MMA News
UFC 323's Alexandre Pantoja makes plans clear if he defeats Joshua Van
Fernando Quiles Jr. - December 4, 2025
Alexandre Pantoja has clear plans if he can earn another successful title defense at UFC 323. Pantoja has a young and hungry contender waiting for him in Joshua Van. The two will mix it up in Saturday’s co-main event. Pantoja’s UFC Flyweight Championship will be at stake inside T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Joe Rogan thinks UFC heavyweight division is in trouble when former WWE star joins roster
Fernando Quiles Jr. - December 4, 2025
Longtime UFC commentator Joe Rogan believes the heavyweight division is in for a rude awakening once a certain ex-WWE talent gets signed. The MMA world has been buzzing ever since Gable Steveson made his professional debut. The Olympic gold medalist starched Braden Peterson in the opening round of his first pro MMA bout back in September. Steveson then dabbled into the world of Dirty Boxing, knocking out Billy Swanson in 15 seconds.
UFC 323's Petr Yan not overly impressed by Merab Dvalishvili's activity
Fernando Quiles Jr. - December 4, 2025
As UFC 323 draws closer, Petr Yan isn’t mesmerized by Merab Dvalishvili’s activity. Dvalishvili is nearing the record for the most successful title defenses in a single year in UFC history. To break the record, “The Machine” will need to defeat Yan in a rematch on Saturday. Dvalishvili holds a unanimous decision victory over Yan, and he’s hoping to find even better success this go-around.
Kamaru Usman's manager makes his pitch for Islam Makhachev title fight
Harry Kettle - December 4, 2025
Kamaru Usman’s manager Ali Abdelaziz has made his pitch for the former champion to get a shot at Islam Makhachev. For a while now, we have heard rumblings that Kamaru Usman could get a UFC welterweight title shot against Islam Makhachev. It’s been discussed for quite some time, with Kamaru kickstarting the conversation after defeating Joaquin Buckley earlier this year to break his three-fight losing streak.
Merab Dvalishvili says there's no bad blood with Petr Yan heading into UFC 323
Harry Kettle - December 4, 2025
UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili has said there’s no bad blood between him and Petr Yan ahead of UFC 323. On Saturday night, Merab Dvalishvili will take on Petr Yan in the main event of UFC 323. If he’s able to pick up the win, Merab will officially go 4-0 this year, successfully defending his belt on every occasion. Of course, these two men have fought before, with ‘The Machine’ picking up the win on that occasion en route to earning his own shot at the gold.
Beneil Dariush eyes weight class move after quick KO loss at UFC 322
Dylan Bowker - December 3, 2025
Beneil Dariush is opening his mind to the idea of a change in weight category following his fast knockout loss inside Madison Square Garden recently. At UFC 322, Dariush was stopped by strikes against Benoit Saint Denis sixteen seconds into the bout, and the stalwart lightweight is now entertaining applying a fresh coat of paint to things by moving up. Beyond the nature of the fight result, Dariush also missed weight leading into the fight, which could also inform a desire to move up to 170 pounds. Speaking to Submission Radio in the wake of his recent setback, Dariush mentioned how he felt poised to have an all-time career performance as he felt dialed in with all facets of his preparation until fight week hurdles came up. Despite the weight miss where he came in at 157.2 pounds, Dariush mentioned how he felt fine in some regards on fight day, but did notice his inability to take a shot in the same wya he normally would.
ONE Fight Night 39 to feature two pivotal Thai vs. Russian bouts
BJPENN.COM Staff - December 3, 2025
Fourth-ranked flyweight Muay Thai contender Kongthoranee Sor Sommai collides with undefeated destroyer Asadula Imangazaliev in a crucial divisional matchup at ONE Fight Night 39 on Friday, January 24, 2026, inside Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. Meanwhile, #4-ranked bantamweight Muay Thai contender Rambolek Chor Ajalaboon finally locks horns with #5-ranked Abdulla Dayakaev in another explosive battle that could shake up the top-five divisional rankings. Kongthoranee has proven to be one of the best flyweight strikers in the world. The three-time Rajadamnern Stadium Muay Thai World Champion owns a 72-18 career record with 11 victories in ONE Championship. The cerebral technician earned his stripes during a seven-bout winning streak at ONE Friday Fights. He capped it off with a majority decision win over Jaosuayai Mor Krungthepthonburi that secured his six-figure contract.
Diego Lopes is a "beast" and "proper gentleman", says Paddy Pimblett teammate who trained with the title challenger
Dylan Bowker - December 3, 2025
Diego Lopes and Nathan Fletcher have honed skills with one another over the years and the latter recently shed light on what those experiences were like. While Fletcher trains at Next Generation MMA Liverpool with big names like Paddy Pimblett, the former also gets in work with other prominent names in the sport when the UFC competitor’s on the road training. When discussing his training anecdotes with Diego Lopes, Fletcher said [via Bowks Talking Bouts],
Kamaru Usman responds to Tyron Woodley's fiery remarks discrediting his welterweight GOAT case
Curtis Calhoun - December 3, 2025
Former UFC welterweight champions Kamaru Usman and Tyron Woodley have traded barbs in recent days regarding the former’s GOAT case. Kamaru Usman could potentially earn the next UFC welterweight title fight against newly minted champion Islam Makhachev. Following Makhachev’s recent win over Jack Della Maddalena, Usman was Makhachev’s callout target, as the two legends seemed equally ready to clash in the Octagon next year.
Henry Cejudo calls for Dana White to 'man up' amidst UFC's ongoing eyepoke controversy
Curtis Calhoun - December 3, 2025
Former UFC two-division champion Henry Cejudo believes Dana White needs to take significant steps to reform penalties for eye pokes. Henry Cejudo will make his final walk to the Octagon this Saturday at UFC 323 in Las Vegas. The former two-division UFC champion will call it a career after his upcoming fight with Payton Talbott, win or lose.
Edson Barboza reveals retirement plans ahead of UFC 323: 'I'll never step into the Octagon for money'
Cole Shelton - December 3, 2025
Edson Barboza isn’t thinking about retiring anytime soon. Barboza is remaining at lightweight at UFC 323 on Saturday in Las Vegas against Jalin Turner in an intriguing fight. The winner of the fight could be near the rankings, while the loser likely becomes a gatekeeper.
Alexa Grasso's former rival set to replace her vs. Rose Namajunas in UFC 324 fight
Curtis Calhoun - December 3, 2025
Former UFC flyweight champion Alexa Grasso is reportedly out of her scheduled fight with Rose Namajunas on the upcoming UFC 324 card. UFC 324 has reportedly taken a hit just weeks before the promotion’s broadcasting debut on Paramount+.
Colby Covington set for combat sports return against former UFC champ at Real American Freestyle 5
Curtis Calhoun - December 3, 2025
Polarizing UFC star Colby Covington will headline Real American Freestyle 5 to kick off his 2026 fighting slate. Former UFC welterweight title challenger Colby Covington will make his fighting return for the first time since a loss to Joaquin Buckley at UFC Tampa last year.
Merab Dvalishvili expecting a 'war' against Petr Yan at UFC 323
Cole Shelton - December 3, 2025
Merab Dvalishvili is expecting a tough fight at UFC 323 when he takes on Petr Yan. Dvalishvili is set to defend his bantamweight title for the fourth time in 2025 when he takes on Yan in the main event of UFC 323 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Heading into the fight, Dvalishvili is a -500 favorite while the Russian is a +340 underdog on FanDuel.
Dricus du Plessis rips 'idiot' UFC middleweight contender over recent callout
Fernando Quiles Jr. - December 3, 2025
Dricus du Plessis has some harsh words for one UFC middleweight contender. Since losing the UFC Middleweight Championship back in August, Dricus du Plessis hasn’t been in action. The wipeout defeat to Khamzat Chimaev left many within the MMA community stunned given just how one-sided the fight was. A race for the No. 1 contender spot soon began, and it led to Allen scoring an upset win over Reinier de Ridder.
UFC 324's Kayla Harrison does not like Ronda Rousey, claims manager
Fernando Quiles Jr. - December 3, 2025
Is there some underlying bad blood between Kayla Harrison and Ronda Rousey? Top MMA manager Ali Abdelaziz might be trying to stir the pot ahead of Harrison’s super fight against Amanda Nunes at UFC 324. Much has been made over possible MMA return of Rousey. Harrison weighed in on the discussion during an appearance on “The Ariel Helwani Show.” Harrison said she isn’t buying into the report that Rousey could be facing Katie Taylor in a boxing match in summer 2026.
Edson Barboza calls for a war against Jalin Turner at UFC 323
Harry Kettle - December 3, 2025
UFC legend Edson Barboza has called for a war against Jalin Turner as the two prepare to face off at lightweight this weekend. For many years now, Edson Barboza has been putting on entertaining fights for mixed martial arts fans all over the world. While he hasn’t always come away with the victory, he’s the kind of fighter who knows how to get the best out of both himself and his opponent – and he has never been one to turn down a tough challenge.
Henry Cejudo explains what could potentially prevent him from retiring after UFC 323
Harry Kettle - December 3, 2025
UFC veteran Henry Cejudo has explained what could lead to him deciding against a second retirement after UFC 323. Over five years on from his first mixed martial arts retirement, Henry Cejudo is set to run it back this weekend. ‘Triple C’ has promised to walk away from MMA once again after his fight against Payton Talbott, suggesting that he wants to spend more time with his family as opposed to training.