UFC

On August 29, 2026, Chinese bantamweight Song Yadong stunned the MMA world by knocking out undefeated No. 2 ranked Umar Nurmagomedov in the second round of the UFC Fight Night Shanghai main event. The upset victory, held in Shanghai’s Pudong District, positions Song for a potential title shot. The event featured 13 bouts, $400,000 in bonuses, and post-fight drama as Usman Nurmagomedov briefly charged the octagon.

14 reports · 3 sources · Updated Aug 30, 05:00 AM UTC

UFC star Jon Jones has revealed that Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton called him a 'coward' after Jones posted a video of himself hunting wild boars. Jones also stated that Hamilton subsequently blocked him on social media. The incident highlights a clash between the two athletes over animal hunting, with Hamilton, a known animal rights advocate, criticizing Jones' actions. The news was reported by Record Portugal on July 29, 2026.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 04:21 PM UTC

The UFC has announced six official bouts for the 2026 Noche UFC event, scheduled for September 12 at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona. The card celebrates Mexican Independence Day and will start early to avoid conflict with a boxing event featuring Ryan Garcia vs. Conor Benn in Las Vegas. Key matchups include Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs. Curtis Blaydes, Manon Fiorot vs. Alexa Grasso, Brandon Moreno vs. Joseph Morales, Tim Elliott vs. Édgar Cháirez, Kelvin Gastelum vs. Yousri Belgaroui, and JJ Aldrich vs. Regina Tarin. The main event has not yet been confirmed. The article provides detailed career histories for Grasso and Fiorot, both top-ranked flyweights. The main card begins at 5:00 p.m. ET, with prelims at 2:00 p.m. ET, streaming on Paramount+.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 09:32 PM UTC

Magomed Ankalaev reinforced his status as a top UFC light heavyweight contender with a fifth-round TKO victory over Bogdan Guskov in the main event of UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi on July 25, 2026. The event, held at Etihad Arena and broadcast on Paramount+, featured six main card bouts and seven prelims. Notable performances included Ramazan Temirov's first-round KO of Steve Erceg and Valter Walker's calf slicer submission. The Fight of the Night bonus ($100,000 each) went to heavyweights Rizvan Kuniev and Tyrell Fortune. Performance of the Night bonuses ($100,000 each) were awarded to Temirov and Walker. Five fighters received $25,000 finish bonuses. The article also discusses Ankalaev's potential next opponent, suggesting a title fight against champion Carlos Ulberg or an interim title bout against Jiri Prochazka or Paulo Costa.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 25, 11:15 PM UTC

At UFC Abu Dhabi, heavyweight Valter Walker secured his fifth consecutive first-round submission victory, this time using a calf slicer instead of his signature heel hook. The win extends his streak of first-round leg lock finishes. After the fight, Walker called out referee Herb Dean, suggesting he should be more cautious in stopping fights. Walker also expressed interest in fighting top-ranked heavyweight Ciryl Gane and stated his intention to renegotiate his UFC contract, saying he is 'not stupid' to fight ranked heavyweights 'for peanuts.' He compared his leg lock prowess to Ronda Rousey's armbars and aims to use it to win UFC gold.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 25, 04:01 PM UTC

The article previews UFC Fight Night 282 (UFC Abu Dhabi), headlined by former light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev vs. short-notice replacement Bogdan Guskov on July 25, 2026, at Etihad Arena. The main event was altered after Khalil Rountree Jr. withdrew due to injury. Ankalaev seeks to rebound from a title loss to Alex Pereira, while Guskov aims to extend his five-fight unbeaten streak with a 100% finish rate, becoming the first Uzbekistani fighter to headline a UFC card. The co-main event features Ramazan Temirov vs. Steve Erceg, and a ranked heavyweight bout between Rizvan Kuniev and Tyrell Fortune. The article provides a 'Hype Score' for all 13 fights, with the main event scoring 80/100 and the overall card rated 60/100 ('Solid'). Submission specialist Valter Walker's prelim bout is highlighted as a potential title eliminator.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 11:23 PM UTC

Former UFC bantamweight Cameron Smotherman, recently released from the promotion, caused a chaotic post-fight scene at Fury FC 121 after losing via rear-naked choke to 19-year-old prospect Jay Alderete. Immediately after tapping out, Smotherman charged at Alderete, forcing security and officials to intervene before any punches were thrown. UFC bantamweight Adrian Yanez later claimed Alderete had flipped off and insulted Smotherman's mother after the finish. Alderete, now 6-0, had dominated the fight with a high sweep and submission. Smotherman, who left the UFC on a three-fight losing streak, had hoped to rebound against the inexperienced prospect. The incident drew comparisons to Paul Daley's infamous post-fight sucker punch at UFC 113. This is not Smotherman's first negative headline; he previously collapsed during ceremonial weigh-ins for UFC 324, leading to the cancellation of his fight against Ricky Turcios.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 08:27 AM UTC

This article examines President Donald Trump's frequent attendance at major U.S. sporting events during his second term, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, Super Bowl, NBA Finals, UFC fights, Daytona 500, and others. It details the logistical impact of his presence, such as enhanced security measures, TSA-style screenings, long lines for fans, and delayed start times. The piece also explores the political and cultural motivations behind his appearances, quoting a White House spokeswoman who says Trump loves sports as 'the People's President.' The article notes specific events like Trump presenting the World Cup trophy to Spain, attending Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden, and hosting UFC Freedom 250 at the White House. It provides a comprehensive overview of how presidential security protocols affect major sporting events and the strategic use of sports appearances for political messaging.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 12:00 AM UTC

This article analyzes U.S. President Donald Trump's frequent attendance at major sporting events during his second term, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, Super Bowl, NBA Finals, UFC fights, Daytona 500, and U.S. Open. It details the enhanced security measures and logistical disruptions caused by his presence, such as TSA-style screening, long lines, and delayed start times. The White House frames Trump as 'the greatest champion for sports of any president,' while the article notes his long-standing interest in live sports predating his presidency. The piece highlights the intersection of politics, security, and sports entertainment, with Trump using these appearances to maintain public visibility and connect with American culture.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 12:00 AM UTC

This article analyzes U.S. President Donald Trump's frequent attendance at major sporting events during his second term, including the Ryder Cup, World Cup final, Super Bowl, NBA Finals, and UFC fights. It details the enhanced security measures, such as TSA-style screenings and bulletproof glass, that accompany his presence, causing delays and long lines for fans. The piece explores Trump's motivations, citing a White House statement that he is 'the greatest champion for sports of any president in American history,' and notes his long history of engaging with sports, dating back to throwing a first pitch in 2000. The article was updated to reflect Trump's attendance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina at MetLife Stadium.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 09:00 AM UTC

At the CNBC Sport x Boardroom Game Plan Summit in New York, UFC President and CEO Dana White predicted that Power Slap, a slap-fighting competition, could become as big as the UFC's flagship mixed martial arts brand. White cited astronomical social media traffic on YouTube and TikTok, noting that Power Slap has achieved advertising levels that took the UFC ten years to reach. The sport has generated 1.88 billion impressions and $48 million in earned media value over the past year, attracting sponsors like Anheuser-Busch and Monster Energy. White also highlighted Zuffa Boxing, a new venture applying the UFC's centralized model to boxing, which held its first event in January 2026. He emphasized that successful sports need a great live event and strong television appeal, and that Power Slap's growth is driven by short-form video content.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 02:41 PM UTC

UFC President and CEO Dana White stated at the CNBC Sport x Boardroom Game Plan Summit that Power Slap, a slap-fighting competition, could become as large as the UFC. White cited astronomical social media numbers, including the most-viewed YouTube short in sports and 1.88 billion impressions on TikTok over the past year. He noted that Power Slap has attracted more sponsors in its first two years than the UFC did in its first decade, with brands like Anheuser-Busch and Monster Energy on board. White also discussed Zuffa Boxing, a new venture applying the UFC's centralized model to boxing, which he sees as a better short-term bet. The article highlights White's strategy of targeting tough, gritty participants and emphasizes the importance of short-form video content for the sport's growth.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 02:41 PM UTC

Former UFC light heavyweight title challenger Volkan Oezdemir has been suspended for 16 months after testing positive for the banned substance EPO in February 2026. Oezdemir, who challenged Daniel Cormier for the title in 2018, claimed he was persuaded to take the substance by a healthcare professional from Switzerland who initially approached him about business and investment opportunities. The 36-year-old fighter said he was recovering from ankle surgery and was presented with a recovery plan that included EPO, described as 'safe and undetectable.' Oezdemir admitted it was 'the biggest mistake of my life' and took full responsibility. EPO increases red blood cell production, enhancing endurance, and is banned in professional sports. Oezdemir had maintained a clean record prior to this positive test.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 10:48 AM UTC

Former UFC light heavyweight title challenger Volkan Oezdemir has been suspended for 16 months after testing positive for the banned substance EPO in February 2026. The 36-year-old fighter, who challenged Daniel Cormier for the title in 2018, claimed a healthcare professional from Switzerland persuaded him to use the substance under the guise of recovery from ankle surgery. Oezdemir stated he took full responsibility for his actions, calling it 'the biggest mistake of my life.' The UFC's anti-doping partner, Combat Sports Anti-Doping (CSAD), delivered the positive test results to his home on March 5. EPO increases red blood cell production, enhancing endurance, and is banned in professional competition. Oezdemir had maintained a clean record prior to this failure. The case draws comparisons to former bantamweight champion TJ Dillashaw, who was suspended for two years for EPO use.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 10:48 AM UTC

UFC 329 is scheduled for July 11, 2026, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, headlining International Fight Week with a welterweight rematch between Conor McGregor and Max Holloway, 13 years after their first bout. McGregor returns from a five-year layoff and a broken leg, while Holloway enters as a betting favorite. The card includes Pimblett vs. St. Denis and Sandhagen vs. Bautista, streaming on Paramount+.

16 reports · 5 sources · Updated Jul 17, 10:30 PM UTC

TKO Group Holdings, a sports and entertainment company owning WWE and UFC, is set to report its fiscal Q2 2026 earnings on August 3, 2026. Analysts expect earnings per share of $1.72, a 47% increase year-over-year from $1.17. The company has missed estimates in three of the last four quarters. For fiscal 2026, analysts project EPS of $4.94, up 115.7% from fiscal 2025. TKO recently completed an $800 million accelerated share repurchase program, buying back 4.17 million shares. The stock has risen 9.3% over the past year, underperforming the S&P 500's 20.3% gain. Wall Street rates TKO as 'Strong Buy' with a mean price target of $229.90, implying 24.4% upside.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 11:06 AM UTC

Two of the eight men formally indicted in connection with an alleged plot to attack the White House, referred to as the 'White House UFC attack plot,' pleaded not guilty to federal charges on Thursday in an Ohio courtroom. Tycen Proper, 19, of Danville, Ohio, and Chandler Scaggs, 21, of Chapmanville, West Virginia, entered their pleas before District Court Judge Edmund Sargus Jr. The case involves a total of eight defendants, and the charges stem from an alleged conspiracy. The specific details of the plot and the remaining defendants' statuses were not fully detailed in the provided text.

1 reports · 1 sources

In a landmark event marking Netflix’s first live MMA broadcast, Robelis Despaigne defeated former UFC champion Junior dos Santos via first-round knockout at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. The bout, part of MVP MMA’s inaugural card headlined by Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano, saw Despaigne dominate with striking power, ending the fight at 2:59 of the first round. This victory revitalizes Despaigne’s career, prompting him to challenge Francis Ngannou, while the loss may signal the end for the veteran dos Santos. The event highlights a significant shift in combat sports media rights.

12 reports · 2 sources · Updated May 17, 02:34 AM UTC

UFC legend Jon Jones has publicly downplayed his long-standing feud with former rival Daniel Cormier, asserting that their relationship does not constitute a true rivalry. Speaking during the filming of ALF Global's "Alf Reality" series, Jones emphasized his dominance in their head-to-head record, noting that he defeated Cormier twice in UFC light heavyweight title bouts. Although their second fight was overturned to a no-contest due to a positive drug test for turinabol, Jones maintains that his two official victories negate the premise of a competitive rivalry. He further diminished Cormier's status by ranking him as only his third-toughest opponent, behind Alexander Gustafsson and Dominick Reyes. In contrast, Daniel Cormier responded with blunt hostility, confirming without hesitation that he hates Jones. This exchange highlights that despite nearly a decade passing since their initial conflicts, the animosity between the two MMA icons remains intense. The article contrasts this ongoing bitterness with other recent UFC reconciliations, such as that between Sean Strickland and Khamzat Chimaev, underscoring the unique and enduring nature of the Jones-Cormier dynamic in mixed martial arts history.

1 reports · 1 sources

Netflix officially enters the mixed martial arts market by streaming MVP MMA 1, headlined by the historic return of Ronda Rousey against Gina Carano. Held at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, the event features high-profile bouts including Francis Ngannou versus Philipe Lins and Nate Diaz against Mike Perry. Promoted by Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions, this inaugural card signifies a major strategic expansion for Netflix into live combat sports, challenging traditional distributors like the UFC. The event blends legacy stars with modern media distribution, aiming to disrupt the MMA landscape and attract a broad global audience through exclusive streaming access.

116 reports · 11 sources · Updated May 17, 12:59 PM UTC

Former UFC champion Ronda Rousey has engaged in a heated public feud with current UFC bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison ahead of Rousey's upcoming return to combat sports. The conflict intensified after Harrison criticized Rousey's scheduled main event bout against Gina Carano at MVP MMA 1, dismissing it as a cash grab rather than a historic sporting moment. Harrison highlighted that both Rousey and Carano have been inactive for over a decade and are in their forties, asserting that she is chasing greatness while Rousey chases money. Rousey strongly rebutted these claims during a press conference in Inglewood, California. She argued that financial success and cultural impact define true greatness in professional fighting. Rousey emphasized her record of eight consecutive title defenses and stated that her current venture aims to break pay records for women in combat sports and potentially launch a martial arts film franchise. She boldly declared herself the embodiment of greatness, suggesting that other fighters are merely chasing her legacy. The exchange underscores the tension between traditional sporting metrics and modern entertainment-driven models in mixed martial arts.

1 reports · 1 sources

Former UFC champion Ronda Rousey has faced significant backlash for making derogatory comments about fighter Khamzat Chimaev’s physical appearance, specifically mocking his cleft lip. The incident occurred during a pre-fight press conference ahead of Rousey’s highly anticipated return to mixed martial arts against Gina Carano, scheduled for broadcast on Netflix. Rousey referred to Chimaev as “cleft lip Lincoln” and dismissed his wrestling style after he offered critical remarks about her upcoming bout. PFL flyweight champion Dakota Ditcheva publicly rebuked Rousey, labeling the comments “disgraceful” and stating she is no longer a fan. Ditcheva emphasized the insensitivity of mocking a medical condition, especially given the impact on children facing similar challenges. This controversy overshadows Rousey’s first combat appearance in nearly a decade, which is expected to draw significant viewership. The event, promoted by Most Valuable Promotions, also features appearances by other notable fighters like Nate Diaz and Francis Ngannou. The incident highlights ongoing tensions within the MMA community regarding sportsmanship and personal attacks outside the cage.

1 reports · 1 sources

Ciryl Gane has provided further context regarding the accidental eye pokes that led to his fight against Tom Aspinall being ruled a no contest at UFC 321. Gane explained that he was in a defensive mode when Aspinall moved forward, causing Gane's fingers to inadvertently swipe Aspinall's eyes as he attempted to push his opponent's face away. The incident resulted in Aspinall requiring double eye surgery and halting his training preparations. Although Gane initially suggested Aspinall might have exaggerated the severity of the injury due to frustration over the fight's cancellation, he has since walked back those comments. Gane acknowledged that he cannot judge the situation from Aspinall's perspective and accepted the outcome as part of the sport. Looking ahead, Gane is scheduled to fight Alex Pereira for the interim heavyweight title at the UFC Freedom 250 event in Washington D.C. This clarification aims to address the controversy surrounding the end of the previous bout while maintaining respect for his opponent's recovery process.

1 reports · 1 sources

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has signed Serbian heavyweight Jovan Leka to compete in its upcoming debut event in Serbia. Leka is scheduled to face Brazilian jiu-jitsu specialist Max Gimenis in a heavyweight bout at the Belgrade Arena on August 1, 2026. Although the promotion has not officially announced the matchup, sources familiar with the booking confirmed the details to MMA Junkie. Leka, who holds a 13-2 professional record, previously competed on Dana White's Contender Series in 2025 but did not secure a contract at that time. He subsequently earned a six-fight winning streak across Brave CF and ARMMADA, leading to this official UFC deal. Gimenis, with a 6-2 record, is looking to rebound from a quick loss in his promotional debut against Josh Hokit. Additionally, reports indicate that another Serbian fighter, Vlasto Cepo, is expected to make his UFC debut on the same card against Gilbert Urbina in a middleweight contest. This event marks a significant expansion of the UFC's presence in the Balkans, highlighting local talent alongside international competitors.

1 reports · 1 sources

All 26 fighters successfully made weight for UFC Fight Night 276, also known as UFC Vegas 117, held at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas. The event is headlined by a featherweight bout between Arnold Allen and Melquizael Costa, with Dooho Choi and Daniel Santos featuring in the co-main event. The weigh-ins, conducted on May 15, 2026, confirmed eligibility for the main card and preliminary bouts scheduled for broadcast on Paramount+. This procedural milestone ensures the fight card proceeds as planned without cancellations due to weight issues.

27 reports · 3 sources · Updated May 17, 05:00 PM UTC

MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom provides an in-depth preview of the UFC Fight Night 276 main event featuring featherweights Arnold Allen and Melquizael Costa. Both fighters are looking to make a statement to enter the title picture following recent victories or losses. The article highlights the unique nature of this southpaw-versus-southpaw matchup, noting the volatility and limited experience both athletes have against left-handed opponents. Allen, coming off a decision loss to Jean Silva, has been refining his boxing, incorporating more kicks, and utilizing excellent lateral movement. In contrast, Costa, who recently secured a TKO win over Dan Ige, relies on a dynamic kicking game similar to Muay Thai legends, targeting legs and bodies before escalating attacks. Despite Costa's improving boxing, his reliance on kicks and clinch work contrasts with Allen's counter-striking and footwork. The analysis suggests that while Allen controls range well, Costa's pressure and diverse striking levels could create fireworks in Las Vegas. The piece includes detailed statistical breakdowns, fighting styles, and camp information for both competitors, offering fans a comprehensive guide to the anticipated bout.

1 reports · 1 sources

Former UFC champion Francis Ngannou returns to mixed martial arts after a two-year hiatus to face Philipe Lins in the main event of MVP MMA 1. Held at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, this inaugural event marks a significant shift in combat sports as the first live MMA card streamed on Netflix. Ngannou, asserting his status as the lineal heavyweight champion, used the platform to criticize UFC contract structures while highlighting fighter autonomy. The bout also features Ronda Rousey’s comeback, drawing substantial attention to the new promotion backed by Jake Paul.

21 reports · 5 sources · Updated May 17, 11:29 PM UTC

At UFC 328 in Newark, New Jersey, Sean Strickland reclaimed the middleweight championship by defeating Khamzat Chimaev via split decision. Despite suffering a severe shoulder injury and facing early pressure, Strickland utilized effective striking to hand Chimaev his first career loss. The victory sparked controversy, with Strickland alleging Chimaev missed weight, while Chimaev expressed conflicting intentions about moving to light heavyweight or seeking a rematch. This outcome significantly reshaped the division’s landscape, ending Chimaev’s undefeated aura and elevating Strickland in pound-for-pound rankings.

16 reports · 2 sources · Updated May 16, 02:16 PM UTC

Nate Diaz has demonstrated significant commitment to his upcoming bout against Mike Perry by weighing in at 168.6 pounds in California, marking his lightest weight since leaving the UFC's 155-pound division in December 2015. This weigh-in result addresses previous concerns regarding Diaz's physical condition, particularly after he weighed 185 pounds for his 2024 boxing match against Jake Paul. Since departing the UFC in 2022, Diaz has competed twice in boxing, securing a victory over Jorge Masvidal following a loss to Paul. His opponent, Mike Perry, also successfully made weight, coming in at 169.6 pounds, which is below the welterweight limit and his lightest since UFC 202. The event is part of a Netflix fighting card that also features matches involving Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano. Diaz's return to this lower weight class suggests a serious approach to the fight, countering earlier doubts about his focus raised during open workouts. This clash marks Diaz's return to cage fighting after a hiatus focused on boxing exhibitions.

1 reports · 1 sources

UFC fighter Tallison Teixeira has expressed strong confidence in Alex Pereira's ability to retain his knockout power upon moving up to the heavyweight division, directly countering recent suggestions by Gilbert Burns. Burns had cited Conor McGregor's inability to finish fights at welterweight as evidence that power often diminishes when fighters change weight classes. However, Teixeira, who recently suffered his first professional loss to Derrick Lewis, argues that Pereira possesses unique hand speed and power, comparable to Olympic boxers he has trained with. Teixeira predicts that Pereira will defeat Ciryl Gane in their upcoming interim heavyweight title bout in Washington DC on June 14. He forecasts that Pereira will use the first round to adjust to Gane's pace and movement before securing a finish early in the second round, though he acknowledges a first-round knockout is possible if Pereira lands a clean shot. The article highlights the debate surrounding Pereira's transition to heavyweight and the strategic challenges posed by Gane's previous experience as an interim champion.

1 reports · 1 sources