MMA News

Tag: UFC

  • Sean O’Malley Apologizes for COVID Mask Stunt at UFC 324

    Sean O’Malley Apologizes for COVID Mask Stunt at UFC 324

    Former UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley addressed the controversy surrounding his COVID-style face mask during an initial staredown with upcoming opponent Song Yadong, while the Chinese fighter remained focused on the fight itself ahead of their co-main event clash at UFC 324 on Saturday, January 24, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

    The incident occurred at the UFC seasonal press conference in December 2025, when O’Malley wore a surgical face mask during the first face-off with Song. The gesture sparked immediate backlash, with many interpreting it as a reference to COVID-19’s origins in China.

    Sean O’Malley Clarifies COVID Mask Incident With Song Yadong Ahead of UFC 324 Showdown

    At Wednesday’s UFC 324 media day, O’Malley issued an apology for the incident. “My intentions were never harmful,” O’Malley stated.

    “It was supposed to be a little silly joke, you know, it was that, and it got taken out of [context]. I apologize if I offended anybody. It was never meant to be disrespectful, just me trying to have a little fun, and it turned into something else”.

    Song responded to the apology during his own media session, acknowledging O’Malley’s penchant for promotional tactics while dismissing any impact on his preparation. “Sean is very good at promotion. He likes to play little mind games, do things at the face-off, talk a lot online,” Song explained.

    “I don’t really care about that. I’m not here to play games with him, I’m here to fight. When the cage door closes, it’s just me and him, and all that talk and all that show doesn’t help him. I won’t let anything he does take me out of my focus”.

    The 28-year-old Chinese fighter elaborated on his perspective regarding the stunt. “I’m fine, but I believe we shouldn’t introduce racism into this sport,” Song remarked at media day. “Let’s keep it about the competition. He already expressed regret. In an interview from China, he apologized to fans. He’s trying to play mind games with me, but I’m not concerned about that. My focus is solely on the fight. I just want to win. I’m concentrated”.

    O’Malley enters UFC 324 on a two-fight losing streak, having lost the bantamweight title to Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 306 in September 2024 and falling short in their rematch at UFC 316 in June 2025. The former champion holds an 18-3 MMA record and 10-3 UFC mark, with his last victory coming against Marlon Vera at UFC 299.

    Song, ranked fifth in the bantamweight division, carries a record of 22-8-1 overall and 11-3-1 in the UFC. The Team Alpha Male fighter most recently defeated former two-division champion Henry Cejudo via technical decision in February 2025, earning the victory when the bout was stopped due to an accidental eye poke while Song was ahead on the scorecards.

    Both fighters view the bout as critical for their championship aspirations. O’Malley believes a victory positions him for a rematch with current bantamweight champion Petr Yan, whom he controversially defeated at UFC 280 in October 2022. Yan reclaimed the title by defeating Dvalishvili at UFC 323 in December 2025, ending “The Machine’s” reign after three successful title defenses.​

    “It’s got to be me versus Petr next, if I go out there and take care of business,” O’Malley declared at media day. “I think I go out there and put on a beautiful performance, [then] me versus Petr at the White House is huge”.

    Song similarly sees the fight as his pathway to title contention. “This fight is crucial for me because a win over Sean would be a major accomplishment,” Song acknowledged. “I’m just one step away from a title shot”.​

  • Natalia Silva Vows to Beat Shevchenko ‘In Every Area’

    Natalia Silva Vows to Beat Shevchenko ‘In Every Area’

    Natalia Silva has made her intentions clear heading into Saturday’s UFC 324 fight against Rose Namajunas. The Brazilian contender believes she can defeat flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko in every facet of mixed martial arts, and a victory this weekend would put her in position to prove it.

    Speaking at the UFC 324 pre-fight press conference at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Silva expressed supreme confidence in her ability to dethrone Shevchenko, who reclaimed the flyweight title in September 2024 and has since defended it twice. The 27-year-old from Brazil stated her case with conviction.​

    Natalia Silva Eyes Valentina Shevchenko After Rose Namajunas Showdown at UFC 324

    “Valentina definitely is not going to beat me in any area,” Silva said. “I train every day to be champion and it doesn’t matter if the fight is on the feet or on the ground – I am ready to beat her. I work every day in every area possible. If it’s striking, I’m going to beat her. If it’s any sort of grappling, I’m going to beat her and I’m going to be champion. In the name of Jesus, yes – I am training for that and I believe that a victory over Rose already puts a belt on this table within the next 12 months”.​​

    Silva’s path to a title shot has already encountered delays. The Team Borracha fighter revealed that she expected to challenge Shevchenko sooner, but the UFC needed the champion to recover from her dominant November victory over Zhang Weili at UFC 322. That five-round shutout saw Shevchenko score 50-45 on all three judges’ scorecards.

    “I wanted to have fought for the title already, but the UFC said Valentina would not be available to fight now and that they needed me to take another fight,” Silva explained. “They offered Rose’s name and we accepted. I believe that if Zhang Weili hadn’t fought Valentina, I would already have fought for the belt. For everything I’ve done in the organization, I think the person who was most ready for this opportunity was me. I believe that, yes. And a win over Rose already credentials me for a title shot. The UFC told me this fight is an eliminator and that the next one will be for the title”.​

    Natalia Silva vs. Rose Namajunas at UFC 324

    Silva stepped into the UFC 324 matchup on short notice after former champion Alexa Grasso withdrew due to injury in early December. The Brazilian had most recently defeated Grasso by unanimous decision at UFC 315 in May 2025, extending her winning streak to 13 fights and maintaining her perfect 7-0 UFC record.

    Namajunas, a former two-time strawweight champion, moved up to flyweight in 2023 and holds a 3-2 record at 125 pounds. The 33-year-old last competed in June when she defeated Miranda Maverick by unanimous decision. The UFC has informed Namajunas that a victory over Silva would earn her a flyweight title shot against Shevchenko, setting up a clash between friends and training partners.

    When discussing Namajunas, Silva acknowledged her opponent’s adaptability but expressed confidence in dictating the pace of their encounter. The Brazilian noted Namajunas recently announced a return to her taekwondo roots in preparation for facing Silva’s striking style.​

    “I don’t have much to say about her; I have a lot to say about myself,” Silva stated. “Rose adapts a lot to the style of whoever she’s fighting. The difficult part will be for her to adapt to my game. When I go in there to fight, I will be the one dictating the cards. She said she had to go back to her taekwondo roots because of my style. I never had to ‘go back’ to my roots – I always trained taekwondo. It’s good that she went back, but I don’t think the time she’s had will be enough”.​

    Silva began training taekwondo at age 16. Since her last defeat in December 2017 to Marina Rodriguez, Silva has won 13 consecutive fights.

    Shevchenko, now 37, has not yet announced her next opponent following her victories over Manon Fiorot and Zhang Weili in 2025. The champion holds a 26-4-1 career record and sits at the top of the UFC women’s pound-for-pound rankings.

  • Ali Abdelaziz Pitches Conor McGregor vs. Justin Gaethje at UFC White House Event

    Ali Abdelaziz Pitches Conor McGregor vs. Justin Gaethje at UFC White House Event

    Ali Abdelaziz has stirred the pot once again, this time floating the idea of Conor McGregor facing Justin Gaethje at the White House.

    The Dominance MMA manager’s pitch is blunt, referring to McGregor as an “Irish drunk guy” and questioning whether he could handle Gaethje ahead of the UFC’s historic event scheduled for June 14, 2026. The timing is particularly interesting given that Gaethje is set to face Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight title at UFC 324 this Saturday, January 24.

    Ali Abdelaziz Calls Conor McGregor ‘Irish Drunk Guy,’ Pitches Justin Gaethje Fight at UFC White House

    Speaking with Submission Radio, Abdelaziz laid out his vision with typical flair. His proposal skips the interim belt discussion entirely, instead focusing on what he describes as a long-overdue grudge match between the Irishman and “The Highlight”.

    “Justin Gaethje versus Conor McGregor. What about that? Do you understand? America’s birthday – bring an Irish drunk guy to the White House, make sure he doesn’t have any drugs on him or cocaine, and fight Justin. Conor’s been running from Justin all his life.”

    According to the manager, McGregor has been avoiding Gaethje throughout his career, turning down the fight “at least five times” over several years. Abdelaziz claims the UFC even advised him to stop mentioning the matchup because McGregor allegedly refuses to fight opponents who criticize him publicly.

    The suggestion comes with particular bite given the White House event’s significance. Set to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary, President Trump announced the date coincides with his 80th birthday, and Dana White has indicated he’s holding back major fights to stack the card.

    The McGregor-Gaethje matchup has long been discussed but never materialized. Their styles suggest an explosive clash. McGregor’s precision striking and southpaw stance theoretically create openings against Gaethje’s aggressive, face-first approach and leg-heavy attack.

    However, the Irishman hasn’t won a lightweight fight since 2016, and both of his recent losses to Dustin Poirier exposed vulnerability to leg kicks, Gaethje’s specialty. The 37-year-old is coming off a broken leg sustained in 2021.

    Gaethje enters UFC 324 on Saturday with everything to prove. The 37-year-old veteran has made it clear this is likely his final run at undisputed gold after previous title shot failures against Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira. His coach, Trevor Wittman, confirmed this won’t be a “retirement fight” and that Gaethje has no intention of continuing without a clear championship path.

    Should he defeat Pimblett and secure the interim belt, Gaethje is expected to face Ilia Topuria later in 2026 for the undisputed lightweight championship. A McGregor fight, while lucrative, would represent a detour from that trajectory unless positioned as a White House spectacle worth the risk.

    For now, Abdelaziz’s proposal remains speculation ahead of a more immediate priority. Saturday’s UFC 324 will determine whether Gaethje even has the interim belt to bargain with.

  • Arman Tsarukyan’s Media Blitz Shows Rankings Matter, but Algorithms Matter More

    Arman Tsarukyan’s Media Blitz Shows Rankings Matter, but Algorithms Matter More

    Arman Tsarukyan got skipped for a title shot he earned. Now he is everywhere. The streaming circuit, grappling events, cooking shows, he is building a brand while the UFC decides what to do with him. This is not a choice anymore. It is the cost of doing business in the modern UFC.

    The numbers tell the story. Tsarukyan beat Dan Hooker in November 2025. He held the number one contender spot. The UFC gave the interim title fight to Justin Gaethje versus Paddy Pimblett for UFC 324 on January 24. The official reason involved Tsarukyan’s past actions, the UFC 311 withdrawal, the Hooker headbutt, the fan incident at UFC 300. Dana White invests in promotional campaigns, and when fighters bail, Dana does not forget.

    Arman Tsarukyan’s Media Tour

    Tsarukyan pivoted. He appeared on Adin Ross‘s stream with MMA Guru on January 10, 2026, hanging out for nearly ten hours with fans. He joined Matan Even‘s show, where a co-host named “Mike Mike” added to the chaos. When Matan pushed buttons, Tsarukyan threatened to slap him.

    Then came the cooking. On January 18, Tsarukyan made a chopped cheese sandwich in Brooklyn, the “Ocky Way“. This is not traditional fighter behavior. Food influencers reach audiences that MMA never touches. Tsarukyan knows he needs those eyes.

    Tsarukyan’s Grappling

    The grappling matches keep him sharp and in the news. He submitted Mehdi Baydulaev at ACBJJ 20 in December 2025. He fought Sharabutdin Magomedov to a draw at Hype FC. He dominated Lance Palmer 10-0 in a wrestling match at RAF 5 on January 10, 2026. These events do not pay UFC money. They pay in relevance.

    The New UFC

    Ariel Helwani called it. On his show, Helwani said Tsarukyan is “becoming the second most popular lightweight in the world behind Ilia”. Helwani pointed out that Dana White follows this stuff closely. The UFC tracks engagement metrics. A viral clip matters more than a win sometimes.

    The promotion’s Paramount+ partnership factors in. The UFC needs Western market appeal for its broadcast debut. Paddy Pimblett brings a built-in audience. Tsarukyan’s wrestling wins, while impressive, stay inside the hardcore bubble. The UFC wants mainstream. Mainstream means memes, streams, and chopped cheese videos.

    Justin Gaethje understood the situation. He admitted Tsarukyan deserved the shot but recognized the UFC’s stance. Gaethje cited the same incidents White did, the withdrawal, the headbutt, the fan fight. These moments cost Tsarukyan trust.

    But this is the new model. Fighters cannot just train and win, that’s just not enough for the UFC anymore. They must create content, build followings, and stay visible across platforms. The UFC has shifted from a sports organization to an entertainment company that happens to feature fighting. Rankings matter, but algorithms matter more.

  • Derrick Lewis Predicts First-Exchange KO Of Waldo Cortes-Acosta At UFC 324

    Derrick Lewis Predicts First-Exchange KO Of Waldo Cortes-Acosta At UFC 324

    Derrick Lewis is making a statement ahead of his heavyweight clash against Waldo Cortes-Acosta at UFC 324 on January 24 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The 40-year-old knockout artist told UFC Embedded that he expects the fight to end quickly, possibly in the first exchange.

    “Expect A Quick Fight”: Derrick Lewis Chases Another KO At UFC 324

    Lewis enters the bout with a 29-12 record and holds the UFC record for most knockouts in history with 16. His most recent performance backs up the confidence, as he demolished previously undefeated Tallison Teixeira in just 35 seconds at UFC Nashville in July 2025. That knockout gave Lewis back-to-back wins for the first time in several years and added to his reputation for explosive power. ‘The Black Beast’ explained:

    “I’m one of the best I’ve felt in a long time in one of my camps. I feel like I’m in great shape right now. I’m in better shape than I was my last fight, so I’m feeling good. What you’re going to expect to see next Saturday is a quick fight. I believe I can really get him out of there in the first exchange. Don’t worry about getting any sleep, because Saturday you will get plenty of sleep. I promise you that.”

    The training camp appears to have made a difference for Lewis. He weighed in at 261 pounds for the Teixeira fight, his lowest weight since 2014. Lewis extended his camp from the typical five weeks to three months, focusing on running six miles every other day to improve conditioning. At 40 years old, he ranks as the eighth-ranked heavyweight but has been in the division long enough to compile 20 UFC heavyweight wins, second only to Andrei Arlovski’s 23.

    Cortes-Acosta presents a different challenge. The fifth-ranked heavyweight from the Dominican Republic holds a 16-2 record and has fought six times in 2025. His activity level is remarkable especially by heavyweight standards. He won five straight fights between March and November 2025 before accepting the Lewis matchup. The 34-year-old stands 6’4″ and has finished four of his nine UFC wins by knockout.

    The matchup pits Lewis’s one-punch power against Cortes-Acosta’s youth and durability. Lewis has built a career on landing single fight-ending shots, often after absorbing damage earlier in fights.

    UFC 324 marks the promotion’s first numbered event under its new Paramount+ deal, replacing the previous pay-per-view model, with Justin Gaethje facing Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight title in the main event.

  • Demetrious Johnson Explains Why Paddy Pimblett Can Beat Justin Gaethje at UFC 324

    Demetrious Johnson Explains Why Paddy Pimblett Can Beat Justin Gaethje at UFC 324

    Former UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson has thrown his support behind Paddy Pimblett ahead of the Liverpool fighter’s interim lightweight title clash against Justin Gaethje at UFC 324. Johnson, who holds the UFC record for most consecutive title defenses with 11, believes Pimblett possesses the skills and mental fortitude to handle Gaethje’s pressure striking game when the two meet on January 24 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

    Why Demetrious Johnson Thinks Paddy Pimblett Is Ready For Justin Gaethje

    In a detailed breakdown of Pimblett’s third-round TKO victory over Michael Chandler at UFC 314 in April 2025, Johnson highlighted the Englishman’s ability to stay composed in dangerous positions. The 30-year-old Pimblett dominated a former Bellator champion and UFC title challenger, securing his seventh consecutive UFC victory in what represented the biggest win of his career to date.

    “The one thing that I like about Paddy Pimblett is that when he’s in a dangerous position, he’s going to start attacking submissions to keep the fight going,” ‘Mighty Mouse’ explained in his YouTube breakdown. “He’s done it against multiple opponents, even before the UFC days. You go back and watch him fight in Cage Warriors – he’ll lock up a kimura, he’ll jump for a flying triangle.”

    Johnson pointed to specific moments in the Chandler fight where Pimblett’s submission instincts kept him in control. When Chandler attempted to smother him against the cage, Pimblett threw a flying triangle that changed the dynamic of the exchange. “He does a flying triangle, gets slammed back on his back, then he pushes Michael Chandler down, tries to get the triangle more situated, and when Chandler postures up to defend, he kicks him off and gets up,” Johnson noted.

    Paddy Pimblett’s Scramble Game Has Justin Gaethje Written All Over It, Says ‘Mighty Mouse’

    The distance management Pimblett displayed against Chandler particularly impressed the former champion. Johnson identified what he called “the void” between the two fighters, explaining how Pimblett controlled the middle distance and made it difficult for Chandler to get inside.

    “We have the void right here. Each time Chandler comes into this space to try to start anything, it’s either a jab, a leg kick, the inside kick, or Paddy will blitz him, or he’ll back up throwing combinations,” Johnson said. “So Paddy is basically owning this area, giving Michael a hard time getting to him.”

    Johnson acknowledged that Gaethje presents different challenges than Chandler, particularly with his striking arsenal. The 36-year-old Gaethje has built a reputation as one of the most devastating leg kickers in UFC history, using the technique to compromise opponents’ mobility and set up finishes. “I believe Justin is going to have that jab, that leg kick, and we’ll see how Paddy goes about it on the feet,” Johnson stated.

    Despite the threat Gaethje poses, Johnson praised Pimblett’s fearless approach to fighting. “Paddy doesn’t play dog – Paddy just goes, and he’s not scared to fight. He thrives more when the fight’s going, when the scrambles start, people picking him up, trying to slam him. That’s where he starts to thrive because he’s always in great condition, he’s always doing different submission attacks.”

    Johnson has consistently backed Pimblett’s championship potential, even when others have dismissed the Liverpool native. “I’ve always been chirping about Paddy Pimblett being a world champion just because he’s so dynamic – the way he moves, he’s very diverse with his submissions, he’s not scared to exchange. I don’t know why people overlook him. Look what he just did to Michael Chandler. Nobody’s done that to Michael Chandler in the UFC.”

  • Jorge Masvidal on UFC White House Fight: ‘Once-in-a-Lifetime’ for Son of Immigrants

    Jorge Masvidal on UFC White House Fight: ‘Once-in-a-Lifetime’ for Son of Immigrants

    Jorge Masvidal has made clear why securing a spot on the UFC’s historic White House event means everything to him, describing the opportunity as a once-in-a-lifetime validation of his journey from Miami’s backyards to the nation’s most prestigious address.

    The June 14 card, set to coincide with President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday, represents far more than another fight for the 41-year-old former BMF champion. Masvidal recently told reporters that people constantly ask why he remains obsessed with getting on the card when other marquee events happen regularly.

    Masvidal explained that while fans might see another UFC card at Madison Square Garden or Las Vegas annually, a UFC card at the White House will never happen again. For someone who grew up as the son of immigrants fighting in backyards with Kimbo Slice and other street fighters, the symbolism carries profound weight.

    “People say, ‘Why are you so obsessed with this White House thing?’ Because this doesn’t happen again, man. You might see another UFC card at Madison Square Garden or Vegas every year, but a UFC card at the White House?

    “That’s once-in-a-lifetime shit. I’m a kid from the streets of Miami, son of immigrants, who grew up fighting in backyards with Kimbo and those guys. You put that kid on the White House lawn with gloves on, representing his flag, his family, his people… that’s powerful.”

    Why Jorge Masvidal Will Take Any Fight to Get on the White House Card

    Masvidal‘s father fled Cuba as a teenager on a self-made raft constructed from tractor tires, spending five days at sea before reaching the Virgin Islands and eventually Miami. His Peruvian mother worked multiple jobs starting at 4 a.m., yet the family remained among the poorest on their block. That background fuels his drive to represent on the White House lawn.

    “For me it’s like, man, I’m just some Latin dude from Miami that can fight really good,” Masvidal said in recent interviews. “I’m in the White House showcasing my skills, showing the world that, especially us Latin people, we ain’t just what they make us out to be.”

    Masvidal started his combat career in chaotic backyard brawls. Those informal contests, promoted by the late Kimbo Slice, took place in parking lots and yards around Miami with no medical staff present.

    Now Masvidal envisions himself fighting on the South Lawn with gloves on, representing his flag, family, and community. He sees it as sending a message to every young Latino that they can rise from nothing and perform in front of the president.

    The fighter has confirmed he recently spoke with Trump about getting on the card. During a call when Masvidal was in New York for fights, he quickly pitched his case. Trump responded simply with “Got you, Mas,” though Masvidal says he hasn’t played that card fully yet, saving the favor for when timing matters most.

    Masvidal told reporters his manager Ali Abdelaziz is actively negotiating with UFC President Dana White and executive Hunter Campbell. When asked about his chances of securing a spot against Conor McGregor, Masvidal said things are “not looking bad right now” with dialogue remaining open.

    Masvidal emphasized he would fight anyone at any weight to make the card, though he doesn’t care about the opponent as much as the venue itself. Whether it’s McGregor or another fighter, his priority remains getting on the historic event.

    Looking back, Masvidal describes the trajectory from backyard fighting to potentially competing at the White House as the most polar opposite journey imaginable. He attributes everything to faith, noting it happened not because he’s the smartest or fastest, but through divine intervention.

    White has confirmed the June 14 date and promised what he called “the greatest fight card ever” for the UFC’s first event at the presidential residence. The promotion plans to invest $700,000 just to replace the South Lawn grass, with attendance capped around 4,000 people.

    “For me it’s like, man, I’m just some Latin dude from Miami that can fight really good. I’m in the White House showcasing my skills, showing the world that, especially us Latin people, we ain’t just what they make us out to be. We’re a lot better than what they give us. Now I get to perform my skill set at this place which is responsible for this great nation.”

  • Dustin Poirier Admits He Can’t Pass Drug Test, Embraces ‘Peptide Papi’ Persona

    Dustin Poirier Admits He Can’t Pass Drug Test, Embraces ‘Peptide Papi’ Persona

    Former UFC interim lightweight champion Dustin Poirier is settling into retirement with a new nickname, a new physique, and a fresh perspective on life after combat sports.

    Speaking with Ariel Helwani on Monday, the Louisiana native opened up about his transformation from elite lightweight contender to what he jokingly calls “Peptide Papi.”

    Retired UFC Star Dustin Poirier Embraces Life as “Peptide Papi” After Calling Time on 16-Year Career

    Poirier, who retired in July 2025 following a decision loss to Max Holloway at UFC 318 in New Orleans, has been hitting the weights hard at his home gym, which he has christened “The Silly Goose Fitness Club.” The 36-year-old, who spent most of his career cutting down to 155 pounds, now weighs around 187 pounds and admits he probably couldn’t pass a USADA test.

    “I’m Peptide Papi, man. I don’t think I can pass a drug test,” Poirier told Helwani during the interview. “I’m lifting probably five, six days a week. I built a gym at my house – the Silly Goose Fitness Club, we’re not taking applications.”

    The weight gain is a significant shift for a fighter who struggled with weight cuts throughout his career. Poirier explained that the constant need to make 155 pounds, and 145 pounds prior to his lightweight jump, prevented him from bulking the way he wanted to.

    “I’ve worked out my whole life, but I was always conscious of putting on too much weight, couldn’t eat too many calories, couldn’t lift too heavy, because making 155 was never easy,” Poirier explained. “Now that I don’t have to make weight, I can eat all the carbs and calories I want, I can lift heavy. I’m just trying to see where my body balances out at.”

    In the context of performance enhancement, athletes sometimes use peptides to stimulate muscle growth, increase strength, and speed up recovery from training. These compounds are banned by most sports organizations, including the UFC’s USADA anti-doping program.

    The Lafayette native has been training alongside his friend Kyle at his home gym five to six days per week, embracing the freedom to build muscle without worrying about weight classes or USADA testing. Before his retirement fight, Poirier had joked with ESPN about getting “on steroids” once USADA stopped knocking on his door.

    Dustin Poirier on Sobriety

    While the physical transformation has been visible on social media, Poirier also addressed a more serious aspect of his retirement journey. In November, he posted cryptically about “soul searching” and making changes, later clarifying in the comments that he was committing to sobriety. During his interview with Helwani, Poirier provided context for that decision.

    “I had retired and had so much time on my hands, and I’m always battling something in my mind,” Poirier said. “I’ve always drank alcohol growing up, but it was celebratory – vacation, get-togethers, things like that. Now I’m retired and I’m sitting at home and I can have a drink every day. I don’t have to wake up and run miles, I don’t have to wake up and go to the gym or be somewhere. I just wanted to pull back from drinking.”

    Poirier emphasized that he does not have an alcohol problem but wanted to stay ahead of potential issues. He completed roughly 40 days of sobriety leading up to New Year’s, when he had champagne to celebrate. The former fighter explained that he enjoys bourbon and whiskey but recognized the danger of slipping into daily drinking habits without the structure of training camps.

    “I’m not going to be sober my whole life – for New Year’s I drank champagne – I just wanted to take a step back because that can get ugly quick,” Poirier said. “We’ve seen it before. When your hands are full every day trying to be the best at something and then boom, it’s gone, you’re retired, you have a lot of time on your hands. I just wanted to be smart.”

  • UFC 324: Paddy Pimblett Says Wealthy Gaethje Has Lost His Hunger

    UFC 324: Paddy Pimblett Says Wealthy Gaethje Has Lost His Hunger

    Paddy Pimblett has cast doubt on Justin Gaethje’s hunger for the interim lightweight title ahead of their UFC 324 showdown, suggesting the veteran fighter has lost his competitive edge and is simply chasing one final payday.

    In a recent interview with TMZ Sports, the Liverpool fighter questioned whether Gaethje remains fully committed to the sport, pointing to his financial success as evidence of waning motivation. The comments come just days before the pair meet for the interim 155-pound championship on January 24 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.​​

    Paddy Pimblett Questions Justin Gaethje’s Motivation Ahead of UFC 324 Clash

    “Justin’s got a lot of money now. He’s driving around in a Lamborghini,” Pimblett said. “I think he’s just after one last big payday, but I’m not going to underestimate him. I think everyone underestimates me and I’d never do that to anyone else. The one time I did it, years ago with Jared Gordon, I nearly got beat. So I’ll never do that ever again.”​

    The reference to his controversial unanimous decision victory over Gordon at UFC 282 in December 2022 showed a rare moment of candour from the typically confident 31-year-old. That fight saw all three judges score the bout 29-28 in Pimblett’s favour despite widespread belief that Gordon had done enough to win, with fans booing the decision announcement at T-Mobile Arena.​

    Pimblett also challenged the narrative around Gaethje‘s knockout power, a trademark of the 37-year-old’s career that has produced 20 knockout victories across 26 professional wins.

    “People keep saying about his knockout power and I think I’ve got more knockout power than him,” Pimblett stated. “The last person he knocked out with his hands was James Vick in like 2018 or something – they were still wearing Reebok then.”​​

    “He finishes people with the accumulation of punches, but I don’t think he’s going to be able to hit me that much,” Pimblett added. “I’ll be too fast, too elusive, too good in my range.”​

    The interim title fight was created after current lightweight champion Ilia Topuria announced he would not compete in the first quarter of 2026 due to personal issues.

    Gaethje, ranked fourth in the UFC’s lightweight division, enters the fight having won his last bout against Rafael Fiziev via majority decision in March 2025. Pimblett, ranked fifth, carries a perfect 7-0 UFC record and is coming off a TKO victory over Michael Chandler in April 2025.​

    The fight headlines UFC 324, the first numbered event in the promotion’s landmark partnership with Paramount+. The deal eliminates pay-per-view fees for fans in the United States and Latin America, with all major numbered events and UFC Fight Night cards now available exclusively on the streaming platform.​

    For Pimblett, the opportunity represents the culmination of a journey that began nearly 16 years ago, “I’ve always said that this is going to happen. I’m going to be UFC champion,” he told TMZ. “So for that dream to finally come true on Saturday night, it’s going to be special.”​

  • Athlete Who Defeated Jon Jones Asks Whether Or Not ‘Bones’ is the GOAT

    Athlete Who Defeated Jon Jones Asks Whether Or Not ‘Bones’ is the GOAT

    UFC veteran and pro wrestling fixture Matt Riddle has weighed in on the debate surrounding Jon Jones’ status as the greatest fighter of all time, offering both acknowledgment of their shared history and respect for Jones’ accomplishments.​

    Matt Riddle Says Jon Jones is “The Baddest Dude on the Planet” Despite Beating Him in Wrestling

    Speaking with The Schmo backstage at Real American Freestyle’s RAF05 event in Sunrise, Florida, Riddle addressed his past victories over Jones during their high school wrestling days. “I mean, I did beat Jon Jones back in the day. We have some history, but he is, let’s be real, it’s Jon Jones,” Riddle said. “Anybody can say whatever they want. The guy is the baddest dude on the planet.”​

    Riddle, who won the New York State wrestling championship in 2004 while attending Saratoga Springs High School defeated Jones twice in state-level tournaments during their amateur careers. Jones, who competed for Union-Endicott High School, finished third at the 2004 state championships before winning the title in 2005.​

    However, Jones has disputed Riddle’s version of events. In January 2026, the former UFC heavyweight champion responded to Riddle’s claims on Instagram, stating he never actually wrestled Riddle. “I could be the bigger man and let it go, but there’s another side of me that can be extremely petty,” Jones wrote. “The truth is, I never wrestled Matt. I lost in the state semifinals to Jack Sullivan back in 2004.”​

    Despite the disagreement over their wrestling history, Riddle was effusive in his praise of Jones as a mixed martial artist. “And now that he’s heavyweight, let’s be real, he’s gonna kill everybody,” Riddle said. “You might hit a lucky shot, but pound for pound, time for time, minute per minute, Jon Jones is the best fighter in the world.”​

    Does Matt Riddle think he could take Jon Jones?

    When asked about a potential rematch under the Real American Freestyle banner, Riddle acknowledged the likely outcome.

    “If they want to book it, they can. Jon Jones is probably going to smoke my ass,” he said. “But at the same time, never say never. That’s what fighters have in their hearts.”​

    Jones, who retired from MMA in June 2025 at age 37, compiled a record of 28-1 with his only loss being a controversial disqualification. He held the UFC light heavyweight championship for 14 years across multiple reigns and captured the heavyweight title in 2023 after defeating Ciryl Gane. Jones recently announced plans to return for a potential fight at a White House event celebrating America’s 250th birthday.​

    Riddle competed in the UFC from 2008 to 2013, posting an 8-3 record before being released after testing positive for marijuana twice. He transitioned to professional wrestling in 2014 and spent several years with WWE before joining Major League Wrestling, where he won the MLW World Heavyweight Championship in January 2025. He lost the title in September 2025.​

  • Creating Damage: Justin Gaethje Outlines Systematic ‘Nasty’ Plan for Paddy Pimblett

    Creating Damage: Justin Gaethje Outlines Systematic ‘Nasty’ Plan for Paddy Pimblett

    Justin Gaethje has outlined a damage-focused approach for his interim lightweight title fight against Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324, scheduled for January 24 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The 37-year-old veteran detailed his plan to systematically break down the undefeated Liverpool fighter through leg attacks before targeting a knockout finish.​

    Justin Gaethje Reveals Knockout Strategy for Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324

    “Styles make matchups and I think this is a very unique one,” Gaethje said on UFC 324 Countdown. “Paddy is young, hungry, dangerous. It’s everything I wanted, and even better because this guy is hugely popular. Pretty much all of my success has come from creating damage. I really have to start at his legs and make him forget about his head, and then try to punch his hair off. He’s going to look like every other fighter that I fight at the end of the fight – a lot of damage, just nasty.

    The matchup comes after UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria announced he would step away from competition through early 2026 due to personal matters, opening the door for an interim title bout between the fourth and fifth-ranked contenders. Gaethje holds a 26-5 record with 20 knockout victories, while Pimblett enters the fight with a 23-3 record and an unblemished 7-0 UFC run.​

    Gaethje has built a reputation as one of the most devastating leg kickers in UFC history, consistently using the technique to compromise opponents’ mobility before finishing fights. His coach Trevor Wittman has been instrumental in developing this approach, which helped revive Gaethje’s career and earn him multiple Fight of the Night bonuses. Against Michael Chandler at UFC 268, Gaethje used leg kicks to systematically break down his opponent before earning a unanimous decision.​​

    The strategy appears particularly relevant against Pimblett, who has relied on grappling skills and submissions throughout his UFC career, with 10 career wins by submission. Pimblett earned his title shot after a third-round TKO victory over Michael Chandler at UFC 314 in April 2025, his biggest career win.​

    Gaethje acknowledged the stakes involved in what could be his final run at UFC gold. “This is a battle of momentum, but I have goals and ambitions, so I’m going to have to knock him out,” he said. “I do not plan on this fight going the distance. I’ve got this mad vision of knocking him out. I just don’t see how he survives five rounds.”​

    The Arizona native emphasized the evolution of his fighting approach under Wittman’s guidance. “What really separated me from the other high-level fighters early on was my willingness to take chances,” Gaethje explained. “My best defense is a nonstop offensive attack. I am one of the absolute masters at taking your legs away from you.”​

    Gaethje has already held an interim lightweight title after defeating Tony Ferguson in 2020, but failed in two attempts to secure the undisputed championship against Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira. His coach Wittman recently described UFC 324 as their “last run” at the title, stating they would not continue fighting simply for money if they fail to achieve their championship goal.​

    Pimblett, 30, trains at Next Generation MMA in Liverpool and holds a second-degree black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. The Englishman has won nine consecutive fights dating back to 2018, with seven of those victories coming inside the UFC octagon.

    Pimblett, 30, trains at Next Generation MMA in Liverpool and holds a second-degree black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. The Englishman has won nine consecutive fights dating back to 2018, with seven of those victories coming inside the UFC octagon.​

    UFC 324 marks the first numbered event under the promotion’s new seven-year, $7.7 billion partnership with Paramount, making it available to Paramount+ subscribers at no additional pay-per-view cost. The main card begins at 9 p.m. ET, with the winner expected to face Topuria for the undisputed lightweight championship upon his return.​

    “Now I’m fighting for the championship,” Gaethje said. “I’m taking one more run at the title. This is my last hurrah and I would love nothing more than to finish this off exactly how I want it.”

  • UFC Rankings Report: Men’s Pound-For-Pound And Welterweight Movement Following UFC Qatar

    UFC Rankings Report: Men’s Pound-For-Pound And Welterweight Movement Following UFC Qatar

    The latest action on offer inside the Octagon has seen some climb the UFC rankings toward contention and others fall away.

    And in the aftermath of Saturday’s UFC Qatar, MMA News has you covered with this week’s complete updates.

    Men’s Pound-For-Pound: Following his win at UFC Qatar, Arman Tsarukyan moves up one spot to No. 13. Following his loss at the same event, Belal Muhammad drops two spots to No. 15. Charles Oliveira, meanwhile, moves up one spot to No. 14.

    Additionally, Jack Della Maddalena falls two spots to No. 11. Dricus Du Plessis and Max Holloway each move up one spot to No. 9 and No. 10, respectively.

    Women’s Pound-for-Pound: No changes.

    Women’s Strawweight: No changes.

    Women’s Flyweight: No changes.

    Women’s Bantamweight: No changes.

    Flyweight: Following a win in his UFC return at UFC Qatar, Kyoji Horiguchi enters the rankings at No. 8. The man he defeated, Tagir Ulanbekov, falls one spot to No. 12.

    Additionally, following his own UFC Qatar victory, Asu Almabayev moves up one spot to No. 7. The man he defeated, Alex Perez, falls four spots to No. 11.

    Charles Johnson and Bruno Silva each fall one spot to No. 13 and No. 14, respectively. Lone’er Kavanagh enters the rankings at No. 15, with Rafael Estevam falling out of the rankings.

    Bantamweight: No changes.

    Featherweight: No changes.

    Lightweight: No changes.

    Welterweight: Following his win at UFC Qatar, Ian Machado Garry moves up four spots to No. 2. The man he defeated, Belal Muhammad, falls three spots to No. 5.

    Shavkat Rakhmonov moves up one spot to No. 3, while Michael Morales and Carlos Prates each fall one spot to No. 4 and No. 6, respectively.

    Middleweight: No changes.

    Light Heavyweight: Following his loss at UFC Qatar, Alonzo Menifield falls one spot to No. 15, swapping places with Zhang Mingyang (now No. 14).

    Heavyweight: Following his win at UFC Qatar, Waldo Cortes-Acosta moves up one spot to No. 5, swapping places with Jailton Almeida (now No. 6).

    This week’s new UFC rankings were first reported by John Morgan. UFC.com’s rankings section still to be updated as of publication time.

  • UFC Rankings Report: Islam Makhachev Tops Men’s Pound-For-Pound List

    UFC Rankings Report: Islam Makhachev Tops Men’s Pound-For-Pound List

    The latest action on offer inside the Octagon has seen some climb the UFC rankings toward contention and others fall away.

    And in the aftermath of Saturday’s UFC 322, MMA News has you covered with this week’s complete updates.

    Men’s Pound-For-Pound: Following his welterweight title win at UFC 322, Islam Makhachev moves up one spot to the top of the men’s pound-for-pound ranks, swapping places with Ilia Topuria (now No. 2).

    The man he beat, Jack Della Maddalena, moves down one spot to No. 9, swapping places with Tom Aspinall (now No. 8).

    Women’s Pound-for-Pound: Following her loss at UFC 322, Weili Zhang moves down one spot to No. 3, swapping places with Kayla Harrison (now No. 2). Following her win at UFC 322, Erin Blanchfield moves up two spots to No. 7. Alexa Grasso and Julianna Pena each move down one spot to No. 8 and 9, respectively.

    Mackenzie Dern moves up one spot to No. 5, swapping places with Manon Fiorot (now No. 6). Virna Jandiroba moves up one spot to No. 10, swapping places with Raquel Pennington (now No. 11).

    Women’s Strawweight: Following her loss at UFC 322, Weili Zhang moves down one spot to No. 2 after previously being tied with Tatiana Suarez for the No. 1 spot. Following her win at UFC 322, Fatima Kline debuts in the ranks at No. 12. The woman she beat, Angela Hill, drops two spots to No. 14.

    Alexa Thainara moves down one spot to No. 15. Tecia Pennington drops off the list.

    Women’s Flyweight: No changes.

    Women’s Bantamweight: No changes.

    Flyweight: Kai Kara-France, previously ranked No. 6, has fallen out of the rankings in the newest UFC update. There is no word on why he was not placed in the rankings as of press time.

    As a result, Rafael Estevam debuts in the rankings at No. 15. And the following fighters have each moved up one spot to, respectively, Nos. 6-14: Manel Kape, Alex Perez, Asu Almabayev, Tim Elliott, Steve Erceg, Tagir Ulanbekov, Charles Johnson, Bruno Silva, and Joseph Morales.

    Bantamweight: No changes.

    Featherweight: No changes.

    Lightweight: Following Islam Makhachev’s welterweight title win at UFC 322, he is no longer eligible for ranking at lightweight. As a result, the following fighters have moved up one spot each to Nos. 1-7: Arman Tsarukyan, Charles Oliveira, Max Holloway, Justin Gaethje, Paddy Pimblett, Dan Hooker, and Mateusz Gamrot.

    Following his win at UFC 322, Benoit Saint-Denis moves up five spots to No. 8. The man he beat, Beneil Dariush, falls three spots to No. 12. Rafael Fiziev, Renato Moicano, and Michael Chandler each move up one spot to Nos. 9-11, respectively.

    Grant Dawson and Mauricio Ruffy each move up one spot to No. 13 and No. 14, respectively. Ignacio Bahamondes enters the ranks at No. 15.

    Welterweight: Islam Makhachev now sits atop the division as champion, while Jack Della Maddalena falls to the No. 1 contender slot. Belal Muhammad falls one spot to No. 2.

    Following their wins at UFC 322, Michael Morales jumps up five spots to No. 3, while Carlos Prates jumps four spots to No. 5. Morales’ opponent, Sean Brady, falls five spots to No. 7. Prates’ opponent, Leon Edwards, falls five spots to No. 9.

    Shavkat Rakhmonov falls one spot to No. 4. Kamaru Usman and Joaquin Buckley each fall three spots to, respectively, No. 8 and No. 10. Gabriel Bonfim falls one spot to No. 11. Colby Covington drops two places to No. 13. Geoff Neal and Daniel Rodriguez each drop one spot to, respectively, Nos. 14 and 15.

    Mike Malott falls off the ranking list.

    Middleweight: Following his UFC win at UFC 322, Gregory Rodrigues enters the rankings at No. 15, replacing Joe Pyfer, who falls off the list.

    Light Heavyweight: No changes.

    Heavyweight: No changes.

    You can view the full updated UFC rankings here.

  • UFC Rankings Report: UFC Vegas 111 Headliner Now A Top-10 Welterweight

    UFC Rankings Report: UFC Vegas 111 Headliner Now A Top-10 Welterweight

    The latest action on offer inside the Octagon has seen some climb the UFC rankings toward contention and others fall away.

    And in the aftermath of Saturday’s UFC Vegas 111, MMA News has you covered with this week’s complete updates.

    Men’s Pound-For-Pound: Max Holloway moves up one spot to No. 11, swapping places with Magomed Ankalaev (now No. 12).

    Women’s Pound-for-Pound: No changes.

    Women’s Strawweight: Following her win at UFC Vegas 111, Denise Gomes moves up two spots to No. 13. She swaps places with the woman she beat, Tecia Pennington, who falls two spots to No. 15.

    Women’s Flyweight: No changes.

    Women’s Bantamweight: Following her win at UFC Vegas 111, Jacqueline Cavalcanti moves up one spot to No. 10, swapping places with the woman she beat, Mayra Bueno Silva (now No. 11).

    Flyweight: Following his win at UFC Vegas 111, Joseph Morales enters the rankings at No. 15, knocking Rafael Estevam off the list.

    Bantamweight: No changes.

    Featherweight: No changes.

    Lightweight: No changes.

    Welterweight: Following his win at UFC Vegas 111, Gabriel Bonfim moves up four spots to No. 10. Colby Covington, Gilbert Burns, Geoff Neal, and Daniel Rodriguez all move down one spot to Nos. 11-14, respectively.

    Middleweight: No changes.

    Light Heavyweight: No changes.

    Heavyweight: No changes.

    You can view the full updated UFC rankings here.

  • ‘We Have Absolutely Nothing To Hide’ – Factory X Refutes Report Of FBI Raid In Wake Of UFC Gambling Scandal

    ‘We Have Absolutely Nothing To Hide’ – Factory X Refutes Report Of FBI Raid In Wake Of UFC Gambling Scandal

    The Factory X gym is fighting back against reports from MMA journalist and New York-based promoter Harry Mac that an FBI raid took place on its premises.

    Mac took to social media during the afternoon of November 6 that FBI agents made their way to Factory X, the Marc Montoya-led gym based in Englewood, Colorado.

    Mac claimed that interviews with members of Factory X were conducted and phones were confiscated; however, no arrests were made.

    Factory X quickly dismissed claims on social media, quoting Mac’s report and claiming innocence, stating Mac’s report was inaccurate.

    “This is 100 percent false,” the post stated. “However, the FBI is welcome to stop in anytime. We have absolutely nothing to hide.”

    Report Of FBI Agents At Factory X, Gym Disputes Claim

    Factory X posted a longer statement on their official Instagram account in response to the allegation from Mac.

    “There is a false report circulating that Factory X has been raided by the FBI following the events of last weekend’s UFC event. This is not true,” the statement read. “The allegations that our gym had or has any sort of involvement in fight-fixing last weekend – or ever – is both devastating and heartbreaking. This is a family-owned gym that has been in good standing in our community for over 15 years.

    “We unequivocally stand by our innocence and at this point would welcome a visit from the FBI as we have absolutely nothing to hide. We understand and accept it is human nature to form opinions from the outside looking in given the available information. We have no doubt the truth will prevail, justice will be served and our good name will be restored. Until then, we welcome your prayers for our strength and peace.”

    The MMA world has been engulfed in a betting scandal since a controversial fight last weekend at UFC Vegas 110. Isaac Dulgarian entered his fight with Yadier Del Valle as a massive favorite; however, his line shrunk by nearly 100 as bets on a first-round finish by Del Valle began to increase in a quick span hours before the fight. Del Valle ended up submitting Dulgarian in the first.

    Dulgarian was released by the UFC about 24 hours after the fight. Montoya would later tell Ariel Helwani that Dulgarian is no longer a part of the team.

    Mac alleges that the FBI is investigating over 100 UFC fights that have been flagged for unusual betting activity. He would later follow up that the UFC Vegas 110 main event between Steve Garcia and David Onama, as well as the Charles Radtke vs. Daniel Frunza fight that took place at the event, are also being investigated.

    Ariel Helwani was unable to confirm Mac’s report completely; however, he did note that this “was not an isolated incident.” And since then, a few fighters have come forward about being approached about potentially taking dives.

    UFC President and CEO Dana White refuted Mac’s claims and said the promotion worked with the FBI quickly after previously questioning Dulgarian and his lawyer — and then seeing the fight played out as it did.

    Mac has also alleged that fights refereed by Jason Herzog are being audited; however, Herzog is disputing this as well.

  • Two Other UFC Vegas 110 Names Alleged To Be Flagged By FBI

    Two Other UFC Vegas 110 Names Alleged To Be Flagged By FBI

    Harry Mac, who has worked as both an MMA journalist and a New York-based promoter, has been the center reporting figure for the betting scandal that has engulfed the UFC and the MMA community over the past several days.

    Mac has claimed that over 100 UFC fights have been flagged by the FBI for suspicious betting activity. At the center of it all has been the Isaac Dulgarian first-round submission loss to Yadier Del Valle — which later resulted in Dulgarian’s release from the UFC and a number of fighters coming forward about being offered to throw fights.

    Mac’s original post on X (fka Twitter) on the situation mentioned that there were two other fighters from UFC Vegas 110 whose fights were flagged, though he did not name those athletes.

    However, on a recent episode of the Empty the Bench Network’s The MMA Outsiders podcast with Jack Gold and Zain Bando (and featured MMA News’ own Thomas Albano as a guest co-host), Mac alleged that UFC Vegas 110 headliner David Onama and Daniel Frunza as the other fighters he was making mention to.

    “In my original post, I had mentioned that there were two additional fighters on [UFC Vegas 110] flagged for abnormal betting activity,” Mac said. “Onama was one of them.”

    Mac then added “Frunza” when asked who the third fighter was.

    Harry Mac Names David Onama, Daniel Frunza As UFC Vegas 110 Names Flagged Alongside Isaac Dulgarian

    Onama was involved in the main event of the evening, facing Steve Garcia in a battle of top-15 ranked featherweights. The fight saw little offense from Onama as Garcia overwhelmed and flurried him into a first-round finish.

    Fight fans across the MMA community on X called for an investigation into that finish following the reveal of the Dulgarian controversy and Mac’s original post.

    Frunza was also involved in the UFC Vegas 110 main card, losing via last-minute submission to Charles Radtke.

    During the interview, Mac noted that while the fights and fighters have been flagged, it does not necessarily mean that any wrongdoing was committed by them and/or their teams.

    “That could just be some guy has a hunch and plays a little bit more than he normally would,” Mac said.

    The MMA Outsiders’ Jack Gold also made mention of receiving a potential list from an unnamed source of 50 fights that could have potentially been part of the 100 flagged mentioned by Mac — with Garcia vs. Onama being one of those fights.

    Gold noted that a number of the fights on the list he received were refereed by Jason Herzog. One of Mac’s allegations is that enough fights Herzog has officiated have been deemed questionable enough that an audit may be issued on them.

    In a recent interview, UFC CEO and President Dana White dismissed Mac’s claim of over 100 fights being flagged; however, he issued stern warnings to fighters thinking about partaking in fixed fights and to those who only came forward about their offers recently.

  • ‘We Will Be Your Worst Enemy’ – Dana White Breaks Silence On Isaac Dulgarian Situation

    ‘We Will Be Your Worst Enemy’ – Dana White Breaks Silence On Isaac Dulgarian Situation

    After about three days of silence following UFC Vegas 110 and the snowballing controversy that has engulfed the MMA world, UFC CEO and President Dana White is breaking his silence in regard to the situation involving Isaac Dulgarian.

    Dulgarian was involved in a highly controversial fight with Yadier Del Valle, which saw Dulgarian, who was originally pegged as a massive favorite earlier in the fight week, fall victim to a first-round submission via rear-naked choke.

    As the fight time got closer, however, the line on Dulgarian being a favorite massively shrunk.

    In an interview with TMZ, White claimed the UFC were informed of the matter and confronted Dulgarian and his team.

    “Probably about 1:00 pm that day, we’re with a company called IC360, and they are the best bet monitoring company in the business, and they reached out to us and they told us that there was some unusual action going on with that fight,” White said. “Do we know anything? You know, we didn’t. So, what we did was we called the fighter and his lawyer and said, “What’s going on? There’s some weird action going on in your bet…”

    Dana White Gives His Side To Isaac Dulgarian Situation

    White says that Dulgarian and his team said they were ready to go for the fight and nothing suspicious was going on — this coincides with Ariel Helwani’s reporting on the situation.

    White says the promotion took action after the fight played out as it did.

    “Literally, the first thing we did was call the FBI,” White said, adding that he had two meetings with the FBI on November 4.

    White, however, took aim at the reporting of MMA journalist and New York-based promoter Harry Mac, who alleges that over 100 fights have been flagged for unusual betting patterns by the FBI.

    “Now, you see people out there talking, ‘Oh, there’s hundreds of fights under…’ – it’s total usual clickbait,” White said. “IC3, our company, they monitor all all of the betting. Like I said, they’re the best in the business. There aren’t hundreds of fights being investigated. all clickbait BS.

    “We’ve been with them for years and we get a report after every single fight that we do.”

    White added that he is in direct contact with FBI Director Kash Patel about the investigation. He added any fighter who has made comment about being offered to throw a fight — such as Vince Morales and Vanessa Demopoulos recently did on social media — will be contacted by the FBI for an interview.

    White ended with a strongly-worded message to his fighters.

    “If you try to do this, I have been very vocal and open about this; we will be your worst enemy,” White said. “We will immediately go after you, guns ablazing, with the FBI and whoever else we need to get. We will do everything we can to make sure you go to prison.”

  • Donald Trump, Dana White Expected To Host Pre-Fight Dinner With World Leaders In Lead Up To UFC White House Card

    Donald Trump, Dana White Expected To Host Pre-Fight Dinner With World Leaders In Lead Up To UFC White House Card

    While plans are still being discussed and yet to be revealed for the UFC White House event next summer, it sounds like U.S. President Donald Trump will not be the only VIP from the political world present.

    Per a new report from Variety, which discusses the start of David Ellison’s time with Paramount, a pre-fight dinner is expected to be held by Trump and UFC CEO and President Dana White at some point in the lead up to the card.

    The report notes that “dignitaries from around the world will attend a dinner and then head to the Octagon, the eight-sided ring where the main event will play out. Trump and UFC CEO Dana White are spearheading the telecast.”

    The targeted date of the event is Sunday, June 14, 2026, to coincides with Trump’s 80th birthday. That date, however, is not set firm at this time.

    Dinner With Dignitaries Expected As Part Of UFC White House Festivities

    The UFC event on the White House lawn is to be a part of a series of events celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States of America.

    Trump first announced the plans for this card during a speech this past July 4th, with the UFC confirming plans to hold such a festivity. White has been adamant about this card going down as one of the biggest in the history of the promotion — promising several big names to be a part of the event.

    Fighters such as Conor McGregor and Jon Jones have put their names in the hat to potentially headline the card.

    The event will reportedly have a limited in-person audience and is presumed to be one of the CBS-broadcasted cards as part of the new UFC-Paramount broadcasting deal that begins in 2026.

  • UFC Rankings Report: Steve Garcia Now A Top-10 Featherweight

    UFC Rankings Report: Steve Garcia Now A Top-10 Featherweight

    The latest action on offer inside the Octagon has seen some climb the UFC rankings toward contention and others fall away.

    And in the aftermath of Saturday’s UFC Vegas 110, MMA News has you covered with this week’s complete updates.

    Men’s Pound-For-Pound: No changes.

    Women’s Pound-for-Pound: Norma Dumont enters the rankings at No. 15, replacing the woman she beat at UFC Vegas 110, Ketlen Vieira.

    Women’s Strawweight: No changes.

    Women’s Flyweight: No changes.

    Women’s Bantamweight: Following her win at UFC Vegas 110, Norma Dumont moves up one spot to No. 3, swapping places with the woman she defeated, Ketlen Vieira (now No. 4).

    Flyweight: No changes.

    Bantamweight: No changes.

    Featherweight: Following his win at UFC Vegas 110, Steve Garcia moves up four spots to No. 8. This subsequently moved four men down one spot: Brian Ortega, Josh Emmett, Jean Silva, and Patricio Pitbull, who all move to No. 9, No. 10, No. 11, and No. 12, respectively.

    The man Garcia beat, David Onama, falls one spot to No. 14, swapping places with Dan Ige (now No. 13).

    Lightweight: No changes.

    Welterweight: No changes.

    Middleweight: No changes.

    Light Heavyweight: No changes.

    Heavyweight: No changes.

    You can view the full updated UFC rankings here.

  • Pair Of UFC Fighters Admit To Being Approached About Possibility Of Taking Dives

    Pair Of UFC Fighters Admit To Being Approached About Possibility Of Taking Dives

    UPDATE (Nov. 4): Vannata has backtracked his remarks, claiming he was joking. However, Edgar Chairez has now come forward about being approached to throw a fight as well.

    UPDATE: UFC veteran Lando Vannata has admitted to being approached seven times about the possibility of taking a dive.

    https://twitter.com/OnPointMMA/status/1985665473040826579

    Things continue to develop in rapidly quick fashion in the new UFC betting scandal, as two Octagon veterans have revealed that they have previously been approached about the possibility of throwing their fights.

    This coincides with Ariel Helwani’s report from earlier in the day on November 3, claiming on the recent edition of his show that a number of UFC fighters have been offered money to throw fights.

    In response to this report, Vince Morales, a UFC featherweight, confirmed on social media in a since-deleted post that he had been previously approached about taking a dive in at least one of his fights.

    Morales added that the offer had been $70,000 to throw the fight.

    “All this throwing the fight stuff is crazy!” Morales had posted. “I’ve been approached about doing it and it’s not something I could live with…even though I ended up losing the damn fight anyways.”

    UFC Fighters Vince Morales, Vanessa Demopoulos Admit To Being Approached Previously To Throw Fights

    This was followed up by another social media post from a fighter — this time UFC strawweight Vanessa Demopoulos.

    In an Instagram comment, Demopoulos mentioned that she also had been approached previously about purposing losing a previous fight.

    “My integrity could never,” Demopoulos said. “We’ve spent our lives learning skills and honoring this sport. Can’t believe people compromise their morels [sic] like this.”

    The UFC has found itself in the center of betting controversy following a suspicious fight that took place between Isaac Dulgarian and Yadier Del Valle during the main card of UFC Vegas 110 on November 1. The fight saw Del Valle easily take down Dulgarian and lock up a quick first-round submission victory.

    Dulgarian had entered the fight a massive favorite; however, the line of the fight shrunk dramatically in the hours leading up to the fight. Bets on Del Valle, especially those of the first-round finish variety, led to some sportsbooks closing bets on the fight — with some even offering refunds to bettors.

    MMA journalist and New York-based promoter Harry Mac alleged that the FBI made the UFC aware of the circumstances surrounding the fight, with Helwani claiming Dulgarian and his team convinced the UFC there was nothing the matter.

    Mac has also alleged that over 100 fights have been flagged by the FBI for suspicious line movements, and that a potential audit might be sought after fights refereed by Jason Herzog.

    Dulgarian was cut from the UFC about 24 hours following the controversial fight. His fight purse is also being withheld by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

  • “Not An Isolated Incident” – Ariel Helwani Alleges UFC Fighters Being Offered Money To Throw Fights, Harry Mac Teases New Information

    “Not An Isolated Incident” – Ariel Helwani Alleges UFC Fighters Being Offered Money To Throw Fights, Harry Mac Teases New Information

    After initial bombshell reports from Harry Mac, an MMA journalist and New York-based promoter, Ariel Helwani of Uncrowned acknowledged Mac’s reporting and added his own insight, knowledge, and details on the UFC’s betting controversy.

    In the hours following the much controversial Isaac Dulgarian vs. Yadier Del Valle fight at UFC Vegas 110 on November 1, Mac posted to social media with claims that the UFC was made aware by the FBI of the significant line movement that prompted several sportsbooks to close bets on the fight in the hours leading up to it. He claimed, however, that the UFC was willing to allow the fight to go on.

    On the November 3 edition of The Ariel Helwani Show, Helwani seemed to confirm his understanding is the same, alleging the UFC felt that, despite the line movement, the fight presented no danger of being fixed. In fact, in conversations with those close to Dulgarian, Helwani says they were just as shocked by the poor performance of Dulgarian in the fight.

    “UFC was made aware of this, and my understanding is there were conversations with Dulgarian and his team about this activity, and questioning him, ‘What is going on?’” Helwani said. “And, multiple times, he said that, according to my sources, that he was good to go. That there was nothing of this sort happening, and there was nothing to worry about, essentially.”

    Ariel Helwani Discusses Massive Issue UFC Is Facing Following UFC Vegas 110 Gambling Controversy

    Helwani added that he doesn’t believe the UFC had any involvement in the foul play of the odds; however, he feels their decision to not pull the fight after being notified of the line movement has led them to more controversy than they could have faced originally.

    Mac followed up his first claim by adding a bigger allegation — stating that over 100 fights in the UFC have been flagged for suspicious line movement.

    While Helwani did not confirm a number of fights, he did claim that this fight is “not an isolated incident” and alleges that more fighters have been offered to throw fights previously.

    “My understanding is this is on the FBI’s radar,” Helwani said. “How deep of an investigation is unclear at this time; this is all very new. But, yes, this is accurate.

    “My understanding is that this is not an isolated incident. And what I mean by that is I have talked to multiple people who have either experienced, or know of others who have experienced, situations where they have been approached about their willingness to do something like this…’Are you interested in throwing a fight for X amount of dollars?’

    Helwani followed up by comparing this incident to the Darrick Minner vs. Shayilan Nuerdanbieke fight from almost exactly three years ago — a fight that resulted in James Krause being exiled from the MMA community. Coincidentally, Dulgarian is a former trainee of Krause’s.

    Helwani claimed that this situation could get massive and sport a black eye not just in the UFC, but in the whole sport of MMA — exasperated by not only the simultaneous gambling scandal going on in the NBA, but also by a seemingly increased number of controversial referee and judging actions and decisions over this past year.

    “This is a massive issue for the UFC, and when you consider — now I haven’t been told this part I’m about to say — but when you consider the questionable refereeing as of late, you can’t help but let your mind go there as well,” Helwani said. “Because there is no other possible explanation for some of the wacky stuff we’ve seen as of late. And it’s easy to do.”

    On a related note, another one of Mac’s allegations is that an audit is being placed on fights refereed by Jason Herzog, sparking a bit of a back-and-forth beef on X (formerly Twitter) between the two.

    In the last couple of hours prior to press time, Mac is alleging new information that will worsen this story — potentially involving a notable MMA manager.

    While Helwani could not verify any more of Mac’s information, he gave his own opinion on the reason behind all this. Helwani theorizes fighters lower on the card and not making a lot of money are being offered “quick fixes” to get them needed cash.

    “I believe what is happening here is people are preying on lower-level fighters, who don’t make a lot of money, who are in tough spots, who are fighting in the major leagues, and they’re offering them a quick fix…” Helwani said. “How prevalent is this? I can’t tell you. But I’ve now heard it in multiple occasions in my conversations over the past 24+ hours.”

    Dulgarian was easily submitted by Del Valle — a fight that saw Dulgarian move from a -250 favorite to a -166 in only a few hours’ time, as well as large bets coming in on a prop bet of Del Valle via first-round finish. Some sportsbooks have since offered refunds to bettors due to the controversial nature of the fight.

    Dulgarian’s UFC tenure ended on November 2, released by the promotion just one day after the controversial fight. He went 3-2 in the Octagon.

    The UFC recently released a statement, claiming it is taking the allegations surrounding this fight very seriously.

  • UFC Releases Statement On Isaac Dulgarian Release

    UFC Releases Statement On Isaac Dulgarian Release

    Less than 24 hours following initial reports of their parting of ways with Isaac Dulgarian, the UFC has released a statement in regard to the controversy surrounding his fight with Yadier Del Valle at UFC Vegas 110.

    Dulgarian went into the fight a massive favorite; however, his odds shrunk in the hours leading up to the fight, which saw Dulgarian get submitted in the first round.

    In a statement, the UFC did not directly address Dulgarian’s release; however, it did note the seriousness of the allegations surrounding the fight.

    “Like many professional sports organizations, UFC works with an independent betting integrity service to monitor wagering activity on our events,” the statement read. “Our betting integrity partner, IC360, monitors wagering on every UFC event and is conducting a thorough review of the facts surrounding the Dulgarian vs. del Valle bout on Saturday, November 1. We take these allegations very seriously, and along with the health and safety of our fighters, nothing is more important than the integrity of our sport.”

    UFC Statement On Isaac Dulgarian vs. Yadier Del Valle, Dulgarian’s Release

    Dulgarian was released by the UFC on November 2, one day following his fight with Del Valle. The fight saw Dulgarian easily taken down and submitted within the first round — despite Dulgarian originally being pegged as a massive favorite and seemingly defending the fight-finishing choke for about a minute.

    Dulgarian was originally a -250 favorite, but his line fell to just -166 in a short span. Furthermore, a number of reports claim that prop bets for a first-round finish by Del Valle increased, which set off the red flags.

    Journalist and New York-based promoter Harry Mac reported that the FBI had informed the UFC of the potential violation and line movement, with Ariel Helwani confirming such a report. Helwani added that the UFC felt the fight was safe to continue.

    Helwani added that this was “not an isolated incident,” with Mac alleging the FBI flagging over 100 UFC fights with line movements deemed suspicious.

    Dulgarian also had previous connections to James Krause, who was blackballed from the MMA community almost exactly three years ago.

    Dulgarian went 3-2 in the UFC before his release.

  • Allegation: Over 100 UFC Fights Flagged By FBI, Potential Audit Sought For Fights Refereed By Jason Herzog

    Allegation: Over 100 UFC Fights Flagged By FBI, Potential Audit Sought For Fights Refereed By Jason Herzog

    An already underwhelming UFC Vegas 110 card has come under additional fire following fight fixing allegations surrounding the main card fight between Isaac Dulgarian and Yadier Del Valle. And now, if an allegation is true, things might be getting even more drastic.

    MMA journalist Harry Mac posted several allegations to X (formerly Twitter). One of these alleges that the FBI informed the UFC of the Dulgarian vs. Del Valle fight being flagged and closed to bets by sportsbooks; however, the UFC allowed the fight to go on.

    Additionally, Mac claims that over 100 additional fights, including another two from UFC Vegas 110, were supposedly flagged by the FBI due to unusual betting patterns. Moreover, Mac claims that there is a possibility that fights refereed by Jason Herzog are being sought after by federal officials for an audit.

    MMA Journalist Alleges More Than 100 UFC Fights Flagged By FBI

    It should be noted that none of Mac’s claims have been verified by other sources. However, several sportsbooks, including Caesars, William Hill, and DraftKings all provided refunds to bettors following the line movement and potential violation seen for the Dulgarian vs. Del Valle fight.

    Reports noted that Dulgarian entered the fight as a -250 favorite, but the odds shifted so much so that he was just a -166 in a short time. Additionally, a lot of money had been placed on the Del Valle via first-round finish prop bet.

    Del Valle completely dominated the fight, easily taking Dulgarian down before scoring a first-round submission. Dulgarian’s performance was criticized after the fight by several members of the MMA community.

    These allegations come nearly three years to the day of the infamous Darrick Minner vs. Shayilan Nuerdanbieke that resulted in James Krause being blackballed from MMA. It should be noted that Dulgarian has had a previous association with Krause, having previously trained at Glory MMA. The UFC subsequently also tightened gambling rules in the immediate aftermath, forbidding fighters, coaches, managers, and any affiliated members from betting on any UFC fight.

    The news also comes as the mainstream sports world is bearing witness to the NBA and its own gambling scandal.

  • $1 Million Performance Bonus for UFC Athletes: Former UFC Titleholder Explains Why This Must Happen

    $1 Million Performance Bonus for UFC Athletes: Former UFC Titleholder Explains Why This Must Happen

    UFC needs to offer up bigger financial rewards for exciting fighters, according to a former light heavyweight champion with the promotion.

    This was expressed by Rampage Jackson on a recent episode of the Jaxxon podcast. Jackson as well as TJ Dillashaw and Bobby Green were discussing a lot of the big fallout from the recent UFC 321 show.

    “Imagine how the fights would change if the bonus was a million. Guys would go all out, not just looking to win but looking to entertain, to put on shows that fans remember forever.”

    “It’s about respect for the craft and the risks they take. If the UFC wants to keep the best talent and raise the level of competition, raising the bonuses is the way to do it.”

    “Look, the business side has to catch up with the reality of what these fighters do. They deserve the big bucks.”

    “These bonus payouts could be life-changing, not just for the fighters but for their families. It’s time the UFC steps up and gives them what they deserve.”

    How UFC 321 played into Jackson’s comments above

    UFC 321 resonated with many fans as a bit of an underwhelming affair, even outside of the inauspicious outcome to the Tom Aspinall vs. Ciryl Gane main event. A lot of MMA fans do have a certain fixation point on striking-heavy affairs, constituting an exciting fight, which means that the promotion’s alst pay-per-view offering was not seen as a satisfying watch.

    The card actually set the record for most successful takedowns within a singular UFC event, and the Jailton Almeida vs. Alexander Volkov fight seemed to serve as a bit of a microcosm for how many perceived the action from the card.

    Jackson mentioned in the embedded video above that he could see the Ultimate Fighting Championship upping the bonuses, but perhaps to a scale of taking it from 50 K to $100,000. The former UFC light heavyweight titleholder notched multiple performance bonuses during his tenure with the promotion years back.

  • UFC Rankings Report: Mackenzie Dern Enters Women’s Pound-For-Pound Rankings After UFC 321 Title Win

    UFC Rankings Report: Mackenzie Dern Enters Women’s Pound-For-Pound Rankings After UFC 321 Title Win

    The latest action on offer inside the Octagon has seen some climb the UFC rankings toward contention and others fall away.

    And in the aftermath of Saturday’s UFC 321, MMA News has you covered with this week’s complete updates.

    Men’s Pound-For-Pound: No changes.

    Women’s Pound-for-Pound: Following her title win at UFC 321, Mackenzie Dern enters the list at No. 6. The woman she beat, Virna Jandiroba, falls two spots to No. 11.

    Ketlen Vieira joins the list at No. 15, knocking Amanda Lemos out of the pound-for-pound rankings.

    Additionally, Julianna Pena drops two spots to No. 8 and Erin Blanchfield drops one spot to No. 9. Tatiana Suarez, Rose Namajunas, and Yan Xiaonan each fall one spot to No. 12, 13, and 14, respectively.

    Women’s Strawweight: With her title win at UFC 321, Mackenzie Dern moves into the champion slot, while Virna Jandiroba drops from No. 1 to No. 3. Zhang Weili and Tatiana Suarez each fall one spot to No. 1 and No. 2, respectively, while Yan Xiaonan and Amanda Lemos each fall one spot to No. 4 and No. 5, respectively.

    Women’s Flyweight: No changes.

    Women’s Bantamweight: No changes.

    Flyweight: No changes.

    Bantamweight: Following his win at UFC 321, Umar Nurmagomedov moves up two spots to the No. 1 contender position, moving down Sean O’Malley and Petr Yan one spot each to, respectively. No. 2 and No. 3. Despite his loss, Mario Bautista remains at No. 9.

    Featherweight: No changes.

    Lightweight: No changes.

    Welterweight: No changes.

    Middleweight: No changes.

    Light Heavyweight: Following his win at UFC 321, Azamat Murzakanov moves up three spots to No. 7, swapping places with the man he beat, Aleksandar Rakic (now No. 10).

    Additionally, Khalil Rountree Jr. moves up one spot to No. 4, swapping places with Jan Blachowicz (now No. 5).

    Heavyweight: Following his win at UFC 321, Valter Walker moves up one spot to No. 14, swapping places with Tallison Teixeira (now No. 15).

    Additionally, Shamil Gaziev moves up one spot to No. 11, swapping places with Tai Tuivasa (now No. 12).

    You can view the full updated UFC rankings here.