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  • CEO Peter Murray Departs PFL After 8 Years

    CEO Peter Murray Departs PFL After 8 Years

    The Professional Fighters League announced Thursday that Peter Murray, CEO of PFL International Leagues, is departing the organization after eight years with the promotion.

    Murray served as PFL’s founding CEO starting in 2018, playing an integral role in the league’s growth and evolution. He helped strengthen the organization’s business operations, expand its global footprint, and establish PFL as a force in mixed martial arts. His leadership was instrumental during a period of significant development that included the acquisition of Bellator MMA.

    In July 2025, PFL underwent a major leadership restructuring when former Turner Broadcasting CEO John Martin was appointed as the promotion’s new CEO. Murray transitioned to the role of CEO of PFL International at that time, overseeing the company’s regional leagues in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

    “PFL would not be here today without Pete Murray’s relentless entrepreneurship and selfless leadership,” stated Donn Davis, PFL founder and chairman. “He has been my trusted and valued partner building the company and I look forward to his continued support.”

    MMA journalist Ariel Helwani reported that the company recently laid off several longtime employees in addition to Murray’s departure. The organizational changes come as PFL continues to build toward its future under Martin’s leadership.

  • Maycee Barber No Longer Feels Safe With Referee Mark Smith

    Maycee Barber No Longer Feels Safe With Referee Mark Smith

    UFC flyweight Maycee Barber has gone public with strong criticism of referee Mark Smith following her controversial victory over Karina Silva at UFC 323, declaring she no longer feels safe with him officiating her fights.

    During the bout, Silva landed an illegal upkick while Barber had grounded knees. Despite the apparent foul, Smith assessed it as “not a hard blow” and issued no point deduction. Barber revealed the true impact of the strike in a post-fight interview with MMA Fighting.

    “As soon as she hit me, I just remember my face and my neck feeling like I hit my funny bone. And I was like, everything’s tingly,” Barber explained, adding that upon reviewing footage she was visibly wobbled by the illegal strike.

    Barber’s criticism of Smith was direct and unfiltered: “From my perspective now, I’m like, to me, I’m like, I don’t want him reffing my fights at all. I don’t feel safe in there with him anymore. I don’t feel like he’s a fair, a very fair ref.”

    The 27-year-old also raised concerns about the disparity between fighters and officials when it comes to consequences for poor performance.

    “He can have a bad day at work, but he’s going to get paid regardless. So, it kind of sucks that we have us athletes that have to go in and have people that can have off days and still get paid and risk our jobs,” Barber stated.

    Adding to the officiating controversy, Barber revealed a timer malfunction during Round 2 that her coach brought to her attention post-fight.

    “The guy that was in control of the timer, he forgot to hit the timer. So there was a spot where there was like 10 seconds at the end of the round where the triangle shouldn’t have even happened,” she explained.

    Smith’s officiating at UFC 323 drew widespread criticism, with fans and fighters calling his performance “dreadful” after a questionable stoppage in the Brandon Moreno vs. Tatsuro Taira bout earlier on the card.

    Despite the controversies, Barber secured the unanimous decision victory in her first fight in 21 months and is already targeting a quick turnaround.

  • Jon Jones, Daniel Cormier to Coach Against Each Other on ALF Reality Season 3

    Jon Jones, Daniel Cormier to Coach Against Each Other on ALF Reality Season 3

    One of MMA’s most intense rivalries will resume in 2026 as Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier are set to face off… as opposing coaches on ALF Reality Season 3.

    ALF Global founder Alfredo Auditore announced the news on January 5 via social media, sharing a face-off photo of the two UFC legends. The Russian reality series, styled after The Ultimate Fighter, is known for its chaotic format and unscripted confrontations between coaches and fighters.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/DTJAL_5DeMd/

    This marks Jones’ second stint on the show after he previously coached alongside Nate Diaz, who departed following a brawl during filming. Jorge Masvidal stepped in to replace Diaz for Season 2. For Cormier, the UFC Hall of Famer and current broadcaster, this will be his first appearance on the series.

    Jones and Cormier battled twice in the UFC Octagon, with Jones winning both encounters. Their first meeting at UFC 182 in January 2015 saw Jones claim a unanimous decision, while their UFC 214 rematch ended with a Jones head kick knockout—later overturned to a no-contest after Jones tested positive for a banned substance.

    Following the announcement, Cormier hinted at potentially facing Jones beyond the coaching role, calling for a wrestling match in Real American Freestyle.

    “I’m telling you, Real American Freestyle Wrestling is gonna see me and Jon Jones at some point, and I’m gonna kick his ass like you would never believe,” Cormier said on his podcast. “Because guess what? I still shoot. I still train wrestlers every single day.”

    Filming for ALF Reality Season 3 is expected to begin in the coming weeks. No release date has been announced.

  • Maycee Barber Reveals Secret To Beating Ring Rust After 21-Month Layoff

    Maycee Barber Reveals Secret To Beating Ring Rust After 21-Month Layoff

    Maycee Barber looked sharp in her return to the Octagon at UFC 323, defeating Karina Silva by unanimous decision after 21 months away. The flyweight contender has now revealed her unconventional approach to conquering ring rust—and it starts with eliminating negativity entirely.

    Speaking with MMA Fighting following her victory, Barber explained that she expected to perform well despite the extended layoff. Her confidence stemmed from a rigorous training philosophy that never allows for true time off.

    “When I am out, whether I’m injured or not, like I’m either training mentally or I’m training physically. This is my life. And this is a career that I chose that we don’t have an on season, off season. We have, this is an everyday thing,” Barber explained.

    Rather than worrying about ring rust showing up on fight night, Barber believes it appears in camp—where it can be corrected.

    “I think that if I was going to have ring rust, it probably would have been in sparring and it probably would have been in training. There were some sparring rounds that I had that I was like, ‘Oh yeah, my timing is off.’ But that’s what camp is for,” she said.

    Barber credited her coach, Ghee, for his meticulous attention to detail in correcting any issues that emerged during preparation.

    “My coach Ghee, he’s like on top of things. If something’s off, we’re going to fix it. If my jab timing is off, he’s going to go through and dial it in. We did plenty of training to make sure that everything was at the right time and we peaked at the right time,” she explained.

    Perhaps most notably, Barber takes an aggressive approach to protecting her mental space. She actively removes anyone who introduces doubt or negativity into her preparation.

    “I never even let the whole ring rust entry even into my head. If someone tries to bring in negative energy, I’m just like, they’re gone. I just don’t even let that stuff enter my head. Bad energy is not necessary. It’s not for me,” Barber stated.

    When asked about sparring intensity, Barber laughed and offered a glimpse into her killer instinct: “Not me. I try to kill them all and they all know it.”

    The approach clearly paid dividends as Barber looked like she hadn’t missed a beat against Silva, earning a decisive victory to restart her championship campaign.

  • UFC Rankings Report: January 5, 2026

    UFC Rankings Report: January 5, 2026

    As we kick off 2026, the UFC rankings reflect a dramatically reshaped landscape across multiple divisions. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of where every champion and contender stands heading into the new year.

    Men’s Pound-For-Pound: Islam Makhachev continues to reign supreme atop the pound-for-pound rankings, with Ilia Topuria holding firm at No. 2. Khamzat Chimaev sits at No. 3, followed by Alex Pereira at No. 4 and Alexander Volkanovski at No. 5.

    This week’s movement sees Merab Dvalishvili rise one spot to No. 7, while Tom Aspinall drops one to No. 8. Dricus Du Plessis climbs one position to No. 11, with Joshua Van falling one spot to No. 12.

    Flyweight: Joshua Van sits as champion, with Alexandre Pantoja at No. 1. The biggest mover this week is Manel Kape, who rockets up four spots to No. 2. Tatsuro Taira holds at No. 3, while Brandon Royval drops two spots to No. 4. Brandon Moreno and Amir Albazi each fall one spot to No. 5 and No. 6, respectively.

    Bantamweight: Petr Yan holds the title, with Merab Dvalishvili at No. 1, Umar Nurmagomedov at No. 2, and Sean O’Malley at No. 3. Payton Talbott moves up one spot to No. 11, while Rob Font drops to No. 12. Montel Jackson enters the rankings at No. 15.

    Featherweight: Alexander Volkanovski remains champion, with Movsar Evloev leading the contenders at No. 1, followed by Diego Lopes at No. 2 and Yair Rodriguez at No. 3. Jean Silva rises one spot to No. 10, while Josh Emmett falls to No. 11. Kevin Vallejos is newly ranked at No. 13.

    Lightweight: Ilia Topuria now holds the lightweight title. Arman Tsarukyan sits at No. 1, with Charles Oliveira at No. 2 and Max Holloway at No. 3. Paddy Pimblett has climbed to No. 5, setting up his interim title shot against Justin Gaethje at UFC 324.

    Welterweight: Islam Makhachev is listed as champion following his move up in weight. Jack Della Maddalena leads the contenders at No. 1. Shavkat Rakhmonov rises one spot to No. 2, while Ian Machado Garry drops to No. 3. Further down, Geoff Neal moves up one spot to No. 13, with Colby Covington falling to No. 14.

    Middleweight: Khamzat Chimaev wears the gold, with Dricus Du Plessis at No. 1, Nassourdine Imavov at No. 2, and Sean Strickland at No. 3. Jared Cannonier and Michael Page are tied at No. 10.

    Light Heavyweight: Alex Pereira continues his dominant reign as champion. Jiří Procházka and Magomed Ankalaev share the No. 1 spot, with Carlos Ulberg at No. 3 and Khalil Rountree Jr. at No. 4.

    Heavyweight: Tom Aspinall holds the heavyweight strap, with Ciryl Gane at No. 1, Alexander Volkov at No. 2, and Sergei Pavlovich at No. 3.

    Women’s Pound-For-Pound: Valentina Shevchenko tops the women’s P4P list, with Kayla Harrison at No. 2, Zhang Weili at No. 3, and Natalia Silva at No. 4. Mackenzie Dern rounds out the top five.

    Women’s Strawweight: Mackenzie Dern is champion, with Zhang Weili at No. 1, Tatiana Suarez at No. 2, and Virna Jandiroba at No. 3.

    Women’s Flyweight: Valentina Shevchenko holds the title. Manon Fiorot leads at No. 1, with Natalia Silva at No. 2. Alexa Grasso and Erin Blanchfield are tied at No. 3, with Blanchfield moving up one spot this week. Miranda Maverick also rises one spot to share No. 9.

    Women’s Bantamweight: Kayla Harrison is champion, with Julianna Peña at No. 1, Raquel Pennington at No. 2, and Norma Dumont at No. 3.

    Rankings were last updated by UFC.com on Tuesday, December 16, 2025.

  • January 2026 UFC Calendar: Everything You Need to Know Before UFC 324 & 325

    January 2026 UFC Calendar: Everything You Need to Know Before UFC 324 & 325

    January 2026 is the month the UFC officially enters its new era. The Paramount+ transition is complete. The streaming platform is live. And the biggest fights are about to happen. Here’s everything you need to know about the UFC’s January schedule.

    UFC 324: Gaethje vs. Pimblett

    Saturday, January 24, 2026
    T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada
    Live on Paramount+

    This is it. The first major numbered event on Paramount+ and arguably the most important card of the early 2026 season. Everything here is significant.

    Main Event: Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett (Interim Lightweight Title)

    The interim lightweight title is on the line, with the winner earning the next shot at reigning champion Ilia Topuria. Both Gaethje and Pimblett have been vocal about their desire to challenge Topuria, and this fight will settle the question definitively.

    Gaethje is the veteran with elite wrestling and championship pedigree. He’s fought the best lightweights in the world and hasn’t backed down from anyone. His gas tank is legendary, and his ability to control pace and tempo is unmatched. A win puts him directly into a title fight.

    Pimblett brings momentum, charisma, and a loyal fanbase that extends beyond MMA. The Liverpool native has been climbing the rankings with impressive victories. He’s younger than Gaethje and potentially entering his athletic prime. A win here would be the signature victory of his career.

    Co-Main Event: Kayla Harrison vs. Amanda Nunes (Women’s Bantamweight Title)

    Amanda Nunes is coming out of retirement. Let that sink in. The fighter most people consider the greatest women’s MMA competitor of all time is putting on the gloves again to challenge Kayla Harrison for the bantamweight title.

    This fight has backstory. Harrison and Nunes were teammates at the same gym. There’s history. There’s rivalry. And there’s the intriguing question of whether Nunes’ remarkable technical skills have diminished at all during her time away from competition.

    Harrison is the defending champion and one of the most dominant fighters in the sport right now. She’s a heavy favorite in this matchup, but Nunes is Nunes. The striking, the grappling, the fight IQ—these don’t disappear. This could be the most compelling women’s fight of 2026.

    Additional UFC 324 Main Card Bouts

    Arnold Allen vs. Jean Silva (Featherweight): Elite ranked featherweights colliding. Silva brings finishing ability and flashy striking. Allen brings technical depth and wrestling. Divisional implications are huge here.

    Derrick Lewis vs. Waldo Cortes Acosta (Heavyweight): The heavyweight division always delivers fireworks, and Lewis has been vocal about perceiving disrespect from oddsmakers. This should be a war.

    Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Deiveson Figueiredo (Bantamweight): Championship pedigree meets rising contender in a bantamweight battle that will influence divisional positioning.

    Sean O’Malley vs. Yadong Song (Bantamweight): The former champion faces a fighter hungry for a title shot. Song has made his intentions clear. O’Malley has the experience but needs to prove he’s still dangerous after time away.

    UFC 325: Volkanovski vs. Lopes 2

    Saturday, January 31, 2026 (technically very early February)
    Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney, Australia
    Live on Paramount+

    Just one week after UFC 324, the promotion returns to Sydney, Australia, for UFC 325. The featherweight championship rematch between Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes is the main event.

    Main Event: Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes 2 (Featherweight Title)

    Volkanovski is a future hall of famer defending his belt against Diego Lopes in a rematch. The first fight between these two was competitive, and the second chapter profiles as a technical chess match between two elite strikers.

    Volkanovski brings championship experience, elite wrestling, and the credentials of being one of the best featherweights in UFC history. Lopes brings a hungry challenger’s mentality and striking that’s earned him a second crack at the title.

    This is quality featherweight action at its finest. Volkanovski will be the favorite, but Lopes has every chance to pull off the upset on the biggest stage.

    The Broader Context: A Stacked January

    What makes January 2026 so significant isn’t just that UFC 324 and 325 are strong cards—it’s that they’re bookending the month and establishing the tone for the entire year. The Paramount+ platform gets tested with two major numbered events in a single week. The streaming infrastructure needs to hold up. The fights need to deliver. The viewership numbers need to justify the massive investment.

    For fight fans, it’s straightforward: two great cards, packed with compelling matchups, broadcast on your Paramount+ subscription. No PPV fees. No additional charges. Just great fights.

    Looking Beyond January

    While UFC 324 and 325 are the headline acts for January, it’s worth noting what comes next:

    UFC Houston (February 21): Sean Strickland vs. Anthony Hernandez headlines this card at Toyota Center in Houston.

    UFC 326 (March 7): A numbered event in Las Vegas that was supposed to feature Paulo Costa vs. Brunno Ferreira in a middleweight bout, though Costa has since withdrawn.

    UFC London (March): Lerone Murphy has predicted he’ll return here, with possible matchups against top featherweight contenders like Aljamain Sterling or Movsar Evloev.

    UFC Seattle (March 28): The promotion heads to the Pacific Northwest with a card at Climate Pledge Arena.

    But all of that is secondary to what January represents. This is the month the new era truly begins. This is when Paramount+ proves it can deliver. This is when the 2026 season establishes itself as something special.

    Final Thoughts

    January 2026 will be remembered as the month that defined the entire year. Two elite numbered events, blockbuster matchups, incredible depth across multiple divisions, and the debut of the sport’s new distribution model. Whether you’re a casual fan tuning in for Gaethje vs. Pimblett or a hardcore viewer planning your entire month around both cards, January is unmissable.

    Mark your calendars. Get your Paramount+ subscription sorted. And prepare for one of the most compelling months in recent UFC history.

    The year has just begun, and the sport has never looked better.

  • UFC 324 Preview: Gaethje vs. Pimblett Marks Paramount’s First Major Event

    UFC 324 Preview: Gaethje vs. Pimblett Marks Paramount’s First Major Event

    When UFC 324 kicks off on January 24 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, it won’t just be another title fight. It will be the official debut card of the Paramount+ era—the first major numbered event on the sport’s new streaming home. The significance is layered: a new distribution model, a blockbuster fight card, and the start of what Dana White has promised will be an ambitious 2026 schedule.

    And what a card to launch with. Gaethje vs. Pimblett for the interim lightweight title is exactly the kind of compelling, high-stakes matchup needed to set the tone for the new era.

    The Main Event: A Lightweight Showdown

    Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett have both made no secret of their ambitions. The winner of their interim title fight will be next in line to face reigning lightweight champion Ilia Topuria—a fighter who has dominated the division with knockout power and elite wrestling. For both Gaethje and Pimblett, this is the defining moment of their careers so far.

    Gaethje, the former interim champ, brings elite wrestling and a gas tank that’s earned him the respect of the entire division. He’s a calculated striker who’s learned to balance his aggressive nature with technical precision. A win here puts him directly into a title fight with Topuria, his pathway forward crystal clear.

    Pimblett, the Liverpool native with the loyal fanbase and personality that transcends the sport, has climbed the rankings with impressive performances. He’s hungry, confident, and fighting in a new era where the entire sport’s attention might actually be on the Paramount+ platform. There’s an underdog energy to Pimblett’s pursuit of this moment.

    The fight itself profiles as a battle between Gaethje’s veteran savvy and Pimblett’s rising momentum. Both are elite lightweights. Both deserve this opportunity. The stakes couldn’t be higher.

    The Co-Main Event: Amanda Nunes Returns

    If Gaethje vs. Pimblett is the future of the sport, then Kayla Harrison vs. Amanda Nunes is the present colliding with the past. Nunes, widely considered the greatest women’s MMA fighter of all time, is coming out of retirement to challenge Harrison for the bantamweight title.

    Nunes hasn’t fought since 2023. She’s been retired. But the chance to reclaim gold and cement her legacy was apparently too compelling to resist. Harrison, who’s held the bantamweight title and established herself as a dominant force in the division, will be tested against one of the most technically proficient strikers and grapplers the sport has ever seen.

    This is the kind of blockbuster co-main event that validates why the UFC invested so heavily in the Paramount+ partnership. You can’t buy this kind of star power. Nunes’ return is a cultural moment in women’s MMA.

    The Supporting Cast

    UFC 324 doesn’t stop there. The main card also features:

    Arnold Allen vs. Jean Silva (Featherweight): Elite ranked featherweights colliding at the top of a increasingly competitive division. Silva has shown explosive finishing ability. Allen brings technical depth. This is a fight that could determine divisional positioning heading into the rest of 2026.

    Derrick Lewis vs. Waldo Cortes Acosta (Heavyweight): The heavyweight division has always been a wildcard, and Lewis demands respect despite his willingness to be vocal about perceived slights. Lewis recently demanded an investigation after bookmakers made him the underdog against Cortes Acosta—a remarkable bit of transparency about how the sport can feel rigged from inside the fighter’s perspective. This heavyweight collision will be explosive.

    Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Deiveson Figueiredo (Bantamweight): Nurmagomedov continues his climb up the 135-pound rankings. Figueiredo brings championship pedigree. The bantamweight division is absolutely stacked in 2026, and this fight helps sort out where everyone ranks.

    Sean O’Malley vs. Yadong Song (Bantamweight): The former bantamweight champion O’Malley faces Song, who’s openly stated his expectation that a win here puts him in position for a title shot. O’Malley has been the subject of recent internet jokes (his forehead tattoo was reportedly fake, which spawned surprisingly creative discourse), but inside the octagon, he remains dangerous. Song wants to prove he’s the future of the division.

    The Context: Bantamweight Depth

    One of the most compelling stories of UFC 324 isn’t just the individual fights—it’s what they collectively reveal about the bantamweight division’s absurd depth. Harrison, O’Malley, Song, Nurmagomedov, and countless others are all competing at an elite level. The 135-pound weight class is where the best fights in the sport happen right now.

    The Larger Narrative

    UFC 324 is also the first real test of whether the Paramount+ transition will work. The infrastructure is new. The streaming platform needs to perform flawlessly. The promotional machine needs to drive viewership numbers that justify the massive investment TKO made in this deal.

    For fight fans, it’s simple: this is a card worth your attention. For the UFC, it’s a moment that will set the tone for the entire year. And for Paramount+, it’s the moment when the world finds out if they can handle the responsibility of hosting the sport’s biggest moments.

    January 24 can’t come soon enough.

  • The Paramount+ Era Begins: How UFC’s Streaming Shift Changes Everything in 2026

    The Paramount+ Era Begins: How UFC’s Streaming Shift Changes Everything in 2026

    The era of $79.99 pay-per-view has officially ended. On January 1, 2026, the UFC completed its historic transition to Paramount+, fundamentally reshaping how millions of fight fans will access the sport for the next seven years and beyond.

    The shift represents the most significant structural change to UFC distribution since the sport’s mainstream explosion in the early 2000s. For the first time in the promotion’s history, every numbered UFC event and every Fight Night will be included with a Paramount+ subscription—no additional pay-per-view fees required. It’s a seismic moment for the sport, even if the implications haven’t fully sunk in yet for most fans.

    The Deal That Changed Everything

    Last August, UFC Secures New Streaming Partner As Paramount Strikes Whopping $7.7 Billion Deal that fundamentally altered the business model. The deal was so significant that it nearly doubled what the UFC had been receiving annually from its previous ESPN arrangement. But the real story isn’t just the money—it’s what it means for accessibility and the future of how combat sports are consumed globally.

    Starting January 24 with UFC 324, Paramount+ becomes the exclusive home for all UFC numbered events and Fight Nights in the United States and Latin America. The rollout has already begun, with the UFC’s extensive fight library launching on January 3, drawing immediate buzz across the MMA community for how smoothly the transition is being executed.

    What Fans Actually Pay

    The math is staggering when you stack it up against the old model. An ESPN pay-per-view event in 2025 cost $79.99. A fan watching 12 numbered events per year was spending nearly $1,000 annually just on PPV. Now, Paramount+ Essential costs $90 per year (starting January 15), while the Premium ad-free tier runs $140 per year. For a casual fan watching the occasional event, it’s a bargain. For hardcore fans watching everything the promotion puts on, it’s transformational.

    Even when you factor in other Paramount+ content—over 40,000 full TV episodes, hit movies, live sports beyond UFC—the value proposition is impossible to ignore. The sport is no longer gatekept behind the traditional PPV paywall that has defined UFC economics since the early days of the Fertita era.

    The Paramount+ Experience

    MMA journalist Ariel Helwani weighed in on the app’s launch, noting that Paramount+ has designed a dedicated UFC hub with impressive organization. Each champion has its own hub, legendary fighters are properly showcased, and navigation is intuitive. The fight library is extensive, though early reports suggest more archival content will be added in phases.

    The platform’s architecture matters more than most casual fans realize. A well-designed streaming experience removes friction from consumption. If you can easily find fights, browse by division, and discover historical matchups, you’re more likely to spend time on the platform. Paramount seems to have gotten this right out of the gate.

    Select Events on CBS—The Simulcast Strategy

    Paramount isn’t the only place to watch. The deal includes simulcasts of select numbered events on CBS, meaning cord-cutter holdouts and traditional television viewers won’t be completely left behind. It’s a smart hedge that acknowledges not everyone has cut the cord or subscribed to streaming services—especially among the older demographic that’s made UFC a mainstream sport.

    What This Means for 2026

    The Paramount+ transition opens the door to questions about UFC’s future that go beyond just streaming. If the promotion can reliably pull millions of viewers on Paramount+ without the traditional PPV revenue model incentivizing big-name main events, what does that mean for fighter compensation structures? How will the promotion fill its annual calendar? Will the guaranteed Paramount payments create more stability for long-term fighter deals?

    The short answer: 2026 will be a revealing year for how the business adapts. Dana White has already committed to an aggressive schedule featuring 43 events (13 numbered, 30 Fight Nights). That’s ambitious, but with Paramount+ guaranteeing income regardless of individual event performance, the pressure to chase mega-PPV numbers is removed.

    The Legacy Moment

    Twenty-plus years of UFC relying on the PPV model created an entire ecosystem around event nights—sportsbooks adjusting lines, bars strategizing viewership events, families pooling money to watch the big fight. That infrastructure doesn’t disappear overnight, but the incentives that built it are gone.

    What replaces it remains to be seen. But on January 1, 2026, when the UFC quietly transitioned to Paramount+, the sport entered a new era. It might take months or years to fully understand what that means. For now, fight fans should simply enjoy the fact that the barrier to entry just collapsed.

    The Paramount+ era has begun. Everything else about 2026 flows from that single moment.

  • 2025 PFL Africa Finals: Results & Highlights

    2025 PFL Africa Finals: Results & Highlights

    The PFL has arrived to Benin as it presents the 2025 PFL Africa Finals — and MMA News has you covered with all the action.

    The PFL’s expansion efforts began a couple of years ago with the launch of PFL Europe, followed by the establishment of PFL MENA last year. Now, as was once promised when the PFL signed Francis Ngannou in 2023, the PFL has officially launched PFL Africa this year.

    The fourth-ever PFL Africa event will determine the first-ever tournament champions in the promotion’s history.

    The main event will see the champion crowned at bantamweight, as Nkosi Ndebele takes on Boule Godogo. Ndebele reached tonight’s championship main event after putting away Mahmoud Atef and Simbarashe Hokonya. Godogo defeated Shannon Van Tonderin in the first round but lost to Karim Henniene in the semi-finals. Henniene was unable to compete, however, giving Godogo another chance to earn the tournament title tonight.

    The co-main event will have the welterweight champion be crowned when Shido Boris Esperanca faces Yabna N’tchala. Esperanca reached the final with first-round wins over Ibrahima Mane and Ayinda Octave. N’tchala, meanwhile, scored decision victories over Sanon Sadeck and Emilios Dassi.

    The heavyweight tournament champion will also be determined when Justin Clarke faces Abraham Bably. Clarke reached the final with finishes of Jashell Ticha Awa and Maxwell Djantou Nana. Bably, meanwhile, reached the final with first-round knockouts of Paul-Emmanuel Gnaze and Joffie Houlton.

    The inaugural featherweight tournament championship will also be on the line as Alain Majorique takes on Wasi Adeshina. Majorique entered the tournament as a fill-in and defeated Mohamed Camara to reach tonight’s final. Adeshina, meanwhile, defeated Jean-Jacques Lubaya and Dwight Joseph to reach tonight.

    The 2025 PFL Africa Finals begin at 11am ET/8am PT on the PFL App and Vice TV. If you can’t watch the action, MMA News has you covered with all the results and highlights below.

    2025 PFL Africa Finals Results & Highlights

    Main Card:

    • Bantamweight Championship: Nkosi Ndebele def. Boule Godogo via KO (R2, 0:27)
    • Welterweight Championship: Yabna N’tchala def. Shido Boris Esperanca via TKO (retirement) (R3, 5:00)
    • Lightweight Showcase: Cornel Thompson def. Jean Do Santos via unanimous decision (30-27 x2, 29-28)
    • Heavyweight Championship: Abraham Bably def. Justin Clarke via KO (R1, 0:21)
    • Featherweight Championship: Wasi Adeshina def. Alain Majorique via TKO (doctor’s stoppage) (R2, 3:07)

    Preliminary Card:

    • Welterweight Showcase: Eliezer Kubanza def. Francis Mozou via TKO (R1, 3:18)
    • Women’s Strawweight Showcase: Juliet Ukah def. Maryam Gaber via TKO (R1, 3:12)
    • Light Heavyweight Showcase: Styve Ngono def. Meledje Yedoh via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)
    • Heavyweight Showcase: Abdoulaye Kane def. Jashell Ticha Awa via TKO (R2, 2:54)
    • Welterweight Showcase: Mouhamed Ba def. Desmond Tamungang via TKO (R1, 2:00)
    • Women’s Strawweight Showcase: Shelda Chipito def. Miracle Andrew via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

    Shelda Chipito vs. Miracle Andrew

    Mouhamed Ba vs. Desmond Tamungang

    Abdoulaye Kane vs. Jashell Ticha Awa

    Styve Ngono vs. Meledje Yedoh

    Juliet Ukah vs. Maryam Gaber

    Eliezer Kubanza vs. Francis Mozou

    Alain Majorique vs. Wasi Adeshina

    Justin Clarke vs. Abraham Bably

    Jean Do Santos vs. Cornel Thompson

    Shido Boris Esperanca vs. Yabna N’tchala

    Nkosi Ndebele vs. Boule Godogo

  • ‘Might Have Just Jumped Taira For A Title Shot’ – Fans And Fighters React As Manel Kape Closes UFC On ESPN Era With Brutal Knockout Of Brandon Royval At UFC Vegas 112

    ‘Might Have Just Jumped Taira For A Title Shot’ – Fans And Fighters React As Manel Kape Closes UFC On ESPN Era With Brutal Knockout Of Brandon Royval At UFC Vegas 112

    Manel Kape has made a statement on why he might deserve the first shot at new flyweight champion Joshua Van, as he closes out the UFC on ESPN era with a finish of Brandon Royval in the UFC Vegas 112 main event.

    The pair felt each other out during the opening frame, trading low kicks and short strikes. Kape worked over Royval’s battle during the round to bring him toward the fence, and that was the opening Kape was looking for.

    Kape landed a right hand that cracked Royval, slumping him against the fence with his strikes. Some follow-up ground-and-pound brought the fight to a quick end, giving Kape the first-round finish.

    Manel Kape Blasts Through Brandon Royval At UFC Vegas 112

    Kape has now won three straight and seven of his last eight.

    Despite the loss, Royval is still 5-2 in his last seven fights.

  • ‘Going To Be A Top Featherweight In 2026’ – Fans & Fighters React As Kevin Vallejos Becomes First To Knock Out Giga Chikadze At UFC Vegas 112

    ‘Going To Be A Top Featherweight In 2026’ – Fans & Fighters React As Kevin Vallejos Becomes First To Knock Out Giga Chikadze At UFC Vegas 112

    Kevin Vallejos will now be able to call himself a ranked featherweight contender after becoming the first man to knock out Giga Chikadze in the co-main event of UFC Vegas 112.

    The first round started fairly quiet, minus a combination from Vallejos that took advantage of a Chikadze slip. The two traded leg kicks, with a nasty gash opening on Chikadze’s left leg thanks to a checked kick.

    Chikadze brought out some strong kicks in the second half of round one when he wasn’t held against the fence.

    But it was Vallejos that took the fight in round two. With both men near the fence, Vallejos landed a spinning backfist that dropped Chikadze in brutal fashion. He followed that up with some elbow-based ground-and-pound to bring a quick halt to the contest.

    Kevin Vallejos Drops Giga Chikadze At UFC Vegas 112

    Vallejos has now won six straight since his sole loss — a defeat to Jean Silva on Dana White’s Contender Series. He is 3-0 in the Octagon since winning a UFC contract in his 2024 DWCS appearance.

    Chikadze has now lost three straight and four of his last five. His sole win in that span was defeating Alex Caceres at UFC Singapore in August 2023.

  • VIDEO: Melquizael Costa Scores Fourth Win Of 2025 With Quick And Impressive Head-Kick KO At UFC Vegas 112

    VIDEO: Melquizael Costa Scores Fourth Win Of 2025 With Quick And Impressive Head-Kick KO At UFC Vegas 112

    Melquizael Costa took control of his 2025 and built himself into a featherweight on the rise, stamping that with a highlight knockout of Morgan Charriere at UFC Vegas 112.

    The fight started off fairly slow, with the two trading leg kicks. But Costa just needed one kick to completely end things, landing a devastating head kick that got around Charriere’s guard and dropped him back-first to the mat.

    The fight lasted just 74 seconds.

    Melquizael Costa Sends Morgan Charriere Into Another Dimension With Head Kick At UFC Vegas 112

    Costa is now on a five-fight win streak and is 6-2 in the Octagon. This was his first fight since he and Julian Erosa put on a show in the UFC Vegas 106 Fight of the Night in May.

    Charriere is 3-3 in the UFC, having traded wins and losses consistently since arriving to the promotion from Cage Warriors in 2023.

  • ‘Going To Be A Serious Player’ – Fans React To Former Bellator Champ Yaroslav Amosov Submitting Neil Magny In UFC Debut At UFC Vegas 112

    ‘Going To Be A Serious Player’ – Fans React To Former Bellator Champ Yaroslav Amosov Submitting Neil Magny In UFC Debut At UFC Vegas 112

    Former Bellator welterweight champion Yaroslav Amosov came away with a solid debut effort in the Octagon, putting away Octagon veteran Neil Magny in the featured prelim of UFC Vegas 112.

    Magny looked to take control of the fight early with his striking, while also fending off Amosov’s clinch and takedown efforts. Amosov would score the takedown just under two minutes into the bout, however.

    Amosov would work his position and managed to find an anaconda choke, scoring the first-round submission.

    Yaroslav Amosov Submits Neil Magny At UFC Vegas 112

    Amosov made his UFC debut tonight after a highly successful run in Bellator. Amosov went 27-0 to start his professional MMA career, which included defeating Douglas Lima at Bellator 260 to become Bellator welterweight champion. He’d defend that title against Logan Storley before dropping it to Jason Jackson at Bellator 301 — the sole blemish on his professional MMA career.

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

  • ‘More Than Just A Motivational Story’ – Fans React As Steven Asplund Puts On Violent Display In UFC Debut Win Over Sean Sharaf At UFC Vegas 112

    ‘More Than Just A Motivational Story’ – Fans React As Steven Asplund Puts On Violent Display In UFC Debut Win Over Sean Sharaf At UFC Vegas 112

    Steven Asplund certainly had a memorable UFC debut at UFC Vegas 112, putting away Sean Sharaf in a wild brawl of a heavyweight encounter during the preliminary card.

    Sharaf got aggressive out of the gate, looking to establish control. But Asplund was ready, landing counterpunches that seemed to get Sharaf’s attention. The two continuously traded flurries mere seconds into the fight. The pacing slowed but the power remained, particularly with Asplund, who managed to use his punching and a knee to bust Sharaf open on his face.

    Asplund looked to finished Sharaf near the fence before the end of the first. Sharaf survived and tried to pressure Asplund with hooks early in the second. But Asplund continued to land at will, backing Sharaf up and worsening the cut.

    Following a brief pause due to a low blow, Asplund continue to pour on the onslaught until the referee waved it off.

    Steven Asplund Stops Sean Sharaf At UFC Vegas 112

    This marked Asplund’s UFC debut following his performance on Dana White’s Contender Series earlier this year. He earned a contract on that show in September after knocking out Anthony Guarascio in 16 seconds.

    Sharaf, the former LXF heavyweight champion, is now 0-2 in the UFC. He last fought in October 2024, getting knocked out by Junior Tafa.

  • ‘No Reason Why Nemkov-Francis Shouldn’t Be Made Next’ – Fans React As Vadim Nemkov Runs Through Renan Ferreira To Become PFL Heavyweight Champion At PFL Lyon

    ‘No Reason Why Nemkov-Francis Shouldn’t Be Made Next’ – Fans React As Vadim Nemkov Runs Through Renan Ferreira To Become PFL Heavyweight Champion At PFL Lyon

    After already owning gold at light heavyweight, Vadim Nemkov now has a championship in a second weight class, defeating Renan Ferreira in the main event of PFL Lyon to become PFL heavyweight world champion.

    After a little patience from both men, Nemkov was able to score a takedown. After landing a series of shots, Nemkov got into mount and began to try and find an arm-triangle choke. Ferreira looked to defend, trying to land from the bottom and find his own submission, going on to get into top position.

    It was a fleeting moment, however, as Nemkov got back on top and worked his way back into securing an arm-triangle, getting the submission win and the world title.

    Vadim Nemkov Becomes Heavyweight Champion By Submitting Renan Ferreira At PFL Lyon

    Nemkov went 3-0 in PFL in 2025, coming over following the promotion’s 2023 purchase of Bellator. Nemkov scored finishes of Bruno Cappelozza and Tim Johnson.

    This was Ferreira’s first fight since getting stopped by Francis Ngannou at PFL Battle of the Giants in October 2024.

  • VIDEO: Cris Cyborg Locks Up Choke, Submits Sara Collins In Women’s Featherweight Title Fight At PFL Lyon

    VIDEO: Cris Cyborg Locks Up Choke, Submits Sara Collins In Women’s Featherweight Title Fight At PFL Lyon

    In the second-to-last fight of her MMA career, Cris Cyborg kept her position as one of the best female athletes in the sport, submitting Sara Collins to remain PFL women’s featherweight champion in the co-main event of PFL Lyon.

    Collins had her fair share of moments in the fight, using leg kicks and trying to go use her jabs and grappling to keep Cyborg at bay. Cyborg, however, had the power edge and used it to her advantage, bringing pressure to Collins.

    Collins scored a takedown in round two, but Cyborg’s attacks from the bottom, including a couple of submission attempts, looked to drain Collins’ energy. Cyborg’s power really came out in the third round, but Collins scored another takedown via a judo throw and threatened an Americana.

    Cyborg, however, reversed and got to the back, putting Collins away with a choke — just the second win via submission in Cyborg’s career.

    Cris Cyborg Submits Sara Collins To Retain Women’s Featherweight Title At PFL Lyon

    Cyborg, who has captured championships in every promotion she has been in, became PFL women’s featherweight champion by defeating Larissa Pacheco at PFL Battle of the Giants last year.

    This was Collins’ first fight since her own fight late last year, submitting Leah McCourt.

  • VIDEO: Baris Adiguzel Claims PFL Europe Bantamweight Tournament Title With Controversial Finish Of Dean Garnett At PFL Lyon

    VIDEO: Baris Adiguzel Claims PFL Europe Bantamweight Tournament Title With Controversial Finish Of Dean Garnett At PFL Lyon

    It was quick, but it was also controversial. Baris Adiguzel has become this year’s PFL Europe bantamweight tournament champion following a sub-minute finish of Dean Garnett during PFL Lyon.

    Adiguzel came out practically swinging away, looking to put this fight away with lightning strikes. He landed a series of left hands, while Garnett looked to answer with his own strategic striking.

    Adiguzel’s attack became too much it seemed, as Garnett was dropped. When the referee stepped in, however, Garnett appeared to have in ankle, which tripped Adiguzel up. But the referee already waved off the fight for the way Garnett fell, giving the tournament title to Adiguzel.

    Baris Adiguzel Makes Quick Work Of Dean Garnett For PFL Europe Bantamweight Tournament Title At PFL Lyon

    Adiguzel, the former Hexagone MMA champion, reached the final with a finish of Julien Lopez in September.

    Garnett reached the final with wins over Tuomas Gronvall and Jan Cieplowski.

  • VIDEO: Alex Chizov Puts Out Connor Hughes To Win 2025 PFL Europe Lightweight Tournament At PFL Lyon

    VIDEO: Alex Chizov Puts Out Connor Hughes To Win 2025 PFL Europe Lightweight Tournament At PFL Lyon

    Alex Chizov claims the top spot of one of PFL Europe’s 2025 tournaments, as he takes out Connor Hughes in three rounds to win this year’s PFL Europe Lightweight Tournament.

    It was an action packed fight, with the two trying to use their strikes to end the fight in one move. Both men attempted to work their combinations, with Chizov backing Hughes back during the first round. Hughes rocked Chizov early in the second, however, showing how momentum swung both ways during this fight.

    About 50 seconds into the third round, however, Chizov used the left hand to set up a strong right that put Hughes out cold for the tournament title win.

    Alex Chizov KOs Connor Hughes For PFL Europe Lightweight Title At PFL Lyon

    Chizov reached the final tonight with a first-round knockout of Mark Ewen and a split decision over Claudio Pacella.

    Hughes has now lost in two straight PFL Europe lightweight finals, losing last year’s tournament final to two-time champion Jakub Kaszuba. Hughes reached this year’s final with knockouts of Sebastien De Franco and Gino van Steenis.

  • PFL Lyon Live Results And Highlights

    PFL Lyon Live Results And Highlights

    The PFL’s 2025 campaign is nearing its end, and two world champions and two PFL Europe tournament champions will be crowned on Saturday, December 13, with PFL Lyon in France. MMA News has you covered with all the action!

    PFL Europe was the initial expansion effort of the Professional Fighters League (PFL), an effort that has since grown out to MENA in 2024. PFL Africa started up earlier this year, and PFL Pacific will be on the way.

    With PFL looking to simplify its championship picture under the direction of new CEO John Martin, however, PFL Lyon will not only bring the conclusion to the PFL Europe season, but it will also bring us two PFL world champions.

    The main event will see former Bellator light heavyweight champion Vadim Nemkov face 2023 PFL heavyweight season champion Renan Ferreira for the heavyweight world championship.

    Since vacating the Bellator light heavyweight title to move up in weight, Nemkov has scored submissions of Bruno Cappelozza and Tim Johnson with the PFL earlier this year. Ferreira finished Ryan Bader in a PFL vs. Bellator heavyweight champions showdown before getting knocked out in seconds by Francis Ngannou at Battle of the Giants last year.

    The PFL women’s featherweight champion will also be decided as the legendary Cris Cyborg faces Sara Collins. Cyborg has lost just twice in the sport and has racked up championships everywhere she has gone, including her PFL Super Fights title win over Larissa Pacheco. Collins is 6-0 in MMA, submitting Leah McCourt in her last fight one year ago.

    The 2025 PFL Europe tournament champions will also be crowned earlier in the card, as Connor Hughes faces Alex Chizov at lightweight and Baris Adiguzel takes on Dean Garnett at bantamweight.

    The event was broadcasted on DAZN in most countries, as well as via ESPN Unlimited in the U.S. If you missed any of the action, MMA News has you covered below with the full results and all the highlights below.

    PFL Lyon Results & Highlights

    Heavyweight World Championship: Vadim Nemkov def. Renan Ferreira via submission (arm-triangle choke) (R1, 4:00)
    Womens’ Featherweight World Championship.: Cris Cyborg def. Sara Collins via submission (rear-naked choke) (R3, 2:55)
    Welterweight Showcase.: Patrick Habirora def. Kevin Jousset via KO (R1, 2:42)
    Bantamweight Showcase.: Taylor Lapilus def. Liam Gittins via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
    PFL Europe Bantamweight Tournament Championship.: Baris Adiguzel def. Dean Garnett via TKO (R1, 0:44)
    Light Heavyweight Showcase.: Boris Atangana def. Guilherme Soares via submission (rear-naked choke) (R2, 2:35)
    PFL Europe Lightweight Tournament Championship.: Alex Chizov def. Connor Hughes via KO (R3, 0:50)
    Bantamweight Showcase.: Gustavo Oliveira def. Movsar Ibragimov via KO (R2, 0:34)
    Women’s Flyweight Showcase.: Sabrinna de Sousa def. Paulina Wisniewska via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
    Bantamweight Showcase.: Rayan Balbali def. Levi Batchelor via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 30-27)

    Rayan Balbali vs. Levi Batchelor

    Paulina Wisniewska vs. Sabrinna de Sousa

    Gustavo Oliveira vs. Movsar Ibragimov

    Connor Hughes vs. Alex Chizov

    Boris Atangana vs. Guilherme Soares

    Baris Adiguzel vs. Dean Garnett

    Taylor Lapilus vs. Liam Gittins

    Patrick Habirora vs. Kevin Jousset

    Cris Cyborg vs. Sara Collins

    Vadim Nemkov vs. Renan Ferreira

  • ‘Masterclass’ – Fighters And Fans Jawdrop, Extol Petr Yan As He Dominates Merab Dvalishvili To Become Two-Time UFC Bantamweight Champion At UFC 323

    ‘Masterclass’ – Fighters And Fans Jawdrop, Extol Petr Yan As He Dominates Merab Dvalishvili To Become Two-Time UFC Bantamweight Champion At UFC 323

    Merab Dvalishvili looked to make more history, and it ended up biting him in the backside. Petr Yan put on a star performance unlike anyone ever has against Dvalishvili, winning on the scorecards and becoming a two-time UFC bantamweight champion in the main event of UFC 323.

    Yan looked to bring the fight to Dvalishvili from the beginning, and it seemed to work. Yan’s pressure allowed him to go toe-to-toe with anything Dvalishvili threw at him in the first and preventing any successful takedowns from the defending champ in the first. Yan added in a strong right hand that busted Dvalishvili open.

    Yan continued to find success in the second round with his jab. He even scored a takedown on Dvalishvili, which resulted in an impressive scrambling trade between the two men. Even as Dvalishvili looked for takedowns late in the round, while adding in jabs, Yan continued to defend.

    Yan looked to bring the pressure again and tie Dvalishvili up, scoring a takedown. Then, Dvalishvili picked up Yan as he did Cejudo before slamming Yan to the mat. Yan got up quickly, though he was the victim of another quick mat return. Yan, however, managed to hurt Dvalishvili again, busting him open again and rocking him with a body kick.

    Dvalishvili threatened a guillotine choke early in the fourth round, but Yan was able to work his way out of the submission. Yan continued to show off takedown defense against Dvalishvili’s consistent takedown efforts, and Yan continued to damage him with his punching. Yan continued to hurt Dvalishvili with body shots

    Yan’s striking continued to find its mark in the fifth round, locking up the scorecards and the bantamweight gold for Yan.

    Petr Yan Regains Bantamweight Title With Upset Of Merab Dvalishvili At UFC 323

    This was a rematch from their UFC Las Vegas main event in March 2023, which Dvalishvili won via decision.

    Since then, Yan had won three straight to earn the rematch and title shot tonight, defeating Song Yadong, Deiveson Figueiredo, and Marcus McGhee.

    Yan became bantamweight champion the first time by finishing Jose Aldo at UFC 251. He then lost the championship via DQ to Aljamain Sterling at UFC 259. He’d defeat Cory Sandhagen for interim gold at UFC 267 but lost an undisputed championship rematch with Sterling at UFC 273.

    Dvalishvili tastes defeat for the first time since dropping his first two UFC bouts in 2017-18. He originally won the title by defeating Sean O’Malley at Noche UFC 2: UFC 306. He had retained the title against Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC 311, O’Malley at UFC 316, and Sandhagen at UFC 320.

  • ‘Absolutely Sickening’ – Fighters & Fans Left In Shock As Alexandre Pantoja Arm Injury Leads To Joshua Van Becoming Flyweight Champion At UFC 323

    ‘Absolutely Sickening’ – Fighters & Fans Left In Shock As Alexandre Pantoja Arm Injury Leads To Joshua Van Becoming Flyweight Champion At UFC 323

    In one of the most shocking moments in UFC title history, Alexadre Pantoja suffers a broken arm in less than 30 seconds, making Joshua Van the new UFC flyweight champion in the co-main event of UFC 323.

    Pantoja came out with his traditional aggressive style, trying to bring the striking pressure to Van. Van would catch a kick and dump Pantoja to the floor — and that was the moment the fight ended.

    Pantoja landed on his arm when being pushed down to the mat, resulting in what appeared to be a nasty break to end the title fight.

    Joshua Van Claims Flyweight Title At UFC 323 After Alexandre Pantoja Breaks Arm

    Van is 9-1 in the Octagon, and this marked his sixth straight win. This completes an epic 2025 for Van after a decision win over Rei Tsuruya at UFC 313, a finish of Bruno Silva at UFC 316, and a Fight of the Year with Brandon Royval at UFC 317.

    Pantoja’s title reign began at UFC 290, defeating Brandon Moreno. He defended the title four times, defeating Royval at UFC 296, Steve Erceg at UFC 301, Kai Asakura at UFC 310, and Kai Kara-France at UFC 317.

  • ‘Dreadful’ – Fight Fans Slam Referee Mark Smith Following Tatsuro Taira TKO Win Over Brandon Moreno At UFC 323

    ‘Dreadful’ – Fight Fans Slam Referee Mark Smith Following Tatsuro Taira TKO Win Over Brandon Moreno At UFC 323

    Despite yet another referee controversy, Tatsuro Taira may have positioned himself to finally get a crack at flyweight gold, becoming the first man to finish former two-time flyweight champion Brandon Moreno at UFC 323.

    Moreno was in control for most of the first round, executing a tight triangle on Taira for what felt like the longest time — in spite of Taira looking to take the fight to the ground. He appeared to have a fully locked-in triangle armbar and triangle choke, but Taira defended and was able to slip out of the hold in the closing seconds.

    Taira used his speed to slip away from Moreno’s strikes in the second round. He then was able to score a takedown, and this time it was him who was troubling the former champ.

    Taira flattened out Moreno and rained down blows. As Moreno appeared to be building his base, however, referee Mark Smith waved off the fight, giving Taira the win in a key flyweight battle.

    Tatsuro Taira Finishes Brandon Moreno At UFC 323

    Taira has now won back-to-back fights after his first professional MMA loss, coming against Brandon Royval. He is 8-1 since arriving in the UFC in 2022.

    Moreno has lost three of five now, stretching back to him losing the flyweight title to Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 290.

  • ‘Leaving The Sport As One Of The Greatest Of All Time’ – Fighters & Fans Pay Respects To Henry Cejudo Following Loss To Payton Talbott In Retirement Fight At UFC 323

    ‘Leaving The Sport As One Of The Greatest Of All Time’ – Fighters & Fans Pay Respects To Henry Cejudo Following Loss To Payton Talbott In Retirement Fight At UFC 323

    Henry Cejudo’s four-fight second UFC run will end winless, as Payton Talbott managed to take a victory in Cejudo’s swan song at UFC 323.

    Talbott managed to get the better of Cejudo in the first round, connecting on the more effective strikes while taking advantage of an aggressive Cejudo. Talbott even scored a pair of takedowns on Cejudo during the opening frame.

    The former champion was clipped early in the second round, getting knocked down. Cejudo, however, swept for a reversal and got into top position. Talbott got back to his feet with about 90 seconds left in the round, throwing a flurry that included body shots that impacted Cejudo. Cejudo fought back with a wild flurry of his own, even though he was briefly dropped.

    While Cejudo got top control again in the third, Talbott continued to fight his fight and land more shots to the body, going on to claim the unanimous decision win.

    Payton Talbott Retires Henry Cejudo, Scores Decision Win At UFC 323

    Talbott not only gets the biggest win of his career, but he’s now won two straight since suffering his first career loss at UFC 311 earlier this year.

    Cejudo, who debuted in MMA in 2013, made his UFC debut in December 2014, going on to be a key figure in the UFC’s flyweight division. After unsuccessfully challenging Demetrious Johnson at UFC 197 for the flyweight title, Cejudo defeated “Mighty Mouse” in their UFC 227 rematch.

    Cejudo then claimed the bantamweight championship at UFC 238 to become the UFC’s fourth champ-champ. He’d initially retire after retaining the bantamweight title over Dominick Cruz at UFC 249 but unretired in 2023, going 0-4, including tonight’s loss to Talbott, as well as an unsuccessful, controversial bantamweight title fight with Aljamain Sterling at UFC 288.

  • ‘Just Fumbled That Win’ – Fighters & Fans Debate Jan Blachowicz vs. Bogdan Guskov Scorecards As UFC 323 Bout Ruled A Majority Draw

    ‘Just Fumbled That Win’ – Fighters & Fans Debate Jan Blachowicz vs. Bogdan Guskov Scorecards As UFC 323 Bout Ruled A Majority Draw

    Jan Blachowicz looked to show he can still be considered a top light heavyweight in the world, while Bogdan Guskov looked for his biggest win. Instead, their fight that opened the UFC 323 pay-per-view card ended in a draw.

    The first round was a fairly quiet one, with the most notable part being the number of leg kicks Blachowicz was landing on Guskov.

    Blachowicz looked to continue to work leg kicks, along with his jab, in the second. But Guskov answered with a right hand that dropped Blachowicz, with Guskov doing more damage with ground-and-pound from top position.

    Despite a leg lock attempt from Blachowicz, Guskov continued to hunt for the finish, busting Blachowicz open in the process. The third round, however, saw Blachowicz show off some of his power on the feet once again. He snapped Guskov’s head back a couple of times, coming forward with pressure. Blachowicz ended the fight with a flurry that briefly dropped Guskov.

    Despite Blachowicz’s strong performance, two judges scored the second round 10-8 in Guskov’s favor, ending the fight with a majority draw.

    Jan Blachowicz And Bogdan Guskov Battle To A Draw At UFC 323

    Blachowicz’s sole win since dropping the UFC light heavyweight title came against Aleksandar Rakic in May 2022. Since that fight, Blachowicz is 0-2-2.

    Guskov is now 4-1-1 in the UFC, having not tasted defeat since dropping his UFC debut against Volkan Oezdemir.

  • VIDEO: Manuel Torres Puts Out Grant Dawson’s Lights At UFC 323

    VIDEO: Manuel Torres Puts Out Grant Dawson’s Lights At UFC 323

    Manuel Torres is known for the power he could bring out in a flash, and that’s what happened in his victory over Grant Dawson in the featured UFC 323 prelim bout.

    Dawson came out with strong kicks to start, as well as aggressively looking for a takedown. Torres fended those efforts off, however, and worked Dawson’s body over.

    Dawson overextended on one of his punches, and Torres made him pay with a counter that dropped him to the mat, bringing the fight to a halt quickly.

    Manuel Torres KOs Grant Dawson At UFC 323

    Torres is now 5-1 in the UFC since arriving from Dana White’s Contender Series.

    Dawson sees a three-fight win streak snapped with this defeat. He is still 6-2 in his last eight.