Donn Davis, the founder of the Professional Fighters League, announced Wednesday that he is stepping down as chairman of the organization he built from the ground up eight years ago.
Davis, 63, posted a statement on X reflecting on his tenure and expressing gratitude to employees, investors, fighters, and fans. “I gave you everything I’ve got,” Davis wrote.
The departure caps a stunning executive shakeup at PFL in January 2026. Former CEO Peter Murray and longtime president Ray Sefo have also parted ways with the promotion in recent weeks. According to MMA journalist Ariel Helwani, PFL has also laid off several long-time employees.
Davis acquired World Series of Fighting in 2017 and transformed it into PFL, launching in 2018 with its signature season format featuring $1 million championship payouts. Under his leadership, PFL expanded globally, acquired Bellator in November 2023, and signed former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou.
The timing is notable as PFL’s ESPN broadcast deal is set to expire at the end of 2026. Former Time Warner executive John Martin was brought in as CEO in late 2025 to guide the promotion through this critical period.
On the same day as Davis’s announcement, PFL revealed new funding from Knighthead Capital Management and 885 Capital, along with a new nine-member Board of Directors.
Ali Abdelaziz has stirred the pot once again, this time floating the idea of Conor McGregor facing Justin Gaethje at the White House.
The Dominance MMA manager’s pitch is blunt, referring to McGregor as an “Irish drunk guy” and questioning whether he could handle Gaethje ahead of the UFC’s historic event scheduled for June 14, 2026. The timing is particularly interesting given that Gaethje is set to face Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight title at UFC 324 this Saturday, January 24.
Ali Abdelaziz Calls Conor McGregor ‘Irish Drunk Guy,’ Pitches Justin Gaethje Fight at UFC White House
Speaking with Submission Radio, Abdelaziz laid out his vision with typical flair. His proposal skips the interim belt discussion entirely, instead focusing on what he describes as a long-overdue grudge match between the Irishman and “The Highlight”.
“Justin Gaethje versus Conor McGregor. What about that? Do you understand? America’s birthday – bring an Irish drunk guy to the White House, make sure he doesn’t have any drugs on him or cocaine, and fight Justin. Conor’s been running from Justin all his life.”
According to the manager, McGregor has been avoiding Gaethje throughout his career, turning down the fight “at least five times” over several years. Abdelaziz claims the UFC even advised him to stop mentioning the matchup because McGregor allegedly refuses to fight opponents who criticize him publicly.
The suggestion comes with particular bite given the White House event’s significance. Set to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary, President Trump announced the date coincides with his 80th birthday, and Dana White has indicated he’s holding back major fights to stack the card.
The McGregor-Gaethje matchup has long been discussed but never materialized. Their styles suggest an explosive clash. McGregor’s precision striking and southpaw stance theoretically create openings against Gaethje’s aggressive, face-first approach and leg-heavy attack.
However, the Irishman hasn’t won a lightweight fight since 2016, and both of his recent losses to Dustin Poirier exposed vulnerability to leg kicks, Gaethje’s specialty. The 37-year-old is coming off a broken leg sustained in 2021.
Gaethje enters UFC 324 on Saturday with everything to prove. The 37-year-old veteran has made it clear this is likely his final run at undisputed gold after previous title shot failures against Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira. His coach, Trevor Wittman, confirmed this won’t be a “retirement fight” and that Gaethje has no intention of continuing without a clear championship path.
Should he defeat Pimblett and secure the interim belt, Gaethje is expected to face Ilia Topuria later in 2026 for the undisputed lightweight championship. A McGregor fight, while lucrative, would represent a detour from that trajectory unless positioned as a White House spectacle worth the risk.
For now, Abdelaziz’s proposal remains speculation ahead of a more immediate priority. Saturday’s UFC 324 will determine whether Gaethje even has the interim belt to bargain with.
Arman Tsarukyan got skipped for a title shot he earned. Now he is everywhere. The streaming circuit, grappling events, cooking shows, he is building a brand while the UFC decides what to do with him. This is not a choice anymore. It is the cost of doing business in the modern UFC.
The numbers tell the story. Tsarukyan beat Dan Hooker in November 2025. He held the number one contender spot. The UFC gave the interim title fight to Justin Gaethje versus Paddy Pimblett for UFC 324 on January 24. The official reason involved Tsarukyan’s past actions, the UFC 311 withdrawal, the Hooker headbutt, the fan incident at UFC 300. Dana White invests in promotional campaigns, and when fighters bail, Dana does not forget.
Arman Tsarukyan’s Media Tour
Tsarukyan pivoted. He appeared on Adin Ross‘s stream with MMA Guru on January 10, 2026, hanging out for nearly ten hours with fans. He joined Matan Even‘s show, where a co-host named “Mike Mike” added to the chaos. When Matan pushed buttons, Tsarukyan threatened to slap him.
Then came the cooking. On January 18, Tsarukyan made a chopped cheese sandwich in Brooklyn, the “Ocky Way“. This is not traditional fighter behavior. Food influencers reach audiences that MMA never touches. Tsarukyan knows he needs those eyes.
Tsarukyan’s Grappling
The grappling matches keep him sharp and in the news. He submitted Mehdi Baydulaev at ACBJJ 20 in December 2025. He fought Sharabutdin Magomedov to a draw at Hype FC. He dominated Lance Palmer 10-0 in a wrestling match at RAF 5 on January 10, 2026. These events do not pay UFC money. They pay in relevance.
The New UFC
Ariel Helwani called it. On his show, Helwani said Tsarukyan is “becoming the second most popular lightweight in the world behind Ilia”. Helwani pointed out that Dana White follows this stuff closely. The UFC tracks engagement metrics. A viral clip matters more than a win sometimes.
The promotion’s Paramount+ partnership factors in. The UFC needs Western market appeal for its broadcast debut. Paddy Pimblett brings a built-in audience. Tsarukyan’s wrestling wins, while impressive, stay inside the hardcore bubble. The UFC wants mainstream. Mainstream means memes, streams, and chopped cheese videos.
Justin Gaethje understood the situation. He admitted Tsarukyan deserved the shot but recognized the UFC’s stance. Gaethje cited the same incidents White did, the withdrawal, the headbutt, the fan fight. These moments cost Tsarukyan trust.
But this is the new model. Fighters cannot just train and win, that’s just not enough for the UFC anymore. They must create content, build followings, and stay visible across platforms. The UFC has shifted from a sports organization to an entertainment company that happens to feature fighting. Rankings matter, but algorithms matter more.
Derrick Lewis is making a statement ahead of his heavyweight clash against Waldo Cortes-Acosta at UFC 324 on January 24 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The 40-year-old knockout artist told UFC Embedded that he expects the fight to end quickly, possibly in the first exchange.
“Expect A Quick Fight”: Derrick Lewis Chases Another KO At UFC 324
Lewis enters the bout with a 29-12 record and holds the UFC record for most knockouts in history with 16. His most recent performance backs up the confidence, as he demolished previously undefeated Tallison Teixeira in just 35 seconds at UFC Nashville in July 2025. That knockout gave Lewis back-to-back wins for the first time in several years and added to his reputation for explosive power. ‘The Black Beast’ explained:
“I’m one of the best I’ve felt in a long time in one of my camps. I feel like I’m in great shape right now. I’m in better shape than I was my last fight, so I’m feeling good. What you’re going to expect to see next Saturday is a quick fight. I believe I can really get him out of there in the first exchange. Don’t worry about getting any sleep, because Saturday you will get plenty of sleep. I promise you that.”
The training camp appears to have made a difference for Lewis. He weighed in at 261 pounds for the Teixeira fight, his lowest weight since 2014. Lewis extended his camp from the typical five weeks to three months, focusing on running six miles every other day to improve conditioning. At 40 years old, he ranks as the eighth-ranked heavyweight but has been in the division long enough to compile 20 UFC heavyweight wins, second only to Andrei Arlovski’s 23.
Cortes-Acosta presents a different challenge. The fifth-ranked heavyweight from the Dominican Republic holds a 16-2 record and has fought six times in 2025. His activity level is remarkable especially by heavyweight standards. He won five straight fights between March and November 2025 before accepting the Lewis matchup. The 34-year-old stands 6’4″ and has finished four of his nine UFC wins by knockout.
The matchup pits Lewis’s one-punch power against Cortes-Acosta’s youth and durability. Lewis has built a career on landing single fight-ending shots, often after absorbing damage earlier in fights.
UFC 324 marks the promotion’s first numbered event under its new Paramount+ deal, replacing the previous pay-per-view model, with Justin Gaethje facing Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight title in the main event.
Former UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson has thrown his support behind Paddy Pimblett ahead of the Liverpool fighter’s interim lightweight title clash against Justin Gaethje at UFC 324. Johnson, who holds the UFC record for most consecutive title defenses with 11, believes Pimblett possesses the skills and mental fortitude to handle Gaethje’s pressure striking game when the two meet on January 24 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Why Demetrious Johnson Thinks Paddy Pimblett Is Ready For Justin Gaethje
In a detailed breakdown of Pimblett’s third-round TKO victory over Michael Chandler at UFC 314 in April 2025, Johnson highlighted the Englishman’s ability to stay composed in dangerous positions. The 30-year-old Pimblett dominated a former Bellator champion and UFC title challenger, securing his seventh consecutive UFC victory in what represented the biggest win of his career to date.
“The one thing that I like about Paddy Pimblett is that when he’s in a dangerous position, he’s going to start attacking submissions to keep the fight going,” ‘Mighty Mouse’ explained in his YouTube breakdown. “He’s done it against multiple opponents, even before the UFC days. You go back and watch him fight in Cage Warriors – he’ll lock up a kimura, he’ll jump for a flying triangle.”
Johnson pointed to specific moments in the Chandler fight where Pimblett’s submission instincts kept him in control. When Chandler attempted to smother him against the cage, Pimblett threw a flying triangle that changed the dynamic of the exchange. “He does a flying triangle, gets slammed back on his back, then he pushes Michael Chandler down, tries to get the triangle more situated, and when Chandler postures up to defend, he kicks him off and gets up,” Johnson noted.
Paddy Pimblett’s Scramble Game Has Justin Gaethje Written All Over It, Says ‘Mighty Mouse’
The distance management Pimblett displayed against Chandler particularly impressed the former champion. Johnson identified what he called “the void” between the two fighters, explaining how Pimblett controlled the middle distance and made it difficult for Chandler to get inside.
“We have the void right here. Each time Chandler comes into this space to try to start anything, it’s either a jab, a leg kick, the inside kick, or Paddy will blitz him, or he’ll back up throwing combinations,” Johnson said. “So Paddy is basically owning this area, giving Michael a hard time getting to him.”
Johnson acknowledged that Gaethje presents different challenges than Chandler, particularly with his striking arsenal. The 36-year-old Gaethje has built a reputation as one of the most devastating leg kickers in UFC history, using the technique to compromise opponents’ mobility and set up finishes. “I believe Justin is going to have that jab, that leg kick, and we’ll see how Paddy goes about it on the feet,” Johnson stated.
Despite the threat Gaethje poses, Johnson praised Pimblett’s fearless approach to fighting. “Paddy doesn’t play dog – Paddy just goes, and he’s not scared to fight. He thrives more when the fight’s going, when the scrambles start, people picking him up, trying to slam him. That’s where he starts to thrive because he’s always in great condition, he’s always doing different submission attacks.”
Johnson has consistently backed Pimblett’s championship potential, even when others have dismissed the Liverpool native. “I’ve always been chirping about Paddy Pimblett being a world champion just because he’s so dynamic – the way he moves, he’s very diverse with his submissions, he’s not scared to exchange. I don’t know why people overlook him. Look what he just did to Michael Chandler. Nobody’s done that to Michael Chandler in the UFC.”
Jorge Masvidal has made clear why securing a spot on the UFC’s historic White House event means everything to him, describing the opportunity as a once-in-a-lifetime validation of his journey from Miami’s backyards to the nation’s most prestigious address.
The June 14 card, set to coincide with President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday, represents far more than another fight for the 41-year-old former BMF champion. Masvidal recently told reporters that people constantly ask why he remains obsessed with getting on the card when other marquee events happen regularly.
Masvidal explained that while fans might see another UFC card at Madison Square Garden or Las Vegas annually, a UFC card at the White House will never happen again. For someone who grew up as the son of immigrants fighting in backyards with Kimbo Slice and other street fighters, the symbolism carries profound weight.
“People say, ‘Why are you so obsessed with this White House thing?’ Because this doesn’t happen again, man. You might see another UFC card at Madison Square Garden or Vegas every year, but a UFC card at the White House?
“That’s once-in-a-lifetime shit. I’m a kid from the streets of Miami, son of immigrants, who grew up fighting in backyards with Kimbo and those guys. You put that kid on the White House lawn with gloves on, representing his flag, his family, his people… that’s powerful.”
Why Jorge Masvidal Will Take Any Fight to Get on the White House Card
Masvidal‘s father fled Cuba as a teenager on a self-made raft constructed from tractor tires, spending five days at sea before reaching the Virgin Islands and eventually Miami. His Peruvian mother worked multiple jobs starting at 4 a.m., yet the family remained among the poorest on their block. That background fuels his drive to represent on the White House lawn.
“For me it’s like, man, I’m just some Latin dude from Miami that can fight really good,” Masvidal said in recent interviews. “I’m in the White House showcasing my skills, showing the world that, especially us Latin people, we ain’t just what they make us out to be.”
Masvidal started his combat career in chaotic backyard brawls. Those informal contests, promoted by the late Kimbo Slice, took place in parking lots and yards around Miami with no medical staff present.
Now Masvidal envisions himself fighting on the South Lawn with gloves on, representing his flag, family, and community. He sees it as sending a message to every young Latino that they can rise from nothing and perform in front of the president.
The fighter has confirmed he recently spoke with Trump about getting on the card. During a call when Masvidal was in New York for fights, he quickly pitched his case. Trump responded simply with “Got you, Mas,” though Masvidal says he hasn’t played that card fully yet, saving the favor for when timing matters most.
Masvidal told reporters his manager Ali Abdelaziz is actively negotiating with UFC President Dana White and executive Hunter Campbell. When asked about his chances of securing a spot against Conor McGregor, Masvidal said things are “not looking bad right now” with dialogue remaining open.
Masvidal emphasized he would fight anyone at any weight to make the card, though he doesn’t care about the opponent as much as the venue itself. Whether it’s McGregor or another fighter, his priority remains getting on the historic event.
Looking back, Masvidal describes the trajectory from backyard fighting to potentially competing at the White House as the most polar opposite journey imaginable. He attributes everything to faith, noting it happened not because he’s the smartest or fastest, but through divine intervention.
White has confirmed the June 14 date and promised what he called “the greatest fight card ever” for the UFC’s first event at the presidential residence. The promotion plans to invest $700,000 just to replace the South Lawn grass, with attendance capped around 4,000 people.
“For me it’s like, man, I’m just some Latin dude from Miami that can fight really good. I’m in the White House showcasing my skills, showing the world that, especially us Latin people, we ain’t just what they make us out to be. We’re a lot better than what they give us. Now I get to perform my skill set at this place which is responsible for this great nation.”
Former UFC interim lightweight champion Dustin Poirier is settling into retirement with a new nickname, a new physique, and a fresh perspective on life after combat sports.
Speaking with Ariel Helwani on Monday, the Louisiana native opened up about his transformation from elite lightweight contender to what he jokingly calls “Peptide Papi.”
Retired UFC Star Dustin Poirier Embraces Life as “Peptide Papi” After Calling Time on 16-Year Career
Poirier, who retired in July 2025 following a decision loss to Max Holloway at UFC 318 in New Orleans, has been hitting the weights hard at his home gym, which he has christened “The Silly Goose Fitness Club.” The 36-year-old, who spent most of his career cutting down to 155 pounds, now weighs around 187 pounds and admits he probably couldn’t pass a USADA test.
“I’m Peptide Papi, man. I don’t think I can pass a drug test,” Poirier told Helwani during the interview. “I’m lifting probably five, six days a week. I built a gym at my house – the Silly Goose Fitness Club, we’re not taking applications.”
The weight gain is a significant shift for a fighter who struggled with weight cuts throughout his career. Poirier explained that the constant need to make 155 pounds, and 145 pounds prior to his lightweight jump, prevented him from bulking the way he wanted to.
“I’ve worked out my whole life, but I was always conscious of putting on too much weight, couldn’t eat too many calories, couldn’t lift too heavy, because making 155 was never easy,” Poirier explained. “Now that I don’t have to make weight, I can eat all the carbs and calories I want, I can lift heavy. I’m just trying to see where my body balances out at.”
In the context of performance enhancement, athletes sometimes use peptides to stimulate muscle growth, increase strength, and speed up recovery from training. These compounds are banned by most sports organizations, including the UFC’s USADA anti-doping program.
The Lafayette native has been training alongside his friend Kyle at his home gym five to six days per week, embracing the freedom to build muscle without worrying about weight classes or USADA testing. Before his retirement fight, Poirier had joked with ESPN about getting “on steroids” once USADA stopped knocking on his door.
Dustin Poirier on Sobriety
While the physical transformation has been visible on social media, Poirier also addressed a more serious aspect of his retirement journey. In November, he posted cryptically about “soul searching” and making changes, later clarifying in the comments that he was committing to sobriety. During his interview with Helwani, Poirier provided context for that decision.
“I had retired and had so much time on my hands, and I’m always battling something in my mind,” Poirier said. “I’ve always drank alcohol growing up, but it was celebratory – vacation, get-togethers, things like that. Now I’m retired and I’m sitting at home and I can have a drink every day. I don’t have to wake up and run miles, I don’t have to wake up and go to the gym or be somewhere. I just wanted to pull back from drinking.”
Poirier emphasized that he does not have an alcohol problem but wanted to stay ahead of potential issues. He completed roughly 40 days of sobriety leading up to New Year’s, when he had champagne to celebrate. The former fighter explained that he enjoys bourbon and whiskey but recognized the danger of slipping into daily drinking habits without the structure of training camps.
“I’m not going to be sober my whole life – for New Year’s I drank champagne – I just wanted to take a step back because that can get ugly quick,” Poirier said. “We’ve seen it before. When your hands are full every day trying to be the best at something and then boom, it’s gone, you’re retired, you have a lot of time on your hands. I just wanted to be smart.”
Paddy Pimblett has cast doubt on Justin Gaethje’s hunger for the interim lightweight title ahead of their UFC 324 showdown, suggesting the veteran fighter has lost his competitive edge and is simply chasing one final payday.
In a recent interview with TMZ Sports, the Liverpool fighter questioned whether Gaethje remains fully committed to the sport, pointing to his financial success as evidence of waning motivation. The comments come just days before the pair meet for the interim 155-pound championship on January 24 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
“Justin’s got a lot of money now. He’s driving around in a Lamborghini,” Pimblett said. “I think he’s just after one last big payday, but I’m not going to underestimate him. I think everyone underestimates me and I’d never do that to anyone else. The one time I did it, years ago with Jared Gordon, I nearly got beat. So I’ll never do that ever again.”
The reference to his controversial unanimous decision victory over Gordon at UFC 282 in December 2022 showed a rare moment of candour from the typically confident 31-year-old. That fight saw all three judges score the bout 29-28 in Pimblett’s favour despite widespread belief that Gordon had done enough to win, with fans booing the decision announcement at T-Mobile Arena.
Pimblett also challenged the narrative around Gaethje‘s knockout power, a trademark of the 37-year-old’s career that has produced 20 knockout victories across 26 professional wins.
“People keep saying about his knockout power and I think I’ve got more knockout power than him,” Pimblett stated. “The last person he knocked out with his hands was James Vick in like 2018 or something – they were still wearing Reebok then.”
“He finishes people with the accumulation of punches, but I don’t think he’s going to be able to hit me that much,” Pimblett added. “I’ll be too fast, too elusive, too good in my range.”
The interim title fight was created after current lightweight champion Ilia Topuria announced he would not compete in the first quarter of 2026 due to personal issues.
Gaethje, ranked fourth in the UFC’s lightweight division, enters the fight having won his last bout against Rafael Fiziev via majority decision in March 2025. Pimblett, ranked fifth, carries a perfect 7-0 UFC record and is coming off a TKO victory over Michael Chandler in April 2025.
The fight headlines UFC 324, the first numbered event in the promotion’s landmark partnership with Paramount+. The deal eliminates pay-per-view fees for fans in the United States and Latin America, with all major numbered events and UFC Fight Night cards now available exclusively on the streaming platform.
For Pimblett, the opportunity represents the culmination of a journey that began nearly 16 years ago, “I’ve always said that this is going to happen. I’m going to be UFC champion,” he told TMZ. “So for that dream to finally come true on Saturday night, it’s going to be special.”
New Zealand lightweight Dan Hooker has drawn a line between authenticity and performance in the UFC, taking aim at Colby Covington’s approach to self-promotion during a recent interview with Sky Sports.
Dan Hooker: Don’t Be Fake Like Colby Covington
“People can hate me for being me — I can live with that, that’s all right,” Hooker said. “It’s like, you don’t want to be Colby Covington, where they’re just scared that people won’t like the real them. I’d rather be hated for who I am than loved for something I’m not.”
The comments from the 35-year-old veteran shows tensions around Covington’s admitted use of a character to remain relevant in the UFC. Covington revealed in 2019 that the promotion had told his management they would not re-sign him prior to his October 2017 bout against Demian Maia in Brazil. Facing career uncertainty while earning $30,000 to fight the number two welterweight in the world, Covington delivered the infamous post-fight rant that altered his trajectory.
After dominating Maia to a unanimous decision, Covington grabbed the microphone and called Brazilians “a bunch of filthy animals” and Brazil “a dump”. The promo went viral, forcing the UFC to reverse course. “That promo goes so viral on the internet, that the UFC’s like, we have to keep him, we have to re-sign him because that promo is so big,” Covington explained on The Candace Owens Show. The moment became the turning point that saved his career.
Since adopting the persona, Covington has achieved notable success, including capturing the interim welterweight championship against Rafael dos Anjos at UFC 225 in June 2018. However, observers have noted the toll of maintaining the act. Former UFC lightweight Paul Felder suggested in March 2025 that Covington’s persona appears to be fading.
Multiple training partners and opponents have reported that Covington presents as reserved and soft-spoken in private settings, contradicting the bombastic character displayed during fight promotions. Even Demian Maia noted that Covington was respectful during their pre-fight interactions, explaining that the aggressive promotion was simply a business tool.
Covington’s recent career trajectory reflects the challenges Hooker referenced. The former interim champion holds a 17-5 professional record but has won just once in his last four fights. His most recent appearance ended in a third-round TKO loss to Joaquin Buckley at UFC Tampa on December 14, 2024, when a doctor stopped the contest due to a severe cut above Covington’s eye. Buckley dominated the fight, landing 75 of 151 significant strikes compared to Covington’s 37 of 124.
Covington currently sits at number 14 in the UFC welterweight rankings. His last victory came against Jorge Masvidal at UFC 272 in March 2022. UFC President Dana White recently questioned Covington’s top-15 ranking during an interview, agreeing with criticism about his placement.
Hooker’s career stands in contrast to Covington’s current situation. The number six ranked lightweight brought a three-fight winning streak into his November 22, 2025 main event against Arman Tsarukyan at UFC Qatar. Despite losing via arm-triangle choke submission in the second round, Hooker had compiled victories over Mateusz Gamrot and Jalin Turner in back-to-back split decisions prior to the loss.
The New Zealander returns to action on January 31, 2026, facing number eight ranked Benoit Saint Denis in the co-main event of UFC 325 in Sydney, Australia. With a 24-13 professional record and 14-9 UFC mark, Hooker remains a fixture in the lightweight division’s upper tier.
Paddy Pimblett Beef
Hooker’s comments arrive amid separate controversy involving fellow lightweight Paddy Pimblett. The two engaged in a heated exchange on social media after Pimblett criticized Hooker’s grappling skills during an interview with MMA Guru. Hooker responded by referencing Pimblett’s close friend Ricky, who died by suicide in 2022, writing “RIP Ricky” in a post that sparked backlash.
Pimblett fired back, calling Hooker’s comment “the lowest of the low” for bringing up a personal tragedy. The Liverpool fighter has been an advocate for mental health awareness since his friend’s death and expressed outrage at Hooker using the topic for trash talk.
The exchange occurred as Pimblett prepares for the biggest fight of his career. The number five ranked lightweight faces Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight championship in the main event of UFC 324 on January 24, 2026 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The bout was created after current champion Ilia Topuria announced he would not compete in the first quarter of 2026 due to personal reasons.
UFC veteran and pro wrestling fixture Matt Riddle has weighed in on the debate surrounding Jon Jones’ status as the greatest fighter of all time, offering both acknowledgment of their shared history and respect for Jones’ accomplishments.
Matt Riddle Says Jon Jones is “The Baddest Dude on the Planet” Despite Beating Him in Wrestling
Speaking with The Schmo backstage at Real American Freestyle’s RAF05 event in Sunrise, Florida, Riddle addressed his past victories over Jones during their high school wrestling days. “I mean, I did beat Jon Jones back in the day. We have some history, but he is, let’s be real, it’s Jon Jones,” Riddle said. “Anybody can say whatever they want. The guy is the baddest dude on the planet.”
Riddle, who won the New York State wrestling championship in 2004 while attending Saratoga Springs High School defeated Jones twice in state-level tournaments during their amateur careers. Jones, who competed for Union-Endicott High School, finished third at the 2004 state championships before winning the title in 2005.
However, Jones has disputed Riddle’s version of events. In January 2026, the former UFC heavyweight champion responded to Riddle’s claims on Instagram, stating he never actually wrestled Riddle. “I could be the bigger man and let it go, but there’s another side of me that can be extremely petty,” Jones wrote. “The truth is, I never wrestled Matt. I lost in the state semifinals to Jack Sullivan back in 2004.”
Despite the disagreement over their wrestling history, Riddle was effusive in his praise of Jones as a mixed martial artist. “And now that he’s heavyweight, let’s be real, he’s gonna kill everybody,” Riddle said. “You might hit a lucky shot, but pound for pound, time for time, minute per minute, Jon Jones is the best fighter in the world.”
Does Matt Riddle think he could take Jon Jones?
When asked about a potential rematch under the Real American Freestyle banner, Riddle acknowledged the likely outcome.
“If they want to book it, they can. Jon Jones is probably going to smoke my ass,” he said. “But at the same time, never say never. That’s what fighters have in their hearts.”
Jones, who retired from MMA in June 2025 at age 37, compiled a record of 28-1 with his only loss being a controversial disqualification. He held the UFC light heavyweight championship for 14 years across multiple reigns and captured the heavyweight title in 2023 after defeating Ciryl Gane. Jones recently announced plans to return for a potential fight at a White House event celebrating America’s 250th birthday.
Riddle competed in the UFC from 2008 to 2013, posting an 8-3 record before being released after testing positive for marijuana twice. He transitioned to professional wrestling in 2014 and spent several years with WWE before joining Major League Wrestling, where he won the MLW World Heavyweight Championship in January 2025. He lost the title in September 2025.
Justin Gaethje has outlined a damage-focused approach for his interim lightweight title fight against Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324, scheduled for January 24 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The 37-year-old veteran detailed his plan to systematically break down the undefeated Liverpool fighter through leg attacks before targeting a knockout finish.
Justin Gaethje Reveals Knockout Strategy for Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324
“Styles make matchups and I think this is a very unique one,” Gaethje said on UFC 324 Countdown. “Paddy is young, hungry, dangerous. It’s everything I wanted, and even better because this guy is hugely popular. Pretty much all of my success has come from creating damage. I really have to start at his legs and make him forget about his head, and then try to punch his hair off. He’s going to look like every other fighter that I fight at the end of the fight – a lot of damage, just nasty.
The matchup comes after UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria announced he would step away from competition through early 2026 due to personal matters, opening the door for an interim title bout between the fourth and fifth-ranked contenders. Gaethje holds a 26-5 record with 20 knockout victories, while Pimblett enters the fight with a 23-3 record and an unblemished 7-0 UFC run.
Gaethje has built a reputation as one of the most devastating leg kickers in UFC history, consistently using the technique to compromise opponents’ mobility before finishing fights. His coach Trevor Wittman has been instrumental in developing this approach, which helped revive Gaethje’s career and earn him multiple Fight of the Night bonuses. Against Michael Chandler at UFC 268, Gaethje used leg kicks to systematically break down his opponent before earning a unanimous decision.
The strategy appears particularly relevant against Pimblett, who has relied on grappling skills and submissions throughout his UFC career, with 10 career wins by submission. Pimblett earned his title shot after a third-round TKO victory over Michael Chandler at UFC 314 in April 2025, his biggest career win.
Gaethje acknowledged the stakes involved in what could be his final run at UFC gold. “This is a battle of momentum, but I have goals and ambitions, so I’m going to have to knock him out,” he said. “I do not plan on this fight going the distance. I’ve got this mad vision of knocking him out. I just don’t see how he survives five rounds.”
The Arizona native emphasized the evolution of his fighting approach under Wittman’s guidance. “What really separated me from the other high-level fighters early on was my willingness to take chances,” Gaethje explained. “My best defense is a nonstop offensive attack. I am one of the absolute masters at taking your legs away from you.”
Gaethje has already held an interim lightweight title after defeating Tony Ferguson in 2020, but failed in two attempts to secure the undisputed championship against Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira. His coach Wittman recently described UFC 324 as their “last run” at the title, stating they would not continue fighting simply for money if they fail to achieve their championship goal.
Pimblett, 30, trains at Next Generation MMA in Liverpool and holds a second-degree black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. The Englishman has won nine consecutive fights dating back to 2018, with seven of those victories coming inside the UFC octagon.
Pimblett, 30, trains at Next Generation MMA in Liverpool and holds a second-degree black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. The Englishman has won nine consecutive fights dating back to 2018, with seven of those victories coming inside the UFC octagon.
UFC 324 marks the first numbered event under the promotion’s new seven-year, $7.7 billion partnership with Paramount, making it available to Paramount+ subscribers at no additional pay-per-view cost. The main card begins at 9 p.m. ET, with the winner expected to face Topuria for the undisputed lightweight championship upon his return.
“Now I’m fighting for the championship,” Gaethje said. “I’m taking one more run at the title. This is my last hurrah and I would love nothing more than to finish this off exactly how I want it.”
Former UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping has weighed in on the heated exchange between Paddy Pimblett and Dan Hooker, suggesting the Liverpool fighter’s comments about Hooker’s mother were inappropriate but that the subsequent response went too far.
Michael Bisping Questions Whether Paddy Pimblett Crossed the Line With Dan Hooker Insults
Pimblett sparked controversy during an interview with The MMA Guru when he criticized Hooker’s grappling abilities using a crude analogy involving Hooker’s mother.
Bisping acknowledged the comment was out of bounds while offering context about regional humor. “You’ve got to remember he’s a lad from Liverpool where they do have a great sense of humor, but also it can be a little cutting, it can be a little bit dark, and he was speaking to another English guy,” Bisping said. “I’m not defending the fact that he brought up Dan Hooker’s mom – he should not have done that. But in the context it wasn’t that bad. He never said anything too bad. He was basically just talking about the grappling of Dan Hooker.”
Hooker responded on social media by referencing Pimblett’s friend Ricky, who died by suicide in 2022. The New Zealand fighter wrote “RIP Ricky” in a post that questioned whether Pimblett was a good friend. Bisping called the response understandable given the circumstances.
“Dan came out with a response and said, ‘I thought we were mates. Obviously you’re not a very good mate, are you? #PaddyTheBaddy. RIP Ricky.’ And that is having a dig at one of his friends that ended his own life,” Bisping explained. “Paddy’s not happy with that and that is a disgusting comeback, it is. But given what Paddy said, it’s like the gloves are off. All’s fair in love and war.”
The former champion emphasized that bringing up mothers rarely ends well in combat sports. “Any time you bring up the mothers it never ends well,” Bisping said.
“Men’s health and mental health is a huge issue – a tremendous amount of men pass away every year via suicide and it’s not a laughing matter – but as I say, Dan Hooker was offended, he was pissed off, very angry and emotional.”
UFC 324
Bisping outlined potential matchmaking scenarios stemming from the feud. Pimblett faces Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight title at UFC 324 on January 24 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Hooker meets Benoit Saint-Denis at UFC 325 in Sydney one week later.
“If Paddy beats Gaethje he becomes the interim champion. After that, Dan Hooker’s off his radar – he will not get to fight Dan Hooker,” Bisping said. “But if Paddy loses – if he loses – I think we might see this fight happen pretty quickly.”
Regarding acceptable boundaries in trash talk, Bisping was clear about where lines should be drawn. “You don’t talk about families and you certainly don’t talk about mothers and you certainly don’t make fun of people that have passed away,” he said. “Leave all that off the table. Talk about them, their looks, their fights, the way they dress – whatever you want – just leave all that out of it.”
Despite the controversy, Bisping noted the exchange benefits Pimblett’s profile. “It does make it spicy, it does give people like me something to talk about and it certainly makes the matchmaking interesting,” he said. “Whether people love him or hate him, they’re all going to tune in to watch him.”
UFC 324 is the next UFC fight this weekend, streaming live on Saturday night, January 24, 2026, from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. This is the first UFC card of 2026 and marks the debut of the UFC on Paramount+, meaning fans can watch without paying traditional pay-per-view prices. The main event features Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight title.
Key Points
UFC Card This Weekend: UFC 324 streams Saturday, Jan 24 on Paramount+ — the first UFC fight of the new Paramount era
Main Event: Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett for the interim UFC Lightweight Championship
Where to Watch UFC 324:Paramount+ (included with subscription—no PPV cost). Main card starts 9 PM ET
UFC 324 Where to Watch: Paramount+ Streaming Details
UFC 324 is available to watch on Paramount+ in the United States as part of the UFC’s new $7.7 billion media rights deal. Unlike previous UFC pay-per-views that cost $79.99, this UFC fight card is included with your Paramount+ subscription at no additional cost. This makes UFC 324 the first numbered event since UFC 267 in 2021 to not air on traditional pay-per-view in the U.S.
The UFC schedule for Saturday night features an earlier start time than fans are used to—the main card begins at 9 PM ET instead of the traditional 10 PM slot, so you’ll finish watching at a more reasonable hour.
UFC 324 Full Fight Card
Fight
Weight Class/Stipulation
Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett
Interim Lightweight Championship
Sean O’Malley vs. Song Yadong
Bantamweight Bout
Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs. Derrick Lewis
Heavyweight Bout
Natalia Silva vs. Rose Namajunas
Women’s Flyweight Bout
Jean Silva vs. Arnold Allen
Featherweight Bout
UFC 324 Prelims Card
Fight
Weight Class
Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Deiveson Figueiredo
Bantamweight
Ateba Gautier vs. Andrey Pulyaev
Middleweight
Nikita Krylov vs. Modestas Bukauskas
Light Heavyweight
UFC 324 Early Prelims Card
Fight
Weight Class
Alex Perez vs. Charles Johnson
Flyweight
Michael Johnson vs. Alexander Hernandez
Lightweight
Josh Hokit vs. Denzel Freeman
Heavyweight
Ricky Turcios vs. Cameron Smotherman
Bantamweight
Ty Miller vs. Adam Fugitt
Welterweight
UFC 324 Fight Previews
Paddy Pimblett Next Fight: vs. Justin Gaethje for Interim Lightweight Title
Paddy Pimblett’s next fight is the biggest of his career—a five-round main event against Justin Gaethje for the interim UFC lightweight championship. The Liverpool native (23-3) enters on a nine-fight winning streak, including seven straight UFC victories. His most recent win came via submission over Michael Chandler at UFC 314.
Pimblett has predicted an early finish, claiming the UFC fight won’t go past the third round. He plans to keep the fight standing initially before implementing his elite grappling, telling media he’s confident his unorthodox style will pose problems for the veteran.
At 37 years old, Justin “The Highlight” Gaethje (26-5) is making what could be his final push for undisputed UFC gold. The former interim champion previously held the belt after defeating Tony Ferguson in 2020 but has fallen short in two undisputed title fights against Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira.
Gaethje remains one of the most violent fighters in UFC history, earning performance bonuses in 12 of his 14 Octagon appearances. He’s just $50,000 away from becoming the second UFC fighter to earn $1 million in post-fight bonuses. A win puts him directly in line to face undisputed lightweight champion Ilia Topuria, who has indicated a spring return.
Sean O’Malley vs. Song Yadong – Bantamweight Bout
Former bantamweight champion Sean “Suga” O’Malley (18-3) is looking to snap a two-fight losing streak after dropping back-to-back bouts to Merab Dvalishvili. Despite the setbacks, O’Malley remains one of MMA’s biggest draws and holds a controversial split decision victory over current bantamweight champion Petr Yan.
Song Yadong (22-8) has quietly climbed the rankings with a 3-1 record in his last four UFC fights. The Chinese power puncher defeated former two-division champion Henry Cejudo in February 2025 and sees this as his opportunity to break into title contention. A win over a former champion on this UFC card could be career-defining.
Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Deiveson Figueiredo – Bantamweight Bout
This prelim headliner is a potential title eliminator. Umar Nurmagomedov (19-1), the #1 ranked bantamweight, bounced back from his first career loss with a dominant victory over Mario Bautista in October. Former two-time flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo (25-5-1) has revitalized his career at 135 pounds and is making one more push for championship gold at age 37.
Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs. Derrick Lewis – Heavyweight Bout
Undefeated Dominican heavyweight Waldo Cortes-Acosta (10-0) brings back-to-back first-round finishes into this clash against knockout legend Derrick Lewis (28-12). Lewis blitzed Tallison Teixeira in just 35 seconds last July. This heavyweight collision could end in a flash.
Natalia Silva vs. Rose Namajunas – Women’s Flyweight Bout
Natalia Silva (17-5) enters with a perfect 7-0 UFC record and a seven-fight winning streak, putting her on the doorstep of flyweight title contention. Former two-time strawweight champion Rose “Thug Rose” Namajunas (12-6) has won three of her last four fights since moving to 125 pounds.
UFC 324 Card Changes
The UFC 324 card was originally scheduled to feature a women’s bantamweight championship co-main event between Kayla Harrison and Amanda Nunes—which would have marked Nunes’ return from retirement. However, Harrison withdrew after being diagnosed with herniated discs in her neck requiring surgery. The fight is expected to be rescheduled.
When Is the Next UFC Fight? UFC Schedule Jan 24
UFC 324 is the next UFC fight, taking place this Saturday night on January 24, 2026. Here’s the complete UFC schedule for this weekend:
Early Prelims: Saturday, Jan 24 at 5 PM ET / 2 PM PT (Paramount+)
Prelims: Saturday, Jan 24 at 7 PM ET / 4 PM PT (Paramount+)
Main Card: Saturday, Jan 24 at 9 PM ET / 6 PM PT (Paramount+)
How to Watch UFC 324 on Paramount
Date/Time: Saturday, January 24, 2026 – Main Card at 9 PM ET / 6 PM PT
Venue: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada
Streaming (U.S.):Paramount+ (included with subscription—no additional PPV cost)
Streaming (UK): TNT Sports Box Office (£19.99)
Streaming (International): Paramount+ in Latin America and Australia; availability varies by region
This is the first UFC fight under the new Paramount UFC deal, which runs for seven years and is valued at $7.7 billion. All UFC events, including numbered cards, are now included with a Paramount+ subscription in the United States.
Don’t Miss MMA News Coverage
Stay tuned to MMANews.com for complete UFC 324 coverage: live results, fight recaps, post-fight analysis, and all the latest UFC 2026 news from Las Vegas throughout fight week.
Jon Jones and Alex Pereira spent the weekend firing shots at each other on social media, fueling speculation about a potential champion vs. champion superfight.
The exchange kicked off Saturday when Pereira posted a video from the tire shop in Brazil where he worked before his UFC stardom. The clip showed a tire marked “Next Jones” alongside a hammer labeled “Poatan” — a not-so-subtle challenge to the former heavyweight champion.
Jones didn’t take long to respond. The UFC legend posted a video on Instagram warning Pereira about what he’s asking for.
“I’ve beat a lot of legends from your country, my friend. I know you’d love to avenge the boys, but boy, would you be a good one to add to my list. Be careful what you wish for. Chama,” Jones said, borrowing Pereira’s signature catchphrase.
Jones’ record against Brazilian fighters speaks for itself — he holds victories over Maurício “Shogun” Rua, Lyoto Machida, Vitor Belfort, Glover Teixeira, and Thiago Santos throughout his legendary career.
The back-and-forth comes as both fighters position themselves for the UFC White House event scheduled for June 14, 2026. Jones retired last June but re-entered the USADA testing pool weeks later after President Trump announced the historic card. Pereira has been on a tear since reclaiming his light heavyweight title with an 80-second demolition of Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320 in October.
UFC CEO Dana White remains skeptical about booking Jones, previously telling Complex: “Can I count on Jon Jones? I can’t have Jon Jones doing something bad or pulling out of the White House fight.”
Whether the trash talk leads to an actual booking remains to be seen, but Jones and Pereira have made their interest abundantly clear.
Conor McGregor has declared his UFC contract is essentially void following the promotion’s massive media rights deal with Paramount, setting the stage for high-stakes negotiations next month.
Conor McGregor said he has to negotiate a new contract with the UFC next month 👀
The former two-division champion made the revelation during a recent live stream, explaining that his existing contract was structured around pay-per-view sales — a model that no longer exists under UFC’s new broadcasting agreement.
“My contract, essentially, is void right now because there’s no more PPV, whereas my contract was based on PPV sales,” McGregor stated. “I’m the highest-generating PPV fighter of all time. The PPV system is done, I’m due a new contract.”
McGregor confirmed he will enter negotiations with the UFC in February, expressing interest in how talks will unfold given the promotion’s dramatically improved financial position.
“They’ve actually got a new deal with Paramount, it’s worth $7.7 billion. So the company has 4xed its profit,” he added. “We’re going into negotiations in February, and I’m very interested to see how it goes.”
The 36-year-old Irishman, who holds a 22-6 professional record, hasn’t competed since suffering a broken leg against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021. He reportedly has two fights remaining on his current deal.
McGregor has been vocal about returning at UFC White House on June 14, previously telling Sean Hannity the fight is a “done deal, signed, delivered.” A potential showdown with Michael Chandler remains the most likely matchup for the historic event.
The contract situation highlights broader questions about fighter compensation in the post-PPV era, with several athletes reportedly restructuring their deals for higher guaranteed payouts under the new Paramount agreement.
Justin Gaethje admits what many fighters refuse to acknowledge—his career is in its twilight phase. But the 37-year-old isn’t ready to walk away. Instead, he’s chasing what he believes could be the most inspirational championship run in UFC history.
Speaking with TNT Fight Sports ahead of his interim lightweight title clash against Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324 on January 24, Gaethje showed rare vulnerability about where he stands while simultaneously expressing unwavering hunger for one more title run.
“I’m 37 years old. There’s no, you know, I’d be a fool to think that we’re just getting started here. The end is near,” Gaethje admitted.
Despite acknowledging father time, “The Highlight” made clear his competitive fire hasn’t diminished. When asked whether he still has hunger for the interim title, Gaethje described fighting as an addiction he simply cannot escape.
“Every single one of these is a traumatic life experience. There’s no matching the high or the low of winning or losing this sport. It kind of ruined other parts of life, but no, I am so hungry. I’ve never felt more alive than when I feel it. I will miss it when it’s gone,” Gaethje explained.
All-or-Nothing Philosophy
Gaethje has a signature phrase that captures his fighting philosophy better than any pre-fight hype. Asked if he’s already thinking about a potential Ilia Topuria fight after Pimblett, his answer was vintage Gaethje.
“I’ve said it before. I don’t ever plan on being alive after the fight. So, if that’s how it ends, that’s how it ends,” Gaethje said.
The former BMF champion enters every bout with total commitment, refusing to look past opponents or plan for what comes next. His complete focus remains on the task at hand, but he’s well aware that Topuria has been publicly offering advice to Pimblett, suggesting the champion would rather face the Liverpool star than “The Highlight.”
“Yeah. I’m gonna Khabib and Ferguson this thing,” Gaethje said, referencing one of MMA’s most infamous cursed matchups—a fight scheduled and cancelled five times before Gaethje stepped in to replace Ferguson at UFC 249.
Chasing the Most Inspirational Run in UFC History
Gaethje believes a championship run at 37 years old would cement his legacy as one of the most inspirational stories in UFC history. He outlined his dream scenario with characteristic passion.
“I just love the challenge. I love the opportunity to inspire people. If I can go out there, beat Paddy, beat Ilia, it’ll be the most inspirational thing that I think this sport has ever seen. I’m trying to do that for countless people. That’s my goal,” Gaethje said.
His resume speaks for itself—he’s headlined nine or ten UFC events and fought top-five opponents in nearly every Octagon appearance. Now headlining the first numbered card on Paramount+, he sees an opportunity to cap his career with the ultimate achievement.
“There’s a reason I’m still here is because I’m one of the best in the world. If they could have got rid of me, they would have got rid of me. But I continue to prove I’m one of the best,” Gaethje said.
Looking beyond Pimblett, Gaethje revealed his ultimate dream matchup. He’s hoping Max Holloway defeats Charles Oliveira in their BMF title fight, setting up an incredible opportunity.
“I hope Max wins. I hope he goes up and then I can fight Max on the White House card and take the BMF belt and the championship,” Gaethje said.
When asked what fight he’d most like to see happen in 2026, Gaethje didn’t hesitate.
“I would say myself versus Ilia Topuria on the White House card,” Gaethje concluded.
Gaethje has twice fallen short in undisputed title fights, losing to Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira by submission. A win over Pimblett would position him for one final championship run against Topuria—and potentially the historic ending his career deserves.
A warning message to Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett: Ilia Topuria is watching.
Topuria’s fighting career was left uncertain late last year when he announced that he would be stepping away indefinitely due to personal matters. The UFC lightweight champion has been dealing with a harsh custody battle involving his ex-wife.
The champ’s unavailability led to the UFC’s decision, as revealed on Thanksgiving, to book Gaethje vs. Pimblett in an interim title fight to serve as the main event of UFC 324. But it doesn’t seem like the winner will have to wait long before unifying with “El Matador.”
In a reply to fan questions on X, Topuria said he is aiming for a spring bout with whoever comes away with the interim gold.
Ilia Topuria Aiming For Undisputed Title Fight In Spring
The opponent he’s aiming for comes at a time where Arman Tsarukyan has recently spoken out on The Ariel Helwani Show about not receiving a lightweight title opportunity. Tsarukyan claims the UFC wants Pimblett to be a champion and teased the idea of either dropping to featherweight or going for the BMF belt.
UFC CEO and President Dana White recently told Complex that Tsarukyan needs to work his way back to a title shot, citing the controversial headbutt in his staredown with Dan Hooker and pulling out of a title fight with Islam Makhachev with one day to go before UFC 311 at this time last year.
Topuria knocked out Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 last year to win the UFC lightweight championship, which was vacated after Makhachev moved up from lightweight to welterweight.
Topuria had been featherweight champion in 2024, winning the belt by finishing Alexander Volkanovski before retaining with a knockout of Max Holloway.
UFC 324 takes place on January 24 from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. It will be the UFC’s first event as part of its lucrative deal with Paramount.
Perhaps we’ll be seeing Jorge Masvidal returning to action for at least one more matchup soon? Masvidal is teasing such in a new interview, and it has rumors swirling about what Masvidal could be referencing.
In an interview with MMAJunkie, Masvidal said that while he isn’t allowed to reveal much right now, he can confirm he has been training at American Top Team in Florida.
Masvidal says he is in the midst of preparing for “something big.”
“Some of it is like level-five only access, so I can’t really say too much,” Masvidal said. “I can say it’s some big news. I have some fight news coming soon, and it’s very big news.”
Jorge Masvidal Willing To Take Any Spot To Be On UFC White House Card
Plenty of speculation around this news points to the possibility that Masvidal could compete at the UFC White House card on June 14.
Masvidal is a longtime supporter of U.S. President Donald Trump, and Trump was present for UFC 272. That event saw Masvidal and former teammate-turned-rival Colby Covington, also a devout Trump supporter, facing off in the main event.
This also comes off the heels of a recent interview UFC CEO and President Dana White did with Complex, shooting down rumors of a Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler matchup for the event.
White, however, has also shot down the idea of a McGregor vs. Masvidal matchup in the past, worried about a noteworthy size disadvantage for McGregor.
While Masvidal could not provide more details about his ongoings, he did emphasize the honor it would be to compete at such a unique, once-in-a-lifetime kind of event like UFC White House.
“Really, just the honor of fighting at the White House card,” Masvidal said. “I’ve fought at the Playboy Mansion, I’ve fought in Russia, I fought in South Korea, South America – I’ve fought in many places. Madison Square Garden. There’s not too many things I didn’t get to do throughout my career, and a lot of unexpected turns as well…So, I would definitely like to do this because, in my opinion, in my book, I don’t think this gets done again.
“I get it if people don’t want to fight for the elitists or however they distribute the tickets, but I just want to fight at the White House. I’m a Latin m***********, from immigrant parents on both sides, putting my crafts and skills on display, at the highest level in the White House lawn. Who’s ever done that? Nobody. It should be a great honor for me and also to represent my Latin community.”
Masvidal’s UFC career ended on a four-fight losing skid, last fighting at UFC 283 in a loss to Gilbert Burns.
The inaugural BMF belt holder’s last taste of combat action came in July 2024, losing a boxing matchup to Nate Diaz.
Josh Emmett vs. Kevin Vallejos To Headline UFC Vegas 114
For Emmett, this fight presents the opportunity of a needed rebound. Emmett has lost four of his last five, stemming back from his interim title fight loss against Yair Rodriguez at UFC 284. Emmett’s losses in that span have come against Rodriguez, Ilia Topuria, Lerone Murphy, and Youssef Zalal.
Emmett’s sole win in that time period was his highlight knockout of Bryce Mitchell at UFC 296.
Vallejos is 3-0 in the Octagon since earning a contract by knocking out Cam Teague on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2024. Last year, Vallejos put away Seung Woo Choi, earned a decision over Danny Silva, and finished Giga Chikadze.
UFC Vegas 114 takes place on March 14 from the UFC Meta Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Zuffa Boxing has officially confirmed its inaugural event, Z01, scheduled for Friday, January 23, featuring three compelling matchups at the Meta APEX venue.
Irish middleweight prospect Callum Walsh headlines the card against Mexico’s Carlos Ocampo in a 10-round bout. Walsh, who has built momentum in recent years, faces a significant test against the experienced Ocampo as Zuffa launches its boxing venture under the same ownership as the UFC.
The co-main event features 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Misael Rodriguez taking on Austin Deanda in another middleweight clash. Rodriguez brings amateur pedigree to the professional ranks in what promises to be a competitive 10-round affair.
Rounding out the announced card, welterweights Julian Rodriguez and Cain Sandoval square off in an all-American showdown over 10 rounds.
The event streams exclusively on Paramount+ beginning at 9 PM ET / 6 PM PT, marking a significant moment for the combat sports landscape as Zuffa expands beyond mixed martial arts into the boxing space.
Z01 Main Card (January 23, Paramount+):
Callum Walsh vs. Carlos Ocampo (Middleweight, 10 rounds)
Misael Rodriguez vs. Austin Deanda (Middleweight, 10 rounds)
Julian Rodriguez vs. Cain Sandoval (Welterweight, 10 rounds)
You won’t be seeing Mohammed Usman putting on the gloves for a while — if ever again.
The brother of former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman has accepted a two-year, six-month suspension as a result of violating the UFC’s anti-doping policy.
Usman’s failed test stems back to October, when he was pulled from his scheduled UFC Rio matchup against Valter Walker for elevated testosterone levels.
Usman’s suspension began retroactively on October 9, the day he was informed of the violation.
Mohammed Usman Suspended For 2.5 Years For October 2025 Failed Drug Test
“While Usman ultimately took responsibility for the above details, he did not do so in a timely fashion and not until CSAD confronted him with evidence they had independently collected during a detailed investigation of his use of these multiple prohibited substances as well as his attempt to deceive CSAD with a false explanation,” the UFC said in a statement.
“Under the UFC ADP [Anti-Doping Program], if a UFC athlete uses multiple substances like Usman did and engages in deceptive or obstructive conduct to avoid the adjudication of an Anti-Doping Policy Violation like he did, then aggravating circumstances are determined to exist. While aggravating circumstances can double a standard suspension, because Usman ultimately admitted to the prohibited behavior, CSAD determined that a six-month addition to the standard 2-year suspension for using these substances was appropriate for these aggravating factors.”
Usman’s suspension will end on April 9, 2028. He will be 39 years old by that point.
“The Motor” is 11-4 in MMA and last fought in June, defeating Hamdy Abdelwahab at UFC Baku. He is 4-2 in the UFC and won the heavyweight tournament of The Ultimate Fighter season 30.
Prior to the UFC, Usman competed in Titan FC and had one bout with the PFL.
Conor McGregor says he’s ready to make his long-awaited UFC return — regardless of who that may be against.
In a recent interview with Complex, UFC CEO and President Dana White said he has no interest in trying to make a fight between McGregor and Michael Chandler happen. Chandler had been on CBS recently promoting a positive sign that the two could face off at UFC White House.
Now, McGregor has taken to social media, seemingly to respond to White’s remarks. And it appears that McGregor is not crying over the spilled milk that would be a fight with Chandler never coming to fruition.
Pick who ya want! The Mac sweats nothin and nobody.
“Pick who ya want!” McGregor posted. “The Mac sweats nothin [sic] and nobody. I’m tasty shots.”
Conor McGregor Open To Any Fight After Dana White Scraps Potential Fight With Michael Chandler
McGregor and Chandler had been rumored to fight for about three years now. This stretches back to when the two were opposing coaches on season 31 of The Ultimate Fighter in 2023.
Despite no rumblings of a fight in that year, the two were booked to fight in the originally planned UFC 303 main event. Less than a month before the fight, however, McGregor withdrew with a toe injury.
McGregor re-joined the UFC drug testing pool this past summer, following U.S. President Donald Trump’s first revelation of the UFC’s plans for a card at the White House.
The UFC card on the White House lawn is scheduled for Sunday, June 14.
McGregor has not been seen in the Octagon since losing to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264.
Michael Chandler can hope all he wants, but UFC CEO and President Dana White claims a fight between Chandler and Conor McGregor is dead in the water.
A fight between Chandler and McGregor has been nearly three years in the making now, stretching back to when the pair faced off as opposing coaches on season 31 of The Ultimate Fighter.
Chandler recently appeared on CBS as part of the network’s New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash show to ring in 2026 and promote the UFC’s new partnership with Paramount. As part of his time there, Chandler claimed that things were looking up for a fight with McGregor to finally happen — and happen at the UFC’s card on the White House lawn in June.
In a new interview with Complex, however, White suggested that the fight is no longer possible.
Dana White Says No Shot To Conor McGregor Vs. Michael Chandler At UFC White House
“I mean, that was a couple years ago,” White said. “No.”
Despite promotion that the two would face off at the end of TUF 31, the year 2023 came and went without a hint of a matchup announcement.
Finally, at the UFC 300 post-fight press conference, White announced that the two would face off in the main event of UFC 303. The fight went up in smoke less than a month before the event, however, due to a toe injury suffered by McGregor.
Since then, no fight announcement has been made, and Chandler has gone on to lose to Charles Oliveira and Paddy Pimblett at UFC 309 and UFC 314, respectively.
Since the first announcement of the UFC White House card this past summer, McGregor has publicly advocated to make his UFC return at the event, going as far as to re-join the UFC’s drug testing pool.
McGregor has not fought in the UFC since losing his trilogy bout with Dustin Poirier at UFC 264.
CBS Sports veteran Kate Scott has been added to the UFC 324 broadcast team as the on-site desk host for the promotion’s first event under its new Paramount+ media deal.
Scott will anchor studio coverage from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on January 24, hosting pre-fight, intermission, and post-fight segments alongside analysts Michael Bisping, Dominick Cruz, and Chris Weidman. The broadcast will also feature Joe Rogan, Jon Anik, and Daniel Cormier on commentary.
Unbelievable coup for the UFC to have Kate join the broadcast team.
She is one of the absolute best, most professional talented hosts/broadcasters I’ve ever worked with. Fight fan. She instantly raises the profile of the events, IMO. Massive. https://t.co/Da88JuULOI
MMA journalist Ariel Helwani praised the hiring on social media, calling it an “unbelievable coup for the UFC.”
“She is one of the absolute best, most professional talented hosts/broadcasters I’ve ever worked with. Fight fan. She instantly raises the profile of the events, IMO. Massive,” Helwani wrote.
Scott brings extensive sports broadcasting experience to the UFC, having hosted major UEFA club competitions and global football events for CBS, along with previous work for CNN, Sky, and Fox.
UFC 324 is headlined by an interim lightweight title fight between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett, with Sean O’Malley vs. Song Yadong also featured on the card. The event marks the UFC’s transition to Paramount+ streaming rather than traditional pay-per-view in the United States.
Two-time Olympic gold medalist Abdulrashid Sadulaev has signed an exclusive agreement with Real American Freestyle (RAF), the wrestling league confirmed to MMA Fighting.
Sadulaev, widely regarded as the greatest freestyle wrestler of his generation, brings an unprecedented resume to RAF. The 29-year-old Russian captured Olympic gold at Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, won six World Championship titles across three different weight classes, and holds a career record of 160-6.
His rivalry with American star Kyle Snyder produced three victories for “The Russian Tank,” including their Tokyo 2020 Olympic final showdown.
Sadulaev was barred from competing at the 2024 Paris Olympics due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, making RAF an attractive destination for the decorated wrestler to continue competing at the highest level.
RAF CEO Chad Bronstein called Sadulaev “one of the most dominant athletes the sport of wrestling has ever produced,” adding that the signing signals top-tier wrestlers now view RAF as the professional destination.
RAF COO Izzy Martinez echoed the sentiment, stating the promotion is “professionalizing wrestling at the highest level” and becoming where the sport’s future is being shaped.
Real American Freestyle launched in 2025 and broadcasts on Fox Nation. The league features a mix of Olympic wrestlers and MMA crossover athletes including Kyle Snyder, Bo Nickal, Henry Cejudo, and Colby Covington.
