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  • Dean Garnett Puts Ciaran Clarke’s Lights Out With Spinning Elbow

    Dean Garnett Puts Ciaran Clarke’s Lights Out With Spinning Elbow

    After coming up just short of a PFL Europe title last year, Dean Garnett returned to the win column in highlight fashion, scoring a spinning back elbow knockout of Ciaran Clarke.

    Garnett looked to take control early, going into the center and working a mix of leg kicks and body strikes. Clarke, meanwhile, focused on his own body strikes, looking to answer Garnett’s attacks.

    Near the fence, Clarke looked to get inside. Garnett responded by landing a highlight spinning back elbow that cracked and dropped him.

    Dean Garnett KOs Ciaran Clarke At PFL Belfast

    Garnett competed in the 2025 PFL Europe season, defeating Tuomas Gronvall and Jan Cieplowski before losing to Baris Adiguzel.

    This marked Clarke’s PFL debut, as well as his first professional MMA loss. He was 10-0 entering this fight, having spent all of his time as a pro with Bellator before the promotion’s purchase and folding by the PFL. He had most recently fought Gronvall, winning by decision.

  • RAF 08: Dvalishvili vs. Cejudo Preview, Full Card, How to Watch

    RAF 08: Dvalishvili vs. Cejudo Preview, Full Card, How to Watch

    RAF 08 Card

    RAF 08: Dvalishvili vs. Cejudo takes place Saturday, April 18, from The Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The card begins at 8:00 PM ET and streams exclusively on FOX Nation.

    Real American Freestyle’s Philadelphia card stacks 12 matchups pairing UFC crossover names, Olympic medalists, and recent NCAA standouts.

    Dvalishvili vs. Cejudo Headlines RAF 08

    The main event puts elite UFC bantamweight contender Merab Dvalishvili on the freestyle mat against former two-division UFC champion and Olympic gold medalist Henry Cejudo. Cejudo arrives off his 11-0 technical fall win over Urijah Faber at RAF 06, a performance that cemented his status as one of RAF’s marquee attractions.

    Dvalishvili is one of the most decorated grapplers on the current UFC roster and a top bantamweight contender. He brings a deep wrestling résumé into his Real American Freestyle debut, adding another high-level storyline to the Philadelphia headliner.

    Tsarukyan vs. Faber in Co-Main

    Arman Tsarukyan meets UFC Hall of Famer Urijah Faber in a featured middleweight bout in the co-main event slot. Tsarukyan is coming off his RAF 07 rematch win over Georgio Poullas, while Faber returns looking to rebound after dropping his RAF debut to Cejudo earlier this year.

    Snyder vs. Aitmukhan at Light Heavyweight

    Kyle Snyder faces Rizabek Aitmukhan of Kazakhstan at light heavyweight. Snyder is an Olympic gold medalist and one of the most credentialed American freestyle wrestlers ever to step onto a pro mat.

    Full Match Card

    • Main Event: Merab Dvalishvili vs. Henry Cejudo
    • Middleweight (Co-Main): Arman Tsarukyan vs. Urijah Faber
    • Light Heavyweight: Kyle Snyder vs. Rizabek Aitmukhan
    • Cruiserweight: Zahid Valencia vs. Aeoden Sinclair
    • Heavyweight: Anthony Cassioppi vs. Shamil Sharipov
    • Bantamweight: Helen Maroulis vs. Alexis Janiak
    • Featherweight: Real Woods vs. Anthony Ashnault
    • Middleweight (175 lbs): Jason Nolf vs. Joey Blaze
    • Featherweight: Vladimer Khinchegashvili vs. Johnni DiJulius
    • Lightweight: Lance Palmer vs. Cayden Henschel
    • Featherweight: Jordan Oliver vs. Mike Vanbrill
    • Bantamweight (135 lbs): Darian Cruz vs. Lucas Byrd

    Key Undercard Matchups

    The middleweight bout between Jason Nolf and Joey Blaze pits a multi-time NCAA champion against a 2026 NCAA All-American fresh off the college mat. The bantamweight closer between Darian Cruz and Lucas Byrd pairs two past NCAA standouts, with Cruz now representing Puerto Rico internationally.

    How to Watch RAF 08

    • Date/Time: Saturday, April 18, 2026, 8:00 PM ET
    • Venue: The Liacouras Center, Philadelphia, PA
    • Streaming: FOX Nation (exclusive)

    Looking ahead, Gable Steveson makes his RAF debut against Alexandr Romanov at RAF 09 on May 30 in Dallas.

    Don’t Miss MMA News Coverage

    Stay tuned to MMANews.com for live results, match recaps, and post-event reaction from RAF 08.

  • Gina Carano Reveals She Was Pre-Diabetic After Mandalorian Firing Left Her In Physical and Emotional Collapse

    Gina Carano Reveals She Was Pre-Diabetic After Mandalorian Firing Left Her In Physical and Emotional Collapse

    Gina Carano has given the most detailed account yet of how her firing from The Mandalorian in 2021 affected her health, revealing she became pre-diabetic during a five-year retreat from public life before fighting her way back.

    Speaking with Ariel Helwani on Wednesday, Carano described the immediate aftermath of the cancellation as a physical and emotional collapse that went far beyond losing a job.

    “I had so much anxiety in my body that my face hurt. Like my skin hurt me,” Carano said. “My soul was just crushed. My heart was broken. I felt like there was such injustice in what happened. It was just so harsh.”

    Paparazzi and stalkers began showing up at her door. She and her partner sold their Los Angeles home, bought an RV, tried Nashville, and eventually settled in Montana. By late 2024, her doctor delivered a serious warning.

    “You go to the doctor, you get your blood work, you’re pre-diabetic, you’re in trouble, you’re very sick. Time to get your life,” Carano said.

    September 2024 was the turning point. She committed to getting physically healthy, and by the time Dana White called her in December about a potential fight, she had already lost 30 pounds. The fight with Rousey, eventually made through Most Valuable Promotions and Netflix rather than the UFC, became the framework her recovery was built around.

    “I’m happy to have had it lead me here, because I’m doing this thing that saved my life in the beginning and now it’s saving my life again,” she said. “It’s fresh, it’s exciting, it feels groundbreaking, and I feel like I just had to get back to who I am. This is where it started.”

    Carano said she wants her comeback to carry a message for anyone else who has been in a similar place, and that she has moved well past any concern about how the story looks from the outside.

    “I want people to know, I’m over embarrassment by now, you’re never too far gone,” she said. “You can bring yourself back from cancellation, from being really obese. If you’re in an unhealthy state and something bad happens to you, that semi-healthy state turns into devastation on your body and it’s really hard to turn the corner on that.”

    Carano vs. Rousey headlines the first live MMA event on Netflix on May 16 from the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles.

  • Gina Carano Warns Ronda Rousey: ‘I Want Her To Feel Everything I Have’

    Gina Carano Warns Ronda Rousey: ‘I Want Her To Feel Everything I Have’

    Gina Carano made one thing clear in her conversation with Ariel Helwani on Wednesday: the friendship she and Ronda Rousey have built in the lead-up to May 16 ends when the cage door closes.

    Speaking ahead of their Netflix fight at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, Carano was direct about what Rousey should expect from her when the fight begins and pushed back on any suggestion that showing up would be enough.

    “Ronda’s been waiting to fight me for a very long time,” Carano said. “I don’t want to disappoint. I want her to feel everything I have. I want her to feel what she’s been chasing. It’s respectful to her. This is what I feel like, this is what this experience with me is going to feel like. So yeah, we’re going to go for it.”

    Helwani pressed Carano on whether the two women genuinely want to hurt each other. Her answer drew on what she described as a quality shared by most women who compete at a high level.

    “If you have females sparring in the gym, it’s really hard to not go heavy,” Carano said. “Women just cut that emotional thing off and it’s ‘me or you.’ Ronda has that. I have that. Most of the girls in the gym have that. So it’s just: we’re going to fight.”

    When Helwani asked whether the result even matters given the symbolic weight of the fight, Carano did not hesitate. “I really want to win. Like, I really want to win.”

    She framed May 16 as the proper conclusion to a chapter rather than the start of a new one. The fight is scheduled at featherweight with no one-pound allowance, matching the weight class she competed at throughout her EliteXC and Strikeforce career.

    “For me it’s purely about having gotten in shape, going through everything, getting back in there against an incredible opponent, putting on a great show. And really just going for that W and closing this part of my life.”

    She described the mindset shift that brought her to this point as a choice between two directions. “You can go left and choose to hate yourself and hate the world and all of that, or you can go right and get your shit together and say, ‘I’m going to do everything I can.’ I’ve chosen to go that direction, and I feel more alive than I’ve ever felt.”

    Carano vs. Rousey headlines the first live MMA card on Netflix on May 16 from the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles.

  • Gina Carano Says Dana White Called First About Fight Against Ronda Rousey

    Gina Carano Says Dana White Called First About Fight Against Ronda Rousey

    Gina Carano has revealed the full timeline of how her May 16 fight against Ronda Rousey came together, and the path ran through a collapsed UFC deal before Rousey stepped in to finish the job herself.

    Speaking with Ariel Helwani on Wednesday, Carano explained that Dana White made the first call in December 2024, months after she had already begun working on her own to get back into fighting shape.

    “Dana called in December,” Carano said. “From September 2024 to when Dana called in December, I had lost about 30 lbs by that point, but I had a long way to go.”

    White had spent the back half of 2024 publicly teasing a major announcement, which Carano confirmed was tied to her. She asked him to stay quiet while she found a gym and got into condition without public scrutiny. Those initial conversations were UFC conversations, and they eventually stalled.

    Carano was candid about where her negotiating leverage actually sat. “I didn’t really have that much negotiating power, except for the fact that Ronda wants to fight me. I’m the only one she wants to fight. So I was just like, ‘Ronda, go for it.’”

    When the UFC negotiations went nowhere, Rousey handled it personally. The two women, linked by dream fight hypotheticals for more than a decade, finally sat down together in person.

    “She really led the way, she led the way a thousand percent. I just said yes. And then when their negotiations weren’t going anywhere, she called me personally. And then we had dinner and actually talked about it,” Carano said.

    The fight landed at Most Valuable Promotions with Netflix as the distribution partner, making Carano the headliner of the first live MMA card the streamer has ever produced. For Carano, the entire process had a clarity that she found grounding.

    “When you have a purpose and a goal, this goal of a fight has really just consumed me and put a protective shield over me that I needed to experience,” she said. “It’s very selfish. Eat, sleep, train. I needed to live like this for a second. And I’m already going to miss it.”

    Carano vs. Rousey headlines the Netflix card on May 16 at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles.

  • PFL Belfast Results: Kelly vs Wilson Live Updates & Highlights

    PFL Belfast Results: Kelly vs Wilson Live Updates & Highlights

    PFL Belfast results and highlights are updated live as the action unfolds from the SSE Arena in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The main event will feature a lightweight bout between Darragh Kelly and Jay Jay Wilson. MMANews has you covered with all the results and highlights!

    Darragh Kelly vs. Jay Jay Wilson – Lightweight Main Event

    Kelly has spent most of his professional career thus far with Bellator and the PFL, entering tonight’s bout with a 9-0 record. He last fought in September, scoring a first-round submission of Bakhtiyar Abdulaev.

    Kelly enters this fight as a substitute for Paul Hughes, who was injured and forced to withdraw from this bout.

    Wilson fought exclusively with Bellator during his pro career until the promotion was acquired and folded by the PFL. The 11-2 fighter enters this fight off a decision loss to Archie Colgan at the PFL Champions Series card this past October.

    The co-main event will see Rhys McKee take on Alex Lohore.

    This is McKee’s first fight since departing the UFC. He has lost three of his last four, most recently losing to Axel Sola at UFC Paris in September.

    The 26-11 Lohore makes his PFL debut tonight. A veteran of Cage Warriors, OKTAGON MMA, and Brave CF, Lohore’s last MMA fight came 11 months ago, scoring a late finish of Mansur Abdurzakov in Brave. Lohore also fought in Karate Comat in March, losing to Ilyas Khamzin in a middleweight title fight.

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

    How to Watch PFL Belfast

    • Date: Thursday, April 16, 2026
    • Venue: SSE Arena, Belfast, Northern Ireland
    • Streaming: ESPN Unlimited (full card), ESPN2 (main card), ESPN+ (prelims)
    • Prelims: 2:30 PM ET / 11:30 AM PT
    • Main Card: 7 PM ET / 4 PM PT

    PFL Belfast Quick Results

    • Main Event: Darragh Kelly vs. Jay Jay Wilson — Jay Jay Wilson def. Darragh Kelly via KO (Rd. 1, 0:37)
    • Co-Main Event: Rhys McKee vs. Alex Lohore — Rhys McKee def. Alex Lohore via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)
    • Tyson Pedro vs. Dovlet Yagshimuradov — Dovlet Yagshimuradov def. Tyson Pedro via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

    PFL Belfast Results & Highlights

    Preliminary Card (ESPN+, 2:30 PM ET)

    Women’s Flyweight: Chelsea Hackett vs. Andrea Vazquez

    Result: Chelsea Hackett def. Andrea Vazquez via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

    Bantamweight: Eoghan Masoliver vs. Shane Mullen

    Result: Eoghan Masoliver def. Shane Mullen via submission (rear-naked choke) (Rd. 1, 1:55)

    Bantamweight: Sean Gauci vs. Liam Gittins

    Result: Sean Gauci def. Liam Gittins via unanimous decision (30-27 x2, 29-28)

    Welterweight: David Martinez vs. Giannis Bachar

    Result: David Martinez def. Giannis Bachar via submission (rear-naked choke) (Rd. 2, 0:53)

    Catchweight (165 lbs.): Pedro Carvalho vs. Sergio Cossio

    Result: Pedro Carvalho def. Sergio Cossio via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

    Bantamweight: Ciaran Clarke vs. Dean Garnett

    Result: Dean Garnett def. Ciaran Clarke via KO (Rd. 1, 1:52)

    Welterweight: Omran Chaaban vs. Chequina Noso Pedro

    Result: Omran Chaaban def. Chequina Noso Pedro via TKO (Rd. 2, 4:16)

    Bantamweight: Caolan Loughran vs. Alan Philpott

    Result: Caolan Loughran def. Alan Philpott via submission (face crank) (Rd. 1, 1:11)

    Welterweight: Chris Mixan vs. Eoin Sheridan

    Result: Eoin Sheridan def. Chris Mixan via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

    Main Card (ESPN2, 7 PM ET)

    Light Heavyweight: Tyson Pedro vs. Dovlet Yagshimuradov

    Result: Dovlet Yagshimuradov def. Tyson Pedro via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

    Welterweight: Rhys McKee vs. Alex Lohore

    Result: Rhys McKee def. Alex Lohore via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

    Lightweight: Darragh Kelly vs. Jay Jay Wilson

    Result: Jay Jay Wilson def. Darragh Kelly via KO (Rd. 1, 0:37)

  • Ronda Rousey Blasts Kayla Harrison At NYC Presser: “Eat Your Groceries”

    Ronda Rousey Blasts Kayla Harrison At NYC Presser: “Eat Your Groceries”

    Ronda Rousey turned a question about Kayla Harrison’s “irrelevant” comments into a nearly four-minute demolition at the MVP MMA press conference in New York City on Wednesday, torching the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion over her legacy, charisma, pay, and even her recent neck surgery.

    The press conference at Palladium Times Square was held to promote the May 16 Rousey vs. Gina Carano showdown at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, which streams live on Netflix. Host Ariel Helwani relayed Harrison’s recent remark labeling Rousey and Carano irrelevant, and Rousey did the rest.

    Rousey Frames Harrison As A Product Of Her Own Legacy

    Rousey’s opening salvo built a legacy case before it threw a punch. She argued Carano is the reason the UFC’s 145-pound women’s division ever existed, and that Harrison only has a UFC job because of the foundation Rousey built.

    “Gina is so relevant that she’s the whole reason the 145-pound division even exists,” Rousey said. “And I am so relevant that the only reason she has a job at the UFC is because of me. And Kayla is so irrelevant that she couldn’t even keep the 145-pound division around.”

    From there, Rousey pivoted to a charisma attack that doubled as a shot at Harrison’s drawing power. “She’s just sour because no matter what she does or what she accomplishes, she can’t change the fact that she has the charisma of a wet towel and will always be in me and Gina’s shadow,” Rousey said.

    The “Neck Brace” Shot And The Groceries Line

    Ronda Rousey blasts Kayla Harrison

    Rousey didn’t spare Harrison’s recent medical issues. Harrison withdrew from her scheduled UFC 324 title defense against Amanda Nunes in January after being diagnosed with herniated discs in her neck, which required surgery.

    “She can’t look down at her feet because she’s too busy holding on to the belt and a neck brace,” Rousey said.

    The loudest moment came when Rousey weaponized a past act of kindness. Harrison had publicly credited Rousey in the past for buying her groceries when she was broke training in Japan.

    “What did she say after she won the belt? ‘Oh, I’m never going to say anything bad about Ronda. She took care of me when I was broke in Japan and bought me groceries,’” Rousey recounted. “How about you shut the f**k up and eat your groceries?”

    Rousey also pushed back on reports that Harrison questioned her judo training history in Canada. “Over the last decade and a half of being a public figure, I have cultivated a reputation for being unabashedly truthful,” Rousey said. “This b**ch just got here and was already caught in a lie.”

    The Pay Shot And A Paddy Pimblett Pitch

    Rousey then moved the argument to money, questioning how Harrison’s upcoming fight can be labeled the biggest in women’s MMA history when the UFC is booking it beneath a men’s interim title fight. Harrison’s planned title defense against Nunes has been rumored as a potential co-main to a Paddy Pimblett interim lightweight title bout.

    “Her and Hunter trying to act like her next upcoming fight is the biggest women’s fight of all time, then why is it being booked as a co-main to a men’s interim title fight?” Rousey said. “The fight isn’t even bigger than Patty the Baddy. No offense to Patty, I think he’s got more potential than anybody in the UFC, and he should call me when his contract runs out.”

    Rousey also claimed a pay disparity. “If she thinks her fight is the biggest women’s fight of all time, why is she getting paid less now than I was 10 years ago? So, is this b**ch overvalued or is she underpaid?”

    “The Biggest MMA Fight Of All Time”

    Rousey closed by reframing Rousey vs. Carano as an industry moment, not just a personal grudge. She pointed to Netflix’s global footprint and MVP’s fighter-first pitch as the reason the May 16 card matters.

    “This is the biggest MMA fight of all time. It’s going to get the most views on the biggest platform on a card with the biggest stars,” Rousey said. “And it was all assembled by and will be headlined by two women who dare to dream big. This dream is going to bring more opportunities and greater revenue share to fighters than they’ve ever had before, because this fight is bigger than just me and Gina.”

    Harrison, 35, captured the UFC women’s bantamweight title via second-round kimura submission of Julianna Peña at UFC 316 in June 2025. Rousey opened as a heavy favorite over Carano, who has not competed since 2009.

  • Ronda Rousey Shuts Down Age Critics Before Long-Awaited MMA Return On May 16 – ‘Not Like My Ovaries are ighting’

    Ronda Rousey Shuts Down Age Critics Before Long-Awaited MMA Return On May 16 – ‘Not Like My Ovaries are ighting’

    Ronda Rousey is set to make her long-awaited return to MMA nearly a decade after her last fight, and she is pushing back firmly against doubts tied to her age.

    The former UFC bantamweight champion will face Gina Carano on May 16 in a high-profile bout that will headline the first MMA event to stream live on Netflix. The matchup brings together two of the sport’s early stars, though it has also sparked debate due to the extended time both fighters have spent away from competition.

    “Rowdy”, now 39, has not competed since her loss to Amanda Nunes at UFC 207 in December 2016, where she was stopped in just 48 seconds.

    That result came after her first professional defeat against Holly Holm at UFC 193 in November 2015, which ended her dominant run as champion. Rousey holds a 12-2 record in professional MMA, including a 6-2 stint in the UFC.

    Ronda Rousey Addresses Criticism Over Age

    During a recent interview on CBS Mornings, Rousey dismissed the idea that her age should be seen as a limitation, as questions about her comeback continue to dominate discussion in the MMA community.

    “I never hear Jon Jones’ age being brought up as a disqualifying factor,” Rousey said. “It’s not like my ovaries are fighting. You know what I mean? Why are we even talking about this?”

    At her peak, Rousey was one of the most dominant fighters in the sport. She successfully defended the UFC women’s bantamweight title six times, often finishing opponents in under a minute, while becoming one of the promotion’s biggest crossover stars.

    Following her time in MMA, “Rowdy” transitioned into professional wrestling with WWE and appeared in several Hollywood films. Despite her long absence, she never officially retired, which left the possibility of a return open.

    “There was kind of like a cascade of things that led to it, but largely I wanted to rewrite my own ending in MMA,” Rousey said. “It was just unfinished. I never formally retired. Dana said I retired and I hadn’t fought in, like, 10 years, so I think I needed everyone to kind of give up on me coming back before I knew I was coming back just for me.”

    Carano, 43, has not competed since 2009, when she suffered a knockout loss to Cris Cyborg.

    For Rousey, the upcoming fight is expected to be a one-time return, aimed at closing her career on her own terms while rediscovering her connection to the sport.

  • Conor McGregor Settles Multi-Million Proper No. Twelve Dispute With Artem Lobov Ahead Of Potential UFC Return

    Conor McGregor Settles Multi-Million Proper No. Twelve Dispute With Artem Lobov Ahead Of Potential UFC Return

    Conor McGregor has reached a settlement with former teammate and sparring partner Artem Lobov, bringing an end to a long-running multi-million euro legal dispute tied to the creation of the Proper No. Twelve whiskey brand.

    The case, which was scheduled to begin trial at the High Court in Dublin, was resolved at the last minute following discussions between both parties on Wednesday. While the exact financial terms of the settlement were not disclosed, the agreement closes a contentious chapter between two former close allies.

    Lobov had filed the lawsuit in November 2022, claiming he played a key role in the creation of Proper No. Twelve and was promised a 5 percent stake in the business.

    The dispute centered on an alleged verbal agreement made in 2017, in which the 39-year-old Russian said he helped develop the concept, connect with distillers, and lay the groundwork for what would become a massively successful brand.

    The former UFC two-division champion, however, denied the existence of any such agreement. McGregor maintained that, while Lobov had limited involvement in early discussions, the final product differed significantly in branding, structure, partnerships, and execution.

    The financial stakes were substantial. “The Notorious” and his business partners sold their majority stake in Proper No. Twelve to Proximo Spirits in 2021 in a deal reportedly worth around $600 million, with McGregor himself believed to have earned approximately $130 million from the sale.

    During the legal proceedings, it also emerged that the Irishman had previously offered Lobov an ex gratia payment of $1 million in recognition of his limited contribution, an offer that was ultimately rejected.

    As part of the settlement, a brief statement from the 37-year-old Dubliner was read in court:

    “I am satisfied that this matter has been resolved and I can focus on my training and this summer’s fight. I want to thank Artem for his hard work for my whiskey business.”

    Lobov, who was present in court, later confirmed he was content with the outcome, describing himself as “happy” with the resolution.

  • Merab Dvalishvili Admits Overtraining Cost Him UFC Title

    Merab Dvalishvili Admits Overtraining Cost Him UFC Title

    Merab Dvalishvili believes he handed himself the defeat in his December bantamweight title loss to Petr Yan, and the explanation centers on a training camp that pushed his body well past its limits.

    Speaking with Demetrious Johnson, the former champion acknowledged that fighting just two months after his bout with Cory Sandhagen left him overtrained and physically depleted heading into what would have been a historic fourth title defense in a single calendar year. He also revealed he sparred five rounds with two top training partners on fight day itself.

    “I think I did over-training, too much training. And even fight day, I did sparring, and this time I sparred two top sparring partners,” Dvalishvili said. “Five rounds I already sparring, and I warmed up in the locker room, and when I go to the cage, maybe I was a little over-tired. My nickname is ‘Machine,’ but I’m human against Petr Yan.”

    Yan secured a unanimous decision victory to claim the bantamweight title at UFC 323, reversing the outcome of their first encounter two years earlier when Dvalishvili had dominated him. The Georgian fighter credited both Yan’s specific preparation for the rematch and his unique style as factors in the result.

    “I think that day I can beat everybody, maybe, except Petr,” Dvalishvili said. “That’s what showed, because Petr was really training for me, and then his style is different, and he’s a tough, tough fighter.”

    The former champion will not have to wait long for a chance at redemption. Dvalishvili revealed the UFC has already confirmed his next fight will be a trilogy bout with Yan, with both sides targeting a summer return. June, July, and August have all been mentioned as potential timeframes.

    “He was saying that he’s ready to fight in June. Which is good. If Petr is saying he’s ready for June, of course, he will be ready for either July or August. So, I’m fine. Whatever time the UFC wants. So now, I’m relaxing, because the UFC told me I’m fighting for the belt.”

  • Eddie Hearn Slams UFC For Treatment Of Tom Aspinall

    Eddie Hearn Slams UFC For Treatment Of Tom Aspinall

    Tom Aspinall was not at UFC London in March, and his manager Eddie Hearn has explained why in terms that raise questions about how the UFC handled the situation.

    Speaking with Ariel Helwani on Tuesday, Hearn revealed that Aspinall received a text message from UFC President Dana White at around 6pm on the day of the March 21 event asking if he wanted to attend. The problem was that Aspinall lives five hours away from London.

    “He was very surprised that he never got an invite,” Hearn said. “He got a text from Dana at about 6pm on the day of the fight saying, ‘Would you like to come tonight?’ And he lives five hours away. So, that wasn’t ideal.”

    Hearn expressed genuine bafflement at the decision to hold a UK event without properly inviting the UFC’s reigning heavyweight champion, who is himself British.

    “I just find it baffling that you can do an event in the UK and not invite the heavyweight world champion, who is from the UK,” Hearn said. “Let’s be honest, it wasn’t exactly a card for the huge names, was it? Tom Aspinall being there would’ve been great for the event.”

    Aspinall has been sidelined since suffering a double eye poke during his fight against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321 in October, subsequently undergoing double eye surgery. He is still not fully cleared for contact training.

    “I’ve not had a lot going on, just been back in the gym doing a bit of light training. I’m still waiting to get fully cleared for contact on my eye, but we are back in the gym doing a little bit,” Aspinall said earlier this month.

    Due to his extended absence, the UFC has created an interim heavyweight title, with Gane and Alex Pereira scheduled to fight for the secondary championship on June 14.

  • Curtis Blaydes Believes He Won Josh Hokit Fight at UFC 327

    Curtis Blaydes Believes He Won Josh Hokit Fight at UFC 327

    Curtis Blaydes believes the judges got it wrong at UFC 327, and he made his case clearly in the aftermath of a war with Josh Hokit that left both men battered and sent to the hospital.

    Blaydes dropped a unanimous decision to Hokit via 29-28 scores across the board in their heavyweight contest in Miami on April 11, with both fighters combining for more than 390 strikes across three rounds. Despite the result, Blaydes is convinced he did enough to win.

    “I hate to be that guy, I’ve never had a fight like this, but I think I won,” Blaydes told MMA Fighting. “I felt like I won round one. Yeah, he rocked me, he got the damage but I also rocked him equally at the end of that round and I got the takedown.”

    He gave the second round to Hokit but argued he controlled the third and pointed to the clinch exchanges as the area where the judges failed him most consistently.

    “I feel like I won each of the clinch exchanges. Each one. We did those a few times. I won those. I think that was the difference.”

    Despite being rocked multiple times during the contest, Blaydes refused to go down, admitting the motivation to stay upright was partly personal.

    “This guy who’s been disrespectful to me all week — I was thinking in my head there were times like no, I’m not going to let this guy have that over me. It’s bad enough that he has the win over me.”

    For Blaydes, Hokit’s conduct throughout fight week and during the fight itself made any post-fight handshake impossible. Hokit repeatedly flipped off Blaydes during exchanges, and Blaydes said he simply could not bring himself to show respect when the final bell sounded.

    “It’s hard to respect a guy who flips you off five or six times during the fight. Do I regret that? Yeah, I wish I had been a lot more professional about that.”

    The two crossed paths one final time when both were loaded into the same ambulance for transport to a Miami hospital. When Blaydes heard Hokit’s voice, he immediately asked to be moved further away.

  • Leon Edwards’ UFC 329 Opponent Gets Leaked

    Leon Edwards’ UFC 329 Opponent Gets Leaked

    Daniel Rodriguez has accepted a fight against former UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards at International Fight Week on July 11 in Las Vegas, making the announcement just days after his release from an eight-month stay in a Mexican prison.

    Rodriguez disclosed the matchup during an interview with TMZ Sports on Tuesday, revealing that the offer came through the same day and that he made his decision quickly.

    “I’ll be real with you guys, I’m probably looking at International Fight Week,” Rodriguez said. “I got an amazing offer. You guys will probably see me in there with Leon Edwards during International Fight Week. Just today was when they offered me the fight. I’ve been thinking about it, and I’ve made the decision. Right now, I’m accepting the offer for Leon Edwards, International Fight Week.”

    The bout represents a critical spot for Edwards, who enters the fight on a three-fight losing streak. The former champion lost his title via decision to Belal Muhammad at UFC 304 in July 2024, was submitted by Sean Brady in the UFC London main event in March 2025, and was then knocked out by Carlos Prates at UFC 322 last November. A fourth consecutive defeat would place him in a spot, where hsi future could be questioned with the promotion. 

    International Fight Week is also rumored to feature Conor McGregor’s return bout at UFC 329, with Gable Steveson the only fighter officially confirmed for the card so far.

  • Carlos Ulberg Out One Year After UFC 327 ACL Tear

    Carlos Ulberg is facing approximately one year on the sidelines after suffering a torn ACL during his UFC 327 title victory, according to Paulo Costa, who says he heard it directly from the new champion.

    Costa disclosed the injury timeline during an appearance on The Helwani Show, revealing that a conversation with Ulberg in a hotel lobby confirmed what many had suspected after watching the fight footage.

    “Carlos is out for one year. I talked to him in the lobby yesterday. He told me he needed the surgery. He’s out,” Costa said.

    Ulberg sustained the knee injury during the first round of his main event bout against Jiri Prochazka in Miami at UFC 327. Despite being visibly compromised and struggling to bear weight on the injured leg at various points during the round, Ulberg still managed to knock out Prochazka and claim the vacant 205-pound championship in one of the more remarkable performances in recent light heavyweight history.

    Costa used his appearance at the Helwani Show to make his case for the next title shot, whether for a vacant or interim championship, citing his knockout of Azamat Murzakanov at UFC 327 as justification.

    The light heavyweight division has dealt with repeated disruptions at the top in recent years due to injuries and inactivity, and Ulberg’s situation continues that pattern almost immediately after a new champion was crowned. 

  • Jorge Masvidal Confirms UFC Return Talks, Calls Out Leon Edwards

    Jorge Masvidal Confirms UFC Return Talks, Calls Out Leon Edwards

    Jorge Masvidal has confirmed that he’s in active negotiations with the UFC for a return to the Octagon, with Leon Edwards at the top of his wish list.

    Speaking on the Deep Waters panel show on UFC on Paramount+, the former BMF champion addressed Dana White’s public confirmation at UFC 327 that the two sides have been in talks.

    After initially playing coy with an “I’m retired, man” deflection, Masvidal dropped the act once the panel played White’s comments back to him.

    “We’re definitely talking. We’ve been talking for a minute. It’s just we haven’t landed on that thing,” Masvidal said.

    Masvidal on UFC Negotiations

    Masvidal was candid about the pace of negotiations, expressing loyalty to the promotion while acknowledging the reality of doing business with the UFC.

    “You guys know better than anybody how the UFC is. I love them to death, but man, they make you work for every single thing. It’s always like it’s not quite what you wanted it to be a lot of times. So we’re working. We’re going to get something done, though,” he said.

    The 40-year-old hasn’t competed in MMA since losing to Gilbert Burns at UFC 287 in April 2023, a defeat that prompted his retirement. He recently revealed that the UFC blocked him from competing on the upcoming Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano Netflix card because they had their own plans for his comeback.

    Leon Edwards: The Preferred Target

    While Masvidal said he’d prefer to fight at middleweight to avoid the weight cut, he made one thing clear: he’ll get back to 170 for the right name.

    “If they give me the Leon fight, I’ll get to 170 by the mall. No kidding. Quick. I would like that fight. The fans would like that fight,” Masvidal said.

    He then made his case by turning Edwards’ own previous reasoning against him.

    Edwards had reportedly declined a fight with Masvidal in the past because of his losing streak. The former welterweight champion is now on a three-fight skid of his own, dropping decisions to Belal Muhammad and finishes to Sean Brady and Carlos Prates.

    “He had said he wouldn’t fight me because I had like three or four losses in a row. I think he’s got like four losses in a row and like three by KO. So that’s the fight that makes sense,” Masvidal said, slightly overstating Edwards’ recent record but landing the broader point.

    He also made it clear that a tune-up fight holds no interest. “With your name, you just don’t show up and fight anybody. You’re not out there fighting Francisco Prado,” he said.

    The Timeline

    Masvidal pointed to International Fight Week in July as his ideal return window, requesting four to five months of preparation time. “The more time they give me to prepare, the better, obviously. A good 4 to 5 months from here, it’ll be perfect,” he said.

    Framing the matchup as an easy sell for the promotion, he closed with a simple pitch: “That’s low hanging fruit for the UFC. Just give me what I’m asking for and we’re good to go, man.”

    The Covington Dig

    In a lighter moment, the panel asked Masvidal about fighters he still has beef with. He said he gets along with virtually everyone he’s fought, but couldn’t resist one jab at his former American Top Team teammate.

    “For the most part I get along with everybody. If I see him I share a meal with him, hang out, talk. But just one rat-ass mother… I shouldn’t even say his name because he’s already suing me. But Colby Covington is the only one I really never mess with like that,” Masvidal said.

    Covington recently filed a civil lawsuit against Masvidal seeking damages related to the 2022 restaurant attack in Miami Beach.

    The rivalry between Masvidal and Edwards dates back to March 2019, when Masvidal attacked Edwards backstage at UFC London, coining the now-famous “three-piece and a soda” phrase that became part of his BMF-era identity. On the panel, he leaned into that legacy: “He already got a two-piece and a soda. Now it’s time for dessert. Now I’m going to hit this [guy] with the whole buffet, brother.”

  • Mark Hunt Arrested on Domestic Violence Charge in Australia

    Mark Hunt Arrested on Domestic Violence Charge in Australia

    Former UFC heavyweight Mark Hunt was arrested in northern New South Wales this week and charged with stalking or intimidation with intent to cause physical harm, according to reports citing police and court proceedings. The case has drawn attention because Hunt remains one of the best-known heavyweight fighters from Oceania.

    According to ESPN, Hunt was initially refused bail ahead of a court appearance on Wednesday. The Times of India, citing court proceedings, reported that bail was later granted under strict conditions. Hunt was ordered to remain at his home in Cobbitty in south-west Sydney and have no contact with the complainant.

    Details of the Alleged Incident

    Police alleged Hunt threatened a woman known to him during an incident at a residential property while she was helping him with a task. Prosecutors also referenced an alleged message said to contain a threat to the woman’s life, though Hunt’s legal team denied he sent that message and noted no separate charge had been filed over it. The defence also argued that Hunt’s background as a former fighter should not be treated as proof of violent conduct in his private life.

    Hunt’s next court date is listed as April 30 at Ballina Local Court.

    Hunt’s Fighting Career and Legal History

    Hunt fought in the UFC from 2010 to 2018 over an 18-fight stretch, headlined five UFC events, and challenged Fabricio Werdum for the interim heavyweight title at UFC 180 in November 2014. He also competed in PRIDE FC and K-1 during his combat sports career.

    Outside the cage, Hunt spent years in litigation over his UFC 200 loss to Brock Lesnar. In 2017, Hunt sued the UFC, Dana White and Lesnar, alleging fraud, racketeering and related wrongdoing after Lesnar failed drug tests linked to their 2016 bout. The result of that fight was later changed to a no contest after Lesnar’s positive tests.

  • Guy Fieri Issues Statement After Tate Brothers Encounter at UFC 327

    Guy Fieri Issues Statement After Tate Brothers Encounter at UFC 327

    Celebrity chef Guy Fieri posted a public statement on X Tuesday saying he was “devastated” by fan backlash after video of his brief greeting with Andrew and Tristan Tate at UFC 327 in Miami spread rapidly across social media.

    Fieri said he was walking through Kaseya Center on April 11 to watch the fights when the Tate brothers stood up from their seats and said hello. He said the exchange was the first time he had ever encountered them.

    “I was there to see the fights and when I was walking through the venue, the Tate brothers stood up and said hello and that’s when the exchange happened,” Fieri wrote. “I did not know them or about them before that moment. I do not know the Tate brothers nor do I support them in any way.”

    What the Video Showed

    Footage shared widely on X and Threads shows Fieri leaning over a railing to shake hands and exchange a shoulder bump with Andrew Tate, smiling as the brief interaction plays out. The clip spread quickly after the event, drawing thousands of critical replies and calls to boycott the Food Network.

    Andrew Tate replied to Fieri’s statement thread with a GIF, offering no written response. Reaction to Fieri’s clarification was sharply divided, with critics questioning whether someone of Fieri’s public profile could genuinely not recognize one of the most prominent figures on social media, while others defended him for simply returning a greeting from a stranger in a crowded arena.

    The Tate Brothers’ Legal Background

    Andrew and Tristan Tate have not been convicted of any crime. Romanian prosecutors have charged both brothers with forming an organized crime group to sexually exploit women, allegations they deny. Andrew also faces a civil trial in the United Kingdom on June 22 involving allegations of sexual violence and coercive control brought by four women, which he denies.

    A Romanian court lifted all travel restrictions on the brothers on April 6, just days before UFC 327, following years of legal proceedings that have repeatedly stalled.

    UFC Events as a Celebrity Flashpoint

    The incident adds to a growing list of off-cage storylines generated by the celebrity presence at major UFC pay-per-view events. UFC 327 also saw Jon Jones attend in person, fueling renewed conversation about his fighting future. President Donald Trump was also in attendance, continuing a pattern of high-profile appearances that began at UFC 314 last April.

    Fieri faced similar scrutiny in 2023 when photos surfaced of him greeting Trump ringside at UFC 290 in Las Vegas. As numbered cards continue to draw an increasingly prominent crowd, the sidebar stories they produce have become as reliable as the fights themselves.

    The UFC 327 main event saw Carlos Ulberg claim the vacant light heavyweight title with a first-round knockout of Jiri Prochazka.

  • Dana White Fires Back At Critics Of UFC Freedom 250 Event At White House – ‘It Has Nothing To Do With Politics’

    Dana White Fires Back At Critics Of UFC Freedom 250 Event At White House – ‘It Has Nothing To Do With Politics’

    Dana White has pushed back strongly against claims that the upcoming UFC Freedom 250 card carries any political agenda, insisting the historic event is meant to celebrate the United States rather than promote any ideology.

    The one-of-a-kind event is scheduled for June 14 on the South Lawn of the White House, marking a centerpiece attraction for America’s 250th anniversary celebrations.

    While the involvement of US President Donald Trump has fueled speculation about political undertones, White has been clear about the promotion’s intent.

    Dana White Shuts Down Political Narrative Around UFC White House Card

    Speaking during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, the UFC CEO addressed the growing perception that the event is politically driven.

    “One of the myths that I would like to crush is I don’t care if you’re far right, far left, right down the middle… this isn’t about politics,” White said.

    “This is about the United States, what this country is about, how it was built, where we all came from.”

    White also emphasized that the UFC is fully funding the event, shutting down any concerns about public spending.

    “We’re paying the entire bill on all of this… Not one tax dollar will go into this. This is the UFC’s gift for the 250th birthday of America.”

    Despite the political figures expected to be in attendance, including Trump himself, the UFC head honcho maintains that the setting does not change the purpose of the event.

    “It has nothing to do with politics. We just happen to be on the White House lawn, and the President will be there.”

    Stacked Fight Lineup Set For Historic Night In Washington

    Beyond the controversy, UFC Freedom 250 is shaping up to be one of the most unique events in the promotion’s history. The card is expected to feature seven fights, headlined by a lightweight title unification bout, as reigning champion Ilia Topuria faces interim titleholder Justin Gaethje.

    Meanwhile, the co-main event will include an interim heavyweight title clash between Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane.

    The event will take place inside a custom-built structure on the White House lawn, with the UFC investing heavily to ensure a unique viewing experience that incorporates the iconic backdrop.

  • Chael Sonnen Slams Jon Jones For Retirement U-Turns, Supports Dana White’s Freedom 250 Snub: ‘What Good Is Your Word?’

    Chael Sonnen Slams Jon Jones For Retirement U-Turns, Supports Dana White’s Freedom 250 Snub: ‘What Good Is Your Word?’

    Chael Sonnen has weighed in on the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Jon Jones, backing Dana White’s decision to keep the former two-division champion off the highly anticipated UFC Freedom 250 card.

    “Bones” once again stirred confusion over the weekend after indicating he would remain retired, before quickly reversing course a day later. The latest flip-flop has only added to a long pattern of indecision, and Sonnen made it clear he’s had enough.

    Chael Sonnen Questions Jon Jones’ Reliability Amid Retirement Flip-Flops

    Sonnen recently criticized Jones’ back-and-forth stance on social media, arguing that inconsistency at that level damages trust.

    “Jon Jones publicly retired on Friday, which is enough, per the rules, to have yourself removed from the testing pool,” Sonnen said. “Jon Jones, on Saturday, came back and said he is not officially retired, which, per the rules, is enough to reinsert yourself into the testing pool.”

    “The Bad Guy” didn’t stop there, raising a deeper concern about credibility.

    “When you put out a statement on Friday and the exact opposite statement on Saturday, there is a simple question… what good is your word?”

    Sonnen emphasized that being a champion requires more than just skill inside the cage.

    “If you’re the baddest dude in the world and you’re going to be the world champion, you’ve got to be a man. And nobody’s going to mistake you for a man… if they can’t trust you.”

    Chael Sonnen Backs Dana White’s Decision To Leave Jon Jones Off UFC White House Card

    The former title challenger also agreed with the UFC CEO’s stance on not booking “Bones” for the high-profile White House event set for June 14, pointing to his unpredictability as a major issue.

    “When we end up in a situation like this with Jon, where he’s in and he’s out… you can’t count on a guy like that,” Sonnen said on YouTube. “From what we’ve been told, the entire knock on Jon, and why he didn’t get on the White House card, is because they couldn’t count on him.”

    According to Sonnen, this inconsistency has followed Jones for years and continues to impact how the UFC does business with him.

    “It creates a very unusual and difficult position,” he added. “You can’t count on him. When he shows up, is it fun? Sure, but you know the result ahead of time. It’s very difficult.”

    Sonnen even contrasted Jones’ situation with UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov, highlighting the respect that comes with certainty.

    “That’s not how men talk,” Sonnen said. “There was never a doubt when Khabib said, ‘I’m done’… we knew that his word meant something.”

  • UFC 330 Officially Heads To Philadelphia On August 15 With Massive Title Fight Expected To Headline

    UFC 330 Officially Heads To Philadelphia On August 15 With Massive Title Fight Expected To Headline

    UFC is officially set to return to Philadelphia this summer, bringing a major numbered event back to the city after a lengthy absence.

    On Tuesday, the MMA promotion announced that UFC 330 will take place on August 15 at the Xfinity Mobile Arena, marking its first numbered card in Philly since 2011. The event will stream on Paramount+, with more details regarding the fight card and ticket sales to be announced in the coming weeks.

    While no bouts have been officially confirmed, early indications suggest the card will feature a championship fight at the top of the bill. If finalized, it would be the first title bout held in Philadelphia in over a decade, adding further significance to the event’s return.

    The UFC has maintained a sporadic presence in “City of Brotherly Love” over the years, hosting a handful of events in the city. Its most recent visit came in 2019, when Justin Gaethje delivered a standout knockout victory over Edson Barboza in the main event.

    However, the promotion has not hosted a pay-per-view event in the city since UFC 133, which was headlined by a light heavyweight clash between Rashad Evans and Tito Ortiz.

    The return of a numbered event aligns with a broader surge of major sporting events scheduled across Pennsylvania in 2026, as part of nationwide celebrations tied to America’s 250th anniversary. Philadelphia, with its deep roots in combat sports, is once again positioned as a key destination on the UFC calendar.

    The card could also spotlight local talent, with several fighters on the current roster connected to the region. Names such as Sean Brady and Joe Pyfer have strong ties to Philadelphia and could potentially feature on the lineup.

    With a championship fight expected and the promotion returning after years away, UFC 330 is shaping up to be one of the standout events of the summer schedule.

  • Ray Longo Blasts Jiri Prochazka for UFC 327 Loss

    Ray Longo has delivered a verdict on Jiri Prochazka’s performance at UFC 327, and he has no patience for the explanation the former champion offered afterward.

    Speaking on the Anik and Florian Podcast, the veteran coach tore into Prochazka’s decision to ease off Carlos Ulberg after the New Zealander suffered a leg injury during their light heavyweight title fight in Miami. Prochazka was knocked out despite his opponent being visibly compromised, and afterward admitted he had shown mercy rather than pressing his advantage. Longo was not sympathetic.

    “I think we first have to discuss mental illness in MMA because something is — You know, it’s all funny when the guy’s praying up on Mount Olympus and standing on his head drinking his own piss, but this is what happens,” Longo said. “This is what happens. That poor guy was confused. I mean, like, ‘Mercy. Mercy.’ Dude, you blew the f***ing fight.”

    Longo referenced the 1984 film The Karate Kid to illustrate his frustration with whoever first shaped Prochazka’s competitive philosophy. “First off, his first trainer needs to go back and watch the Karate Kid 1. You’ve got to be f***ing kidding me.”

    Despite crediting Prochazka for continuing to target Ulberg’s lead leg with kicks, Longo argued the approach was not effective if a finish was the goal, and that Prochazka failed to capitalize even when Ulberg’s other leg buckled.

    He reserved praise for Ulberg, who fought through the injury to claim the championship rather than taking the easier path of coasting through the round.

    “I feel bad for Carlos because it was a Hollywood movie-type script and he’s got to now think that this guy gave him a break because he had mercy on him,” Longo said. “But with that being said, hat’s off to Ulberg, he did what he had to do. He could have stopped. He could have quit. He could have hobbled around, but he was going to fight to the very end and he deserves what he got.”

    Longo also pushed back on Prochazka’s attempt to frame the mercy as something to be both proud of and upset about simultaneously.

    “If you gave the guy mercy, then be happy. You did what you wanted to do. You let him off the hook. Don’t be mad about it,” Longo said. “That should be a badge of honor for you, you didn’t want to hurt a guy that was injured. So leave it like that, but you can’t have it both ways.”

    He closed with a straightforward reminder about the nature of competition. “When that door closes, anything can happen and that’s it, period. When that door closes, s*** is on. I don’t care what the f*** happens.”

  • Matt Brown Doubts Nate Diaz Turned Down More UFC Money

    Matt Brown Doubts Nate Diaz Turned Down More UFC Money

    Matt Brown does not believe Nate Diaz’s explanation for turning down a UFC fight with Conor McGregor, and he laid out exactly why on The Fighter vs. The Writer.

    Diaz recently claimed he rejected a more lucrative offer from the UFC for a McGregor trilogy because he did not want to face the Irishman on what he described as his “last dying f***ing leg” after five years away from competition. Brown is skeptical, arguing that Diaz’s career history tells a different story about his decision-making.

    “Money talks,” Brown said. “He’s making more money with this Netflix fight than he would with the UFC. That’s why he’s not fighting Conor in the UFC. I lean towards believing Dana on this. He got an offer he couldn’t refuse.”

    Brown reinforced the point by noting that Diaz has always prioritized the biggest payday available. “I don’t believe it for a second that he’s not making more money with this Netflix deal, however that plays out, his bank account ends up with more money from this fight than it does in the UFC or he doesn’t take the fight. He’s going to pick the highest bidder. I don’t think that’s unique to him, but I think he understands this is prize fighting. He’s fighting for money. He’s going to take the highest pay.”

    Diaz is instead fighting Mike Perry on May 16 on the Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano Netflix card under Most Valuable Promotions. Perry left the UFC on a 1-4 skid before becoming a star in bare-knuckle fighting.

    Brown acknowledged that, on paper, the McGregor fight carries far more cultural weight. “Whereas Conor, dude you already beat him twice, you know what to do. It’s a way, way bigger fight. Whether the viewership numbers reflect that or not, the actual fight and the media, the attention, the fight fans that care, even mainstream, Diaz and Conor is probably the biggest fight the UFC could even make right now.”

    He also suggested the UFC’s offer likely came with conditions such as a multi-fight deal, which may have made the single-fight MVP arrangement more attractive to Diaz, regardless of the headline number. The door for a future UFC return remains open, but Brown is firm that money drove the decision.

  • Carlos Ulberg Knee Injury Not as Serious as Feared, Coach Says

    Carlos Ulberg Knee Injury Not as Serious as Feared, Coach Says

    Carlos Ulberg’s head coach, Eugene Bareman, is not ready to accept the worst-case scenario for his champion’s knee, offering a considerably more optimistic read than the medical analysis circulating since UFC 327.

    Bareman appeared on The Ariel Helwani Show on Monday and shared his take after watching Ulberg at the post-fight celebration in Miami. His observations from the after-party gave him reason to believe the injury may not be as serious as feared.

    “It’s just a scratch, mate. He’ll be back as soon as he can,” Bareman said. “The way he was jumping around at the after-party in Miami, I reckon it was just a scratch. We’ll wait for a medical diagnosis because I’m the furthest person who can make that qualification. I’m not sure. It’s probably not as bad as everybody thinks.”

    That view stands in sharp contrast to the assessment offered by sports medicine physician Dr. Brian Sutterer, who analyzed slow-motion footage from the fight and delivered a far grimmer prognosis.

    “That injury that Ulberg suffered is almost certainly going to keep him out for a very long time. It’s not his Achilles, it’s something more serious in his knee,” Sutterer said. “This is pathognomonic of an ACL tear. I would be stunned if it’s not. There is nothing else that is going to cause the tibia to shift forward internally like that and then pop backwards other than an ACL tear.”

    Sutterer projected a recovery timeline of nine to twelve months if surgery is required, which would keep Ulberg out of action until mid-to-late 2026 at the earliest and potentially into 2027.

  • Jiri Prochazka Says UFC Has Multiple Options On The Table for His Career

    Jiri Prochazka Says UFC Has Multiple Options On The Table for His Career

    Jiri Prochazka has revealed that UFC management is open to multiple directions for his career following his first-round knockout loss to Carlos Ulberg at UFC 327, including the possibility of working back toward a title shot.

    The former light heavyweight champion was stopped by Ulberg in the opening round of their vacant title fight in Miami on Saturday night, with the loss marking the third time Prochazka has failed to win a UFC championship bout. He offered an honest take of what cost him upon returning to the Czech Republic.

    “I didn’t give the performance that I wanted, I literally f—– it up,” Prochazka said. “Mainly by that at the moment when I saw a weak opponent or an injured opponent, I won’t make an excuse about some pity or compassion for him. I know that at that moment, I then no longer worked at 100 percent. That then cost me the victory.”

    Prochazka confirmed he has already begun conversations with UFC officials about his next move and said the promotion is not closing any doors.

    “As I talked with the UFC management, they are open there towards all sorts of other alternatives, whether just some interesting fights or just jump just for those for a title shot,” he said. “I am not saying yet, straight out, nothing is confirmed yet, however, I know that after this performance I will no longer be the same.”

    He was firm about his intentions going forward despite the setback. “I want to eat this up here until the worst end so that I can with all these emotions, with this feeling, go further and go for that title again. I believe that after this experience I will be stronger than ever before, and I will bring that title to the Czech Republic.”

    With Ulberg potentially sidelined until 2027 due to his knee injury, the UFC may consider an interim title scenario that could factor Prochazka back into the picture sooner than expected.

  • Josh Hokit Fires Back at Paulo Costa Over UFC 327 Bonus

    Josh Hokit Fires Back at Paulo Costa Over UFC 327 Bonus

    Paulo Costa and Josh Hokit turned a bonus dispute into one of the more entertaining social media exchanges in recent MMA memory following UFC 327 in Miami on Saturday.

    Costa made his light heavyweight debut at the event, finishing Azamat Murzakanov with a head kick in the third round. Under normal circumstances, the knockout would have earned him a $100,000 Performance of the Night bonus. Instead, Hokit swept both the Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night bonuses after his heavyweight showcase against Curtis Blaydes, leaving Costa empty-handed.

    Costa did not take the news quietly. “Hey Josh Hokit you got my bonus motherf—-, I’m gonna f— you up next time you f—— bum,” he posted on X.

    Hokit responded in kind, and things escalated quickly from there. “Fight deez nutz… but of course, I got like 20% body fat but don’t get it twisted my Incredible Hok juice is far more superior than your secret juice,” Hokit wrote.

    Costa pushed further. “Fat ass you owe me $100k bonus,” he continued.

    Hokit fired back. “I’d take you down and suffocate you with this belly and take all your women from you, they prefer a dad bod anyway.”

    Costa then proposed an unconventional solution. “Costa x Hok for real BMF. No weight limit. No boring hugs. Winner takes all.”

    Hokit closed the exchange with four words. “I’ll eat your heart.”

    Hokit’s performance at UFC 327 earned him a spot on the upcoming UFC White House card against Derrick Lewis, a placement reportedly requested by both President Donald Trump and Joe Rogan. Costa, meanwhile, may be positioned for a light heavyweight title shot, particularly with new champion Carlos Ulberg potentially sidelined until 2027 following a knee injury suffered during his title victory.