Kayla Harrison has revealed that emergency neck surgery forced her withdrawal from UFC 324, postponing her highly anticipated bantamweight title defense against Amanda Nunes.
The two-time Olympic judo gold medalist shared an emotional video from her hospital bed in New York City, appearing in a neck brace following surgery to repair herniated discs. Harrison called the situation “a tough one,” confirming she is now on “day one” of her recovery and comeback.
Fighting back tears, Harrison repeatedly apologized to Nunes, the UFC, and fans for the late withdrawal from the January 24 event.
“I’ll be back soon,” Harrison promised.
The champion also spoke about her faith during the difficult moment, saying she wants to honor God “in the good and the bad” and hopes her story can be used “in a powerful way.”
Harrison thanked her surgeon Dr. Kim, UFC medical staff, her coaches and teammates at American Top Team, and her mother for caring for her children during her recovery.
The UFC has not announced a new date for Harrison vs. Nunes, though the superfight between the reigning champion and the promotion’s most decorated women’s fighter is expected to be rescheduled once Harrison completes her rehabilitation.
Despite a win in his last outing, Paulo Costa will be taking on a new challenge — a new weight class — in his next bout.
Per a report from Laerte Viana, the former UFC middleweight title challenger will be moving up to light heavyweight.
Costa’s first fight at the weight class will be quite the test, taking on the undefeated Azamat Murzakanov at UFC 327.
Costa had been scheduled to compete at UFC 326 against Brunno Ferriera. He’s since been replaced in the bout by Gregory “Robocop” Rodrigues.
Paulo Costa vs. Azamat Murzanakov Booked For UFC 327
Costa has gone 2-4 in the UFC, with a number of withdrawals and re-bookings, since unsuccessfully challenging Israel Adesanya for the UFC middleweight title at UFC 253.
After missing all of 2023, Costa dropped decisions to Robert Whittaker and Sean Strickland in 2024. He, however, successfully returned at UFC 318 with a decision win over Roman Kopylov.
Murzakanov is 16-0 in the sport, including a 6-0 UFC record since arriving from Dana White’s Contender Series. Murzakanov scored the biggest win of his career at UFC 321 in October, knocking out Aleksandar Rakic.
Justin Gaethje has a straightforward response to Paddy Pimblett’s claim that “Scousers don’t get knocked out”—he’s going to test that theory at UFC 324.
Speaking with TNT Fight Sports ahead of their interim lightweight title fight on January 24, Gaethje laid out his game plan against the rising Liverpool star while acknowledging the challenges Pimblett presents.
“We’ll see. We’ll see. I would try to test that theory,” Gaethje said when asked about Pimblett’s Liverpool toughness claims.
The former interim champion identified what makes Pimblett dangerous while expressing confidence in his superior striking arsenal. Gaethje knows he needs to solve the puzzle early.
“His aggression and funkiness is something that I’m going to have to figure out. And it’s going to have to figure out early,” Gaethje explained.
While Gaethje plans to keep the fight standing where his power advantage is most pronounced, he made clear the grappling exchanges don’t scare him. The loss to Charles Oliveira by submission forced a significant training shift.
“I’m not scared to go there. I’m not going to go out there and look to engage in wrestling or grappling because I think my skills on the feet are obviously better than his,” Gaethje said. “Ever since Charles Oliveira took me out, I’ve been grappling my ass off.”
Gaethje also pointed to his takedown defense statistics as evidence of his wrestling credentials. As for Pimblett’s fight week antics, the 37-year-old veteran isn’t interested in participating.
“It doesn’t involve me, so I won’t be part of that. Home relaxed, cutting weight, eating good food, and mentally preparing for war,” Gaethje said about handling the Liverpool fighter’s pre-fight showmanship.
Paddy Pimblett is confident he will stop Justin Gaethje inside three rounds when the two meet for the interim lightweight title at UFC 324 on January 24.
Speaking with TNT Sports ahead of the bout, Pimblett revealed his game plan involves standing and trading with one of the most dangerous strikers in the division. Despite Gaethje’s reputation for devastating power, “The Baddy” isn’t planning to rely solely on his grappling credentials.
“I’ll keep it on the feet with him,” Pimblett said. “There’s the blueprint there to beat him. Max done it.”
Pimblett pointed to his performance against Michael Chandler as evidence that his striking has been underestimated. The Liverpool native believes he can outwork Gaethje on the feet while implementing a strategic approach that leads to an early stoppage.
“Everyone underestimates my strike and everyone thinks I’m just going to come in and I’m going to take him down,” Pimblett explained. “I had an absolute war with Chandler and I pieced Chandler up. You’ll see come January 24th when we have a perfect game plan and we finish him within three.”
The 30-year-old also addressed concerns about Gaethje’s ability to defend takedowns, suggesting his unorthodox style will pose problems regardless of where the fight takes place.
“I don’t wrestle like a normal person. I do everything differently. I’m not normal,” Pimblett said. “He’s not going to be able to get a sparring partner in what grapples like me or strikes like me because I’m a weirdo. I’m very awkward. You can’t really get a sparring partner in to do me because I’m so awkward.”
Despite the confidence, Pimblett remains a fan of Gaethje and expressed genuine respect for the former interim champion’s legacy in the sport.
“I am a Justin Gaethje fan. Not was, I am,” Pimblett said. “Anyone who is an MMA fan and isn’t a Justin Gaethje fan isn’t an MMA fan. He’s your favorite fighter’s favorite fighter. The fact that I’m now getting in there against him is what dreams are made of.”
Kayla Harrison has been forced to withdraw from her highly anticipated title defense against Amanda Nunes, originally scheduled for next week’s UFC 324 event in Las Vegas.
According to a report from The Eagle Tribune, Harrison underwent surgery this week to repair herniated discs in her neck. The injury reportedly made it impossible for the reigning champion to continue her fight camp or compete as planned.
The UFC has not yet issued an official statement regarding Harrison’s withdrawal or offered details on whether the fight with Nunes will be rescheduled for a later date.
UFC 324 was set to mark one of the promotion’s most anticipated matchups of the year, pitting two Olympic-level competitors against each other in a blockbuster main event. With Harrison sidelined, it remains unclear if the organization will look to find a replacement opponent for Nunes or postpone the bout entirely.
More details are expected to follow as the UFC finalizes its updated plans for the Las Vegas card.
Amanda Nunes has recalled the early sparring sessions with Kayla Harrison at American Top Team, revealing that her technical precision dominated those training encounters.
Speaking on the Paramount UFC Crew ahead of their UFC 324 title fight on January 24, Nunes discussed her striking philosophy and how it played out against the two-time Olympic gold medalist.
“I’m very precise with my punches, my kicks. I know the right time and everything. So yeah, probably was a bad day for her or I don’t know,” Nunes said when asked about their gym sessions.
Nunes credited her mother for instilling the striking fundamentals that have made her one of the most dangerous finishers in UFC history.
“My mother was a big thing in my whole life and then she’s like taught me so many things and she was in my uncle’s corner when my uncle used to fight. So she like taught me a bunch of things. She these days like tell me some strategy, some things and it’s pretty cool,” Nunes explained.
Despite the apparent dominance in training, Nunes acknowledged Harrison as a legitimate threat and predicted she would eventually reach the UFC.
“I knew right away when she started calling me out and then talk about I knew because it’s not a lot of people out there, you know, she’s an athlete, she’s a good fighter, you know, and it’s not a lot of people that can keep it up with her. I knew she would make her way to the UFC,” Nunes said.
The bantamweight champion Harrison will defend her title against the returning Nunes in the co-main event of UFC 324.
Amanda Nunes has revealed the full story behind her return to the UFC, detailing how she struggled to stay retired, the gym split that turned former coaches into opponents, and her drive to make history as a three-time champion.
“One year passed by and I was kind of like looking at Nina around the house and say like, ‘Nina, I can’t stay away though. I can’t I’m trying so hard in one year,’” Nunes admitted about conversations with her wife Nina Ansaroff.
The timing of Harrison signing with the UFC aligned perfectly with Nunes’ growing desire to compete again. The Brazilian legend felt it was destiny bringing them together for this showdown.
“When that thought started like be more strong and Kayla signed with the UFC they say like this is just meant to be you know so everything’s coming together,” Nunes explained.
Nunes also expressed concern about the state of the bantamweight division during her absence, feeling obligated to return and restore its prestige.
“I always like nobody’s going to do anything with my division so I got to go in there and then you know what I mean make this great again. Then Kayla sign like even better though so make everything perfect.”
The American Top Team Split
The comeback has also been fueled by an awkward situation that developed at American Top Team, where Harrison called her out while still training at the same gym.
“If you calling me out, if you want to fight me, you’re not supposed to be here training with my coach in the same mat in the same gym,” Nunes stated. “If I’m gonna face you, you’re gonna be out of here.”
The tension began when Harrison, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in judo, joined ATT and initially sought to be Nunes’ training partner. However, once Harrison started publicly calling out the former champion, Nunes felt the dynamic crossed a line.
“When she started really talk about me, calling me out and at the same time is being the gym and try to be my training partner. I started get like a little bit even more photo from her because this is the challenge that I like,” Nunes revealed.
The situation has evolved further, with Nunes now facing her former coaches who have aligned with Harrison. Rather than viewing this as a disadvantage, Nunes embraces the adversity.
“The attachment that I used to have with the gym, with the coach, people that’s always around me is doesn’t have anymore. They all is against me. So I look at them as my opponent too. I like to feel the challenge that this bring to me,” she said.
Beyond the personal stakes, Nunes is motivated by adding an unprecedented chapter to her legacy. The former two-division champion revealed that her trophy wall at home drives her forward.
“When I see the wall in my house, I just make like a very special wall for everything that I all my trophies and everything that I got in my whole career,” Nunes said.
“And then when I wake up and it looks that that wall for me is enough. Now it’s going to be even more like something more that people never see before. I’m gonna become a champ again. So this is going to be in the history like in the top in the history.”
A victory over Harrison would make Nunes only the second fighter in UFC history to win a title three separate times, joining Randy Couture in that exclusive club. The Brazilian legend dominated women’s MMA during her initial run, holding championships in both the bantamweight and featherweight divisions simultaneously.
Nunes acknowledged that she wants more recognition in overall GOAT conversations that typically focus on male fighters like Jon Jones, Georges St-Pierre, and Anderson Silva. However, she maintains that external validation is not her primary motivation.
“It doesn’t bother me honestly because this is what I like to do. I like fight. I do this for myself because I love this sport,” Nunes explained.
UFC 324 marks the first major card of the Paramount Plus era, with Nunes vs. Harrison serving as the co-main event behind Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight title.
UFC women’s bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison has revealed her ultimate goal heading into the biggest fight of her career isn’t personal glory—it’s inspiring thousands of young girls to pursue martial arts.
“On January 24th, Amanda and I are going to have a ridiculous amount of new eyes on the sport and we’re having potentially the greatest fight in women’s MMA history,” Harrison said. “The goal is for thousands of little girls to watch that and I become the greatest and maybe I’m the greatest for a day, maybe I’m the greatest for a week.”
How Kayla Harrison Will Define Success
The two-time Olympic gold medalist emphasized that her true measure of success lies in what comes after her fighting career concludes.
“There are thousands of little girls who watch that and they start doing judo and they start doing wrestling and they start doing Muay Thai and then they grow up,” Harrison continued. “Not only do they stand on my shoulders, they just surpass everything I could have ever imagined for myself. They’re not a two-time Olympic champion, they’re a three-time Olympic champion. They’re a 10 time MMA world champ.”
Harrison acknowledged she doesn’t fit the typical mold of a combat sports superstar but has embraced her authentic identity.
“I’m not like the flashiest. I’m not like a knockout artist. I’m not the craziest on the mic, but I’m unapologetically myself.”
The Ohio native summarized her philosophy with a simple but powerful statement about her purpose.
“The goal is never for me to be the greatest of all time for all time,” Harrison explained. “That’s the goal is to leave this world better than I found it. In my little pocket of it.”
Harrison’s perspective has been shaped by her own journey through adversity. Having been on the mat since age six and doing two-a-day training sessions since age 12, she understands the power of having role models to look up to.
“To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift,” Harrison said. “I just want to go out here every day and squeeze as much life out of the day as I can every day.”
UFC women’s bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison has revealed the exact moment she knew Amanda Nunes was the fighter to measure herself against, recalling a humbling sparring session during her second day at American Top Team.
Speaking with Daniel Cormier on the Paramount UFC Crew ahead of their historic showdown at UFC 324 on January 24, Harrison opened up about her first encounter with the woman widely considered the greatest female fighter of all time.
“I trained at a bunch of different gyms. I went to American Top Team. I sparred Amanda my second day there. I had never had a fight before,” Harrison recalled.
“And I was like, ‘Oh like I got to move here. This girl.’ Like I had never been bested like that. With a woman, you know? Like sure, maybe guys like get the better of me, but like I was like, ‘Oh, no. This is the place to be.’”
Training With Amanda Nunes Not What Kayla Harrison Expected
The two-time Olympic gold medalist explained that she immediately recognized the level Nunes operated at and committed to training alongside her. However, Harrison admitted the training relationship she envisioned never quite materialized.
“Not as much as I had pictured if I’m being honest,” Harrison said of their gym dynamic. “There wasn’t the training bond that I had pictured in my head. And I think that that’s just different in MMA than it is in Judo. In Judo you have kind of a training partner. I wanted to be that for Amanda.”
Harrison referenced the traditional Japanese concept of kohai-senpai, explaining she had been ready to adopt a respectful subordinate role. “I was ready to come in and be her kohai. Where do you need me? Where do you want me? But it’s I don’t think it’s quite the same in MMA.”
Despite the gym dynamic not developing as hoped, Harrison said her admiration for Nunes has never wavered.
“It was never like I wanted to challenge her or defeat her in a ‘I’m going to prove I’m better than you,’” she explained. “It was just like a place of honor in my mind. You’re the greatest. I want to someday be what you are.”
Now, eight years after that first sparring session, Harrison finally gets her chance to test herself against the woman who inspired her MMA journey.
“This has been eight years in the making. I think that it’s a testament to my coaches, to my training, my work ethic,” Harrison said. “People would be surprised where you can get with a little bit of stubbornness and determination.”
The UFC has announced a naming rights partnership with Meta, officially rebranding its Las Vegas production facility as “Meta APEX.”
The deal extends Meta’s role as UFC’s Official Fan Technology Partner, a multiyear agreement established in April 2025. Under the new arrangement, Meta branding will be integrated throughout the venue, with plans to create interactive experiences featuring VR, AI, and wearable technology for fans attending events.
“Meta is always at the forefront of technology and immersive experiences, and their enhancements will change the way fans view live fights,” said UFC CEO Dana White. “For the first time ever, fans can come to Meta Apex and experience UFC fights with interactive VR, AI, and wearable technology. I can’t wait for fans to see it.”
Perhaps the biggest news for fans: tickets to Meta APEX events will be available to the general public for the first time in the venue’s history. Since opening in 2019, attendance has been limited to expensive VIP Experience packages costing thousands of dollars. Public tickets will now be sold through AXS.
The facility is also undergoing significant renovations, expanding capacity to 1,000 attendees with new concessions, hospitality areas, retail space, and a remodeled entrance featuring a box office. The upgrades are expected to be completed later this year.
Meta APEX will host select UFC Fight Nights, Dana White’s Contender Series, and Zuffa Boxing events, including the promotion’s inaugural card on January 23.
UFC Seattle’s headliner will see a former middleweight champion attempt to prove he is still a top talent in the division, while a rising star looks to make his biggest stride toward a future title shot.
Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya will face Joe Pyfer in the main event of UFC Seattle, which takes place on March 28 at the Climate Pledge Arena.
UFC CEO and President Dana White confirmed the news in an announcement on Instagram Live.
Israel Adesanya vs. Joe Pyfer Headlines UFC Seattle On March 28
This fight is perhaps a must-win for Adesanya, who enters with three straight losses and four defeats in his last five fights. Adesanya, a former two-time champion, has not recovered since losing the title to Sean Strickland in one of the UFC’s biggest upsets at UFC 293.
Adesanya was knocked out by Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Saudi Arabia last February, marking the first time he was finished in a non-title fight.
Pyfer has risen up the UFC’s middleweight ranks since coming into the promotion off his known 2022 Dana White’s Contender Series appearance. Pyfer is 6-1 in the Octagon, most recently submitting Abus Magomedov at UFC 320 in October.
The UFC Seattle co-main event will see Alexa Grasso facing off with Maycee Barber. This will be a rematch from UFC 258, which saw Grasso take a unanimous decision.
Grasso is winless in her last three fights, which include the latter two fights in her women’s flyweight title trilogy with Valentina Shevchenko. Grasso comes into this fight off a loss to Natalia Silva at UFC 315 this past May.
Barber has won seven straight since losing to Grasso. After medical issues kept her away from the Octagon for nearly two years, Barber defeated Karine Silva at UFC 323.
Arman Tsarukyan is done waiting around for gold, and he is now teasing looking at other championships in the UFC if the path is closed to the lightweight title.
Tsarukyan was scheduled to challenge for that particular title, originally booked for the UFC 311 main event against then-champion Islam Makhachev. But on the day of weigh-ins, Tsarukyan pulled out of the title fight due to a back injury, and he appears to have had heat on him ever since.
Tsarukyan finally returned to the Octagon this past November, submitting Dan Hooker in the main event of UFC Qatar.
That fight was billed as a No. 1 contender’s matchup. Days later, however, the UFC announced that due to Ilia Topuria unable to defend the lightweight title currently, Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett for an interim lightweight title was named the UFC 324 main event.
When pressed by Ariel Helwani on a recent edition of The Ariel Helwani Show about why he isn’t in the interim title, Tsarukyan has a couple of ideas.
“Because it’s a [sic] first Paramount fight. And second one, I’m too dangerous,” Tsarukyan said. “My opinion is that they want Paddy Pimblett to be a champion.”
Arman Tsarukyan Addresses Lack Of Lightweight Title Shot; What Could Be Next?
Tsarukyan acknowledged controversies he’s been involved in over the past couple of years, which he says the UFC has used as claims for why he shouldn’t get the next title shot.
“They [are] saying the headbutt [on Hooker], [the UFC 311] pull out, that I punch [a] fan but I didn’t punch him,” Tsarukyan said.
“I can just say yes and wait my chance.”
Tsarukyan and a UFC fan appeared to get into it during his entrance at UFC 300, an event that saw him defeat Charles Oliveira. Tsarukyan was suspended for the incident, delaying his title shot that would get scrapped by his UFC 311 pull out.
Tsarukyan also came under fire for a headbutt that landed during the face-off with Hooker at the UFC Qatar ceremonial weigh-ins.
Not helping matters at claiming the undisputed lightweight title is Topuria, who won the lightweight title by defeating Charles Oliveira at UFC 317, currently tied up in a messy divorce and custody battle.
This has forced him to consider other avenues to become an undisputed champion. Tsarukyan told Helwani that there is a chance he could look to move down to featherweight for a title shot — or look to challenge for the BMF belt if Oliveira defeats Max Holloway at UFC 326.
“I want the real title, but I don’t want to wait until then,” Tsarukyan said. “Ilia, he fights once a year. Maybe he defends his title in June and says, ‘Okay, I’ll fight next year, in June.’ Then what can I do?
“I’m not that young to wait a lot, too. So, if they give me the BMF title, that would be great, too. If Charles Oliveira wins, it’s going to be good. We’ve got a story. [I’ll] just get that belt, and then the real belt.”
Cris Cyborg has doubled down on her pursuit of Dakota Ditcheva for her retirement fight, responding directly to the PFL star’s recent comments on The Ariel Helwani Show.
The 40-year-old featherweight champion took to social media to address Ditcheva’s skepticism about the matchup, pledging to make 135 pounds for a superfight scheduled for fall 2026.
“I can make 135 for a superfight in the fall @dakotadofficial,” Cyborg wrote. “If this is a fight you want… there isn’t a bigger fight that the @PFLMMA can put on for either one of us. I’m 40. My body carries much less muscle than it did when I struggled to make 140. I won’t miss weight for my retirement fight.”
The callout comes after Ditcheva appeared on The Ariel Helwani Show on January 13, where she questioned the logic of facing Cyborg at a catchweight. The undefeated flyweight contender suggested the legendary champion should instead face Leah McCourt, who has been requesting the fight for years.
“Respectfully, she’s not giving the fight. I am,” Ditcheva said on the show. “I 100% would be the one who sells that fight more. It would be a superfight, but she’s calling me out like she’s picking me. She needs me.”
Cyborg won the PFL featherweight title in December at PFL Lyon, submitting Sara Collins in the third round. The Brazilian legend has stated 2026 will mark her final year competing in MMA, making the choice of opponent for her farewell fight a significant decision for both her legacy and PFL’s promotional plans.
Ditcheva, currently recovering from a broken hand that forced her withdrawal from PFL Dubai in February, hopes to return in April or May. The 27-year-old captured the 2024 PFL flyweight tournament championship and remains undefeated at 15-0.
Ray Sefo, a legendary kickboxer who has been a long prominent face of the PFL’s executive team, has parted ways with the MMA organization.
The news was first reported by Ariel Helwani on the January 13 edition of The Ariel Helwani Show. Helwani added that Sefo is one of several names in the organization’s behind-the-scenes team who have also parted ways with the PFL.
Sefo had a highly successful kickboxing career, winning championships with the ISKA and World Muay Thai Federation, along with being the K-1 World Grand Prix 2000 runner-up.
He transitioned to an executive role following the end of his fighting career. In 2012, Sefo became one of the founding members of the World Series of Fighting, being named its president. Sefo found himself in a similar role when the WSOF re-branded to the PFL in 2017.
As noted by Helwani, however, Sefo’s role seemed to be diminished during the PFL’s 2025 campaign.
PFL Parts Ways With Longtime President Ray Sefo
Sefo is the second major PFL executive to depart the promotion.
Earlier this week, the PFL announced that Peter Murray, the former CEO of PFL and the recent CEO of PFL International, was leaving the organization.
Under the vision of John Martin, who was named the new PFL CEO in July 2025, the PFL has gone through recent reorganization and changes ahead of 2026.
The PFL’s first event of 2026 will be on February 7 at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The card will feature Usman Nurmagomedov defending his lightweight title against Alfie Davis and Ramazan Kuramagomedov facing Shamil Musaev for the PFL welterweight championship.
Plenty of people in the MMA community were left scratching their heads when Alexander Volkanovski’s next defense of the featherweight title was revealed to be a rematch with Diego Lopes at UFC 325.
Having been less than a year since their first title clash, speculation started about why the fight was booked. Within that speculation came rumors that the fight would serve as Volkanovski’s retirement bout, win or lose — and debates on if it was time or not for Volkanovski to hang up the gloves.
Now, in an appearance on the January 12 edition of The Ariel Helwani Show, Volkanovski publicly addressed the rumors of retirement for the first time.
And he claimed that he has no idea where they came from.
“I guess people are just going off of what I say,” Volkanovski said. “Like, I’m like, ‘How many more do I have?’ You know, if I was to get beaten up, am I going to come back and fight? No, but that’s not my plans.
“Unless things go horribly wrong, I’m planning on going back out there.”
Alexander Volkanovski Claims No Plans For Retirement After UFC 325
This year marks Volkanovski’s 10th anniversary in the Octagon. Making his professional MMA debut in May 2012, Volkanovski arrived to the UFC as a 13-1 fighter in November 2016.
He won his first seven Octagon fights, including wins over Jose Aldo, Chad Mendes, and Darren Elkins, before defeating Max Holloway for the UFC featherweight title at UFC 245. He made four consecutive title defenses, defeating Holloway (twice), Brian Ortega, and “The Korean Zombie” Chan Sung-Jung.
In 2023 and 2024, things seemed to hit a low point for Volkanovski. Outside of a successful title defense against Yair Rodriguez, he unsuccessfully challenged then-lightweight champion Islam Makhachev twice before dropping the featherweight title to Ilia Topuria at UFC 298. At UFC 314, however, he regained the then-vacant championship by defeating Lopes.
Volkanovski admitted, however, that it wasn’t long after that fight that he had an honest conversation about his future.
“There was a talk straight after my last fight.” Volkanovski said. “I’m like, ‘How many more?’ You never know. There were talks like that, but as soon I started training, I was like ‘Ah, let’s keep going.’”
Volkanovski took a clear unanimous decision over Lopes in their first meeting, but Lopes rebounded with a finish of Jean Silva in the main event of Noche UFC 3 in September.
Nevertheless, Volkanovski aims for a similar (or better) result this go-around.
“Right now, I plan on everything going well, getting my hand raised, hopefully taking minimal damage so I can have a good turnaround,” Volkanovski said. “So the plan isn’t definitely to retire.”
The Professional Fighters League returns to the United States for its first domestic event of 2026, as PFL Pittsburgh takes over the UPMC Events Center on March 28. The event marks the city’s first major MMA show in nearly a decade.
Former Bellator middleweight champion Johnny Eblen (16-1) headlines against Bryan Battle (12-2, 1 NC) in a pivotal 185-pound clash. Eblen looks to rebound after losing his title in dramatic fashion in Cape Town, while Battle makes his highly anticipated PFL debut after signing as one of the most sought-after free agents in late 2025. The former Ultimate Fighter winner enters with momentum, having secured back-to-back first-round finishes in Dirty Boxing Championship.
The co-main event features a hometown hero, as Pittsburgh native Dalton Rosta (11-2) returns to action following his run to the 2025 PFL World Tournament Finals. He faces former PFL champion Impa Kasanganay (19-6) in a matchup that pits two of South Florida’s top gyms against each other—Rosta’s Kill Cliff against Kasanganay’s American Top Team.
“Bringing the PFL to Pittsburgh marks a major milestone for us,” said PFL CEO John Martin.
The main card airs at 10:00 pm ET on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes.
PFL Pittsburgh Tickets
Pre-sale tickets are available January 27 via Ticketmaster, with general sale beginning January 29.
UFC CEO Dana White is scheduled to go live on Instagram later today (Tuesday, January 13) for what the promotion is billing as a “special announcement.”
🚨 DANA ANNOUCNEMENT INCOMING 🚨
The Boss Man (@DanaWhite) will be going LIVE on Instagram later today! 👀
The announcement comes just one day after MMA journalist Ariel Helwani devoted a segment of his show to criticizing White’s recent media appearances, calling him “disconnected and disinterested” in the UFC product.
Helwani specifically pointed to White’s CBS Mornings appearance promoting the upcoming Kayla Harrison vs. Amanda Nunes fight, noting the UFC CEO failed to mention Harrison’s two-time Olympic gold medal credentials while calling it “the greatest female fight of all time.”
Paramount+ added fuel to the speculation by responding to UFC’s announcement tease with an eyes emoji, strongly suggesting the news involves the promotion’s new streaming partnership. UFC officially transitioned to Paramount+ on January 1 as part of a $7.7 billion, seven-year deal that eliminates the traditional pay-per-view model.
UFC 324, set for January 24 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, will mark the first live event of the Paramount+ era. The card features Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight title and Harrison defending her women’s bantamweight championship against returning legend Amanda Nunes.
While no specific time has been announced for today’s Instagram Live, fans can expect updates on UFC 324 and potentially broader scheduling news as the promotion kicks off its new broadcast era.
Francis Ngannou’s head coach Eric Nicksick is hoping his fighter and UFC CEO Dana White can put their differences aside, even if a return to the Octagon never happens.
Speaking with MMA Fighting, the Xtreme Couture coach addressed the ongoing tension between Ngannou and White, which has intensified since the former heavyweight champion’s departure from the UFC in 2023.
“I know what Francis brings to me and my family, and the way that he treats me, and that’s the way I judge him by his character. Same with Dana. Dana’s been nothing but nice and great to me,” Nicksick said. “I wish that somewhere down the line that these two could mend those fences, just on a personal level. I’d rather have friends than enemies.”
White recently shared details of an alleged physical altercation with Ngannou from years ago, further straining their relationship. But Nicksick isn’t interested in the drama.
“It’s like, f*ck, I don’t want to carry that energy every day. So hopefully they can reconcile and just let that sh*t go. Even if Francis never fights in the UFC ever again, like just move on.”
Ngannou has competed just once since signing with PFL, stopping Renan Ferreira in the first round at PFL Battle of the Giants in October 2024. A potential matchup with PFL heavyweight champion Vadim Nemkov looms, though Nicksick admitted he’d love to see Ngannou back in the UFC.
“He can do whatever the hell he wants to do. I think, on a personal level, I’d love to be able to see him compete in the UFC just because of the level of competition that he would go against.”
Ngannou Open to UFC Return at White House Card
Nicksick’s comments come as Ngannou himself has opened the door to a potential UFC return. The 39-year-old revealed on The Ariel Helwani Show that his PFL contract is nearing its end and could expire in time for the UFC’s planned White House event on June 14.
“I’m getting very close on the PFL contract ending,” Ngannou said. “They have to give me a fight.”
When asked about facing Jon Jones at the White House card, Ngannou expressed interest while acknowledging the uncertainty. He said he’s not “confident” a deal can be made but believes “there’s a chance” and that “anything can happen.”
However, White has shown no signs of warming to the idea, recently dismissing any possibility of bringing Ngannou back for the event. Despite Ngannou’s openness, a UFC return appears unlikely unless both sides can find common ground — something Nicksick clearly hopes will happen.
Francis Ngannou is actively preparing for his return to MMA, with his head coach Eric Nicksick revealing that the former UFC heavyweight champion is in the best shape of his career.
Ngannou, who captured the PFL Super Fights heavyweight title with a first-round stoppage of Renan Ferreira in October 2024, has one fight remaining on his PFL contract. According to Nicksick, “The Predator” is fully committed to getting back in the cage in 2026.
Speaking to MMA Fighting, Nicksick shared details about his recent conversations with the 39-year-old Cameroonian knockout artist.
“We talk all the time and he was out in Dubai, he’s back in Cameroon, he’s coming back to Vegas here soon,” Nicksick said. “Francis always holds his cards close to the chest and I just know Francis. He’s a guy that he’s going to call me up on a Sunday and say, ‘Hey, we’re fighting Friday.’ It’s one of those things with him. We talked recently and that’s basically what he said. He goes, ‘Hey, Bubba, I want to come back and get back into MMA.’”
Nicksick was particularly impressed by Ngannou’s current physical condition, noting a dramatic transformation in the heavyweight’s physique.
“He’s the lightest I’ve ever seen him,” Nicksick revealed. “He called and FaceTimed, I saw his face right away and it was like chiseled. Usually, he’s like a little bit more plump and he’s been eating and stuff like that, but his knee is feeling good, so he’s getting his roadwork. He’s training every day and his weight was down.”
When Nicksick inquired about potential upcoming fights, Ngannou confirmed he’s working on several options.
“I was like, ‘Yo, we got something coming up?’ And he goes, ‘Yeah, I’m working on a few things.’ So hopefully, we see him back in the cage in 2026. And then the sky’s the limit for him, man.”
PFL Planning ‘Something Very Special’ for Ngannou
Last month, PFL CEO John Martin confirmed the promotion is working on a major matchup for Ngannou’s final contracted fight.
“I’ve spoken to Francis a number of times, he knows we’re working on something very special for him,” Martin told MMA Fighting. “Francis knows that we’re looking forward to him fighting in 2026, relatively soon hopefully and we’re trying to put something together that’s very special for him. He’s got one more fight under his contract and we’ll see what happens after that.”
The most logical opponent for Ngannou appears to be Vadim Nemkov, who became the PFL heavyweight champion by submitting Renan Ferreira in the first round in December. Ngannou has previously mentioned Nemkov as a potential opponent, and the Russian two-division champion has expressed interest in the matchup.
“I think about Francis and the possibility of fighting him,” Nemkov told MMA Junkie. “If that’s what my next fight is then great. It’s really for PFL to set up and make it work.”
UFC Return Remains Unlikely
Despite Ngannou recently indicating a willingness to return to the UFC for the promotion’s planned White House event in June 2026, Dana White has made it clear that a reunion isn’t happening. Ngannou even suggested he’d be willing to fight Jon Jones at the event.
White quickly dismissed any possibility of bringing Ngannou back when asked about the fighter’s comments.
“I don’t know how I can make it anymore f—ing clear,” White told The Mac Life while laughing.
Nicksick expressed hope that the two sides could eventually reconcile.
“I know what Francis brings to me and my family, and the way that he treats me, and that’s the way I judge him by his character. Same with Dana. Dana’s been nothing but nice and great to me. I wish that somewhere down the line that these two could mend those fences, just on a personal level.”
What’s Next for Ngannou?
With his PFL contract nearing its end, Ngannou will become a free agent after his next fight. The former UFC champion has options in both MMA and boxing, having previously expressed interest in a bout with Deontay Wilder.
For now, Ngannou appears focused on his MMA return. His demolition of Ferreira in 2024 proved he remains a force in the heavyweight division, and a clash with Nemkov would provide another high-profile opponent to add to his resume.
Ngannou’s record stands at 18-3 in MMA. He left the UFC in 2023 after failing to reach an agreement on a new contract following his unanimous decision victory over Ciryl Gane at UFC 270 in January 2022. Since then, he has lost boxing matches to Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua before returning to MMA with his dominant PFL victory.
Paramount+ subscribers will see higher prices starting January 15, just nine days before UFC 324 marks the promotion’s debut on the streaming platform.
The Essential ad-supported plan increases from $7.99 to $8.99 per month, while the Premium ad-free tier rises from $12.99 to $13.99 monthly. Annual subscriptions see steeper hikes, with Essential jumping from $59.99 to $89.99 per year and Premium increasing from $119.99 to $139.99 annually. Paramount is also retiring free trials effective with the price change.
The timing places the increase just ahead of UFC 324: Gaethje vs. Pimblett on January 24 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The event represents the first numbered UFC card under Paramount’s seven-year, $7.7 billion deal with TKO and the first without a traditional pay-per-view paywall in the United States since UFC 267 in 2021.
UFC 324 and the Paramount+ Era
UFC 324 features Justin Gaethje facing Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight championship in the main event, with Kayla Harrison defending her bantamweight title against returning Hall of Famer Amanda Nunes in the co-main.
For UFC fans, the value proposition shifts significantly under the new model. All 13 annual numbered events plus 30 Fight Night cards are included with a standard Paramount+ subscription at no additional cost. Under the previous ESPN arrangement, individual PPV events cost approximately $80 each.
Paramount announced the increases during its Q3 2025 earnings call, citing continued investment in content and the UFC partnership as driving factors. The streamer reported 79.1 million subscribers as of September 2025.
UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev has issued another challenge to light heavyweight king Alex Pereira, targeting a champion vs. champion showdown at the historic UFC White House event on June 14.
The undefeated Chimaev took to social media on Sunday to call out Pereira, promising a quick finish and taunting the Brazilian’s fanbase in the process.
Let’s go White House 🦾 Don’t worry, I will finish you fast @AlexPereiraUFC ⚰️
Chimaev followed up with a second post directed at Pereira’s supporters, writing, “All Brazilian fans tell this boy if you’re not scared tell him to fight.”
All Brazilian fans tell this boy if you’re not scared tell him to fight 😂😂😂
The 31-year-old Chechen-born fighter has been pursuing Pereira for months, previously accusing the light heavyweight champion of “running away” from the matchup. In December, Chimaev stated he doesn’t believe Pereira wants the fight, claiming “everyone knows this guy is not on my level.”
Both Champions Coming Off Dominant Title Wins
Chimaev captured the middleweight title at UFC 319 in August with a dominant unanimous decision over Dricus du Plessis, landing a UFC-record 529 strikes en route to three 50-44 scorecards. He has yet to defend the belt and has fought just once per year since 2022.
Meanwhile, Pereira reclaimed the light heavyweight championship at UFC 320 in October, stopping Magomed Ankalaev in just 80 seconds to become a two-time 205-pound champion. The Brazilian has since set his sights on a move to heavyweight, with rumors swirling about a potential interim title fight against Ciryl Gane while Tom Aspinall recovers from eye surgery.
White House Card Taking Shape
The UFC White House event is scheduled for June 14, 2026, on the South Lawn, with weigh-ins expected at the Lincoln Memorial. Dana White has described it as potentially “the greatest fight card ever assembled” and confirmed approximately 5,000 fans will attend the White House grounds, with another 85,000 at the nearby Ellipse park.
However, White has stated the promotion won’t begin booking fights until February, leaving Chimaev’s challenge in limbo for now.
Pereira has not responded to Chimaev’s latest callout. The light heavyweight champion has been focused on securing a superfight against Jon Jones, though Jones recently stated that Dana White “isn’t interested” in making that fight happen.
Nineteen-year-old wrestling phenom Bo Bassett made headlines at Saturday’s RAF 5 event in Sunrise, Florida, calling out Olympic champion Henry Cejudo immediately after his dominant tech fall victory over Cayden Henschel—and revealing he’s already deep into MMA training.
The pre-planned callout went exactly as Bassett had envisioned, with Cejudo sitting in the front row and responding immediately.
“I was planning that,” Bassett told MMA Junkie after the match. “I didn’t know how the match would go, but I knew if I could get to my positions, take care of business that I had a plan in mind. He was front row and he jumped right up on stage. Made it a really cool moment for myself and for the fans and it was very exciting and he basically signed tonight. So hopefully we can wrestle soon.”
The callout wasn’t just spectacle. Bassett revealed that his interest in combat sports extends well beyond wrestling, confirming that his MMA transition plans are “very serious.” He’s already taken concrete steps, training at Kill Cliff FC earlier in the week.
“I was at Kill Cliff earlier this week. Awesome experience. I’ve never been in such a high level fight club or MMA gym,” Bassett said. “And so, it was awesome to be around such high level fighters. I have a lot to learn, a huge transition to make, but I’m going to try to start making it early and I’m pretty serious.”
Bassett’s MMA Blueprint: Three Fighters He Studies Most
When asked which MMA fighters he studies most closely, Bassett revealed a carefully considered list of wrestlers who have successfully made the leap to fighting.
First on his list was Merab Dvalishvili, whose Georgian wrestling background has translated into UFC success.
“I enjoy Merab. I think he’s a crossover in Georgia. At least in his fights, it looks like it. So, I would say Merab is one of my favorites,” Bassett said.
“I have to go with a guy like Bo Nickal. I really enjoy watching him being from America, sharing the same name. Got to go with Bo Nickal,” he said.
Perhaps most notably, Bassett pointed to lightweight champion Islam Makhachev as his primary study subject.
“I think you got to go with one of the Russians. And so I’ll keep it with Islam. Closer to my weight class and someone I really like to watch and actually listen to his interviews as well. He’s very smart,” Bassett explained.
The selection of Makhachev is particularly telling, as the champion is known for his methodical approach and fight IQ—qualities that suggest Bassett is thinking strategically about his eventual transition rather than rushing into the sport.
Cejudo Match on the Horizon
Bassett will be ringside at Wrestle Riot to watch Cejudo compete, showing mutual respect between the two competitors. When asked about the Olympic champion, Bassett praised Cejudo’s professionalism and dedication.
“He’s an unbelievable human, unbelievable wrestler and he’s a professional at everything he does,” Bassett said. “So I got to get ready for him and I know he’s going to do his work.”
With Cejudo verbally agreeing to the match at RAF 5, fans may see the intergenerational clash materialize sooner rather than later—and it could serve as a launching pad for Bassett’s MMA career.
“I really enjoy combat and one-on-one sports. I think that when you’re the man in the arena, there’s nothing quite like that feeling,” Bassett said. “And so, this kind of gives you a feel of what a UFC fight would be like.”
Viral wrestling sensation Georgio Poullas has set his sights on a major target, calling out WWE star Logan Paul for an Ohio vs. Ohio wrestling showdown.
Speaking to MMA Junkie following his dominant tech fall victory over Mugzy at RAF 5 in Sunrise, Florida, the undefeated content creator made his intentions clear. Poullas believes he’s uniquely positioned among RAF competitors to face the former United States Champion.
“Not necessarily MMA, but you know, my series, I always verse the bigger guys,” Poullas explained to MMA Junkie. “Logan Paul, he’s a lot bigger than me. He’s an Ohio wrestler. I think if me and him were to go at it with the size difference and his wrestling experience, you know, I think that would be exciting. I think it’d be very interesting and I think me more so than any other RAF wrestler makes sense for that match.”
The callout carries weight given Poullas’s proven track record against larger opponents. The viral star built his following through his signature “$1,000 Takedown Challenge” at Venice Beach, where he remains undefeated against challengers who frequently outweigh him by significant margins.
Both competitors share Ohio wrestling roots, adding a compelling home-state rivalry element to the potential matchup. While Paul has transitioned from amateur wrestling to WWE, Poullas has taken his grappling skills in a different direction, becoming a viral sensation through his street challenges.
When asked about his future plans following the RAF 5 victory, Poullas remained open to possibilities. “You know, I really don’t know yet. I’m just kind of going with the flow. We’ll see,” he said. “I did enjoy wrestling here. The opportunities there if I want to take it. I got a few other opportunities as well. So, I’m just kind of playing by ear and we’ll see what happens.”
The size difference between the two Ohioans would create the classic underdog narrative that has fueled Poullas’s viral success. For Paul, who recently committed to a full-time WWE schedule, an exhibition wrestling match against a proven grappler could offer a unique crossover opportunity.
ESPN has parted ways with the majority of its MMA on-air talent following the UFC’s landmark move to Paramount+ in a deal reportedly worth $7.7 billion over seven years.
The New York Post first reported the sweeping changes, which see the network not renewing contracts for key UFC broadcasting figures including Daniel Cormier, Jon Anik, Dominick Cruz, and Chael Sonnen.
Additional on-air personalities affected include Karyn Bryant, Laura Sanko, Megan Olivi, Ian Parker, Alan Jouban, Anthony Smith, and Paul Felder.
Longtime UFC reporter Brett Okamoto is reportedly being retained in a traditional journalist capacity.
The talent purge coincides with Disney’s ongoing cost-cutting measures and ESPN’s strategic pivot in combat sports coverage. With UFC departing for Paramount+ and CBS, ESPN is redirecting resources toward WWE, which brings premium live events to the network starting in 2026.
Several affected commentators are expected to continue working with UFC under the new Paramount umbrella. The promotion’s core broadcast team, including Joe Rogan and Jon Anik, will call fights on the new platform rather than as ESPN employees.
The first UFC event under the Paramount+ deal is just weeks away (UFC 324), officially closing the chapter on the ESPN-UFC partnership that began in 2019.
Dana White’s long-awaited boxing venture officially kicks off on Friday, January 23, when Zuffa Boxing presents its debut event at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, streaming exclusively on Paramount+.
The event, branded as Z01, marks the first regular-series card under Zuffa Boxing’s long-term media rights agreement with Paramount. It arrives one night before UFC 324, creating a combat sports doubleheader weekend as TKO Group Holdings launches both properties on the streaming platform.
“We are planning to launch our first boxing show on January 23, which is the night before our first UFC show on P-Sky,” TKO President Mark Shapiro confirmed. “Back-to-back nights. A big weekend for TKO, to say the least.”
ARE YOU READY 😤#ZuffaBoxing01 is coming to the Apex LIVE on JAN 23! 🥊
The card features Irish prospect Callum Walsh (15-0) facing Carlos Ocampo in the main event, with Serhii Bohachuk meeting former WBA welterweight champion Radzhab Butaev in the co-main.
Zuffa Boxing operates as a joint venture between TKO Group Holdings and Saudi entertainment conglomerate Sela, with leadership from White and WWE President Nick Khan. The promotion has signed multiple fighters including former WBA super lightweight champion Jose Valenzuela, Vito Mielnicki Jr., and Justin Viloria, with plans to build a 200-fighter roster.
Z01 airs at 9 PM ET on Paramount+, followed by UFC 324: Gaethje vs. Pimblett on Saturday at T-Mobile Arena.
The January 23 debut fulfills the landmark media rights agreement announced in September 2025 between Paramount and TKO Group Holdings. Under the long-term deal, Paramount+ serves as the exclusive home of Zuffa Boxing throughout the U.S., Canada, and Latin America.
The agreement guarantees 12 Zuffa Boxing cards in 2026, with plans to expand in subsequent years. Select events may also simulcast on CBS and other Paramount platforms.
“I’m excited to bring great boxing events to a global audience,” Dana White said when the deal was announced. “There are millions of boxing fans that will now be able to watch competitive fights with up-and-coming boxers as well as the biggest stars in the sport. Paramount will be the home for UFC and boxing fans to watch the greatest fights in combat sports.”
Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority and President of the Saudi Boxing Federation, added: “This partnership with Paramount reinforces our vision to redefine the way viewers consume boxing. More fight fans will now have access to watch some of the most exciting boxers around.”
Cindy Holland, Chair of Direct-to-Consumer for Paramount, called the partnership “a bold new chapter – not just for us, but for the future of boxing,” emphasizing the deal advances Paramount’s priorities of delivering premium sports and year-round marquee live events to subscribers.
