UFC News
Khamzat Chimaev accuses Sean Strickland of 'running' from accepting UFC title rematch
Curtis Calhoun - June 29, 2026
Former UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev says Sean Strickland is stalling alleged talks for an immediate title rematch. Sean Strickland pulled off another legendary upset earlier this year when he defeated Khamzat Chimaev by split decision at UFC 328 to reclaim the middleweight title. After entering UFC 328 as a significant underdog, Strickland handed Chimaev his first career loss in a clinical performance from the now-two-time champion.
Conor McGregor given his flowers by Dan Hooker for UFC 329 return despite loaded bank account: "Credit to him"
Fernando Quiles Jr. - June 29, 2026
Conor McGregor has done quite well for himself financially, and Dan Hooker is impressed that the “Notorious” one hasn’t simply walked away from the fight game. McGregor is scheduled to step back inside the Octagon for the main event of UFC 329 on July 11. The Irishman will be meeting a familiar foe in Max Holloway. The two clashed all the way back in 2013, and it was McGregor who emerged victorious via unanimous decision despite suffering a torn ACL during the fight.
Arman Tsarukyan doesn't plan to wait for UFC title shot, manager doesn't expect Justin Gaethje to return anytime soon
Fernando Quiles Jr. - June 29, 2026
It appears Arman Tsarukyan’s team isn’t counting on facing Justin Gaethje next. Tsarukyan has made it clear that he feels a run with the UFC Lightweight Championship is inevitable. The general consensus within the MMA community is that “Akhalkalakets” is the rightful No. 1 contender, but will Gaethje even fight again in 2026? “The Highlight” scored a huge upset win over Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250 to unify the gold at 155 pounds and initially held off on revealing plans for his fighting future.
Michael Chiesa thinks Conor McGregor vs Justin Gaethje could compete with White House event
Harry Kettle - June 29, 2026
Former UFC fighter Michael Chiesa has high hopes for how successful a Conor McGregor vs Justin Gaethje fight could be. In the main event of UFC 329, Conor McGregor will go head to head with Max Holloway. The two will face off at welterweight, and although Holloway is seen as the favorite given his overall ability and activity, ‘Notorious’ has far more experience when it comes to competing at 170 pounds.
UFC Meta Apex shows do not capture the PFL CEO's imagination
Dylan Bowker - June 29, 2026
UFC’s Meta Apex shows don’t exactly inspire the imaginations of many mixed martial arts fans, and PFL CEO John Martin seems to be part of this group. The promotional figurehead for Professional Fighters League expressed as much on Bowks Talking Bouts ahead of the kickoff of PFL’s Summer Series. This begins on June 27th with PFL San Diego as AJ McKee clashes with rising star Salamat Isbulaev, in the top of the marquee attraction. PFL has not only increased the amount of domestic North American shows as they have also expanded globally while maintaining a uniform standard of production quality across all shows. Touching on those components, Martin said [via Bowks Talking Bouts],
Ilia Topuria was 'fighting blind' after first round against Justin Gaethje, claims Merab Dvalishvili
Harry Kettle - June 29, 2026
UFC star Merab Dvalishvili has given his thoughts on Ilia Topuria’s recent loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250. In the main event of UFC Freedom 250, Ilia Topuria lost the UFC lightweight championship after being stopped on the stool by Justin Gaethje. It was one of the more shocking results in the recent history of mixed martial arts, and that’s putting it lightly.
Manuel Torres will be back 'very soon' following KO loss to Rafael Fiziev at UFC Baku: "There are defeats that also build character"
Fernando Quiles Jr. - June 28, 2026
Manuel Torres suffered a setback against Rafael Fiziev, but he is in “good spirits.” Torres and Fiziev collided in the UFC Baku main event this past Saturday. While “El Loco” was hoping to make a statement in enemy territory, he ended up being stopped early in the second stanza after being caught with a spinning wheel kick. It’s Torres’ first loss since 2024.
Conor McGregor doubles down on Justin Gaethje's 'OK' skill level: "He's woeful"
Fernando Quiles Jr. - June 28, 2026
Conor McGregor has once again made it clear that he doesn’t think much of Justin Gaethje’s abilities inside the Octagon. Gaethje is the reigning UFC Lightweight Champion after pulling off a big upset at UFC Freedom 250. “The Highlight” was a sizable underdog going into his title unification bout with Ilia Topuria on the White House lawn. Gaethje put damage on Topuria’s face in the first round and he only made things worse for “El Matador” as the fight progressed.
Shara Bullet remains interested in Israel Adesanya fight, but he's willing to step aside for training partner
Fernando Quiles Jr. - June 28, 2026
In the aftermath of his UFC Baku victory, Sharabutdin Magomedov is still intrigued by a potential bout with Israel Adesanya, but he could hand that opportunity to someone else. Shara “Bullet” was featured in the UFC Baku co-main event this past Saturday. He mixed it up with Michel Pereira in a bout that wasn’t without some controversy. Referee Herb Dean was scolded by Alex Pereira and Tom Aspinall for failing to deduct a point from Magomedov despite pulling his opponent’s hair and delivering an eye poke.
UFC Baku winner Rafael Fiziev targets BMF title fight given 'little story' with Charles Oliveira
Fernando Quiles Jr. - June 28, 2026
Rafael Fiziev believes there’s a chance he could make up for the lost Charles Oliveira fight with the BMF title on the line. Fiziev was back in action this past Saturday in the UFC Baku headliner. The Azerbaijani fan favorite traded leather with Manuel Torres inside the National Gymnastics Arena. Fiziev put Torres away just 15 seconds into the second stanza via knockout. It was a much-needed victory for “Ataman,” who entered the fight having gone 1-4 in his last five outings.
Alex Pereira and Tom Aspinall slam Herb Dean over officiating at UFC Baku: "MMA doesn't have rules anymore"
Fernando Quiles Jr. - June 28, 2026
Alex Pereira once again took a shot at Herb Dean following UFC Baku, but this time, Tom Aspinall shares the same sentiment. UFC made its return to Azerbaijan this past Saturday. Rafael Fiziev took center stage and scored a second-round knockout finish over Manuel Torres to send the crowd home happy. Prior to the UFC Baku headliner, there was a middleweight battle between Sharabutdin Magomedov and Michel Pereira. Veteran referee Herb Dean was officiating the bout, and he found himself under heavy scrutiny for how he handled Shara “Bullet’s” infractions.
Patricio Pitbull is respected by AJ McKee but the latter thinks he claimed Bellator GOAT title from the former
Dylan Bowker - June 27, 2026
Patricio Pitbull is a Bellator MMA icon, and someone he split a pair of BMMA title fights with has weighed in on the Brazilian fighter’s run in the UFC so far. The combatant in question is AJ McKee, who fights an undefeated adversary Salamat Isbulaev, at PFL San Diego in the headliner on Saturday, June 27th. When AJ McKee fought Patricio Pitbull twice, the former won a million dollars from a grand prix and the promotion’s lineal 145-pound gold in the process, while Patricio Freire regained the featherweight crown in their rematch. When asked for his thoughts on Pitbull’s UFC run so far, with a couple of losses bookending a win at this juncture, McKee said [via Bowks Talking Bouts],