioned to an executive role following the end of his fighting career. In 2012, Sefo became one of the founding members of the World Series of Fighting, being named its president. Sefo found himself in a similar role when the WSOF re-branded to the PFL in 2017.

    As noted by Helwani, however, Sefo’s role seemed to be diminished during the PFL’s 2025 campaign.

    PFL Parts Ways With Longtime President Ray Sefo

    Sefo is the second major PFL executive to depart the promotion.

    Earlier this week, the PFL announced that Peter Murray, the former CEO of PFL and the recent CEO of PFL International, was leaving the organization.

    Under the vision of John Martin, who was named the new PFL CEO in July 2025, the PFL has gone through recent reorganization and changes ahead of 2026.

    The PFL’s first event of 2026 will be on February 7 at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The card will feature Usman Nurmagomedov defending his lightweight title against Alfie Davis and Ramazan Kuramagomedov facing Shamil Musaev for the PFL welterweight championship.

  • Alexander Volkanovski Addresses Retirement Rumors Ahead Of UFC 325 Title Defense

    Alexander Volkanovski Addresses Retirement Rumors Ahead Of UFC 325 Title Defense

    Plenty of people in the MMA community were left scratching their heads when Alexander Volkanovski’s next defense of the featherweight title was revealed to be a rematch with Diego Lopes at UFC 325.

    Having been less than a year since their first title clash, speculation started about why the fight was booked. Within that speculation came rumors that the fight would serve as Volkanovski’s retirement bout, win or lose — and debates on if it was time or not for Volkanovski to hang up the gloves.

    Now, in an appearance on the January 12 edition of The Ariel Helwani Show, Volkanovski publicly addressed the rumors of retirement for the first time.

    And he claimed that he has no idea where they came from.

    “I guess people are just going off of what I say,” Volkanovski said. “Like, I’m like, ‘How many more do I have?’ You know, if I was to get beaten up, am I going to come back and fight? No, but that’s not my plans.

    “Unless things go horribly wrong, I’m planning on going back out there.”

    Alexander Volkanovski Claims No Plans For Retirement After UFC 325

    This year marks Volkanovski’s 10th anniversary in the Octagon. Making his professional MMA debut in May 2012, Volkanovski arrived to the UFC as a 13-1 fighter in November 2016.

    He won his first seven Octagon fights, including wins over Jose Aldo, Chad Mendes, and Darren Elkins, before defeating Max Holloway for the UFC featherweight title at UFC 245. He made four consecutive title defenses, defeating Holloway (twice), Brian Ortega, and “The Korean Zombie” Chan Sung-Jung.

    In 2023 and 2024, things seemed to hit a low point for Volkanovski. Outside of a successful title defense against Yair Rodriguez, he unsuccessfully challenged then-lightweight champion Islam Makhachev twice before dropping the featherweight title to Ilia Topuria at UFC 298. At UFC 314, however, he regained the then-vacant championship by defeating Lopes.

    Volkanovski admitted, however, that it wasn’t long after that fight that he had an honest conversation about his future.

    “There was a talk straight after my last fight.” Volkanovski said. “I’m like, ‘How many more?’ You never know. There were talks like that, but as soon I started training, I was like ‘Ah, let’s keep going.’”

    Volkanovski took a clear unanimous decision over Lopes in their first meeting, but Lopes rebounded with a finish of Jean Silva in the main event of Noche UFC 3 in September.

    Nevertheless, Volkanovski aims for a similar (or better) result this go-around.

    “Right now, I plan on everything going well, getting my hand raised, hopefully taking minimal damage so I can have a good turnaround,” Volkanovski said. “So the plan isn’t definitely to retire.”

  • Johnny Eblen vs. Bryan Battle Set for PFL Pittsburgh on March 28

    Johnny Eblen vs. Bryan Battle Set for PFL Pittsburgh on March 28

    The Professional Fighters League returns to the United States for its first domestic event of 2026, as PFL Pittsburgh takes over the UPMC Events Center on March 28. The event marks the city’s first major MMA show in nearly a decade.

    Former Bellator middleweight champion Johnny Eblen (16-1) headlines against Bryan Battle (12-2, 1 NC) in a pivotal 185-pound clash. Eblen looks to rebound after losing his title in dramatic fashion in Cape Town, while Battle makes his highly anticipated PFL debut after signing as one of the most sought-after free agents in late 2025. The former Ultimate Fighter winner enters with momentum, having secured back-to-back first-round finishes in Dirty Boxing Championship.

    The co-main event features a hometown hero, as Pittsburgh native Dalton Rosta (11-2) returns to action following his run to the 2025 PFL World Tournament Finals. He faces former PFL champion Impa Kasanganay (19-6) in a matchup that pits two of South Florida’s top gyms against each otherโ€”Rosta’s Kill Cliff against Kasanganay’s American Top Team.

    “Bringing the PFL to Pittsburgh marks a major milestone for us,” said PFL CEO John Martin.

    The main card airs at 10:00 pm ET on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes.

    PFL Pittsburgh Tickets

    Pre-sale tickets are available January 27 via Ticketmaster, with general sale beginning January 29.

  • Dana White Set for Big Announcement Amid ‘Disconnected’ Criticism

    Dana White Set for Big Announcement Amid ‘Disconnected’ Criticism

    UFC CEO Dana White is scheduled to go live on Instagram later today (Tuesday, January 13) for what the promotion is billing as a “special announcement.”

    Has Dana White Been Disinterested in UFC?

    The announcement comes just one day after MMA journalist Ariel Helwani devoted a segment of his show to criticizing White’s recent media appearances, calling him “disconnected and disinterested” in the UFC product.

    Helwani specifically pointed to White’s CBS Mornings appearance promoting the upcoming Kayla Harrison vs. Amanda Nunes fight, noting the UFC CEO failed to mention Harrison’s two-time Olympic gold medal credentials while calling it “the greatest female fight of all time.”

    Paramount+ added fuel to the speculation by responding to UFC’s announcement tease with an eyes emoji, strongly suggesting the news involves the promotion’s new streaming partnership. UFC officially transitioned to Paramount+ on January 1 as part of a $7.7 billion, seven-year deal that eliminates the traditional pay-per-view model.

    UFC 324, set for January 24 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, will mark the first live event of the Paramount+ era. The card features Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight title and Harrison defending her women’s bantamweight championship against returning legend Amanda Nunes.

    While no specific time has been announced for today’s Instagram Live, fans can expect updates on UFC 324 and potentially broader scheduling news as the promotion kicks off its new broadcast era.

  • Francis Ngannou’s Coach on UFC Return: ‘Hopefully They Can Reconcile and Just Let That Sh*t Go’

    Francis Ngannou’s Coach on UFC Return: ‘Hopefully They Can Reconcile and Just Let That Sh*t Go’

    Francis Ngannou’s head coach Eric Nicksick is hoping his fighter and UFC CEO Dana White can put their differences aside, even if a return to the Octagon never happens.

    Speaking with MMA Fighting, the Xtreme Couture coach addressed the ongoing tension between Ngannou and White, which has intensified since the former heavyweight champion’s departure from the UFC in 2023.

    “I know what Francis brings to me and my family, and the way that he treats me, and that’s the way I judge him by his character. Same with Dana. Dana’s been nothing but nice and great to me,” Nicksick said. “I wish that somewhere down the line that these two could mend those fences, just on a personal level. I’d rather have friends than enemies.”

    White recently shared details of an alleged physical altercation with Ngannou from years ago, further straining their relationship. But Nicksick isn’t interested in the drama.

    “It’s like, f*ck, I don’t want to carry that energy every day. So hopefully they can reconcile and just let that sh*t go. Even if Francis never fights in the UFC ever again, like just move on.”

    Ngannou has competed just once since signing with PFL, stopping Renan Ferreira in the first round at PFL Battle of the Giants in October 2024. A potential matchup with PFL heavyweight champion Vadim Nemkov looms, though Nicksick admitted he’d love to see Ngannou back in the UFC.

    “He can do whatever the hell he wants to do. I think, on a personal level, I’d love to be able to see him compete in the UFC just because of the level of competition that he would go against.”

    Ngannou Open to UFC Return at White House Card

    Nicksick’s comments come as Ngannou himself has opened the door to a potential UFC return. The 39-year-old revealed on The Ariel Helwani Show that his PFL contract is nearing its end and could expire in time for the UFC’s planned White House event on June 14.

    “I’m getting very close on the PFL contract ending,” Ngannou said. “They have to give me a fight.”

    When asked about facing Jon Jones at the White House card, Ngannou expressed interest while acknowledging the uncertainty. He said he’s not “confident” a deal can be made but believes “there’s a chance” and that “anything can happen.”

    However, White has shown no signs of warming to the idea, recently dismissing any possibility of bringing Ngannou back for the event. Despite Ngannou’s openness, a UFC return appears unlikely unless both sides can find common ground โ€” something Nicksick clearly hopes will happen.

  • Francis Ngannou Training Daily for MMA Comeback, Coach Says He’s ‘Lightest I’ve Ever Seen Him’

    Francis Ngannou Training Daily for MMA Comeback, Coach Says He’s ‘Lightest I’ve Ever Seen Him’

    Francis Ngannou is actively preparing for his return to MMA, with his head coach Eric Nicksick revealing that the former UFC heavyweight champion is in the best shape of his career.

    Ngannou, who captured the PFL Super Fights heavyweight title with a first-round stoppage of Renan Ferreira in October 2024, has one fight remaining on his PFL contract. According to Nicksick, “The Predator” is fully committed to getting back in the cage in 2026.

    Speaking to MMA Fighting, Nicksick shared details about his recent conversations with the 39-year-old Cameroonian knockout artist.

    “We talk all the time and he was out in Dubai, he’s back in Cameroon, he’s coming back to Vegas here soon,” Nicksick said. “Francis always holds his cards close to the chest and I just know Francis. He’s a guy that he’s going to call me up on a Sunday and say, ‘Hey, we’re fighting Friday.’ It’s one of those things with him. We talked recently and that’s basically what he said. He goes, ‘Hey, Bubba, I want to come back and get back into MMA.’”

    Nicksick was particularly impressed by Ngannou’s current physical condition, noting a dramatic transformation in the heavyweight’s physique.

    “He’s the lightest I’ve ever seen him,” Nicksick revealed. “He called and FaceTimed, I saw his face right away and it was like chiseled. Usually, he’s like a little bit more plump and he’s been eating and stuff like that, but his knee is feeling good, so he’s getting his roadwork. He’s training every day and his weight was down.”

    When Nicksick inquired about potential upcoming fights, Ngannou confirmed he’s working on several options.

    “I was like, ‘Yo, we got something coming up?’ And he goes, ‘Yeah, I’m working on a few things.’ So hopefully, we see him back in the cage in 2026. And then the sky’s the limit for him, man.”

    PFL Planning ‘Something Very Special’ for Ngannou

    Last month, PFL CEO John Martin confirmed the promotion is working on a major matchup for Ngannou’s final contracted fight.

    “I’ve spoken to Francis a number of times, he knows we’re working on something very special for him,” Martin told MMA Fighting. “Francis knows that we’re looking forward to him fighting in 2026, relatively soon hopefully and we’re trying to put something together that’s very special for him. He’s got one more fight under his contract and we’ll see what happens after that.”

    The most logical opponent for Ngannou appears to be Vadim Nemkov, who became the PFL heavyweight champion by submitting Renan Ferreira in the first round in December. Ngannou has previously mentioned Nemkov as a potential opponent, and the Russian two-division champion has expressed interest in the matchup.

    “I think about Francis and the possibility of fighting him,” Nemkov told MMA Junkie. “If that’s what my next fight is then great. It’s really for PFL to set up and make it work.”

    UFC Return Remains Unlikely

    Despite Ngannou recently indicating a willingness to return to the UFC for the promotion’s planned White House event in June 2026, Dana White has made it clear that a reunion isn’t happening. Ngannou even suggested he’d be willing to fight Jon Jones at the event.

    White quickly dismissed any possibility of bringing Ngannou back when asked about the fighter’s comments.

    “I don’t know how I can make it anymore fโ€”ing clear,” White told The Mac Life while laughing.

    Nicksick expressed hope that the two sides could eventually reconcile.

    “I know what Francis brings to me and my family, and the way that he treats me, and that’s the way I judge him by his character. Same with Dana. Dana’s been nothing but nice and great to me. I wish that somewhere down the line that these two could mend those fences, just on a personal level.”

    What’s Next for Ngannou?

    With his PFL contract nearing its end, Ngannou will become a free agent after his next fight. The former UFC champion has options in both MMA and boxing, having previously expressed interest in a bout with Deontay Wilder.

    For now, Ngannou appears focused on his MMA return. His demolition of Ferreira in 2024 proved he remains a force in the heavyweight division, and a clash with Nemkov would provide another high-profile opponent to add to his resume.

    Ngannou’s record stands at 18-3 in MMA. He left the UFC in 2023 after failing to reach an agreement on a new contract following his unanimous decision victory over Ciryl Gane at UFC 270 in January 2022. Since then, he has lost boxing matches to Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua before returning to MMA with his dominant PFL victory.

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

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

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

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

    UFC 324 and the Paramount+ Era

    UFC on Paramount+

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Both Champions Coming Off Dominant Title Wins

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

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

    White House Card Taking Shape

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • CEO Peter Murray Departs PFL After 8 Years

    CEO Peter Murray Departs PFL After 8 Years

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

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

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

    โ€œPFL would not be here today without Pete Murrayโ€™s relentless entrepreneurship and selfless leadership,โ€ stated Donn Davis, PFL founder and chairman. โ€œHe has been my trusted and valued partner building the company and I look forward to his continued support.โ€

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

  • Maycee Barber No Longer Feels Safe With Referee Mark Smith

    Maycee Barber No Longer Feels Safe With Referee Mark Smith

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • UFC Rankings Report: January 5, 2026

    UFC Rankings Report: January 5, 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    UFC 324: Gaethje vs. Pimblett

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Additional UFC 324 Main Card Bouts

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

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

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

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

    UFC 325: Volkanovski vs. Lopes 2

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

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

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

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

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

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

    The Broader Context: A Stacked January

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

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

    Looking Beyond January

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Final Thoughts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    The Main Event: A Lightweight Showdown

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

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

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

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

    The Co-Main Event: Amanda Nunes Returns

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

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

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

    The Supporting Cast

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

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

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

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

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

    The Context: Bantamweight Depth

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

    The Larger Narrative

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

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

    January 24 can’t come soon enough.

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

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

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

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

    The Deal That Changed Everything

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

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

    What Fans Actually Pay

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

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

    The Paramount+ Experience

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

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

    Select Events on CBSโ€”The Simulcast Strategy

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

    What This Means for 2026

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

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

    The Legacy Moment

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

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

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

  • 2025 PFL Africa Finals: Results & Highlights

    2025 PFL Africa Finals: Results & Highlights

    The PFL has arrived to Benin as it presents the 2025 PFL Africa Finals โ€” and MMA News has you covered with all the action.

    The PFLโ€™s expansion efforts began a couple of years ago with the launch of PFL Europe, followed by the establishment of PFL MENA last year. Now, as was once promised when the PFL signed Francis Ngannou in 2023, the PFL has officially launched PFL Africa this year.

    The fourth-ever PFL Africa event will determine the first-ever tournament champions in the promotion’s history.

    The main event will see the champion crowned at bantamweight, as Nkosi Ndebele takes on Boule Godogo. Ndebele reached tonight’s championship main event after putting away Mahmoud Atef and Simbarashe Hokonya. Godogo defeated Shannon Van Tonderin in the first round but lost to Karim Henniene in the semi-finals. Henniene was unable to compete, however, giving Godogo another chance to earn the tournament title tonight.

    The co-main event will have the welterweight champion be crowned when Shido Boris Esperanca faces Yabna Nโ€™tchala. Esperanca reached the final with first-round wins over Ibrahima Mane and Ayinda Octave. N’tchala, meanwhile, scored decision victories over Sanon Sadeck and Emilios Dassi.

    The heavyweight tournament champion will also be determined when Justin Clarke faces Abraham Bably. Clarke reached the final with finishes of Jashell Ticha Awa and Maxwell Djantou Nana. Bably, meanwhile, reached the final with first-round knockouts of Paul-Emmanuel Gnaze and Joffie Houlton.

    The inaugural featherweight tournament championship will also be on the line as Alain Majorique takes on Wasi Adeshina. Majorique entered the tournament as a fill-in and defeated Mohamed Camara to reach tonight’s final. Adeshina, meanwhile, defeated Jean-Jacques Lubaya and Dwight Joseph to reach tonight.

    The 2025 PFL Africa Finals begin at 11am ET/8am PT on the PFL App and Vice TV. If you canโ€™t watch the action, MMA News has you covered with all the results and highlights below.

    2025 PFL Africa Finals Results & Highlights

    Main Card:

    • Bantamweight Championship: Nkosi Ndebele def. Boule Godogo via KO (R2, 0:27)
    • Welterweight Championship: Yabna Nโ€™tchala def. Shido Boris Esperanca via TKO (retirement) (R3, 5:00)
    • Lightweight Showcase: Cornel Thompson def. Jean Do Santos via unanimous decision (30-27 x2, 29-28)
    • Heavyweight Championship: Abraham Bably def. Justin Clarke via KO (R1, 0:21)
    • Featherweight Championship: Wasi Adeshina def. Alain Majorique via TKO (doctor’s stoppage) (R2, 3:07)

    Preliminary Card:

    • Welterweight Showcase: Eliezer Kubanza def. Francis Mozou via TKO (R1, 3:18)
    • Women’s Strawweight Showcase: Juliet Ukah def. Maryam Gaber via TKO (R1, 3:12)
    • Light Heavyweight Showcase: Styve Ngono def. Meledje Yedoh via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)
    • Heavyweight Showcase: Abdoulaye Kane def. Jashell Ticha Awa via TKO (R2, 2:54)
    • Welterweight Showcase: Mouhamed Ba def. Desmond Tamungang via TKO (R1, 2:00)
    • Women’s Strawweight Showcase: Shelda Chipito def. Miracle Andrew via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

    Shelda Chipito vs. Miracle Andrew

    Mouhamed Ba vs. Desmond Tamungang

    Abdoulaye Kane vs. Jashell Ticha Awa

    Styve Ngono vs. Meledje Yedoh

    Juliet Ukah vs. Maryam Gaber

    Eliezer Kubanza vs. Francis Mozou

    Alain Majorique vs. Wasi Adeshina

    Justin Clarke vs. Abraham Bably

    Jean Do Santos vs. Cornel Thompson

    Shido Boris Esperanca vs. Yabna Nโ€™tchala

    Nkosi Ndebele vs. Boule Godogo

  • ‘Might Have Just Jumped Taira For A Title Shot’ – Fans And Fighters React As Manel Kape Closes UFC On ESPN Era With Brutal Knockout Of Brandon Royval At UFC Vegas 112

    ‘Might Have Just Jumped Taira For A Title Shot’ – Fans And Fighters React As Manel Kape Closes UFC On ESPN Era With Brutal Knockout Of Brandon Royval At UFC Vegas 112

    Manel Kape has made a statement on why he might deserve the first shot at new flyweight champion Joshua Van, as he closes out the UFC on ESPN era with a finish of Brandon Royval in the UFC Vegas 112 main event.

    The pair felt each other out during the opening frame, trading low kicks and short strikes. Kape worked over Royval’s battle during the round to bring him toward the fence, and that was the opening Kape was looking for.

    Kape landed a right hand that cracked Royval, slumping him against the fence with his strikes. Some follow-up ground-and-pound brought the fight to a quick end, giving Kape the first-round finish.

    Manel Kape Blasts Through Brandon Royval At UFC Vegas 112

    Kape has now won three straight and seven of his last eight.

    Despite the loss, Royval is still 5-2 in his last seven fights.

  • ‘Going To Be A Top Featherweight In 2026’ – Fans & Fighters React As Kevin Vallejos Becomes First To Knock Out Giga Chikadze At UFC Vegas 112

    ‘Going To Be A Top Featherweight In 2026’ – Fans & Fighters React As Kevin Vallejos Becomes First To Knock Out Giga Chikadze At UFC Vegas 112

    Kevin Vallejos will now be able to call himself a ranked featherweight contender after becoming the first man to knock out Giga Chikadze in the co-main event of UFC Vegas 112.

    The first round started fairly quiet, minus a combination from Vallejos that took advantage of a Chikadze slip. The two traded leg kicks, with a nasty gash opening on Chikadze’s left leg thanks to a checked kick.

    Chikadze brought out some strong kicks in the second half of round one when he wasn’t held against the fence.

    But it was Vallejos that took the fight in round two. With both men near the fence, Vallejos landed a spinning backfist that dropped Chikadze in brutal fashion. He followed that up with some elbow-based ground-and-pound to bring a quick halt to the contest.

    Kevin Vallejos Drops Giga Chikadze At UFC Vegas 112

    Vallejos has now won six straight since his sole loss — a defeat to Jean Silva on Dana White’s Contender Series. He is 3-0 in the Octagon since winning a UFC contract in his 2024 DWCS appearance.

    Chikadze has now lost three straight and four of his last five. His sole win in that span was defeating Alex Caceres at UFC Singapore in August 2023.

  • VIDEO: Melquizael Costa Scores Fourth Win Of 2025 With Quick And Impressive Head-Kick KO At UFC Vegas 112

    VIDEO: Melquizael Costa Scores Fourth Win Of 2025 With Quick And Impressive Head-Kick KO At UFC Vegas 112

    Melquizael Costa took control of his 2025 and built himself into a featherweight on the rise, stamping that with a highlight knockout of Morgan Charriere at UFC Vegas 112.

    The fight started off fairly slow, with the two trading leg kicks. But Costa just needed one kick to completely end things, landing a devastating head kick that got around Charriere’s guard and dropped him back-first to the mat.

    The fight lasted just 74 seconds.

    Melquizael Costa Sends Morgan Charriere Into Another Dimension With Head Kick At UFC Vegas 112

    Costa is now on a five-fight win streak and is 6-2 in the Octagon. This was his first fight since he and Julian Erosa put on a show in the UFC Vegas 106 Fight of the Night in May.

    Charriere is 3-3 in the UFC, having traded wins and losses consistently since arriving to the promotion from Cage Warriors in 2023.

  • ‘Going To Be A Serious Player’ – Fans React To Former Bellator Champ Yaroslav Amosov Submitting Neil Magny In UFC Debut At UFC Vegas 112

    ‘Going To Be A Serious Player’ – Fans React To Former Bellator Champ Yaroslav Amosov Submitting Neil Magny In UFC Debut At UFC Vegas 112

    Former Bellator welterweight champion Yaroslav Amosov came away with a solid debut effort in the Octagon, putting away Octagon veteran Neil Magny in the featured prelim of UFC Vegas 112.

    Magny looked to take control of the fight early with his striking, while also fending off Amosov’s clinch and takedown efforts. Amosov would score the takedown just under two minutes into the bout, however.

    Amosov would work his position and managed to find an anaconda choke, scoring the first-round submission.

    Yaroslav Amosov Submits Neil Magny At UFC Vegas 112

    Amosov made his UFC debut tonight after a highly successful run in Bellator. Amosov went 27-0 to start his professional MMA career, which included defeating Douglas Lima at Bellator 260 to become Bellator welterweight champion. He’d defend that title against Logan Storley before dropping it to Jason Jackson at Bellator 301 — the sole blemish on his professional MMA career.

    Magny is now 2-3 in his last five fights.

  • ‘More Than Just A Motivational Story’ – Fans React As Steven Asplund Puts On Violent Display In UFC Debut Win Over Sean Sharaf At UFC Vegas 112

    ‘More Than Just A Motivational Story’ – Fans React As Steven Asplund Puts On Violent Display In UFC Debut Win Over Sean Sharaf At UFC Vegas 112

    Steven Asplund certainly had a memorable UFC debut at UFC Vegas 112, putting away Sean Sharaf in a wild brawl of a heavyweight encounter during the preliminary card.

    Sharaf got aggressive out of the gate, looking to establish control. But Asplund was ready, landing counterpunches that seemed to get Sharaf’s attention. The two continuously traded flurries mere seconds into the fight. The pacing slowed but the power remained, particularly with Asplund, who managed to use his punching and a knee to bust Sharaf open on his face.

    Asplund looked to finished Sharaf near the fence before the end of the first. Sharaf survived and tried to pressure Asplund with hooks early in the second. But Asplund continued to land at will, backing Sharaf up and worsening the cut.

    Following a brief pause due to a low blow, Asplund continue to pour on the onslaught until the referee waved it off.

    Steven Asplund Stops Sean Sharaf At UFC Vegas 112

    This marked Asplund’s UFC debut following his performance on Dana White’s Contender Series earlier this year. He earned a contract on that show in September after knocking out Anthony Guarascio in 16 seconds.

    Sharaf, the former LXF heavyweight champion, is now 0-2 in the UFC. He last fought in October 2024, getting knocked out by Junior Tafa.

  • ‘No Reason Why Nemkov-Francis Shouldn’t Be Made Next’ – Fans React As Vadim Nemkov Runs Through Renan Ferreira To Become PFL Heavyweight Champion At PFL Lyon

    ‘No Reason Why Nemkov-Francis Shouldn’t Be Made Next’ – Fans React As Vadim Nemkov Runs Through Renan Ferreira To Become PFL Heavyweight Champion At PFL Lyon

    After already owning gold at light heavyweight, Vadim Nemkov now has a championship in a second weight class, defeating Renan Ferreira in the main event of PFL Lyon to become PFL heavyweight world champion.

    After a little patience from both men, Nemkov was able to score a takedown. After landing a series of shots, Nemkov got into mount and began to try and find an arm-triangle choke. Ferreira looked to defend, trying to land from the bottom and find his own submission, going on to get into top position.

    It was a fleeting moment, however, as Nemkov got back on top and worked his way back into securing an arm-triangle, getting the submission win and the world title.

    Vadim Nemkov Becomes Heavyweight Champion By Submitting Renan Ferreira At PFL Lyon

    Nemkov went 3-0 in PFL in 2025, coming over following the promotion’s 2023 purchase of Bellator. Nemkov scored finishes of Bruno Cappelozza and Tim Johnson.

    This was Ferreira’s first fight since getting stopped by Francis Ngannou at PFL Battle of the Giants in October 2024.

  • VIDEO: Cris Cyborg Locks Up Choke, Submits Sara Collins In Women’s Featherweight Title Fight At PFL Lyon

    VIDEO: Cris Cyborg Locks Up Choke, Submits Sara Collins In Women’s Featherweight Title Fight At PFL Lyon

    In the second-to-last fight of her MMA career, Cris Cyborg kept her position as one of the best female athletes in the sport, submitting Sara Collins to remain PFL women’s featherweight champion in the co-main event of PFL Lyon.

    Collins had her fair share of moments in the fight, using leg kicks and trying to go use her jabs and grappling to keep Cyborg at bay. Cyborg, however, had the power edge and used it to her advantage, bringing pressure to Collins.

    Collins scored a takedown in round two, but Cyborg’s attacks from the bottom, including a couple of submission attempts, looked to drain Collins’ energy. Cyborg’s power really came out in the third round, but Collins scored another takedown via a judo throw and threatened an Americana.

    Cyborg, however, reversed and got to the back, putting Collins away with a choke — just the second win via submission in Cyborg’s career.

    Cris Cyborg Submits Sara Collins To Retain Women’s Featherweight Title At PFL Lyon

    Cyborg, who has captured championships in every promotion she has been in, became PFL women’s featherweight champion by defeating Larissa Pacheco at PFL Battle of the Giants last year.

    This was Collins’ first fight since her own fight late last year, submitting Leah McCourt.