MMA News

Dylan Bowker - February 17, 2026

Sean O’Malley seems optimistic that the UFC’s heavyweight division can make a turnaround, but seems less optimistic about the present and potential future circumstances for Tom Aspinall. The UFC heavyweight champion has been sidelined since last October with, uncertainties abounding as Aspinall recovers from eye surgery with no clear idea on when, or if at all, the UK native will return to competition. From the full video that was posted to the former UFC bantamweight champion’s YouTube account, with an excerpt posted to X account @RedCorner_MMA, O’Malley said,

BJPENN.COM Staff - February 17, 2026

Scottish knockout artist Nico Carrillo finally achieved the dream he visualized for years. The 27-year-old captured the ONE Interim Featherweight Muay Thai World Title by defeating Thai standout Shadow Mavinn via unanimous decision over five grueling rounds in the co-main event of ONE Fight Night 40 on Friday, February 13, inside Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium. Shadow started strong with signature leg kicks and punches that tested the Scottish challenger early. However, Carrillo picked up the pace as rounds progressed. He methodically broke down the 26-year-old Thai star with powerful punches and relentless forward pressure. For years, the Glasgow native visualized wearing ONE Championship gold during training sessions and long flights to fight camps. That mental preparation made Friday’s reality feel surreal.

Cole Shelton - February 17, 2026

Geoff Neal knew he had to make a change. Neal was going down a dark path as he admitted he was abusing alcohol and substances even during fight camp. So, after five years of constantly drinking or using substances, Neal finally decided he needed to get sober.

Fernando Quiles Jr. - February 17, 2026

Khamzat Chimaev’s coach is taking critics of the UFC Middleweight Champion to task. Chimaev has been undefeated in his pro MMA career thus far. He turned in a grappling clinic with nearly 22 minutes of control time against Dricus du Plessis. Many anticipated that du Plessis would be able to create scrambles at least early on, but he didn’t have an answer.

Fernando Quiles Jr. - February 17, 2026

MMA fans have voiced their opinion on Ronda Rousey’s comeback fight against Gina Carano, who is also ending her combat sports retirement. Most Valuable Promotions and Netflix announced that a matchup once thought to be a fantasy long gone has been booked. UFC Hall of Famer Rousey and Carano will clash in a five-round MMA fight on May 16. Before Rousey, Carano was the biggest name in women’s combat sports. After Carano exited the sport, Rousey became a pioneer for women’s MMA.

Harry Kettle - February 17, 2026

Jack Della Maddalena has revealed his desire to one day earn a rematch against UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev. Back at UFC 322, Jack Della Maddalena’s brief stint as UFC welterweight champion came to an end at the hands of Islam Makhachev. He was defeated in a fairly one-sided title bout, and ever since then, many have wondered what exactly could be next for the Australian sensation in the UFC.

Harry Kettle - February 17, 2026

Michael Bisping believes that the right fight to make at the upcoming UFC White House card is Ilia Topuria vs Islam Makhachev. As we know, Ilia Topuria is rumored to be returning to the cage later this year, most likely as part of the UFC White House card. While many believe that he’s going to unify the lightweight title against interim champion Justin Gaethje, there are a few other options on the table.

Harry Kettle - February 17, 2026

UFC legend Kamaru Usman has revealed how he would approach a Khamzat Chimaev rematch if they ever fought again. As we know, Kamaru Usman is very much in the twilight of his mixed martial arts career. He has made it crystal clear that he wants to ride off into the sunset sooner rather than later, but before he does, he wants to win not one, but two titles at both welterweight and middleweight.

Curtis Calhoun - February 16, 2026

 One former UFC fan favorite believes Dana White’s big promises for the upcoming White House card will fall well short of the mark. UFC CEO Dana White and the matchmakers are in the final stages of preparing the upcoming card at the White House. White, who formally announced plans for the event last summer, recently made the bold prediction that the card will be the ‘most-watched UFC event ever’.

BJPENN.COM Staff - February 16, 2026

Former longtime bantamweight Muay Thai king Nong-O Hama meets undefeated Russian standout Asadula Imangazaliev for the vacant ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title at ONE Friday Fights 147 on March 20 inside Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium. The 39-year-old Thai legend brings championship pedigree into this high-stakes showdown. Nong-O spent years establishing himself as one of ONE Championship’s most dominant titleholders. He captured the inaugural ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title in 2019 and defended it seven consecutive times against elite opposition. His reign featured sharp counters, clean combinations, and devastating finishing power that made him nearly untouchable at 145 pounds.

Curtis Calhoun - February 16, 2026

Muhammad Mokaev wants to take a big step towards potentially earning a second chance in the UFC Octagon in 2026. Former UFC flyweight contender Muhammad Mokaev remains optimistic about potentially returning to the Octagon soon. After a lackluster victory over Manel Kape at UFC 304, the UFC opted not to re-sign Mokaev due to several alleged incidents with matchmakers outside of the cage.

Cole Shelton - February 16, 2026

Anthony Hernandez is eager to throw down with Sean Strickland on Saturday. Hernandez is set to headline UFC Houston on Saturday against Strickland in a pivotal fight at middleweight. Heading into the bout, Hernandez is a sizable -310 favorite while the former champ is a +230 underdog on FanDuel.

Curtis Calhoun - February 16, 2026

One of the top featherweights in UFC history to never hoist a title, Zabit Magomedsharipov, is inching closer to a fighting comeback. During Max Holloway’s UFC featherweight title reign, many top contenders were in the mix for dream clashes with the reigning champion. This includes the UFC’s undefeated Zabit Magomedsharipov, who was on the verge of a potential title shot with wins over Calvin Kattar, Jeremy Stephens, and Sheymon Moraes.

BJPENN.COM Staff - February 16, 2026

ONE Championship announced a massive bantamweight Muay Thai World Title showdown for ONE Friday Fights 147 on Friday, March 20. ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Nabil Anane puts his crown on the line against explosive Thai contender Rambolek Chor Ajalaboon at Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium. The blockbuster title clash delivers on a challenge issued immediately after Rambolek’s explosive second-round knockout of Abdulla Dayakaev at ONE Fight Night 39. The Thai knockout machine grabbed the microphone and demanded his shot at Anane. Backstage, the champion accepted instantly. Now the stage is set for an epic clash between two of the sport’s brightest young stars.

Curtis Calhoun - February 16, 2026

Once scheduled UFC rivals Dustin Poirier and Nate Diaz could potentially be on a collision course again after recent social media barbs. 2025 was the final year for many UFC legends, including Dustin Poirier, Anthony Smith, and others. Poirier retired following a BMF title loss to Max Holloway at UFC 318 in front of a homecoming crowd in New Orleans.

Cole Shelton - February 16, 2026

Jorge Masvidal is bringing back Gamebred bareknuckle MMA. Masvidal told MMAJunkie on Monday that the promotion is planning two tournaments, each with a $500,000 prize pool. It will be a 16-man tournament, one at heavyweight and one in lightweight. All four rounds of the tournament will take place in 2026, with a launch date of April 10 in the Dominican Republic, and the second event is targeted for May 1 in Miami.

Fernando Quiles Jr. - February 16, 2026

Amanda Nunes is wishing Kayla Harrison well in her recovery from neck surgery. Nunes was expected to end her retirement at UFC 324 on Jan. 24. The UFC Hall of Famer was set to challenge Harrison for the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship. That plan didn’t materialize, as Harrison went under the knife for a neck issue that had been lingering for years.

Fernando Quiles Jr. - February 16, 2026

The gloves are off with Dana White and Eddie Hearn. White and Hearn have been chummy in the past and were never shy in showing mutual respect. Things took a bit of a turn when the UFC boss decided to dabble into boxing promotion. The two have since traded barbs over Zuffa Boxing’s potential.