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Category: UFC

Latest UFC news articles, interviews and more covering the world’s top Mixed Martial Arts promotion.

  • “Robbed” – Padilla vs. Mederos Changed To Draw After Errors

    Another week, another major screw-up in the world of MMA officiating and judging, courtesy of a set of judges at UFC 327.

    The botch occurred during the preliminary card matchup between Chris Padilla and MarQuel Mederos. The fight was filled with plenty of striking volume, especially from Padilla, who brought plenty of pressure. Mederos had his own strong strikes, including bloodying Padilla up with an elbow. Mederos, however, was deducted a point for an eye poke during round three.

    Padilla was originally announced as the winner by majority decision, with two 29-27 scores and a 28-28 draw. Following the Tatiana Suarez vs. Loopy Godinez bout, however, the UFC broadcast announced that the score for Padilla vs. Mederos was corrected to be ruled a majority draw.

    The corrected scorecards were then revealed, with all three judges appearing to not count the point deduction Mederos received during the third round.

    Furthermore, under the original scorecards, Mederos was the one who would have been awarded a split decision win. The original scorecards’ totals had it two 29-28s in his favor, from judges Derek Cleary and Eliseo Rodriguez. Solimar Miranda originally had it 29-28 for Padilla, resulting in the lone 29-27 Padilla total on the corrections.

    Chris Padilla vs. MarQuel Mederos Ruled Majority Draw After Scoring Mix-Up At UFC 327

    The mix-up prompted another round of mockery and anger from the MMA community.

    Padilla stepped into this fight with a seven-fight win streak, including a 4-0 UFC record. Padilla had most recently fought Ismael Bonfim in November, scoring a second-round finish.

    Mederos entered this bout with a nine-fight win streak and an 11-1 professional MMA record. He was 3-0 in the UFC before tonight, most recently defeating Mark Choinski at UFC 316.

  • “The D’Arce Knight Rises” – Vicente Luque Submits Kelvin Gastelum

    “The D’Arce Knight Rises” – Vicente Luque Submits Kelvin Gastelum

    Vicente Luque found himself in some early trouble, but he was able to gather himself up and battle back to drop and submit Kelvin Gastelum during the UFC 327 prelims.

    Gastelum came out on the front foot early, trying to pressure Luque with single shots. Gastelum brought Luque to the fence and pinned him there before scoring the takedown. Gastelum troubled Luque, holding him for a while and attempting a choke.

    Luque, however, was able to work his way out of Gastelum’s grasp. Despite Gastelum’s strong chin, Luque landed a strong right uppercut that dropped him. Luque then held Gastelum down on the ground for a bit before locking in a D’Arce choke to score the submission.

    Vicente Luque Submits Kelvin Gastelum At UFC 327

    Luque rebounds from back-to-back losses to Kevin Holland and Joel Alvarez, improving to 3-3 in his last six.

    Gastelum is now 3-5 in his last eight.

  • Jon Jones Changes Retirement Tune Again After Stem Cell Treatment

    Jon Jones Changes Retirement Tune Again After Stem Cell Treatment

    The Jon Jones saga continues after all?

    After hinting at retirement in a video posted on social media on Friday, April 10, stating he had “hung up his gloves,” Jones has appeared to leave the door open on fighting in the future.

    Per MMA Fighting, while appearing at the Dirty Boxing 6 event held on that same night, Jones said he had a conversation about the situation with UFC Chief Business Officer Hunter Campbell.

    Jones stated that his body had started to feel more capable after undergoing stem-cell treatment.

    “We had that conversation tonight,” Jones said. “I took a stem cell right before the White House card was created, and I’m starting to feel the effects of that stem cell, I feel really good physically.”

    Jones has publicly stated that dealing with arthritis has been a hurdle for him to continue his MMA career. It appeared to be the reason he was formally retired in June 2025. That same month, UFC CEO and President Dana White announced Jones’ retirement status, awarding the undisputed UFC heavyweight championship to then-interim champion Tom Aspinall.

    After three years away from the Octagon, dominating the light heavyweight scene through the 2010s, Jones moved up to heavyweight at UFC 285, defeating Ciryl Gane for the then-vacant UFC heavyweight title.

    Jones last fought at UFC 309, defeating Stipe Miocic. He was scheduled to fight Miocic one year earlier at UFC 295, the same night Aspinall went on to win the interim title, but suffered a torn pec.

    Jones changed his stance on retirement a couple of weeks later, when U.S. President Donald Trump first teased what would become UFC Freedom 250. Jones, to his disappointment, was left off the card in favor of an interim heavyweight title fight between Gane and Alex Pereira.

    It’s uncertain if and when Jones will return to the Octagon, but he stated that his priority right now is coaching Gable Steveson. Steveson, the former NCAA wrestling champion, competes at RAF 9 on May 30. He is currently 3-0 in professional MMA, and many expect him to be picked up by the UFC sooner or later.

    “So I told them let’s not put any pressure on anything, I want to focus on coaching Gable right now,” Jones said. “But who knows what the future holds?”

  • UFC 327 Results: Prochazka vs Ulberg Live Updates & Highlights

    UFC 327 Results: Prochazka vs Ulberg Live Updates & Highlights

    MMA News updates UFC 327 results and highlights live as the action unfolds from the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. The main event will feature Jiri Prochazka and Carlos Ulberg battling for the vacant UFC light heavyweight championship. MMANews has you covered with all the results and highlights!

    Prochazka vs Ulberg: Light Heavyweight Title Fight

    The championship is being vacated today as Pereira aims to move up to heavyweight, being booked in an interim heavyweight title fight with Ciryl Gane at UFC Freedom 250 in two months.

    Prochazka has tasted light heavyweight gold before, defeating Glover Teixeira to capture the title at UFC 275. Prochazka, however, vacated the title due to injury before he could ever make a defense.

    Prochazka, who is also a former RIZIN champion, is 6-2 in the UFC, with both losses coming in light heavyweight title fights with Alex Pereira at UFC 295 and UFC 303. Prochazka last fought at UFC 321, finishing Khalil Rountree Jr.

    Ulberg is 13-1 in MMA entering tonight, with his sole loss coming against Kennedy Nzechukwu in his UFC debut. Ulberg has won nine straight, most recently knocking out Dominick Reyes, another former light heavyweight title challenger, in September. Ulberg also holds wins over former champion Jan Blachowicz and former challenger Volkan Oezdemir.

    The co-main event will also be contested at light heavyweight, as the undefeated Azamat Murzakanov takes on Paulo Costa, who is jumping up to the division from middleweight.

    Murzakanov is a perfect 16-0. Since winning a contract on Dana White’s Contender Series, he has won all six fights he’s had in the Octagon, with five of those coming via KO/TKO. He most recently scored a first-round finish of Aleksandar Rakic at UFC 321.

    Costa enters this fight off a decision win over Roman Kopylov at UFC 318. This is Costa’s second 205-pound bout; he previously faced Marvin Vettori at the weight in October 2021, losing via decision.

    If you can’t watch the action, check here for all the latest results and highlights from UFC 327!

    How to Watch UFC 327

    • Date: Saturday, April 11, 2026
    • Venue: Kaseya Center, Miami, Florida
    • Streaming: Paramount+ , CBS (8pm ET – 10pm ET [last hour of prelims and first hour of main card])
    • Prelims: 5:30 PM ET / 2:30 PM PT
    • Late Prelims: 7 PM ET / 4 PM PT
    • Main Card: 9 PM ET / 6 PM PT

    UFC 327 Quick Results

    • Main Event: Jiri Prochazka vs. Carlos Ulberg — Carlos Ulberg def. Jiri Prochazka via KO (Rd. 1, 3:45)
    • Co-Main: Azamat Murzakanov vs. Paulo Costa — Paulo Costa def. Azamat Murzakanov via TKO (Rd. 3, 1:23)
    • Curtis Blaydes vs. Josh Hokit — Josh Hokit def. Curtis Blaydes via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
    • Dominick Reyes vs. Johnny Walker — Dominick Reyes def. Johnny Walker via split decision (29-28 x2, 28-29)
    • Cub Swanson vs. Nate Landwehr — Cub Swanson def. Nate Landwehr via TKO (Rd. 1, 4:06)

    UFC 327 Results & Highlights

    Early Preliminary Card (Paramount+, 5:30 PM ET)

    Welterweight: Charles Radtke vs. Francisco Prado

    Result: Charles Radtke def. Francisco Prado via unanimous decision (30-26 x3)

    Middleweight: Kelvin Gastelum vs. Vicente Luque

    Result: Vicente Luque def. Kelvin Gastelum via submission (D’Arce choke) (Rd. 1, 4:08)

    Lightweight: Chris Padilla vs. MarQuel Mederos

    Result: Chris Padilla vs. MarQuel Mederos goes to a majority draw (28-28 x2, 29-27) (Fight was originally announced as a majority decision win for Padilla)

    Preliminary Card (Paramount+, 7 PM ET [CBS 8 PM ET – 9 pm ET])

    Women’s Strawweight: Tatiana Suarez vs. Loopy Godinez

    Result: Tatiana Suarez def. Loopy Godinez via submission (rear-naked choke) (Rd. 2, 2:29)

    Lightweight: Mateusz Gamrot vs. Estevan Ribovics

    Result: Mateusz Gamrot def. Estevan Ribovics via submission (arm-triangle choke) (Rd. 2, 4:19)

    Welterweight: Kevin Holland vs. Randy Brown

    Result: Kevin Holland def. Randy Brown via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

    Featherweight: Patricio Pitbull vs. Aaron Pico

    Result: Aaron Pico def. Patricio Pitbull via unanimous decision (30-27 x2, 29-28)

    Main Card (Paramount+, 9 PM ET [CBS 9 PM ET – 10 pm ET])

    Featherweight: Cub Swanson vs. Nate Landwehr

    Result: Cub Swanson def. Nate Landwehr via TKO (Rd. 1, 4:06)

    Light Heavyweight: Dominick Reyes vs. Johnny Walker

    Result: Dominick Reyes def. Johnny Walker via split decision (29-28 x2, 28-29)

    Heavyweight: Curtis Blaydes vs. Josh Hokit

    Result: Josh Hokit def. Curtis Blaydes via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

    Light Heavyweight: Azamat Murzakanov vs. Paulo Costa

    Result: Paulo Costa def. Azamat Murzakanov via TKO (Rd. 3, 1:23)

    Light Heavyweight Championship: Jiri Prochazka vs. Carlos Ulberg

    Result: Carlos Ulberg def. Jiri Prochazka via KO (Rd. 1, 3:45)

  • “My Gloves Are Hung Up” – Jon Jones Says He’s Done Fighting

    “My Gloves Are Hung Up” – Jon Jones Says He’s Done Fighting

    After back-to-back retirement/fighter negotiation sagas, it seems like perhaps Jon Jones really is done with his fighting days for good.

    In a new video posted on social media by Red Corner MMA, Jones claims that he no longer considers himself a fighter, but a businessman.

    “My gloves are hung up,” Jones said in the video. “I’m chilling these days. You got business Jon Jones, no more fighter Jon Jones.”

    The last couple of years have been an ongoing saga regarding Jones’ availability and status, going back to his time as the UFC heavyweight champion.

    Jones appeared to be formally retired for good when UFC President Dana White announced such during the UFC Baku post-fight press conference in June 2025. In that same press conference, Aspinall was promoted from interim to undisputed UFC heavyweight champion.

    This seemed to bring an end to long-standing negotiations for the two to meet in a title unification bout. Aspinall won the UFC interim heavyweight title at UFC 295, a card where Jones was scheduled to defend the UFC heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic before tearing his pec. Jones would defeat Miocic when they finally met a year later at UFC 309.

    But when U.S. President Donald Trump first teased the plans for a UFC card at the White House, now known as UFC Freedom 250, Jones was one of the first people to raise his hand to participate in the event. This came just two weeks after White confirmed Jones’ retirement.

    White admitted at one point that Jones vs. Aspinall was his own White House “dream main event.” There was also some clamoring for Jones vs. Pereira to headline UFC Freedom 250 in the wake of Aspinall’s unavailability since his eye injury against Ciryl Gane in the UFC 321 main event.

    White, however, made it clear on more than one occasion that he did not trust Jones with headlining such a major card, pointing to some of Jones’ issues outside of the Octagon. That decision was made final with the release of the UFC Freedom 250 card.

    Now, it seems less certain we’ll see Jones compete in the UFC again.

    UFC Freedom 250 will feature an interim heavyweight title fight between Gane and Pereira. Its main event will be Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje battling to unify the UFC lightweight championship.

  • Watch the UFC 327: Jiri Prochazka vs. Carlos Ulberg Weigh-Ins

    Watch the UFC 327: Jiri Prochazka vs. Carlos Ulberg Weigh-Ins

    We are now just one day shy of UFC 327, which will determine if Jiri Prochazka or Carlos Ulberg walks away the new UFC light heavyweight champion. Get the latest from all of today’s weigh-ins in Miami here with MMANews!

    Prochazka and Ulberg were selected to fight for the championship, which Alex Pereira will relinquish. Pereira is moving up to heavyweight, facing Ciryl Gane for the interim UFC heavyweight title at UFC Freedom 250 in two months.

    Prochazka previously defeated Glover Teixeira at UFC 275 to become light heavyweight champion; however, an injury resulted in him vacating the title before making a defense. Prochazka, who is 6-2 in the UFC since coming over in 2020 from RIZIN where he was also a champion, has unsuccessfully attempted to reclaim the gold twice in bouts with Alex Pereira at UFC 295 and UFC 303.

    Ulberg has won nine straight since losing his UFC debut against Kennedy Nzechukwu, the sole loss in Ulberg’s MMA career so far. Ulberg’s last three fights have come against former light heavyweight champions or title challengers: decision wins over Volkan Oezdemir and Jan Blachowicz, as well as a knockout of Dominick Reyes.

    UFC 327 Official And Ceremonial Weigh-Ins

    You can find the YouTube video to view the UFC’s official UFC 327 Morning Weigh-In Show below, as well as the updated results as the fighters weigh in.

    The Morning Weigh-In show begins at 8:50am ET/5:50am PT.

    Main Card (Paramount+, 9 PM ET [CBS 9 PM ET – 10 pm ET])

    • Light Heavyweight Championship: Jiri Prochazka (203) vs. Carlos Ulberg (204)
    • Light Heavyweight: Azamat Murzakanov (205) vs. Paulo Costa (205)
    • Heavyweight: Curtis Blaydes (261) vs. Josh Hokit (233)
    • Light Heavyweight: Dominick Reyes (205) vs. Johnny Walker (205)
    • Featherweight: Cub Swanson (146) vs. Nate Landwehr (145)

    Preliminary Card (Paramount+, 7 PM ET [CBS 8 PM ET – 9 pm ET])

    • Featherweight: Patricio Pitbull (145) vs. Aaron Pico (145)
    • Welterweight: Kevin Holland (171) vs. Randy Brown (171)
    • Lightweight: Mateusz Gamrot (156) vs. Estevan Ribovics (155)
    • Women’s Strawweight: Tatiana Suarez (116) vs. Loopy Godinez (116)

    Preliminary Card (Paramount+, 5:30 PM ET)

    • Lightweight: Chris Padilla (158*) vs. MarQuel Mederos (155)
    • Middleweight: Kelvin Gastelum (185) vs. Vicente Luque (185)
    • Welterweight: Charles Radtke (170) vs. Francisco Prado (170)

    *Padilla weighs in 2 pounds above the non-title lightweight limit.

    You can watch the UFC 327 Ceremonial Weigh-In in the video player below.

    The UFC 327 Ceremonial Weigh-In begins at 5pm ET/2pm PT.

  • TUF Season 34 Set For June Release With UFC Hall Of Fame Coaches

    “The Ultimate Fighter” (TUF) is officially set to return for its 34th season, with two familiar faces stepping into coaching roles once again.

    The UFC has confirmed that Season 34 will premiere on June 14 on Paramount+, kicking off a new chapter for the long-running reality competition series.

    The upcoming “TUF” season will premiere on June 14, streaming on Paramount+, ahead of the highly anticipated UFC Freedom 250 event. New episodes will follow every Tuesday, continuing across a 12-episode run.

    This time around, coaching duties will be handled by UFC Hall of Famers Daniel Cormier and Michael Bisping, both of whom have become key voices on the promotion’s broadcast team in recent years.

    Season 34 will feature a mix of men’s bantamweight and women’s strawweight prospects, with 16 fighters competing for a coveted UFC contract. The format remains rooted in the show’s original concept, offering rising talent a pathway into the organization through competition and exposure.

    For “DC”, this marks another milestone. The former UFC two-division champion becomes the first coach in the show’s history to lead back-to-back seasons, having also served in that role last season. Overall, it will be his third stint as a coach on the series.

    Bisping, a former UFC middleweight champion and winner of the show himself (Season 3), also returns for his third appearance as a coach. His history with the series dates back to his own breakthrough moment, making his involvement come full circle.

    Over the years, the show has played a major role in shaping the UFC roster, producing several champions and top contenders. Names like Forrest Griffin, Rashad Evans, TJ Dillashaw, Robert Whittaker, Carla Esparza, and Rose Namajunas all emerged from the platform, highlighting its long-term impact on the sport.

  • UFC 327 Odds, Picks & Best Bets: Predictions for Every Fight on the Card

    UFC 327 Odds, Picks & Best Bets: Predictions for Every Fight on the Card

    UFC 327 is this week, and we’re that much closer to determining a new UFC light heavyweight champion. Get the latest betting odds and best bets from MMANews!

    In the main event of UFC 327, Jiri Prochazka and Carlos Ulberg fight for the right to be named the new UFC light heavyweight champion. Alex Pereira will vacate the title to move up to heavyweight.

    Prochazka is 6-2 since coming to the UFC from RIZIN. He defeated Glover Teixeira for the UFC light heavyweight title at UFC 275, but ended up vacating the gold due to injury. Prochazka attempted to win the belt back twice previously, getting stopped by Alex Pereira at UFC 295 and UFC 303.

    Ulberg is 13-1 in professional MMA, having not lost since dropping his UFC debut to Kennedy Nzechukwu at UFC 259. He’s won nine straight, which includes knockouts of Dominick Reyes and Alonzo Menifield, as well as a submission of Da-un Jung and decision wins over former champion Jan Blachowicz and former challenger Volkan Oezdemir.

    After UFC 327 lost its planned flyweight title fight to UFC 328, the co-main event will now feature Azamat Murzakanov looking to remain undefeated against Paulo Costa.

    Murzakanov, at 16-0, has won six straight since arriving at the UFC off Dana White’s Contender Series. He most recently fought at UFC 321, earning a first-round finish of Aleksandar Rakic.

    Costa last fought at UFC 318 in July, scoring a decision over Roman Kopylov. He is 2-4 in his last six. Costa has fought at 205 once before, in a 2021 loss to Marvin Vettori, but this is his first fight in a full jump up in weight class.

    Other fights scheduled for the main card include Curtis Blaydes vs. Josh Hokit, Dominick Reyes vs. Johnny Walker, and Cub Swanson vs. Nate Landwehr (in Swanson’s retirement fight).

    UFC 327 Betting Odds

    Here are the latest betting odds for UFC 327, as of 11:45am ET on April 9, courtesy of DraftKings:

    Preliminary Card (Paramount+, 5:30 PM ET)

    • Welterweight: Charles Radtke (-175) vs. Francisco Prado (+145)
    • Middleweight: Kelvin Gastelum (-278) vs. Vicente Luque (+225)
    • Lightweight: Chris Padilla (-155) vs. MarQuel Mederos (+130)

    Preliminary Card (Paramount+, 7 PM ET)

    • Women’s Strawweight: Tatiana Suarez (-155) vs. Loopy Godinez (+130)
    • Lightweight: Mateusz Gamrot (-192) vs. Estevan Ribovics (+160)
    • Welterweight: Kevin Holland (-110) vs. Randy Brown (-110)
    • Featherweight: Patricio Pitbull (+245) vs. Aaron Pico (-305)

    Main Card (Paramount+, 9 PM ET)

    • Featherweight: Cub Swanson (-105) vs. Nate Landwehr (-115)
    • Light Heavyweight: Dominick Reyes (-148) vs. Johnny Walker (+124)
    • Heavyweight: Curtis Blaydes (-122) vs. Josh Hokit (+102)
    • Light Heavyweight: Azamat Murzakanov (-205) vs. Paulo Costa (+170)
    • Light Heavyweight Championship: Jiri Prochazka (-112) vs. Carlos Ulberg (-108)

    UFC 327 Predictions & Best Bets

    Jiri Prochazka vs. Carlos Ulberg: Jiri Prochazka has had a taste of the light heavyweight gold before, and he wants to taste it again. Prochazka, in fact, never lost the title in the Octagon. And the only person to get the better of him in the UFC? Alex Pereira — only one of the UFC’s best pound-for-pound athletes. Ulberg has a strong winning streak, and he’s got some solid finishes on his record. That said, looking at the history of Prochazka and Ulberg are two different stories. Prochazka has a better opponent history and way more experience on his side. Expect another highlight finish from BJP, who’ll become a two-time champion in the process. (Prediction: Prochazka) (Best Bet: Prochazka via KO/TKO/DQ [+140])

    Azamat Murzakanov vs. Paulo Costa: This is going to be a matchup of two strikers who look to bring forward pressure to their opponent. It may be a slow start, but this fight is ultimately going to come down to who can overwhelm their opponent more. Costa might be able to handle Murzakanov’s power, but handling things at 185 is much different than handling power at 205. Expect Murzakanov to remain undefeated after this one. (Prediction: Murzakanov) (Best Bet: Murzakanov via KO/TKO/DQ [+200])

    Curtis Blaydes vs. Josh Hokit: Hokit is the younger fighter in a weak heavyweight division who has been making a lot of noise — for better or for worse. He’s got a lot of power, and some are probably hoping he knocks Blaydes out to surge up the rankings. But Blaydes is bigger, he’s got a lot more experience, he’s got championship fight experience, and he’s got wrestling that can give an inexperienced fighter like Hokit problems. Blaydes might be able to win this one, but unless we get a Hokit knockout, don’t expect fireworks here. (Prediction: Blaydes) (Best Bet: Blaydes via decision [+225])

    Dominick Reyes vs. Johnny Walker: Of the five main card matchups, this one feels the most questionable. Six years ago or so, this was a top-10 light heavyweight matchup that is a certified banger. Now? This feels like a matchup where a loss puts the loser one fight away from falling out of the rankings. Both are solid strikers with some power, but both also have some susceptible chins. Reyes’ striking, especially the technical aspects of it, feels safer than the wild style of Walker. Walker might be entering this fight off the win, but Reyes’ momentum — and his loss to one of the night’s title challengers — feels like he should get the slight edge here. If you’re betting on either fighter in this fight, you might love living dangerously. (Prediction: Reyes) (Best Bet: Reyes via KO/TKO/DQ [+110])

    Cub Swanson vs. Nate Landwehr: The legendary Cub Swanson gets his swan song on a numbered card stage in Miami. And he gets to take on Nate Landwehr? We’re in for a war! Watch the two of them look to explode with combinations and power, as they go toe-to-toe, strike-for-strike, in what should be an entertaining Fight of the Night nominee! If a winner had to be predicted, I’d expect the experienced Swanson to get his hand raised one last time. (Prediction: Swanson) (Best Bet: Swanson ML [-105])

    Patricio Pitbull vs. Aaron Pico: Amazingly, Pitbull vs. Pico never happened in the Bellator cage. It’s probably four or five years too soon, but we’re going to get this matchup, just in the UFC. Pico is somehow the favorite here, even though he got wrecked badly by Lerone Murphy at UFC 319. Pitbull might not have looked great in either of his UFC fights last year, but at least he has a win. Plus, Pitbull has a championship background. Pico has had a lot of hype and is a strong wrestler; however, Pitbull’s grappling and timing will probably lead him to a win. (Prediction: Pitbull) (Best Bet: Pitbull ML [+245])

    Mateusz Gamrot vs. Estevan Ribovics: There’s a pretty notable talking point around MMA experts that needs to be brought up and reiterated here. Yes, Gamrot got run over by Charles Oliveira in October; however, that’s Charles Oliveira we’re talking about. Ribovics has been in some fun scraps, but for Gamrot’s losses to come against Oliveira and Dan Hooker? Those aren’t bad losses in the slightest. Ribovics is a fun scrapper, but he hasn’t been tested against someone the likes of Gamrot. If Ribovics wins, he’s definitely earned a tougher test. But this might be too much, too soon. (Prediction: Gamrot) (Best Bet: Gamrot via decision [-120])

    Kevin Holland vs. Randy Brown: This one sounds like a banger. Both Holland and Brown are known for their solid striking abilities. When Holland is on his game, he is one of the most dangerous fighters in the welterweight division. Holland probably has the edge with his grappling, but expect him to go into that if the fight goes to the ground naturally. This one’s probably going to end up a war. (Prediction: Holland) (Best Bet: Fight does NOT go the distance [-115])

    Tatiana Suarez vs. Loopy Godinez: This is a solid matchup for the strawweight division. Suarez is on a mission to get back to a title shot after Weili Zhang handed her the first loss of her career. Godinez is looking to finally get that win that brings her to the top of the contender scenes. Both are strong grapplers, and Godinez has combinations that are effective. Suarez, however, has looked nearly unstoppable with her wrestling. Unless Godinez has really worked hard on her defense, Suarez’s wrestling is once again going to be a problem. (Prediction: Suarez) (Best Bet: Suarez via decision [+120])

    Chris Padilla vs. MarQuel Mederos: Padilla has had a little bit of a surprising, underdog-style run so far in the UFC. “Taco” has developed a nice little win streak for himself, and now he’s being matched up against Mederos, a tough up-and-comer with just one loss on his resume so far. There is still some to be desired for Mederos despite his hype. Mederos got the first-round finish in his DWCS appearance, but his first two Octagon performances weren’t great. He did seem to put things together in his UFC 318 win over Mark Choinski, however. Padilla’s striking, toughness, and opponent history give him the edge here; however, the better pick is about two tough guys that probably make this bout see the final horn. (Prediction: Padilla) (Best Bet: Fight goes the distance [-225])

    Kelvin Gastelum vs. Vicente Luque: These are two scrappy veterans who are both looking to show they still matter. In Luque’s case, it’s a jump to 185 as he looks for a fresh start in a new weight class — but against a very tough and durable fighter in Gastelum. Both are strong strikers, though Luque might have a strong edge if this fight gets to the ground. Gastelum, however, has faced tougher competition. Luque’s health is a concern, but Luque being as big an underdog as he is might be a bit much. (Prediction: Luque) (Best Bet: Luque ML [+225])

    Charles Radtke vs. Francisco Prado: Both these fighters are looking to pick up major momentum with a win here. For Radtke, it’s been ups and downs of late. For Prado, he came into the UFC with momentum as a 10-0 fighter, and he’s just 1-4 since, potentially fighting for his employment here. Prado might have had a couple of tough matchups, but Radtke has faced interesting competition as well. Radtke’s power and wrestling should help him get the win here. (Prediction: Radtke) (Best Bet: Radtke ML [-175])

  • Dana White Drops Major Update On EA UFC 6 Release With Multiple Covers In Works

    Dana White Drops Major Update On EA UFC 6 Release With Multiple Covers In Works

    Dana White has officially confirmed that EA Sports UFC 6 is set to release later this year, putting an end to months of speculation surrounding the next installment in the franchise.

    The announcement came during a recent appearance on Adin Ross’ livestream on Kick, where White also revealed that key elements of the game have already been finalized.

    Dana White Confirms UFC 6 Release And Multiple Covers

    While discussing the upcoming title, White disclosed that the cover work has already been completed and that fans can expect more than one version of the game.

    “Did we announce the covers yet?” White said. “I was working on a cover that we were gonna do, but then we ended up going with the original plan we were going to go with.”

    He further clarified that the process had just recently wrapped up.

    “I didn’t even know it wasn’t announced yet… I literally just got done with it three days ago.”

    White then confirmed the key detail fans had been waiting for.

    “Yeah, [we’ll see UFC 6 this year], and there will be two covers.”

    Although no official names have been confirmed, speculation around the cover athletes is already gaining traction.

    During the stream, Ross guessed that Alex Pereira and Islam Makhachev could be featured. White’s reaction strongly hinted that the guess wasn’t far off.

    Pereira, a former two-division champion, was recently seen filming promotional content with EA Sports, further fueling speculation about his involvement.

    The update aligns with recent online reports of the game appearing for pre-order in select international markets, suggesting that an official rollout could be approaching sooner than expected.

    As per Mike Straw of Insider Gaming the UFC 6 could feature changes to certain gameplay mechanics, while the grappling system is expected to remain largely similar, likely with refinements rather than a complete redesign.

    What To Expect From UFC 6 After UFC 5’s Evolution

    The previous installment, EA Sports UFC 5, launched in October 2023 and introduced several notable upgrades that elevated the gameplay experience.

    The game featured cinematic replays that highlighted key fight moments with improved lighting and visual fidelity. It also brought in new animations for ground-and-pound sequences, including elbows and body strikes, along with expanded striking options such as spinning attacks and calf kicks.

    Additionally, the Frostbite engine played a major role in enhancing realism, delivering more detailed fighter damage and a more immersive presentation overall.

    With UFC 6, expectations are that EA Sports will build on that foundation rather than overhaul it completely. Early indications suggest a major shift in gameplay mechanics, while the grappling system may remain largely similar with refinements for smoother transitions.

  • 22-Fight UFC Veteran Pushes For Release After Rough Stretch, Plans Next Move Outside Octagon – ‘It’s Time To Take A New Direction’

    22-Fight UFC Veteran Pushes For Release After Rough Stretch, Plans Next Move Outside Octagon – ‘It’s Time To Take A New Direction’

    Pedro Munhoz is preparing to close the longest chapter of his career, as the veteran bantamweight has officially requested his release from the UFC after more than a decade with the promotion.

    “The Young Punisher”, who joined the roster in 2014, confirmed the decision through a social media statement, signaling his intention to explore opportunities outside the Octagon while continuing to compete.

    “Since 2014, I’ve been part of the UFC, building my name, proving myself, and showing what I’m capable of inside that Octagon,” Munhoz wrote on Instagram. “After 32 fights, I can proudly say I’ve never been submitted or knocked out. I’ve always stepped in there with heart, discipline, and respect for the game.”

    Pedro Munhoz Eyes New Opportunities After Long UFC Run

    Munhoz believes the timing is right to take control of the next phase of his career rather than remain in a familiar environment.

    “There comes a point in life when you don’t just stay comfortable, you take control of what’s next,” he wrote. “Right now, I feel it’s time to take a new direction, explore different opportunities, and focus on other important areas of my life. I’ve asked the UFC to release me, and I’m currently in the process of becoming a free agent.”

    Despite the move, Munhoz made it clear that retirement is not part of the plan.

    “I’m not retiring yet. Still hungry. Still focused. Still ready to put on great fights and make statements.”

    Throughout his UFC tenure, “The Young Punisher” built a reputation as one of the division’s toughest and most durable fighters. Across more than 20 appearances, he shared the cage with some of the biggest names in bantamweight history, including Jose Aldo, Dominick Cruz, Aljamain Sterling, Sean O’Malley, Frankie Edgar, and Cody Garbrandt.

    The 39-year-old Brazilian veteran also secured notable victories over Garbrandt, Rob Font, and Jimmie Rivera, while earning multiple post-fight bonuses along the way.

    However, recent results have been less favorable. Munhoz enters free agency on a three-fight losing streak and posted a 2-7-1 record across his last ten outings. He was last seen in action in November 2024, when he dropped a unanimous decision to Aiemann Zahabi at UFC Edmonton.

    Even so, his durability, experience, and name recognition are expected to draw interest from other promotions. Organizations such as PFL and BKFC could emerge as potential landing spots.

  • Jiri Prochazka Shares Honest Take On Conor McGregor’s Potential UFC Comeback – ‘He Has To Prove That’

    Jiri Prochazka Shares Honest Take On Conor McGregor’s Potential UFC Comeback – ‘He Has To Prove That’

    Jiri Prochazka has never been one to hold back his opinions, and ahead of his return at UFC 327, the former champion shared his honest take on Conor McGregor’s long-awaited comeback.

    Prochazka, who is set to face Carlos Ulberg this weekend for the vacant light heavyweight title, has built his career on discipline and an all-in mindset. For “BJP”, that same level of commitment is non-negotiable in MMA.

    Jiri Prochazka Questions Conor McGregor’s Comeback Mindset

    During a recent appearance on Adin Ross’ livestream on Kick, Jiri Prochazka shared his thoughts on Conor McGregor’s potential comeback.

    “I really liked to watch Conor McGregor when he believed in himself, and he was in the right mood,” Prochazka said.

    “The Notorious” hasn’t competed since UFC 264 in July 2021, when he suffered a broken leg in his trilogy bout against Dustin Poirier. Although the former two-division champion was scheduled to return against Michael Chandler at UFC 303 in June 2024, the fight never materialized after he was forced to withdraw due to injury.

    Now, with talks of a comeback once again gaining traction, “BJP” believes the burden is entirely on McGregor to prove he still belongs at the elite level.

    “Who knows? He has to prove that. He has to show that,” Prochazka said.

    The former UFC light heavyweight champion emphasized that success in MMA demands total dedication, something he believes every fighter must embrace or step away from the sport.

    “In this game, there’s one rule. You are on top, burning, firing, and you can shine, or stay back. That’s the rule.”

  • Ilia Topuria HBO Max Docuseries ‘Los Topuria’ Premieres June 14

    Ilia Topuria HBO Max Docuseries ‘Los Topuria’ Premieres June 14

    Ilia Topuria is getting his own docuseries. HBO Max announced that Los Topuria will premiere in June, consisting of three 50-minute episodes available globally across all territories where the streaming service operates.

    The series is produced by Señor Mono, the same Spanish production company behind Matador, the 2024 feature documentary that followed Topuria’s rise through the UFC culminating in his featherweight title win over Alexander Volkanovski. Where Matador was a retrospective, Los Topuria is pitched as something more ongoing and intimate, shot in real time around training camps, media tours, and family moments.

    “Two-time UFC world champion Ilia Topuria, his family, and his closest circle star in this new original production that invites the audience to follow the journey of the Georgian-Spanish fighter from the conquest of his first featherweight world championship belt to the present day,” the official HBO Max press release stated.

    The timing is deliberate. Topuria headlines the UFC White House event on June 14, where he faces Justin Gaethje in a lightweight title unification bout. HBO Max also holds exclusive broadcast rights to that event, making the docuseries a clean lead-in for the platform.

    Beyond the Octagon

    Per HBO Max’s promotional materials, the series aims to show Topuria as a father, son, brother, friend, and entrepreneur alongside his championship run. The production moves between gym sessions, business meetings, and home life, leaning into a family-first narrative that frames his inner circle as the foundation of his success.

    One question hovering over the series is how it addresses Topuria’s recent divorce, a development that postdates the original trailer for the project, which surfaced roughly nine months ago. Whether the production captures that chapter or sidesteps it entirely will likely be a talking point when the episodes drop.

    Topuria’s business profile has also expanded significantly during the period the series covers. His stake in WOW FC, a Spanish MMA promotion, drew global attention after Cristiano Ronaldo acquired a share in the league, with event attendance reportedly jumping over 400 percent year-over-year.

    Los Topuria premieres on HBO Max in June ahead of UFC Freedom 250 at the White House on June 14.

  • Watch: UFC Champ Khamzat Chimaev Taps Out MMA Legend In 47 Seconds During Grappling Session

    Watch: UFC Champ Khamzat Chimaev Taps Out MMA Legend In 47 Seconds During Grappling Session

    Khamzat Chimaev recently gave Demetrious Johnson a harsh reminder of the realities of weight classes during a grappling session that quickly turned one-sided.

    The two shared the mats during a training session in California, where “Borz” is preparing for his first title defense. Despite Johnson’s reputation as one of the most technically gifted fighters in MMA history, the size difference between the two proved to be a decisive factor.

    Before the exchange began, “Mighty Mouse” jokingly referenced Arman Tsarukyan while speaking to Chimaev.

    “Did Arman tell you I was good?” Johnson asked. “Arman, tell you I was strong?”

    The 31-year-old Chechen, clearly aware of the disparity in size, responded with a smile.

    “Maybe for him, yeah.”

    What followed was a quick demonstration of Chimaev’s dominance. The UFC middleweight champion wasted little time securing control, locking up a front headlock before transitioning smoothly into a D’arce choke. Within moments, the MMA legend was forced to tap, with those watching noting the exchange lasted just 47 seconds.

    Given the circumstances, the outcome wasn’t particularly surprising. The 39-year-old American built his legacy competing at 125 pounds, while “Borz” currently rules the 185-pound division. Even with Johnson’s elite skill set, overcoming that kind of physical gap was always going to be a challenge.

    Johnson later addressed the moment with a dose of realism, explaining his decision-making during the exchange.

    “You guys are like ‘man, why did he pull guard?’” Johnson said. “Do you think I’m going to shoot a f*cking takedown on Khamzat Chimaev?”

    Now retired from active competition, “Mighty Mouse” is set to be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame as part of the 2026 class, further cementing his legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats.

    As for Chimaev, his focus remains on the future. He is scheduled to defend his middleweight title against former champ Sean Strickland in the main event of UFC 328 on May 9 at the Prudential Center.

  • Trump Confirmed for UFC 327 in Miami This Saturday

    UFC CEO Dana White confirmed via streamer Adin Ross that President Donald Trump will attend UFC 327 this Saturday in Miami.

    The event takes place April 11 at the Kaseya Center, the same Miami venue where Trump attended UFC 314 last April, becoming the first sitting president to attend a UFC event.

    UFC 327 is headlined by a vacant light heavyweight title fight between Jiri Prochazka and Carlos Ulberg, with the flyweight title on the line in the co-main as Joshua Van defends against Tatsuro Taira. The card is one of the most stacked of 2026.

    Trump’s relationship with the UFC runs deep. White introduced Trump at the 2024 Republican National Convention, and the two are currently co-planning UFC Freedom Fights 250 at the White House on June 14, set to coincide with Trump’s 80th birthday and America’s 250th anniversary.

  • UFC Champion Calls Out Jake Paul To MMA Fight: ‘They’ll Wipe The Floor With Your Pretty Face’

    UFC Champion Calls Out Jake Paul To MMA Fight: ‘They’ll Wipe The Floor With Your Pretty Face’

    UFC Women’s Flyweight Champion Valentina Shevchenko has challenged Jake Paul to compete in MMA after the YouTuber-turned-boxer claimed the UFC is “dying” and criticized grappling-heavy fighters. The UFC flyweight champion responded on social media, daring Paul to step into the octagon.

    ‘The Problem Child’ made the controversial comments during an appearance on Theo Von’s podcast while promoting his upcoming MMA event on May 16 in Inglewood, California. The show will feature former UFC bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey facing WMMA pioneer Gina Carano in a comeback fight.

    Jake Paul’s Criticism of MMA

    The 29-year-old Paul told Von that he believes MMA won’t stand the test of time because the sport has become too dominated by wrestlers. He specifically called out fighters like Khabib Nurmagomedov and Khamzat Chimaev as examples of “boring” competitors.

    Paul added that he thinks the UFC has become “too greedy” and “super corporate,” claiming that “boxing has been around since the 1500s, MMA is 30 years old, and it’s declining.”

    Valentina Shevchenko’s Response

    Shevchenko discovered Paul’s comments on social media and fired back with a direct challenge. The champion questioned Paul’s understanding of MMA and invited him to experience the sport firsthand.

    “UFC dying?! Hey Jake, you definitely don’t know what you’re talking about,” Shevchenko wrote on X.

    “Criticizing MMA from a long distance. Try to get into an octagon with one of them, and they’ll wipe the floor with your pretty face.”

    She continued:

    “You will show spectacular, breathtaking fight from down there! Then you can tell us how fun or boring it was!”

    Shevchenko hasn’t competed since outpointing Zhang Weili at UFC 322 in November last year. The flyweight champion doesn’t currently have a fight scheduled but has remained active on social media, previously engaging in public disputes with both Rousey and Nurmagomedov.

  • Jiri Prochazka Confronts Trash-Talking Prospect After Wild Backstage Rant At UFC 327 Media Day

    Jiri Prochazka Confronts Trash-Talking Prospect After Wild Backstage Rant At UFC 327 Media Day

    Jiri Prochazka found himself in an unexpected confrontation ahead of UFC 327, after Josh Hokit caused a scene during media day in Miami.

    Hokit is set to face Curtis Blaydes in the biggest test of his young career, while Prochazka remains locked in on his main event clash against Carlos Ulberg for the vacant light heavyweight title this Saturday at the Kaseya Center.

    The rising heavyweight prospect, who has quickly gained attention for his over-the-top persona, made a loud entrance before even stepping onto the stage.

    His ranting could be heard echoing through the hallway, and as he approached, it became clear his remarks were directed at Prochazka, who had just wrapped up his media obligations.

    Jiri Prochazka Shuts Down Josh Hokit’s Backstage Outburst On UFC 327 Media Day

    As Hokit approached, waving a toy lightsaber and hurling insults, Prochazka remained seated and calm. But when the situation edged closer, the UFC former light heavyweight champion stood up and drew a line.

    “Man, stay where you are,” Prochazka said.

    Still in character, Hokit escalated things further with a bizarre threat.

    “I’ll cut you up, homie. And f*cking stitch your head on Alex Pereira’s body.”

    Despite the intensity of the moment, the exchange stopped short of turning physical. “BJP” disengaged quickly, choosing not to feed into the spectacle.

  • Dricus Du Plessis: Jon Jones vs Francis Ngannou Wouldn’t Be Close

    Dricus Du Plessis: Jon Jones vs Francis Ngannou Wouldn’t Be Close

    Dricus Du Plessis does not believe a fight between Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou would be particularly close. The UFC middleweight champion shared a direct prediction during an appearance on Fight Forecast, dismissing the matchup as a lopsided fight in Jones’ favor.

    “I think that’s Jones easy,” Du Plessis said. “I think Jones… I don’t even think that’s a fight.”

    The potential matchup between the two has been a topic of discussion in combat sports conversations for years. In January 2023, Jones and Ngannou were deep in negotiations for a bout that appeared close to being finalized, but Ngannou’s departure from the UFC and subsequent title stripping ended those talks before anything could be made official.

    Jones retired from fighting in June 2025, months after defeating former two-time heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic at UFC 309. He has since come out of retirement with designs on competing at UFC Freedom 250, the historic White House event on June 14.

    When Jones was denied a spot on that card, he requested immediate release from his UFC contract. He currently remains in negotiations with the promotion over his future.

    Ngannou’s post-UFC path has taken him through the PFL, where his deal included provisions allowing him to accept professional boxing matches. He lost to both Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua in his two boxing appearances before parting ways with the PFL in March of this year.

    Ngannou is now scheduled to face Philipe Lins in a five-round co-main event bout on May 16 in Inglewood, California, on the Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano card. He has publicly encouraged Jones to secure his release from the UFC, suggesting the two could potentially meet outside of the promotion if Jones were to gain his freedom.

  • Jiri Prochazka Shuts Down Alex Pereira Talk Before UFC 327

    Jiri Prochazka Shuts Down Alex Pereira Talk Before UFC 327

    Jiri Prochazka is not interested in discussing Alex Pereira, Khamzat Chimaev, or anything beyond Saturday night’s UFC 327 light heavyweight title fight against Carlos Ulberg. The former champion made his focus clear when speaking with MMA Fighting ahead of the bout, shutting down any line of conversation that did not involve his immediate opponent.

    “Just Saturday night,” Prochazka said. “After that fight, we can speak about the next options. But right now, the title fight is here. All what I’ve worked on is right now, right here. This is the week.” When pressed further about potential future matchups, he was equally direct. “No, there is no other things. No other opponents. F–k the others. There is just me and my art and what I want to show. This is all.”

    What Prochazka was willing to discuss was the timeline that led him to this point. Pereira vacated the light heavyweight championship to move to heavyweight, where he is scheduled to face Ciryl Gane at the UFC White House card in June. Despite the move catching many by surprise publicly, Prochazka says he saw it coming well in advance and had already begun preparing before the UFC made anything official.

    “I saw that coming,” Prochazka said. “We spoke with UFC about this a long time before it happened. We knew that with my team a long time before it happened. I prepared myself one and a half months before it was announced to everyone that I will have to fight with Carlos Ulberg.”

    That preparation included a month of high-altitude training in Mexico City. “First month was just I believed that will happen. Then we transferred to Mexico City for high altitude training, we trained there for one month and we came back and then UFC told me ‘you will have the title fight.’”

    Saturday’s fight carries personal stakes beyond the championship. Prochazka’s daughter is expected to be born very soon. He has not let that distract him, but he has not ignored it either.

    “Yes, I come with that but also, I am ready to do anything for a win on Saturday night,” Prochazka said. “It’s not counting the days after Saturday night but it’s about to be fully focused for Saturday night and be here and now and do my best on Saturday night. Win the belt, go home and see how my daughter will be born.”

  • Tom Aspinall Back In Training As UFC Return Closing In

    Tom Aspinall Back In Training As UFC Return Closing In

    Tom Aspinall has returned to the gym after a six-month layoff following an eye injury that forced a no-contest at UFC 321. The UFC heavyweight champion shared training footage on YouTube, announcing he’s begun light work while awaiting full medical clearance for contact.

    “Not had a lot going on, just been back in the gym doing a little bit of light training,” Aspinall said in the video.

    “Still waiting to get fully cleared for contact on my eye. But we are back in the gym doing a little bit, and we’ll be showing you a bit of that later in the week.”

    The 32-year-old British fighter has been sidelined since October 2025, when an eye poke forced him to withdraw from a bout against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321. The no-contest result sparked controversy, with critics claiming Aspinall quit after a slow start to the fight.

    Tom Aspinall Awaits Clearance for Full Training

    The training footage shows Aspinall working on punching bag drills and light grappling exchanges with his training partner. He emphasized the limited nature of his current work as he continues recovery from double eye surgery.

    “Back in, a bit of light training. All good, though. Back into it. Light. Still waiting to be cleared to do contact properly.”

    Interim Title Fight Set During Champion’s Recovery

    The UFC has moved forward with the heavyweight division during Aspinall’s absence. Alex Pereira will challenge Ciryl Gane for an interim heavyweight title at the upcoming UFC White House event, with the winner expected to face Aspinall once he receives medical clearance.

    Pereira is attempting to become a champion in a third weight class, while Gane seeks redemption after the controversial no-contest with Aspinall. The interim title bout ensures the division remains active while the undisputed champion recovers.

  • Matt Brown Questions Jiri Prochazka’s Long-Term Viability

    Matt Brown Questions Jiri Prochazka’s Long-Term Viability

    Retired UFC welterweight Matt Brown has raised questions about the long-term viability of Jiri Prochazka’s fighting style ahead of UFC 327, where the former light heavyweight champion defends against Carlos Ulberg on Saturday. Speaking on The Fighter vs. The Writer podcast, Brown argued that Prochazka’s unorthodox approach has a ceiling and that opponents with sound striking skills are well-positioned to exploit it.

    Brown drew comparisons to other elite strikers whose unconventional styles eventually worked against them as their careers progressed.

    “You can’t play around with non-fundamentals forever,” Brown said. “At some point, that starts to catch up with you. I think we’ve seen that a little bit with Israel Adesanya, and we’ve seen it with Anderson Silva.”

    The retired welterweight was careful to acknowledge Prochazka’s accomplishments while still making his case. He noted that the Czech fighter has achieved more in the sport than Brown himself did, but maintained that the lack of evolution in Prochazka’s game is a genuine concern going forward.

    “It’s good to evolve, too,” Brown said. “He could always have that part of him as part of his game. I don’t mean to be the critic — he’s accomplished more than I did in my career — but I don’t see where it lasts and I don’t see where he’s evolved much at all. He’s just done more of the same.”

    Alex Pereira’s two victories over Prochazka serve as Brown’s primary evidence that the former champion’s style can be decoded. Pereira identified patterns in Prochazka’s chaos and exploited them on two separate occasions, and Brown believes that blueprint is now available to anyone willing to study it and execute with discipline. He sees Ulberg as a fighter capable of doing exactly that.

    “That’s where I lean a little bit towards Carlos Ulberg in this fight,” Brown said. “He’s a little less variety in his striking, and I’m not going to say one-dimensional but less dimensional, if that’s a term, but my point in saying that is look — Jiri can be figured out.”

    Brown acknowledged that knowing the blueprint and executing it are two different things. The challenge for Ulberg will be maintaining composure when faced with the kind of pressure that has finished many of Prochazka’s opponents.

    “The blueprint has been written how to beat Jiri,” Brown said. “If someone like Ulberg, who I think is very good, should be able to follow that blueprint.”

  • Islam Makhachev Blames Ilia Topuria’s Purse Demands for Failed White House Fight

    Islam Makhachev Blames Ilia Topuria’s Purse Demands for Failed White House Fight

    Islam Makhachev has pushed back against Ilia Topuria’s account of why their planned matchup at the UFC White House card on June 14 fell through, stating flatly that financial demands from Topuria’s side were the reason the fight never got made. The welterweight champion took to X to dispute Topuria’s version of events after the lightweight titleholder continued to maintain that an injury to Makhachev was the cause.

    Talks of a Makhachev vs. Topuria matchup at the White House have generated interest, making it one of the most anticipated bouts in the sport. Topuria initially pointed to a Makhachev injury as the reason the fight collapsed, a narrative that gained some traction after UFC President Dana White made comments appearing to support that explanation. That narrative was complicated when Makhachev shared training footage that appeared to show him in good health, raising questions about the actual circumstances behind the fight’s collapse.

    Topuria told Irati Prat that he had been confident the White House fight was happening until he received calls shortly before the announcement telling him otherwise. Makhachev responded by doubling down on his position.

    “I’m tired of hearing made-up stories from Topuria and his team,” Makhachev wrote on X. “I got the call and accepted the fight at the White House. The next day, I was told he asked for an unrealistic purse. The UFC declined, and he pulled out. That’s it, nothing more to it. Even his manager confirmed it. Ilia, stop talking. Every interview you give tells a different story. You pulled out, and you know it.”

    The reference to Topuria’s manager is notable. Malki Kawa had previously stated publicly that initial talks with the UFC broke down after the promotion made a low financial offer for the White House card. Those comments align with Makhachev’s claim that money was the central sticking point rather than any physical issue on his end, and they add a layer of credibility to his account of events.

    The exchange generated its own side story when a fan suggested that Makhachev’s manager Ali Abdelaziz was the one posting from the fighter’s X account. The account replied directly to the suggestion with the message, “Today not him.”

  • Khamzat Chimaev Makes Surprising UFC Pay Admission

    Khamzat Chimaev Makes Surprising UFC Pay Admission

    Khamzat Chimaev has revealed that his biggest source of income is not his UFC middleweight championship but the sponsorship deals he has secured outside of the octagon.

    Speaking on Beyond The Win ahead of his title defense against Sean Strickland at UFC 328 on May 9 in Newark, Chimaev opened up about his financial situation and pushed back against critics who take aim at his fight frequency.

    Chimaev dethroned Dricus Du Plessis to claim the middleweight title at UFC 319 in Chicago last year. Since becoming champion, he has faced criticism for his inactivity, a pattern that stretches back to earlier in his career when a battle with coronavirus disrupted what had been a relentless pace of competition. He addressed those critics directly during the interview, showing little concern for outside opinions.

    “I don’t care what these guys do. I am making millions and people are just talking and doing nothing. If you do your work I don’t need to watch how often you work or how much you get,” Chimaev said. “I care about myself, how much I make, how much I get.”

    When the conversation turned to his UFC compensation, Chimaev expressed satisfaction with where his career has taken him while making clear that the promotion’s payouts are not where his primary earnings come from.

    “Of course, I’ve been living in the gym and now I am living my dream,” he said. “I make more money out of the UFC because of what I’ve become, like ‘Khamzat Chimaev.’ Wherever I go, people want to sponsor me, they want to do different things with me and they send this and that.”

  • Jake Paul Calls Dana White ‘Not Smart Enough’ to Fix UFC

    Jake Paul Calls Dana White ‘Not Smart Enough’ to Fix UFC

    Jake Paul has intensified his public criticism of UFC president Dana White, claiming White is “not smart enough” to fix what Paul perceives as the UFC’s declining brand value.

    The social media star-turned-professional boxer made the comments as part of his ongoing campaign to improve fighter compensation in mixed martial arts. Paul has repeatedly positioned himself as an advocate for MMA fighter pay despite competing primarily in boxing.

    Paul’s Criticism of UFC Leadership

    Paul’s latest remarks represent his sharpest attack yet on White’s leadership of the UFC. The 29-year-old has previously called for fighters to unionize and criticized the promotion’s revenue-sharing model with athletes.

    White has largely dismissed Paul’s commentary in the past, occasionally firing back with brief responses during media appearances. The UFC president has maintained that fighter compensation is competitive and that the promotion takes care of its athletes.

    “Not smart enough,” Paul said of White. “Just look at what he’s doing! You don’t get Jon Jones on the White House card? First of all, Justin Gaethje is going to lose to Ilia [Topuria], on the White House card. So you have a Spaniard beating a white American on the patriotic White House card? Big mistake. Why are you not going to pay Jon Jones? They’ve gotten greedy, and they’ve forgotten their hearts as a company.

    “It’s dying, because the best people in the sport become wrestlers and they just hold on,” Paul continued. “Look at Khabib, Khamzat. Boring! No one wants that…who has Paramount?”

    Ongoing Feud Between Paul and White

    The tension between Paul and White dates back several years, with Paul frequently using his platform to highlight disparities between boxing and MMA fighter pay. Paul has signed several former UFC fighters to his promotional ventures, including Amanda Serrano and others.

  • Jiri Prochazka Warns Carlos Ulberg Ahead of UFC 327 Title Fight

    Jiri Prochazka is preparing for another shot at gold, and this time, he’s ready to do whatever it takes to get his hand raised.

    The former champion is set to headline UFC 327 against Carlos Ulberg for the vacant light heavyweight title this weekend at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida.

    While the matchup is expected to be competitive, “BJP” has made it clear he’s not approaching this fight in a predictable way.

    Jiri Prochazka Plans To Adapt Style Against Carlos Ulberg

    Jiri Prochazka, speaking on the UFC 327 Countdown, suggested he could completely adjust his approach against Carlos Ulberg, including taking the fight to the ground if necessary, despite being known for his unorthodox striking and relentless pressure.

    “Carlos is a great striker. Of course, I have some strategy, we have some tactics with my team,” Prochazka said. “I saw a lot of spaces where I can catch him. Also on the ground, I think he believes he his ground, but he didn’t prove it enough. It doesn’t matter if I have to change my style, if I have to fight on the ground, change my stance, I adjust. I will not stop until I find the right moment, how to win, and show him that there is no opponent like me in his career.”

    Despite the talk of adjustments, the 33-year-old Czech Republican still believes his finishing ability will ultimately make the difference on fight night.

    “I want to show my best, I’m prepared to do that,” he said. “I believe sooner or later I can catch him, and I will take the belt.”

    Prochazka is no stranger to championship success. He first captured the light heavyweight title with a dramatic submission win over Glover Teixeira at UFC 275 in June 2022. However, his reign was short-lived as he was forced to vacate the belt due to a serious shoulder injury.

    “BJP” enters UFC 327 with momentum on his side. He holds a professional record of 32-5-1 and is riding back-to-back stoppage victories over Khalil Rountree Jr. and Jamahal Hill. His only two losses inside the Octagon have come against Alex Pereira.

  • Arman Tsarukyan Explains Why He Would Beat Khabib Nurmagomedov

    Arman Tsarukyan Explains Why He Would Beat Khabib Nurmagomedov

    Arman Tsarukyan has explained why he believes he would defeat UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov in a hypothetical matchup. The lightweight contender shared his thoughts on how a fight between the two Dagestani fighters would play out.

    Tsarukyan, who has emerged as one of the top contenders in the UFC lightweight division, addressed the fantasy matchup during a recent interview. The fighter outlined his approach to facing the undefeated former champion.

    Tsarukyan’s Confidence Against Nurmagomedov

    The lightweight contender believes his skill set would present problems for Nurmagomedov. “I’m more well-rounded than him,” he said. “Probably decision.”

    Nurmagomedov retired from MMA in 2020 with a perfect 29-0 record and is widely regarded as one of the greatest lightweights in UFC history. The Dagestani legend never lost a round in his final three title defenses.

    Current Lightweight Landscape

    Tsarukyan has positioned himself as a top contender in the lightweight division. The matchup with Nurmagomedov remains purely hypothetical, as the former champion has shown no indication of returning to competition.

    Both fighters share Dagestani heritage and train in similar grappling-heavy styles that have proven successful at the highest levels of MMA.