MMA News

Youssef Zalal punched by Aljamain Sterling at UFC Vegas 116
UFC

Youssef Zalal shares encouraging words after UFC Vegas 116 loss, Aljamain Sterling responds

Fernando Quiles Jr. - April 26, 2026

Youssef Zalal didn’t take long to speak out after falling short at UFC Vegas 116. Zalal and Aljamain Sterling shared the Octagon in the main event of Saturday’s UFC Fight Night card inside the Meta Apex. Sterling put his superb grappling on display, earning a unanimous decision victory. The former UFC Bantamweight Champion now moves one step closer to challenging for 145-pound gold.

Carlos Ulberg victory
UFC

UFC champion Carlos Ulberg optimistic about injury recovery: "The body's healing really fast"

Fernando Quiles Jr. - April 26, 2026

Carlos Ulberg believes he will be able to return to the Octagon sooner than many are fearing. Ulberg suffered  a torn ACL in the biggest fight of his pro MMA career up to this point. “Black Jag” planted his foot awkwardly and injured his knee in the main event of UFC 327. Despite the significant injury, Ulberg was able to drop Jiri Prochazka with a hook and finished the fight to capture the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship.

Paulo Costa UFC weigh-in
Paulo Costa

Paulo Costa warns Khamzat Chimaev to avoid 'tragic' light heavyweight run: "This is going to be even worse for him"

Fernando Quiles Jr. - April 26, 2026

Paulo Costa has a warning for Khamzat Chimaev, and he advises the reigning 205-pound champion to stay away from light heavyweight. Costa recently moved up in weight to face Azamat Murzakanov at UFC 327. “Borrachinha” scored a third-round TKO finish. While Costa initially didn’t commit to making the 205-pound move permanent, he recently suggested that he’ll stick around at light heavyweight.

Aljamain Sterling wins at UFC Vegas 116
Aljamain Sterling

Aljamain Sterling wouldn't turn down title shot following UFC Vegas 116 win: "It just makes a whole lot of sense"

Fernando Quiles Jr. - April 26, 2026

Aljamain Sterling wouldn’t decline a UFC featherweight title opportunity if offered following his performance at UFC Vegas 116. Sterling shared the Octagon with Youssef Zalal inside the Meta Apex this past Saturday. The “Funk Master” scored a unanimous decision win to earn his second victory in a row. Sterling’s most recent loss was against Movsar Evloev, and he  continues to dispute the judges’ decision.

Ryan Spann, UFC Vegas 116, Bonus, UFC
UFC

UFC Vegas 116 Bonus Report: Ryan Spann one of four 'POTN' winners

Chris Taylor - April 25, 2026

The Octagon was back at the Apex for tonight’s UFC Vegas 116 event, and four fighters wound up taking home performance bonuses. The fight card was headlined by a high stakes featherweight matchup featuring Aljamain Sterling taking on Youssef Zalal. The bout proved to be a statement making performance for Aljamain Sterling. The former bantamweight champion was able to get the better of Youssef Zalal for the majority of their 25-minute affair, including a dominant fourth round. Although Zalal had some moments, including a solid third round, ‘Funk Master’ was able to fight through all the adversity he faced and cemented his status as a top contender at featherweight.

Aljamain Sterling, Youssef Zalal, UFC Vegas 116, Pros react, UFC
UFC

Pros react after Aljamain Sterling defeats Youssef Zalal at UFC Vegas 116

Chris Taylor - April 25, 2026

Tonight’s UFC Vegas 116 event was headlined by a high stakes featherweight matchup featuring Aljamain Sterling taking on Youssef Zalal. Sterling (26-5 MMA), the promotion‘s former bantamweight champion, was returning to action for the first time since earning a unanimous decision victory over Brian Ortega this past August in Shanghai, China. Prior to that triumph, ‘Funk Master’ had dropped a decision loss to fellow 145lbs contender Movsar Evloev at UFC 310.

Aljamain Sterling celebrates after UFC 288
UFC

UFC Vegas 116 Results: Aljamain Sterling defeats Youssef Zalal (Highlights)

Chris Taylor - April 25, 2026

We have you covered for all of tonight’s UFC Vegas 116 results, including the featherweight main event between Aljamain Sterling and Youssef Zalal. Sterling (26-5 MMA), the promotion‘s former bantamweight champion, will be returning to action for the first time since earning a unanimous decision victory over Brian Ortega this past August in Shanghai, China. Prior to that triumph, ‘Funk Master’ had dropped a decision loss to fellow 145lbs contender Movsar Evloev at UFC 310.

Joselyne Edwards, UFC Vegas 116, Norma Dumont, Results, UFC
Norma Dumont

UFC Vegas 116 Results: Joselyne Edwards defeats Norma Dumont (Highlights)

Chris Taylor - April 25, 2026

We have you covered for all of tonight’s UFC Vegas 116 results, including the co-main event between Norma Dumont and Joselyne Edwards. Dumont (13-3 MMA) most recently competed this past November, where she scored a split decision win over Ketlen Vieira. That victory marked Norma’s sixth in a row and has her in prime position for a future title shot with another win this evening.

Ryan Spann, Marcus Buchecha, UFC Vegas 116, Results, UFC
Ryan Spann

UFC Vegas 116 Results: Ryan Spann KO's Marcus Buchecha (Video)

Chris Taylor - April 25, 2026

We have you covered for all of tonight’s UFC Vegas 116 results, including the heavyweight contest between Marcus Buchecha and Ryan Spann. Buchecha (5-3-1 MMA) will be returning to action for the first time since fighting to a draw with Kennedy Nzechukwu this past December at UFC Vegas 112. Prior to that contest, the jiu-jitsu ace was coming off a decision loss to Martin Buday in his Octagon debut.

Shimon Yoshinari
Shimon Yoshinari

Shimon Yoshinari looks to shock the world against "mentally tough" Johan Ghazali at ONE SAMURAI 1

BJPENN.COM Staff - April 25, 2026

Shimon Yoshinari has earned the biggest stage of his career, and he has every intention of making it count. The 21-year-old WBC Muay Thai World Champion faces Johan “Jojo” Ghazali in a flyweight Muay Thai clash at ONE SAMURAI 1 on Wednesday, April 29, live from Ariake Arena in Tokyo. Shimon enters with a 25-1 career record and a perfect 4-0 mark inside ONE since his 2024 debut. His resume already includes victories over Dedduanglek Torfunfarm and four-time Muay Thai World Champion Yodlekpet Or Atchariya. When the call came to face one of ONE’s most recognizable young stars at the inaugural ONE SAMURAI event, he accepted without hesitation.

UFC Vegas 116, Results, Aljamain Sterling, Youssef Zalal, UFC
UFC

UFC Vegas 116: 'Sterling vs. Zalal' Live Results and Highlights

Chris Taylor - April 25, 2026

The Ultimate Fighting Championship returns to the Apex for tonight’s UFC Vegas 116 event, a 13-bout fight card headlined by Aljamain Sterling vs. Youssef Zalal. Sterling (25-5 MMA), the promotion‘s former bantamweight champion, will be returning to action for the first time since earning a unanimous decision victory over Brian Ortega this past August in Shanghai, China. Prior to that triumph, ‘Funk Master’ had dropped a decision loss to fellow 145lbs contender Movsar Evloev at UFC 310.

Nadaka
ONE Championship

Nadaka primed for first ONE World Title defense against Songchainoi at ONE SAMURAI 1

BJPENN.COM Staff - April 25, 2026

Reigning ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Champion Nadaka puts his belt on the line for the first time against Thai challenger Songchainoi Kiatsongrit at ONE SAMURAI 1, broadcasting live via pay-per-view from Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan on Wednesday, April 29. The 25-year-old Eiwa Sports Gym fighter enters on a 40-fight winning streak and a perfect 4-0 promotional record, having claimed the inaugural title with a dominant unanimous decision over Numsurin Chor Ketwina at ONE 173 last November. The rematch angle adds another layer to an already compelling matchup. Nadaka and Songchainoi first crossed paths in 2023, with Nadaka taking that contest. Since that defeat, the Thai challenger has built a 10-1 promotional record. Three years later, the two meet again with the ONE World Title on the line.

Tim Means UFC
UFC

UFC veteran charged with child abuse for allegedly head-butting daughter

BJ Penn Staff - April 25, 2026

UFC veteran Tim Means was arrested and charged with child abuse in New Mexico on Wednesday, according to the Albuquerque Journal. According to the police report, police were called to Means’ residence on Monday, Apr. 21. His 17-year-old daughter is reported to have made the call, after he allegedly head-butted and punched her during an argument about chores. She also alleges that grabbed her throat in a “strangulating manner.”

Kaito Ono
ONE Championship

Kaito Ono draws on his father's lifelong sacrifice ahead of Marat Grigorian showdown at ONE SAMURAI 1

BJPENN.COM Staff - April 24, 2026

Japanese kickboxer Kaito Ono carries a unique weapon into his showdown with Marat Grigorian. His head coach has never competed in combat sports. He is Kaito’s father, a self-taught student of the game who built himself into a trainer from scratch. Kaito meets Armenian striking icon Marat Grigorian in a featherweight kickboxing bout at ONE SAMURAI 1, broadcasting live via pay-per-view from Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan on Wednesday, April 29. The 28-year-old has been here before. The matchup was first booked last year before a weight dispute forced a cancellation. Now rescheduled, the father-son duo arrives with more preparation than ever.

Jon Jones and Kamaru Usman
Jon Jones

Jon Jones takes shot at Kamaru Usman after former champ picks Brock Lesnar to win wrestling match

Curtis Calhoun - April 24, 2026

UFC legend Jon Jones took issue with former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman siding with Brock Lesnar in a potential wrestling match. Former two-division UFC champion Jon Jones remains at odds with Dana White and the matchmakers after he was excluded from a spot on the upcoming White House card. Despite announcing his retirement from MMA last summer, Jones quickly reversed course when U.S. President Donald Trump announced the UFC’s upcoming card on the White House lawn.

Islam Makhachev and Ian Machado Garry
Islam Makhachev

Islam Makhachev and Ian Machado Garry trade social media barbs after champion teases July fight

Curtis Calhoun - April 24, 2026

UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev didn’t take kindly to Ian Machado Garry’s latest claim that he’s faking injuries to avoid a fight. Islam Makhachev made headlines earlier this week when he teased a potential UFC return in July, likely for the upcoming UFC 329 card during International Fight Week. As of this writing, the full UFC 329 card hasn’t been announced, although Conor McGregor has long been rumored to fight in the main event slot.

Paddy Pimblett enters the Octagon at UFC 324
UFC

Paddy Pimblett drops massive hint for UFC return for first fight since Justin Gaethje title loss

Curtis Calhoun - April 24, 2026

UFC star Paddy Pimblett has a couple of intriguing potential opponents in the mix after dropping a big hint about his return. Paddy Pimblett’s unbeaten run in the UFC came to an end earlier this year at the hands of Justin Gaethje at UFC 324. In an interim lightweight title headliner, Gaethje outpointed Pimblett by unanimous decision to secure a showdown with Pimblett’s longtime rival Ilia Topuria.

Chris Weidman and Anderson Silva
UFC

Chris Weidman received interest in Anderson Silva trilogy for Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano undercard

Fernando Quiles Jr. - April 24, 2026

Most Valuable Promotions apparently gauged interest from Chris Weidman for a potential trilogy fight against Anderson Silva. MVP has been promoting its May 16 MMA card, which is set to air live on Netflix. Headlining that event will be Ronda Rousey taking on Gina Carano in a comeback fight for the two women’s MMA pioneers. There are some other notable names on the card, such as Nate Diaz, who will be facing fellow ex-UFC star Mike Perry. Former UFC heavyweight titleholder Francis Ngannou is set to do battle with Philipe Lins.