UFC News
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.
Khamzat Chimaev's coach fires back at 'delusional' critics: 'Pure dominance'
Fernando Quiles Jr. - February 17, 2026
Khamzat Chimaev’s coach is taking critics of the UFC Middleweight Champion to task. Chimaev has been undefeated in his pro MMA career thus far. He turned in a grappling clinic with nearly 22 minutes of control time against Dricus du Plessis. Many anticipated that du Plessis would be able to create scrambles at least early on, but he didn’t have an answer.
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.
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.
UFC legend says Dana White 'setting up for disappointment' ahead of White House fight announcements
Curtis Calhoun - February 16, 2026
One former UFC fan favorite believes Dana White’s big promises for the upcoming White House card will fall well short of the mark. UFC CEO Dana White and the matchmakers are in the final stages of preparing the upcoming card at the White House. White, who formally announced plans for the event last summer, recently made the bold prediction that the card will be the ‘most-watched UFC event ever’.
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.
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.
Dustin Poirier issues cold response to Nate Diaz's three fight 'wishlist' for planned UFC comeback
Curtis Calhoun - February 16, 2026
Once scheduled UFC rivals Dustin Poirier and Nate Diaz could potentially be on a collision course again after recent social media barbs. 2025 was the final year for many UFC legends, including Dustin Poirier, Anthony Smith, and others. Poirier retired following a BMF title loss to Max Holloway at UFC 318 in front of a homecoming crowd in New Orleans.
Jorge Masvidal brings back Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA, Anthony Smith ends retirement in surprise return
Cole Shelton - February 16, 2026
Jorge Masvidal is bringing back Gamebred bareknuckle MMA. Masvidal told MMAJunkie on Monday that the promotion is planning two tournaments, each with a $500,000 prize pool. It will be a 16-man tournament, one at heavyweight and one in lightweight. All four rounds of the tournament will take place in 2026, with a launch date of April 10 in the Dominican Republic, and the second event is targeted for May 1 in Miami.