MMA Fighting: UFC, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) News, Results
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Ilia Topuria opens up on loss to Justin Gaethje, calls for Paddy Pimblett in April
Ilia Topuria, who suffered a shocking fourth‑round corner stoppage to Justin Gaethje in June at UFC White House, opens up about the loss and hints at his future. In a new ABC Diario interview, Topuria admits the defeat was the toughest moment of his career, says he may retire after a comeback, and confirms a return is planned for April 2027. He also teases a showdown with longtime rival Paddy Pimblett, promising fans “a version of him they’ve never seen before.”
Grappling ace Tye Ruotolo only wants elite MMA competition: ‘I don’t want to fight the taxi cab drivers’
Grappling prodigy Tye Ruotolo steps up to challenge ONE Championship welterweight champion Christian Lee in only his third MMA bout. After two rear‑naked‑choke victories in 2025—including a debut win over Adrian Lee—Ruotolo, a former IBJJF World and ONE grappling title holder, says he wants elite competition, not "taxi‑cab drivers." He acknowledges Lee’s knockout power and expects a fast‑paced fight, while aiming to finish quickly with his forward pressure. The bout, set for Friday in Bangkok, marks Ruotolo’s rapid rise from mat star to title contender.
Israel Adesanya ready to end slump after City Kickboxing departure: ‘Best I’ve felt in a very long time’
Israel Adesanya says leaving City Kickboxing in July has reignited his confidence ahead of a likely showdown with Shara Bullet at UFC Saudi Arabia on Dec. 5. After a three‑year title drought—losing his middleweight belt to Sean Strickland and suffering defeats to Dricus du Plessis, Nassourdine Imavov and Joe Pyfer—Adesanya now trains with a bespoke, smaller team focused solely on his needs. In a training‑camp vlog he calls this the "best training camp" and the "best I've felt in a very long time," promising the change will show on fight night.
ONE star Christian Lee confident he would ‘dominate’ Islam Makhachev
ONE Championship’s dual‑titleholder Christian Lee says he would “dominate” UFC welterweight/lightweight double champ Islam Makhachev if a cross‑promotion bout ever materialises. Lee, who is defending his welterweight belt against grappling star Tye Ruotolo on Nov. 6 in Thailand, boasts a 10‑1 record in ONE and claims his skill set can match Makhachev’s. He notes Makhachev’s only loss came in 2016 and highlights his own recent dominance, including KO victories and a back‑injury‑hindered loss to his brother’s opponent. Lee also discusses his preparation with Max Holloway and his confidence in knocking out Ruotolo, setting the stage for a high‑stakes defense.
Henry Cejudo, Kamaru Usman roast Colby Covington for embarrassing 43-second loss: ‘He’s supposed to beat Khamzat Chimaev?‘
Colby Covington suffers a shocking 43‑second submission loss to lightweight grappler Raul Rosas Jr. at a Hype Fighting event in Italy, tapping to a rear‑naked choke despite a size advantage. Former UFC champion Kamaru Usman and fellow former champion Henry Cejudo lambaste the defeat, questioning Covington’s upcoming bout against Khamzat Chimaev at RAF Abu Dhabi. Usman highlights the stark difference between wrestling and jiu‑jitsu, while Cejudo mocks Covington’s “King of Miami” persona, warning his reputation is at stake if he can’t rebound.
Tainara Lisboa, coach respond to backlash over ‘explosive’ corner work at UFC Vegas 123
Tainara Lisboa loses her third straight UFC bout at UFC Vegas 123, being stopped by Lucia Szabova via TKO in the third round after a brutal ground‑and‑pound on Oct. 31. Coach and husband Bruno Polengo faces backlash for his harsh, profanity‑filled corner tirade, which commentators Daniel Cormier and Laura Sanko call overly emotional. Lisboa defends Polengo, revealing her ongoing battle with depression, post‑surgery pain, and mental‑health struggles that affect her performance, and explains that his intense pep talks are a coping strategy. She admits the fight could jeopardize her UFC future against an undefeated debutante.
Between the Links: Dan Miragliotta steals headlines, Jake Paul’s opponent revealed, Joaquin Buckley calling out everyone
The latest "Between the Links" episode tackles the uproar over referee Dan Miragliotta’s controversial stand‑up of Renato Moicano in the UFC Lightweight main event against Tom Nolan at UFC Vegas 123, a call that preceded Moicano’s finish. Host Mike Heck and Jed Meshew also break down Jake Paul’s upcoming bout with Cedric Doumbe, Dana White’s remarks on Islam Makhachev, Joaquin Buckley’s challenge to fighters like Dustin Poirier and Sean Strickland, Raul Rosas Jr.’s shock submission of Colby Covington at Hype Italy, and previews for UFC Vegas 124. The show streams live at Noon ET (9 a.m. PT) and is available as a podcast on major platforms.
Carlos Prates manager: UFC ‘a little upset’ with Islam Makhachev after UFC 336 withdrawal
Carlos Prates’ manager Lucas Lutkus says the UFC is “a little upset” with Islam Makhachev after the champion withdrew from their planned welterweight title bout at UFC 336. Prates, who knocked out Jack Della Maddalena in May and was promised a shot at the 170‑lb belt, will now face Michael Morales for an interim title on Jan. 30 in Toronto. Lutkus claims Makhachev gave no injury reason for backing out despite earlier vows to fight before Ramadan. The switch doesn’t affect Prates’ purse, which may place him among the highest‑paid Brazilian UFC fighters, and could influence his retirement timeline.
Dana White provides big update on Ilia Topuria’s UFC return
UFC boss Dana White confirms that former two‑division champion Ilia Topuria will return to the lightweight division in early 2027. After his June upset loss to Justin Gaethje on the UFC White House card, Topuria has resumed training and teased a comeback, but no opponent has been named yet. White praised the depth of the lightweight roster and dismissed immediate rematch rumors with Gaethje, leaving fans to speculate on Topuria’s next challenger.
The Great Divide: Who is MMA’s worst referee?
MMA Fighting’s Alexander K. Lee and Jed Meshew rank Herb Dean and Dan Miragliotta as the referees who most unsettle fans and fighters. Miragliotta drew fire for a puzzling stand‑up call that helped Tom Nolan defeat Renato Moicano at UFC Vegas 123, while Dean – once hailed as the sport’s gold standard – is accused of inconsistent stoppages, from a late halt at UFC 325 in February 2026 to premature calls that sparked controversy with fighters like Francisco Trinaldo and Xavier Franklin. The piece outlines recent gaffes, fighter backlash, and questions whether either official deserves the title of MMA’s worst active referee.
Morning Report | Conor McGregor targeting switch to bare knuckle after final UFC fight: ‘Teeth come and go!’
Conor McGregor says his remaining UFC contract fight—scheduled for next summer after knee surgery—will be his last in the octagon. He then plans to switch to bare‑knuckle boxing, a sport he’s already invested in through BKFC since 2024. Speaking at the Hype Italy event, McGregor praised the excitement and danger of bare‑knuckle bouts, quipping, “teeth come and go.” The former two‑division champ’s potential move follows his brief comeback at UFC 329 against Max Holloway, which ended with a knee injury. Fans now watch for his final UFC appearance and possible BKFC debut.
UFC owners discuss expansion onto HBO, other platforms under Paramount-Warner Bros. partnership
UFC executives say the recent $110 billion Paramount‑Skydance acquisition of Warner Bros. could soon bring UFC events to HBO, TNT and other Skydance platforms. President/COO Mark Shapiro revealed on a TKO earnings call that talks are underway to expand the league’s reach beyond Paramount+, which has been the exclusive home of UFC fights since a seven‑year, $7.7 billion deal began in early 2026. As Paramount+ and HBO Max prepare to merge, the partnership may boost viewership and open new broadcast opportunities for the sport.
Dana White on Islam Makhachev: ‘Being the champ, I don’t really expect you to fight 3 times a year, but twice would be nice’
UFC boss Dana White says he’d like lightweight‑Welterweight champion Islam Makhachev to fight more often – ideally twice a year – after the fighter pulled out of a planned bout with Carlos Prates at UFC 336. White explained the interim welterweight title will be contested by Prates vs. Michael Morales while Makhachev waits until after Ramadan, hinting the champ’s inactivity stems from financial security rather than lack of desire. Makhachev, the sport’s top pound‑for‑pound fighter and the 11th two‑division champion, holds an 18‑1 record and last defended his lightweight belt at UFC 311 and welterweight title at UFC 322.
BKFC president David Feldman teases next move for Darren Till after Jake Paul fight rumors
BKFC president David Feldman hints at big plans for former UFC contender Darren Till after the boxer turned down a Jake Paul bout to fight PFL welterweight Cedric Doumbe. Till, now 2‑0 in bare‑knuckle with BKFC, has a three‑fight deal but Feldman says the promotion envisions a longer relationship and is weighing outside fights that could bring a huge payday. He teases a possible Liverpool stadium showdown and future U.S. appearances, with major opponent announcements expected in the next few weeks ahead of BKFC 100 and the 2027 KnuckleMania event.
UFC Vegas 124 adds replacement fighter on 4 days’ notice
Austin Bashi stays on UFC Vegas 124 after Fury FC featherweight champion Carlos Calderon steps in on four days’ notice, replacing the injured Lucas Brennan. Bashi (14‑2) will fight Calderon (11‑4, 1 NC) Saturday at Meta APEX, marking Calderon's short‑notice UFC debut following a three‑fight win streak and a recent title defense. The event also features a reshuffled main card with Waldo Cortes‑Acosta vs. Johnny Walker, strawweight title bout Tatiana Suarez vs. Virna Jandiroba, and several other matchups. Fans can catch the full lineup on Paramount+ at 8 p.m. ET.
Joaquin Buckley calls out Dustin Poirier, Sean Strickland for use of racial slur, Poirier and Strickland respond
UFC welterweight Joaquin Buckley publicly calls out former lightweight champion Dustin Poirier and heavyweight Sean Strickland for using racial slurs, referencing Poirier's June arrest at Atlanta Airport where he said, “It’s gonna be bad my n*gga.” Buckley condemns Poirier’s language, his praise of controversial heavyweight Josh Hokit, and accuses both fighters of cultural appropriation and racism. He demands accountability and challenges Poirier to an in‑person confrontation. Poirier and Strickland have yet to respond.
Deontay Wilder vs. Jai Opetaia announced for Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua undercard
Netflix confirms former WBC champion Deontay Wilder (45‑4‑1) will face Zuffa Boxing cruiserweight titleholder Jai Opetaia (31‑0) in a heavyweight bout on the Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua undercard scheduled for Dec. 11 at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium. Wilder, known for 43 KO/TKO victories, is coming off two wins after a 1‑4 slump that included losses to Fury, Parker and Zhang. Opetaia, undefeated since turning pro and the inaugural Zuffa cruiserweight champion, steps up to heavyweight for the first time since 2017, adding significant star power to the event.
Merab Dvalishvili vs. Marlon Moraes set for RAF Abu Dhabi
Merab Dvalishvili and Marlon Moraes will clash again—this time in a wrestling bout at RAF Abu Dhabi on Nov. 14. Their only previous meeting was at UFC 266 in 2021, where Dvalishvili knocked out Moraes in round 2. Since then, Dvalishvili captured the UFC bantamweight title in 2024, defended it three times, and most recently lost a five‑round decision to Petr Yan at UFC 323. Moraes, a former WSOF champion who retired in 2023, returned with a unanimous‑decision win in Brazil. The event also features a Khamzat Chimaev vs. Colby Covington main card and an Arman Tsarukyan vs. Neiman Gracie co‑main.
Aaron Pico reveals ideal next opponents but admits ‘I really don’t give a sh*t’ who UFC gives me
After a first‑round KO over Belgian newcomer Losene Keita at UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi on Oct. 24, 2026, Aaron Pico says he isn’t scared to take any opponent. While he eyes a rematch with former rival Lerone Murphy and watches the Aljamain Sterling vs. Kevin Vallejo bout for a potential clash, Pico stresses he doesn’t “give a sh*t” about rankings. He wants to fight the best, learn as a beginner, and eventually chase the featherweight title, trusting his manager to set the match‑ups regardless of an opponent’s standing.
Morning Report | Coach questions if UFC influenced controversial referee standup: ‘If you don’t fight a certain fight, you’re not getting in’
After UFC Vegas 123, veteran coach Ray Longo questions referee Dan Miragliotta’s controversial stand‑up call that halted Renato Moicano’s back‑control on Tom Nolan. Nolan went on to win by knee in round 2 and finished in round 3, earning his sixth straight win and a $100,000 Performance of the Night bonus. Longo suspects higher‑ups may have influenced the decision, citing UFC’s restrictive matchmaking practices. Cageside analyst Daniel Cormier also condemned the call live. Nolan defends the result, while Longo argues the officiating ‘gifted’ him the victory and calls for ongoing scrutiny.
RIZIN announces multiple title fights for NYE card, including champ Razhabali Shaidulloev’s final fight in Japan
RIZIN’s Super RIZIN 6 heads to Nagoya’s Vantelim Dome on Dec. 31, featuring three title fights and two Grand Prix finals. Featherweight champion Razhabali Shaidulloev (19‑0) will defend his belt against Japan’s Kyoma Akimoto in his final RIZIN appearance before joining MVP MMA. The co‑main event pits lightweight champion Luiz Gustavo against local star Mikuru Asakura, with the 155‑lb title status still undecided. Saori Oshima defends the super atomweight crown versus Natasha Kuziutina, and Tsuyoshi Sudario meets Edopolo King in the heavyweight Grand Prix final. The full card includes nine additional matchups.
Raul Rosas Jr. taps Colby Covington in just 43 seconds in submission only grappling match
Raul Rosas Jr. stunned UFC bantamweight contender Colby Covington by securing a rear‑naked choke in just 43 seconds of a 10‑minute submission‑only grappling bout at Hype Fighting in Italy. Rosas stepped in on short notice after Dillon Danis withdrew, executed an early takedown and forced Covington to tap, despite the latter’s size advantage. Post‑fight, Rosas praised Covington and reiterated his goal of becoming the youngest UFC champion, while Covington, eyeing a match against Khamzat Chimaev in Abu Dhabi, admitted the loss was due to a slow start and lack of recent jiu‑jitsu practice.
Greg Foster went straight from DWCS contract win to ambulance: ‘The doctors were getting mad at me’
Greg Foster earned a UFC contract on the Dana White’s Contender Series finale with a unanimous decision over Jason Asher, but was rushed to an ambulance immediately after the fight. He fought despite his mother’s severe car‑accident injuries—she broke her neck, pelvis, ribs and suffered a collapsed lung—making the victory even more poignant as it landed on her birthday. At 34, Foster reflects on the surreal rush, the doctors’ insistence on medical care, and his determination to keep his energy high for fans. The article captures his emotional win and the personal challenges behind the contract.
Carlos Prates ‘pretty pissed off’ at Islam Makhachev over change of plans: ‘He chickened out’
Carlos Prates erupts after the UFC pulls him from a planned January 30 title bout against welterweight champion Islam Makhachev, slating the champion for “chickening out.” Instead, Prates now faces undefeated Michael Morales for the interim welterweight belt on the UFC 336 card, headlined by Joshua Van vs. Manel Kape. With a 7‑1 record—all bonus‑winning knockouts—Prates vows to beat Morales, claim the interim title, and then “teach” Makhachev a lesson. Morales, unbeaten at 19‑0, steps into the co‑main event amid the controversy.
Jake Paul vows to ‘hang up the gloves’ if he loses to Cedric Doumbe
Jake Paul announces a December 24 showdown with PFL star Cedric Doumbe at Dubai's Coca‑Cola Arena, warning that a loss will end his boxing career. The YouTuber‑turned‑fighter, fresh from a sixth‑round KO by Anthony Joshua in December 2025 that left him with a broken jaw and titanium plates, vows to "knock out, embarrass and defeat" the two‑time Glory kickboxing champion. Paul’s record now sits at 12‑2, with past bouts against Mike Tyson, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., and MMA veterans. The high‑stakes fight, billed as a Christmas Eve knockout, could be Paul’s final bout.
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