UFC News
Ian Machado Garry has a notable weakness, claims Belal Muhammad
Harry Kettle - June 5, 2026
UFC welterweight Ian Machado Garry has a notable weakness, claims his former opponent Belal Muhammad. While nothing has been confirmed as of this writing, it certainly seems like Ian Machado Garry will get the next shot at Islam Makhachev and the UFC welterweight championship. He has been building towards an opportunity like this for quite some time, and he seems pretty confident in his ability to get the job done.
Tatsuro Taira was exposed in UFC title bid and validated Joshua Van's reign, per Rizin champ/ dojo peer of Taira
Dylan Bowker - June 4, 2026
Tatsuro Taira tried to make history in a recent high-octane clash with Joshua Van, and someone close to the former weighed in on that UFC title bout. Taira was aiming to be the first ever Japanese fighter to win a UFC championship, and despite a spirited effort, was halted inside the distance by Joshua Van last month in Newark, New Jersey. Hiromasa Ougikubo is the referenced combatant in question who is close to Taira, and Ougikubo is one of the top-level flyweights in the world today. Ougikubo is the reigning and defending flyweight champion under the Rizin Fighting Federation banner and defends his belt against Makoto Shinryu at Rizin Landmark 14 on June 6th. Hiromasa Ougikubo is also a frequent training partner of Taira’s, and when weighing in on the latter’s loss to Joshua Van at UFC 328, Ougikubo said [via Bowks Talking Bouts],
Michael Chandler reacts to Conor McGregor returning against Max Holloway: 'Conor and I will compete against each other'
Cole Shelton - June 4, 2026
Michael Chandler is still hopeful he will get a chance to fight Conor McGregor. Chandler had been holding out to fight McGregor in his return after the two coached TUF against one another. Yet, the bout didn’t happen, and now McGregor will be making his return against Holloway.
Gabriel Bonfim shares high praise for Belal Muhammad ahead of UFC Vegas 118: 'Biggest challenge'
Cole Shelton - June 4, 2026
Gabriel Bonfim has high praise for his upcoming opponent, Belal Muhammad. Bonfim is set to headline UFC Vegas 118 on Saturday from the Apex against Muhammad. It’s a tough test for the Brazilian as he takes on a former champion, as Bonfim calls it the toughest test of his career.
Brendan Allen goes off on 'b****' Dricus du Plessis: "I was told it was a done deal"
Fernando Quiles Jr. - June 4, 2026
Brendan Allen is convinced that Dricus du Plessis doesn’t want the smoke. Allen and du Plessis have been exchanging heated words over the past year, but a bout between the two has yet to materialize. While UFC has yet to make it official, rumors have been swirling of a middleweight clash between du Plessis and former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman on July 18. Meanwhile, the No. 4-ranked Allen will be facing unranked Edmen Shahbazyan at UFC Vegas 118 on Saturday.
Josh Hokit scolds Alex Pereira for 'favorable matchups,' vows to use him as a stepping stone: "I think he's never faced a guy like me"
Fernando Quiles Jr. - June 4, 2026
Josh Hokit doesn’t believe Alex Pereira is as good as the MMA community thinks he is. Hokit has been trying to ruffle some feathers on his climb in the heavyweight division. He revved up his antics during media week for UFC 327 back in April, and he ultimately defeated Curtis Blaydes via unanimous decision in an entertaining scrap. He will meet Derrick Lewis on the UFC Freedom 250 card on June 14 and caused some chaos once again during a press conference back in May.
Muhammad Mokaev claims he would retire if he couldn't beat Joshua Van
Harry Kettle - June 3, 2026
Former UFC star Muhammad Mokaev has suggested he would retire if he were unable to defeat current champion Joshua Van. For the longest time, it seemed like Muhammad Mokaev was destined to become UFC flyweight champion. However, following issues behind the scenes with the promotion, he was let go – and more often than not, when there’s a feud as public as this one, it’s rare that the UFC changes their mind.
Alex Pereira opens up on his move to UFC's heavyweight division
Harry Kettle - June 3, 2026
UFC star Alex Pereira has opened up on his decision to make the jump up to the promotion’s heavyweight division. Fight fans are well aware of the pedigree that Alex Pereira has in mixed martial arts and in combat sports in general. The Brazilian sensation has achieved some wonderful things since his career started, and now, he stands on the verge of history.
Sean Strickland says UFC banned him from attending White House card, promises 'peaceful protest' in Washington D.C.
Curtis Calhoun - June 3, 2026
UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland got in trouble with the matchmakers over recent comments about UFC White House. Many current and former UFC champions are expected to attend the upcoming White House event later this month. According to UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland, he’s the only one excluded from the invitations.
Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje UFC Freedom 250 title fight broken down by ex-UFC lightweight champ
Dylan Bowker - June 3, 2026
Ilia Topuria will defend his UFC lightweight title in the coming days against interim titleholder Justin Gaethje at the White House in the coming days and someone interwoven within that UFC 155-pound title lineage has weighed in on the bout. Topuria versus Gaethje is a title unification contest that tops the marquee at UFC Freedom 250 on June 14th. The former UFC divisional kingpin being referenced is Benson Henderson, who broke down the machinations of that matchup when preparing for his own MMA return headlining the recent PFL Brussels card. Expounding upon his thoughts related to Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje, Henderson said [via Bowks Talking Bouts],
Holly Holm hits back at Ronda Rousey's 'clean her clock' comments about potential MMA rematch
Curtis Calhoun - June 3, 2026
Former UFC bantamweight champion Holly Holm responded to her former rival, Ronda Rousey’s recent comments about a rematch. UFC Hall of Famer Ronda Rousey’s highly anticipated return to Mixed Martial Arts lasted just 17 seconds last month, as she submitted Gina Carano with her patented armbar. Rousey hadn’t fought since back-to-back losses to Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes to end her UFC tenure.
Belal Muhammad vows to show the world he's still the 'best guy' against Gabriel Bonfim at UFC Vegas 118
Cole Shelton - June 3, 2026
Belal Muhammad plans to remind everyone he’s still one of the best welterweights in the world. Muhammad is set to headline UFC Vegas 118 on Saturday against Gabriel Bonfim in a pivotal fight at welterweight. Despite losing his last two fights, Muhammad enters the bout as a -130 favorite while the Brazilian is a +102 underdog on FanDuel.
Jon Anik leaves Colby Covington off his UFC Hall of Fame list: "He falls a little bit short of inclusion"
Fernando Quiles Jr. - June 3, 2026
UFC play-by-play ace Jon Anik doesn’t exactly view Colby Covington as Hall of Fame worthy. Covington recently wrapped up his pro MMA career in a move that surprised some. While “Chaos” will turn 39 in 2027, he had showed signs that he was ready for his next fight. Covington had been pounding the table to be a part of the UFC Freedom 250 card, but he didn’t get his wish and he ultimately retired.
Belal Muhammad no longer interested in Kamaru Usman grudge match: "The guy’s been avoiding me forever"
Fernando Quiles Jr. - June 3, 2026
Belal Muhammad doesn’t plan to put much attention on Kamaru Usman moving forward. Muhammad and Usman have traded barbs over the past couple of years, but the two have yet to share the Octagon. An unaired episode of the “Pound 4 Pound” podcast back in 2024 went awry when “Remember The Name” and “The Nigerian Nightmare” got physical after some words were exchanged.
Ilia Topuria calls for welterweight title fight if he beats Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250: "If you don't take risks, there is no champagne"
Fernando Quiles Jr. - June 3, 2026
Ilia Topuria would be quite pleased if he can secure a welterweight title fight after UFC Freedom 250. Topuria will first need to take care of business on June 14. The lightweight titleholder is scheduled to face interim champion Justin Gaethje on the White House lawn. “El Matador” captured the 155-pound gold with a first-round knockout win over Charles Oliveira back in June 2025, but he went on a brief hiatus, which opened the door for Gaethje’s interim title win over Paddy Pimblett.
Georges St-Pierre discusses his list of greatest MMA fighters of all time
Harry Kettle - June 3, 2026
UFC legend Georges St-Pierre has discussed who he considers to be some of the greatest to ever compete in the sport of MMA. When you talk about the best fighters to ever compete in mixed martial arts, Georges St-Pierre is a name that many will mention. He is a two-weight UFC world champion, and he was able to avenge both of the defeats he suffered as a professional fighter.
Gable Steveson Can "Dominate" at UFC 329 and thereafter with Jon Jones as mentor, per UFC Hall of Famer
Dylan Bowker - June 2, 2026
Gable Steveson and UFC Ceiling are already being perceived in a particular way ahead of his promotional debut with a UFC Hall of Famer weighing in on all of that. Gable Steveson is unbeaten in MMA, and the Jon Jones protege is making his UFC debut at UFC 329 against Elisha Ellison. The UFC Hall of Fame inductee in question is Clay Guida, who discussed this ahead of a Real American Freestyle contest with Steveson also competing for RAF. There’s a certain sentiment from many who in the wrestling space, but also within MMA, who tout Gable Stevenson’s ability to become a UFC champion in pretty short order. When asked if he sees what other people are seemingly seeing, Guida said [via Bowks Talking Bouts],
Ilia Topuria's ex blames Joe Rogan for death threats, harassment stemming from fake AI photo
Curtis Calhoun - June 2, 2026
UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria’s ex-wife blames Joe Rogan for a series of alleged death threats against her and her family. Ilia Topuria will headline the upcoming UFC White House card against interim titleholder Justin Gaethje in a highly anticipated matchup later this month. After almost a full year away from fighting, Topuria will finally return to the Octagon to defend his undisputed lightweight title against the UFC fan favorite Gaethje.