UFC News
Ronda Rousey says UFC, Dana White 'not exactly interested' in booking Gina Carano fight before MVP announcement
Curtis Calhoun - February 17, 2026
UFC Hall of Famer Ronda Rousey wanted her MMA comeback against Gina Carano to take place in the Octagon before Dana White shut it down. In one of the most surprising combat sports twists in recent years, UFC Hall of Famer Ronda Rousey will return to the cage and fight in MMA for the first time since 2016. Rousey and women’s MMA pioneer Gina Carano will square off in a five-round fight under the Most Valuable Promotions banner on May 16th.
Tom Aspinall: "I just hate the [MMA] business"
Dylan Bowker - February 17, 2026
Tom Aspinall loves the lifestyle pieces of being a competitive mixed martial artist, but the politics involved in the machinations of the business are not to his preference. In a detailed interview with Petesy Carroll of Uncrowned, the UFC heavyweight champion broke the fourth wall and let fans see what his recovery has looked like since dealing with residual eye poke issues from his Ciryl Gane clash in October.
Sean O'Malley: "UFC wants Tom [Aspinall] to vacate" gold, "You just don’t want to be on the UFC’s bad side"
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,
Now sober Geoff Neal looking to begin title run at UFC Houston
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.
Jack Della Maddalena hopes to one day earn title rematch against Islam Makhachev
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.
Ilia Topuria vs Islam Makhachev is the fight to make at UFC White House, says Michael Bisping
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.
Kamaru Usman explains how he would approach Khamzat Chimaev rematch differently
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.
Just Scrap Radio Ep. 214 with Geoff Neal
Cole Shelton - February 17, 2026
The 214th episode of Just Scrap Radio on BJPENN.com with host Cole Shelton is live to preview UFC Houston. We’re joined by the 12th-ranked UFC welterweight, Geoff Neal, to preview his UFC Houston co-main fight against Uros Medic.
Muhammad Mokaev calls out PFL star for 'biggest fight outside of UFC' ahead of MMA return
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.
Anthony Hernandez believes Sean Strickland is the 'perfect fight' for him at UFC Houston: 'Super excited'
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.
Dana White reacts to 'dumb' beef between UFC's Joaquin Buckley and Boxing's Terence Crawford
Curtis Calhoun - February 16, 2026
UFC CEO Dana White weighed in on one of fighting’s most random beefs in between Joaquin Buckley and Terence Crawford. The ongoing debate between MMA and Boxing competitors continues to take combat sports fans by storm.
Zabit Magomedsharipov teases fighting return 4 years after shocking UFC retirement
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.