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  • Tom Aspinall Breaks Down Chimaev vs. Strickland and Gives His Verdict on the Title Fight

    Tom Aspinall Breaks Down Chimaev vs. Strickland and Gives His Verdict on the Title Fight

    Tom Aspinall has weighed in on the UFC 328 main event and the undisputed heavyweight champion is leaning toward Khamzat Chimaev, though he made clear he sees a genuine path for Sean Strickland to pull off the upset.

    Speaking on his YouTube channel, Aspinall broke down both fighters before arriving at his prediction.

    “I think this is going to be a good fight, first of all. I think Khamzat, to me, looks pretty unstoppable at the moment with his takedowns and stuff. His striking, obviously he’s very dangerous with his striking as well. I think Sean Strickland probably has a little bit of an edge in the striking department, but Khamzat’s grappling. I don’t know if Sean Strickland will be able to get up off the bottom enough times.”

    He acknowledged the reports about Strickland’s bottom game before identifying the question he believes will define the fight.

    “That being said, I know Sean’s coach. I’ve actually trained with Sean a little bit as well, only a tiny bit, though. But I know a lot of people who are close to him and everyone keeps saying how good he is at getting up off the bottom. So, I think it’s going to be real interesting. The big question for me is like, how many times can he get up off the bottom without getting caught in a submission without getting tired. Khamzat will just rinse and repeat for the full five rounds. If Strickland can come through that, not be exhausted, which he’s never shown any signs of that before in my opinion, and put him on the end of that awkward style that he’s got with striking and really unorthodox stand up, I think there’s definitely a chance for Strickland. But in my opinion I’m leaning a little bit toward Khamzat.”

    When pushed to commit to a pick, Aspinall landed on the champion winning a competitive contest.

    “The verdict is for me Khamzat by decision. I think it will be a little more competitive than the DDP fight, but I think Khamzat by decision.”

    UFC 328 takes place Saturday, May 9 at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

  • UFC Selling $1.5M White House Tickets with UFC 329 Access

    UFC Selling $1.5M White House Tickets with UFC 329 Access

    The UFC is marketing premium ticket packages for UFC Freedom 250 at the White House at $1.5 million per seat, with the offering extending well beyond the June 14 event itself and into Conor McGregor’s anticipated UFC 329 return.

    MMA reporter Ariel Helwani revealed the details on Wednesday, describing a deck being sent to influential figures and high-profile buyers under the label of a Partner Investment.

    “There are opportunities to buy tickets. Partner Investment is what it’s being called. It’s a deck being sent out to a lot of influential people, high rollers.”

    The package includes access to UFC Freedom 250 at the White House alongside a partner welcome reception, reserved seating at the press conference and ceremonial weigh-ins, general admission access, and entry to a Zac Brown concert. It also covers floor tickets to UFC 329 on July 11 in Las Vegas, where McGregor is expected to return to the Octagon, as well as WWE event integration with ring signage.

    Dana White previously confirmed that 4,300 people will attend the White House event itself, with most seats reserved for military personnel.

    The card features seven fights, a leaner lineup than a standard UFC numbered event, headlined by Ilia Topuria defending the undisputed lightweight championship against Justin Gaethje. Alex Pereira challenges Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title in the co-main event, with Sean O’Malley vs. Aiemann Zahabi, Mauricio Ruffy vs. Michael Chandler, Bo Nickal vs. Kyle Daukaus, Diego Lopes vs. Steve Garcia, and Josh Hokit vs. Derrick Lewis rounding out the card.

  • UFC 328 Odds, Picks & Best Bets: Predictions for Every Fight on the Card

    UFC 328 Odds, Picks & Best Bets: Predictions for Every Fight on the Card

    UFC 328 is this week, and we’re that much closer to two title fights, including a heated championship main event. Get the latest betting odds and best bets from MMANews!

    In the main event of UFC 328, the UFC middleweight championship will be on the line as Khamzat Chimaev defends against former champion Sean Strickland.

    Despite some inactivity due to illness during his tenure, Chimaev has been seemingly unstoppable since his memorable 2020 arrival to the Octagon. This is Chimaev’s first defense since winning the championship by defeating Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 319 last August.

    Strickland is 2-2 in his last four but has won five of his last seven, including his finish of Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez at UFC Houston in February. Strickland scored a major upset when he defeated Israel Adesanya for the middleweight title at UFC 293. Strickland, however, dropped the championship to Du Plessis at UFC 297 and lost a rematch at UFC 312.

    The co-main event will see Joshua Van defend the UFC flyweight championship against Tatsuro Taira. This was the planned co-main event for UFC 327 last month, but the bout was delayed to this event after a minor injury to Van.

    Van enters this fight on a six-fight win streak, having an incredible stretch since the middle of 2024. Last year, in fact, saw Van defeat Rei Tsuruya in March, finish Bruno Silva at UFC 316, and take a short-notice bout with Brandon Royval at UFC 317, winning in that card’s Fight of the Night. Van won the title at UFC 323 after Alexandre Pantoja suffered an arm injury 26 seconds into the fight.

    Taira comes into this fight with an 18-1 record. He has rebounded since suffering his first loss by Park Hyun-sung in August and stopping former flyweight champion Brandon Moreno at UFC 323.

    Other UFC 328 main card bouts include Alexander Volkov vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta, Sean Brady vs. Joaquin Buckley, and King Green vs. Jeremy Stephens.

    UFC 328 Betting Odds

    Here are the latest betting odds for UFC 328, as of 12 am ET on May 6, courtesy of DraftKings:

    Early Preliminary Card (Paramount+, 5 PM ET)

    • Flyweight: Clayton Carpenter (+145) vs. Jose Ochoa (-175)
    • Middleweight: Baisangur Susurkaev (-675) vs. Djorden Santos (+490)
    • Featherweight: Pat Sabatini (-218) vs. William Gomis (+180)
    • Middleweight: Roman Kopylov (+154) vs. Marco Tulio (-185)

    Preliminary Card (Paramount+, 7 PM ET)

    • Lightweight: Jim Miller (+250) vs. Jared Gordon (-310)
    • Lightweight: Grant Dawson (-176) vs. Mateusz Rebecki (+140)
    • Welterweight: Joel Alvarez (+160) vs. Yaroslav Amosov (-192)
    • Middleweight: Ateba Gautier (-1350) vs. Ozzy Diaz (+800)

    Main Card (Paramount+, 9 PM ET)

    • Lightweight: King Green (-360) vs. Jeremy Stephens (+285)
    • Welterweight: Sean Brady (-175) vs. Joaquin Buckley (+145)
    • Heavyweight: Alexander Volkov (-166) vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta (+140)
    • Flyweight Championship: Joshua Van (+140) vs. Tatsuro Taira (-166)
    • Middleweight Championship: Khamzat Chimaev (-575) vs. Sean Strickland (+425)

    UFC 328 Predictions & Best Bets

    Khamzat Chimaev vs. Sean Strickland: There is a lot of anticipation around this fight, given the heat between the two. Chimaev is trying to get his first successful defense, and Strickland is looking to pull off another upset to become a two-time champ. Strickland may have a 76 percent takedown defense, per UFC Stats, but the numbers in Chimaev’s grappling statistics are beyond those of the normal UFC fighter. And while Strickland has his own grappling abilities, the wrestling style of Chimaev is a whole other level. For all the hype this fight has on it, it’s probably going to be another one-sided bout in Chimaev’s favor; so far, no one has shown they can be a true, credible threat, to be honest. (Prediction: Chimaev) (Best Bet: Chimaev via decision [+300])

    Joshua Van vs. Tatsuro Taira: Van is the champion and has an amazing 2025; however, he’s the underdog given the circumstances of how he defeated Alexandre Pantoja for the flyweight title at UFC 323. Regardless, he won the fight and has shown skills in the Octagon that state he is one of the best flyweights in the world. Yet, people have been hoping for a Taira title shot for some time, and he got that by finishing Brandon Moreno (not an easy feat) at UFC 323. This is probably a striking vs. grappling matchup, and while Van isn’t popular in fans’ books, I’m leaning to his 81 percent takedown defense being the key difference. He may not stop all of Taira’s attempts, but it’ll be enough to control the fight through most of its duration. The real question is if the winner of this fight will have a chance against a returning, healthy Pantoja… (Prediction: Van) (Best Bet: Van ML [+140])

    Alexander Volkov vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta: A major heavyweight contender’s battle here. It’s unfortunate for Volkov that he didn’t get a title shot after his title eliminator win over Jailton Almeida, but that’s par for the course with the state of the UFC’s heavyweight division. And now he has to deal with Waldo Cortes-Acosta, one of the only other positive names in the heavyweight division, coming off a 2025 where he went 5-1 and was one of the top fighters of the year. This is one of the fights on this card that can be a coin flip, but the edge will go to Volkov based on his technical striking. That said, don’t be surprised if WCA lands one of his major power shots that turns the fight’s tide in his favor. (Prediction: Volkov) (Best Bet: Volkov via decision [+140])

    Sean Brady vs. Joaquin Buckley: Major top-10 welterweight matchup here, with the winner finding themselves a fight or two away from earning a shot at the gold. Brady may have had a loss to Michael Morales, but Morales is one fight away from a title shot himself — and Brady had previously rebounded from his first loss with three straight wins and two post-fight bonuses. Buckley comes in off his loss to Kamaru Usman, but he had won six consecutive fights before that. This fight comes down to who can control the action first and best. If it’s Brady, he uses his wrestling for the win. If it’s Buckley, it’s a third loss via KO/TKO for Brady. (Prediction: Brady) (Best Bet: Brady via decision [+150])

    King Green vs. Jeremy Stephens: Jeremy Stephens has made a name for himself post-UFC with his work in BKFC. Even then, he and Mason Jones provided a fun bout last year. But Stephens’ record in his last 10 fights is 1-8 (1 NC)! Green, meanwhile, continues to find ways to win at his age and in the state of his career. While this will be a fun battle, I don’t see a way Stephens gets his hand raised. (Prediction: Green) (Best Bet: Green via decision [+110])

    Ateba Gautier vs. Ozzy Diaz: Ateba Gautier’s power has been his calling card, but his last fight showed him facing some adversity. He was able to rock Andrey Pulyaev, but Pulayev gave him some struggle as the fight went the full 15 minutes. While Diaz can be seen as another test, his only UFC performances have seen him get stopped in one round by Zhang Mingyang and earn a decision over Djorden Santos. It’s pretty doubtful Gautier goes two fights in a row without a finish. But given the odds, honestly, stay away from betting this fight. (Prediction: Gautier) (Best Bet: Gautier via KO/TKO/DQ in Round 2 [+450])

    Joel Alvarez vs. Yaroslav Amosov: Yaroslav Amosov had a decent UFC debut at the end of 2025, fending off early pressure from Neil Magny to score a first-round submission. Now the former Bellator champ gets a tougher test in Joel Alvarez, who has won four straight and eight of his last nine fights (though he has just made his welterweight debut in his last bout). This bout probably spends a lot of time on the floor and comes down to who the better wrestler is — and the lean here will be to Amosov. (Prediction: Amosov) (Best Bet: Fight goes the distance [-105])

    Grant Dawson vs. Mateusz Rebecki: From teammates to opponents — Dawson and Rebecki go at it in a Fight of the Night sleeper nominee. Both men don’t have many losses in competition, but Dawson has been stopped twice in his last five fights, and Rebecki has three losses in his last four. Rebecki has power in his fists, but Dawson has the wrestling to counter that — and go toe-to-toe with Rebecki and his jiu-jitsu. This one’s probably going the distance, and the slight edge should go to Dawson, as the odds suggest. (Prediction: Dawson) (Best Bet: Fight goes the distance [-135])

    Jim Miller vs. Jared Gordon: Jim Miller is an absolute legend who can still pull off big finishes, and people would love to see in a firefight. Jared Gordon has the potential to be that kind of fun opponent — but potential has been a word that has kind of plagued Gordon’s career. Gordon has been the victim of bad luck, bad strategy, and getting finished (namely KO/TKOs) in his career. The 37-year-old hasn’t found consistent success in the Octagon since the pandemic era. Many may expect Gordon to have the edge in this one, but don’t be surprised if Miller pressures his way to a win here. This fight might be in the “too close to call” category. (Prediction: Miller) (Best Bet: Fight goes the distance [-160])

    Roman Kopylov vs. Marco Tulio: A Combat Sambo specialist, Roman Kopylov has had his share of highlights in the Octagon, as seen with his last-second knockout of Chris Curtis and his finish of Josh Fremd. Losses to the likes of Paulo Costa and Gregory “Robocop” Rodrigues aren’t bad losses. The 35-year-old Kopylov, however, needs to show he can hang with the better middleweight contenders. Tulio scored a finish of Matthieu Duclos on DWCS, then finished Ihor Potieria and Tresean Gore before running into Christian Leroy Duncan. Perhaps a case of too much, too soon for Tulio? (Prediction: Kopylov) (Best Bet: Kopylov ML {+154])

    Pat Sabatini vs. William Gomis: Pat Sabatini has great wrestling and grappling abilities, and that should give him an edge against William Gomis. It helps that Sabatini has been on a roll between his UFC and grappling competitions, with his last two losses coming in 2022 and 2023 against, respectively, Damon Jackson and Diego Lopes. Sabatini has faced stronger competition, is more experienced, and will have the New Jersey crowd behind him (shout-out to Rider University). The only thing in Gomis’s favor here is that he tends to go the distance; his only submission loss was early in his career, in 2016. (Prediction: Sabatini) (Best Bet: Sabatini via decision [+175])

    Baisangur Susurkaev vs. Djorden Santos: This isn’t to say that Baisangur Susurkaev isn’t deserving of being the favorite here. The problem is, the odds reflect this idea of him being the “Next Big Thing” when he didn’t show the greatest offense (albeit still getting finishes) against Eric Nolan and Eric McConico. Djorden Santos has as much experience, but the fight probably plays out the same — Susurkaev either goes too grapple-heavy to the crowd’s dismay or gets himself in trouble, only for him to find the finish later in the fight. The hope here is to see if Susurkaev can show he’s making progress. (Prediction: Susurkaev) (Best Bet: Susurkaev via KO/TKO/DQ in Round 2 [+450])

    Clayton Carpenter vs. Jose Ochoa: Both men need a win here. Carpenter looked good in his first two outings but went 0-2 in 2025, dropping a decision to Tagir Ulanbekov and getting submitted by Jafel Filho. Ochoa is 1-2, but he’s younger, and he’s faced three talented names in Lone’er Kavanagh, Cody Durden, and Asu Almabayev (with the Almabayev fight coming on short notice). No particular strong edge in this fight, but Ochoa is the more (fairly) well-rounded fighter. (Prediction: Ochoa) (Best Bet: Ochoa via decision [+150])

  • WATCH: Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane Face Off At South Lawn Ahead Of Historic UFC White House Event

    WATCH: Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane Face Off At South Lawn Ahead Of Historic UFC White House Event

    Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane came face-to-face for the first time at the White House ahead of their upcoming clash at UFC Freedom 250.

    The staredown took place directly on the South Lawn on Wednesday, the same location where the two are expected to compete on June 14 in Washington, D.C. “Poatan” is set to challenge Gane for the interim heavyweight championship in a fight that could make him the first athlete in UFC history to capture titles across three different weight classes.

    Images and footage from the faceoff quickly spread online after Pereira’s longtime coach and former UFC champion Glover Teixeira shared clips from the meeting on social media.

    The White House appearance wasn’t limited to the co-main event fighters. Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje, who are expected to headline the card in a lightweight title unification bout, were also present in Washington as part of the promotional activities surrounding the historic event.

    All four fighters later met with Donald Trump inside the Oval Office as preparations continues for the highly-anticipated fight card on White House grounds.

    The event itself is expected to transform the South Lawn into a temporary outdoor arena featuring a custom-built setup, large viewing screens, and seating for thousands of attendees. Additional fans are expected to gather at Ellipse Park nearby, where tens of thousands of free viewing tickets are planned to be distributed.

  • Donald Trump Hosts UFC Freedom 250 Headliners At White House, Reveals Special American-Themed Belt

    Donald Trump Hosts UFC Freedom 250 Headliners At White House, Reveals Special American-Themed Belt

    Donald Trump welcomed several of the UFC’s biggest stars to the Oval Office on Thursday as preparations continue for the unprecedented UFC Freedom 250 card set to take place on the South Lawn next month.

    Among the fighters present at the White House were Ilia Topuria, Justin Gaethje, Alex Pereira, and Ciryl Gane, who are expected to headline the historic event on June 14 in Washington, D.C.

    During a media briefing inside the Oval Office, the US President unveiled fresh details about the event’s setup while showcasing concept visuals for the outdoor venue. The plans include a custom-built arena structure on the White House grounds featuring large-scale lighting rigs, giant screens, and a full Octagon setup directly on the South Lawn.

    Trump described the event as a first-of-its-kind spectacle, with thousands expected to attend in person and tens of thousands more watching from nearby viewing areas.

    The venue itself is expected to hold approximately 4,300 spectators cageside, with a strong emphasis on military guests. In addition, roughly 85,000 free tickets are expected to be distributed for fans attending the public viewing experience at Ellipse Park, located just outside the White House grounds.

    One of the biggest reveals from the meeting was a special championship belt created specifically for the occasion. The custom-designed UFC Freedom 250 title prominently features the colors and styling of the American flag, marking the event as a celebration tied to the country’s 250th anniversary.

    The card is expected to be headlined by Topuria defending the undisputed lightweight championship against Gaethje in a title unification bout. Pereira and Gane are also set to clash for the interim heavyweight championship in the co-main event.



  • Sean Strickland Unloads on Brendan Allen After he Reveals Camp’s Reaction to Pre-Fight Trash Talk

    Sean Strickland Unloads on Brendan Allen After he Reveals Camp’s Reaction to Pre-Fight Trash Talk

    Brendan Allen spent three weeks in Khamzat Chimaev’s training camp ahead of UFC 328 and offered a window into how the champion’s team is processing Sean Strickland’s ongoing campaign of verbal aggression. Strickland responded to what Allen said with a fury of his own.

    Speaking on Submission Radio, Allen described the general atmosphere in Chimaev’s camp as Strickland’s latest comments filtered in.

    “We just laugh. He just sounds so rtarded. All he wants to do is get an emotional reaction out of people and it’s just like, alright bro, y’all are going to fight on Saturday, see if you’re talking all that sht then because you wasn’t talking that sh*t when y’all trained.”

    Allen also revealed what the coaches told everyone around Chimaev about handling fight week.

    “I think it was more of trying to get through to the team, like it’s all talk. If you care about Khamzat, stay in your lane, don’t mess up this opportunity for Khamzat to go out there and handle it. Let Khamzat handle it. He signed the contract, Sean signed the contract, they’re going to fight, let him talk, let him do whatever he wants to do, let his antics do what it’s going to do, just walk away. Just laugh, walk away. If someone puts their hands on you that’s a different situation, but if it’s just talk, just let him talk. At the end of the day, Khamzat has 25 minutes to be in there with him and he’s going to do his best to make him feel it.”

    He also questioned whether Strickland would actually back up his more extreme statements. “Talk is talk. Sean’s that kind of guy. I’d kill him in a press conference, though. I’d make him freak out for sure.”

    Strickland was asked about Allen’s comments at a media scrum and delivered a pointed response that took aim at Allen’s ranking and his decision to train with the champion.

    “Brendan Allen, you are the definition of a cnt. You are ranked 5. My boy Edmen’s about to beat you. You are ranked No. 5, you were talking about a title fight and you go and you train with the current champion and the whole world just watched him fck you up over and over and over again. All we know of your training camp is you’re getting your ass kicked by fcking Chimaev. You will never fight for a belt. If you want to get some advice from me, stop training with the champion and if you’re going to train with him, don’t let him beat the fck out of you for f*cking weeks at a time.”

    Allen and Strickland previously fought at a UFC APEX event in November 2020, with Strickland winning by second-round knockout. Allen now faces Edmen Shahbazyan at UFC Vegas 118 on June 6. UFC 328 takes place Saturday, May 9 at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

  • Khamzat Chimaev Leaks Sparring Footage of Himself and Strickland

    Khamzat Chimaev Leaks Sparring Footage of Himself and Strickland

    Khamzat Chimaev released a brief clip from his infamous sparring session with Sean Strickland ahead of UFC 328, apparently attempting to reinforce his dominance narrative. Fans had a different reaction.

    The video, posted on social media, shows around 26 seconds of striking exchanges between the two fighters. Chimaev captioned it with a laughing emoji and the message “I am bullying weak people,” a jab at Strickland’s previously reported claim that he prefers sparring with lower-level or younger fighters at the gym.

    The clip drew over 600,000 views but the comment section was not kind. Reactions included “You did absolutely nothing kid. You’re DEAD Saturday,” “You didn’t even land a shot sorry a– bum,” and “Bro you hardly landed one punch.”

    The sparring session between the two has been a major talking point throughout the build to UFC 328. Multiple sources have suggested the striking exchanges were relatively even, perhaps with a slight edge to Strickland, while Chimaev’s grappling was reportedly more dominant once the fight went to the ground. Strickland will be fully aware of what actually happened when they trained together, making the psychological impact of the clip questionable at best.

    It is worth noting that fighters have occasionally released unimpressive training footage deliberately to lower an opponent’s guard. Whether that is the case here or whether the clip simply did not land the way Chimaev intended is a matter of interpretation.

    UFC 328 takes place Saturday, May 9 at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

  • Khamzat Chimaev Hints UFC 328 Could Be His Final Middleweight Fight

    Khamzat Chimaev Hints UFC 328 Could Be His Final Middleweight Fight

    Khamzat Chimaev has hinted that regardless of what happens against Sean Strickland on Saturday night, UFC 328 could represent his final appearance at 185 pounds.

    Speaking at a media scrum on Tuesday in Newark, Chimaev was asked about the possibility of moving up to light heavyweight after the Strickland fight. His response was brief, playful, and pointed.

    “I hope so. I like to eat pizza. We will see.”

    The light heavyweight division is currently in a state of flux following Carlos Ulberg’s ACL injury sustained during his title-winning knockout of Jiri Prochazka at UFC 327. Ulberg is not expected to return until 2027, and the UFC has not yet revealed whether it plans to implement an interim title in his absence. Chimaev has spoken previously about his desire to pursue a third divisional title, and his comments on Tuesday only added fuel to that possibility.

    Despite the broader conversation about his future weight class, Chimaev made clear his focus heading into the weekend remains entirely on Strickland.

    “I don’t know. I hope Ulberg gets a fast recovery. We will see. I’m not so much focused on what’s over Strickland. He’s a tough fighter, good fighter, but we take away all this sh*t he’s saying, he’s a good fighter. I just go focus on him, beat this guy, and then we go for the next. It’s always there. It doesn’t matter.”

    UFC 328 takes place Saturday, May 9 at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

  • Khamzat Chimaev Says Sean Strickland’s Trash Talk Has Made Him More Money Than Ever

    Khamzat Chimaev Says Sean Strickland’s Trash Talk Has Made Him More Money Than Ever

    Khamzat Chimaev has a complicated relationship with Sean Strickland’s relentless trash talk heading into UFC 328, simultaneously expressing contempt for the content and genuine appreciation for what it has done to his bank account.

    Speaking at a media scrum on Tuesday in Newark, Chimaev was candid about the financial upside of sharing a card with one of the sport’s most polarizing mouths.

    “I love him. I don’t know they pay good for him. That’s the important thing. I never made that much money before. That’s good.”

    He also revealed he has been actively looking for Strickland since arriving in New Jersey, with the UFC’s separation protocol being the only thing keeping the two apart.

    “Let him come. I think they took him to some other hotel so maybe thinks so. I tried to find the guy and that’s not so much personal. The guy just talks too much. I don’t think it’s that possible to happen. Because they don’t let me see this guy.”

    When asked about Strickland’s gun threat and whether it registered as a genuine concern, Chimaev dismissed it in a way that made clear no amount of verbal escalation is going to affect his mindset.

    “Where is he? I’ve been here three days in the lobby and the guy said he’s going to shoot me. Let’s go. Do that. I will be happy to die. Do you think I care about what he says? When it comes time to die, I will be happy. All my life I’ve heard stuff like that. I don’t care about that.”

    On the possibility of a post-fight handshake, Chimaev offered the clearest possible window into how he views relationships with opponents.

    “What’s the point if I shake hands or not after the fight? I beat him up, maybe never see him again. The other 15 guys who I beat, I almost didn’t see them again. I don’t care about his life. I care about my life.”

    UFC 328 takes place Saturday, May 9 at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, streaming on Paramount+.

  • UFC Legend Matt Hughes Shares Hospital Bed Photo After Suffering Brutal Finger Injury

    UFC Legend Matt Hughes Shares Hospital Bed Photo After Suffering Brutal Finger Injury

    Matt Hughes has suffered one of the more jarring injuries of his life, and it had nothing to do with a cage or an opponent.

    The UFC Hall of Famer and two-time welterweight champion posted a photo from a hospital bed on Instagram this week, with the image showing that the 52-year-old is missing the middle finger on his right hand. Hughes did not reveal how the injury occurred, keeping the circumstances to himself while letting the photo speak for itself.

    He did find some lightness in the situation despite the severity of what happened, responding to fans in the comments section with characteristic good humor. When one follower joked that Hughes had been “safer” inside the Octagon, he replied without missing a beat.

    “Who says retirement is boring?”

    In his caption, Hughes also offered a brief reflection on the experience.

    “Luckily, God’s been real good to me. He left me nine more to work with.”

    The reactions from the MMA world came quickly. Former middleweight champion Michael Bisping posted “Oh s—!!!” Former welterweight Alan Jouban wrote “My man. Hope all is well as it can be right now.” Former WEC champion Urijah Faber responded with “Oh snap!!!” Former Strikeforce titleholder Josh Thomson noted “You had less injuries fighting.” Bryce Mitchell added “Hope you heal fast champ.”

    The Illinois native became the UFC welterweight champion in 2001 by knocking out Carlos Newton with a slam and went on to defend the belt seven times across two separate reigns, losing the title twice to BJ Penn and Georges St-Pierre in fights that remain among the most significant in the division’s history. He also faced Royce Gracie, Matt Serra, Frank Trigg, and a host of other prominent names across a 54-fight professional career that came to an end in 2011.

    Hughes has dealt with significant health challenges in the years since retiring, having been struck by a train in 2017 that left him in a coma and required an extended period of rehabilitation. His recovery from that incident was considered remarkable by those who followed his progress, and he has remained a visible and well-liked figure in the MMA community throughout his post-career years.

  • Dana White Says He Doesn’t “Give A Sh*t” If UFC Faces Backlash Over Donald Trump Relationship

    Dana White Says He Doesn’t “Give A Sh*t” If UFC Faces Backlash Over Donald Trump Relationship

    Dana White isn’t losing sleep over whether his close ties to Donald Trump have impacted the UFC’s business.

    The UFC boss addressed the topic during a recent appearance on the Katie Miller Podcast, where he was asked if the promotion’s visible alignment with Trump has led to any financial consequences.

    With the US President remaining a polarizing figure in American politics, the question has lingered as the UFC continues to feature him prominently at events and collaborates on high-profile ventures.

    I don’t give a sht,” White said. “I don’t know the answer to that question. I’ve gotten to a point in my life, especially after COVID and all the nutty sht that went on during that time, that I only want to be in business with and talk to people that I’m aligned with.”

    Long-standing Relationship Between Trump And White Continues To Shape UFC’s Direction

    White and Trump’s relationship stretches back decades, well before Trump entered politics. The UFC CEO has often credited Trump for giving the promotion a platform during its early years, hosting events when the sport struggled to find mainstream acceptance.

    That loyalty has remained consistent throughout Trump’s political rise. White publicly supported him during multiple presidential campaigns and played a visible role in his most recent run, helping connect Trump with younger audiences through podcast appearances and digital platforms.

    Their alignment is now more visible than ever, with the UFC preparing to host UFC Freedom 250 on the South Lawn of the White House on June 14. The event, a first of its kind, further underscores the close relationship between the promotion and the president.

    The 79-year-old Republican leader has also become a regular presence at UFC events, often receiving a high-profile walkout and a strong reception from crowds. Despite that visibility, White has consistently maintained that the UFC operates independently of political agendas.

  • Sean Strickland Rips Into Josh Hokit’s Gimmick, Compares It To WWE – “Jake Paul When He Was 13”

    Sean Strickland Rips Into Josh Hokit’s Gimmick, Compares It To WWE – “Jake Paul When He Was 13”

    Sean Strickland isn’t holding back when it comes to the rising profile of Josh Hokit, questioning the authenticity behind the heavyweight contender’s increasingly loud persona.

    During a recent media scrum ahead of his title fight against reigning middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328 this Saturday, Strickland was asked about Hokit’s rise and the attention he’s been generating outside the cage.

    While the former 185-pound titleholder didn’t deny “The Incredible Hok’s” abilities, he made it clear he’s not impressed by the way the heavyweight has been presenting himself.

    “Josh Hokit, you’re a grown-a** man,” Strickland said.

    “You’re like almost 30 years old, and you’re acting like a fu*k Jake Paul when he was 13. Stop, bro. You made it, people know who you are, just stop. You don’t have to interview homeless people and be fu*k weird, just fight now!

    “The thing I don’t like about Josh, and again I’ve met Josh and trained with him, he’s a very likable guy. He’s a really nice guy, and I consider him a friend of mine, but at some point, it’s such a fabricated image, and it reminds you of a WWE skit.”

    Hokit’s Fast Rise Paired With Polarizing Image

    Hokit’s transition from professional football to MMA has been rapid, and his performances have quickly pushed him into the heavyweight spotlight. His recent win over Curtis Blaydes at UFC 327 elevated him into the division’s top tier and reinforced his potential as a serious contender.

    At the same time, “The Incredible Hok” has leaned heavily into a chaotic, attention-grabbing persona. His pre-fight antics and bold, often bizarre statements have made him one of the more polarizing figures in the UFC. Some fans see it as entertainment and marketability, while others believe it overshadows his actual skill set.

    Despite the criticism, Hokit’s momentum continues to build. He is scheduled to face Derrick Lewis at the White House event on June 14, a high-profile opportunity that could push him even closer to title contention.

  • Former Champ Claims Controversial Chechen Leader Ramzan Kadyrov Could Be In Khamzat Chimaev’s Corner At UFC 328

    Former Champ Claims Controversial Chechen Leader Ramzan Kadyrov Could Be In Khamzat Chimaev’s Corner At UFC 328

    Luke Rockhold has added a controversial layer to fight week ahead of UFC 328, claiming he’s heard talk that Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov could be present in Khamzat Chimaev’s corner.

    “Borz” is set to defend his middleweight title for the first time against Sean Strickland in the main event this weekend at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. But beyond the matchup itself, outside narratives are already shaping the event’s tone.

    Speaking during a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Rockhold claimed:

    “It sounds like we might have Kadyrov in his corner, so I think he’s pretty safe within his mindset. We’ll see how it goes. This fight week is gonna be interesting,”

    The former UFC middleweight champion also referenced recent comments from Strickland, adding another unpredictable element to the buildup.

    “Sean was saying he’s gonna bring a gun. I’m not sure if you can bring a gun out there in New Jersey, but they better check it. Sean is not a real threat in the world of what he’s dealt with and who he deals with.”

    Chimaev’s Long-Standing Ties To Kadyrov

    Chimaev’s connection to Kadyrov has been well-documented throughout his career. Following his title-winning performance against Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319 in August 2025, the “Borz” traveled to Chechnya, where he was welcomed by Kadyrov and celebrated in front of a large crowd.

    During the visit, Chimaev was seen handing over his championship belt as they posed for photos together.

    The relationship between the two dates back several years. The controversial leader attended Chimaev’s wedding in 2022, and the pair have frequently been seen training together. However, those ties have also drawn scrutiny, with Kadyrov facing international criticism and sanctions over alleged human rights abuses.

    At one point, Chimaev’s association with Kadyrov reportedly complicated his ability to travel to the United States. Those issues have since been resolved, allowing him to compete freely under the UFC banner.

  • Max Holloway Finally Breaks Silence On Potential Conor McGregor Rematch Rumors For UFC 329

    Max Holloway Finally Breaks Silence On Potential Conor McGregor Rematch Rumors For UFC 329

    Max Holloway has addressed growing speculation surrounding a potential showdown with Conor McGregor, confirming he is actively preparing for the former two-division UFC champion even as no official agreement is in place.

    Speaking during an interview with Paramount+, “Blessed” reacted to rumors linking him to McGregor for a possible UFC 329 main event on July 11 in Las Vegas. The bout would mark McGregor’s long-awaited return after nearly five years away from competition.

    The two fighters share a history dating back to 2013, when “The Notorious” defeated a young Holloway early in his UFC run. More than a decade later, the former BMF titleholder has made it clear that avenging that loss is high on his list.

    “I mean, we have history,” Holloway said. “We fought a very long time ago. I told you guys, if somebody’s got one over me, I want to get him back. I’d love to get him back.”

    Holloway Training For McGregor Despite No Deal In Place

    Although the UFC has yet to announce a main event for International Fight Week, Holloway confirmed he is already preparing as if the fight will happen.

    “With him having all this talk of coming back and everybody talking about how serious he actually is. It looks like he’s training and taking it and really wanting to come back to fight. It’s exciting,” Holloway said.

    “He looks hungrier. He looks super hungry. He just did a boxing exhibition not too long ago, so that was pretty cool to see him. I would just like to get one back. It’s a huge fight. It’s a big fight. Anything with Conor McGregor is huge.”

    Holloway is also looking to rebound after a recent loss to Charles Oliveira at UFC 326, a setback that cost him the BMF title and added urgency to his next move.

    “You’re only as good as your last fight, they say, and we’re going to get everybody forgetting about that last fight as soon as possible,” Holloway said.

    For now, Holloway says nothing has been finalized, but he is closely following the same speculation as everyone else.

    “Maybe, we’ll see what happens. I’m seeing all the talk that you guys see. I really didn’t hear anything yet, but that wouldn’t be a bad time.”

  • Khamzat Chimaev’s Teammates Were Told Directly Not to Do Anything to Jeopardize UFC 328

    Khamzat Chimaev’s Teammates Were Told Directly Not to Do Anything to Jeopardize UFC 328

    Khamzat Chimaev’s team has been given an explicit instruction heading into UFC 328 fight week: do not do anything that puts the title fight at risk.

    Middleweight contender Brendan Allen, who spent the final three weeks of training camp alongside Chimaev before departing for his own June 6 preparation, shared the message coaches delivered to everyone in the champion’s circle.

    “Khamzat’s team, nor anyone on it that’s part of his entourage or whatever you want to call it, is going to jeopardize that opportunity. I promise you that nobody is going to do anything to jeopardize it. Now if someone approaches them and tries to put hands on them, hey, they’re not responsible for that. But as far as them initiating and starting a problem, I highly doubt that happens. There will be a lot of repercussions for anyone who does that outside of UFC or anything like that. Everyone knows what’s at stake and like the coaches said: If you care about Khamzat, you won’t do anything fight week. You’ll let everything be and let Khamzat handle the job how he’s going to handle it come fight night.”

    Allen also described how Chimaev and those closest to him are processing Strickland’s ongoing campaign to provoke a reaction, including the gun threats and relentless trash talk.

    “We know Sean’s just going to talk and try to dig deeper and say stupider things and try to get more reckless to try to draw a reaction or make him emotional. I know he knows this. The ones that are the closest to him keep making sure to be repetitive about that. He’s very aware. He’s very mature. He’ll have little comebacks here and there probably, but as long as they don’t put hands on him or try to, I think everything will be just fine. You’ll just hear Sean talk, talk, talk, talk.”

    Allen will not be part of Chimaev’s entourage in Newark this week, having returned to Chicago to prepare for his own fight with Edmen Shahbazyan at UFC Vegas 118 on June 6. He will instead be watching from a distance as a fight week that has already generated unprecedented levels of security concern plays out in New Jersey.

    You can hear more from Allen on The Bohnfire podcast with MMA Junkie’s Mike Bohn.

    UFC 328 takes place Saturday, May 9 at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, streaming on Paramount+.

  • Aleksandre Topuria Reveals Justin Gaethje’s Key Weakness

    Aleksandre Topuria Reveals Justin Gaethje’s Key Weakness

    Aleksandre Topuria has played a central role in Ilia Topuria’s rise to the top of the UFC, putting his own career on hold to serve as a key part of his younger brother’s corner before resuming his own run in 2021. Ahead of UFC Freedom 250 on June 14, he offered a detailed breakdown of the Topuria camp’s view of Justin Gaethje.

    Speaking on Ilia Topuria’s YouTube channel, Aleksandre zeroed in on Gaethje’s patterns and the specific window where he becomes most vulnerable.

    “One important thing: Justin Gaethje picks his shots when you stand in front of him. When you stand here, which is like Michael Chandler, and he also picks when Michael Chandler leaned forward, when you stand with the leg way forward trying to dodge his uppercut, then he comes in with calf kicks. But when you stand a bit square on, he comes in with uppercuts. If you don’t want to take it and you show him, ‘OK, I’ll move my body forward,’ then he’s going to want to start hitting you from here because he has long range.”

    He then identified what he sees as the central paradox in fighting Gaethje, explaining that the moment he is most open is also the most dangerous moment to attack him.

    “He’s very fragile when he hits, but it’s a double-edged sword to choose to hit him when he’s hitting. So you’ve got to be very selective with your shots. When he hits is when he’s very vulnerable to shots because he doesn’t know how to hit clean. He doesn’t hit clean like you. He hits with everything. That’s where he’s vulnerable. But that’s where you have to be careful: If you choose to hit him when he’s open, it’s because you’ve calculated it a lot.”

    Ilia Topuria enters the fight at 17-0 and is coming off first-round knockouts of Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway, and Charles Oliveira. Gaethje is 27-5 and holds the interim lightweight title. UFC Freedom 250 takes place June 14 at the White House South Lawn in Washington D.C.

  • Alexander Volkov Calls Alex Pereira vs. Ciryl Gane ‘Not a True Title Fight’

    Alexander Volkov Calls Alex Pereira vs. Ciryl Gane ‘Not a True Title Fight’

    Alexander Volkov has watched the UFC build the Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane interim heavyweight title fight at UFC Freedom 250, and he has a pointed take on what it actually represents, both for the sport and for himself as a potential future opponent.

    Speaking with MMA Fighting ahead of his UFC 328 bout against Waldo Cortes-Acosta this Saturday in Newark, Volkov acknowledged the commercial logic behind the booking while being blunt about what it is not.

    “It doesn’t matter who wins. If Ciryl Gane wins, he will beat a UFC star. He will go on the next media level. If Alex Pereira wins, he won like third title in his career, so he will be good. Anyway, UFC won with this fight. And it will be for sure not like a boring fight, but it’s not true title fight. It’s more like a promotional or media fight.”

    He also pointed to a specific technical concern about how both fighters have been protected from wrestling throughout their careers, suggesting the matchup is convenient for that reason too.

    “Gane has never been under the pressure of a wrestler. He never been with the kind of Curtis Blaydes guy who just can take him down and hold it for a while and then beat him up, make good ground-and-pound. We never see him in this position. The UFC gives him pretty comfortable fighters. And Alex Pereira is also a kickboxing guy and we didn’t see him also with good wrestlers. This fight is good for both of them.”

    Volkov took issue with the path Pereira took to earn the heavyweight title shot, noting that his victory over Magomed Ankalaev in his most recent light heavyweight appearance came against an opponent who was competing with broken ribs.

    “Alex Pereira, for sure he’s very talented and he shows, like, crazy performances. But, to be honest, his previous fight, before he won, he lost to Ankalaev. Then he beat Ankalaev, but I was in this camp, and Ankalaev was with broken ribs. He was just too confident himself to go in the cage. And probably Alex Pereira knows this and this is why he pushes so hard. He just lost to the guy, then he beats him with just broken rib, and now he wants to go one category up, where he never fought, and they give him title shot. In logic, it doesn’t have any sense. It’s just marketing.”

    Looking at a hypothetical matchup between himself and Pereira, Volkov was direct about how he sees the size and stylistic dynamics playing out.

    “Fighting with Alex Pereira will be more easy for me, but more big fight if he won. He’s big, but I’m huge. I’m not saying he ever meet the guys like me and his stand is a little bit open for this type of big guys. He’s used to fight with guys who try to attack him, can’t touch him and he counterpunches with his hook or uppercut, but it’s so hard to do with me because I’m much taller, I have good reach and I have very good kicks. More to this now, I’m working with a lot of wrestling. On paper, I feel I have an advantage against Alex Pereira.”

    Volkov reserved his strongest words for how the entire situation has affected Tom Aspinall, calling the undisputed champion’s circumstances the most unfair element of the whole picture.

    “Honestly, I’m most upset for Tom Aspinall. Imagine him in this situation. He did so much work for the UFC, he fought a lot of fights. He was on a very good winning streak, he showed really impressive fights for everybody. And now we have Ciryl Gane, a guy who actually lost to me. He lose the fight for me, he injured Aspinall. It’s a very serious injury. I feel how bad Tom Aspinall is feeling looking at this White House fight and then they give Ciryl Gane the biggest fight in his life with Alex Pereira. It’s just not fair to the champ.”

    Volkov fights Cortes-Acosta on the UFC 328 main card this Saturday at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

  • EA Sports UFC 6 Reveals First Gameplay Trailer With Massive Changes To Striking And Movement Ahead Of June 19 Release

    EA Sports UFC 6 Reveals First Gameplay Trailer With Massive Changes To Striking And Movement Ahead Of June 19 Release

    EA Sports UFC 6 has finally offered its first real look at gameplay, and the early footage suggests a clear shift toward realism and fighter individuality ahead of its June 19 release on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.

    Unlike previous reveals that leaned heavily on cinematic teasers, EA’s debut trailer puts mechanics front and center. The presentation focuses on how fighters move, strike, and react, with the studio emphasizing a “powered by fighters” approach built around authenticity. New Markerless Capture technology has been used to refine movement and animations, while Sapien Technology upgrades aim to deliver more lifelike fighter models and body mechanics.

    One of the standout additions is the Real-Time Contact system, powered by Frostbite engine physics. This introduces more dynamic ragdoll reactions and visible damage effects, making exchanges feel more immediate and impactful. It builds on the foundation laid by EA Sports UFC 5, which already improved visuals and damage presentation, but pushes those elements further into gameplay.

    Another key feature is “Flow State,” a momentum-based mechanic that rewards sustained offense. As players build pressure and land clean strikes, fighters can unlock enhanced versions of their signature abilities, creating a more aggressive and fluid fighting experience.

    EA is also expanding its single-player offerings with two new modes. “Hall of Legends” focuses on reliving the careers of iconic fighters, while “The Legacy” allows players to build their own journey from smaller venues to the biggest stages in the sport.

    The UFC 6 game will feature Alex Pereira on the Standard Edition cover and Max Holloway on the Ultimate Edition. Pre-orders are already live, with Ultimate Edition buyers receiving early access starting June 12, along with additional fighters and post-launch content planned for future updates.

  • Sean O’Malley Originally Wanted Different Fight for UFC Freedom 250

    Sean O’Malley Originally Wanted Different Fight for UFC Freedom 250

    Sean O’Malley had a specific opponent in mind for UFC Freedom 250, and it was not Aiemann Zahabi.

    Speaking to FOX 11 Los Angeles, O’Malley explained why his original target for the June 14 White House card did not come to fruition, pointing directly at Yan’s reluctance as the reason the title fight did not materialize.

    “I was supposed to fight Petr Yan, the champ, the little Russian, but I beat him last time so he didn’t want to fight this time. That would have been a big fight. I’m fighting a guy named Aiemann Zahabi, he’s on a seven-fight win streak, he’s from Canada, a Canadian fella, so it’s kind of America vs. Canada-ish if you’re looking at it that way, which is kind of exciting. Very tough, very durable, very experienced. Very tough fight. An exciting challenge, he’s going to be more of a kickboxer style so it’s going to be a very exciting, electric kickboxing fight with little gloves on.”

    O’Malley and Yan previously met at UFC 280 in October 2022, with O’Malley winning a close decision. Yan subsequently won the bantamweight title by defeating Merab Dvalishvili, who had beaten O’Malley twice. A rematch with the belt on the line would have been one of the more commercially appealing fights on the White House card. Instead, Yan remains unbooked.

    O’Malley addressed the America versus Canada dimension of his Zahabi matchup in a separate interview with Against The Cage, keeping his focus on the competitive element rather than any broader narrative.

    “I’m not a very political person, I would say pretty much not at all. For me, it doesn’t matter who I’m fighting, but it is America vs. Canada, there’s a little bit of that to it. This is just man vs. man. We’re going to get locked in the doors and see who quits, see who breaks, see who gets knocked out first, that’s what it is every fight for me. But it is fun, there’s a little bit of the America-Canada thing, so it adds to it a little bit. Team vs. team, people like to pick teams, so there’s that aspect to it, but for me it’s just human vs. human.”

    O’Malley is coming off a win over Song Yadong in January that snapped a two-fight losing streak, both of those losses having come in title fights against Dvalishvili. A strong showing at the White House is his best argument for jumping back into the championship conversation.

    “Who knows, maybe if I would have went out there and finished Song in spectacular fashion I would have got the Petr fight. I don’t know. The UFC does what they do and all I can do is go out there and fight and put on performances, so if I go out there and get a beautiful performance, I don’t see how I’m not next for the title.”

    UFC Freedom 250 takes place June 14 at the White House South Lawn in Washington D.C., streaming on Paramount+.

  • Robert Whittaker Backs Chimaev to Dominate Strickland: ‘Chimaev’s Going to Run Him Over’

    Robert Whittaker Backs Chimaev to Dominate Strickland: ‘Chimaev’s Going to Run Him Over’

    Robert Whittaker has a specific reason why his UFC 328 prediction carries more weight than most. He has already been in the cage with Khamzat Chimaev, felt the pressure firsthand, and was submitted in the first round at UFC 308. That experience shapes everything he said about the Chimaev and Sean Strickland matchup.

    Speaking in a clip posted by UFC on Paramount+ on X, Whittaker acknowledged that Strickland’s confidence and trash talk have made him stop and think before ultimately landing on the same conclusion.

    “We want to see if Strickland has what it takes. All the things he’s talking, he talks a big game, he almost convinces me that he can do it. But having been in there with Chimaev, having seen what Chimaev can do once he gets his hands on him — and he will, because he shoots from so far away and he commits wholeheartedly, and he will get you to the mat. It’s what happens after. Seeing that he has the cardio to be able to do that for five rounds as well, mate, gun to my head, Chimaev’s going to run him over.”

    Whittaker’s framing of the problem is precise. He is not questioning Strickland’s toughness or his boxing ability. He is pointing to the specific sequence that defines Chimaev’s style: entries from distance, total commitment to the shot, and then sustained pressure once the fight reaches the mat. For five rounds.

    Strickland enters at 30-7 as a former middleweight champion with a boxing-heavy game built around controlling range and forcing opponents to react to his pace. Chimaev, unbeaten at 15-0, attacks that comfort zone from the first exchange.

    UFC 328 takes place May 9 at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

  • Dustin Poirier Would Come Out of Retirement for Certain Fight And It’s Not Against Conor McGregor

    Dustin Poirier Would Come Out of Retirement for Certain Fight And It’s Not Against Conor McGregor

    Dustin Poirier has not been retired for 12 months yet, and he is already naming a second opponent he would come back to fight.

    Speaking on Paramount’s Deep Waters podcast, Poirier responded to a suggestion from co-host Jorge Masvidal that a fight with Nate Diaz still makes sense, and the response made clear the idea has never left his mind.

    “Man, I still want to whip Nate’s a–.”

    When Din Thomas suggested Diaz might be the one opponent he would genuinely return for, Poirier did not disagree. He then explained the history behind the fight that never happened, addressing the 2018 Madison Square Garden situation, where the bout fell apart, and Diaz used the circumstances to paint Poirier as the reason.

    “I’d come back to fight him because it got away and he lied and the fans were on his side. The UFC knew I was going to fight Nate during our first matchup at Madison Square Garden but Nate was having trouble with his negotiation. I don’t know what was going on but UFC called me and said ‘hey, we want to keep you on the Madison Square Garden card, would you fight so-and-so?’ I said ‘listen, if it’s not Nate I’m not fighting. I’m going to go and have my hip taken care of. If it’s Nate I’ll fight.’ They offered me Kevin Lee, they offered me a few other names. I said ‘I’m going to go have surgery on my hip.’ Then Nate used that to use me as like the fall guy, fight’s off because I pulled out. But I never pulled out, I just didn’t want to fight anyone but Nate. Why not?”

    Poirier retired following a loss to Max Holloway in Louisiana last year. He had previously entertained the idea of a third fight with Justin Gaethje. Diaz is currently preparing for his fight against Mike Perry on the MVP MMA card on Netflix on May 16.

  • Chael Sonnen Says Jorge Masvidal Will Never Fight in UFC

    Chael Sonnen Says Jorge Masvidal Will Never Fight in UFC

    Chael Sonnen is not backing down from his position on Jorge Masvidal’s UFC return prospects, and he has expanded the dispute well beyond the original argument about whether a fight will happen.

    Speaking with Ariel Helwani, Sonnen doubled down after Masvidal’s public rebuttal and made his core claim plainly.

    “Well, that’s a tough one. It’s very tough because I don’t take Jorge as like an equal. I don’t look at him as like an unequal. And he is claiming that he’s going to fight in the Octagon, and I don’t come to him to hurt his dreams. I’m coming just to let his life get on track. Don’t pause. Don’t cancel your plans on the weekend. You’re not fighting in the Octagon.”

    Sonnen suggested Masvidal may have been given incorrect information by someone within the UFC rather than intentionally fabricating a story.

    “I’m either right or I’m wrong. But for me to be right, he doesn’t have to actually go in there and fight. He just has to have been told by somebody in authority that he’s going to go in there and fight. And I think he should call that person back. There was a misunderstanding. Jorge Masvidal will never fight in the UFC. That’s not a knock to Jorge Masvidal. That’s a reality. I made that claim and that really struck a nerve. I don’t know why that made him so upset.”

    On the question of fighting Masvidal himself, Sonnen drew a clear distinction between acceptance and pursuit.

    “I would never turn down a fight with Jorge Masvidal, but I would never seek a fight with Jorge Masvidal. The guys that I come out on your show when I call these guys like Jon Jones, like Fedor Emelianenko. This is Jorge Masvidal. Like Jorge, I don’t really know what to do with this.”

    He also proposed settling the size argument on the spot.

    “Jorge is greatly out of shape. And Jorge made a claim that he would come up to heavyweight to face me. And I just, I thought that would be fun for your show. Like, hey Jorge, let’s both fly into Ariel’s show and let’s just do a weigh-in right now. I won’t have a lot of time to lose weight. You won’t have a little bit. Let’s just go right into Ariel’s show and let’s just get on a scale because there is no way that he is the smaller guy.”

    Sonnen also questioned whether Masvidal actually controls Gamebred MMA in any operational sense, pressing Helwani repeatedly on whether Masvidal personally signs checks for fighters or holds a promoter’s license, ultimately concluding he does not believe Masvidal is the person paying the talent.

  • Conor McGregor Stirs Middleweight Title Talk With Bold Deleted Post Ahead of UFC 328

    Conor McGregor Stirs Middleweight Title Talk With Bold Deleted Post Ahead of UFC 328

    Conor McGregor sent a brief and eyebrow-raising message about the UFC 328 middleweight title fight before quickly removing it from his timeline, claiming ownership of a belt he has never competed for.

    Previewing the Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland main event in Newark, McGregor posted on X with unusual framing before deleting it.

    “Very excited for the Newark, New Jersey UFC card, with my 185lb UFC title on the line! TUNE IN ON @UFConParamount.”

    The post was removed shortly after it went up, though it had already been captured and circulated widely. McGregor has never competed at middleweight and is best known as a former featherweight and lightweight champion. He is currently preparing to return to the Octagon at welterweight, with a rumored rematch against Max Holloway at UFC 329 on July 11 in Las Vegas as the most discussed option.

    He has bulked up significantly since his last fight in 2021 and has previously expressed interest in competing as high as 185 pounds, citing the idea that a genuine fighter should not be constrained by the scale.

    UFC 328 takes place May 9 at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

  • Rafael Fiziev vs. Manuel Torres Set to Headline UFC Baku on June 27

    The UFC has announced its return to Baku, Azerbaijan on June 27, with Rafael Fiziev headlining the event at the National Gymnastics Arena against Manuel Torres in a lightweight main event.

    Fiziev gets the chance to perform in front of his home country crowd, though he arrives in difficult form. The 33-year-old is 1-4 in his last five fights, with his only win during that stretch coming against Ignacio Bahamondes at last year’s inaugural UFC Baku event. His most recent outing was a second-round knockout loss to Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 325.

    Torres enters on contrasting momentum, riding a two-fight winning streak built on back-to-back first-round knockouts of Drew Dober and Grant Dawson. A win over the ranked Fiziev would be the result that finally cracks Torres into the lightweight top 15.

    The co-feature brings together two of the division’s most entertaining performers. Shara Magomedov returns to face fan-favorite Michel Pereira in a middleweight clash that promises fireworks from the opening bell. Magomedov is coming off a win over Marc-Andre Barriault that helped him rebound from his first professional loss against Michael Page. Pereira enters having snapped a three-fight losing streak with a split decision victory over Zachary Reese.

    UFC Baku takes place June 27 at the National Gymnastics Arena in Baku, Azerbaijan, one week before UFC Freedom 250 at the White House.

  • White House Shooting Triggers Lockdown Weeks Before UFC Freedom 250 Event On South Lawn

    White House Shooting Triggers Lockdown Weeks Before UFC Freedom 250 Event On South Lawn

    A shooting near the White House on Monday has placed renewed focus on security planning ahead of the UFC’s upcoming event on the South Lawn.

    According to the Secret Service, an armed individual was shot by law enforcement following a confrontation near the Washington Monument, just a few blocks from the White House complex. The incident prompted a brief lockdown, with reporters escorted inside as authorities responded.

    A bystander was also struck, while emergency crews transported at least one individual to the hospital. No injuries were reported within the White House itself, and scheduled activities continued.

    The development comes just over a month before UFC Freedom 250, a first-of-its-kind event scheduled for June 14 in Washington, D.C. The UFC plans to stage the card inside a custom-built structure on the South Lawn, with approximately 4,300 attendees expected, the majority of them military personnel.

    Meanwhile, up to 85,000 fans are set to gather at the nearby Ellipse, where large screens, stages, and fan activations will be set up for public viewing.

    Given the scale and high-profile location, security has already been a central component of planning. UFC CEO Dana White previously confirmed coordination with military officials, who will monitor conditions closely in the lead-up to the event. White has also acknowledged the unpredictability of outdoor hosting, noting that the start time could be adjusted based on conditions during fight week.

    At this stage, there is no indication that Monday’s incident will impact the UFC card. However, it highlights the level of logistical and security coordination required for an event of this scale at one of the most closely monitored locations in the United States.

    The fight card is set to be headlined by Ilia Topuria defending the undisputed lightweight title against Justin Gaethje, with Alex Pereira taking on Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title in the co-main event, alongside five additional bouts scheduled for the card.