Joe Rogan has fiercely criticized a former podcast guest who attempted to connect him with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following the revelation of his name appearing in recently released Justice Department files. The popular podcaster addressed the situation during a recent episode featuring actress Cheryl Hines, explaining he was only mentioned in the documents because Epstein wanted to meet him—and he declined.
According to emails released by the DOJ, physicist Lawrence Krauss—who previously appeared on The Joe Rogan Experience—communicated with Epstein in September 2017 about facilitating an introduction.
Epstein had reportedly watched Krauss’s appearance on Rogan’s show and found the host “funny,” prompting him to ask Krauss to set up a meeting. When Krauss approached Rogan about the potential dinner, Rogan responded with disbelief: “I was like, ‘b*tch, are you high?’”.
Rogan Never Considered Meeting Epstein
“I’m in the files for not going,” Rogan explained on his podcast. “It’s not even a possibility that I would have went, especially after I Googled him”. After Rogan declined, Krauss reported back to Epstein that the podcaster was “more timid than I would have thought,” according to the released documents.
The UFC commentator’s name surfaced as part of the massive DOJ document release regarding Epstein, the disgraced financier who was convicted of soliciting a minor for prostitution and faced numerous allegations of sex trafficking before his death in 2019. Rogan has been vocal about demanding transparency regarding the Epstein investigation and has previously criticized governmental handling of the case.
Jon Jones’ name has appeared in connection to the recently released Jeffrey Epstein files, though the link stems from an unexpected source: Epstein’s documented interest in watching UFC fights.
The disgraced financier, whose name returned to headlines following the release of files related to his heinous criminal activities, was apparently an avid UFC fan who maintained a subscription to UFC Select.
According to the leaked documents, Epstein specifically watched fights featuring Jones, including UFC Versus 1 where Jones faced Brandon Vera.
The connection came to light through emails showing Epstein’s viewing habits and account activity. Records indicate he requested a password reset for his UFC TV account just months before his arrest, demonstrating his continued engagement with the sport during his final months as a free man.
The files reveal details about Epstein’s entertainment preferences during the period leading up to his legal troubles, with UFC programming apparently among his regular viewing choices.
Jones, who has no known personal connection to Epstein beyond being featured in fights that Epstein watched, continues his MMA career as one of the sport’s most accomplished fighters.
The revelation offers an unusual glimpse into how Epstein spent his time before his arrest, with UFC fights apparently serving as part of his regular entertainment routine.
The documents make no suggestion of any interaction or relationship between Jones and Epstein. The mention of his name in the files appears solely related to Epstein’s consumption of publicly available UFC content.
Charles Oliveira’s “Born BMF” documentary on his YouTube channel, do Bronxs TV, reveals the medical prognosis that could have ended his athletic career before it even began.
In Episode 1 of “Road to UFC 326,” the former UFC lightweight champion opens up about a childhood diagnosis that, by any reasonable measure, should have kept him from ever stepping inside a cage.
“The doctors said I couldn’t even play soccer, so definitely from that point I already saw a BMF,” Oliveira said. “The doctors said I couldn’t even play a game of soccer. So definitely from there I already saw a BMF.” For a Brazilian kid, being told he couldn’t play soccer meant being denied the most basic rite of childhood. Oliveira saw something else in that moment: the first glimpse of the toughness that would define his career.
The Kid Who Couldn’t Run
Charles Oliveira reflected on what those limitations meant for a child who simply wanted to move like other kids. “You can imagine, I was just a kid and I wanted to run, play…” he said.
The medical condition that barred him from basic physical activity makes his rise to elite-level MMA, featuring submission records, title runs, and now a UFC 326 main event against Max Holloway for the BMF title, all the more remarkable.
Where That Defiance Shows Up Today
The documentary captures how that refusal to accept limits manifests in his training camp. During a physical preparation session, the squad trades challenges without coddling. “Everyone does their own weight. If you’re more of a man than us, that’s fine,” one teammate says. Another adds: “We’re men here, bro.” The exchange continues: “Come on, squad. Don’t be shocked, uncle. We won’t even be able to trade punches and get him after. Better leave it alone.”
After training, everyone chips in, including Oliveira. “Good job, everyone. Just spray some alcohol on the mat, wipe it down, put away the weights, the bar, and the boxes, then we’ll take a photo and head out,” he instructs. The same athlete once told he would never be able to play soccer now leads a camp where no one is given special treatment.
From Medical Impossibility To March 7
The “Born BMF” series frames toughness as something forged in survival, not just competition. Oliveira’s story embodies that thesis: a prognosis that should have ended his athletic dreams became the origin of a mentality that carried him to the top of the UFC—and now to a shot at the BMF title against former rival Holloway on March 7, inside the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
El cinturón BMF está en juego nuevamente!!! #UFC326
Charles Oliveira recently offered a stark definition of the BMF concept in the first episode of the “Born BMF” series on his YouTube channel, Do Bronxs TV.
“Do Bronx” is set to challenge reigning BMF titleholder Max Holloway in the main event of UFC 326 on March 7 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
El cinturón BMF está en juego nuevamente!!! #UFC326
While most fans associate the “Baddest Motherf**ker” title with cage dominance, Oliveira argues it’s forged long before a fighter ever steps into the Octagon—by surviving impossible odds from the very beginning.
“I was born a BMF. That’s real,” Oliveira declared in the opening moments of the documentary.
Redefining BMF — Born, Not Made
The series explores whether BMF status is earned in competition or forged through adversity. Charles Oliveira’s story makes the case for the latter: doctors told him as a child he couldn’t even play soccer, yet he became one of the UFC’s most accomplished fighters.
“I told my parents, I told my father—truthfully, I would rather die than not be a normal kid. So that’s where my story began,” Oliveira said. That willingness to risk everything to live a normal life, he suggests, is where true toughness is born.
The Spiritual Warrior Mindset
Charles Oliveira’s self-perception is deeply rooted in faith. “Truthfully, I’m a guy illuminated by God,” he said. “I truly believe that God chose me to make history.”
The former UFC lightweight champion’s philosophy on predestination shapes his approach to obstacles. “I truly believe that when you’re born, from when you’re small, God already put you on a path. It doesn’t matter which way you take, you’re going to end up on that line anyway. It was meant for me to do this. It was meant for me to make history.”
Hungry, Humble, and Real — The Triple Threat
Charles described himself as a three-dimensional person: “I’m a hungry guy, a family guy, a real guy, a guy who seeks the fight or seeks victory all the time. Whether I’m in the cage or outside the cage.”
He emphasized integrity alongside ambition. “The desire to make history, to always be at the highest level in the world, but most importantly, without stepping on anyone.”
The Octagon, he said, strips away all artifice. “The Octagon tells the truth about who I really am. I don’t hide anything.”
The Visible Hunger — What Opponents See
Charles Oliveira’s intensity isn’t hidden. “Anyone who watches me fight already sees in my eyes the hunger, the thirst. The desire to become champion,” he said.
That drive extends beyond fight night. “Everything in life. I only want to walk forward. I don’t want to look back.”
Evolution Through Adversity
“Do Bronx” reflected on his transformation from a grappling specialist to a complete fighter. “Back then, I was just Charles from jiu-jitsu; now I’m a complete MMA Charlie. Back then, I was just a boy. Now, today, I’m a lion among lions.”
The 36-year-old Brazilian also revealed he competed injured in his last bout against Mateusz Gamrot this past October. “From that last fight to this one, I’ve evolved tremendously. In that fight, I entered with an injury.”
Oliveira first fought Holloway at featherweight in August 2015, but the bout came to an early and unusual end. Just 1:39 into the opening round, the Brazilian appeared to suffer a neck injury while attempting a takedown.
The sudden setback, which was reported as an esophagus-related issue, forced Oliveira to collapse and indicate that he was unable to continue.
Tom Aspinall underwent surgery on both eyes on Tuesday to repair damage from a double eye poke suffered against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321 in October.
One day after surgery, the reigning UFC heavyweight champion posted photos of his bloodshot eyes on his Instagram story. Aspinall captioned the photo of his bloodshot eyes with this phrase: “One day post surgery.”
After his highly publicised eye poke, Optegra's experts are proud to have supported UFC Heavyweight Champion @AspinallMMA. In recent months we’ve worked closely with him on his recovery. With an op on both eyes we continue the journey to get Tom’s vision back to fighting fitness. pic.twitter.com/23nnvAcG4R
Tom Aspinall (15-3) has been sidelined indefinitely due to his injury, with a return to the Octagon contingent on medical clearance. In the meantime, UFC CEO Dana White has stated that the heavyweight title clash with Ciryl Gane (13-2) will be rebooked once the British champion has recovered.
Aspinall defended his undisputed heavyweight crown against Gane at UFC 321, but the matchup was ruled a no-contest after “Bon Gamin” poked him twice in the eyes during an exchange.
The referee paused the action to allow Aspinall time to recover, but his vision was too compromised to continue, prompting an official stoppage at the 4:35 mark of the opening round.
UFC removed three fighters from its roster following this past weekend’s UFC Vegas 113 card.
Alex Morono
Welterweight veteran Alex Morono has been removed from the UFC roster following his unanimous decision loss to Daniil Donchenko at UFC Vegas 113, ending a decade-long run in the promotion that saw him compile a 13-10 (1 NC) record inside the Octagon. The 35-year-old “Great White” put out a statement on Instagram:
Bantamweight contender Javid Basharat has also been taken off the UFC roster despite returning to the win column at UFC Vegas 113, where “The Snow Leopard” improved to 4-2 in the promotion with a victory over short-notice newcomer Gianni Vazquez.
Lucas Almeida
Finally, Brazilian featherweight Lucas Almeida has also been released from the UFC roster, ending a six-fight Octagon run in which he went 2-4 and alternated flashes of explosive finishing ability with inconsistency against tougher opposition.
The 34-year-old former Jungle Fight featherweight champion leaves the promotion with a 15-5 professional record overall and a reputation as an action-oriented striker with nine knockout wins and a high finishing rate.
Who else has left UFC this year
Several other names have already departed the UFC, including flyweight Aaron Tau and light heavyweight Rafael Cerqueira, who were released in February, along with January cuts such as welterweight Darrius Flowers and featherweight Mohammad Yahya, while former title challenger Tecia Pennington announced her retirement and ex-bantamweight contender Patchy Mix left to sign with Rizin. (via UFC 2026: Releases, Wikipedia)
Daniel Cormier doesn’t buy Jon Jones’ claim that he was secretly recorded discussing his arthritis at a bare knuckle event. Speaking on the Daniel Cormier Show, the former UFC double champion laid out his case for why Jones orchestrated the entire leak himself.
Jones recently addressed the viral video, saying the person who recorded him was wearing Meta glasses and that the conversation was meant to be private.
“It is true. I do have arthritis and the kid that leaked that was an absolute [expletive],” Jones said. “I was talking to some guys in confidential and he had one of those Meta glasses on… That wasn’t for everybody to hear.”
Cormier wasn’t having it.
DC Knows How Meta Glasses Work
Cormier pointed out that Meta glasses are nearly impossible to miss up close — his own coach wears them.
“It’s hard to hide that you’re being recorded with Meta glasses,” Cormier said. “If I am 50 yards away from you and I’m recording you, okay, you may not be able to tell, but if I’m two to three feet away like the kid was, they got a white light on the side of the glasses. The moment they start recording, there’s a white light on the side of those glasses that tells you that they are recording. How could he have missed that?”
Athletes Always Know When They’re Being Recorded
Cormier added that anyone who has spent years in the public eye develops an instinct for spotting cameras — something Jones has dealt with for over a decade.
“When you’ve been in the public eye, you build this almost sixth sense as to when people are recording you,” Cormier said. “Because when you’re around or in the public spotlight, the people around you even build a way to figure out that you’re being recorded. It’s just the way it is.”
DC’s Theory: Jones Leaked It on Purpose
Cormier laid out his full theory — that Jones deliberately fed the injury information to an influencer so it would go public while maintaining plausible deniability.
“I believe that information like that, if it’s that close to the vest, you don’t share it with a random,” Cormier said. “I don’t know that anything he does isn’t intended to be taken in the way that it’s taken. It feels like everything he does has a purpose. So, I don’t believe it and I don’t think you should because I don’t think that he was unaware of the video. I think that Jon Jones knew what he was doing.”
“I think that he wanted people to know that he’s injured and I think that’s exactly the way that he wanted it to happen by giving it to an influencer and that influencer put it on the internet and then he could feign ignorance and go, ‘Oh my god, I got caught.’ Not true.”
Why Leak It? Because It Might Actually Be Over.
Cormier’s skepticism about the recording doesn’t extend to the injuries themselves. He said watching Jones at a recent celebrity football game changed his mind about the severity of the damage.
“I think for the first time, I actually believe that he might have some true issues with his hips because I was watching him play football at that celebrity thing and when Dwight Howard ran past him, there’s no way — there’s no way that he was actually trying and Dwight Howard was able to go past him like that,” Cormier said.
“I believe Jon Jones really is dealing with sustained injuries from a long sustained career in combat sports where knees and elbows and kicks were such a massive part of his game, the wrestling. Sports from a young age takes a toll on the body to anyone. I truly believe that.”
‘Get Ready for a Day Without Jones in Fighting’
Cormier connected the dots — if Jones is controlling the narrative around his physical decline, it’s because the end of his legendary career is approaching.
“I think that people should now start to get ready for a day where they don’t have Jones in fighting. I don’t think you’re going to have him much longer in this sport because I don’t think the guy’s body is going to hold up,” Cormier said. “It’s a sad thing because in real time, you could see him starting to come to accept that all those days are over. In real time, we’re watching him come to the acceptance that it’s over.”
“Once he’s done, that whole generation of fighters might be done. Everybody’s gone. All those great guys are gone and he’s one of the ones that is left and he was the super young guy that was fighting all of us and everybody’s done except for Jones and it seems like that day is coming for him to be done too.”
Tom Aspinall has undergone surgery on both eyes as doctors work to restore his vision following his UFC 321 title fight against Ciryl Gane last October.
Specialist eye hospital Optegra Eye Health Care in London confirmed the procedures were complete in a statement shared on Instagram. “Following his operation on both eyes we continue the journey to get Tom’s vision back to fighting fitness,” the clinic said.
Aspinall’s first defense as undisputed champion ended in a no-contest at 4:35 of the first round in Abu Dhabi after Gane caught him with a double eye poke. The injury left Aspinall unable to see clearly enough to continue, and he was immediately transported to hospital.
The 32-year-old was later diagnosed with significant bilateral Brown’s syndrome, a rare condition affecting the movement of both eyes. He has been dealing with double vision and restricted eye movement ever since.
Recovery and What’s Next
Aspinall first revealed in late December that he would need surgery on both eyes, with the procedures completed over a period of several weeks. At this stage, there is no confirmed timeline for his return to the Octagon, with his team focused on fully restoring his vision before any fight bookings.
The situation has not been without controversy. Dana White initially suggested Aspinall chose not to continue at UFC 321, and more recently claimed the champion’s treatment involved “injections” rather than surgery. Photographs shared by Aspinall on Tuesday appeared to tell a different story.
A rematch with Gane remains the expected next fight once Aspinall is medically cleared, with Gane also sidelined while awaiting the champion’s recovery. There have also been rumblings about a potential interim heavyweight title in the meantime, though as of this writing no such plans have been confirmed.
UFC President Dana White has officially announced that IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia will face Brandon Glanton in the main event of Zuffa Boxing 04 on March 8 at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas, with the inaugural Zuffa Boxing World Cruiserweight Championship on the line.
The historic bout crown the promotion’s first-ever world champion.
Opetaia enters as the consensus top cruiserweight in the world and brings a recent knockout streak into the matchup, while Glanton arrives as a heavy-handed underdog who has proven competitive against elite-level opposition despite falling short in previous high-stakes fights.
The Ring-rated Opetaia has established himself as the division’s premier talent, while Glanton represents a dangerous challenge with the power to change the fight with a single punch.
Zuffa Boxing 04 takes place on March 8, 2026, at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas.
UFC 326 will mark the next step in the partnership between UFC and Paramount+ as it was announced Tuesday that two hours of action will be simulcast live on CBS on Saturday, March 7.
Taking place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, UFC 326 will be headlined by former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira looking to become the fourth-ever BMF champion when he takes on former featherweight champion Max Holloway in the main event.
Saturday, March 7 will mark the first time in more than 15 years that mixed martial arts airs in prime time on CBS.
Simulcast Schedule
Early prelims for UFC 326 begin at 5 p.m. ET with prelim fights starting at 7 p.m. and the main card kicking into gear at 9 p.m.
The final hour of prelims and the first hour of the main card will be simulcast live on CBS from 8-10 p.m. The final two hours of the UFC 326 main card will stream exclusively on Paramount+.
It has not yet been announced which fights will be a part of the first UFC on CBS simulcast.
Paramount+ and CBS will partner to air UFC 326: HOLLOWAY vs. OLIVEIRA 2, LIVE on Saturday, March 7, marking the first UFC event ever to appear on the broadcast network. pic.twitter.com/uKjpPQdpAR
Max Holloway (c) vs. Charles Oliveira, lightweights (BMF title)
Caio Borralho vs. Reinier de Ridder, middleweights
Gregory Rodrigues vs. Brunno Ferreira, middleweights
Rob Font vs. Raul Rosas Jr., bantamweights
Cody Garbrandt vs. Xiao Long, bantamweights
Cody Durden vs. Nyamjargal Tumendemberel, flyweights
Donte Johnson vs. Duško Todorovic, middleweights
Yoo Joo-sang vs. Gaston Bolanos, featherweights
Luke Fernandez vs. Rodolfo Bellato, light heavyweights
Su Mudaerji vs. Jesús Santos Aguilar, flyweights
‘This is UFC’ Special
CBS will whet fans’ appetites for UFC 326 with the debut of “This is UFC,” airing on Friday, Feb. 20 starting at 8 p.m.
The hour-long special traces UFC’s rise from underground spectacle to global powerhouse through conversations with UFC president and CEO Dana White, iconic fighters and rising stars.
Former UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling has named his October 2022 victory over T.J. Dillashaw at UFC 280 as the most satisfying moment of his career, citing Dillashaw’s history of performance-enhancing drug use.
“Best moment? Probably punching T.J. Dillashaw,” Sterling told Home of Fight. “I just know he’s a cheat. He’s a lying cheat. ‘Oh no, I only got caught that time.’ Yeah, you only got caught that time. Your teammate outed you before the fight…
“I studied his game. I always heard the rumblings that he was cheating, but I couldn’t say anything until he got caught. He got caught, so now I can say everything I want to say.”
😳 Aljamain Sterling says punching a “lying cheat” TJ Dillashaw was his best moment:
“I just know he’s a cheat. He’s a lying cheat. ‘Oh no, I only got caught that time.’ Yeah, you only got caught that time. Your teammate outed you before the fight.
Sterling defeated Dillashaw via second-round TKO at UFC 280 in Abu Dhabi, successfully defending his bantamweight title against a challenger who entered the bout with a severe shoulder injury. Dillashaw underwent surgery shortly after the loss and has not competed since.
Justin Gaethje has turned to an unlikely training partner: ChatGPT. Speaking with Helen Yee this week at the Celebrity Sweat flag football game at Cal Berkeley, “The Highlight” revealed how he’s using AI to fine-tune his fight-day routine.
“My ChatGPT knows that I’m about to fight,” Gaethje explained. “I wanted to sit in the cold tub like, ‘What do you think about cold tub on competition day?’ Looking for reassurance. How long should I nap for? Because usually I want to nap for like 2 hours, but I just know it’s not good. So just looking for all the information I can gather.”
Data-Driven Discoveries
The research yielded some surprising results. “I asked a lot of different sources and turns out 25 minutes is the best time to nap,” he said.
As for his beloved ice baths: “Turns out you don’t necessarily want to get in the ice tub day of, but I really wanted to.”
AI as Verification, Not Strategy
Gaethje was quick to clarify the limits of his AI reliance. While it can be a powerful productivity tool, he knows what not to use it for. =
“I’m not asking how to beat somebody up,” he said. “It’s more like to know if you’re right or wrong. It looks at all the sources. It’s only people’s opinions ultimately. It’s just looking for the most common opinion. And then you take that information and adjust from there. But it’s a good source of information.”
When asked if he’s a fan of AI technology, the always-honest fighter kept it simple: “I don’t.. I’m neutral.”
UFC President Dana White has confirmed that matchmaking for the historic White House fight card is officially underway, with fights expected to be finalized by this weekend.
White responded to speculation about the June 14 event on Instagram, clarifying that the official matchmaking meeting begins today with UFC matchmaker Mick Maynard flying in specifically for the session.
“White House matchmaking meeting is tomorrow. Mick Maynard flying in tomorrow for it. We will have fights dialed in by this weekend,” White stated.
According to Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel, the White House card will feature approximately six to seven fights rather than a traditional full UFC lineup.
The event is scheduled for the White House South Lawn with an expected live attendance of 3,000 to 4,000 people.
The limited number of bouts has fueled speculation about which fighters will make the exclusive card, with names like Conor McGregor, Jon Jones, Ilia Topuria, and Colby Covington in mix for possible spots on the card.
The June 14 event represents an unprecedented moment in combat sports and United States history.
Nieky Holzken announced his retirement from professional kickboxing and boxing on Monday via Instagram, ending one of combat sports’ most accomplished careers. The Dutch striker, who amassed over 150 fights and captured 7 world titles in kickboxing, revealed the decision came after extensive reflection on his future in the sport.
“After a lot of reflection, I’ve made one of the hardest decisions of my life. I am stepping away from my active career,” Holzken posted on social media.
Known as “The Natural,” the Dutch striker amassed over 150 fights, seven world titles, and a recorded kickboxing record of approximately 94-16 (with some sources citing ~90-14, 46 KOs).
A four-time GLORY Kickboxing champion, Holzken also competed prominently in ONE Championship and K-1 MAX, and held a 15-1 boxing record with 11 knockouts.
His signature style – devastating left hooks, uppercuts, and precise body shots – made him one of the most feared strikers in combat sports history.
Transition to Coaching
Rather than stepping away from combat sports entirely, Holzken plans to focus on the next phase of his career: developing future champions. The Dutch fighter intends to leverage his extensive experience and technical knowledge to train the next generation of fighters, continuing his involvement in the sport he dominated for so long.
Holzken’s retirement marks the end of an era for kickboxing, removing one of its most consistent and skilled competitors from active competition.
Jake Paul, Sean Strickland and UFC legend Dan Henderson unleashed sharp criticism against Olympic skiers Chris Lillis and Hunter Hess for voicing conflicted feelings about representing the United States.
The backlash erupted on February 6, 2026, ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, after Lillis expressed being ‘heartbroken’ over actions by Donald Trump’s ICE agents, while Hess admitted mixed emotions due to the political climate.
Fighters Condemn Team USA Skiers
Jake Paul
Jake Paul (8-1 boxing record) led the charge on Twitter/X, dismissing the skiers’ complaints with blunt patriotism. Told told the skiers to ‘shut the f— up’ and leave the country if unwilling to represent it proudly.
Sean Strickland
Sean Strickland (29-6 MMA record, former UFC middleweight champion) amplified the sentiment, targeting Hess directly. Sean Strickland called Hess a ‘b—-‘ and echoed calls to get out.
Dan Henderson
Dan Henderson (30-15 MMA record, Olympic wrestler and two-division UFC title challenger) took a more measured but firm stance. “For me, the United States gave me opportunities you can’t get in most countries across the world,” Henderson posted on Twitter/X. He contrasted his pride in representing the USA at the Olympics and in the UFC with the skiers’ stance, suggesting they spend time with the military to gain perspective.
Mark Smith underwent successful surgery on January 24, 2026, two weeks after tearing his Achilles tendon while refereeing the Ateba Gautier vs. Andrey Pulyaev fight at UFC 324 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The veteran MMA referee was carried backstage after the incident, captured in viral footage from the event. UFC president Dana White confirmed the injury, noting he’d never seen a referee suffer such damage mid-fight. Smith tore his Achilles during the bout, forcing him out of action and highlighting a rare hazard for officials in the promotion.
Smith provided an update on his condition, via MMA Junkie:
“I am happy to share that my surgery was successful and completed without complications. I am currently in the recovery phase, resting comfortably under the care of the hospital staff. I appreciate all your love, prayers, and support. I will provide updates on my recovery milestones as they happen.”
Smith’s Road to Recovery
Smith, a respected figure in UFC officiating, now focuses on rehabilitation. Achilles tendon tears typically sideline athletes and officials for months, with recovery involving immobilization, physical therapy, and gradual return-to-duty protocols.
The injury occurred during the Gautier and Pulyaev fight at UFC 324. Smith collapsed during the action, prompting immediate medical attention and his removal from the cage.
Promotion officials have not announced a timeline for Smith’s return, but his experience makes him a key asset for high-stakes cards. The MMA community has rallied behind Smith with support. We wish him a quick and full recovery.
A shocking ear-biting incident at a regional MMA event in the Czech Republic has drawn comparisons to Mike Tyson’s infamous 1997 attack on Evander Holyfield, but the aftermath turned even uglier when furious fans physically assaulted the offending fighter.
The disturbing scene unfolded Saturday night at Clash MMA 15 inside the Winning Group Arena in Brno, Czech Republic, where Pavol Vaško bit opponent Václav Mikulášek’s ear during their main event bout.
MMA fighter got jumped by the crowd after nearly biting his opponent’s ear off 😳 pic.twitter.com/BIG2r9BGQs
Video footage circulating online shows Vaško clamping down on Mikulášek’s ear while defending a takedown attempt, causing severe bleeding that briefly halted the action. Despite the foul, Vaško went on to win the fight, but his celebration was short-lived.
As Vaško made his way up the exit ramp following his victory, enraged fans stormed the area and launched a violent attack. Spectators pelted the fighter with punches, drinks, and chairs, while a female fighter delivered a kick to his midsection amid the chaos.
While ear bites remain exceptionally rare in professional combat sports and typically result in immediate disqualification, no formal sanctions against Vaško have been reported. Mikulášek later shared images on social media showing his stitched ear as he recovers from the injury.
The violent fan intervention highlights the raw emotions that can erupt at regional MMA events, though authorities have not yet announced whether charges will be filed against any of the individuals who attacked Vaško.
Kyoji Horiguchi made his intentions crystal clear after his UFC Vegas 113 victory: he wants the flyweight title, and he doesn’t care who the champion is when he gets there.
The Japanese star improved to 2-0 in his second UFC stint with an impressive decision win over Amir Albazi in Saturday’s co-main event, extending his overall winning streak to seven (excluding a no-contest).
Horiguchi Declares Title Intentions
At the UFC Vegas 113 post-fight press conference, Horiguchi was asked whether he’d prefer to avoid fighting teammate Alexandre Pantoja for the belt. His response was direct.
“I don’t care. I want a belt,” Horiguchi said. “If the champion is Pantoja, yes Pantoja. If it’s other guy, yes other guy. That’s all.”
When pressed on what he’d do if he captured the title, Horiguchi confirmed Pantoja would receive the first defense: “Of course [Pantoja gets the first shot].”
Seven Straight Wins and Counting
Horiguchi’s case for a title shot is becoming difficult to ignore. The 35-year-old carries a 9-1 record inside the octagon and has amassed seven consecutive wins dating back to his dominant run in RIZIN.
A former RIZIN and Bellator bantamweight champion, Horiguchi returned to the UFC specifically to pursue the one title that has eluded him throughout his career. Fighters and fans alike have tipped him to eventually become champion, and his performances continue to validate that belief.
Horiguchi Also Reveals Broken Hand
Making the Albazi victory even more impressive, Horiguchi revealed post-fight that he competed with a broken hand. The injury didn’t prevent him from dominating the three-round contest, though it could factor into the timeline for his next booking.
If the UFC grants him the next flyweight title shot, Horiguchi would have the opportunity to make history as the only fighter to hold championships in RIZIN, Bellator, and the UFC — a distinction that would cement his legacy as one of the sport’s most accomplished competitors.
Alex Pereira could make his first combat sports appearance of 2026 outside the octagon — in a grappling match against rising UFC middleweight Shara Magomedov.
According to an interview Shara’s manager Rizvan Magomedov gave to Greek outlet Sport24, negotiations are reportedly underway for the two UFC stars to meet in a grappling competition while Pereira awaits confirmation of his next MMA fight.
Shara’s Manager Confirms Negotiations Are Ongoing
Rizvan Magomedov told Sport24 that discussions are active, though no event or date has been finalized. The pairing would be a fascinating style clash — Pereira is known primarily as an elite striker from his kickboxing days, while Magomedov’s unorthodox striking and growing ground game have made him one of the UFC’s fastest-rising names.
Notably, Shara remains unbeaten in the UFC and has demonstrated grappling credentials that even Arman Tsarukyan could not overcome.
Pereira Eyeing Heavyweight Move in UFC
The grappling talks come at an interesting time for Pereira. The Brazilian has been trading barbs with Jon Jones over a potential champion vs. champion super-fight at heavyweight, while also being open to a historic third title reign at 205 pounds.
Pereira reclaimed the UFC light heavyweight title by knocking out Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320 last October, avenging the only blemish on his UFC record. He recently endorsed Dustin Jacoby for UFC rankings inclusion after Vegas 113.
A Growing Trend in Combat Sports
Crossover grappling matches have surged in popularity in recent years, with events like Tezos WNO and Who’s Number One attracting MMA stars to submission-only competition. A Pereira vs. Shara grappling match would generate massive interest given both fighters’ profiles.
For now, Pereira’s octagon future remains in the hands of the UFC — but his willingness to compete anywhere speaks to the champion’s desire to stay active in 2026.
Jon Jones is once again flirting with retirement, just months after reversing his initial decision to walk away from MMA.
The 38-year-old former two-weight UFC champion emotionally announced he was done with the sport last June. Weeks later, he completed a U-turn and confirmed his intention to fight again in 2026. Now, in an interview with Helen Yee, Jones appears to be having second thoughts.
Jones Struggled at Charity Football Game
Fans feared the worst after footage from a charity football game earlier this week showed Jones visibly struggling to run. The clips spread rapidly across social media, reigniting questions about whether the UFC’s greatest fighter can realistically compete again.
“I think I could be done,” Jones told Helen Yee. “I’m young enough to compete with some of the best fighters in the world. I am healthy enough to compete with some of the best fighters in the world, but I’ve always been used to competing with THE best in the world.”
Jones Sets a High Standard for Himself
Jones made clear that his hesitation isn’t about ability — it’s about legacy. The former light heavyweight and heavyweight champion doesn’t want to become a fighter who “wins some and loses some.”
“That’s a really high standard to uphold,” Jones said. “So, maybe it’s just about doing it right and getting out at a really good time. I don’t wanna be one of these fighters that wins some and loses some, and can’t remember what your name is.”
Despite the uncertainty, Jones has not officially vacated the UFC heavyweight title or withdrawn from the USADA testing pool. Whether this is another temporary wobble or a genuine shift in thinking remains to be seen.
The GOAT debate surrounding Jones will only intensify if he walks away without defending his heavyweight belt, leaving an entire division in limbo and a potential super-fight with Pereira on the table.
Mario Bautista is seeking to re-enter the top-five at bantamweight and get back into the title picture, defeating Vinicius Oliveira in the main event of UFC Vegas 113.
Oliveira had control early in the opening round, keeping Bautista against the fence for a couple of minutes as the two worked a clinch battle. Bautista, however, scored a takedown late in the round, with Oliveira seemingly comfortable with doing work from the guard.
Bautista scored another takedown nearly right away in the second round, adding another one quickly and staying on top of Oliveira in spite of the latter quickly returning to his feet each time. Another takedown from Bautista on a gassed Oliveira kept him down for the rest of the round.
Bautista rained down ground-and-pound in the final minute before looking for a kimura. As Oliveira looked to defend, Bautista used the kimura lock to transition to the back, locking up a tight rear-naked choke for the submission victory.
Mario Bautista Submits Vinicius Oliveira At UFC Vegas 113
Bautista’s transitions were poetry in motion. That was an amazing performance. #UFCVegas113
Bautista rebounds from his UFC 321 loss to Umar Nurmagomedov, a fight that snapped an eight-fight win streak. That streak saw Bautista score wins over the likes of Jose Aldo, Patchy Mix, and Ricky Simon.
Oliveira sees a six-fight win streak snapped with this loss, his first in the Octagon. He had not dropped an MMA fight since losing to Ali Taleb in UAE Warriors in July 2022.
After already capturing gold in Bellator and RIZIN, UFC Vegas 113’s Kyoji Horiguchi is aiming for the UFC flyweight championship to be next to add to his mantle.
Horiguchi defeated Amir Albazi in a pivotal flyweight contenders’ matchup that served as the UFC Vegas 113 co-main event.
The two felt each other out to start the fight, with Horiguchi looking to show off his speed. Albazi pinned Horiguchi to the fence on a couple of occasions during the round. Both also flashed their power, with Albazi at one point scoring a knockdown with a right hand.
Albazi continued to look to go through Horiguchi’s speedy storm and press him. Horiguchi, however, landed a pair of right hands during the second round that wobbled Albazi. Horiguchi’s speed and footwork led him to take a notable lead in significant strikes through two rounds.
Albazi’s corner encouraged him to be wrestling-heavy in the third, and Albazi got Horiguchi in his grasp in the round’s opening minute. Horiguchi would find his way out of Albazi’s hands, however, and did damage with several punches that busted up Albazi’s nose and put him on wobbly legs.
Those ended up being the keys for Horiguchi, who won with two 30-27 scorecards and a 29-28.
Kyoji Horiguchi Aims For Flyweight Title Shot After Defeating Amir Albazi At UFC Vegas 113
Kyoji Horiguchi will be UFC champion by the end of 2026 #UFCVegas113
Horiguchi has now won five straight and is unbeaten in his last eight. He made his UFC debut at UFC Qatar in November, scoring a third-round submission of Tagir Ulanbekov.
Albazi was on a six-fight win streak at one point before injuries derailed his activity. This was his first fight since a loss to former champion Brandon Moreno at UFC Edmonton in November 2024.
Alex Pereira publicly endorsed his former Glory Kickboxing rival Dustin Jacoby for UFC light heavyweight rankings inclusion following Jacoby’s second-round TKO victory over Julius Walker at UFC Vegas 113 on Saturday night.
The UFC Light Heavyweight Champion took to social media to advocate for his old opponent, urging the promotion to recognize Jacoby’s recent win streak with a rankings spot.
“Incredible work, Dustin Jacoby. Put some respect on his name and place him in the rankings! Nostalgia from the Glory days – would love to see him in the rankings to show the evolution that has occurred in a different sport! Chama”
Jacoby extended his knockout streak to three consecutive fights with the violent stoppage of Walker at UFC Vegas 113. The Colorado native has now finished Bruno Lopes, Vitor Petrino, and Walker in succession, all by knockout.
Despite the impressive run, Jacoby remains unranked in the UFC’s official light heavyweight standings, a point that drew Pereira’s attention and public support.
Glory Kickboxing History
The endorsement carries added weight given the fighters’ shared history in Glory Kickboxing. Pereira defeated Jacoby by first-round knockout in the semifinals of the Glory 14 middleweight contender tournament in Zagreb, Croatia on March 8, 2014.
Both fighters have since transitioned to MMA with remarkable success. Pereira became the first fighter to win UFC titles in both the middleweight and light heavyweight divisions, while Jacoby has compiled a 9-4-1 record in his second UFC stint.
Pereira’s call for rankings recognition highlights the mutual respect between the former kickboxing rivals and acknowledges Jacoby’s evolution as a mixed martial artist over the past decade.
Dustin “The Hanyak” Jacoby turned his UFC Vegas 113 post-fight interview into a political statement Saturday night, calling out President Donald Trump for a fight opportunity at the rumored White House event in June 2026.
Following his second-round TKO victory over Gianni Vazquez at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Jacoby made headlines not just for extending his knockout streak to three fights, but for using the broadcast platform to request a spot on what has been speculated as a White House Fight Card tied to Trump’s re-election celebration tour.
White House Fight Request Goes Viral
“I would love nothing more than to get an opportunity to fight at the White House in June,” Jacoby told interviewer Paul Felder in the Octagon. “I hope to God that’s a performance bonus.”
The light heavyweight framed his request as the culmination of a 16-year professional career representing the United States in combat sports. “Not only would I like to fight at the White House in front of President Trump, I’d love to play a round of golf with him,” Jacoby added, extending the political alignment beyond competition.
Before the political turn, Jacoby provided insight into the finish itself. He described confusion at the TKO stoppage, initially believing referee Dan Miragliotta had already stopped the contest before realizing Vazquez was still defending.
“I’m bulletproof mentally,” Jacoby said, referencing his composure after a recently canceled trip to Australia. The statement reinforced the self-belief that has fueled his recent knockout streak.
The victory at 1:42 of Round 2 marked Jacoby’s third consecutive knockout, strengthening his case for higher-profile matchups in the light heavyweight division.
Faith and Patriotism as Core Themes
Opening his interview with a faith-based acknowledgment, Jacoby credited his “Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” for the victory. He described feeling “thankful, blessed, and relieved” after the finish, signaling both physical exhaustion and emotional closure.
The combination of religious language, patriotic framing, and political callout created a distinct narrative that separates Jacoby from typical post-fight interviews. Whether the White House event materializes remains speculation, but Jacoby’s public campaign positioned him as a vocal supporter willing to merge athletic identity with ideological expression.
UFC President Dana White has maintained a longstanding friendship with Trump, and the promotion’s warming relationship with the administration could theoretically support such an event. Other fighters including Natalia Silva have also expressed interest in competing at a White House venue.
Jacoby’s callout adds momentum to the White House fight speculation while simultaneously raising his profile in a crowded light heavyweight division seeking new contenders.
Klaudia Syguła turned her UFC Vegas 113 post‑fight mic time into a raw look at a one‑year redemption story, framing her unanimous decision win over Priscila Cachoeira as the payoff to a complete life reset after losing her debut at the same venue.
Syguła opened the prelims at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas and outworked Cachoeira over three rounds, earning scorecards of 30-27, 30-27 and 29-28 to secure her second straight UFC victory and move to 2-1 in the promotion. The American Top Team fighter leaned on volume, movement and clean punching combinations to keep the notoriously aggressive Brazilian swinging at air for long stretches of the bout.
‘One year ago I lost here my debut’
What made the short UFC Vegas 113 post-fight interview stand out was how quickly Syguła anchored the win to her previous low point in the same building. “One year ago I lost here my debut and I met this guy and he said that I have to change something in my life if I want to be here, if I want to be in UFC,” she told Paul Felder, voice shaking as she revisited the moment that forced a hard reset.
The Polish bantamweight made it clear that conversation became a line in the sand between simply being on the roster and truly living like a UFC-level professional. “He said that I have to change something in my life if I want to be here, if I want to be in UFC,” she repeated, emphasizing that the turnaround started with accepting uncomfortable truths rather than searching for excuses.
Meeting the coach who changed everything
Syguła used most of her cage time with the microphone to spotlight the coach who delivered that message and then backed it up with day‑to‑day work. “One year ago I lost here my debut and I met this guy… and now after one year we are together like one team,” she said, framing their partnership as the backbone of her resurgence.
She named head coach Marcus Parupa and Con Francis as the central figures behind the new version of her game that has now produced back‑to‑back wins in the Octagon. “Thank you so much. This is because of him, my coaches. Everything is because [of] coach Marcus Parupa and Con Francis. Thank you so much guys. I love you,” Syguła said, directing one of the most emotional “I love you” shout‑outs you’ll hear in a 68‑second interview.
Striking-first approach pays off
Inside the cage, Syguła’s performance backed up the story she was telling on the mic. For the second fight in a row, she won largely in the striking exchanges, using forward pressure in spots but mostly smart footwork and combinations to outland Cachoeira, who is known for marching forward and turning every fight into a brawl.
Felder underlined that tactical shift when he pointed out that both of her recent wins have taken place mainly on the feet and asked if this is how she wanted things to play out. Syguła’s short but telling response—again pivoting back to her corner with “This is because of him, my coaches”—showed that, in her mind, the strategic evolution and the coaching overhaul are inseparable.
From crisis to full-circle redemption
Syguła has been open in other interviews about the chaos that surrounded her debut, including a rushed camp and major disruption in her coaching situation, and how that experience convinced her she needed a full reset to truly belong in the UFC. Moving to work with a new team, including time at American Top Team in Florida, became the structural answer to that “change something in my life” ultimatum.
Returning to the Meta Apex one year later, opening the show for Paramount Plus and walking away with a clear unanimous decision over a seasoned opponent gave Syguła a rare chance to close the loop in the same building where things almost went off the rails. Felder signed off by congratulating her “on kicking things off here at the Meta Apex,” but Syguła’s words made it clear that, for her, this was less about a prelim slot and more about personal vindication.
With two straight wins and a more settled training setup, Syguła’s emotional post‑fight interview felt like a line drawn under chapter one of her UFC story—and an early signal that her striking‑led, coach‑driven transformation is only getting started.
