MMA News

Tag: UFC

  • ESPN In Talks To Acquire UFC Fight Pass

    ESPN In Talks To Acquire UFC Fight Pass

    A little less than two weeks after it was reported they will no longer be the home for UFC live events starting in 2026, a new report has emerged that ESPN is seeking to purchase UFC Fight Pass and the UFC’s video library.

    Per Blake Avignon, who cites multiple unnamed sources, such a deal between the UFC and ESPN is not finalized but are in advanced talking stages.

    According to Avignon, “The plan is to fold the archive and select live content into ESPN’s new DTC (Direct-to-Consumer) app.”

    ESPN officially launched its new app on August 21 with an $11.99/month ESPN Select tier — which gives access to ESPN+ content — and a $29.99/month ESPN Unlimited tier — which gives access to all ESPN content.

    ESPN Eyeing Purchase Of UFC Fight Pass, Video Library

    It is unclear how much of the UFC’s video library — including the video libraries of other promotions the UFC has acquired, such as PRIDE, WEC, and Strikeforce — would be available on the ESPN app.

    It is also unclear what such an acquisition would mean for the regional and smaller promotions that air on UFC Fight Pass, including the LFA, CFFC, and Fury FC — as well as the discipline-focused programs including UFC BJJ and the UFC Fight Pass Invitational competitions.

    The archives for both Dana White’s Contender Series and The Ultimate Fighter are also available on UFC Fight Pass. While there is no indication of such, some believe this deal would mean both programs would remain with ESPN. Neither program was part of the UFC’s new deal with Paramount. This would mean a split of UFC properties between different networks and streaming services, which most believed might happen when initially discussing the UFC’s U.S. broadcasting rights after 2025.

    The UFC and Paramount agreed to a seven-year, $7.7 billion U.S. broadcasting deal that would see all 43 live events per calendar year — 13 UFC numbered cards and 30 UFC Fight Night events — be broadcast on the Paramount+ streaming service, with a select number of UFC numbered cards airing on the linear CBS network.

    It is also unclear what such a deal could mean for the fate of the PFL, whose own U.S. broadcasting deal with ESPN expires at the end of 2026.

    While they lost the rights to UFC live events, ESPN has been busy on the sports content front throughout August. At the beginning of the month, ESPN acquired assets of the NFL — including the NFL Network channel, NFL RedZone, and NFL Fantasy — in exchange for the football league gaining a 10 percent ownership stake in ESPN.

    Just one day ago, ESPN acquired the rights to MLB.TV, incorporating out-of-market MLB broadcasts (and in-market broadcasts for five MLB teams) into its streaming service.

    ESPN also gained U.S. broadcasting rights for the PLEs (Premium Live Events) of WWE — UFC’s sibling company under the TKO umbrella. While that deal was initially scheduled to start following the expiration of WWE’s deal with Peacock in March 2026, a new agreement amongst the companies will now see that deal begin with WWE WrestlePalooza on September 20.

  • Dana White’s Contender Series Season 9, Episode 2 Highlights As 5 Awarded UFC Contracts

    Dana White’s Contender Series Season 9, Episode 2 Highlights As 5 Awarded UFC Contracts

    The latest season of Dana White’s Contender Series continued with a memorable night of action filled with highlights in Las Vegas.

    DWCS began in 2017 and has produced a notable number of fighters currently on the UFC’s roster. Since the show’s inception in 2017, a couple have even gone on to claim UFC championships. Known as “The ultimate job interview,” DWCS features five fights weekly, over the course of 10 weeks, as combatants compete to impress UFC CEO and President Dana White and earn a UFC contract.

    Last year’s edition saw 42 fighters earn a contract with the world’s leading MMA organization across 10 events, slightly down from the 46 handed out in 2023. Episode two of season nine this week saw five prospects earn the opportunity to taste the Octagon’s bright lights.

    The night got started with a strong performance from Ramiro Jimenez, who scored a first-round finish of Tommy Cuozzi Jr. Jimenez worked over Cuozzi’s body early, especially with the left hand, before a one-two scored a knockdown of Cuozzi. Jimenez continued to target the body and do damage with powerful shots, ending things by grabbing Cuozzi and landing a pair of elbows. That dominant performance earned him the nod from Dana White for a UFC contract.

    Former NFL player and collegiate wrestler Josh Hokit looked to make a statement with his victory over Guilherme Uriel. Hokit completely controlled the action with wrestling, attempting nine takedowns during the first round and scoring on most of them. Though Uriel started to defend takedowns during the later part of the round, it was clear he was worn down. Hokit then scored an easy takedown seconds into the second round, dominating on the ground before finishing things with elbows.

    Hokit then delivered a Colby Covington-esque promo after his win, claiming himself to be the savior of the heavyweight division.

    Louis Lee Scott was also in action on the night, defeating Kaushik Saikumar, the first Indian fighter to compete on DWCS. Despite his weight miss, Lee Scott shook off Saikumar’s grappling, including a pair of leg lock attempts, and put on a fairly strong striking performance. Lee Scott would overwhelm Saikumar with strikes to score a third-round TKO. And despite the weight miss, White gave him a contract as well.

    Cam Rowston and Brandon Holmes’ co-main fight was a violent affair for how long it lasted, but it was Rowston who scored the win after an elbow rocked Holmes, leading eventually to a flurry of strikes that’d result in not only another first-round finish and contract — but also Rowston earning a spot on the UFC Perth card next month.

    The main event of the evening saw Jose Delano put up a dominant performance over a durable Manuel Exposito. Despite Exposito trying to get to a strong start early, Delano seemed to land at will on Exposito, busting him open and putting on a beating for a full 15 minutes. In spite of not getting the finish, his performance was enough to earn the nod from White, giving all five winners on the night UFC contracts.

    Ramiro Jimenez def. Tommy Cuozzi Jr. via TKO (R1, 2:53)

    Josh Hokit def. Guilherme Uriel via TKO (R2, 1:06)

    Louis Lee Scott def. Kaushik Saikumar via TKO (R3, 2:20)

    Cam Rowston def. Brandon Holmes via TKO (R1, 2:58)

    Jose Delano def. Manuel Exposito via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

  • UFC Rankings Report: Massive Men’s Pound-For-Pound, Middleweight Shakeups After Khamzat Chimaev Title Win

    UFC Rankings Report: Massive Men’s Pound-For-Pound, Middleweight Shakeups After Khamzat Chimaev 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 319, MMA News has you covered with this week’s complete updates.

    Men’s Pound-For-Pound: Following his middleweight title win at UFC 319, Khamzat Chimaev moves up ten spots to No. 4. The now-former champion, Dricus Du Plessis, falls seven spots to No. 11.

    Alexandre Pantoja falls one spot to No. 5. Max Holloway, Belal Muhammad, and Arman Tsarukyan fall one spot to, respectively, Nos. 12-14.

    Charles Oliveira has fallen off the list and is replaced at No. 15 at Shavkat Rakhmonov.

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

    Women’s Strawweight: 

    Women’s Flyweight: After her win at UFC 319, Karine Silva moves up one spot to No. 10, swapping places with Miranda Maverick (No. 11).

    Women’s Bantamweight: No changes.

    Flyweight: After his victory at UFC 319, Tim Elliott moves up one spot on the list to No. 10, swapping places with Steve Erceg (No. 11).

    The man Elliott beat, Kai Asakura, is no longer ranked, replaced at No. 15 by Charles Johnson.

    Bantamweight: No changes.

    Featherweight: Following his win at UFC 319, Lerone Murphy moves up two spots to No. 4. Brian Ortega and Arnold Allen each drop a spot, moving down to No. 5 and No. 6, respectively.

    Lightweight: Paddy Pimblett moves up two spots to No. 7. Mateusz Gamrot and Beneil Dariush each drop a spot to No. 8 and 9, respectively.

    Joel Alvarez falls off the list and is replaced at No. 15 by Mauricio Ruffy.

    Welterweight: Following his win at UFC 319, Carlos Prates moves up three spots to No. 9. Colby Covington, Gilbert Burns, and Geoff Neal all drop one spot each to, respectively, Nos. 10-12.

    Also, after his second win at middleweight at UFC 319, Michael “Venom” Page has been removed from rankings eligibility at welterweight. As a result, Kevin Holland returns to the 170-pound rankings at No. 15.

    Middleweight: With Chimaev taking the champion’s spot, Du Plessis falls to the No. 1 contender. As a result, Nassourdine Imavov and Sean Strickland fall one spot each to No. 2 and No. 3.

    MVP debuts on this list at No. 10. The man he beat, Jared Cannonier, falls two spots to No. 11, while Brendan Allen moves up one spot to No. 9. Roman Dolidze, Paulo Costa, and Marvin Vettori all move down one spot to Nos. 12-14, respectively.

    Additionally, Anthony Hernandez moves up one spot to No. 6, swapping places with Caio Borralho (No. 7).

    Light Heavyweight: No changes.

    Heavyweight: No changes.

    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.

  • “It Wasn’t There” Khamzat Chimaev’s Huge Win at UFC 319 Disappointed UFC Contender in One Aspect

    Khamzat Chimaev had a history making performance against Dricus du Plessis but there was a certain aspect of the fight that seemed to be lacking a bit according to a former UFC title challenger.

    During an appearance on Submission Radio, Hardy touched upon the pay-per-view main event in Chicago from over the weekend and largely indicated how impressed he was by this changing of the guard performance in the UFC’s 185 pound ranks.

    The former UFC welterweight title challenger did seem to perceive that there was a bit of an uncharacteristic aspect to the 31-year-old phenom’s in-cage effort on Saturday as compared to some of Chimaev’s prior fights. In expressing what he saw take place in the du Plessis vs. Chimaev headliner at UFC 319, Dan Hardy said,

    “He [Chimaev] was kind of tenderizing him and, you know, controlling him. It was impressive from a control perspective, don’t get me wrong. But, of course, you know, the main event of a pay-per-view, you kind of want to see a bit more intention to finish. That’s what I would like to have seen.”

    “That’s what Khamzat’s been all about. That’s why people have been so excited about him because of how, you know, overly aggressive he is, like, violent. It’s scary to watch sometimes. That was just kind of, I don’t know, it seemed a bit of a safer performance. Maybe out of respect for Dricus and his strength and explosiveness and scrambling ability.”

    Khamzat Chimaev’s performance assessed by surging middleweight contender who was cageside in Chicago

    While some prospective title challengers might go a little quiet in the wake of such a dominant win by Khamzat Chimaev, someone who was cageside for the UFC 319 bout against Dricus du Plessis seems confident in navigating a path to victory against the newly minted champion. ‘Borz’ is looking to get back in the cage again at UFC 321 on October 25th in Abu Dhabi and a ranked middleweight who recently notched his own statement win is already envisioning how a Khamzat Chimaev fight plays out down the line.

    Anthony ‘Fluffy’ Hernandez secured his eighth win in a row in what was a pressure heavy, dominant performance against Roman Dolidze when he notched a fourth round submission. During an interview with ESPNDeportes touching on what he saw while sitting front row cageside at UFC 319 and what he sees transpiring going forward, Anthony Hernandez said [via Bloody Elbow],

    “Congratulations to him, it was a pretty f***ing boring fight, not gonna lie, but man call me for the fight, I can wrestle, I can do jiu-jitsu, I can stop all the s**t and I can shut him down and with my gas tank man, I’ll drown him, I promise.”

  • Joe Rogan Hopes UFC Maintains ESPN Ties Despite Historic Paramount+ Agreement

    Joe Rogan Hopes UFC Maintains ESPN Ties Despite Historic Paramount+ Agreement

    Joe Rogan hopes UFC’s latest deal won’t sever ties with its longtime partner.

    The UFC’s exclusive five-year rights agreement with ESPN is set to conclude at the close of 2025. The promotion has already locked in its next landmark deal with a seven-year, $7.7 billion U.S. broadcasting partnership with Paramount Skydance Corporation.

    During its partnership with the UFC, ESPN showcased the promotion’s full slate of events across both its television network and the ESPN+ streaming platform, while holding exclusive rights to distribute pay-per-views.

    The sports media powerhouse also delivered extensive UFC coverage and featured several former fighters as analysts and commentators. However, with the UFC now shifting to a new broadcast home, questions remain about how ESPN’s role in covering the sport will evolve moving forward.

    UFC-ESPN broadcast deal to conclude at the end of 2025
    Image: ESPN.com

    Joe Rogan Wants UFC To Keep ESPN Association Despite Paramount+ Switch In 2026

    During a recent episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, the veteran UFC commentator weighed in on the promotion’s new broadcasting deal with Paramount+. While Joe Rogan voiced his enthusiasm for the partnership set to kick off next year, he also admitted he hopes the UFC won’t sever its relationship with ESPN, which he sees as a crucial bridge to casual sports fans.

    The 58-year-old acclaimed podcaster emphasized that ESPN remains a vital gateway for introducing new audiences to the world of MMA.

    “I’m kind of bummed out, and I hope they don’t lose the relationship that they had with ESPN with all their MMA shows,” Joe Rogan said. “I hope they don’t go, like, ‘F**k them. They went to Paramount.’ I hope it’s a mutually beneficial thing, like the UFC at least does some content still on ESPN, because I think that’s also a big factor in pulling people from casual viewers that watch other sports that might occasionally watch a UFC fight and then they see, like, Dustin Poirier vs. Max Holloway and they’re like, ‘Holy sh*t.’

    “And then they’re hooked. Having that coverage on SportsCenter, that shit’s huge. Having those post-fight shows on ESPN+, that sh*t is huge for the real dorks like me, that’s huge.”

    As part of the new agreement, Paramount+ will become the primary U.S. destination for all 13 numbered UFC pay-per-view cards and 30 Fight Night events annually. Every fight will stream live on the platform, while select high-profile cards will also receive a primetime broadcast on Paramount’s flagship network, CBS.

    The UFC will also move away from its long-standing pay-per-view model, making every event accessible to Paramount+ subscribers. However, UFC CEO Dana White has hinted that the promotion may roll out special “one-off” PPV cards on rare occasions.

    UFC Octagon
    Image: UFC.com


  • “Total Bull****” – Dana White & Conor McGregor Dispute Report Of McGregor’s Removal From UFC Roster

    “Total Bull****” – Dana White & Conor McGregor Dispute Report Of McGregor’s Removal From UFC Roster

    The madness surrounding uncertainty over Conor McGregor’s UFC contract status may need to be put on hold.

    According to UFC President & CEO Dana White, reports of McGregor and the UFC supposedly parting ways are untrue.

    “Total bull***,” White posted on social media in response to a post about the report.

    About an hour later, MMA journalist and personality Ariel Helwani reported that McGregor and his team have informed him that McGregor and the UFC have not parted ways.

    He added that, despite what rumors on social media may say, his testing sample came back clean and he told Helwani, “It’s all systems a go.”

    McGregor has not publicly posted to social media since the report from UFC roster trackers came out.

    Dana White And Conor McGregor Refute Reports Of UFC, McGregor Parting Ways

    This all comes a couple of hours after UFC roster trackers, including UFC Roster Watch, on social media posted that McGregor had been removed from the active UFC roster.

    “To everyone messaging me asking, ‘Is this true?’ Yes, according to the official roster, our API indicates that he has been removed,” the account posted. “We are unaware of any negotiations between Conor and the UFC.”

    No reason has been given as to why the API removed McGregor.

    This post speculated rumors about a potential drug test failure, a sunset clause activation, or a potential contract dispute in the wake of the UFC’s new U.S. broadcasting deal with Paramount.

    McGregor, who is running for Irish presidency, was also found civilly liable this past November of sexually assaulting Nikita Hand in a Dublin hotel room in December 2018. His appeals to a higher court have been denied. McGregor is also facing sexual assault allegations from an incident in Miami during the 2023 NBA Finals.

    Over the past month or so, McGregor has mentioned having a desire to return to the Octagon, returning to training and giving a sample to UFC Anti-Doping. McGregor has expressed great interest in headlining the UFC’s event at the White House on July 4, 2026.

    McGregor has not fought in the UFC since his UFC 264 trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier. He hasn’t won a UFC fight since knocking out Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone at UFC 246.

    McGregor and Michael Chandler were initially scheduled to headline UFC 303 last year before McGregor withdrew with a little less than a month to go.

  • UFC & Paramount: Why Fans Are the Biggest Winners and Fighters The Biggest Losers

    UFC & Paramount: Why Fans Are the Biggest Winners and Fighters The Biggest Losers

    Fans are going to win big with the UFC’s new Paramount partnership. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for fighters.

    On Monday, it was announced that the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s broadcasting deal with ESPN+ will end after Paramount plunked down $7.7 billion to obtain the company’s exclusive streaming rights for the next seven years starting in 2026.

    Perhaps the most exciting bit of news is the fact that fans will no longer have to shell out $80 per month for pay-per-view events as all UFC cards, including premium numbered shows, will air exclusively on on Paramount’s streaming service, effectively killing the promotion’s antiquated pay-per-view era.

    That’ll save UFC fans nearly $1,000 annually, but it may come with a cost.

    “The fans are big winners because now it goes from having a plus subscription, plus having to buy pay-per-views for $79.99,” Ariel Helwani said while discussing the UFC/Paramount deal. “If you’re a hardcore fan, that equals approximately $1,000 a year. Now, you don’t have to do that anymore. And as of right now, it’s either eight bucks or 13 bucks to be a Paramount+ subscriber. Way cheaper than being an ESPN Plus UFC fan.”

    “The fighters, to me, they’re the big losers here. Not because the viewership gets affected, that remains to be seen. But they’re sitting here watching all the executives wave their pompoms and say how great this is. They’re hearing Dana White say, this is good for the fighters. So I ask, how is it good for the fighters? Is the base pay going up? Is the introductory pay going up? Are they getting rid of the show-win model? Are the performance bonuses now going to be $100k a pop as opposed to 50k? What becomes of the champions with pay-per-view points? No one has told the fighters. They didn’t consult them. They don’t have to. There’s no collective bargaining agreement.”

    Dana White confirms fighter bonuses will increase with Paramount deal

    With implementation of the UFC/Paramount deal still months away, there’s plenty of time for Dana White and Co. to figure out how to make up for a fighter’s lost PPV points, though White did acknowledge that bonuses would be “going up” following Tuesday’s episode of DWCS.

    “Bonuses are obviously going up,” White said. “So that’ll be big. And just forget about the tide rising with all the other fighters. I mean, just the number that the bonuses bring to a fighter is millions of dollars.”

  • Baysangur Susurkaev To Make UFC Debut At UFC 319, Four Days After DWCS Appearance

    Baysangur Susurkaev To Make UFC Debut At UFC 319, Four Days After DWCS Appearance

    When he was awarded his new UFC contract on Dana White’s Contender Series, Baysangur Susurkaev held up four fingers. The message was he wanted a quick turnaround — he wanted to fight at UFC 319 this coming weekend to be on the same card as his teammate, UFC middleweight title challenger Khamzat Chimaev.

    And now, it appears Susurkaev is going to be getting his wish.

    As initially reported on social media by Zac Coffman, host of the 4oz to Freedom podcast, Susurkaev will be competing in a short-notice bout for this weekend’s pay-per-view card, taking on Eric Nolan.

    Baysangur Susurkaev vs. Eric Nolan Booked For This Weekend’s UFC 319 On Three Days’ Notice

    Susurkaev was arguably the only standout performer of the premiere for season nine of Dana White’s Contender Series, which took place yesterday, August 12. Susurkaev scored a body-kick KO of Murtaza Talha in the night’s sole finish, leading to the UFC CEO and President to say he loved everything about him and told him to stand by for a major opportunity.

    The opportunity for Susurkaev mirrors that of Chimaev’s first appearances with the UFC. After Chimaev quickly submitted John Phillips at UFC Fight Island 1 in July 2020, Chimaev turned around 10 days later for a short-notice fight with Rhys McKee at UFC Fight Island 3, scoring a first-round finish.

    Prior to the DWCS appearance, which improved him to 9-0, Susurkaev had most recently fought in February, finishing Irakli Kuchukhidze at Fury FC 102.

    Nolan, who is 8-3, won the CFFC welterweight title in May with a three-minute knockout of Blayne Richards at CFFC 142.

  • Georges St-Pierre: Big, New $7B-Plus UFC-Paramount Deal “Terrible for the Fighters”

    Georges St-Pierre: Big, New $7B-Plus UFC-Paramount Deal “Terrible for the Fighters”

    UFC has just announced a new massive rights deal with Paramount but the promotion’s decision to phase out pay-per-views when we enter 2026 has Georges St-Pierre concerned for the future well being of fighters and their financial situation. The rights agreement was announced on Monday with Paramount that netted the MMA leader a whopping $7.7 billion dollars over the course of the seven year deal.

    Paramount+ or CBS will now carry numbered events for the UFC but Georges St-Pierre does not seem convinced this idea will be beneficial to the in-cage competitors contracted to the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Negotiating a cut of the capital accrued by pay-per-view events used to be a major piece of the negotiating equation for combatants with GSP likely cashing sizable cheques from the PPV points that the massive shows he was featured on would have garnered.

    This subject was discussed during an interview with Covers when St-Pierre said,

    “It could be good for the UFC, as a promoter, but terrible for the fighters because when I was competing I was able to have a great argument to negotiate on my contract. I could tell the UFC, ‘Hey, if you want me to do all the promotion, I want to become a partner. I want a piece of the pie to negotiate a part of the pay-per-view revenue.”

    “Because if I’m doing all the promotion, I’m helping you, but you need to help me. You need to make me a partner.’ So it might be a bad thing for the fighters in a way that they have less leverage. “That’s what I think. I think it’s going to take off some leverage for the big names to have an argument to negotiate more money.”

    UFC PPV points and Georges St-Pierre’s legacy as a star

    While the UFC PPV points were not historically widely available to the public as far as specific amounts fighters would receive, it provided a lane for standout athletes to at least earn a bit more in a spot that is notorious for having such low revenue share among the athletes. GSP’s last outing took place in November 2017 when he finished Michael Bisping to become the UFC middleweight champion at UFC 217 and has been in some of the biggest blockbuster bouts in the history of mixed martial arts.

    Georges St-Pierre’s involvement with UFC 100 made it an all time iconic show for the company with Brock Lesnar engaging in a rematch with Frank Mir in the headliner but GSP also did huge nights of business with Nick Diaz at UFC 158, BJ Penn in a rematch at UFC 94, Jake Shields at UFC 129, and a sequel clash with Josh Koscheck at UFC 124 to name but a few.

  • Dana White’s Contender Series Season 9, Episode 1 Highlights As 2 Awarded UFC Contracts

    Dana White’s Contender Series Season 9, Episode 1 Highlights As 2 Awarded UFC Contracts

    The latest season of Dana White’s Contender Series kicked off with a bizarre, and downright disappointing, night on in Las Vegas.

    DWCS began in 2017 and has produced a notable number of fighters currently on the UFC’s roster. Since the show’s inception in 2017, a couple have even gone on to claim UFC championships. Known as “The ultimate job interview,” DWCS features five fights weekly, over the course of 10 weeks, as combatants compete to impress UFC CEO and President Dana White and earn a UFC contract.

    Last year’s edition saw 42 fighters earn a contract with the world’s leading MMA organization across 10 events, slightly down from the 46 handed out in 2023. Episode one of season nine this week saw 2 prospects earn the opportunity to taste the Octagon’s bright lights.

    The big moments for season nine kicked off (literally and figuratively) with a bang courtesy of Baysangur Susurkaev. Susurkaev delivered an impressive body kick that dropped Murtaza Talha, scoring a walk-off KO just three minutes into the bout.

    Ty Miller would then follow up with a strong performance, thanks to his advanced boxing skills, to sweep the scorecards against Jimmy Drago and earn his own Octagon deal.

    The featured fight of the evening at middleweight saw Ilian Bouafia defeat Neemias Santana via a controversial decision. Bouafia was hit with an intentional headbutt early on in the fight, resulting in a timeout and what could have been a DQ finish. Bouafia fought on, with Santana receiving a one-point deduction, but the fight was lackluster. Though commentary (among pundits), as well as White himself, believed the fight was a draw, Bouafia came away with a unanimous decision.

    Needless to say, Bouafia did not earn a contract.

    The night began with Yuri Panferov besting Chris Ewert by decision. Panferov managed to outwork Ewert with powerful strikes and eight minutes of control time on the ground, but it wasn’t enough for a deal.

    Radley Da Silva followed up with a grappling-heavy victory over George Mangos, but it also wasn’t enough to impress the UFC boss.

    Yuri Panferov def. Chris Ewert via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

    Radley Da Silva def. George Mangos via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

    Baysangur Susurkaev def. Murtaza Talha via KO (R1, 3:04)

    Ty Miller def. Jimmy Drago via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

    Ilian Bouafia def. Neemias Santana via unanimous decision (30-26, 29-27 x2)

  • UFC Rankings Report: Anthony Hernandez Rising Up Middleweight Ranks

    UFC Rankings Report: Anthony Hernandez Rising Up Middleweight Ranks

    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 109, MMA News has you covered with this week’s complete updates.

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

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

    Women’s Strawweight: Following her win last weekend, Iasmin Lucindo moves up one spot to No. 7. Tabatha Ricci moves down one spot to No. 8 and Gillian Robertson moves down one spot to No. 9.

    Lucindo’s opponent, Angela Hill, remains at No. 12.

    Women’s Flyweight: No changes.

    Women’s Bantamweight: No changes.

    Flyweight: No changes.

    Bantamweight: No changes.

    Featherweight: No changes.

    Lightweight: No changes.

    Welterweight: No changes.

    Middleweight: Following his main event victory last weekend, Anthony Hernandez moves up three spots to No. 7. The man he defeated, Roman Dolidze, moves down two spots to No. 11.

    As part of these moves, Robert Whittaker and Jared Cannonier fall one spot to No. 8 and No. 9, respectively. Meanwhile, Brendan Allen moves up one spot to No. 10.

    Light Heavyweight: No changes.

    Heavyweight: No changes.

    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.

  • Khamzat Chimaev is looking to Make History at UFC 319 – Former UFC Champ Weighs-In

    Khamzat Chimaev is looking to Make History at UFC 319 – Former UFC Champ Weighs-In

    Khamzat Chimaev could make history for the Russian republic he comes from and a former UFC middleweight champion could see ‘Borz’ being a consistent competitor with defending his crown should he capture it. Chimaev will have that chance later this week on August 16th when he clashes with reigning 185 pound titleholder Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319 in Chicago.

    A member of the UFC’s middleweight title lineage weighed in on this looming matchup when Michael Bisping spoke about Saturday’s pay-per-view headliner via his personal YouTube channel. When touching upon the hype train that the title challenger has been riding leading into this weekend and what could potentially transpire thereafter, Bisping said,

    “It’s all well and good having a ton of potential. But if you don’t realize that potential, then none of it really matters. You come here, you have a few good wins, you dominate some people, you go viral for a few finishes, you pick up Li Jingliang and you have a conversation with Dana White, you just smoke all these people, but you don’t become the champion.”

    “Then you’re just going to be forgotten about in years to come. Khamzat Chimaev wants to be a champion. He wants to be the first Chechen champion, and he wants to defend the belt, and he wants to be active.”

    Khamzat Chimaev has his eyes on becoming a three division UFC champion

    Khamzat Chimaev is pursuant of the middleweight crown later on this week but it’s not the only weight category that he has designs of conquering in the octagon. The undefeated mixed martial artist began his UFC tenure as a welterweight and seems to have designs to one day return to that weight class with a peripheral focus on one day becoming a champion at 205 pounds.

    Addressing his future championship aspirations during an ESPN interview, Chimaev stated [via Sherdog],

    “I work with a new coach. I talk to him about going down again, back to my first fights at 170. He said if they give me a couple months, we’re gonna make it. This Australian guy [welterweight champ Jack Della Maddalena] would be a good fight for me. I go down, fight with him and could take the belt there.”

    “If I go up, and there is [Magomed] Ankalaev and Alex Pereira — they are fighting now. I can fight for that belt as well.”

  • Dana White Says “PPV Isn’t Dead”, Suggests Potential One-Off UFC PPVs Under Paramount Deal

    Dana White Says “PPV Isn’t Dead”, Suggests Potential One-Off UFC PPVs Under Paramount Deal

    After all the celebration about the death of pay-per-view, UFC CEO & President Dana White is telling everyone to hold their horses.

    In an interview with the New York Post, despite the proclamations made in the new $7.7 billion deal with Paramount about the future of numbered UFC events, White says that he isn’t eliminating the pay-per-view concept entirely in this mind.

    White suggest he may toy with the idea of a potential 14th numbered UFC pay-per-view event during the Paramount deal that could see be put behind a pay-per-view paywall.

    “Anything is possible,” White said. “And you could do a one-off pay-per-view. I am going to be on pay-per-view this Saturday. Pay-Per-View is not dead.”

    This comes not even 24 hours after TKO executives Ari Emanuel and Mark Shapiro gave an interview to CNBC for the deal’s announcement, during which Shapiro referred to the pay-per-view model as “a thing of the past” and “an outdated, antiquated model.”

    Dana White Hints PPV Format May Still Appear In New UFC-Paramount Deal

    The UFC and Paramount’s new deal, which is set to begin in January, calls for 43 total UFC events per year — with 30 Fight Night cards and 13 numbered events.

    These numbered events, however, would not be pay-per-view as they have since the UFC’s inception in 1993. Instead, these cards, along with the UFC Fight Nights, would air exclusively on the Paramount+ streaming service.

    The initial announcements also noted that a select number of events would air on the linear CBS network in the United States.

    How many cards air on CBS has also been a point of discrepancy amongst the TKO and UFC executives. Despite the press release mentioning “select” events, Emanuel and Shapiro hinted at the possibility all of the UFC numbered cards are simulcast between Paramount+ and CBS, citing a desire for the most eyeballs possible.

    A later CBS Sports interview with White saw him state four “big” events would air on the network.

  • Dana White’s Contender Series Not Part Of UFC-Paramount Deal, Broadcast Rights TBD

    Dana White’s Contender Series Not Part Of UFC-Paramount Deal, Broadcast Rights TBD

    UPDATE: The New York Post’s Erich Richter has confirmed that Dana White’s Contender Series, The Ultimate Fighter, and Road to UFC are all not part of the UFC-Paramount package, and that the UFC is still shopping homes for these platforms.

    The major seven-year, $7.7 billion U.S. broadcasting deal between the UFC and Paramount may not include Dana White’s Contender Series (DWCS), the UFC CEO and President confirmed to Sports Business Journal.

    One of the notable things to come out of the new UFC deal was what the press release to announce it did not make mention of UFC properties outside of the events that include the likes of DWCS, The Ultimate Fighter (TUF), Road to UFC, etc.

    White confirmed an interview that while the UFC and all of its numbered and Fight Night events are part of the Paramount package, which begins in January, the U.S. rights to air DWCS are still to be determined.

    “Yeah. That could be split up,” White said. “We’ll see how that plays out.”

    UFC Properties May Be Split Up After All, As DWCS Not Part Of UFC-Paramount Deal

    While the interview did not mention TUF or Road to UFC, it may be assumed that those rights are also still up in the air.

    TUF was created by the UFC when it first partnered up with Paramount Network (then known as Spike) in 2005, the same year it started airing Fight Night events on the cable channel. TUF has since followed the UFC throughout its times with FOX and ESPN as well.

    Road to UFC has aired exclusively on UFC Fight Pass since its inception and may likely remain there.

    DWCS first premiered on UFC Fight Pass in 2017 before moving over to ESPN+ as part of the UFC’s deal with ESPN that began in 2019. The UFC’s U.S. broadcasting rights with ESPN ends at the end of the year. DWCS not being part of the Paramount deal keeps the possibility that ESPN could have some piece of the UFC umbrella.

    White added that he doesn’t see ESPN shying away from UFC coverage after the deal.

    “When we first started out over there, you’re going to have some rockiness when you’re figuring how you’re going to work with each other and who’s who, what’s what, and, ‘How are we going to do this?’ and we had some of that with ESPN,” White said. “Let me tell you what, over the last seven years, we have created an unbelievable relationship with that company and the people that work there.

    “I don’t see [ESPN promoting UFC less after 2025] happening. I see the exact opposite of that happening. We wouldn’t be where we are today without ESPN and I plan on continuing that relationship for the rest of my career.”

    This deal between the UFC and Paramount calls for 43 UFC cards, featuring 13 numbered events and 30 Fight Night cards, to be broadcasted on Paramount+. A select number of the numbered events (White has said four, while TKO executives Ari Emanuel and Mark Shapiro claim all) will air on the lineal CBS network in the U.S.

    When current international broadcasting deals for the UFC expire, Paramount will also have a 30-day exclusive negotiating window to lock up rights in those countries as well.

  • Dana White Promises 4 “Big Events” On CBS Per Year Under UFC’s New Paramount Deal

    Dana White Promises 4 “Big Events” On CBS Per Year Under UFC’s New Paramount Deal

    As the hours go by, more information starts to trickle out about what the UFC may look like under its new U.S. broadcasting deal with Paramount — as well as more questions.

    Perhaps the biggest talking point coming out of the new seven-year, $7.7 billion deal between the UFC and Paramount is the end of the pay-per-view model for the MMA promotion come the close of 2025. A select number — though it’s unclear how many — of numbered cards would be simulcast on CBS.

    UFC CEO and President Dana White, in an interview with CBS Sports’ Tommy Tran — White’s first since the announcement of the deal earlier today — stated that the UFC would produce four “big” events per year on linear CBS. He added that for 2026, one of those events will be the UFC’s planned card for the White House on July 4, 2026.

    “It’s looking like we’re going to do four big events a year,” White said. “We’re talking about doing a fight at the White House next year on the 4th of July — the 250th anniversary of America. So imagine a massive fight on the lawn of the White House on CBS.”

    Dana White Claims 4 UFC Events Per Year On CBS

    White added that he will continue to make the biggest fights happen and hinted there is still a possibility that this further incentivizes the returns of Conor McGregor and Jon Jones to compete on that White House card.

    Questions have arisen, however, as to what White means by “big.” The deal’s terms are for 13 numbered UFC cards (formerly pay-per-view cards) per year, as well as 30 Fight Night events for a total of 43 cards per year.

    This White claim also comes hours after TKO executives Ari Emanuel and Mark Shapiro told CNBC that there was a chance every UFC numbered card would be simulcast on CBS, which brought its own set of questions given CBS’ stake in other sports properties — particularly college football.

    Some speculate that this could mean four “special” numbered events (akin to the WWE’s “big four” of WrestleMania, SummerSlam, Royal Rumble, and Survivor Series), which will be believed to include International Fight Week and either the late October Abu Dhabi and/or the November Madison Square Garden cards.

    White’s remarks, despite claiming he will still look to make the best fights, have also furthered thoughts amongst some fans and pundits that the UFC may not be incentivized to stack numbered cards or force title fights onto the headliners of numbered cards since all fight cards will be under the same Paramount umbrella.

    There is also no update on how fighters’ pay-per-view points, particularly with champions, will be affected and/or changed by this move to Paramount and the elimination of pay-per-view.

  • TKO’s Ari Emanuel & Mark Shapiro: CBS To Likely Air All Numbered UFC Cards

    TKO’s Ari Emanuel & Mark Shapiro: CBS To Likely Air All Numbered UFC Cards

    The new UFC U.S. broadcasting rights deal may have just gotten bigger mere hours after it was first announced.

    As part of the new seven-year, $7.7 billion deal with Paramount, which also brings about the end of the pay-per-view model for UFC events, it was announced that certain UFC numbered cards, which historically almost-exclusively aired on pay-per-view, would be simulcasted on CBS.

    In a new interview with CNBC, however, TKO executives Ari Emanuel and Mark Shapiro have appeared to one-up that. They stated that the plan is actually to air all of the numbered UFC cards on the network platform.

    Shapiro emphasized a desire, despite the deal being primarily for the Paramount+ streaming service, to have CBS as part of the new UFC deal. Shapiro cited CBS’ history of sports broadcasting, from the Masters, to the NFL, to the NCAA Final Four.

    “It was important to us to have CBS play a big component in this,” Shapiro said. “This is Paramount+ exclusively, but CBS will have simulcast on many of the fights, and likely all of the numbered events, which are formerly the pay-per-view fights.”

    TKO’s Ari Emanuel & Mark Shapiro Claims CBS Will Air All UFC Numbered Cards In U.S.

    The pair were then asked about the decision to do this when Paramount+ has 77 million subscribers, and almost all of them are located within the U.S.

    Emanuel responded by saying that while part of the purpose is to drive traffic to Paramount+ and gain the platform subscribers — citing Paramount’s deal with the television program South Park last month as an example — there is also the aspect of the reach that CBS can provide. This would be, as pointed out, similar to how the NFL has never left broadcast networks completely.

    “A unified platform, more personalization, more customization, integrating sports betting, which is a big part of our fan experience when it comes to the UFC, that was all the stuff that was very attractive to us, way beyond the price,” Shapiro said.

    “But you need CBS, as Ari said, to really drive that reach. Think about it. [CEO David Ellison’s] goal is to get more subs; take that 77 million up to 300. But to keep them there, and the fact that we’re year round, the fact that every month we have a big premium fight, that will be an antidote.”

    Emanuel, in fact, claimed that TKO and the UFC tried to get more events on ABC — which almost exclusively were put on during the summer and for events that took place in the Middle East (with exceptions).

    “When we were at ESPN and Disney, we always actually were asking for a little bit of ABC, because we want the broadest reach,” Emanuel said.

    Shapiro followed it up by praising the visions of Ellison, who was Skydance CEO before the company merged with Paramount and became the CEO of the merged organization.

    “His strategy: streaming, sports, and studios,” Shapiro said. “It’s right in our wheel house. He sees media…he sees content, he sees storytelling through the prism and lens of technology.”

    What will be interesting to see is how CBS handles its sports broadcasting rights alongside the UFC, if the plan for CBS to air all of the numbered pay-per-view cards comes true. CBS currently has college football rights to air matchups in the Big Ten (since 2023) and the newly-reformed Pac-12 (starting this year). College football on ESPN was a main reason why the UFC’s Fight Night events in the fall were exclusively on ESPN+, as well as accounted for differing channel airings for prelims on pay-per-view fight cards.

    No information has also come out on what will happen for a UFC numbered cards that takes place outside the U.S. UFC pay-per-views that have been held in Australia and England have traditionally aired in the UFC’s typical 10 p.m. ET start time; however, pay-per-view cards in Abu Dhabi, which have annually taken place in the fall since 2019, have had special 2 p.m. ET start times.

    The UFC’s deal with Paramount will be for 43 events total per year — 13 numbered events (the former pay-per-views) and 30 Fight Nights.

  • UFC Secures New Streaming Partner As Paramount Strikes Whopping $7.7 Billion Deal

    UFC Secures New Streaming Partner As Paramount Strikes Whopping $7.7 Billion Deal

    The UFC will move to a new streaming home next year.

    The MMA promotion’s exclusive partnership with ESPN expires at the close of 2025, and UFC CEO Dana White has dropped more than a few hints about a shift in broadcast partners. For months, rumors had swirled that the company might align with streaming heavyweights such as Netflix or Amazon Prime, drawn by their global reach and ability to deliver high-volume content to millions of subscribers worldwide.

    However, in a twist that few saw coming, the UFC announced on Monday that it had signed a landmark seven-year media rights deal with Paramount Skydance, making Paramount+ the exclusive U.S. destination for every UFC event.

    From 2026 onward, Paramount will shell out an average of $1.1 billion annually, totaling a staggering $7.7 billion over seven years, to become the exclusive distributor of the MMA giant’s full lineup of 13 premier numbered events and 30 Fight Nights.

    Every event will stream on the direct-to-consumer platform Paramount+, with select numbered events also simulcast on CBS. In a major shift, the deal scraps the traditional pay-per-view model, instead offering these premium cards at no extra cost to Paramount+’s vast U.S. subscriber base.

    UFC Octagon
    Image: UFC/Zuffa LLC

    Dana White Talks About UFC’s New Streaming Deal With Paramount

    Following the announcement of the UFC’s landmark partnership with the Paramount network, Dana White took to social media to share his thoughts on the deal. White voiced his excitement over moving away from the longtime pay-per-view model, predicting that the shift would open the doors to a larger audience than ever before and propel the sport to unprecedented heights.

    “This historic deal with Paramount and CBS is incredible for UFC fans and our athletes, White shared in a press release on X. “For the first time ever, fans in the US will have access to all UFC content without a Pay-Per-View model, making it more affordable and accessible to view the greatest fights on a massive platform. This deal puts UFC amongst the biggest sports in the world. The exposure provided by the Paramount and CBS networks under this new structure is a huge win for our athletes and anyone who watches and loves this sport.”

    UFC CEO Dana White
    Image: UFC/YouTube
  • Jon Jones Officially Re-Enters UFC Testing Pool

    Jon Jones Officially Re-Enters UFC Testing Pool

    Turns out, the retirement of Jon Jones was a two-week one after all.

    A new update to the UFC’s Anti-Doping website shows that Jones’ name has been returned. This means Jones has recently been tested, which would mark his third testing session for 2025.

    This brings another degree of truth to marks Jones has previously made about coming back to the promotion, with an aim to compete on the UFC’s planned card for the White House on July 4, 2026.

    Jon Jones Returns To UFC Anti-Doping Website With New Testing Sample

    Jones has been in a year-plus-long saga with the UFC and current heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall.

    Jones, the former champion, has not fought since UFC 309, which saw him retain against Stipe Miocic. That fight had been scheduled for UFC 295 until Jones tore his pec.

    The UFC elected to not strip Jones and instead make an interim heavyweight title while being persistent in holding Jones vs. Miocic. Aspinall won the interim title at UFC 295 and then retained it at UFC 304.

    A drawn-out negotiations process saw UFC CEO and President Dana White believing a Jones-Aspinall showdown was close to official. Jones; however, elected to retire in mid-June, feeling he had accomplished everything he could in MMA. Conveniently, this came around the same time new charges against Jones were filed for an incident involving a car accident that took place in New Mexico this past February.

    Aspinall was named champion at the UFC Baku post-fight press conference. He is scheduled to make his first undisputed title defense against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321.

    Since the confirmation of plans for the UFC to hold a pay-per-view on the White House lawn as part of the United States’ Semiquincentennial, a number of fighters have volunteered to participate.

    In addition to Jones, Conor McGregor has expressed interest in ending his active hiatus to compete on the card. Like Jones, McGregor returned to the testing pool last week.

    White, however, was noncommittal to the idea of bringing Jones out to compete on the White House card.

  • Who is the Biggest Gangster in UFC History?

    Who is the Biggest Gangster in UFC History?

    UFC has produced plenty of bad boys who threw hands outside the octagon, but only one fighter masterminded the largest cash heist in British history while still believing he could return for the championship belt. Meet Lee Murray, the most dangerous man Dana White ever signed.

    Lightning Lee Murray – The Biggest Gangster in UFC History

    “Lightning” Lee Murray makes every other UFC criminal look like shoplifters. The British-Moroccan middleweight didn’t just have anger management issues – he orchestrated a £53 million robbery that reads like a Hollywood script. Born in South London’s Plumstead to a British hairdresser and Moroccan kitchen hand, Murray grew up in the criminal breeding ground of Bermondsey. Murray’s criminal career started before his fighting fame. Expelled from school, he joined the “Buttmarsh boys” gang and racked up convictions for drug possession, assault, and theft.

    But these were warmup acts. His UFC debut against Jorge Rivera showcased a triangle choke that took less than two minutes, and he fought three rounds against Anderson Silva.

    The Securitas depot robbery proved Murray’s criminal mastermind status. His crew spent months surveilling the facility, using spy cameras, prosthetic disguises, and inside information. They kidnapped the depot manager’s family, forced entry with AK-47s and shotguns, and walked away with £53 million in cash. The operation required military-level planning, complete with a “Stopwatch” member timing the heist like Ocean’s Eleven.

    When police raided storage units afterward, they found millions stashed in shipping containers and garage lock-ups. Murray fled to Morocco, where his dual citizenship protected him from UK extradition, though he still received a 25-year sentence. Even from his Moroccan prison cell, he maintains he’ll return to win the UFC championship.

    Not Quite, but Close to being a Gangster

    Conor McGregor

    Conor McGregor talks a big game about gangster connections, but his ties to the Kinahan cartel are probably just family drama (maybe). His sister Aoife’s relationship with convicted drug dealer Graham “The Wig” Whelan provides the connection to Daniel Kinahan’s organization. Court documents reveal Kinahan allegedly “leaned on” McGregor to walk a boxer to the ring, but this hardly qualifies as criminal activity. McGregor benefits from cartel protection and attends gangland funerals.

    The Kinahan cartel itself is legitimately dangerous, responsible for at least 18 murders and controlling international drug trafficking worth €1 billion. But McGregor remains on the periphery, using connections for business opportunities rather than participating in actual crimes. He’s gangster-adjacent at best.

    Enson Inoue

    Enson Inoue represents the closest thing to legitimate organized crime ties without crossing into criminality. The Hawaiian-Japanese fighter openly admits “doing business” with Yakuza members while maintaining he was never a member. Joe Rogan describes Inoue as having “run-ins” with the syndicate and offering to help Dana White with “underworld problems.”

    Inoue’s Yakuza dealings were business arrangements rather than criminal enterprises. When the crime syndicate asked him to open a Purebred gym in Tokyo, he agreed in exchange for them sponsoring two of his fighters. But when a Yakuza member started neglecting his duties, Inoue took him to a parking lot and beat him for 20 minutes, hospitalizing the gangster. This incident showcased Inoue’s fearlessness but also demonstrated he was never truly part of their organization – he was an outsider they respected.

    Amar Suloev

    Amar Suloev transformed from legitimate fighter into alleged contract killer, making him potentially more dangerous than the others. After retiring from MMA in 2008, the Armenian joined a private security company where he met Sergei Zirinov, a Russian legislative assemblyman running a criminal organization. The gang allegedly murdered several businessmen and political figures, with Suloev serving as an enforcer and driver.

    Prosecutors charged Suloev with attempted assassination of political rivals, claiming he drove during a botched murder attempt. While awaiting trial, he developed stage four stomach cancer and died in 2016 before his case concluded. Unlike Murray’s calculated heists or McGregor’s family connections, Suloev’s alleged crimes involved political assassinations and contract killing – darker territory than robbery or business deals.

    Lee Murray stands alone as the biggest gangster in UFC History because he combined criminal mastermind planning with elite fighting skills. While Suloev allegedly became a hitman after retirement and Inoue maintained business relationships with organized crime, only Murray orchestrated one of history’s greatest heists while actively competing at the highest levels of MMA.

    Murray’s criminal resume includes the largest cash robbery in British peacetime history, multiple assault convictions, drug dealing, and enough street credibility to knock out Tito Ortiz in a London parking lot. Dana White called him “a scary son of a bitch” and admitted the UFC president was genuinely afraid of him. Even imprisoned in Morocco, Murray continues planning his UFC championship comeback, maintaining the delusion that criminal mastermind skills translate to octagon dominance.

  • Ronda Rousey To Make UFC Return – Rivalry with Kayla Harrison on the Horizon

    Ronda Rousey To Make UFC Return – Rivalry with Kayla Harrison on the Horizon

    One of the most prominent figures in MMA history Ronda Rousey may be preparing for a return to the UFC. Rumors have surfaced suggesting she is considering a comeback, potentially to face a specific opponent in a high-profile fight; Kayla Harrison. This possibility has attracted significant attention within the MMA community and among fight fans worldwide.

    Ronda Rousey’s Origin

    Rousey’s career began in judo, where she made a name for herself by winning an Olympic bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Games. Her achievements in judo laid the foundation for her transition into MMA, a sport where she would reach global stardom. She first gained prominence fighting in Strikeforce, where her dominant performances caught the attention of the UFC.

    When Rousey joined the UFC in 2013, she quickly became a central figure in the promotion’s growth, particularly for women’s divisions. Rousey was the inaugural UFC women’s bantamweight champion and defended the title multiple times, often winning her bouts in the first round. Her success was pivotal in cementing women’s MMA as a viable category in the UFC, inspiring countless female fighters and elevating the sport’s visibility.

    Beyond her athletic accomplishments, Rousey’s impact on women’s sports holds social importance. She became a role model for female athletes and challenged traditional gender norms within combat sports. Rousey’s career coincided with a broader movement, helping to normalize women competing at the highest levels in MMA.

    Rousey’s departure from the UFC came after consecutive losses in 2015 and 2016. These defeats, notably her knockout losses to Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes, raised questions about her future competitiveness in the sport. Following these setbacks, she shifted her focus to appearances in entertainment and other ventures outside fighting. Her departure was seen as a result of the physical toll of competition, coupled with evolving interests beyond MMA. She then switched to WWE.

    Ronda Rousey Making a Comeback

    The recent rumors about Rousey’s return to the UFC focus on an apparent interest in a comeback fight against Kayla Harrison, the undefeated two-division PFL champion and Olympic judo gold medalist, plus current UFC champ. Chael Sonnen, a former UFC fighter and commentator, shared that Rousey expressed a willingness to return only if the potential opponent is Harrison. Sonnen stated, “Ronda Rousey gonna come back and going to fight the winner of Amanda-Kayla, as long as the winner is Kayla. Okay, now this is the story. This is the story and let me tell you what part of this I can confirm. I can confirm the story came from Ronda.”

    Sonnen elaborated on the nature of Rousey’s potential comeback, emphasizing that she would not want to return simply to fight Amanda Nunes but has her sights set on Harrison. Sonnen also discussed what defines a true comeback in MMA, suggesting that true returns are driven by an overwhelming desire rather than conditions set by the returning athlete regarding opponents.

    The possibility of a Rousey-Harrison fight carries historical significance, as it would pit two Olympic judo medalists against each other in a major MMA bout. Ronda Rousey and Kayla Harrison faced each other once in a judo match at the 2005 U.S. Judo Championships. At that time, Rousey was 18 years old and just a few weeks past her 18th birthday, while Harrison was a 15-year-old rising talent. The match was a closely contested battle between two future Olympic medalists and MMA stars. Ultimately, Rousey emerged victorious in this encounter.

    Ronda Rousey at Home

    Observers note that Rousey left the UFC with a mixed legacy. While she was once the dominant champion and a marketable star, her losses raised doubts about her standing as a top contender. Sonnen pointed out that “Ronda never needed to leave. Ronda was about the eighth best girl in the world,” but the competitive landscape shifted as new fighters emerged. Whether Rousey can regain her top form remains a key question.

    Amanda Nunes and Kayla Harrison are poised for one of the biggest fights in women’s MMA history. Harrison, the reigning UFC women’s bantamweight champion and two-time Olympic judo gold medalist, earned the title by defeating Julianna Pena at UFC 316. Nunes, a former two-division UFC champion considered by many as the greatest female fighter of all time, has come out of retirement to challenge Harrison and reclaim the bantamweight title. The fight is highly anticipated and may headline a major UFC event before the end of 2025, subject to Nunes completing the required drug testing protocols for her comeback.

  • Disney Earnings Report Indicates UFC PPV Purchases Continue To Decrease

    In the wake of ESPN making major moves in the sports broadcasting world, its parent company, Disney, released its third quarter earnings report. And the report indicates concerns regarding UFC pay-per-views.

    The report’s sports category indicated a one percent increase in domestic revenue for ESPN in the 2024-25 fiscal year, as well as a -7% change in operating income (loss). As it pertains to the increase in revenue, one of the points noted to cause such is listed as “lower Ultimate Fighting Championship pay-per-view fees due to lower average buys per event.”

    In layman’s terms, as noted by Robert Joyner, ESPN has paid the UFC less over the past year due to pay-per-view numbers decreasing.

    This is particularly noteworthy, as the UFC’s U.S. broadcasting rights deal with ESPN, which was signed in May 2018 and began in January 2019, is set to expire at the end of the year. Previous reports have stated the UFC is looking for a $1 billion broadcasting agreement.

    Netflix, who has a connection with the UFC’s parent company, TKO — thanks to its broadcasting agreement with the WWE that started earlier this year — has been a name brought up in potential suitors. Given this news, it is noted that many have speculated whether or not a UFC deal with Netflix would have a pay-per-view paywall element to it for those numbered cards.

    UFC PPV Numbers Reportedly On Continued Noteworthy Decrease

    It is also not the first time that a report concerning UFC pay-per-view numbers like this has come out this year. Back in March, the New York Post reported that ESPN and UFC relationship had turned sour. The UFC was reportedly unhappy with the broadcast technology used by ESPN, especially in the wake of a particularly troubling UFC 313 broadcast, while ESPN was dissatisfied with a significant decrease in pay-per-view purchases since the deal began.

    A Yahoo report from May indicated that month’s UFC 315 was trending to be one of the lowest, if not the lowest, bought pay-per-view in UFC history.

    Adam Stern of Sports Business Journal, however, reported in early June that the UFC’s talks with ESPN were the “furthest along” amongst all potential broadcasters.

    As Joyner posted on social media, a mostly agreed-upon issue amongst the online MMA community is that the UFC is struggling with star power.

    When looking at some of the UFC’s biggest needle movers, it’s noted that Conor McGregor has not fought for the promotion since UFC 264 in July 2021. Furthermore, Jon Jones had a three-year break from MMA before competing just once in 2023 and 2024 before his two-week retirement this year. Other names from some of the UFC’s most-bought pay-per-views, including Khabib Nurmagomedov, Nate Diaz, Ronda Rousey, and Jorge Masvidal are no longer under UFC contract, if not retired from MMA completely. It’s believed the UFC’s recent attempts of making new stars is not working.

    Fans and pundits, on a related note, have also criticized the UFC for an oversaturation of the market with the number of cards it runs per year. While some bigger pay-per-view cards might be filled with notable names, other cards, whether pay-per-view or Fight Night, may not be.

    This is a trend that has followed the UFC since the early days of its U.S. broadcasting deal with Fox during the 2010s. It was, however, reported in 2020 that ESPN expected 42 events from the promotion in order for the UFC to not risk a guaranteed payout (which, on a side note, is reportedly why UFC pushed heavily for events go on even in the earliest portions of the COVID-19 pandemic).

    ESPN’s broadcasting deal with rival promotion PFL, meanwhile, is set to expire after 2026.

    This Disney Earnings Report’s release also comes mere hours after ESPN agreed to a five-year deal with WWE, worth $325 million per year, to air WWE’s Premium Live Events (PLEs) in the U.S. This deal is expected to go in effect with WrestleMania 42 this coming April, following the conclusion of WWE’s current PLE U.S. broadcasting deal with Peacock, which began in 2021.

    Just days ago, it was confirmed that ESPN would also be acquiring a number of assets from the National Football League (NFL), including its NFL Network and NFL RedZone channels, in exchange for a 10 percent stake in ESPN.

    ESPN is set to replace the current ESPN+ streaming service with a new direct-to-consumer streaming service, also called ESPN, on Thursday, August 21. The new app will cost $29.99 per month.

  • Conor McGregor Faces $7.5 Million Lawsuit from Ex-Training Partner

    Conor McGregor Faces $7.5 Million Lawsuit from Ex-Training Partner

    Mixed martial arts figures Artem Lobov and Conor McGregor, once close training partners and public allies, are now entrenched in a high-stakes legal dispute over the lucrative Proper No. Twelve Irish whiskey brand. Lobov has filed a lawsuit against McGregor in Ireland’s High Court, claiming he played a foundational role in conceiving and launching the whiskey, and that he is owed a 5% share of proceeds from the company’s eventual multi-million dollar sale.

    Conor McGregor Being Sued By Artem Lobov

    Lobov alleges that in 2016 or 2017, he and McGregor reached a handshake agreement in which Conor McGregor promised him a 5% stake in the business, equivalent to a multi-million dollar payout based on subsequent company valuations. Lobov contends he originated the idea to pivot McGregor’s planned spirits venture from an Icelandic vodka to an Irish whiskey, leveraging his own market research and knowledge of the sector. According to Lobov, his negotiations secured a favorable deal with the distillery and ensured McGregor would have full ownership of the business from the outset, without financial investment.

    In his statements, Lobov has produced what he claims are WhatsApp message records and other evidence to support his contention that he was instrumental at every stage, from conceptualization to brand development. Lobov further asserts he declined remuneration for years of training with McGregor, emphasizing loyalty and prior unpaid contributions.

    Proper No. Twelve Irish whiskey

    The financial context for the lawsuit is significant. Proper No. Twelve, founded in 2018, quickly rose to become one of the fastest-growing Irish whiskey brands in the United States, with annual sales reportedly in excess of 330,000 cases domestically. Lobov has cited independent market data indicating the brand generates around $120 million in yearly U.S. sales and may be valued as high as $2 billion, ranking second in the nation’s Irish whiskey market behind Jameson. In 2021, McGregor and his business partners sold their controlling stake to Proximo Spirits for approximately $600 million. Lobov seeks $7.5 million – a figure he says reflects his purported five-percent ownership stake from the business’s high-water valuations.

    McGregor, through counsel and public statements, has denied that Lobov has any rightful financial claim or entitlement to a share of Proper No. Twelve. His legal team characterizes the creation and commercial development of the whiskey as solely McGregor’s work, with no official written partnership or binding obligation to Lobov. McGregor’s representatives have stated that any suggestion that Lobov is owed part of the proceeds is incorrect, and that McGregor’s role as the founder and public face of the brand is undisputed.

    Court proceedings remain ongoing. The High Court has ordered McGregor to disclose records of his financial gains from the whiskey sale as part of discovery. Lobov, in interviews, has indicated he provided evidence of his involvement to McGregor in attempts to resolve the dispute privately, but contends that McGregor rebuffed these efforts and offered him a one-time payment of $1 million – an offer Lobov declined, seeking recognition as a co-founder instead.

    As of August 2025, the case has not gone to full trial. Additional filings and cost orders have been reported, but the outcome remains pending.

    Artem Lobov and Conor McGregor shared a close personal and professional bond for years, both as training partners and friends. They first connected in the mixed martial arts community, training together under John Kavanagh at SBG Ireland, where Lobov often cornered and supported McGregor during major fights. Their relationship extended beyond the gym, with Lobov frequently appearing alongside McGregor at events and in media.

    Conor McGregor has been frequently involved in headline-grabbing controversies extending beyond the fighting arena. In November 2024, a civil jury in Dublin found McGregor liable for sexually assaulting a woman named Nikita Hand at a hotel in 2018, resulting in an order for him to pay over €248,000 in damage.

    Separately, McGregor publicly admitted in 2025 to infidelity in his long-term relationship with Dee Devlin, acknowledging “mistakes” and expressing regret for stepping out on his fiancée, particularly in the context of the civil rape case’s fallout. He has also faced new cheating allegations after photos surfaced showing him with another woman in Florida.

    Beyond legal and relationship controversies, McGregor’s behavior has sparked additional criticism. In June 2025, a video emerged of him repeatedly punching a partygoer in Ibiza’s Pacha nightclub. Witnesses described the altercation as unprovoked, and while the victim was reportedly unharmed, Spanish police did not pursue an investigation.

    Additionally, Conor McGregor has been named in harassment claims by public figures, such as rapper Azealia Banks, who accused him of sending unsolicited and explicit photos and threatening messages via social media.

    Conor McGregor Reportedly Appeals Civil Sexual Assault Verdict
    Image: @thenotoriousmma/Instagram
  • UFC Rankings Report: Tatsuro Taira Returns To Top 5 At Flyweight Following UFC Vegas 108 Win

    UFC Rankings Report: Tatsuro Taira Returns To Top 5 At Flyweight Following UFC Vegas 108 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 Vegas 108, MMA News has you covered with this week’s complete updates.

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

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

    Women’s Strawweight: No changes.

    Women’s Flyweight: No changes.

    Women’s Bantamweight: Following her win, Karol Rosa moves up one spot to No. 9, swapping places with Yana Santos (now No. 10). Despite losing to Rosa, Nora Cornolle remains at No. 12.

    Flyweight: Following his win, Tatsuro Taira moves up one spot to No. 5, swapping places with Kai Kara-France (now No. 6).

    Bantamweight: No changes.

    Featherweight: No changes.

    Lightweight: No changes.

    Welterweight: No changes.

    Middleweight: No changes.

    Light Heavyweight: No changes.

    Heavyweight: Following the UFC parting ways with Martin Buday, Valter Walker enters the rankings at No. 14. Mick Parkin and Tallison Teixeira each move up one spot to No. 12 and No. 13, respectively.

    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.

  • Conor McGregor Submits Sample, Officially Back In UFC Testing Pool

    Conor McGregor Submits Sample, Officially Back In UFC Testing Pool

    In the midst of the news that he has lost his sexual assault court appeal, Conor McGregor is actually back in the UFC’s testing pool.

    One day after McGregor posted a photo of what appeared to be him giving a urine sample, the UFC Anti-Doping website now shows McGregor having submitted one test for 2025.

    This represents the first step in a possible return to the Octagon for McGregor, which he has been teasing over the last month since U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of a fight card at the White House on July 4, 2026.

    Though limits are more unclear since the UFC’s separation from USADA, the long-time rules had been that an athlete must be in the testing pool for six months before being considered “unretired” and allowed to fight again.

    UFC Anti-Doping Website Officially Lists First 2025 Test Session For Conor McGregor

    McGregor has been one of the many names who are looking for the chance to compete on the potentially historic card.

    McGregor also has been in the news heavily over the last 24 hours, following the announcement that Ireland’s Court of Appeal fully rejected his attempt to overturn a jury ruling against him over sexual assault allegations.

    In November 2024, a jury in the Dublin High Court found McGregor guilty of sexually assaulting Nikita Hand in a hotel room in December 2018. McGregor was ordered by the jury to pay Hand €248,000 (approximately $257,000).

    The former two-division UFC champion vehemently maintains his innocence.

    McGregor is also being sued by a woman on allegations that he sexually assaulted her during an NBA Finals game at the Kaseya Center, home of the NBA’s Miami Heat. The suit accuses McGregor of battery and sexual assault and alleges arena staff were negligent in allowing an intoxicated McGregor to remain in the arena.

    McGregor has not been seen in the Octagon since his UFC 264 loss to Dustin Poirier. He and Michael Chandler coached season 31 of The Ultimate Fighter in 2023; however, their scheduled UFC 303 bout the next year was scrapped less than a month out.

  • 5 Times UFC Challengers Were Betting Favorites Over Champions

    5 Times UFC Challengers Were Betting Favorites Over Champions

    Khamzat Chimaev walking into UFC 319 as the betting favorite against champion Dricus Du Plessis is about as rare as finding someone who thinks Jake Paul deserves a title shot. Champions are supposed to be favorites. That’s literally the point of being champion. But sometimes, the betting world sees things differently.

    You remember Jon Jones destroying Shogun Rua at UFC 128? Jones was the challenger but entered as the favorite at around -210. It was one of those moments where everyone collectively decided the old king was done and the new prince was ready to claim his throne. They were right.

    But Jones isn’t alone in this exclusive club of challengers who convinced Vegas they were better than the person wearing the belt. Let’s dive into these rare occasions when the betting world basically said “yeah, the champion is nice and all, but have you seen this other guy?”

    5 Times Vegas Backed the Challenger Over the UFC Champion

    1. Jon Jones vs Shogun Rua (UFC 128)

    Odds: Jones -210, Shogun +165

    This was peak “passing of the torch” territory. Shogun was coming off a long layoff after knee surgery, while Jones was this freakish athletic specimen destroying everyone in his path. The oddsmakers weren’t being disrespectful – they were being realistic. Jones didn’t just win; he absolutely dominated, making Shogun look like he belonged in a retirement home rather than a cage.

    2. Conor McGregor vs Jose Aldo (UFC 194)

    Odds: McGregor -140, Aldo +120

    Here’s where it gets interesting. Aldo hadn’t lost in a decade, but McGregor’s star power and his interim title win over Chad Mendes had everyone believing the hype train was unstoppable. The betting public bought into McGregor’s mental warfare completely. And then he knocked out Aldo in 13 seconds, making everyone who bet on him feel like geniuses.

    3. Valentina Shevchenko vs Nicco Montano (UFC 228)

    Odds: Shevchenko -675, Montano +450

    Here’s the thing – Shevchenko was the challenger but the massive favorite. Montano was the champion but opened as one of the biggest underdog champions in UFC history. The fight got canceled due to Montano’s weight cut issues, but the odds told the story of how little faith anyone had in the inaugural flyweight champion.

    4. Georges St-Pierre vs Matt Serra (UFC 83 Rematch)

    Odds: GSP -500, Serra +430

    This is the rematch where GSP was the challenger trying to win back his belt. GSP was the massive favorite despite being the challenger because everyone knew Serra’s first win was a fluke. The betting world basically said “yeah, the real champion is getting his belt back now.” They were right.

    5. Eddie Alvarez vs Conor McGregor (UFC 205)

    Odds: McGregor -150, Alvarez +140

    Alvarez was the lightweight champion but an underdog to challenger McGregor. McGregor’s star power and skills had everyone believing he’d become the first simultaneous two-division champion. He knocked out Alvarez in the second round.

    Champions become underdogs for several reasons. Sometimes they’re coming off injuries or long layoffs. Sometimes the challenger is just that good. Sometimes the champion is aging and everyone can see the writing on the wall. And sometimes, the betting public gets caught up in hype and momentum.

    The fact that you can count these cases on your fingers shows just how rare it is. Champions are champions for a reason, and the betting world usually respects that. When they don’t, it’s because something significant is happening that makes everyone believe we’re about to witness history.

    The truth is, these cases are incredibly rare. ESPN found that since 2005, incumbent champions were favored in 85% of their title defenses The beauty of MMA is that anything can happen. Champions can lose on any given night, regardless of what the odds say. But when the betting world actively favors the challenger, it usually means something significant is happening in that division.

    Khamzat Chimaev being favored over Dricus Du Plessis is about the collective belief that we might be witnessing another changing of the guard. Chimaev’s undefeated record and dominant performances have the betting world convinced he’s the real champion already. Du Plessis wearing the belt is apparently just a formality that needs correcting. The oddsmakers are basically saying “we’ve seen enough.”