UFC News

Harry Kettle - February 19, 2026

UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira has spoken openly about his future in the promotion. It’s safe to say that right now, Alex Pereira is one of the biggest stars in mixed martial arts – and perhaps in combat sports as a whole. The two-weight world champion has everyone talking about him, especially in the wake of his epic victory over Magomed Ankalaev in their recent rematch.

Harry Kettle - February 19, 2026

UFC middleweight contender Anthony Hernandez has looked ahead to the possibility of him challenging Khamzat Chimaev. As we know, Anthony Hernandez is easily one of the most exciting contenders in the middleweight division. This weekend, he will attempt to pick up the biggest win of his career thus far when he goes up against the always controversial former champion Sean Strickland.

Dylan Bowker - February 18, 2026

Sean Strickland was directionally vitriolic when discussing the recent Super Bowl halftime show and used some regressive slurs to describe the featured performer, Bad Bunny. This year’s NFL-related entertainment proceedings became heavily politicized, with some seeing Bad Bunny as being representative of a left-leaning performance. While on the other end of this political binary showcase, a Turning Point USA show featuring Kid Rock offered up more of a MAGA-focused, right-leaning musical offering. Strickland returns from his suspension to clash with Anthony ‘Fluffy’ Hernandez this weekend, but he also took some time to lambast Bad Bunny and the NFL halftime show during his pre-fight media day. When the controversial combatant began touching upon how we should all divert from MMA discourse and take a look at recent happenings in the NFL, Strickland said,

Curtis Calhoun - February 18, 2026

The brewing feud between UFC CEO Dana White and Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn took a bizarre turn this week. Dana White’s venture into boxing has only lasted a few months, and he’s already made a fitting rival in Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn.

Curtis Calhoun - February 18, 2026

Tensions are rising between top middleweights Anthony Hernandez and Sean Strickland ahead of their UFC Houston main event. In one of the most important fights of 2026, former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland will look to stop Anthony Hernandez’s meteoric rise at UFC Houston this weekend. Strickland returns to the Octagon for the first time since a UFC 312 loss to Dricus du Plessis last year, followed by a lengthy suspension due to an incident outside of the Octagon.

Curtis Calhoun - February 18, 2026

NBA superstar Jaylen Brown is the latest basketball standout to tease potentially becoming an MMA fighter once his current career concludes. The UFC Octagon has showcased some of the most versatile athletes in the world. From former professional football players like Greg Hardy and Brock Lesnar, to former Olympians like Henry Cejudo, the Octagon has shown many different elements of athleticism.

BJ Penn Staff - February 18, 2026

Former UFC champ Sean Strickland has no interest in watching Ronda Rousey fight Gina Carano on Netflix this May. Rousey will meet Carano in a pro MMA bout on May 16. Both women rank among the most influential fighters in the history of women’s MMA, so the bout will definitely generate huge viewership—possibly more than the upcoming UFC White House card.

BJ Penn Staff - February 18, 2026

Ronda Rousey has issued a friendly challenge to the UFC ahead of her hotly anticipated clash with fellow MMA legend Gina Carano. Rousey and Carano will collide on Netflix on May 16. It will be a professional MMA bout promoted by Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions. The May 16 date puts the fight just one month ahead of the anticipated UFC White House card (June 14), which UFC brass hope will break MMA viewership records.

Fernando Quiles Jr. - February 18, 2026

Sean Strickland believes forces outside of UFC will lead to Khamzat Chimaev eventually defending the middleweight gold. Strickland is known for being outspoken, and his stance on Chimaev’s inactivity is no exception. Chimaev was last seen inside the Octagon when he turned in a brilliant grappling display against Dricus du Plessis. After nearly 22 minutes of control time, Chimaev won the UFC Middleweight Championship via unanimous decision.

Fernando Quiles Jr. - February 18, 2026

To many, Conor McGregor and Jon Jones being showcased on the UFC White House card would be a slam dunk, but Chael Sonnen doesn’t think it’s a good long-term move. UFC appears to be drawing closer to announcing the White House card. Dana White revealed to reporters that the card has been finalized, but he isn’t ready to share details. McGregor quickly deleted a social media post claiming he has accepted a bout, which sparked speculation.

Fernando Quiles Jr. - February 18, 2026

Former UFC heavyweight legend Cain Velasquez was recently released from prison 10 months after pleading no contest to attempted murder, among other charges. The circumstances around Velasquez’s sentence have been heavily discussed, and Sean Strickland is glad that the former champion is a free man. Last year, Velasquez was given a five-year sentence with 1,283 days credited for time served. Back in Feb. 2022, Velasquez shot at a vehicle with Harry Goularte as a passenger. Goularte’s stepfather suffered a non-life threatening injury during the incident. Goularte has been accused of molesting Velasquez’s son and is awaiting trial for a felony charge of lewd acts with a minor. Despite this, Goularte is currently out on bail.

Harry Kettle - February 18, 2026

In a since-deleted tweet, Conor McGregor has claimed that he’s been offered both a date and an opponent for his UFC return. For the longest time now, fight fans have been waiting to see what’s next for Conor McGregor. While he hasn’t competed in mixed martial arts for nearly five years, the Irishman is still considered to be one of the biggest stars of the sport.