UFC News
Dricus du Plessis breaks down the state of UFC's middleweight division
Harry Kettle - December 18, 2025
Former UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis has given his thoughts on the current state of the division. As we know, Dricus du Plessis is one of the top middleweight fighters in mixed martial arts right now. However, he is no longer the champion in the UFC after he was beaten in a fairly one-sided fight against Khamzat Chimaev earlier this year.
Report: Reinier de Ridder returns from first UFC defeat vs. budding star at UFC 326
Curtis Calhoun - December 17, 2025
UFC middleweight contender Reinier de Ridder was medically cleared to compete faster than expected and will return at UFC 326. Former ONE two-division champion Reinier de Ridder hinted at a long absence from competition due to medical issues stemming from his loss to Brendan Allen at UFC Vancouver. But months later, it appears De Ridder has worked through some of his health issues and will return to the Octagon on one of the first cards of 2026, way ahead of schedule.
Jake Paul sends direct message to Anthony Joshua ahead of boxing match: 'Let's go to war'
Cole Shelton - December 17, 2025
Jake Paul has sent a clear message to Anthony Joshua ahead of their highly anticipated fight on Friday. Paul is set to take on Joshua in an intriguing heavyweight fight, which is a massive step-up in competition for the brash YouTuber-turned-boxer. Heading into the bout, many expect Joshua to make quick work of Paul and get a knockout early; however, some have wondered how seriously Joshua is taking it.
Ilia Topuria should be stripped of UFC gold, says popular analyst
Fernando Quiles Jr. - December 17, 2025
One well-known analyst has shifted his opinion on Ilia Topuria’s status as the UFC Lightweight Champion. Topuria might be holding the main 155-pound title, but he will not be featured in the next lightweight championship bout. Instead, Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje will be fighting for the interim UFC Lightweight Championship on Jan. 24. The bout will headline UFC 324, which will be UFC’s debut event on Paramount+.
Merab Dvalishvili will get Petr Yan trilogy fight next, predicts UFC analyst
Harry Kettle - December 17, 2025
UFC analyst Din Thomas believes Merab Dvalishvili will get the trilogy fight against Petr Yan in his next outing. As we know, Merab Dvalishvili came up short in his attempt to successfully defend the UFC bantamweight championship for the fourth time in 2025. He lost the strap to Petr Yan, who was able to avenge his loss from their first meeting. As you can imagine, Merab is pretty determined to get a trilogy bout against the new champion.
Henry Cejudo understands why UFC snubbed lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan
Harry Kettle - December 17, 2025
UFC legend Henry Cejudo has explained why he understands Arman Tsarukyan being snubbed for a world title shot. Right now, Arman Tsarukyan is in a difficult position. While he’s coming off the back of an incredible submission win over Dan Hooker, he wasn’t selected to be part of the UFC interim lightweight title fight at UFC 324. Instead, that honor went to Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett who will battle it out next month.
Paddy Pimblett pleads for Anthony Joshua to 'punch Jake Paul's head in' in upcoming boxing match
Curtis Calhoun - December 16, 2025
UFC lightweight superstar Paddy Pimblett didn’t hold back on Jake Paul ahead of his upcoming boxing match against Anthony Joshua. Paddy Pimblett is a little over a month away from challenging for the interim lightweight title against Justin Gaethje at UFC 324. Pimblett and Gaethje headline a stacked card next month as the UFC kicks off its 2026 event slate on its new broadcasting home, Paramount+.
Paulo Costa set to face rising star nicknamed 'The Hulk' in UFC 326 Octagon return
Curtis Calhoun - December 16, 2025
Former UFC title challenger Paulo Costa will face a rising star when he returns to the Octagon at UFC 326 next year. The UFC middleweight division is in a peculiar spot with Khamzat Chimaev sitting atop the throne.
Belal Muhammad claims Islam Makhachev favors 'easier matchup' in Kamaru Usman over other top welterweights
Curtis Calhoun - December 16, 2025
Former UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad accused Islam Makhachev of cherry picking opponents ahead of his first title defense. Islam Makhachev won a second UFC title by defeating Jack Della Maddalena by unanimous decision at UFC 322 last month. Makhachev, just months after vacating the lightweight belt, put on one of the most dominant performances of his career to dethrone Maddalena and win the welterweight championship.
Chael Sonnen shares unique take on Dana White/Francis Ngannou alleged physical confrontation at the height of UFC beef
Curtis Calhoun - December 16, 2025
UFC Hall of Famer Chael Sonnen had a similar run-in with Francis Ngannou that UFC CEO Dana White recently alleged. Despite being two years removed from their nasty split, UFC CEO Dana White and former heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou remain at odds.
Conor McGregor will not fight at UFC White House, predicts former MMA star
Fernando Quiles Jr. - December 16, 2025
A former UFC title contender isn’t sold on Conor McGregor fighting on the White House card. McGregor hasn’t fought since 2021, yet UFC continues to use him to market the promotion’s debut on Paramount+. The “Notorious” one is the biggest name to ever compete in UFC and he has vowed to fight again. It hasn’t happened since he broke his leg against Dustin Poirier in their trilogy fight.
Arman Tsarukyan reveals what he'd like to do after his MMA career ends
Harry Kettle - December 16, 2025
Arman Tsarukyan has spoken about what he would like to do once his mixed martial arts career comes to an end. Right now, Arman Tsarukyan is in a tricky spot. Despite demolishing Dan Hooker in their UFC Qatar main event, Arman didn’t get the call to be part of the UFC 324 main event for the interim UFC lightweight championship. Instead, that went to Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje, who will compete for the belt next month.