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  • Jiri Prochazka Shuts Down Mercy Debate, Eyes October Comeback Against Two Names

    Jiri Prochazka Shuts Down Mercy Debate, Eyes October Comeback Against Two Names

    Jiri Prochazka is done talking about the mercy controversy and has his eyes on an October return, with Paulo Costa and Magomed Ankalaev the two names he is targeting.

    Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, Prochazka pushed back against comments from new light heavyweight champion Carlos Ulberg, who had labeled him a pretender over his post-fight claim that he showed mercy after Ulberg suffered a torn ACL during their UFC 327 fight.

    “I don’t want to hear this bulls— from a stripper,” Prochazka said of Ulberg’s comments. He then clarified his position on what happened in the fight, arguing his explanation was taken out of context. “I believe that in the cage, the fighters, we are one of the most rare people in the world and does anyone think that I prepared my words after the fight to tell the crowd ‘I was so merciful’. First of all, I didn’t say that because Joe Rogan said to me ‘mercy.’ It was not about the mercy but I just saw him and he was hurt and then I just didn’t accept the scenario of the fight.”

    He acknowledged the result while making clear he has no interest in revisiting the argument further.

    “Congrats, he is the champion, really, he caught me I accept that, but all these things that Ulberg said, man, maybe I’m too old to play something. I’m too old, I want to be real, that was bulls— what he said. I lost, I accept, let’s go.”

    Prochazka is now focused on what comes next, targeting a return around October. Costa, who made his light heavyweight debut at UFC 327 with an impressive knockout of Azamat Murzakanov, is one option. Ankalaev, the former champion linked to a potential UFC Baku matchup against Khalil Rountree Jr., is the other.

    “Right now, I believe somewhere around October. Right now, Costa or Ankalaev makes sense,” Prochazka said.

  • Francis Ngannou Admits He Wanted to Slap Jake Paul When They Met Backstage at LA Press Conference

    Francis Ngannou Admits He Wanted to Slap Jake Paul When They Met Backstage at LA Press Conference

    Francis Ngannou revealed that a backstage meeting with Jake Paul at their Los Angeles press conference nearly turned physical, despite the two presenting a friendly face in public.

    Ngannou is set to fight Philipe Lins on May 16 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood on the first-ever Most Valuable Promotions MMA card on Netflix. Paul and his business partner, Nakisa Bidarian, promoted the event and were both present at the launch press conference in March.

    The meeting carried some awkward history. There had been talk of Ngannou stepping in as Paul’s opponent when he needed someone to replace Gervonta Davis last year before Anthony Joshua ultimately got the assignment instead.

    When the two came together backstage, the interaction appeared cordial on video. Ngannou’s account of his actual mindset in that moment was considerably less friendly.

    “I just wanted to give him a slap,” Ngannou told The Schmo, before adding a qualifier. He also weighed in on Paul’s decision to continue competing at heavyweight following his jaw being broken by Joshua, suggesting the experience might have prompted a weight class reassessment. “He is talking a lot of crap. I think and I thought after his first heavyweight fight he would understand, but he’s persistent.”

  • Jorge Masvidal Names His Top 5 UFC Stars and His Surprise Fourth Pick Will Spark Debate

    Jorge Masvidal Names His Top 5 UFC Stars and His Surprise Fourth Pick Will Spark Debate

    Jorge Masvidal still has a sharp eye for star power, and his list of the UFC’s five biggest names right now contains at least one pick that will generate debate.

    Speaking on Deep Waters, Masvidal was asked to rank the fighters he considers the promotion’s biggest current stars. His answers reflected a mix of global appeal, television ratings pull, and cultural reach that goes beyond title belts.

    “I got Ilia Topuria, No. 1,” Masvidal said. “Chama at No. 2 because that guy fights. Everybody knows, in Japan, in Korea, it doesn’t matter whether it’s Thailand or Japan. International, he is a star. He is an effing star, bro. Like, it’s crazy, man.”

    Alex Pereira’s global following has grown dramatically since his UFC run began, making his number-two placement easy to understand. Masvidal’s third pick was equally straightforward.

    “No. 3, I’ll go with Chimaev. I think Chimaev is a huge star worldwide.”

    The fourth name is where Masvidal chose to surprise people, framing it as a deliberate curveball while predicting that Sean Strickland’s profile will only rise further after his UFC 328 middleweight title fight against Khamzat Chimaev.

    “No. 4, I’m going to throw a curveball at y’all. But I think especially after his next fight, he’s going to be one of the biggest names, Sean Strickland, bro. And he’s got like that whole love and hate. He’s going to be up there.”

    Masvidal rounded out the list with a nod to one of the sport’s most beloved international figures. “No. 5, I’m going to go with Charles Oliveira. He’s so famous worldwide. He’s got the whole Brazil on his back.”

    Masvidal last competed in the UFC in 2023, suffering a decision loss to Gilbert Burns that extended his losing streak to four consecutive defeats following losses to Colby Covington and Kamaru Usman twice. He lost a boxing match to Nate Diaz in 2024 via controversial decision. Despite his extended competitive absence, Masvidal has repeatedly stated that he is in negotiations for a UFC return.

  • Conor McGregor Teases UFC Return: ‘Whether They Like It or Not’

    Conor McGregor Teases UFC Return: ‘Whether They Like It or Not’

    Conor McGregor is sending a clear message about his timeline, posting training photos over the weekend alongside a declaration that his UFC return is imminent.

    The former two-division champion shared images from recent training sessions on Instagram, delivering a pointed message to anyone doubting his readiness after nearly five years away from competition.

    “Legs still sharper than a guillotine,” McGregor wrote. “Training with the young wolves, sharpening the blade. The return is coming whether they like it or not.”

    McGregor has not competed since suffering a gruesome leg fracture in his third fight with Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021, a result that also marked his second consecutive loss to the Louisiana lightweight. The injury required surgery and an extended rehabilitation process that kept his return date perpetually uncertain.

    A scheduled comeback against Michael Chandler at UFC 303 in July 2024 fell apart when McGregor withdrew due to a toe injury, extending what has become the longest absence of his career. The 37-year-old has remained in the public eye through business ventures and social media during the layoff, but competitive action has remained elusive.

    Speculation about his return has been building steadily since Dana White said at UFC Winnipeg that negotiations for a McGregor comeback are “looking good,” with UFC 329 on July 11 during International Fight Week in Las Vegas the most frequently cited destination. McGregor was passed over for a spot at the UFC White House event on June 14, which will be headlined by Ilia Topuria defending the lightweight championship against Justin Gaethje.

    Max Holloway remains the frontrunner as McGregor’s most likely opponent for UFC 329, though nothing has been officially confirmed by either side or the UFC.

  • Amanda Nunes Mocks Norma Dumont Loss, Dumont Claps Back

    Amanda Nunes Mocks Norma Dumont Loss, Dumont Claps Back

    Amanda Nunes broke her months-long silence on Norma Dumont in the worst possible way for the bantamweight contender, mocking Dumont’s Saturday loss to Joselyne Edwards at UFC Vegas 116.

    Dumont dropped a unanimous decision to Edwards (29-28, 29-28, 30-27) in the co-main event of UFC Fight Night: Sterling vs. Zalal, snapping her six-fight win streak and complicating her case for a title shot. The Brazilian protested the result in the cage. You can find the full breakdown of Edwards’ upset win and the post-fight reaction here.

    Shortly after the decision was read, Nunes posted laughing emojis on Instagram in response to Dumont’s loss. It was a pointed jab from a fighter Dumont has spent years chasing, and Dumont noticed.

    Dumont Fires Back On Instagram

    Responding on her Instagram story, Dumont leaned into the silence Nunes had kept for the better part of four years.

    “I’m very happy that Amanda (Nunes)’s internet is working again. Because it’s been six fights, four years if I’m not mistaken, that I went undefeated, and I challenged her to fight in every fight and she never responded,” Dumont said.

    “She never responded to any message I sent directly to her challenging her to a fight, she didn’t respond to any of the pages. But now she’s decided to show up, so I’m very happy that her internet is back. And now I understand that our conversation will be different.”

    Dumont then framed the exchange as a setup for unfinished business.

    “And I’m very happy about that, because I’m sure that in the next fight, we’ll come out with our arms raised and this conversation will still yield a lot. I think this has become very interesting now.”

    Nunes remains in training while she waits for champion Kayla Harrison to recover from neck surgery, with their postponed title fight expected to be rescheduled later in 2026. Dumont, despite the Vegas 116 setback, is making clear she wants in on whatever comes next.

  • Aljamain Sterling Considered Retirement Before UFC Vegas 116 Win

    Aljamain Sterling Considered Retirement Before UFC Vegas 116 Win

    Aljamain Sterling admits he seriously considered retirement heading into his UFC Vegas 116 bout against Youssef Zalal. The 36-year-old former bantamweight champion secured his second consecutive featherweight win but revealed the fight could have been his last under different circumstances.

    Sterling has gone 3-1 since moving up to featherweight in 2024, with his only loss coming against top contender Movsar Evloev. Despite the success, the veteran fighter entered his fourth fight in the weight class with honest thoughts about his future in the sport.

    Sterling Reveals Retirement Thoughts Before Zalal Fight

    During the post-fight show, Sterling opened up about the mental preparation he went through before stepping into the Octagon. The manner of a potential loss would have determined whether he continued fighting.

    “I’m not going to lie to you, definitely thoughts of retirement and things like that crossed my mind,” Sterling said. “Depending on how I lost, if I were to lose, and just being realistic.”

    The former champion explained his reasoning for considering walking away from the sport. He emphasized that competing at the highest level remains his primary motivation.

    “If I can’t compete, I don’t want to do this anymore. It’s not that I don’t want to do it because there’s no future for it. It’s just if I can’t compete with these young guys, why are you sticking around just taking an a– whooping for no reason?” Sterling stated.

    Passing of the Torch Concerns

    Sterling questioned whether his matchup with Zalal would become a passing of the torch moment at featherweight. The veteran fighter showed on Saturday night that he still has plenty left in the tank.

    His performance mirrored recent comments from Gilbert Burns, who retired after his loss to Mike Malott. Burns had planned to compete three times this year but decided to walk away after being stopped by an unranked opponent.

    Following his victory, Sterling called out both Movsar Evloev and Alexander Volkanovski. The win demonstrated that “Funkmaster” remains motivated to test himself against the division’s elite and isn’t ready to hang up his gloves just yet.

  • Paulo Costa Calls Out Khamzat Chimaev to Move Up to 205 and Warns It Will Be ‘Tragic’ for Him

    Paulo Costa Calls Out Khamzat Chimaev to Move Up to 205 and Warns It Will Be ‘Tragic’ for Him

    Paulo Costa is not done pursuing a fight with Khamzat Chimaev, and he has a very specific vision for how it should happen.

    Costa moved up to light heavyweight and knocked out the previously undefeated Azamat Murzakanov at UFC 327, establishing himself as a genuine presence at 205 pounds while keeping his eyes on the middleweight champion. The two have been on a collision course in conversation for some time, but a fight has never materialized, given that Chimaev has remained at 185 pounds.

    Costa’s solution is straightforward: Chimaev should come up to meet him.

    “I just wish he comes to 205,” Costa told Submission Radio. “I’m going to be here with my arms open, waiting for him. This is going to be even worse for him. At 205, I’m a monster. I don’t need to burn any muscle, I don’t need to sacrifice any muscle of my body to make 185. At 205, I have full ‘secret juice’ power. That is going to be tragic for him.”

    The callout is not without logic from Costa’s perspective. Chimaev has discussed the possibility of moving up to light heavyweight at various points, and Costa’s argument is that facing him at 205 would only amplify his own advantages while removing the physical toll that a middleweight cut has historically placed on him.

    Chimaev is currently preparing for his first title defense against former champion Sean Strickland in the UFC 328 main event on May 9 in Newark, New Jersey. The undefeated middleweight champion carries a 15-0 record into the fight, while Strickland is 30-7 and looking to reclaim the gold he previously lost to Dricus du Plessis.

  • UFC Fighter Dismisses Conor McGregor Fight Reports

    UFC Fighter Dismisses Conor McGregor Fight Reports

    Carlos Prates does not believe Conor McGregor ever seriously agreed to fight him, and he has a straightforward explanation for why the rumored matchup was never going to happen.

    Reports surfaced earlier this year suggesting McGregor had accepted a fight against Prates before the UFC moved away from the idea. Prates addressed those claims in an interview with Nicolas Henrique, making clear he never took the speculation seriously from the moment he heard it.

    “The only thing that I heard from Conor was that my name was there, and nobody knew if he would accept it or not,” Prates said. “It’s something I didn’t get my hopes up for because I already knew it was a fight that wasn’t going to happen.”

    The 32-year-old laid out the logic from McGregor’s perspective in simple terms, arguing there was never a compelling reason for a five-year inactive fighter to take such a significant risk against someone with his finishing record.

    “I’m a guy who’s been knocking everyone out, and the guy has been inactive for five years. There’s no reason for him to come fight. I’ve never been a champion. I’m not close to him. I’m nobody, man. There’s no reason for him to come take such a big risk,” Prates said. “I knew that the fight was very difficult to happen. It was difficult for him to accept. There were rumors saying he accepted, but I don’t believe it. If he had accepted, the UFC would have made the fight happen.”

    Prates turns his attention to a more realistic title opportunity this weekend when he faces former welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena at UFC Perth on Saturday in Australia. A victory would position him for a shot at Islam Makhachev, who is expected to defend his welterweight championship at UFC 330 on August 15 against either Ian Machado Garry or Michael Morales.

    Prates confirmed he plans to attend UFC 330 in Philadelphia regardless of who Makhachev faces.

    “Regardless of who it is, I’ll be there in the front row, keeping an eye on my title. I’ll be there to challenge the champion.”

  • Tom Aspinall Shuts Down Boxing Rumors, Commits to UFC

    Tom Aspinall Shuts Down Boxing Rumors, Commits to UFC

    Tom Aspinall has shut down speculation about a move to boxing, making clear that despite his relationship with promoter Eddie Hearn, his focus remains entirely on the UFC and his eventual return to the heavyweight division.

    Aspinall addressed the boxing rumors during a training trip to Croatia, where he works with former WBA light heavyweight champion Stipe Drviš. Despite the natural assumption that a connection to one of boxing’s most prominent promoters signals a potential crossover, Aspinall’s answer left little room for ambiguity.

    “Maybe,” Aspinall said when asked if Drviš could help him transition to boxing, before clarifying his actual position. “To be honest, I ain’t thinking about boxing that much right now. No. I’ve got more stuff to do with the UFC.”

    Aspinall has been out of action since October 2025, when his first title defense against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321 ended in a no-contest after he was poked in both eyes during the fight. He subsequently underwent double eye surgery in February 2026 to address the injuries. Recent social media posts have shown him back in the gym, though he confirmed he is not back training fully yet.

    Drviš, who holds a 32-2 boxing record, joined Aspinall’s coaching staff last year with a specific focus on enhancing his striking for MMA competition rather than preparing him for a boxing career. The Croatian boxing legend’s role is focused on making Aspinall a better UFC fighter, not on building a second career in the squared circle.

    In Aspinall’s absence, the UFC has created an interim heavyweight title, with Alex Pereira and Gane scheduled to fight for the belt at UFC Freedom 250 on June 14. Aspinall is expected to unify the division by facing the winner of that bout later this year if his recovery continues on its current trajectory.

  • EA Sports UFC 6 Officially Unveils Dual Editions With Two Massive UFC Stars On The Covers

    EA Sports UFC 6 Officially Unveils Dual Editions With Two Massive UFC Stars On The Covers

    EA Sports UFC 6 is beginning to take shape, with the video game company confirming its cover athletes alongside a June 19, 2026 release for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.

    On Monday, EA announced the game’s two cover athletes. Former two-division UFC champion Alex Pereira will feature on the Standard Edition cover, while former UFC featherweight champion and BMF titleholder Max Holloway has been selected for the Ultimate Edition. The pairing reflects EA’s continued focus on active, high-profile fighters with strong fan recognition.

    The game is currently slated for release on June 19, less than two months away, with pre-orders already live. Players who pre-order will receive up to seven days of early access starting June 12. The Ultimate Edition is set to include eight additional fighters, although only two will be available at launch, with the remaining six expected to be added post-release.

    EA is also planning to introduce two new game modes, but both will arrive as post-launch updates, targeted for Winter 2026 and Summer 2027. A full reveal is expected soon, with reports pointing to an announcement window as early as this week or next.

    Additionally, the game will feature a new emoji system, allowing players to unlock and use “VIP emojis” as part of the experience.

    Pricing details for UFC 6 have yet to be revealed. For reference, EA Sports UFC 5 launched at $69.99 for the Standard Edition, with higher-tier editions priced up to $99.99 depending on content and bonuses.

    The June 19 release continues EA’s established cycle for the franchise, following the October 2023 launch of EA Sports UFC 5. That installment marked a technical step forward for the series, powered by the Frostbite engine, with improvements to damage visuals, doctor stoppages, and more fluid striking animations.

    However, it also drew criticism from players who felt areas like submissions, career mode depth, and fighter customization needed further refinement.

    Early indications suggest UFC 6 will aim to address some of those concerns. Leaks and reports point toward a revamped striking system, smoother clinch mechanics, and broader fighter-specific animations following extensive motion capture work.

    There is also ongoing speculation about expanded modes and deeper gameplay systems, though full details remain under wraps.

  • Anthony Joshua Lines Up July 25 Riyadh Return With Tyson Fury Mega Clash Brewing

    Anthony Joshua Lines Up July 25 Riyadh Return With Tyson Fury Mega Clash Brewing

    Anthony Joshua has locked in his next move, setting up a summer return that could shape the final stretch of his career.

    The former two-time heavyweight champion is scheduled to face Kristian Prenga on July 25 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with the event tied to the Esports World Cup and expected to stream on DAZN.

    For Joshua, this fight represents more than just another comeback. The 35-year-old enters with a professional record of 28-4, coming off a sixth-round knockout win over Jake Paul in December 2025. That victory followed a high-profile setback in September 2024, when he was stopped by Daniel Dubois in the fifth round during their IBF heavyweight title clash at Wembley Stadium.

    “AJ’s” time away from the ring has also been shaped by personal loss, after two close friends and team members were killed in a car accident in Nigeria later in December.

    Joshua has since spoken about taking time to reset before committing to his next phase.

    “It’s no secret I’ve taken some time to consolidate and rebuild to be ready for stepping back into the ring, and today is the next step on that journey,” Joshua said. “I’m delighted to have agreed a multi-fight deal starting with July 25 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”

    Meanwhile, Prenga brings an unbeaten finishing reputation despite being less established on the global stage. The 35-year-old Albanian holds a 20-1 record with all 20 wins coming by knockout.

    A former kickboxer who transitioned directly into professional boxing without an amateur background, Prenga has built his recent run fighting in the United States, most recently extending his streak with another stoppage victory.

    While the matchup positions Joshua as the clear A-side, it also serves a bigger purpose. The July bout is expected to act as a stepping stone toward a long-discussed showdown with Tyson Fury. According to reports, the heavyweight clash is targeted for the fourth quarter of 2026, contingent on Joshua getting through his return outing.

  • Conor McGregor Appears to Rock Dong Hyun Kim With Body Shot in SBG Ireland Sparring Footage

    Conor McGregor Appears to Rock Dong Hyun Kim With Body Shot in SBG Ireland Sparring Footage

    Conor McGregor appears to have landed a significant body shot on former UFC welterweight contender Dong Hyun Kim during a sparring session at SBG Ireland in Dublin, with footage of the exchange making its way onto social media buried within a series of clips.

    Kim visited SBG Ireland while traveling through Ireland and the UK, training with both McGregor and Paddy Pimblett. At SBG, veteran coach John Kavanagh welcomed Kim to the facility, where McGregor has been making increasingly regular appearances as he prepares for his long-awaited comeback.

    One clip from the session appears to show Kim doubling over after absorbing a McGregor body shot, though it’s difficult to confirm from the footage whether he was genuinely hurt or simply reacting as the round ended. The clip appeared as the tenth in a series of pictures and videos Kim shared on social media.

    McGregor is currently splitting his training between SBG Ireland’s South Dublin headquarters and his personal gym at his County Kildare home. He recently participated in an exhibition boxing bout at the Crumlin Boxing Club’s Good Friday Show, scoring two standing eight-counts across three rounds with one of the club’s veterans.

    He is rumored to return to the UFC at UFC 329 on July 11 in Las Vegas during International Fight Week, with Max Holloway currently the frontrunner as his likely opponent. Dana White said at UFC Winnipeg that McGregor’s return negotiations are “looking good,” though no official announcement has been made.

  • Tom Aspinall Ditches the Sunglasses and Gets Back on the Pads in Positive Recovery Update

    Tom Aspinall Ditches the Sunglasses and Gets Back on the Pads in Positive Recovery Update

    Tom Aspinall is showing signs of a genuine return to form, sharing brief pad work footage in a new YouTube video that represents one of the most encouraging updates yet from the UFC heavyweight champion during his recovery.

    The footage, filmed during a visit to Croatia, shows Aspinall hitting mitts with a coach. While only a few frames of the pad work are visible, the clip represents a notable step forward from his lowest point during recovery, and he has conspicuously dropped the sunglasses that had become part of his appearance during his most difficult period.

    Aspinall has been sidelined since suffering a double eye injury from eye pokes during his fight against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321 in October, subsequently undergoing double eye surgery. Throughout his recovery, he has maintained a consistent presence with his fanbase through his YouTube channel, sharing honest updates about his rehabilitation.

    He will watch from the sidelines as an interim heavyweight title is determined at UFC Freedom 250 on June 14, where Alex Pereira challenges Gane in the co-main event of the White House card. The champion is expected to face the winner of that bout upon his return, though no date has been confirmed. He also recently signed with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Talent Agency.

    The pad footage adds to optimism that Aspinall is working his way back toward active competition, though the UFC has not announced a return timeline.

  • PFL Sioux Falls: Full Card, How To Watch

    PFL Sioux Falls: Full Card, How To Watch

    PFL returns to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, this Saturday for the first time in two years, with welterweight Logan Storley headlining against Florim Zendeli at the Sanford Pentagon.

    Storley carries an 18-4 record into the matchup, with notable wins over Michael Page, Joaquin Buckley, Neiman Gracie, and Brennan Ward during his PFL tenure. Zendeli is 11-1-1 and represents a meaningful test for Storley’s continued push toward PFL gold.

    The co-main event features lightweight Gadzhi Rabadanov, who holds a 26-5-2 record and has notable wins over Kevin Lee, Marc Diakiese, and Brent Primus, taking on Aleksandr Chizov in what should be a competitive matchup at 155 pounds.

    The three-fight main card also includes a heavyweight bout between Sergey Bilostenniy and PFL veteran Renan Ferreira, as well as Simeon Powell against Emiliano Sordi and a bantamweight clash between Leandro Higo and Magomed Magomedov.

    The preliminary card airs on ESPN+ at 7 p.m. ET, with the main card on ESPN2 and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET. Here is the full card:

    MAIN CARD (ESPN2, 10 p.m. ET)

    • Logan Storley vs. Florim Zendeli
    • Aleksandr Chizov vs. Gadzhi Rabadanov
    • Simeon Powell vs. Emiliano Sordi
    • Sergey Bilostenniy vs. Renan Ferreira
    • Leandro Higo vs. Magomed Magomedov

    PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+, 7 p.m. ET)

    • Rasul Magomedov vs. Rafael Xavier
    • Cheyanne Bowers vs. Sabrinna de Sousa
    • Humberto Bandenay vs. Sang Won Kim
    • Taila Santos vs. Yan Qihui
    • Angel Alvarez vs. Bryce Logan
    • Brett Bye vs. Taylor Michels
    • Maxwell Djantou Nana vs. Karl Williams
  • UFC Perth Preview: Full Card, How To Watch

    UFC Perth Preview: Full Card, How To Watch

    Jack Della Maddalena returns to his home country this week when he headlines UFC Perth against Carlos Prates in a welterweight main event that could determine the next title challenger at 170 pounds.

    Della Maddalena carries an 18-3 MMA record and an 8-1 mark inside the UFC into the fight, with his only Octagon loss coming against Islam Makhachev last November when he moved up from lightweight to challenge for a second belt. That defeat snapped a winning streak of nearly a decade, including his first eight UFC appearances. His most recent welterweight win came against Belal Muhammad nearly a year ago, a Performance of the Night drubbing that earned him the title before Makhachev vacated it to move up in weight.

    Prates arrives in Perth in the form of his career. The Brazilian holds a 23-7 MMA record and a 6-1 UFC mark, with his only promotion loss coming against Ian Machado Garry a year ago. He has since delivered back-to-back bonus-winning knockouts, finishing Geoff Neal and then former champion Leon Edwards at UFC 322 in November at Madison Square Garden.

    The co-main event features Perth native Quillan Salkilld, who is 11-1 in MMA with a perfect 4-0 UFC record, taking on veteran lightweight Beneil Dariush. Salkilld has finished three of his four UFC opponents in the first round and will have the home crowd behind him. Dariush is trying to arrest a slide that has seen him lose three of his last four fights, including a 16-second knockout at the hands of Benoit Saint-Denis at UFC 322.

    The main card also includes Tim Elliott vs. Steve Erceg, Shamil Gaziev vs. Brando Pericic, and Louie Sutherland vs. Tai Tuivasa in a heavyweight bout where Tuivasa is looking to end a six-fight losing streak.

    The main card streams on Paramount+ at 7 a.m. ET, with prelims beginning at 4 a.m. ET. Here is the full card: 

    MAIN CARD (Paramount+, 7 a.m. ET)

    • Jack Della Maddalena vs. Carlos Prates
    • Beneil Dariush vs. Quillan Salkilld
    • Tim Elliott vs. Steve Erceg
    • Shamil Gaziev vs. Brando Pericic
    • Louie Sutherland vs. Tai Tuivasa

    PRELIMINARY CARD (Paramount+, 4 a.m. ET)

    • Robert Bryczek vs. Cam Rowston
    • Kevin Christian vs. Junior Tafa
    • Jacob Malkoun vs. Gerald Meerschaert
    • Vince Morales vs. Colby Thicknesse
    • Ben Johnston vs. Wes Schultz
    • Themba Gorimbo vs. Jonathan Micallef
  • UFC Belgrade Announced For August 1 As Serbia Lands First-Ever Fight Night Event

    UFC Belgrade Announced For August 1 As Serbia Lands First-Ever Fight Night Event

    UFC CEO Dana White had already hinted earlier this month that the promotion was targeting Serbia, and now it’s official.

    On Monday, the UFC confirmed it will host its first event in the country with a Fight Night card at the Belgrade Arena on August 1.

    White first mentioned the possibility during a conversation with streamer Adin Ross, highlighting the UFC’s continued global expansion. The announcement now locks in Serbia as the next new destination on the promotion’s calendar.

    While bouts have yet to be finalized, several regional names have already been linked to the event or have shown interest in competing. Aleksandar Rakic, Ante Delija, Uros Medic, Ivan Erslan, and Dusko Todorovic are among the fighters connected to the card.

    Additionally, Serbian-Montenegrin prospect Milos Janicic has publicly pushed for an opportunity to compete on the historic event.

  • EA Sports UFC 6 Release Date Set for June 19 on PS5, Xbox

    EA Sports UFC 6 Release Date Set for June 19 on PS5, Xbox

    UFC 6

    EA Sports UFC 6 has a release date. Per Insider Gaming’s Mike Straw, the game is set to launch on June 19 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.

    A PC version is also in development, though Straw noted there is no word yet on whether it will be available at launch or arrive later in the year.

    UFC 5 launched in October 2023 exclusively on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, making UFC 6 the first entry in the series to have a confirmed PC version in development. The June window would see the game release roughly two and a half years after its predecessor.

    Straw has been tracking UFC 6 since late 2024, when he first reported the title was in full production. EA Vancouver is developing the game, with Jon Anik set to handle commentary duties.

    Dana White previously confirmed the game is coming in 2026 and that two cover athletes have been finalized, with Alex Pereira among those expected to be featured.

    No official announcement from EA has been made at this time.

  • PFL MENA 2026 Season Kickoff Officially Rescheduled For Dubai

    PFL MENA 2026 Season Kickoff Officially Rescheduled For Dubai

    After the original plans for the 2026 season kickoff were postponed, PFL MENA’s first event for this calendar year has now been officially rescheduled.

    Per an announcement from the PFL, the first PFL MENA card of 2026 will now take place on Sunday, May 24.

    For the first time, a PFL MENA card will take place outside of Saudi Arabia. This event will take place at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This is the same arena that has hosted two PFL Champions Series events in 2025, both headlined by Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes, and PFL Dubai this past February, which featured Nurmagomedov vs. Alfie Davis.

    “Dubai is a key market for PFL MENA and a global hub for sport and entertainment, making it the ideal stage for our 2026 season opener, aptly titled ‘Pride of Arabia,’” PFL MENA General Manager Jerome Mazet said in a statement. “Dubai has consistently shown its passion for MMA, and we are excited to bring local stars like Mohammad Yahya and Zamzam Al Hammadi to perform in front of a home crowd.

    “As the beating heart of sport and entertainment in the Arab world, Dubai offers a truly unique atmosphere, with athletes representing multiple nations, we know fans from across the region will be in the arena to support their own. There’s no city that connects cultures, fans and fighters quite like Dubai.”

    PFL MENA’s first event of 2026 was originally scheduled for Friday, May 8, at the Dhahran Expo in Khobar, Saudi Arabia. PFL announced the event’s postponement in a press release on April 9.

    Though PFL did not give a reason for the postponement in its cancellation press release, it is assumed the decision was made due to ongoing tensions and conflict in the Middle East. Despite this, the PFL is going forward with a PFL event in May.

    The May 24 card will feature opening-round matchups in the promotion’s featherweight and lightweight tournaments.

    The main event will see Mohammad Yahya face Mehdi Saadi in a featherweight tournament contest. The co-main event will be a lightweight tournament bout that pits unbeaten Salah Eddine Hamli against Ylies Djiroun.

  • Joe Rogan Weighs In on UFC Heavyweight GOAT Debate

    Joe Rogan Weighs In on UFC Heavyweight GOAT Debate

    Joe Rogan has taken on one of MMA’s most enduring debates and arrived at a conclusion that may surprise fans expecting a single definitive answer: in the UFC heavyweight division, there is no true greatest of all time.

    Rogan made the comments during a conversation with rapper Action Bronson on his podcast, drawing on years of experience as a UFC color commentator to explain why the heavyweight division’s best fighters exist in a category where any one of them could have beaten the others on the right night.

    “I don’t think there’s a real GOAT in heavyweight, because there’s times where one guy would have beaten all the other guys,” Rogan said.

    That framing did not stop him from naming the fighters he believes belong in the conversation, and the list included some names that often go underappreciated in the broader discussion.

    Cain Velasquez was the first name Rogan reached for, and the praise was emphatic.

    “I love Cain. He’s in there, he’s in the GOAT category. Prime Cain against anyone ever, who knows? Prime Cain was an unstoppable tornado of punches and takedowns. No fatigue. It’s not coming. You think he’s going to get tired, he’ll never get tired.”

    Rogan made the case for Stipe Miocic on the strength of a specific achievement no other heavyweight can claim.

    “You’ve got to put Stipe in there because he defended the heavyweight title more than anybody. He beat Ngannou when Ngannou was in his prime, and got rocked a bunch of times and came back. You’ve got to give it to him. He’s always going to be in the GOAT category.”

    Fedor Emelianenko, who never competed inside the UFC but is widely regarded as the greatest heavyweight in MMA history by hardcore fans, received his acknowledgment as well. “Fedor, of course. The real connoisseur, the real hardcore MMA heads, they’re like ‘Fedor is the GOAT.’”

    “I always say everyone forgets about Fabricio Werdum,” he said. “Fabricio Werdum tapped Cain Velasquez, Minotauro Nogueira, and Fedor. He tapped Fedor when Fedor was Fedor. When you look at Fabricio Werdum in his prime, he’s in that range. He beat Cain Velasquez, he beat Mark Hunt with a flying knee to win the title. Bro, he beat the best of the best. He beat them all, and he tapped three of the all time greats.”

  • UFC 328 Ticket Sales Struggling With Weeks Before Chimaev vs. Strickland

    UFC 328 Ticket Sales Struggling With Weeks Before Chimaev vs. Strickland

    UFC 328 is still two weeks away and tickets are not moving, with the cheapest available seat for the May 9 event in Newark currently sitting at $386 on Ticketmaster.

    Fight Opinion flagged sluggish sales on X, with screenshots showing a significant number of seats still available at Prudential Center. The card features Khamzat Chimaev defending the middleweight championship against Sean Strickland in the main event alongside a flyweight title fight, making the slow uptake difficult to attribute to card quality alone.

    The situation points to pricing as the primary obstacle rather than fan interest in the fights themselves. The Chimaev and Strickland matchup has been one of the most anticipated bouts in the middleweight division given the long-running animosity between the two fighters, and the card is regarded as strong on paper.

    The pattern mirrors what has been playing out across TKO’s broader portfolio. WWE’s WrestleMania 42 drew roughly 18,000 fewer fans over both nights than last year’s edition at the same venue, with rising ticket prices and card quality cited as contributing factors. WWE quietly discounted tickets heading into the show and Pat McAfee announced a flash sale on SmackDown.

    UFC 327 in Miami also saw a significant drop in live gate numbers compared to recent comparable events, suggesting a broader trend across TKO’s live-event business rather than an isolated issue tied to any single card.

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

  • Justin Gaethje Defends UFC White House Card

    Justin Gaethje Defends UFC White House Card

    Justin Gaethje is heading into the biggest fight of his career at the UFC White House event on June 14, and he has made his intentions clear: fans are going to get exactly what they always get from him.

    The interim lightweight champion and two-time interim title holder faces Ilia Topuria for the undisputed lightweight championship on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington D.C.

    Speaking with Bloody Elbow via Duelbits, Gaethje addressed the weight of the moment and made clear that his approach will not change regardless of the occasion.

    “I understand what this moment represents,” Gaethje said. “Fighting on a stage like that, in front of that kind of audience, it’s an unbelievable experience. I’m proud to represent where I come from, no doubt about that. Every time I step in there, I carry that with me. At the end of the day, the best thing I can do for everyone watching is go out there and perform the way I know. That’s always been my approach, giving everything to the fans, to the sport and my family and people.”

    Gaethje has won 15 performance bonuses in as many UFC appearances, a record that speaks directly to the style he brings every time he competes. Despite speculation about whether the White House card could be his final fight regardless of result, he pushed back on any retirement conversation.

    He also addressed criticism of the event’s card, arguing that the combination of fighters and styles assembled makes for a night that will stick with fans long after the lights go out.

    “It’s a stacked card from top to bottom. You’ve got a mix of elite fighters, different styles, big personalities. That’s what makes nights like this special. It’s not just one fight that makes people tune in. It’s the whole experience. I think every guy on that card understands the opportunity in front of them. Being part of something this big brings out the best in any fighter. In the end, I am sure the fans would love the experience and will remember the White House event for a long time.”

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

  • Kayla Harrison Fires Back at Ronda Rousey: ‘I’m Chasing Greatness, You’re Chasing Money’

    Kayla Harrison Fires Back at Ronda Rousey: ‘I’m Chasing Greatness, You’re Chasing Money’

    Kayla Harrison has drawn a sharp line between herself and Ronda Rousey, and she did not soften the contrast when she delivered it.

    Speaking on the UFC Vegas 116 pre-fight show, Harrison responded to Rousey’s recent public attacks and framed their current situations as representing two fundamentally different approaches to a combat sports career.

    “I think that the part that bothers me most about Ronda is at one point she was a real athlete,” Harrison said. “She was training for the Olympics. She’s an Olympic bronze medalist. She became a UFC champion. She was really trying to chase greatness.”

    Harrison acknowledged Rousey’s historical significance to women’s MMA without hesitation before turning to where she believes the two part ways.

    “I will never take away the fact that Ronda is probably the most important female fighter. If it weren’t for her, for sure I wouldn’t be where I’m at. I wouldn’t have a job. But this fight is not the greatest fight of all time. It’s between someone who hasn’t fought in 10 years and is coming off two knockout losses and another woman, again another legend, another pioneer, but hasn’t fought in 17 years and is in her 40s. Don’t call it the greatest fight of all time. I’m chasing greatness. You’re chasing money. We’re different.”

    The feud between the two women began when Harrison called Rousey a liar over a training story from their judo days. Rousey responded by repeatedly calling Harrison a derogatory name while promoting her May 16 Netflix comeback against Gina Carano and claiming the event would outperform anything Harrison has accomplished. Harrison offered an alternative explanation for Rousey’s hostility.

    “I think that it would be really hard, I can’t imagine what it would be like for someone to come in and beat everything I’ve ever done. That would be hard. I get it. Imagine hating me and I’m just over here in my backyard feeding chickens. It’s got to be rough.”

    Harrison is currently recovering from neck surgery that postponed her planned title defense against Amanda Nunes at UFC 324 in January. She is expected to return before the end of 2026, with that matchup still waiting to be made.

  • “Statement Win” – Aljamain Sterling Dominates Youssef Zalal

    “Statement Win” – Aljamain Sterling Dominates Youssef Zalal

    Aljamain Sterling may now find himself in contention for a potential bantamweight title shot after a one-sided, mostly master-class performance against Youssef Zalal in the main event of UFC Vegas 116.

    A competitive first round saw plenty of striking exchanges, with Sterling seeming to land the more effective strikes. Sterling also scored a takedown during the round, taking over two minutes of top control time.

    The two continued to have their exchanges on the feet in round two; however, Sterling again was able to take the fight to the ground and control from there. He emphasized this control with some solid ground-and-pound before the round’s end.

    Zalal stole the momentum in the third round, threatening a tight guillotine choke early before Sterling worked his way out. It was Zalal’s best round, landing sharp strikes and gaining back control.

    Sterling, however, took everything right back with a dominant, 10-8-worthy fourth round. Sterling put on a dominant display, controlling Zalal and landing more ground-and-pound while threatening submissions.

    Sterling added one more takedown and strong ground session to end the fight, with all three judges scoring the fight 49-45 in his favor.

    Aljamain Sterling Puts On Master Class Ground Performance On Youssef Zalal At UFC Vegas 116

    Sterling is now 3-1 since moving up to featherweight. The former bantamweight champion entered this fight off a win over Brian Ortega last August. His only loss in the division came against Movsar Evloev.

    This is Zalal’s first UFC loss since his return to the promotion in 2024. He entered this fight 5-0 in his second Octagon stint, coming in off a submission of Josh Emmett at UFC 320.

  • Dana White Shares Account At White House Dinner Shooting

    Dana White Shares Account At White House Dinner Shooting

    UFC CEO and President Dana White was at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner at the Washington Hilton hotel on April 25, where shots were fired.

    According to multiple reports, a 31-year-old California man — who is now in custody — rushed a security checkpoint at the dinner before opening fire. The gunshots took place either near or inside the hotel’s ballroom.

    U.S. President Donald Trump was evacuated from the stage, as well as his wife, Melania. Both of them and all members of the Trump Cabinet are safe.

    Law enforcement officials quickly evacuated those present at the dinner, which was quickly canceled following the incident.

    One officer was shot in the incident but was saved by his bulletproof vest, according to President Trump.

    Dana White Says Shooting At White House Correspondents’ Dinner Was “Crazy, Unique Experience”

    White was one of those whom the media asked about his experience as events unfolded at the dinner. While other attendees talked about a scary scene, White seemed more upbeat.

    “All of a sudden, it started getting noisy,” White recalled. “Tables getting flipped over, guys running in with guns. They were screaming, ‘Get down!’ I didn’t get down. It was f****** awesome.

    “I literally took every minute of it in. It was a pretty crazy, unique experience. I was sitting right in front of the table — where the president was. Nobody got tackled, but guys came in looking for shooters. They came toward our table; I thought the shooter was over by us or something.”

    White has been a longtime close friend of President Trump, who is in his second term as U.S. President, following his 2017-2021 term.

    This incident occurred just under two months before the UFC hosts UFC Freedom 250 on the White House lawn — an event that will be part of multiple events for the 250th anniversary of the United States declaring independence.

    UFC Freedom 250 will be headlined by Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje battling to unify the UFC featherweight championship, and Alex Pereira taking on Ciryl Gane for the interim UFC heavyweight championship.

  • “Incredible Run” – Edwards Gets Decision Over Dumont

    “Incredible Run” – Edwards Gets Decision Over Dumont

    Joselyne Edwards has taken full advantage of a huge opportunity that came her way, defeating Norma Dumont in a women’s bantamweight contender battle that served as the UFC Vegas 116 co-main event.

    Edwards looked to press the action in round one, but was taken down by Dumont. Edwards managed to get back up, and the round saw plenty of grappling exchanges. Edwards seemed to get the better of them, though one late exchange saw her end up on bottom through fault of her own — needing to fight back to get on top.

    Edwards looked to keep some distance and focus on making the fight a striking battle in rounds two and three. Both women had their fair share in the second round, but round three was Edwards’ best, landing a solid volume of striking on Dumont.

    Edwards took the decision on all three judges’ cards, with two 29-28 totals and a 30-27.

    Joselyne Edwards Edges Out Norma Dumont At UFC Vegas 116

    Edwards took this fight on short notice, replacing Yana Santos. She has now won five fights in a row. Edwards just fought a couple of months ago, submitting Nora Cornolle at UFC Houston.

    This is Dumont’s first loss since losing to Macy Chiasson at UFC 274, snapping a six-fight winning streak. She came into this bout off a victory over Ketlen Vieira at UFC Vegas 110.