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Category: UFC

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

  • Report: UFC ‘Almost Definitely’ Heading To Netflix After End Of ESPN Deal

    Report: UFC ‘Almost Definitely’ Heading To Netflix After End Of ESPN Deal

    One week after a UFC 313 broadcast that left plenty of complaints and rants against ESPN and their ESPN+ platform, it appears the UFC’s relationship with the American broadcast sports network will be coming to an end.

    According to a recent report from the New York Post, officials at TKO, created by the parent company of the UFC, Endeavor, are furious with the difficulties for UFC 313. They included everything from being unable to purchase the pay-per-view, to customers being double charged for the event, to streaming quality of the card.

    Now, in a new video from the news publication, Jake Aryeh and Erich Richter on Against the Cage noted that while the UFC is still in the middle of an exclusive negotiating window with ESPN, the MMA promotion may be looking to get a deal with Netflix as soon as possible to ensure it begins following the expiration of the deal with ESPN at the end of the year.

    The exclusive negotiating window ends on April 15, according to the Post.

    Richter, in fact, says that he has heard from a “well-connected” source that Netflix will “definitely” be the new home for the UFC.

    UFC Doing ‘Everything In Their Power’ For Netflix Deal After ESPN Exclusive Negotiating Window Expires

    During the 40-minute video, Aryeh and Richter break down multiple issues between the UFC and ESPN. The UFC, who a week later is still very upset by the UFC 313 issues, has an issue with the quality of the technology used by ESPN for broadcasts. ESPN, meanwhile, is reportedly upset with the number of pay-per-view buys for what they pay to broadcast UFC.

    The Post video added that PPV numbers are “way down” to the point where fighters are upset because PPV points in fighters’ contracts mean virtually nothing. The low number of buys can be attributed to various potential reasons from quality of cards to easier methods of pirating in the modern, digital age.

    Aryeh and Richter also note a lack of recent cards that are not behind the ESPN+ subscription paywall, though that could be due to current other commitments of ESPN the last several months that included college football and basketball programming.

    A deal with Netflix may be the easiest and most logical fit given the streaming platform’s recent attempts to get into live sports programming. The UFC’s partners in TKO, the WWE, have found quite the success with their deals with Netflix, which started at the beginning of this year. In fact, the Post notes that the UFC will do “everything in their power” to get a deal with Netflix.

    The Post notes that one roadblock in a deal with Netflix is that Netflix is opposed to the pay-per-view model, which the UFC were able to retain in their deal with ESPN. Customers currently have to pay for an ESPN+ subscription before being able to purchase a UFC pay-per-view. Netflix, however, is reportedly flexible in this regard.

  • Nate Diaz Wants One More UFC Run To Complete Legacy

    Nate Diaz Wants One More UFC Run To Complete Legacy

    Nate Diaz is eyeing a return to the UFC, driven by a desire for one final pursuit of championship gold.

    After a submission victory over Tony Ferguson at UFC 279 in September 2022, Diaz stepped away from the promotion he’d called home for nearly 15 years, seeking opportunities outside of the UFC.

    Since his departure, Diaz has explored the boxing world, experiencing mixed results. He suffered a unanimous decision loss to Jake Paul in August 2023 but rebounded with a majority decision win against fellow UFC veteran Jorge Masvidal in July 2024.

    Despite his ventures outside the octagon, Diaz feels his UFC legacy remains unfinished. He believes his impact within the promotion is unparalleled, and he’s now motivated to make one last run for a title.

    “The legacy – I don’t think about it as done,” Diaz said in a video posted to the Full Violence YouTube channel. “… I think it’s underrated, and I think there’s like f*cking – I think I left more of an impact than a lot of these f*cking, anybody has, really. I mean, Conor (McGregor) has in a way, and then you get like, my brother did – but all that sh*t gets forgotten about too. It can go away because you ain’t getting credit to begin with anyway. You might as well keep that sh*t going forever. That’s why I plan on fighting forever.”

    Nate Diaz has cultivated a devoted fanbase since his appearance on Season five of The Ultimate Fighter in 2007. His distinctive fighting style and persona, shared with his brother Nick, has earned him a cult-like following within the MMA community. The Diaz brothers’ unique presence consistently generated heightened interest in their fights, regardless of the outcome.

    Diaz believes he could recapture that same level of excitement if given the opportunity for one final run at a championship. He feels that the current UFC roster lacks the kind of transcendent star power he and his brother brought to the sport.

    “Well, everybody’s boring right now, so I’m trying to do other sh*t for the moment,” Diaz said. “But like, I want to go back and get a UFC title. I don’t want to fight for nothing, you know? I want to fight for something. … It’s about buzz and who’s poppin’ and who’s doing something. Right now, there’s nobody doing sh*t in the UFC.”

    Should the UFC call, Diaz is ready to return at welterweight, though he’s uncertain about potential opponents.

    “Nobody,” Nate Diaz said. “That’s why I’m not in there right now, you know what I’m saying? I’m watching. I’m hoping for something. … There’s no buzz, nobody’s doing sh*t. There’s nobody to fight, everybody is wack. Every single body in boxing and MMA.”

  • UFC Fighter ‘Pissed Off’ After Debuting Light Heavyweight Misses Weight By Almost 5 Pounds

    UFC Fighter ‘Pissed Off’ After Debuting Light Heavyweight Misses Weight By Almost 5 Pounds

    Missing weight is arguably one of the biggest setbacks a UFC fighter can face, and venting frustration over it is understandable — even when it’s another fighter who comes in heavy.

    The MMA powerhouse is set to make its return to the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada, this Saturday with a Fight Night card headlined by a middleweight rematch between Marvin Vettori and Roman Dolidze. Ahead of the event, the official weigh-ins took place on Friday, where two fighters failed to make weight.

    UFC debutant Diyar Nurgozhay, set to face Brendson Ribeiro in a light heavyweight clash, badly missed weight, coming in at a staggering 210.5 pounds, 4.5 pounds over the 206-pound limit. For coming in overweight, Nurgozhay was forced to forfeit 25% of his purse to his opponent, but the fight will move forward as planned.

    As if the backlash from fans on social media wasn’t enough, the undefeated Kazakh prospect found himself under fire from fellow UFC newcomer Julius Walker, who took a shot at him on X.

    In his post, “Juice Box” didn’t hold back, calling out Nurgozhay for missing weight. He drew a sharp comparison to his own situation, claiming he had to cut nearly 32 pounds in just nine days for his short-notice fight against Alonzo Menifield at UFC Seattle last month.

    “I cut from 237 to 205 in 9 days for Alonzo. Was never an option in my head to miss weight. UFC provides all the resources to make it an easy process. Almost pisses me off to see a guy miss weight like that on a full camp,” Walker wrote on X.

    Nurgozhay secured his UFC contract with a second-round knockout victory over Bartosz Szewczyk at Dana White’s Contender Series last October. The 27-year-old holds a flawless 10-0 record with six of those wins coming by way of knockout.

  • Chael Sonnen: ‘Alex Pereira Can’t Wrestle’ Narrative Is Over After UFC 313

    Chael Sonnen: ‘Alex Pereira Can’t Wrestle’ Narrative Is Over After UFC 313

    Despite Alex Pereira’s recent loss at UFC 313, Chael Sonnen remains optimistic about his potential to challenge Jon Jones in the future.

    Pereira lost the UFC light heavyweight championship to Magomed Ankalaev via unanimous decision in Las Vegas, a defeat that derailed previous speculation about a potential heavyweight showdown with Jones.

    While a Jones vs. Pereira superfight is no longer on the horizon, Sonnen believes Pereira’s performance at UFC 313 addressed a major criticism. —his wrestling defense.

    Pereira successfully defended all 12 of Ankalaev’s takedown attempts, showcasing significant improvement in his ground game.

    “You don’t get very far when you start talking about Alex Pereira vs. Jon Jones,” Sonnen said. “You just don’t get there because we know that Jon can throw him down and beat him up. Like, that’s just something that Jon does so well. He can throw people down and then beat them up.

    “Well, you go watch this fight, and you go, ‘Hey, you know what? It turns out that old Alex Pereira isn’t so easy to take down.’ Alex Pereira really showed some stuff. That entire narrative that he can’t wrestle and he can’t defend is now gone. Ankalaev revealed his plan, and that was to take him down—his plan failed.”

    Though the loss was a setback, Sonnen suggests that Pereira’s defensive improvements could still make him a compelling future contender.

  • Magomed Ankalaev Receives Dagestan’s ‘Highest Reward’ After UFC 313 Title Win

    Magomed Ankalaev Receives Dagestan’s ‘Highest Reward’ After UFC 313 Title Win

    Magomed Ankalaev is the man of the hour in his home region of Dagestan right now.

    Ankalaev put an end to Alex Pereira’s dominant reign as the light heavyweight champion, securing a unanimous decision victory in the headlining bout of UFC 313 last weekend.

    Earlier this week, the newly crowned UFC 205-pound champion received a grand reception in Dagestan. Now, as of Friday, Magomed Ankalaev has earned a prestigious accolade in his homeland, joining the ranks of his compatriot and reigning UFC lightweight titleholder, Islam Makhachev.

    With his victory over “Poatan,” Ankalaev has solidified his place as a national hero, being bestowed with Dagestan’s highest medal of honor by the Head of the Republic, Sergey Alimovich Melikov.

    Magomed Ankalaev recently took to Instagram to share his thoughts on this prestigious honor and revealed that receiving the recognition was an unexpected yet deeply rewarding surprise.

    “At the invitation of the Head of the Republic of Dagestan, my coaches and I visited the government, where a pleasant surprise awaited me – Sergey Alimovich Melikov presented me with the highest award of the republic. During the meeting, we heard many kind words and important instructions, which inspired us to work even harder and represent the country with dignity on the international stage. Thank you, Sergey Alimovich, for your support and attention to athletes!” Anakalev posted on Instagram.

    The Dagestani had his first shot at the light heavyweight title against former champion Jan Błachowicz at UFC 282 in December 2022, but after five rounds of back-and-forth action, the fight ended in a draw.

    Ankalaev has now pushed his unbeaten streak to 14 fights and hinted that he is already in talks with the UFC for a rematch against Pereira — a claim the Brazilian has also confirmed.

  • UFC Fight Night: Marvin Vettori vs. Roman Dolidze 2 Weigh-In Results

    UFC Fight Night: Marvin Vettori vs. Roman Dolidze 2 Weigh-In Results

    UFC Fight Night: Marvin Vettori vs. Roman Dolidze 2 takes place on Saturday, and MMA News is here to bring you the official weigh-in results.

    After staging its latest pay-per-view event at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena last weekend, the mixed martial arts leader is back at its home base of the Apex to continues its March schedule.

    Headlining will be former middleweight title challenger Marvin Vettori. The Italian will return from a near-two-year layoff to run it back with Roman Dolidze, whom he previously outpointed in a lackluster three-round clash in 2023.

    Elsewhere, Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos, Alexander Hernandez, Cody Gibson, SeungWoo Choi, and Ryan Spann will be in action.

    UFC Fight Night: Vettori vs. Dolidze 2 Weigh-In Results

    UFC Fight Night: Vettori vs. Dolidze 2 takes place on Saturday, March 15, at the Apex facility in Las Vegas, Nevada. The main card begins at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT, with the preliminary card starting at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT.

    See above for a replay of the weigh-ins via MMA Junkie, and check out the results below.

    Main Card:

    • Middleweight: Marvin Vettori (186lbs) vs. Roman Dolidze (186lbs)
    • Welterweight: Chidi Njokuani (172.25lbs)* vs. Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos (171lbs)
    • Lightweight: Alexander Hernandez (156lbs) vs. Kurt Holobaugh (155.5lbs)
    • Bantamweight: Da’Mon Blackshear (136lbs) vs. Cody Gibson (136lbs)
    • Light Heavyweight: Diyar Nurgozhay (120.5lbs)** vs. Brendson Ribeiro (205.5lbs)
    • Featherweight: SeungWoo Choi (146lbs) vs. Kevin Vallejos (145.5lbs)

    Preliminary Card:

    • Heavyweight: Waldo Cortes-Acosta (261.5lbs) vs. Ryan Spann (249lbs)
    • Bantamweight: SuYoung You (136lbs) vs. AJ Cunningham (136lbs)
    • Bantamweight: Carlos Vera (136lbs) vs. Josias Musasa (136.5lbs)*
    • Women’s Strawweight: Stephanie Luciano (116lbs) vs. Sam Hughes (116lbs)
    • Flyweight: Daniel Barez (126lbs) vs. Andre Lima (126lbs)
    • Women’s Bantamweight: Josiane Nunes (136lbs) vs. Priscila Cachoeira (135lbs)
    • Women’s Flyweight: Yuneisy Duben (125.5lbs) vs. Carli Judice (125lbs)

    *Chidi Njokuani missed the welterweight limit by 1.25 pounds, fine TBA

    **Diyar Nurgozhay missed the light heavyweight limit by 4.5 pounds, fine TBA

    ***Josias Musasa missed the bantamweight limit by 0.5 pounds, fine TBA

  • Magomed Ankalaev Urges ‘Steroid Machine’ Jon Jones To Fight Tom Aspinall

    Magomed Ankalaev Urges ‘Steroid Machine’ Jon Jones To Fight Tom Aspinall

    Magomed Ankalaev, the newly crowned UFC light heavyweight champion, is seemingly on the hunt for a war of words with Jon “Bones” Jones, following his victory at UFC 313. 

    Ankalaev’s win, which secured him the title previously held by Jones, has derailed potential plans for Alex Pereira to challenge Jones for the heavyweight championship. Had Pereira retained his 205-pound belt, calls for a super-fight between the two would have been inevitable.

    However, Ankalaev’s victory has cleared a significant hurdle for a Jones unification fight, a point the Russian has been keen to emphasize on social media.

    This online feud began when Jones posted a graphic highlighting his record-breaking number of UFC title defenses, stating, “Small flex.” Ankalaev responded sharply, accusing Jones of cheating, stating, “Yes, but all this CHAMPIONs clean his big cheater we all know this.”

    Ankalaev has continued to taunt Jones, specifically accusing him of avoiding a fight with interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall. This online roasting follows Dana White’s recent statement that Jones will return “this summer” for a unified heavyweight title fight against Aspinall, though the promotion has yet to formally announce the bout.

    “Johnny steroid machine was very disappointed. I beat Alex please fight big Tom Aspinall stop running,” he wrote.

  • Molly McCann Gets New Opponent For UFC London Return

    Molly McCann Gets New Opponent For UFC London Return

    Local fan favorite Molly McCann has a new target in her sights for next weekend’s UFC Fight Night in London.

    The mixed martial arts leader will head back across the pond soon to stage another card in England’s capital. As usual, a number of the country’s own will be in action, with former champion Leon Edwards headlining.

    Among the most prominent names on the undercard is McCann (14-7), a longtime flyweight veteran who dropped down to 115 pounds last year. After going 1-1 in her return to division, most recently falling to defeat opposite Bruna Brasil at UFC 304 in Manchester, “Meatball” will look to get back to winning ways on March 22.

    To do so, the Liverpudlian will need to defeat a late-notice replacement opponent. While she was originally set to face Istela Nunes, McCann will now share the cage with Alexia Thainara (11-1).

    News of the matchup change was first reported by Ag. Fight.

    Brazil’s Thainara has won nine straight, with her most recent victory coming via decision on Dana White’s Contender Series last year. She shares an opponent with McCann, having suffered her sole career loss to Brasil back in 2019.

  • ‘He Must Be An Idiot’ – Paddy Pimblett Blasts Dustin Poirier Over Retirement Plan

    ‘He Must Be An Idiot’ – Paddy Pimblett Blasts Dustin Poirier Over Retirement Plan

    Paddy Pimblett can’t even fathom why Dustin Poirier has announced his plans to retire.

    Poirier has been weighing the idea of retirement for a while, and now, after falling short in his third attempt at undisputed lightweight gold against reigning champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 302 last June, he seems fully committed to calling it a career.

    However, “The Diamond” has made it clear he won’t hang up his gloves without a proper send-off. He’s spent the past several months pushing the UFC to grant him a farewell fight in his hometown of Lafayette, Louisiana.

    The former UFC interim lightweight champion has shut down any possibility of facing rising contender Pimblett in his farewell fight, declaring that only a fellow “legend” is worthy of his final showdown.

    “The Baddy” is now set for a high-stakes showdown against former title challenger Michael Chandler in the co-main event of UFC 314 on April 12, taking place at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida.

    During a recent conversation with ESPN Deportes, Paddy Pimblett insisted that Dustin Poirier still has plenty left in the tank and shouldn’t even be considering retirement. Moreover, he’s confident that if they ever shared the Octagon, he’d have the upper hand.

    “He said something about me the other day didn’t he? Saying it’s legends only and he thinks Chandler will beat me,” Pimblett said. “I think he should have more than one fight (before he retires). He looked good in his last fight. I don’t understand why you’d retire when you look good, but you know, he must be an idiot. I think I beat Dustin Poirier so, I’d love to fight him.”

    There’s still no official confirmation on who “The Diamond” will face in his final fight. However, earlier this month, fellow lightweight contender Beneil Dariush speculated that Poirier could run it back with former foe and reigning BMF titleholder Max Holloway.

    Poirier and Holloway first met inside the Octagon at UFC 143 in February 2012, where the Louisiana native secured a first-round submission victory in their featherweight clash.

    Their paths crossed once again at UFC 236 in April 2019, this time with interim lightweight gold on the line. Poirier secured the victory by unanimous decision.

  • Update On Charles Oliveira’s Future, Chances Of Fighting Ilia Topuria Next

    Update On Charles Oliveira’s Future, Chances Of Fighting Ilia Topuria Next

    Charles Oliveira’s manager and coach, Diego Lima, has provided an update on the former UFC lightweight champion and the possibility of a fight against Ilia Topuria.

    Contrary to rumors of a rematch with Alexander Volkanovski, Topuria announced last month that he intends to vacate the featherweight title and move up to 155 pounds.

    UFC CEO Dana White believes this surprising decision stems from Topuria’s struggles with weight cuts and waning interest in the featherweight division. Now, the big question is: what’s next?

    While not officially confirmed, Topuria is widely expected to be Islam Makhachev’s next challenger for the UFC lightweight title.

    Meanwhile, Charles Oliveira secured a unanimous decision victory over Michael Chandler last time out in a five-round co-main event rematch at UFC 309. The bout earned “Fight of the Night” honors and placed the Brazilian back into the championship conversation.

    Coach Lima weighed in on the evolving title picture while speaking to Álvaro Colmenero.

    “Everything is revolving around Makhachev. If Belal doesn’t win the fight in May, (Makhachev) would have a chance to go up a weight class, leaving us with Topuria vs. Charles.

    “But if Belal wins, (Makhachev) would stay at lightweight, and we would have to see with the UFC who it would be — Topuria or Charles — because it depends on two factors: the UFC and Makhachev himself.”

  • Manel Kape Fires Back At Eye Poke Controversy: ‘People Want To Find An Excuse’

    Manel Kape Fires Back At Eye Poke Controversy: ‘People Want To Find An Excuse’

    Manel Kape is shrugging off the debate surrounding his knockout victory against Asu Almabayev.

    Earlier this month at UFC Vegas 103, Kape put on a striking clinic, overwhelming Almabayev with speed and aggression before sealing the deal with a third-round TKO in the main event at UFC APEX.

    However, in the aftermath of the fight, controversy swirled as broadcast replays revealed “Starboy” scraping Almabayev’s eye not once but twice — first in the second round, then again in the third. Despite the apparent foul, referee Mike Beltran didn’t catch the infraction in real time, allowing the action to continue.

    Days after the bout, “Zulfikar” took to social media and shared a shocking image of his reddened, swollen eye, alleging it was the result of the uncalled foul. However, the outspoken Portuguese striker refuses to take the blame.

    During a recent interview with MMA Fighting, Manel Kape dismissed the criticism, insisting that Almabayev’s eye was already compromised from the very first punch he landed — not from what he describes as an accidental strike.

    “Against Asu, his eye became like that, it was the first punch,” Kape said. “It was the first punch that hit him. If you guys watch the fight very carefully and watch the first round, when I got the punch, immediately his eye was already destroyed.”

    Aside from the eye poke controversy, Kape dominated the fight, effortlessly shutting down Almabayev’s takedown attempts. “Starboy” also voiced his frustration, stating that some fans are fixating on the foul in an attempt to discredit his victory, but he refuses to let it shake him.

    “It was not an eye poke that made the fight, that finished the fight,” Manel Kape said. “I was beating him. People go and find excuses because it was me. People want to find an excuse. There’s a type of fighters that get a lot of hate. This is a special fighters, the champions, they always talk about them and they want to criticize them. I know I’m one of the people that get a lot of hate but when you’re winning, when you become a champion, they want to be on your side.”

    With his victory over “Zulfikar,” Kape has improved his UFC record to 6-3, boasting four knockout wins along the way. His last setback came at UFC 304 this past July, where he suffered a unanimous decision loss to Muhammad Mokaev.

  • Magomed Ankalaev Vows To Finish Alex Pereira In Likely Rematch

    Magomed Ankalaev Vows To Finish Alex Pereira In Likely Rematch

    Magomed Ankalaev has addressed criticism regarding the perceived lack of excitement in his UFC 313 main event victory over Alex Pereira, placing the blame on his opponent. Now, he is looking to run it back.

    Compared to Pereira’s typically high-energy title bouts, Ankalaev’s unanimous decision victory — which earned him the UFC light heavyweight championship — was notably subdued, drawing widespread criticism from fans and fighters alike.

    At the post-fight press conference, Ankalaev defended his strategy, arguing that Pereira’s unwillingness to engage led to the fight’s lack of action. While the judges awarded him a unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46), some observers disagreed.

    Ankalaev later took to X to declare his readiness for a rematch, vowing it won’t go the distance.

    “I’m ready for round 6, but this time it will not go the full distance. Let’s go, guys,” he wrote.

    With this victory, Ankalaev has reached a pivotal moment in his career. His win over Pereira has sparked discussions about his next challenges, with a rematch highly anticipated.

    The buzz surrounding UFC 313 has also fueled speculation among MMA fans about potential future contenders.

  • UFC Vegas 104 Betting Odds: Current Favorites For Marvin Vettori vs. Roman Dolidze Card

    UFC Vegas 104 Betting Odds: Current Favorites For Marvin Vettori vs. Roman Dolidze Card

    UFC Vegas 104 is almost upon us, and MMA News is here to keep you updated with the current odds for this weekend’s lineup.

    The upcoming event takes place Saturday, March 15, at the UFC Apex in Enterprise, Nevada. The main card begins at 7 PM ET/4 PM PT, with the preliminary card starting at 4 PM ET/1 PM PT.

    Topping the lineup will be a pair of ranked middleweights, with former title challenger Marvin Vettori and Roman Dolidze running it back two years on from their lackluster three-round clash in London, which was won by the Italian. 

    And also making the walk on Saturday will be the likes of Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos, Alexander Hernandez, and Ryan Spann.

    UFC Vegas 104: Vettori vs. Dolidze 2 Betting Odds

    Listed below are the latest betting odds for UFC Vegas 104 (as of 3/11), courtesy of DraftKings.

    Main Card:

    • Marvin Vettori (-170) vs. Roman Dolidze (+142)
    • Chidi Njokuani (+154) vs. Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos (-185)
    • Alexander Hernandez (-205) vs. Kurt Holobaugh (+170)
    • Da’Mon Blackshear (-455) vs. Cody Gibson (+350)
    • Diyar Nurgozhay (-345) vs. Brendson Ribeiro (+275)
    • SeungWoo Choi (+410) vs. Kevin Vallejos (-550)

    Preliminary Card:

    • Waldo Cortes-Acosta (-166) vs. Ryan Spann (+140)
    • SuYoung You (-600) vs. AJ Cunningham (+440)
    • Carlos Vera (+500) vs. Josias Musasa (-700)
    • Stephanie Luciano (-230) vs. Sam Hughes (+190)
    • Daniel Barez (+280) vs. Andre Lima (-355)
    • Josiane Nunes (-185) vs. Priscila Cachoeira (+154)
    • Yuneisy Duben (+295) vs. Carli Judice (-375)
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VekL1KtzFzY
  • Dave & Buster’s Unveils UFC Challenge Game For An Immersive Arcade Experience

    Dave & Buster’s Unveils UFC Challenge Game For An Immersive Arcade Experience

    Dave & Buster’s is taking its collaboration with UFC to the next level with the launch of the UFC Challenge game, now available at all locations nationwide. Designed to deliver an interactive and competitive fight experience, this high-energy game allows fans to test their speed, accuracy, and endurance—bringing them closer to the octagon like never before.

    Building on a partnership established in 2022, Dave & Buster’s has already become a premier destination for UFC fans to watch Pay-Per-View and Fight Night events.

    The UFC Challenge Game

    Developed in collaboration with Rider & IGPM Distribution, Adrenaline Amusements, and Betson, the UFC Challenge game is a massive 11-foot-wide, 12-foot-tall, 1,700-pound arcade machine designed to simulate the intensity of a UFC bout.

    • Single-player mode: Compete through three intense rounds, aiming to rack up 200+ points to earn the title of UFC champion.
    • Two-player mode: Go head-to-head with an opponent, where accuracy determines victory—miss too many shots, and you’ll get knocked out
    • Authentic UFC branding: The game features official UFC gloves, Venum Fusion fight kits, and the iconic song Face the Pain by STEMM to set the stage.
    • Strategic gameplay: Players can maximize points by incorporating knee strikes into their combos.

    Simon Murray, Senior Vice President at Dave & Buster’s:

    “Watching UFC at Dave & Buster’s has always been an electrifying experience, and now we’re bringing fans even closer to the action. The UFC Challenge game is the perfect way for fans to test their skills before watching the best fighters in the world compete on our massive screens.”

    Meghan Mernin, Vice President of Licensing for UFC, echoed the excitement:

    “This game is an ideal extension of our brand, offering an immersive, authentic, and exciting UFC experience for fans of all ages.”

    For more details on the UFC Challenge game and upcoming events, visit Daveandbusters.com.

  • Jeremy Stephens Makes Shock UFC Return Despite Being Drafted For GFL

    Jeremy Stephens Makes Shock UFC Return Despite Being Drafted For GFL

    Mixed martial arts veteran Jeremy Stephens (29-21, 1 NC) is back for a 35th appearance in the UFC Octagon.

    Stephens’ unexpected return to the sport’s leading promotion comes almost four years on from his exit. “Lil Heathen’s’ submission defeat to Mateusz Gamrot left him winless across his last six fights, a run dating back to 2018.

    A brief stint in the PFL didn’t go too much better, with the 38-year-old going 1-2 and failing to reach the playoffs in his sole season. But he’s since bounced back in a new realm, winning three straight in bare-knuckle boxing.

    And after stopping Eddie Alvarez at BKFC Knucklemania V this past January, a return to MMA appeared to be next for Stephens after he was drafted by Team Miami for the launch year of the Global Fight League (GFL).

    A couple of months later, however, an unexpected announcement has revealed Jeremy Stephens’ sudden return to the UFC for a homecoming fight in Des Moines on May 3. The veteran will face another returning face in Wales’ Mason Jones (15-2, 1 NC) at 155 pounds.

    The news marks another blow to the legitimacy of the GFL. The new promotion was previously accused of announcing fighters for its draft who had not agreed to be included, and that trend has continued since the teams’ selections. After Rashad Evans refuted his signing after being drafted, Stephens has now become the latest to sign elsewhere.

    Jones, meanwhile, returns to the UFC after an unbeaten 4-0 run under the Cage Warriors banner. “The Dragon” will now look to impress in his second stint on MMA’s biggest stage.

    With this addition, the current fights expected to take place at UFC Des Moines on May 3 are as follows:

    • Cory Sandhagen vs. Deiveson Figueiredo (bantamweight)
    • Reinier de Ridder vs. Bo Nickal (middleweight)
    • Marina Rodriguez vs. Gillian Robertson (women’s strawweight)
    • Jeremy Stephens vs. Mason Jones (featherweight)
    • Marlon Vera vs. Mario Bautista (bantamweight)
    • Yana Santos vs. Miesha Tate (women’s bantamweight)
    • Santiago Ponzinibbio vs. Daniel Rodriguez (welterweight)
    • Montel Jackson vs. Daniel Marcos (bantamweight)
    • JeongYeong Lee vs. Trevor Peek (featherweight)
    • Cameron Smotherman vs. Serhiy Sidey (bantamweight)
    • Junior Tafa vs. Tuco Toccos (heavyweight)
    • Azamat Bekoev vs. Ryan Loder (middleweight)
  • Reinier de Ridder vs. Bo Nickal Confirmed For UFC Des Moines On May 3

    Reinier de Ridder vs. Bo Nickal Confirmed For UFC Des Moines On May 3

    Undefeated UFC middleweight prospect Bo Nickal has his latest assignment in the calendar.

    Nickal (7-0) has won all four of his Octagon appearances to date since a pair of victories on Dana White’s Contender Series to net a contract back in 2023.

    After submissions of Jamie Pickett and Cody Brundage sandwiched a knockout of Val Woodburn, the three-time NCAA Division I national champion and three-time Big Ten Conference champion out of Pennsylvania State University was taken to the scorecards for the first time.

    Nevertheless, the 29-year-old got the nod over Paul Craig at UFC 309 last November, and he now has his first opportunity at ranked opposition this year.

    The UFC confirmed this week that Bo Nickal will co-headline the UFC Fight Night in Des Moines on May 3, sharing the cage with #13-ranked middleweight contender Reinier de Ridder (19-2).

    News of the booking was first reported by Sporting News’ Val Dewar.

    De Ridder, too, is yet to taste defeat on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage. The Dutchman has won both of his UFC contests since jumping ship from ONE Championship, where he had reigned as a two-division champion.

    After a somewhat lackluster debut win over Gerald Meerschaert in late 2024, de Ridder opened his account for 2025 with a rapid first-round submission of Kevin Holland at UFC 311 in Los Angeles.

    With this addition, the current fights expected to take place at UFC Des Moines on May 3 are as follows:

    • Cory Sandhagen vs. Deiveson Figueiredo (bantamweight)
    • Reinier de Ridder vs. Bo Nickal (middleweight)
    • Marina Rodriguez vs. Gillian Robertson (women’s strawweight)
    • Jeremy Stephens vs. Mason Jones (lightweight)
    • Marlon Vera vs. Mario Bautista (bantamweight)
    • Yana Santos vs. Miesha Tate (women’s bantamweight)
    • Santiago Ponzinibbio vs. Daniel Rodriguez (welterweight)
    • Montel Jackson vs. Daniel Marcos (bantamweight)
    • JeongYeong Lee vs. Trevor Peek (featherweight)
    • Cameron Smotherman vs. Serhiy Sidey (bantamweight)
    • Junior Tafa vs. Tuco Toccos (heavyweight)
    • Azamat Bekoev vs. Ryan Loder (middleweight)
  • Stipe Miocic Names 2 ‘Most Satisfying’ Knockouts From His UFC Career

    Stipe Miocic Names 2 ‘Most Satisfying’ Knockouts From His UFC Career

    Stipe Miocic recently named the knockout wins he took the most pride in during his UFC career.

    Miocic is widely considered the greatest heavyweight in UFC history, holding the division’s records for consecutive (three) and total (four) title defenses — each earned against top-tier competition.

    The 42-year-old Ohio native fell short in his quest for a third heavyweight title reign, suffering a decisive knockout loss to champion Jon Jones at UFC 309 last November. Following the defeat, he officially announced his retirement from the sport.

    Although the UFC veteran didn’t deliver his best performance in his final fight, his legacy in the heavyweight division remains undeniable. With victories over elite names like Alistair Overeem, Junior dos Santos, and Francis Ngannou, Miocic built a résumé that speaks for itself.

    He retired with an impressive 20-5 record, including 14 knockouts — yet two stand out as his personal favorites.

    During a recent interview with BIGPLAY Sports Network, Stipe Miocic was asked about the “most satisfying” knockouts of his career. While he holds all of his finishes in high regard, the former UFC heavyweight champion said that his first-round KO to dethrone Fabricio Werdum at UFC 198 in May 2016, in front of a hostile Brazilian crowd, was one of the greatest moments of his career.

    “When I won the title in Brazil,” Stipe Miocic said. “Because there were, you know, like 45,000 people in there, and 44,990 were Brazilians speaking Portuguese, telling me I’m going to die. I had 15 family and friends there, and then I hit him, and he went out. I was hearing, ‘Yay, a new champion,’ and it was so annoying because, like, it was quiet, it was awkward, but it was great.”

    Stipe Miocic also called his first-round knockout of Overeem at UFC 203 in September 2016 one of his most iconic moments, as he defended his title in front of a roaring hometown crowd in Cleveland.

    “Of course, the one here in Cleveland was awesome too… It’s funny, I talk about anxiety — I don’t get anxiety much — and during that fight, walking out with everyone screaming your name, it was surreal. People dream about that stuff, and I get goosebumps thinking about it now. I couldn’t catch my breath. I was fighting, and I thought, ‘This is not good. What do I do?’ Then [Overeem] popped me and dropped me, and I was like, ‘I’m good now. Reset, let’s do this.’ Then I got on top and finished him off, and I was like, ‘Thank God, it could have been way worse.’”

  • Johnny Walker’s UFC Return Set To Come Against Undefeated Russian On May 17

    UFC light heavyweight contender Johnny Walker will look to get back on track when he returns to action on May 17.

    After having his plans for fight against Bogdan Guskov at UFC 311 this past January scuppered by injury, the Brazilian veteran’s layoff is approaching nine months.

    But per MMA Junkie, Walker (21-9, 1 NC) won’t have too much longer to wait, with the 32-year-old set to face the undefeated Azamat Murzakanov (14-0) at the UFC Fight Night event on May 17.

    For the #10-ranked Johnny Walker, the bout will mark his latest opportunity at recording a first win since he defeated Anthony Smith in May 2023. The Brazilian has since gone winless across three fights, with a no contest against Magomed Ankalaev followed by two brutal knockouts versus the Dagestani in their rematch and Volkan Oezdemir.

    Azamat Murzakanov, meanwhile, had his first fight in 16 months last August. The Russia reminded the division of his presence with a vicious KO victory over Alonzo Menifield to extend his UFC record to 4-0 and rise to #12 in the rankings.

    With this addition, the current fights expected to take place at the UFC Fight Night on May 17 are as follows:

    • Curtis Blaydes vs. Rizvan Kuniev (heavyweight)
    • Johnny Walker vs. Azamat Murzakanov (light heavyweight)
    • Serghei Spivac vs. Shamil Gaziev (heavyweight)
    • JunYong Park vs. Ismail Naurdiev (middleweight)
    • Mohammed Usman vs. Hamdy Abdelwahab (heavyweight)
  • Renato Moicano Sends Supportive Message To Retiring Former Opponent Jalin Turner

    Renato Moicano Sends Supportive Message To Retiring Former Opponent Jalin Turner

    Longtime UFC lightweight contender Jalin Turner has officially called time on his career, and a former opponent of his has emerged among the prominent names sending congratulatory messages.

    Turner announced his shock retirement at the age of just 29 moments after his latest setback inside the Octagon this past weekend.

    Returning to the cage at UFC 313 for the first time since a crushing loss to Renato Moicano last April, “The Tarantula” was quickly submitted by up-and-coming prospect Ignacio Bahamondes.

    After removing his gloves, Turner informed reporters cageside that his time competing on MMA’s biggest stage was over. And a few days later, the American officially confirmed his decision to retire in a heartfelt social media post.

    Turner has since received plenty of supportive messages, with one of the most recent coming from Moicano.

    “One of the dangerous mdfker in the game! Congrats on your (career)! I wish you all the best and enjoy life,” Moicano wrote on X.

    While explaining his decision to hang up the gloves, Jalin Turner admitted he’d been pondering an exit from MMA in the months on from his knockout loss to “Money” Moicano at UFC 300.

    “The Tarantula’s” career has concluded after a 7-6 run in the UFC, during which he defeated the likes of Brad Riddell and King Green.

  • Jan Błachowicz Outlines Goal Of Thwarting Alex Pereira’s Plan For Ankalaev Rematch

    Jan Błachowicz Outlines Goal Of Thwarting Alex Pereira’s Plan For Ankalaev Rematch

    Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jan Błachowicz plans to alter the expected direction of his division’s title picture — and the expected future of Alex Pereira.

    The 205-pound weight class received a shake-up this past weekend when Magomed Ankalaev ended the reign of Pereira, which had successfully moved through three challenges before running into the Dagestani at UFC 313.

    Following his lackluster performance en route to a unanimous decision defeat, “Poatan” has echoed the sentiments of Dana White in suggesting that an immediate rematch is likely for later this year.

    But a former opponent of Pereira’s plans to scupper such plans.

    During an appearance on Wednesday’s episode of The Ariel Helwani Show on Uncrowned, Błachowicz outlined his goal of securing a rematch with Ankalaev for the gold by making a statement in his return against Carlos Ulberg next weekend in London.

    “I beat (Ulberg), then I take a title shot against (Ankalaev),” Błachowicz said. “I beat Ankalaev and then rematch against (Pereira). I defend the belt against Pereira. This is the perfect scenario for me. Then I can go to the mountains again.”

    Following a draw in his battle with Ankalaev for the then-vacant title in late 2022, Jan Błachowicz welcomed Alex Pereira to the light heavyweight division in mid-2023.

    The Polish veteran fell on the wrong side of a split decision after an incredibly close three-round clash. He’s since been looking toward a chance for redemption against Pereira, and he intends to reach that as a two-time champion at 205 pounds.

  • Tsarukyan Hits Back At Justin Gaethje’s Title Plea: ‘You Barely Got Past #11 On Short Notice’

    Tsarukyan Hits Back At Justin Gaethje’s Title Plea: ‘You Barely Got Past #11 On Short Notice’

    UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan evidently wasn’t impressed by Justin Gaethje’s performance this past weekend — and decision to call for a title shot off the back of it.

    Gaethje bounced back from his brutal knockout loss to Max Holloway in his return to action Saturday night. “The Highlight” co-headlined the UFC 313 pay-per-view in a rematch against Rafael Fiziev.

    While “Ataman” performed valiantly on short notice, he once again fell short to Gaethje on the scorecards, having suffered the same fate in London back in 2023.

    As the Azerbaijani contemplates a move down to the featherweight division, the American fan favorite was quick to stake his claim for a third crack at achieving undisputed lightweight glory on MMA’s biggest stage. But Tsarukyan, the top contender at 155 pounds, firmly disagrees with “The Highlight’s” recent demand to UFC CEO Dana White.

    In a social media post Wednesday, the Russian-Armenian categorically dismissed any suggestion that Justin Gaethje deserves the next shot at Islam Makhachev’s gold.

    “You barely got past #11 on short notice, and before that, you got sent to the shadow realm,” Tsarukyan wrote on X. “If you really want to be the #1 contender and fight for the belt, you have to go through me first.”

    Unfortunately for Tsarukyan, it would appear that Gaethje might have the support of UFC higher-ups when it comes to his ongoing title ambitions, with White stating backstage at UFC 313 that there’s a “good chance” the American receives another title shot.

  • ‘It’s Not The Same Anymore’ – Anthony Smith Opens Up About Retirement Decision

    ‘It’s Not The Same Anymore’ – Anthony Smith Opens Up About Retirement Decision

    Anthony Smith is set to walk away from professional fighting after his upcoming bout on April 26 in Kansas City. The longtime UFC light heavyweight opened up about his decision in a recent interview with Damon Martin for MMA Fighting, revealing that the passing of his longtime coach and friend, Scott “Scotty” Morton, played a major role in making retirement an easier choice.

    “Retiring now is easy because I’m leaving something that doesn’t feel normal anyways,” Smith said. “A lot of it is just uncomfortable, and it’s different, and you don’t know what to do without it.

    This thing is different for me now. It’s not the same. The whole process feels different. And it’s not even just fighting—my everyday life is different with him gone.”

    Smith admitted he had been contemplating retirement for a while, but he kept pushing it back. “I kept saying three or four more, and then, you know, that three or four just kept getting pushed back,” he said. However, as the demands of training and fight preparation continued to take time away from his family, Smith realized he was ready to move on.

    “I love the fight part of it—there’s nothing I enjoy more than walking into the Octagon and fighting,” he explained.

    “But it’s everything that surrounds it that I’m not willing to do anymore. The media, the travel, the being away from my family, living in hotel rooms—I’m just not as willing to do that anymore.”

    Despite stepping away from competition, Smith will remain a fixture in MMA through his work as an analyst.

    “I want to spend the rest of my life doing what I want to do, not what I have to do,” he said. “I got lucky—so many fighters don’t have a plan for life after fighting.”

    Smith’s final fight against Zhang Mingyang at UFC Kansas City will mark the end of an era—but for him, it already feels like he’s left the old life behind.

  • Arman Tsarukyan Breaks Down ’50-50′ Makhachev vs. Topuria Fight

    Arman Tsarukyan Breaks Down ’50-50′ Makhachev vs. Topuria Fight

    The lightweight division is buzzing with excitement as Islam Makhachev holds the championship, with several contenders eager for a title shot. Amid this competitive landscape, Arman Tsarukyan has shared his thoughts on a potential showdown between Makhachev and former featherweight champion Ilia Topuria.

    Tsarukyan, who was originally slated to challenge Makhachev at UFC 311 before a back injury forced him out, brings a unique perspective to the discussion. Weighing in on the potential matchup, he sees it as a close contest, acknowledging Topuria’s striking prowess while questioning his ability to withstand Makhachev’s relentless grappling.

    “It’s a tough fight,” Arman Tsarukyan told The Schmo. “Ilia, he is a better striker; good boxing. I don’t know—like, he’s never fought with guys who can wrestle very well like Islam, so we will see. It is a 50-50 fight.”

    The intrigue of this matchup lies in the stylistic clash between Topuria’s striking power and Makhachev’s elite grappling. While Topuria’s boxing has been a dominant weapon, Makhachev’s wrestling follows the well-established blueprint of Khabib Nurmagomedov. Having faced Makhachev himself, Tsarukyan offers valuable insight into the champion’s approach, making his analysis all the more compelling.

  • PFL Unveils First-Round Matchups For 2025 World Tournament

    PFL Unveils First-Round Matchups For 2025 World Tournament

    The brackets for eight inaugural PFL World Tournaments in 2025 are set.

    After ditching its season and playoff format this year, the Professional Fighters League will kick off a new era next month with the launch of its inaugural World Tournaments.

    The Grand Prix-style structure will see eight fighters in each weight class compete in a single elimination format, culminating in championship finals worth $500,000 for the winners.

    Having completed its rollout of the eight divisional rosters last week, the PFL staged a bracket reveal show on Tuesday to unveil the first-round matchups set to play out across four events in the coming weeks.

    For those bouts, including returns for the likes of Jason Jackson, Jesus Pinedo, Taila Santos, Liz Carmouche, and Alexandr Romanov, see the schedule below.

    2025 PFL World Tournament 1: First Round – April 3

    Main Card (ESPN2/ESPN+, 10 PM ET):

    • Welterweight First Round: Jason Jackson (18-5) vs. Andrey Koreshkov (28-5)
    • Featherweight First Round: Jesus Pinedo (23-6) vs. Adam Borics (19-2)
    • Welterweight First Round: Magomed Umalatov (17-1)vs. Logan Storley (16-3)
    • Featherweight First Round: Jeremy Kennedy (19-4) vs. Movlid Khaybulaev (21-0-1)

    Early Card (ESPN+, 7 PM ET):

    • Welterweight First Round: Mukhamed Berkhamov (17-2) vs. Florim Zendeli (10-1-1) 
    • Featherweight First Round: Gabriel Braga (15-2) vs. Yves Landu (21-9) 
    • Welterweight First Round: Giannis Bachar (9-2) vs. Masayuki Kikuiri (10-2-1)
    • Featherweight First Round: Nathan Kelly (11-3) vs. Taekyun Kim (10-1)
    • Welterweight Alternate: Joseph Luciano (10-2) vs. Thad Jean (8-0)
    • Featherweight Alternate: Fred Dupras (8-1) vs. Nathan Ghareeb (10-3)

    2025 PFL World Tournament 2: First Round – April 11

    Main Card (ESPN2/ESPN+, 11 PM ET):

    • Bantamweight First Round: Magomed Magomedov (20-3) vs. Leandro Higo (23-6)
    • Women’s Flyweight First Round: Taila Santos (24-4) vs. Juliana Velasquez (13-3)
    • Bantamweight First Round: Savarjon Khamidov (16-0) vs. Jake Hadley (11-4)
    • Bantamweight First Round: Ciaran Clarke (10-0) vs. Kasum Kasumov (16-1) 

    Early Card (ESPN+, 8 PM ET):

    • Women’s Flyweight First Round: Liz Carmouche (22-8) vs. Ilara Joanna (12-9)
    • Bantamweight First Round: Ali Taleb (11-1) vs. Zebenzui Ruiz (12-3) 
    • Women’s Flyweight First Round: Kana Watanabe (13-3-1) vs. Jena Bishop (7-2) 
    • Women’s Flyweight First Round: Elora Dana (7-0) vs. Diana Avsaragova (6-1)
    • Bantamweight Alternate: Francesco Nuzzi (10-1) vs. Matheus Mattos (14-3-1)
    • Women’s Flyweight Alternate: Ekaterina Shakalova (8-2) vs. Saray Orozco (8-6) 

    2025 PFL World Tournament 3: First Round – April 18

    Main Card (ESPN/ESPN+, 7 PM ET):

    • Middleweight First Round: Impa Kasanganay (18-5) vs. Fabian Edwards (13-4) 
    • Lightweight First Round: Alexander Shabliy (24-4) vs. Brent Primus (15-4-0, 1 NC)
    • Lightweight First Round: Gadzhi Rabadanov (24-4-2) vs. Marc Diakiese (18-7) 
    • Lightweight First Round: Mads Burnell (20-6) vs. Jay-Jay Wilson (10-1)

    Early Card (ESPN+, 4:30 PM ET):

    • Middleweight First Round: Sadibou Sy (17-8-2, 1 NC ) vs. Dalton Rosta (9-1)
    • Middleweight First Round: Josh Silveira (13-4) vs. Mike Shipman (17-4)
    • Lightweight First Round: Clay Collard (25-14) vs. Alfie Davis (17-4-1) 
    • Middleweight First Round: Aaron Jeffery (15-5) vs. Murad Ramazanov (12-2)
    • Middleweight Alternate: Khalid Murtazaliev (17-3) vs. Jordan Newman (7-0)
    • Lightweight Alternate: Sergio Cossio (27-10-1) vs. Robert Watley (15-3)

    2025 PFL World Tournament 4: First Round – May 1

    Main Card (ESPN2/ESPN+, 10 PM ET):

    • Light Heavyweight First Round: Phil Davis (24-7, 1 NC) vs. Rob Wilkinson (19-3,1 NC) 
    • Heavyweight First Round: Valentin Moldavsky (13-4) vs. Sergey Bilostenniy (13-3) 
    • Light Heavyweight First Round: Antonio Carlos Jr. (16-6, 2 NC) vs. Karl Moore (12-3)
    • Light Heavyweight First Round: Karl Albrektsson (14-6) vs. Simeon Powell (10-1) 

    Early Card (ESPN+, 7 PM ET):

    • Heavyweight First Round: Alexandr Romanov (18-3) vs. Tim Johnson (18-11) 
    • Heavyweight First Round: Linton Vassell (25-10) vs. Oleg Popov (19-1) 
    • Light Heavyweight First Round: Sullivan Cauley (6-1) vs. Marcelo Nunes (11-2) 
    • Heavyweight First Round: Pouya Rahmani (4-0) vs. Abraham Bably (5-1) 
    • Light Heavyweight Alternate: Alex Polizzi (11-4) vs. Rafael Xavier (13-8) 
  • Curtis Blaydes’ Return Gets New Date After Fight-Day UFC 313 Cancellation

    Curtis Blaydes’ Return Gets New Date After Fight-Day UFC 313 Cancellation

    UFC heavyweight contender Curtis Blaydes and newcomer Rizvan Kuniev will hope it’s second time lucky later this year when it comes to their matchup reaching the Octagon.

    The mixed martial arts leader staged its third numbered card of 2025 this past weekend, with UFC 313 going down from inside Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena. Fight week went smoothly and saw all 24 athletes make weight, but fight day saw the card take some hits.

    After John Castañeda was confirmed to be out of his early preliminary contest with Chris Gutierrez, illness struck a more notable pairing. Former interim heavyweight title challenger Curtis Blaydes pulled out of the UFC 313 featured prelim, which was set to see him welcome newcomer Rizvan Kuniev to the Octagon.

    In a post on his Facebook page, “Razor” revealed the reason behind his late decision not to compete.

    “Last night I got sick with norovirus,” Blaydes wrote. “Worked through the night to try and recover but my body wouldn’t cooperate. Fight going to be booked for a later date. Apologize to fans and my opponent be we will have this fight very soon.”

    Fortunately for both men, it hasn’t taken long for the UFC to reschedule the clash for down the line.

    Per Vestnik MMA, Blaydes will now face the Dagestani debutant at the promotion’s first event in Qatar on May 17. The report was later corroborated by Eurosport Nederland’s Marcel Dorff.

    Curtis Blaydes hasn’t competed since a first-round knockout loss to Tom Aspinall in what marked his first title fight on MMA’s biggest stage last July.

    Rizvan Kuniev, meanwhile, last fought in August 2024 when he earned a contract on Dana White’s Contender Series.