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  • Chris Weidman Stunned By UFC Hall Of Fame Honor After Career Highs And Lows – ‘I Was Completely Clueless’

    Chris Weidman never saw this moment coming.

    The former UFC middleweight champion is set to be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026, but the announcement caught him completely off guard.

    Known for one of the biggest upsets in MMA history when he dethroned Anderson Silva in 2013, Weidman’s legacy has long been debated due to the contrasting chapters of his career.

    That’s part of why the honor came as such a surprise.

    “It’s a huge honor – I was completely caught off guard with it,” Weidman said in an interview with MMA Junkie Radio. “Was not expecting it… I was completely clueless and it was an awesome surprise.”

    The reveal was orchestrated during UFC 328 in Newark, where “The All-American” was brought cageside under the pretense of a routine broadcast segment. Instead, he was met with a tribute video announcing his induction.

    Weidman’s early career run remains one of the most impressive in middleweight history. He began with 13 straight victories, including two wins over Silva, and successful title defenses against elite contenders like Vitor Belfort and Lyoto Machida.

    However, the latter part of his career told a different story. A series of losses after his championship reign left Weidman unsure if his accomplishments would ultimately be enough for Hall of Fame recognition.

    “After I had my first loss, I lost a lot,” he admitted. “Thank God they measure you from your prime… I’m glad I did some great things while I was young.”

    “The All-American” now joins a stacked 2026 class that includes Demetrious Johnson and Dominick Cruz, further cementing his place in UFC history.

  • Chris Weidman To Be Inducted Into UFC Hall Of Fame Class of 2026

    Chris Weidman To Be Inducted Into UFC Hall Of Fame Class of 2026

    Former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman, praised for his wrestling and responsible for one of the UFC’s biggest upsets, has been announced as the next inductee into the UFC Hall of Fame.

    Weidman’s induction into the Hall’s 2026 class was announced during UFC 328.

    Chris Weidman Joins UFC Hall Of Fame Class Of 2026

    Weidman was a standout wrestler at Hofstra University, earning the All-American status that served as the basis of his nickname. Weidman made his MMA debut in 2009, winning his first four bouts with Ring of Combat before joining the UFC.

    Weidman won five straight, including wins over Demian Maia and Mark Munoz, before challenging then-longtime reigning middleweight champion Anderson Silva at UFC 163.

    At that event, Weidman produced one of the UFC’s most memorable moments, knocking out a taunting Silva in the second round to become the new champion. Weidman then won the UFC 168 rematch after Silva broke his leg during the second round.

    Weidman then defended the gold against Vitor Belfort and Lyoto Machida before losing to Luke Rockhold at UFC 194. Weidman would only win three more times in his MMA career.

    Weidman also suffered a nasty leg break, as Silva did before him, suffering the injury against Uriah Hall at UFC 261. He’d successfully come back two years later, showcasing a major display of heart and determination to compete again.

    Weidman’s last fight came at UFC 310, losing to Eryk Anders.

    Weidman joins a Hall of Fame Class of 2026 that also includes Thomas Gerbasi, Weili Zhang vs. Joanna Jędrzejczyk I, Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson, Dominick Cruz, and Forrest Griffin Community Service Award winner Alex Pereira.

  • UFC Inducting Thomas Gerbasi Into Hall Of Fame Contributor Wing

    UFC Inducting Thomas Gerbasi Into Hall Of Fame Contributor Wing

    Thomas Gerbasi, the former longtime UFC Editorial Director who passed away in 2025, will be honored posthumously as the next inductee into the UFC Hall of Fame Class of 2026.

    Gerbasi was on the UFC’s editorial team for over 20 years, serving as an essential historian and record-keeper for everything that is the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

    Gerbasi also contributed to several publications, including The Ring Magazine, ESPN, and the Boston Globe.

    “Tom was a close member of the UFC family and a very talented writer,” UFC CEO and President Dana White said in a statement.

    A New Yorker, Gerbasi graduated from St. John’s University before making a name for himself in the world of boxing content. Gerbasi eventually joined the UFC team and oversaw the official UFC website.

    Gerbasi’s boxing writing landed him a 2022 induction into the International Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame and the 2024 Nat Fleischer Award.

    Gerbasi also authored a number of works, including UFC: A Visual History,The UFC Encyclopedia,The Official UFC Fan Guide, and Boxing: The 100 Greatest Fighters.

    Gerbasi joins a 2026 Hall of Fame class that includes Dominick Cruz, Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson, Zhang Weili vs. Joanna Jędrzejczyk I, and Forrest Griffin Community Award winner Alex Pereira.

  • Alex Pereira To Be Honored With 2026 Forrest Griffin Community Award

    Alex Pereira To Be Honored With 2026 Forrest Griffin Community Award

    Alex Pereira will be this year’s recipient of the 2026 Forrest Griffin Community Award, as announced by the UFC during the UFC 327 broadcast on CBS.

    Per UFC play-by-play Jon Anik, Pereira will receive the award for his dedication and time toward sick and underprivileged youth in his native Brazil.

    Alex Pereira To Receive Forrest Griffin Community Award At 2026 UFC Hall Of Fame Ceremony

    The Forrest Griffin Community Award is annually handed out to fighters who make impacts and special contributions to their communities. Past winners have included Charles Oliveira, Dustin Poirier, Max Holloway, and the Nogueira Brothers.

    Pereira will receive the award at this year’s UFC Hall of Fame induction ceremony this July. He will be honored alongside new Hall of Fame inductees Dominick Cruz and Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson, as well as the UFC 248 bout between Weili Zhang and Joanna Jedrzejczyk.

    Pereira will fight at UFC Freedom 250 in June, facing Ciryl Gane to determine the interim UFC heavyweight champion.

  • Demetrious Johnson Joins UFC Hall of Fame 2026 Class

    Demetrious Johnson Joins UFC Hall of Fame 2026 Class

    One of the greatest MMA fighters ever, let alone the man who innovated the flyweight division, Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson will now officially be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame.

    The announcement was made during the main card broadcast of UFC Seattle, with “Mighty Mouse” in attendance. Johnson will be a part of the Hall of Fame’s Modern Wing.

    Demetrious Johnson To Be Inducted Into UFC Hall Of Fame

    Johnson made his professional MMA debut in 2009, going 5-1 before being brought into the UFC after its acquisition of the WEC.

    Johnson won his first two UFC fights before falling to Dominick Cruz in an attempt to capture the UFC bantamweight title in October 2011.

    In 2012, Johnson dropped in weight and entered the UFC’s new flyweight division. After battling Ian McCall to a draw, he defeated McCall in a rematch before a controversial decision over Joseph Benavidez at UFC 152 to become the inaugural champion.

    That started a legendary run for “Mighty Mouse,” where he placed his name into the UFC’s record books. During his run between 2012 and 2018, he made 11 consecutive successful defenses, the most in UFC history. It’s also the second-most successful defenses in promotion history, only behind Jon Jones.

    He’s not only been in the most UFC flyweight title fights, but Johnson also has the most victories via submission in UFC title fights with five. Johnson’s highlights in his title run include a literal last-second submission of Kyoji Horiguchi at UFC 186, a finish of Henry Cejudo at UFC 197, and his flying armbar win over Ray Borg at UFC 217.

    Johnson lost the title against Cejudo at UFC 227 via split decision before being “traded” to ONE Championship in exchange for Ben Askren. After winning the ONE Flyweight Grand Prix, Johnson was finished by Adriano Moraes at ONE on TNT 1 in April 2021.

    Johnson won the ONE flyweight title in a rematch with Moraes in August 2022. He then won their trilogy bout in May 2023 in what ended up being the final fight in Johnson’s career, retiring as ONE flyweight champion.

    Johnson joins a 2026 UFC Hall of Fame class that includes Dominick Cruz and the UFC 248 bout between Weili Zhang and Joanna Jedrzejczyk.

  • Weili Zhang vs. Joanna Jedrzejczyk 1 Earns UFC Hall of Fame Spot

    Weili Zhang vs. Joanna Jedrzejczyk 1 Earns UFC Hall of Fame Spot

    One of the greatest fights in the history of women’s MMA, if not the greatest fight in the history of women’s MMA, now has its rightful place in the UFC Hall of Fame.

    The UFC 248 women’s strawweight championship contest between Weili Zhang and Joanna Jedrzejczyk has been announced as the newest inductee into the UFC Hall of Fame Class of 2026, as part of its Fight Wing.

    The announcement was made during the UFC 326 broadcast. It marks the first women’s fight to be honored in the UFC Hall of Fame.

    Over five rounds, the two women clashed relentlessly, putting on jaw-dropping striking displays against one another. Jedrzejczyk displayed strong combinations, while Zhang found great success with her powerful punching.

    Neither fighter appeared to slow down their momentum, and nearly all five rounds could have fallen either fighters’ way. Jedrzejczyk sported a massive hematoma on her head by the fight’s end, but the two went pillar to post, back-and-forth for a full 25 minutes.

    Zhang earned the decision win, but both women were seen as winners after the fight, which earned 2020’s Fight of the Year honors.

    This is Jedrzejczyk’s second UFC Hall of Fame induction, being named an individual entrant inducted into the Modern Wing in 2024.

    The fight joins Dominick Cruz in the UFC Hall of Fame’s 2026 class.

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

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

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

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

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

    Dominick Cruz To Be Inducted Into UFC Hall Of Fame

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Mark Kerr Announced For UFC Hall Of Fame Class Of 2025

    Mark Kerr Announced For UFC Hall Of Fame Class Of 2025

    Mark Kerr’s name has been going around the MMA circle of late, thanks in part to the new movie about his life — The Smashing Machine — in addition to his legend status in the sport.

    And now, Kerr gets to be cemented for good in honor of his achievements, as he has been announced as the final member of the UFC Hall of Fame Class of 2025.

    The announcement came during the pay-per-view portion of UFC 316, which Kerr was in attendance for.

    Jon Anik added that Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who plays Kerr in The Smashing Machine, will be present at the Hall of Fame ceremony in Las Vegas on June 26 to personally induct Kerr.

    Mark Kerr Announced As Final Member of 2025 UFC Hall Of Fame Class

    Kerr was a collegiate wrestler at Syracuse, becoming a multiple-time EIWA champion and winning the NCAA national championship at 190 pounds in 1992.

    Kerr was also a multiple-time ADCC champion, winning gold in 1999, 2000 and 2001.

    Kerr made his professional MMA debut in 1997, winning three times in one night to win the heavyweight tournament at World Vale Tudo Championship 3. He then joined the UFC and won the heavyweight tournaments at both UFC 14 and UFC 15.

    Kerr would then join PRIDE in its earliest days and won six straight. He, unfortunately, would then lose six of his next seven, going on a downward skid. Kerr then won a pair of fights before ending his MMA career on five straight losses, including losses to Oleg Taktarov, Jeff Monson and Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal.

    Kerr joins the likes of Amanda Nunes, Vitor Belfort, Robbie Lawler, producer Craig Piligian and the UFC 236 fight between Kelvin Gastelum and Israel Adesanya as the UFC Hall of Fame Class of 2025.

  • Vitor Belfort Named As Latest Member Of UFC Hall Of Fame Class Of 2025

    Vitor Belfort Named As Latest Member Of UFC Hall Of Fame Class Of 2025

    One of the greatest and longest-tenured fighters in the history of MMA, let alone the UFC, will finally get his rightful spot in the UFC Hall of Fame.

    The UFC announced that former UFC light heavyweight champion Vitor Belfort is the latest name to join the UFC Hall of Fame Class of 2025.

    Belfort will be a part of the honor ceremonies on June 26, two days prior to UFC 317 and during the UFC’s International Fight Week.

    Vitor Belfort Named To UFC Hall Of Fame 2025 Class

    Belfort was a key figure in the UFC’s earliest days, debuting as a 1-0 fighter at UFC 12 and winning the heavyweight tournament that evening. Belfort would fight four more times in the UFC before jumping to PRIDE. From 2002-2009, Belfort bounced around and competed for a number of promotions including the UFC, PRIDE and Strikeforce.

    Belfort became UFC light heavyweight champion with a win over Randy Couture at UFC 46. He’d drop the title back to Couture in a rematch at UFC 49.

    In 2007, Belfort would rebound in Cage Rage by winning its light heavyweight championship.

    Belfort rejoined the UFC at UFC 103 in September 2009, competing until his retirement fight against Lyoto Macida at UFC 224 in 2018. During this stint, Belfort would challenge Anderson Silva and Chris Weidman for the UFC middleweight championship and Jon Jones for the light heavyweight championship, coming up short all three times.

    Belfort joins a UFC Hall of Fame class that also consists of Amanda Nunes, Robbie Lawler, Craig Piligian, the UFC 236 clash between Kelvin Gastelum and Israel Adesanya and the 2025 Forrest Griffin Community Award winner, Charles Oliveira.

  • VIDEO: Charles Oliveira To Be Honored With 2025 Forrest Griffin Community Award

    The UFC has named Charles Oliveira as this year’s recipient of the Forrest Griffin Community Award, as announced during the UFC Kansas City main card.

    Oliveira is being honored for the work he has done with East LA Jiu-Jitsu, a non-profit jiu-jitsu school set up for kids to build character, confidence and resilience. The school, founded by Ron Mukai, is open to all children, regardless of their ability to pay.

    Oliveira said what motivates him to help teach the kids his own past experience with the discipline and coming from a high-risk environment, and being able to show kids they can accomplish anything they set out to.

    Charles Oliveira To Receive Forrest Griffin Community Award At 2025 UFC Hall Of Fame Ceremony

    The Forrest Griffin Community Award is annually handed out to fighters who make impacts and special contributions to their communities. Past winners have included Dustin Poirier, Max Holloway, Giga Chikadze, the Nogueira Brothers and Beneil Dariush.

    Oliveira will receive the award at this year’s UFC Hall of Fame induction ceremony on June 26. This year’s UFC Hall of Fame class will also include Amanda Nunes, Robbie Lawler, Craig Piligian and the UFC 236 clash between Kelvin Gastelum and Israel Adesanya.

  • Amanda Nunes Announced For Hall Of Fame During UFC 314 Broadcast As Comeback Talk Intensifies

    The woman widely considered the greatest women’s fighter in the history of MMA, let alone the UFC, will now get to take her spot in the UFC Hall of Fame.

    Former UFC women’s bantamweight and featherweight champion Amanda Nunes was announced as the newest member of the UFC Hall of Fame Class of 2025, as announced at UFC 314.

    Nunes was emotional Octagon-side, having been surprised by the announcement, greeted with the hugs from UFC CEO Dana White, Octagon announcer Bruce Buffer, and UFC Chief Business Officer Hunter Campbell.

    This induction comes just a day after Nunes appeared to tease a comeback at a press conference. With Julianna Pena and Kayla Harrison on the press stage, a reporter asked of the chance Nunes returns to the Octagon to challenge the winner. Nunes then appeared nodding on camera.

    Pena and Harrison face off for the women’s bantamweight title — a title Nunes held for a long time — during the co-main event of UFC 316 on June 7.

    Amanda Nunes Joins UFC Hall of Fame 2025 Class

    After going 7-3 to start her career, including fights in Strikeforce and Invicta, Nunes joined the UFC in 2013. She went on to lose just twice in the Octagon, ending her stellar career with a 23-5 record.

    Nunes submitted Miesha Tate in the UFC 200 main event to win the UFC women’s bantamweight title. She then went on to retain the title six times between two reigns, defeating the likes of Ronda Rousey, Valentina Shevchenko, Raquel Pennington, Holly Holm, Germaine de Randamie, and Irene Aldana. Though Nunes lost the title in upset fashion to Pena at UFC 269, she’d win the belt back in a rematch at UFC 277.

    Between those defenses, Nunes defeated Cris Cyborg to win the UFC women’s featherweight championship at UFC 232. Nunes to this date is still the sole woman to be a champ-champ — and the only UFC champ-champ to retain both championships at least once and retire as champ-champ.

    Nunes defended her 145-pound title against Felicia Spencer and Megan Anderson.

    The UFC Hall of Fame Class of 2025, in addition to Nunes, includes Robbie Lawler, longtime producer Craig Piligian, and the UFC 236 fight between Israel Adesanya and Kelvin Gastelum.

  • Israel Adesanya & Kelvin Gastelum’s 2019 Barnburner Announced For UFC Hall Of Fame

    Israel Adesanya & Kelvin Gastelum’s 2019 Barnburner Announced For UFC Hall Of Fame

    Israel Adesanya’s recently gone on a rough patch in his MMA venture, including his knockout loss to Nassourdine Imavov last week. But in a moment of lightness, he will be honored for putting on one of the greatest bouts in Octagon history as part of this year’s UFC Hall of Fame class.

    Adesanya’s interim middleweight title fight with Kelvin Gastelum at UFC 236 will be inducted into the Fight Wing of the UFC Hall of Fame this summer during International Fight Week, the promotion announced during the UFC 312 pay-per-view.

    The two put on an absolute war at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, GA, on that April 2019 night, with UFC CEO Dana White claiming in the immediate aftermath that it was one of the greatest fights he’s ever seen in his life.

    Israel Adesanya vs. Kelvin Gastelum Announced For UFC Hall of Fame Class Of 2025

    The fight was a back-and-forth affair, with plenty of moments from both men. Gastelum took many people by surprise when he rocked Adesanya with a head kick late in the fight. Adesanya, however, locked in and did plenty of damage during the final round, nearly prompting referee Marc Goddard to step in.

    Adesanya ultimately won the interim title on a unanimous decision before going on to defeat Robert Whittaker later that year at UFC 243 to become undisputed UFC middleweight champion.

    The fight joins The Ultimate Fighter Executive Producer Craig Piligian as the inductees announced thus far for the UFC Hall of Fame Class of 2025. More inductees are expected to be announced at the next couple of UFC pay-per-view events.

  • Beneil Dariush Recalls Memorable Moment With UFC Hall Of Famers At 2024 Induction Ceremony: ‘Chael Wouldn’t Be Getting Out Of This Room Alive’

    Beneil Dariush Recalls Memorable Moment With UFC Hall Of Famers At 2024 Induction Ceremony: ‘Chael Wouldn’t Be Getting Out Of This Room Alive’

    Beneil Dariush entered the UFC Hall of Fame as a part of the 2024 class, as the fifth winner of the Forrest Griffin Community Award.

    Dariush received praise for the work he has done with multiple organizations to help those living in the likes of Iraq and Haiti.

    Standing on the stage alongside legends of the sport, the active lightweight contender came away with a few moments that he will always remember fondly.

    One of those was being able to stand there alongside Frankie Edgar, who was a big inspiration for his own career, and was inducted into the Modern Wing.

    Another moment was an observation that Dariush made about some former rivals burying the hatchet with one another.

    Beneil Dariush Recalls Heart-warming Exchange Between Chael Sonnen, Wanderlei Silva & ‘Shogun’ Rua

    In a recent interview with Submission Radio, Dariush reflected on one particular moment that stayed with him from the Hall of Fame ceremony.

    Chael Sonnen has had his fair share of iconic rivalries, with many of his biggest fights coming against Brazilian opponents.

    International Fight Week saw Sonnen get inducted for his first fight with Anderson Silva, alongside two other Brazilian legends in Wanderlei Silva and Mauricio “Shogun” Rua.

    Dariush recalled how he was able to watch them all interact with one another as he reflected on how much their dynamic has changed over the years.

    “The other cool part was “Shogun” was there and Wanderlei was there, we’re all from the same gym right. Three guys from basically Kings or Chute Boxe or from that lineage to get awards was cool and finally, at one point, I saw, it was like this.

    “Wanderlei was sitting here, “Shogun’s” here and Chael was right here in the middle and I’m behind them all and I just thought to myself, bro, 10 years ago if this situation was happening, I don’t think Chael would be getting out of this room alive but look at them now. Hanging out, speaking to each other and just being gentlemen. That was probably the coolest part to see, everybody’s moved on from the drama from previous.”

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