MMA News

Category: News

Stay up-to-date with the latest MMA news from around the globe. Our comprehensive feed covers all major promotions.

  • Lawrence Lui Claims Road To UFC Season 4 Bantamweight Tournament Title

    Lawrence Lui Claims Road To UFC Season 4 Bantamweight Tournament Title

    The Road to UFC season 4 has its first tournament winner, as Lawrence Lui claimed the bantamweight season title with a split-decision victory over Sulang Rangbo to start off UFC 325.

    Lui tried to establish pressure early on, but Rangbo countered and move around well. He even landed one hard shot during the round that stumbled Lui.

    Lui’s grappling pressure came to fruition in the second round, as he scored takedowns and pressed the action against the fence. Rangbo still worked his jab, however.

    Lawrence Lui Claims Season 4 Road To UFC Bantamweight Tournament Title

    Rangbo was still landing the cleaner shots in the third, but it didn’t do much to deter Lui’s pressure. Lui landed seven takedowns by the fight’s end, and his grappling helped to bring him control of the fight in its final minutes.

    All three judges scored the bout 29-28, with two giving the nod to Lui.

    Lui now moves to 7-1 in his professional MMA career. He reached this tournament final with wins over Qinghe Zhang and Van Y Nghiem.

    Rangbo started his professional MMA 1-3, but he entered tonight’s bout on a nine-fight win streak. He reached tonight’s final with wins over Peter Danesoe and Sim Kai Xiong.

  • Shavkat Rakhmonov Re-Injures Knee, Out For Most Of 2026

    Shavkat Rakhmonov Re-Injures Knee, Out For Most Of 2026

    Those who were hoping for a return of Shavkat Rakhmonov this year now have to face major disappointment.

    Footage of Rakhmonov at Naiza FC 80 surfaced on social media the morning of January 31. The social media video saw Rakhmonov appearing with a knee brace and crutches.

    Now, Ariel Helwani confirmed with Rakhmonov’s manager, Danny Rubenstein, that Rakhmonov has re-injured his knee.

    The welterweight will be out of action for 9-10 months.

    Shavkat Rakhmonov Re-Injures Knee, Out 9-10 Months

    Rakhmonov was originally pegged to main event UFC 310 in a welterweight title match with then-champion Belal Muhammad. Muhammad, however, was forced to withdraw due to a bone infection in his foot.

    Rakhmonov, who is 19-0, went on to defeat Ian Machado Garry at UFC 310.

    Rakhmonov’s knee injury prevented him from challenging Muhammad at UFC 315 — the event that saw Jack Della Maddalena upset Muhammad for the title.

    The welterweight championship is now held by Islam Makhachev, following his win over JDM at UFC 322 in November.

  • UFC 325 Results: Volkanovski vs Lopes 2 Live Updates & Highlights

    UFC 325 Results: Volkanovski vs Lopes 2 Live Updates & Highlights

    UFC 325 results and highlights are updated live as the action unfolds from the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia. It’s the second consecutive week with a numbered UFC card, serving as part of the promotion’s launch on Paramount+. The main event will feature Alexander Volkanovski defending the featherweight championship against Diego Lopes. MMANews has you covered with all the results and highlights!

    Volkanovski vs Lopes 2: Featherweight Title Fight

    Volkanovski and Lopes first battled for the featherweight championship at UFC 314 last April, following the title being vacated by Ilia Topuria. Volkanovski won a hard-fought, five-round decision to capture the title. This fight will mark his first fight since the title win.

    This marks Volkanovski’s second run as UFC featherweight champion. Volkanovski originally won the title by defeating Max Holloway at UFC 245, going on to defend the title against Holloway (twice), Brian Ortega, “The Korean Zombie” Chan Sung-Jung, and Yair Rodriguez. Volkanovski would unsuccessfully challenge Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title twice before dropping the featherweight title to Topuria at UFC 298.

    Lopes is 6-2 in the UFC thus far, with his two losses coming against Volkanovski and his short-notice UFC debut against Movsar Evloev. Lopes rebounded from his unsuccessful title attempt with a finish of Jean Silva in the main event of Noche UFC 3.

    The co-main event will see lightweight action featuring Dan Hooker and Benoit Saint-Denis.

    Hooker comes into this bout off a loss to Arman Tsarukyan at UFC Qatar in November, a loss that snapped a three-fight win streak. BSD has won three straight, most recently knocking out Beneil Dariush at UFC 322.

    If you can’t watch the action, check here for all the latest results and highlights from UFC 325!

    How to Watch UFC 325

    • Date: Saturday, January 31, 2026
    • Venue: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada
    • Streaming: Paramount+ (exclusive)
    • Prelims: 5 PM ET / 3 PM PT
    • Late Prelims: 7 PM ET / 4 PM PT
    • Main Card: 9 PM ET / 6 PM PT

    UFC 325 Quick Results

    • Main Event: Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes — Volkanovski def. Lopes via unanimous decision
    • Co-Main: Dan Hooker vs. Benoit Saint-Denis — Saint-Denis def. Hooker via TKO (Rd. 2, 4:45)
    • Rafael Fiziev vs. Mauricio Ruffy — Ruffy def. Fiziev via TKO (Rd. 2, 4:30)
    • Tai Tuivasa vs. Tallison Teixeira — Teixeira def. Tuivasa via unanimous decision
    • Quillan Salkilld vs. Jamie Mullarkey — Salkilld def. Mullarkey via submission (Rd. 1, 3:02)

    UFC 325 Results & Highlights

    Preliminary Card (Paramount+, 5 PM ET)

    Road to UFC Bantamweight Final: Sulang Rangbo vs. Lawrence Lui

    Result: Lawrence Lui def. Sulang Rangbo via split decision (29-28 x2, 28-29)

    Road to UFC Featherweight Final: Keiichiro Nakamura vs. Sebastian Szalay

    Result: Keiichiro Nakamura def. Sebastian Szalay via TKO (Rd. 3, 3:48)

    Road to UFC Lightweight Final: Kim Sang-wook vs. Dom Mar Fan

    Result: Dom Mar Fan def. Kim Sang-wook via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

    Featherweight: Kaan Ofli vs. Yi Zha

    Result: Kaan Ofli def. Yi Zha via majority decision (29-28 x2, 28-28)

    Late Preliminary Card (Paramount+, 7 PM ET)

    Welterweight: Jonathan Micallef vs. Oban Elliott

    Result: Jonathan Micallef def. Oban Elliott via submission (rear-naked choke) (Rd. 2, 3:31)

    Middleweight: Jacob Malkoun vs. Torrez Finney

    Result: Jacob Malkoun def. Torrez Finney via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26 x2)

    Middleweight: Cam Rowston vs. Cody Brundage

    Result: Cam Rowston def. Cody Brundage via TKO (Rd. 2, 4:08)

    Light Heavyweight: Junior Tafa vs. Billy Elekana

    Result: Billy Elekana def. Junior Tafa via submission (rear-naked choke, Rd. 2, 3:18)

    Main Card (Paramount+, 9 PM ET)

    Lightweight: Quillan Salkilld vs. Jamie Mullarkey

    Result: Quillan Salkilld def. Jamie Mullarkey via submission (rear-naked choke) (Rd. 1, 3:02)

    Heavyweight: Tai Tuivasa vs. Tallison Teixeira

    Result: Tallison Teixeira def. Tai Tuivasa via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

    Lightweight: Rafael Fiziev vs. Mauricio Ruffy

    Result: Mauricio Ruffy def. Rafael Fiziev via TKO (Rd. 2, 4:30)

    Lightweight: Dan Hooker vs. Benoit Saint-Denis

    Result: Benoit Saint-Denis def. Dan Hooker via TKO (Rd. 2, 4:45)

    UFC Featherweight Championship: Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes

    Result: Alexander Volkanovski def. Diego Lopes via unanimous decision (49-46 x2, 50-45)

  • Retirement? Alexander Volkanovski Eyes Quick Turnaround After UFC 325

    Retirement? Alexander Volkanovski Eyes Quick Turnaround After UFC 325

    Alexander Volkanovski is preparing to make history at UFC 325 this Saturday in Sydney, where the Australian featherweight champion will defend his title against Diego Lopes in a highly anticipated rematch.

    At the pre-fight press conference, Volkanovski sent a clear message about his intentions, signaling a shift in approach that could define the next phase of his career.

    Alexander Volkanovski Eyes History and Quick Return at UFC 325

    The 37-year-old champion faces Lopes on January 31 at Qudos Bank Arena, marking his first title defense since reclaiming the vacant belt with a unanimous decision victory over the same opponent at UFC 314 in April 2025.

    At the UFC 325 press conference, Volkanovski addressed questions about his longevity and announced a strategic evolution in his fighting approach.

    “There are always going to be people asking, ‘Is this the end? Is this the last run?’ Anyone can catch you, that’s just this game, but beating me is something different,” Volkanovski said. “I still feel sharp, I still feel dangerous, and I still feel like I can run through these guys. I’ve got a tough fight ahead of me, I’m going to get my hand raised, and then I want a quick turnaround. I’m not here talking about being done – I’m here to remind everyone why I’m still at the top.”

    The champion went on to detail a fundamental shift in his tactical approach.

    “I said it the other week – I’m not overthinking this anymore. Before, I was always like, ‘All right, let’s not waste energy here, let’s be calculated, let’s go here, let’s go there,’” Volkanovski explained.

    “Now I feel like I don’t need to be that calculated. I can just bully these guys. I’m not getting tired, so why am I not just bulldozing these guys when I actually can? I feel like I could have done this to all of my opponents, proper bulldoze them, go straight through them. That’s what I plan on doing this time. I’m going to go straight through this guy.”

    Known for his disciplined footwork, educated lead hand, and ability to neutralize taller opponents through feints and calculated aggression, Volkanovski has built a resume that includes victories over Max Holloway (three times), Jose Aldo, and Brian Ortega, among others.

    The shift appears to stem from Volkanovski’s belief that he can impose his will without compromising his cardio, one of his defining attributes. In additional media appearances, he elaborated on this new mindset, telling ESPN he plans to “capitalize on opportunities” and “really sit down” on his power shots.​

    The aggressive approach carries inherent risks. Lopes holds a 27-7 record with 22 stoppage wins, including 11 knockouts and 12 submissions. He demonstrated his finishing ability in September 2025 when he knocked out Jean Silva with a spinning back elbow at Noche UFC in San Antonio. That performance earned Lopes a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus and solidified his position as the number two-ranked featherweight contender.​

    During their first encounter, Lopes nearly changed the course of the fight with explosive moments. He landed a right hand that knocked Volkanovski down with 10 seconds remaining in the second round, then hurt the champion again in the fourth round with a punch that appeared to compromise his vision. UFC commentator Jon Anik later suggested Lopes should have capitalized more aggressively during that fourth-round exchange.

    Looking beyond UFC 325, Volkanovski has expressed interest in a quick turnaround. He told Ariel Helwani that he plans to take minimal damage against Lopes and return for another title defense soon after.

    Volkanovski identified undefeated contenders Movsar Evloev (19-0) and Lerone Murphy (17-0-1) as potential future opponents. Both fighters have voiced disappointment at being passed over for the immediate rematch with Lopes, though Volkanovski suggested the UFC may be planning an eliminator between them.

    At 37 years old, Volkanovski became the first fighter in UFC history to win an undisputed championship after experiencing consecutive knockout losses when he defeated Lopes at UFC 314. He also became the first fighter under 155 pounds to capture a title after turning 35.

  • Dan Hooker’s ready for Sydney: Why the ANZAC bond matters at UFC 325

    Dan Hooker’s ready for Sydney: Why the ANZAC bond matters at UFC 325

    Dan Hooker is treating his upcoming co-main event slot at UFC 325 like a hometown fight without the pressure that typically comes with it. The New Zealand lightweight faces Benoit Saint Denis at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney on February 1, and he’s leaning into the regional support that bridges Australia and New Zealand.

    “When Australia and New Zealand go to war, they go to war together”: Dan Hooker embraces ANZAC support at UFC 325

    “I’m looking at this as a hometown fight without the hometown pressure,” Hooker told MMA Junkie during fight week. “The support here is incredible. When Australia and New Zealand go to war, they go to war together as the ANZACs, so it’s like that when we’re taking on the rest of the world.”​

    The ANZAC reference carries weight beyond sports. The Australian and New Zealand Army Corps was formed during World War I, with troops from both nations fighting together at Gallipoli in 1915. The term has since become shorthand for the bond between the two countries.

    The Auckland native jumped at the opportunity to fight in Sydney specifically because of the card’s main event. Alexander Volkanovski defends his featherweight title against Diego Lopes in what marks the first time the Australian champion has defended on home soil. Hooker wanted to be part of that moment.

    “I jumped on this fight because it is here in Sydney and it is close to home and I wanted to be a part of this card,” Hooker said. “I knew Volk was the main event and I wanted to jump on and just be a part of it, and it’s been incredible being here in Sydney. I’m really glad that I did this.”​

    The fight represents a quick turnaround for Hooker, who lost to Arman Tsarukyan via second-round submission at UFC Qatar on November 22, 2025. Just 69 days separate that loss from his bout with Saint Denis. Hooker made clear this wasn’t a panic move after a setback.

    “I had such a quick turnaround just because of this event,” he explained. “It wasn’t like a lot of other fighters where they panic after a loss and they’re like ‘I need to get it back.’ I jumped on this fight because it is here in Sydney and it is close to home.”​

    Saint Denis brings a dangerous finishing record into the contest. The French fighter holds a 16-3 professional record with four knockout wins and 10 submission victories. He’s coming off a 16-second knockout of Beneil Dariush in November 2025 and has won his last three fights.

    The lightweight clash sits second on a main card that features several Australian and New Zealand fighters competing in front of what’s expected to be a partisan crowd. For Hooker, the atmosphere provides motivation rather than nerves as he looks to bounce back from the Tsarukyan loss.

  • This UFC Fighter’s Weigh-In Cheat Attempt Just Cost Aaron Tau His Contract Shot

    This UFC Fighter’s Weigh-In Cheat Attempt Just Cost Aaron Tau His Contract Shot

    New Zealand flyweight Aaron Tau found himself at the center of a weigh-in controversy on Friday at UFC 325 in Sydney when officials caught him attempting to manipulate the scales.

    Aaron Tau’s Weigh-In Cheat Attempt Cancels UFC 325 Bout

    The 32-year-old fighter was the first to step on the scales during the official weigh-ins at Qudos Bank Arena. Tau initially weighed in behind a privacy curtain and registered at 122.5 pounds, which raised immediate suspicion among commentators as it was 3.5 pounds below the 126-pound flyweight non-title limit.

    Officials quickly ordered a second weigh-in without the privacy box. This time, Tau stepped on the scales at 129 pounds, three pounds over the divisional limit and a staggering seven pounds heavier than his first attempt. The dramatic weight swing led analysts on the live broadcast and those in the room to speculate that Tau had been resting his elbows on the curtain to reduce his measured weight.

    The tactic mirrors the infamous “Towel trick” from 2017, when former light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier admitted to placing his hands on a towel during his weigh-in for UFC 210 against Anthony Johnson. Cormier revealed during his UFC Hall of Fame induction speech that his nutritionist reminded him of the old wrestling trick when he initially missed weight by 1.2 pounds. Unlike Cormier’s successful attempt, Tau’s effort was immediately detected.

    UFC matchmaker Mick Maynard announced during the weigh-in show that the Road to UFC flyweight final between Tau and Namsrai Batbayar had been cancelled. The fight was scheduled to serve as both the tournament finale and an early prelim bout on the UFC 325 card, which is headlined by a featherweight championship rematch between Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes.

    The cancellation represents a significant setback for Tau, who trains at City Kickboxing in Auckland and held an 11-1 professional record. He had advanced to the final after securing victories over Rio Tirto and Shuai Yin in earlier rounds of the Road to UFC Season 4 tournament. Tau’s only previous loss came on Dana White’s Contender Series in September 2024 against Elijah Smith.

    The incident leaves Batbayar, who successfully made weight at 126 pounds, without an opponent and uncertain about his future UFC contract opportunity. Road to UFC tournament winners typically receive multi-fight UFC contracts, making the stakes particularly high for both competitors.

  • Paramount+ Sees 1 Million New Subscribers Surge After First UFC Event

    Paramount+ Sees 1 Million New Subscribers Surge After First UFC Event

    Paramount+ saw a major boost after its first UFC event went to air, marking a significant milestone for the streaming platform’s sports strategy. Nearly one million new subscribers joined Paramount+ on the day UFC 324 took place, making it the second-biggest sign-up day in the platform’s history.

    Nearly 1 Million Join Paramount+ for UFC 324 as Streaming Era Begins

    Dane Glasgow, Paramount’s chief product officer, shared the news with employees during a Tuesday town hall meeting. The January 24 event at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas drew 4.96 million average viewers and reached 7.18 million households worldwide, with a peak of 5.93 million concurrent streams. The event featured Justin Gaethje defeating Paddy Pimblett by unanimous decision to claim the interim lightweight championship.

    The subscriber surge shows a strong start for Paramount’s seven-year, $7.7 billion broadcasting partnership with UFC, which began in 2026 after the organization ended its previous deal with ESPN. The agreement eliminates the traditional pay-per-view model for U.S. viewers, making all 13 numbered events and 30 Fight Nights available to Paramount+ subscribers at no extra cost. During the ESPN era, fans paid up to $79.99 per pay-per-view event plus a monthly ESPN+ subscription.

    UFC 324 Brings Paramount+ Its Biggest Subscriber Gain Since Super Bowl 2024

    The nearly one million sign-ups on UFC 324’s event day trail only the Super Bowl in 2024, which brought 3.2 million new subscribers to Paramount+ in a three-day window. The Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson boxing match on Netflix drew an estimated 1.43 million new subscribers during a similar timeframe, providing context for where the UFC 324 performance sits among recent major live sports events.

    UFC 324 marked the platform‘s largest exclusive live event to date. The broadcast reached more homes than any live UFC event in nearly a decade across linear, broadcast, and streaming platforms combined. The event also generated 5.5 million social media interactions and trended on X for six consecutive hours worldwide, with 186,000 mentions representing a 123 percent increase from UFC 323 in December.

    The retention challenge ahead will test whether Paramount+ can maintain momentum. Industry data shows 63 percent of subscribers who join streaming services for sports events remain subscribed after the event ends. Paramount+ faces its next test with UFC 325 this weekend, featuring a featherweight championship rematch between Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney on January 31.

  • “Like Trash Talking a Boot” Dan Hooker on Why He Respects Benoit Saint Denis

    “Like Trash Talking a Boot” Dan Hooker on Why He Respects Benoit Saint Denis

    Dan Hooker entered UFC 325 fight week with an unusual problem, he couldn’t manufacture any animosity toward his opponent. In a candid interview with MMA Junkie, the New Zealand lightweight explained why his typically combative pre-fight demeanor fell flat against Benoit Saint Denis, a French fighter who accepted a quick turnaround and cross-continental travel to face him in Sydney.

    Dan Hooker Struggled to Trash Talk Benoit Saint Denis

    “Trying to trash talk this bloke is like trying to trash talk a boot,” Hooker said. “He’s the nicest bloke. He just said, ‘Thank you for taking the fight.’ And man, to be honest, thank him for coming all the way down there.”​

    The matchup represents a calculated risk for both fighters. Hooker, 35, returns just nine weeks after suffering a second-round submission loss to Arman Tsarukyan in November 2025, a defeat that halted his three-fight winning streak.

    The fight forced him to rebuild his standing at lightweight, where he currently ranks eighth. Saint Denis entered as a fighter climbing back from consecutive stoppage losses in 2024, first to Dustin Poirier, then to Renato Moicano, losses that questioned his ceiling in the division.

    The Frenchman’s trajectory shifted decisively in 2025. He claimed three consecutive victories, all by finish. His most recent performance came against Beneil Dariush at UFC 322, where Saint Denis landed a knockout punch in just 16 seconds. The performance marked his resurgence as a serious title contender.​

    For Hooker, the appeal of fighting Saint Denis extended beyond the rankings. Saint Denis demonstrated the professionalism Hooker respected. Most fighters reject short-notice fights overseas. Saint Denis accepted, traveled from France to Australia, and handled the pre-fight interaction with grace.

    “I knew I’d have to fight down in the rankings, but to get a guy that’s ranked a couple spots lower on a big win streak, coming off a big win, and to get him to travel to the other side of the world… it’s very difficult to get fighters to accept the challenge of that and to travel that far. So yeah, just thankful that we get to share this opportunity together,” Hooker said.​

    Hooker has anticipated the tactical battle ahead: “Smart money would say he’s going to try and take me down.”​

    Both fighters pursue title opportunities with a victory. Saint Denis aims to establish himself permanently among the elite lightweight contenders, while Hooker channels his self-described role as a “dream destroyer” for opponents, having shifted his mentality away from chasing the championship himself.

    The bout takes place Saturday at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, on the co-main event card of UFC 325. Under the promotion’s new 2026 structure with Paramount, performance bonuses increased to $100,000.

  • Why Alexander Volkanovski Questions His Own Legacy at UFC 325

    Why Alexander Volkanovski Questions His Own Legacy at UFC 325

    Alexander Volkanovski prepares to defend his featherweight title at UFC 325 this Saturday in Sydney, but the 37-year-old champion has admitted the rematch against Diego Lopes might not move the needle on his legacy.​

    Volkanovski faces Lopes in the UFC 325 main event at Qudos Bank Arena on February 1, marking his first title defense on home soil in his storied career. The two previously met at UFC 314 in April 2025, where Volkanovski reclaimed the vacant championship with a unanimous decision victory after Ilia Topuria vacated the belt to pursue lightweight gold.

    The matchmaking has drawn criticism from fans who question the value of an immediate rematch against an opponent Volkanovski already defeated just nine months ago. The Australian acknowledged these concerns in a recent interview with ESPN Australia, revealing his preference would have been facing undefeated contenders like Movsar Evloev or Lerone Murphy instead.​

    Alexander Volkanovski Questions What UFC 325 Does for His Legacy

    “Some people might have wanted to see me against maybe a Movsar, an undefeated guy, maybe for legacy reasons and people that are in the know, but then you’ve got everyone that still just want to watch me fight,” Volkanovski explained, speaking to ESPN. “But yeah, obviously legacy-wise, having a rematch against someone I just beat, is it going to be doing so much for my legacy? Probably not.”​

    Evloev holds an undefeated record of 19-0 and sits at the top of the featherweight contender rankings after defeating Aljamain Sterling at UFC 310. Murphy, meanwhile, extended his unbeaten streak to 17-0-1 with a spectacular spinning back elbow knockout of Aaron Pico at UFC 319 in August 2025. Both fighters represent fresh challenges that would carry more weight for Volkanovski’s resume than a second consecutive victory over Lopes.

    The legacy question looms large for Volkanovski as he attempts to cement his status as the greatest featherweight of all time. A win at UFC 325 would give him eight victories in UFC featherweight title fights, matching the record held by legendary champion Jose Aldo. Aldo defended the UFC featherweight title seven times during his first reign and holds the record for most successful title defenses in division history.

    Volkanovski’s recent career trajectory has complicated his case for the featherweight GOAT title. He suffered back-to-back knockout losses to Islam Makhachev at lightweight in October 2023 and then lost his featherweight crown to Topuria via second-round knockout at UFC 298 in February 2024. At 37 years old, questions have emerged about whether the Australian should continue fighting after absorbing such heavy damage.

    The champion has indicated that if he defeats Lopes again, his next title defense would likely come against either Evloev or Murphy. However, lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan has thrown his name into the mix, expressing interest this week in dropping to featherweight to challenge for the title if he cannot secure a lightweight title shot.

    UFC 325 takes place at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, marking Volkanovski’s first fight in his home state of New South Wales since 2017. The Australian has spent much of his championship reign fighting abroad, making this homecoming defense particularly meaningful to local fans even if the opponent selection raises legacy questions.

  • How Mackenzie Dern Plans to Catch Charles Oliveira’s Finish Record

    How Mackenzie Dern Plans to Catch Charles Oliveira’s Finish Record

    Mackenzie Dern wasted little time assessing the financial landscape after the UFC unveiled its revamped bonus structure. Just three days after the promotion doubled its performance payouts, the newly crowned strawweight champion spoke with MMA Junkie about how the changes could reshape her trajectory toward a milestone few fighters have reached.

    Mackenzie Dern Eyes Charles Oliveira’s Finish Record as UFC Raises Bonus Stakes

    Sitting at seven performance bonuses, tied with Ronda Rousey for second most among women in UFC history, Dern now has her sights set on Charles Oliveira’s finish record and the bonus haul that comes with it.

    The UFC announced the bonus changes on January 24, 2026, marking the first significant adjustment to its compensation structure since 2013. Performance of the Night awards doubled from $50,000 to $100,000 each, while a new $25,000 finish bonus emerged for fighters who earn knockouts or submissions without securing one of the main prizes. The shift mirrors the organization’s new broadcasting era following its seven-year, $7.7 billion deal with Paramount.

    Oliveira holds court atop the UFC’s bonus hierarchy with records that stand alone: 21 total finishes, 17 submission wins, and 14 performance bonuses. The lightweight veteran extended those marks as recently as October 2025, submitting Mateusz Gamrot in Brazil to add to his collection. For Dern, who has built her reputation around submission techniques and finishing opponents, the financial incentives now align with her strengths.

    “I’m planning on trying to catch up to Charlie’s do Bronx with the most bonuses in the UFC,” she explained to MMA Junkie. “I really want to get a lot of submissions and hopefully a knockout.”

    The timing works in Dern’s favor. The new $25,000 finish bonus applies to any fighter landing a finish outside the four main bonuses, a structure that could add up quickly for someone with Dern’s finishing rate. A $100,000 performance bonus or the $25,000 finish bonus represents transformative money. Dern, now operating as a title holder with better pay terms, saw the bigger picture.

    “For the sport it’s amazing. I think we’re going to see lots of submissions and finishes.”

  • Conor McGregor Drove to Paddy Pimblett’s House, but Refused to Face Him

    Conor McGregor Drove to Paddy Pimblett’s House, but Refused to Face Him

    Dan Hooker made headlines during UFC 325 media day in Sydney on January 27, 2026, when he revealed an alleged confrontation between Conor McGregor and Paddy Pimblett that dates back several years. The New Zealand lightweight claimed that McGregor drove to Pimblett’s Liverpool home and sat outside calling him, but the Scouse fighter refused to come out.​

    Speaking during the fight week interview ahead of his co-main event bout against Benoit Saint Denis, Hooker addressed his ongoing feud with Pimblett. The comments came as Hooker criticized Pimblett’s behavior pattern of making inflammatory statements before playing the victim.

    Dan Hooker Claims Conor McGregor Drove to Paddy Pimblett’s House in Confrontation

    “This guy talks and then he gets caught on his shit and turns into the victim,” Hooker said during the media appearance. “He talked shit about Conor McGregor, then McGregor drove around to his house and sat outside calling the bloke, and Paddy refused to come outside.”​

    The claim references an incident that allegedly occurred around 2016 or 2017, when McGregor visited Liverpool for the Grand National horse racing festival at Aintree. During that trip, McGregor was documented attending various parties around Liverpool, including ending up in a tree house during what was described as a three-day celebration.

    Pimblett himself addressed this incident years earlier in 2021, ahead of his UFC debut. During an interview, he explained that McGregor was “supposedly outside my house” but suggested the Irish star may have knocked on the wrong door. Pimblett stated that his mother had CCTV cameras installed at the time, and no footage captured McGregor at their residence. “If he was outside my house, that was getting videoed and put all over me Instagram,” Pimblett said.

    The Liverpool fighter speculated that McGregor either wanted to party or confront him, but noted he wished the former champion had actually shown up. Pimblett clarified in 2022 interviews that McGregor was with “another Scouser” during the Liverpool visit and may have been misdirected to the wrong address.​

    The tension between Hooker and Pimblett escalated dramatically in January 2026, ahead of Pimblett’s UFC 324 interim lightweight title fight against Justin Gaethje. Pimblett made an offensive remark about Hooker’s grappling abilities during a podcast appearance, which referenced Hooker’s recent submission loss to Arman Tsarukyan.

    Hooker responded by mentioning Ricky, a close friend of Pimblett who died by suicide in 2022, sparking fierce backlash on social media. The exchange turned personal quickly, with both fighters trading insults ahead of their respective January 2026 bouts.

    Pimblett went on to lose his interim title fight against Gaethje via unanimous decision at UFC 324 on January 24, 2026, suffering his first UFC defeat.

    Paddy TMZ
    TMZ Sports

    Hooker is scheduled to face Saint Denis in the co-main event at UFC 325 on February 1, 2026, at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney. The event marks Alexander Volkanovski’s featherweight title defense against Diego Lopes in a rematch.

  • Arman Tsarukyan Credits Dagestan for Saving His Family

    Arman Tsarukyan Credits Dagestan for Saving His Family

    Arman Tsarukyan revealed how a Dagestani family provided shelter during his childhood, a moment he credits with helping his family survive. The UFC lightweight contender shared this story during a recent interview with Daniel Cormier, offering context for his deep connection to the region.

    Tsarukyan was born in Akhalkalaki, Georgia, in 1996 to Armenian parents. His father, Nairi, worked in construction and later moved the family to Russia.

    Arman Tsarukyan: Dagestani Family Gave Home When We Had Nothing

    “I was born in Georgia and then I moved to Russia when I was three years old, maybe two and a half,” Tsarukyan told Cormier. “I remember my childhood from Russia. In the beginning we had a hard life because we just moved there. We didn’t have a house, my father was working all day, we had nothing. We slept in the car. We didn’t have a house at that moment, it was cold, and I lived in a cold place too”.​

    The family’s situation changed when local residents extended help. “One Dagestani family said, ‘Oh, come and you can live with us, don’t pay money.’ We stayed with them like one year until we built our house. Then we built our house and moved to our house,” Tsarukyan explained. This period of assistance occurred while his father established his construction business, which later became successful.​

    The experience shaped Tsarukyan’s perspective on the region known for producing elite fighters. He has praised Dagestan as the best place to train MMA, noting the discipline is ingrained in the culture. Dagestan is home to some of the most important fighters in MMA history including Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev, plus Olympic gold medalist Buvaisar Saitiev.

    His personal history there goes beyond sport, rooted in a community that supported his family during their most difficult period.​

    Now ranked as the UFC’s top lightweight contender, Tsarukyan carries these memories while pursuing championship gold. He played hockey for ten years before transitioning to wrestling and MMA.

    Tsarukyan regularly represents Armenia with the tricolor flag during walkouts, honoring his ethnic heritage while acknowledging Russia as the place he grew up. The Dagestan connection remains significant.

  • Arman Tsarukyan Apologizes to UFC Brass, Asks for Title Shot

    Arman Tsarukyan Apologizes to UFC Brass, Asks for Title Shot

    Arman Tsarukyan has taken a different approach in his quest to secure a UFC lightweight title shot. The top-ranked contender issued a public apology to UFC CEO Dana White and Chief Business Officer Hunter Campbell during an appearance on Daniel Cormier’s show, promising to reform his behavior in exchange for a championship opportunity.

    “Dana and Hunter Campbell, forgive me,” Tsarukyan said in a January interview with Daniel Cormier. “Give me a title fight. I’ll be a good boy. I’m a good boy. And I’m not going to hit anybody anymore”.

    The 29-year-old Armenian fighter went further, acknowledging the specific incidents that have kept him sidelined from title contention. “During camp, it can happen everything, you know? Like, you can get hurt. But for the weight cut, for the punching bags or headbutt anybody, never happen again,” he added. Tsarukyan tried to maintain some edge, noting that if someone slaps him first, he reserves the right to respond, but emphasized his commitment to improved self-control.​

    Arman Tsarukyan

    Tsarukyan’s plea comes after a series of controversial incidents that have damaged his standing with UFC leadership. In April 2024, he received a nine-month suspension and $25,000 fine from the Nevada State Athletic Commission after throwing a punch at a fan during his walkout at UFC 300. The suspension was later reduced to six months after he agreed to produce an anti-bullying public service announcement. Which he later did not do.

    More recently, Tsarukyan headbutted Dan Hooker during their ceremonial weigh-in faceoff before UFC Qatar in November 2025. The incident proved more damaging than initially apparent. Hooker revealed on “The Ariel Helwani Show” that the headbutt broke his nose, an injury that wasn’t discovered until after their fight.

    “When this c-nt f-cking headbutted me at the weigh-ins and broke my f-cking nose, it pissed me right off,” Hooker said, though he clarified the injury didn’t affect his performance in the second-round submission loss.

    White confirmed the headbutt “100 percent” factored into the decision to exclude Tsarukyan from the UFC 324 interim title fight between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett. “A lot of things have factored in,” White told the Spinnin’ Backfist MMA Show.

    The most damaging setback came in January 2025, when Tsarukyan withdrew from his scheduled UFC 311 title fight against Islam Makhachev just one day before the event, citing a back injury sustained during his weight cut. White’s response was unequivocal at the time: “He’s not getting the next title shot, so that means he’s going to have to fight his way back to the title”.

    Missing the UFC 324 Opportunity

    Despite holding the number one contender spot and coming off a dominant second-round arm-triangle submission victory over Hooker at UFC Qatar, Tsarukyan was passed over for the interim lightweight title fight at UFC 324 on January 25. Gaethje defeated Pimblett by unanimous decision to capture the interim belt and set up a unification bout with champion Ilia Topuria.​

    Tsarukyan has questioned the UFC’s decision-making process, suggesting commercial considerations trumped merit-based rankings. He pointed to Topuria’s hiatus due to personal matters related to his divorce as creating the interim title opportunity, but argued that higher-ranked fighters like Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira should have been considered before Pimblett. “Everyone wants Paddy Pimblett to make a champion,” Tsarukyan said, suggesting the promotion favors American and English fighters over others.

    Tsarukyan’s immediate future remains uncertain. With a professional record of 23-3, including victories over former champion Charles Oliveira and top contenders Beneil Dariush and Dan Hooker, his credentials are undeniable. He has won 10 of his last 11 fights and currently holds the number two ranking in the UFC lightweight division.

    The Armenian fighter attempted to mend fences by successfully weighing in as the official backup for Topuria’s title defense against Oliveira at UFC 317 in June 2025, though his services were not required. He told Cormier that he now plans to wait for his title opportunity rather than take another non-title fight. “I want to fight Justin since he’s the interim champion, and if Ilia can compete this year, they need to face off,” Tsarukyan said. “But if [Topuria] can’t fight in April or June, I would like to take on Gaethje”.

  • Dan Hooker to ‘Kick Paddy Pimblett’s Head In’ After Joke

    Dan Hooker to ‘Kick Paddy Pimblett’s Head In’ After Joke

    Dan Hooker has made it clear there’s no coming back from what Paddy Pimblett said. The New Zealand lightweight delivered a pointed warning in a recent interview with Ariel Helwani, confirming that the feud between the two fighters has crossed into deeply personal territory.​

    The rivalry began as standard fighter banter. Both men exchanged jabs about each other’s skills, with Pimblett questioning Hooker’s grappling ability following his submission loss to Arman Tsarukyan at UFC Qatar in November. The trash talk seemed harmless until Pimblett made a comment during an interview with The MMA Guru that changed everything.

    “It’s on Sight,” Paddy Pimblett Will Get His Head “Kicked-In” By Dan Hooker for Controversial Joke

    “Dan Hooker couldn’t grapple a r-pist off his mum,” Pimblett said, using the hypothetical scenario to mock Hooker’s grappling skills. The comment sparked immediate backlash across the MMA community, with many saying the Liverpool fighter had gone too far by bringing family into the conversation.​

    Hooker’s response was swift and equally controversial. He referenced Ricky, Pimblett’s close friend who died by suicide in 2022, writing “RIP Ricky” on social media. The exchange spiraled from there, with both fighters declaring their next meeting would be “on sight”.

    Speaking with Helwani, Hooker explained where the line was crossed. “Name a fighter in history that’s ever made a rape joke about someone’s mother,” he said. “As fighters, that’s just a line that we don’t cross. You don’t talk about family. You don’t mention people’s wives, mothers and kids. That’s on the no-go list”.

    Hooker made it clear the initial trash talk about grappling skills meant nothing to him. “The UFC was freaking out like, ‘If Dan and Paddy see each other at the hotel in Qatar…’ I’m like, what, because he said I’m shit at jiu-jitsu? I couldn’t give a flying fuck if someone said I’m shit at jiu-jitsu,” Hooker explained. But Pimblett’s comment about his mother changed the dynamic completely.​

    “He wanted a reaction, he got one,” Hooker said. “And from that, I want to take this kid’s head off. I just needed to make sure that feeling was mutual. He wants to say some horrible shit, I’m going to say some horrible shit back, so that when we see each other, that feeling is mutual”.​

    When asked what “on sight” means, Hooker didn’t mince words. “I’ll try to kick his head in,” he said. “If anyone makes a comment like that towards me, I’ll kick your head in”.​

    The timing adds fuel to the fire. Pimblett just suffered his first UFC loss, dropping a unanimous decision to Justin Gaethje at UFC 324 on January 24. The judges scored the fight 48-47, 49-46 and 49-46 in Gaethje’s favor after a grueling five-round war that saw Pimblett knocked down multiple times.

    Meanwhile, Hooker is set to face Benoit Saint Denis this weekend at UFC 325 in Sydney, Australia. The co-main event takes place on February 1 at Qudos Bank Arena. Hooker is coming off his own loss to Tsarukyan and took the fight on a quick turnaround, telling Helwani he “had a bad taste in my mouth” after that defeat.​

    Hooker made clear he’s not interested in watching others fight Pimblett. “That does absolutely nothing,” he said. “That doesn’t make me feel any better”. He wants the fight himself, though he acknowledged it wouldn’t be smart to chase it immediately after his upcoming bout.​

    The New Zealand fighter went further, questioning Pimblett’s longevity in the sport following the Gaethje fight. “He looks like a baby giraffe,” Hooker said, critiquing Pimblett’s fighting style. He suggested that Pimblett has benefited from opponent selection and will struggle now that he’s facing top competition consistently. “The hard part is not fighting Justin Gaethje. It’s like, now you had a five-round war with Justin Gaethje, well, your next fight’s going to be a five-round war.”

  • Michael Chandler: White House Fight Happens Even Without Conor McGregor

    Michael Chandler remains determined to compete at the UFC’s historic White House event on June 14, even if his long-awaited bout with Conor McGregor fails to materialize. Speaking to MMA Junkie at the UFC 324 red carpet in Las Vegas on January 25, the former Bellator lightweight champion made clear his intentions to headline the unprecedented South Lawn card regardless of opponent.

    “Obviously, as Dana and they have said, they’re going to start that matchmaking on Monday talking about the White House card,” Chandler explained. “Everybody knows that’s what my sights are set on. Best-case scenario, it’s me and Conor. Worst-case scenario, I’m still fighting at the White House and fighting someone else, and it will be an awesome badass matchup and I will steal the show and I will end up with one of those bonuses.”​

    Michael Chandler Focused on UFC White House Event Despite Conor McGregor Uncertainty

    Chandler’s comments come at a critical juncture. UFC president Dana White confirmed that matchmaking for the White House card would begin immediately following UFC 324, where Justin Gaethje defeated Paddy Pimblett by unanimous decision to claim the interim lightweight championship. White has repeatedly stated the goal of assembling “the greatest lineup ever” for the June event, which will take place on Trump’s 80th birthday and Flag Day.​

    The McGregor situation remains complicated. White dismissed the Chandler-McGregor pairing during recent interviews, stating “that’s not the fight we’re going with” and describing the matchup as something from “a couple years ago”.

    Despite White’s public dismissal, Chandler remains hopeful. “My reaction is, ‘We will see,’” Chandler told Ariel Helwani recently. “I don’t have a backup plan until Plan A is completely exhausted. That’s where we stand now. I’m preparing my training, diet, and everything else leading up to June. The goal is to fight at the White House against Conor.”​

    The American veteran’s recent form presents challenges. Chandler holds a 23-10 professional record but has dropped five of his last six UFC appearances. Most recently, Paddy Pimblett stopped him via third-round TKO at UFC 314 in April 2025, marking another setback in what has been a difficult UFC tenure. However, Chandler’s aggressive fighting style and penchant for earning post-fight bonuses align perfectly with the UFC’s newly enhanced bonus structure.​

    Starting with UFC 324, the promotion doubled Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night bonuses from $50,000 to $100,000, while introducing a new $25,000 bonus for any fighter who secures a finish via knockout or submission. The changes coincide with the UFC’s seven-year, $7.7 billion broadcasting deal with Paramount+, which began with UFC 324 and shifts numbered events away from traditional pay-per-view in the United States.

    “It’s really cool,” Chandler said of the bonus increases. “I mean obviously you know my resume. You know I’ve had mainly every almost every single one of my fight I’ve gotten a bonus. So I should have a little bit more money in my bank account. I’m happy for that going forward.”​

    The White House event represents unprecedented territory for combat sports. Approximately 5,000 spectators will watch live from the South Lawn, with an additional 85,000 viewing on screens at The Ellipse across the street. Weigh-ins are planned for the Lincoln Memorial, and fighters will walk from the Oval Office to the Octagon. White described the logistical undertaking as “insane,” citing the South Lawn’s uneven slope, strict Secret Service protocols, and intense security requirements.

    “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” White acknowledged about the event. “It’s going to be phenomenal.”​

  • Dana White on UFC 324 Ads: Paramount “Paid for It, They Decide”

    Dana White on UFC 324 Ads: Paramount “Paid for It, They Decide”

    The UFC’s inaugural numbered event on Paramount+ drew immediate backlash from viewers, but Dana White moved quickly to defend the streaming platform’s decision to air commercials during UFC 324, citing the economics of the network’s $7.7 billion media rights deal.

    Fans took to social media immediately after Saturday’s event in Las Vegas, complaining that advertisements interrupted fighter walkouts and corner conversations between rounds, a stark departure from the UFC’s pay-per-view era, when main card broadcasts featured uninterrupted action.

    Dana White Defends Ad-Heavy UFC 324 Debut on Paramount: “They Paid for It”

    White, speaking at the post-fight press conference, acknowledged the criticism while framing the ad load as a necessary trade-off for dramatically reduced consumer costs. “I haven’t seen it yet, and all this is a work in progress. It’s $8.99 – you’re not paying however much anymore. These guys got to make some money too. That is a fact – Paramount paid for it, they get to decide. But these guys are incredible to work with already, so we’ll figure it out.”​

    The shift represents a fundamental change in how fans access premium UFC content. Previously, numbered events cost $79.99 per purchase, creating a significant financial barrier for casual viewers. The Paramount+ subscription model, starting at $8.99 monthly, eliminates that paywall entirely and provides access to all 13 annual numbered events plus 30 Fight Night broadcasts. However, the seven-year agreement, valued at $1.1 billion annually, relies on advertising revenue to justify Paramount’s investment—a requirement that directly impacts the viewing experience.

    White’s position shows a pragmatic acknowledgment that Paramount assumes the rights-holder role now. Once a broadcaster purchases content rights, network executives retain operational control over presentation decisions, including ad placement and timing. The UFC president’s comment that “Paramount paid for it, they get to decide” signaling that viewer complaints, while heard, ultimately fall under Paramount’s purview rather than the UFC’s.​

    The ad placement strategy particularly frustrated fans because commercials ran during critical viewing moments. Walkouts, the theatrical entrances that build momentum before fights, were obscured by advertisements, as were the corner breaks between rounds, where corner teams communicate strategy and fighters receive coaching adjustments. This format had never occurred during UFC’s PPV main cards, making the disruption especially jarring for longtime viewers.​

    Still, White suggested the situation isn’t permanent. His statement that “we’ll figure it out” implied negotiations between the UFC and Paramount could lead to adjustments. UFC Executive Vice President of Live Production Zach Candito reinforced this on social media, explicitly stating that UFC 324’s ad load was not the new standard and promising refinements for future events.

  • Natalia Silva Demands UFC Title Shot at White House as Birthday Gift

    Natalia Silva Demands UFC Title Shot at White House as Birthday Gift

    Natalia Silva made it clear she expects the UFC to honor its promise following her unanimous decision win over Rose Namajunas at UFC 324 on Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The Brazilian flyweight extended her undefeated UFC record to 8-0 with a 29-28 victory across all three judges’ scorecards, positioning herself for a title shot against champion Valentina Shevchenko.

    Natalia Silva Wants Title Fight at UFC White House Event as Birthday Gift After UFC 324 Win

    Silva stepped in on short notice after former champion Alexa Grasso withdrew due to injury, replacing the Mexican fighter with just three weeks to prepare. According to Silva, the UFC made a specific commitment when offering her the replacement bout against Namajunas, who was promised a title shot with a victory.

    “With certainty. I was here on this card today to save the event, because this fight wasn’t for me, this fight was for Alexa,” Silva stated through a translator at the post-fight press conference. “I don’t know what happened to Alexa, she got injured, I don’t know. And the UFC sent me a message and said, ‘Natalia, we need you to fight and if you beat Rose, you are next for the title.’ So I accepted the fight, I trusted what the UFC told me, I took the fight on short notice, and I’m ready.”​​

    The 28-year-old contender emphasized the risk she took by accepting the bout against a former two-time strawweight champion with limited preparation time. Silva’s willingness to step up preserved one of UFC 324’s high-profile matchups, launching the promotion’s new $7.7 billion partnership with Paramount.

    “I did not have to accept this fight. I accepted this fight on short notice. There wasn’t much time to prepare for it,” Silva explained. “I accepted to fight, I did what I needed to do, and I expect – I trusted the UFC and I hope they follow through on that promise because I should be the next one to fight for the title. That’s the fight that I expect to get next.”​​

    Silva went further in her request, suggesting the UFC schedule her championship opportunity at the historic White House event planned for June 14, 2026. The unprecedented event will take place on the South Lawn of the White House, coinciding with President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday and America’s 250th anniversary celebrations.

    “I actually really wanted to say that, but I wasn’t able to say it in the Octagon because we were running out of time,” Silva said. “But my birthday’s coming up, February 3rd, and that would be an amazing birthday gift. I think Dana should give that to me as a gift. Think about it – I accepted this fight short notice, high risk, did what he needed me to do, and it would be a tremendous birthday gift to receive the call for a title fight at the White House. Dana, I want you to give me this opportunity. It’s my birthday present.”​​

    UFC President Dana White appeared to confirm Silva’s title shot during the post-fight press conference, answering affirmatively when asked whether a title opportunity had been promised beforehand. The confirmation comes despite the controversial nature of Silva’s victory, with many observers scoring the fight for Namajunas.

    Shevchenko last defended her women’s flyweight championship in November at UFC 322, defeating Zhang Weili by unanimous decision. The champion has not yet been scheduled for her next title defense.

    Silva’s victory represents her 14th consecutive win overall and extends her perfect UFC record. The Brazilian has defeated three former UFC champions during her promotional run, including Jessica Andrade, Alexa Grasso, and now Namajunas.

  • Justin Gaethje Questions Why People Doubt Him After Another Underdog Win

    Justin Gaethje Questions Why People Doubt Him After Another Underdog Win

    Justin Gaethje captured the interim lightweight title at UFC 324 on January 24, defeating Paddy Pimblett via unanimous decision in Las Vegas, yet the 37-year-old remains baffled by his continued status as a betting underdog.

    Gaethje entered the T-Mobile Arena bout listed at +195 on some sportsbooks, while the undefeated Pimblett sat as a -230 favorite. The American proved the oddsmakers wrong once again, earning scorecards of 48-47, 49-46, and 49-46 to hand Pimblett his first UFC loss and claim his second interim championship.

    Justin Gaethje Questions Why People Doubt Him

    When asked during the post-fight press conference why people continue to doubt him despite repeated success as an underdog, Gaethje offered a frank assessment of his betting record.

    “I don’t know why people continue to doubt me. It’s hard to explain, but if you’re betting with me the whole time, we’re [__] up, I’ll tell you that right now. I’m nine and two as an underdog. I don’t think people understand what I’m doing in there. I’ve said it from before I even got to the UFC: there is a method to the madness. It looks like absolute chaos, but it’s less than seconds, less than inches, and my coach taught me how to be great in those areas.”​

    The victory improved Gaethje’s record to 27-5 overall and 10-5 in the UFC. His 9-2 mark as an underdog represents a remarkable success rate that defies the betting lines consistently set against him. Before entering the UFC, Gaethje stated he had been an underdog in 10 of his 14 promotional fights.

    The five-round war showcased Gaethje’s relentless pressure and striking power against Pimblett’s durability. Gaethje landed 144 of 254 significant strikes while recording three successful takedowns and multiple knockdowns. Pimblett absorbed considerable damage throughout the contest, his face visibly bloodied and bruised by the final bell.

    Despite the chaos that defines his fighting style, Gaethje attributes his success to meticulous preparation under longtime coach Trevor Wittman, who has guided him since 2010. Wittman’s coaching philosophy centers on clarity, efficiency, and trust in fundamentals, emphasizing clean technique under pressure and defensive responsibility without hesitation.​

    The interim title win positions Gaethje for a unification bout against undisputed lightweight champion Ilia Topuria, who is expected to return from personal leave later in 2026. Early betting lines have already established Gaethje as a massive +400 underdog against the undefeated Topuria’s -600 odds.

    As Gaethje prepares for another title shot as a likely underdog, his message to doubters remains unchanged: betting against him has proven costly, and the method behind his apparent madness continues to deliver results.

  • Ilia Topuria Blasts Paddy Pimblett After Gaethje Upset at UFC 324

    Ilia Topuria Blasts Paddy Pimblett After Gaethje Upset at UFC 324

    UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria wasted no time addressing Paddy Pimblett’s defeat at UFC 324, posting a scathing message just hours after Justin Gaethje handed the Liverpudlian his first UFC loss on Saturday night in Las Vegas.

    Ilia Topuria Mocks Paddy Pimblett: ‘You Just Lost Everything

    Topuria took to X within two hours of the fight’s conclusion, writing: “Little sausage, the only thing you had to do was beat a 38 year old guy. You just lost the biggest paycheck of your life. You were going to get rich if you won”. The champion then turned his attention to Gaethje, adding: “Justin, all I can say is congratulations… and I’d like to tell you to get ready, but you’re screwed no matter what”.

    Gaethje defeated Pimblett by unanimous decision with scorecards reading 48-47, 49-46, and 49-46 to claim the interim lightweight championship at T-Mobile Arena. The 37-year-old Gaethje dropped Pimblett multiple times across five rounds, though the British fighter showed remarkable durability throughout the contest. Both men earned $100,000 Fight of the Night bonuses under the UFC’s new pay structure with Paramount+.​

    The stakes extended beyond the interim title. The winner was expected to face Topuria in a unification bout, potentially worth millions in revenue. Topuria, who won the lightweight belt by knocking out Charles Oliveira in June 2025, has been absent from competition while dealing with personal matters related to his divorce. He announced plans to return between April and June to face the UFC 324 winner.

    The rivalry between Topuria and Pimblett dates back to March 2022, when the two nearly came to blows at a fighter hotel in London ahead of UFC Fight Night 204. The confrontation stemmed from social media comments Pimblett made about Georgia, Topuria’s home country, which the champion perceived as disrespectful. Pimblett threw a bottle of hand sanitizer at Topuria, who responded with a punch that missed its target.

    Pimblett entered UFC 324 as the betting favorite despite Gaethje’s extensive championship-level experience. The 31-year-old had won seven straight UFC fights, including a knockout of Michael Chandler in April 2025. However, Gaethje’s power and ring generalship proved too much, as he outlanded Pimblett 219-177 in total strikes.

    This marks Gaethje’s second interim lightweight title, having previously won the belt in May 2020 against Tony Ferguson. He subsequently challenged Khabib Nurmagomedov for the undisputed title but lost via submission. Gaethje also fell short against Charles Oliveira in a 2022 title bout. At 37 years and 71 days, he became the oldest fighter to win a UFC lightweight title.

    Topuria announced his return timeline on January 15, confirming he would defend against “the winner between Paddy and Justin” sometime in April through June. The undefeated champion, who holds a 17-0 record, previously knocked out Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway during his featherweight title reign before vacating that belt to move up in weight.​

    Gaethje expressed interest in competing at the UFC’s White House event scheduled for June, telling reporters he wants to represent the United States. The matchup pits Gaethje’s veteran experience and knockout power against Topuria’s unbeaten record and finishing ability across both striking and grappling.

    For Pimblett, the loss represents a significant setback. The Liverpudlian stated after the fight: “I wanted to leave with that belt. I know how resilient I am and I don’t need to prove that to anyone”. He was taken to a local hospital for evaluation due to visible facial damage sustained during the contest.

  • “I’m Glad To Watch Warriors Like These Two” – Paulo Costa, Dustin Poirier, Belal Muhammad And Other Fighters & Fans Extol Justin Gaethje And Paddy Pimblett After Interim Title War At UFC 324

    “I’m Glad To Watch Warriors Like These Two” – Paulo Costa, Dustin Poirier, Belal Muhammad And Other Fighters & Fans Extol Justin Gaethje And Paddy Pimblett After Interim Title War At UFC 324

    Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett put an exclamation point to start the UFC on Paramount era, putting on a memorable classic that will be considered perhaps the first nominee for 2026’s Fight of the Year.

    And now after all that violence, Gaethje took the decision in the UFC 324 main event and became a two-time interim UFC lightweight champion in the process.

    The two went to a trading battle early, as both looked to control the cage and make the other taste their power. Pimblett connected with a pair of shots, only for Gaethje to respond with a solid counter. Gaethje landed a left hand that dropped Pimblett, stunning him, but Pimblett got back to the feet.

    The two continued to trade, though notably Pimblett was connected with a series of leg kicks to compromise Gaethje’s legs. Gaethje looked for a headlock early in round two, but Pimblett worked his way out of it. Gaethje continued his momentum, rocking Pimblett with a knee after a second front headlock and landing a barrage of ground strikes before the horn to end the second round.

    Gaethje’s momentum slowed during the third round, as the fight pace slowed but Pimblett’s jab was on display. A strong right late in the round caught Gaethje’s attention, and Gaethje attempted to respond back.

    Pimblett landed a strong left early in the fourth round, but Gaethje made Pimblett taste power again with a left hook before a wrestling-style cradle on the ground briefly. Gaethje scored another knockdown immediately after by catching a kick and landing an overhand right. Gaethje rocked Pimblett with another series of bombs against the fence. Pimblett connected flush on Gaethje, only for Gaethje to answer with strong ground strikes before the end of the round.

    Justin Gaethje Claims Interim Lightweight Title In War With Paddy Pimblett At UFC 324

    Entering the fifth, Gaethje had the edge in significant strikes 148-134. Both connected with hard shots in the first minute of round five. Pimblett looked for a takedown, but Gaethje countered, and the two battled against the fence until there were about 100 seconds remaining.

    With both men tired, Pimblett landed a strong combination that forced Gaethje to clinch. Both men landed on the inside before Gaethje pressed Pimblett against the fence again. The two threw down for the final 10 seconds, and they made it to the final horn.

    Gaethje has now won four of his last six fights. Previously, Gaethje defeated Tony Ferguson for interim lightweight gold at UFC 249 but was unsuccessful in his UFC 254 unification bout with a retiring Khabib Nurmagomedov.

    Pimblett tastes defeat in the Octagon for the first time since his 2021 UFC debut. This is his first loss since falling to Soren Bak in Cage Warriors in September 2018.

  • “Just Give O’Malley A 30-24 At This Point” – Fans & Fighters Debate Sean O’Malley’s Chances At Gold After Decision Win Over Song Yadong At UFC 324

    “Just Give O’Malley A 30-24 At This Point” – Fans & Fighters Debate Sean O’Malley’s Chances At Gold After Decision Win Over Song Yadong At UFC 324

    It wasn’t the strongest performance, but it was a win when it mattered for Sean O’Malley, as he defeats Song Yadong in the co-main event of UFC 324.

    O’Malley seemed to have the advantage in the striking department during a quiet first round. Yadong, however, took control with a late takedown in spite of a guillotine attempt from O’Malley.

    Yadong’s grappling pressure was on display in the second round again, landing another pair of takedowns and controlling the action by focusing on O’Malley’s leg, compromising it.

    O’Malley turned up the heat in the third round, getting his striking going and scoring a decision win.

    Sean O’Malley Gets Needed Rebound With Decision Win Over Song Yadong At UFC 324

    https://twitter.com/JourdainAir/status/2015278769481584676?s=20

    This was O’Malley’s first fight after losing back-to-back bantamweight title fights to Merab Dvalishvili at Noche UFC 2: UFC 306 and UFC 316. O’Malley held the UFC bantamweight title from his win at UFC 292 until his first loss to Dvalishvili.

    Yadong is now 3-2 in his last five, entering tonight’s bout off a win over Henry Cejudo at UFC Seattle last year.

  • “The Real Deal” – Fans & Fighters React To Waldo Cortes-Acosta Continue Heavyweight Momentum With Finish Of Derrick Lewis At UFC 324

    “The Real Deal” – Fans & Fighters React To Waldo Cortes-Acosta Continue Heavyweight Momentum With Finish Of Derrick Lewis At UFC 324

    Waldo Cortes-Acosta has made a statement — he’s coming for a heavyweight title shot. Cortes-Acosta emphasized that with a second-round finish of Derrick Lewis at UFC 324.

    Both men came out with stalking intentions, looking to find the opening to land the one power shot each needs. Though Lewis threw a few round kicks, there wasn’t much landing from either man during the first round.

    Cortes-Acosta’s strategy seemed to be to tire Lewis out, and he did a lot of countering and dodging during the first five minutes. It seemed to pay off for Cortes-Acosta early in the second, catching Lewis with a cracking counter. WCA continued to use his jab and dodging speed to give Lewis issues.

    Suddenly, in the second round, Lewis appeared to slip. Lewis did not get up immediately, and Cortes-Acosta jumped on, landing a flurry on of ground strikes until the referee waved off the bout.

    Waldo Cortes-Acosta Makes Easy Work Of Derrick Lewis At UFC 324

    Cortes-Acosta was one of the UFC’s top fighters in 2025, going 4-1. His star power rose in November by scoring a comeback, first-round knockout of Ante Delija at UFC Vegas 110, and then making a quick turnaround and knocking out Shamil Gaziev at UFC Qatar three weeks later.

    Lewis is now 3-2 in his last five fights.

  • “No Chance Thug Rose Lost That Fight” – Fans And Fighters React As Natalia Silva Gets Controversial Decision Win Over Rose Namajunas In Title Eliminator At UFC 324

    “No Chance Thug Rose Lost That Fight” – Fans And Fighters React As Natalia Silva Gets Controversial Decision Win Over Rose Namajunas In Title Eliminator At UFC 324

    Natalia Silva now finds herself closer to challenging for the UFC women’s flyweight championship after her win over Rose Namajunas at UFC 324; however, it was a win that was heavily disputed.

    The opening round appeared to be a quiet, tough to score one, with plenty of feints. Silva tried to get things going with her punches, but Namajunas’ footwork made it difficult for her to land anything major.

    Namajunas furthered the distance in the second round, which included landing a takedown and controlling the action completely on the ground. Silva turned up the heat in round three and completely out-struck Namajunas, controlling the action in the most clear round of the bout.

    Silva took 29-28 scores on all three judges’ cards.

    Natalia Silva Scores Controversial Decision Win Over Rose Namajunas At UFC 324

    Silva is now 8-0 in the UFC, having not lost in MMA since losing to Marina Rodriguez in 2017. Silva came into this bout off a win over former champion Alexa Grasso at UFC 315.

    Namajunas is now 3-2 in her last five and is 3-3 since moving up to flyweight.

  • “Matchmaking At Its Finest” – Fighters & Fans React To Jean Silva Getting Nod In Tough Battle With Arnold Allen At UFC 324

    “Matchmaking At Its Finest” – Fighters & Fans React To Jean Silva Getting Nod In Tough Battle With Arnold Allen At UFC 324

    Arnold Allen and Jean Silva put on a clinic to open up the first UFC main card of 2026, with Silva getting the win at UFC 324.

    Allen kept his distance in the opening round, working his striking from the outside and controlling the action, slowly picking things up as the round went on. Silva landed a strong right hand and high kick in the closing seconds of the round, seemingly doing damage. He received a shove from Allen after the horn for his trouble.

    Silva scored a takedown on Allen early in the second, landing a strong left hand and high kick as Allen got back to his feet. The two had a back-and-forth exchange, with Silva getting a small cut under one of his eyes. Allen did damage with inside shots, including knees, but the two continued to answer one another.

    Allen looked to pressure in round three and utilize grappling control, but Silva out-landed him in terms of significant strikes during the frame and took the decision.

    Jean Silva Gets Decision In Back-And-Forth Battle With Arnold Allen At UFC 324

    Allen has now lost three of his last four. This was his first fight since defeating Giga Chikadze at UFC 304.

    Silva rebounds from a loss to Diego Lopes in the main event of Noche UFC 3 — a fight that snapped a 13-fight win streak Silva had been riding.

  • Dominick Cruz Revealed As First Inductee Of UFC Hall Of Fame Class Of 2026

    Dominick Cruz Revealed As First Inductee Of UFC Hall Of Fame Class Of 2026

    One of the greatest bantamweights the MMA world has ever seen, “The Dominator” now gets to finally claim his rightful place in the UFC Hall of Fame.

    Dominick Cruz, a two-time UFC bantamweight champion, has been named as the first inductee of this year’s UFC’s Hall of Fame class, to be inducted into the hall’s Modern Wing.

    The announcement was made officially at the conclusion of the UFC 324 prelims.

    Dominick Cruz To Be Inducted Into UFC Hall Of Fame

    Cruz made his professional MMA debut in 2005, becoming a key figure in Rage in the Cage early in his career. He’d make his way over to the WEC in 2007, losing a featherweight title fight against Urijah Faber in his promotional debut at WEC 26.

    Cruz would win the WEC bantamweight title at WEC 47 by defeating Brian Bowles. He’d defend the WEC title against Joseph Benavidez and Scott Jorgensen before becoming inaugural UFC champion when 135 was introduced into the UFC following the UFC-WEC merger.

    Cruz defended the UFC title against Faber and Demetrious Johnson, but injuries forced him to vacate the title in January 2014 without fighting in 2012 and 2013.

    Cruz successfully returned to the Octagon at UFC 178, knocking out Takeya Mizugaki, before defeating T.J. Dillashaw to regain the bantamweight title in January 2016. He’d defend the title against Faber at UFC 199 before losing to Cody Garbrandt at UFC 207.

    After three years away from the Octagon due to injuries, Cruz came back again in 2020, falling short in a bantamweight title fight against Henry Cejudo at UFC 249. Cruz scored decision wins over Casey Kenney and Pedro Munhoz before getting knocked out by Marlon “Chito” Vera at UFC San Diego in August 2022.

    Cruz announced his permanent retirement from the Octagon in early 2025 after injuries prevented him from fighting Rob Font.

    The UFC Hall of Fame induction ceremony is held annually during the UFC’s International Fight Week. No information about the 2026 edition of IFW has been revealed as of press time.