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Darren Elkins reveals why he’s walking away after UFC Vegas 120

Darren Elkins wants to ride off into the sunset on his own terms.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship veteran is set for his retirement fight against Yadier Dell Valle at UFC Vegas 120, taking place at Meta Apex in Las Vegas on Aug. 8.

‘I did it my way’: Darren Elkins reflects on career ahead of retirement bout The 42-year-old revealed that he has been contemplating retirement for quite some time, as his body is no longer what it once was. After more than a decade and a half in the UFC, Elkins wants to lay down his gloves inside the Octagon rather than announce his retirement on social media.

“I’m older in age now,” Elkins said at media day. “But mostly, I’m starting to get hurt now a little bit more often. Training all the time is taking a toll on my body more than it used to. It’s time; I’ve been contemplating it for a while… I’ve always wanted to leave my gloves in the Octagon; most people don’t get that chance.”

Elkins went 19-11 in the U…

Valter Walker explains why Derrick Lewis is his preferred UFC heavyweight opponent

Valter Walker has two names in mind for his next Ultimate Fighting Championship heavyweight bout.

The Brazilian submission specialist is hoping to return to action later this year and is eyeing former title challenger Derrick Lewis and unbeaten rising contender Josh Hokit as potential opponents, but prefers one over the other.

Valter Walker wants Derrick Lewis fight after five first-round submissions Walker, who has submitted his last five opponents in the first round, is looking to return to the Octagon in October or November. In a recent interview, “The Foot Hunter” revealed that he wants to fight either Lewis or Hokit next.

“I want Derrick Lewis or Josh Hokit,” Walker told MMA Junkie. “I'll be ready to fight in October or November. I have in mind these two guys: Derrick Lewis or Josh Hokit. This is who I want next.”

Hokit and Lewis squared off at UFC Freedom 250, where the former emerged victorious. Nevertheless, Walker believes the latte…

Stamp Fairtex returns against Selina Flores at One Fight Night 47

Stamp Fairtex’s next bout has been confirmed by One Championship.

The former three-sport champion will return to action against Selina Flores in a women’s atomweight muay thai bout at One Fight Night 47 on Sept. 4.

Stamp Fairtex eyes second muay thai win in 2026 at One Fight Night 47 One Championship announced the matchup on social media, describing it as a “pivotal” clash between two atomweight contenders.

This fight marks Stamp’s third appearance in One Championship since a two-year stint on the sidelines. She is widely regarded as one of combat sport’s most versatile fighters, winning titles in muay thai, kickboxing and MMA.

Meanwhile, Flores represents a new challenge for the former champion. The American enters the matchup looking to establish herself among the division’s top contenders with a win over one of the promotion’s most recognizable fighters.

Elsewhere on the card, Gilbert Nakatani takes on Nazareth Lalthazuala in strawwe…

MVP details long-term plan to challenge UFC following PFL merger

Most Valuable Promotions aims to become a long-term challenger to the Ultimate Fighting Championship after completing its merger with the Professional Fighters League, combining live events, fighter promotion and entertainment content under a single brand.Jake Paul's MVP Reveals Ambitious Plan to Challenge UFC MVP’s merger with PFL represents one of the most significant recent developments in the professional mixed martial arts landscape. The combined company will operate under the MVP name and merge its promotional and talent management operations with the PFL’s event infrastructure and roster.

MVP co-founder Nakisa Bidarian and other executives spoke to Business Insider about how MVP plans to compete with the UFC.

“We're not going to overtake UFC in the near term,” Bidarian said. “Over time, we want to chip away and hopefully create a Nike and Adidas dynamic, a Pepsi and Coke dynamic, over the next seven to 10 years.”

PFL CEO John Martin said t…

Conor McGregor announces fifth career surgery following UFC 329 injury

Conor McGregor is heading back to the operating room.

The former two-division Ultimate Fighting Championship king announced that he is preparing to undergo surgery after suffering ACL and meniscus injuries in his rematch with Max Holloway at UFC 329.

Conor McGregor’s ACL and meniscus injuries from the Max Holloway rematch force another surgery ahead of his UFC return plans. McGregor damaged his ACL and meniscus with the first kick he threw at UFC 329. After struggling to plant his feet while throwing strikes and repeatedly falling to the canvas, the referee stopped the bout after just 69 seconds.“Notorious” is now headed for another surgery, the fifth surgery of his career.

“Well folks, here we go again! Surgery number 5 of my career coming up!” McGregor wrote on Instagram. “All things considered that is an ok number! Let's do it, WE GOT THIS!”

Notably, McGregor suffered the same ACL and meniscus injuries in his other knee during his first b…

Usman Nurmagomedov bet on himself; now the UFC question begins

Usman Nurmagomedov is currently the most sought-after free agent in mixed martial arts.

His manager, Ali Abdelaziz, recently discussed Nurmagomedov’s contract situation, claiming that the Professional Fighters League did not offer the unbeaten lightweight champion a new contract before the final bout of his deal.

Usman Nurmagomedov’s PFL departure creates intrigue around UFC, Dana White and Khabib Nurmagomedov involvement Nurmagomedov (22-0) completed the final fight of his PFL contract at the promotion’s July 31 event, where he scored a first-round knockout victory over Archie Colgan. Abdelaziz has now revealed that the promotion had the opportunity to re-sign him ahead of PFL New York.

“Listen, the truth of the matter is PFL had an opportunity to sign him before the fight,” Abdelaziz told MMA Junkie. “And you know how much I love PFL… They're great people. PFL always gives an opportunity for people and they don't get enough credit.”

Accordin…

Yair Rodriguez returns against Jean Silva in Noche UFC 4 main event

Yair Rodriguez is set to make his Octagon return against one of the featherweight division’s most dangerous finishers.

The former Ultimate Fighting Championship interim featherweight champion will headline Noche UFC 4 opposite Jean Silva on Sept. 12 in Glendale, Arizona.

Yair Rodriguez and Jean Silva headline UFC Noche 4 featherweight matchup in Glendale Rodriguez (20-5) will compete for the first time since defeating former Bellator champion Patricio “Pitbull” Freire by unanimous decision in April 2025.

Meanwhile, Silva (17-3) has established himself as one of the division’s most exciting contenders. He’s coming off a decision victory over Arnold Allen in January. The Brazilian has finished the likes of Bryce Mitchell, Drew Dober and Charles Jourdain since winning a contract on Dana White’s Contender Series.

Silva previously headlined the third edition of Noche UFC in 2025, losing to Diego Lopes. Rodriguez, meanwhile, has never competed at…

Bo Nickal vs. Olympic champion Shirvani Muradov set for RAF Moscow

Bo Nickal will remain active on the wrestling mats while awaiting his next Ultimate Fighting Championship bout.

The UFC middleweight has been booked for another Real American Freestyle matchup, as the promotion recently announced that Nickal will face Olympic gold medalist Shirvani Muradov.

Bo Nickal prepares for Real American Freestyle matchup against 2008 Olympic gold medalist Shirvani Muradov Nickal has booked another RAF appearance shortly after his RAF 12 bout with Max McEnelly, which will take place on Aug. 22. He will face Muradov in Moscow on Sept. 5, according to an announcement from RAF on X.

Nickal last competed at UFC Freedom 250, where he earned a first-round victory over Kyle Daukaus to extend his winning streak. Instead of waiting for his next fight, Nickal is continuing to hone his wrestling skills.

The 30-year-old made his RAF debut at the promotion's inaugural event in August 2025, defeating Jacob Cardenas on points. This n…

Joe Rogan advises Rico Verhoeven to choose boxing over the UFC

Joe Rogan believes Rico Verhoeven will financially benefit more from boxing than from joining the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Verhoeven recently asked for Rogan’s suggestion about competing inside the Octagon during an appearance on the UFC commentator’s podcast.

Joe Rogan says boxing makes the ‘most sense’ as next career move for Rico Verhoeven The former Glory Kickboxing champion noted that Conor McGregor had reportedly earned a massive payday for his return fight last month, which lasted 69 seconds. However, Rogan advised the 37-year-old against signing with the UFC at this point in his career.

Rogan believes Verhoeven can earn more money in boxing. He also claimed that Verhoeven’s friend and training partner Tom Aspinall could have a career in boxing in the future and that the Brit will benefit from working with Eddie Hearn.

“For you, boxing makes the most sense, especially at this point in your life, financially,” Rogan told Verhoeve…

UFC prospect Tommy McMillen claims Alexander Volkanovski cannot beat him

Tommy McMillen claims Alexander Volkanovski has no path to victory against him.

McMillen is currently one of the most hyped featherweight prospects on the Ultimate Fighting Championship roster. The undefeated 28-year-old is high in confidence, as reflected in his recent comments about the reigning champion in his division.

Tommy McMillen says Alexander Volkanovski has no path to victory McMillen is open to fighting Volkanovski next for the right amount of money. “Gun” doesn’t think the 37-year-old UFC featherweight champion can beat him and the same goes for any other 145-pounder.

“I’ll take Volk. He’s like 42 years old, he’s 5’5”, what’s his path to victory?” McMillen said on the One Night with Steiny podcast. “He’s gonna bang with me for five rounds? I’ve never even seen a fourth or fifth round; those are gonna be my best rounds. If the UFC came to me and paid the right amount of money, yes, I’ll go step in there and fight anybody in the top 15, knowing I can win. Th…

Matt Brown gives PFL-MVP credit, but says UFC gap remains massive

Matt Brown believes the newly announced merger between the Professional Fighters League and Most Valuable Promotions is a sensible business move, but still no match for the industry leader.

Brown’s comments echo Ultimate Fighting Championship CEO Dana White’s remarks about the merger.

PFL, Most Valuable Promotions and UFC compete for MMA’s biggest stage Brown suggested that the new company could find more success by avoiding making the UFC their primary competition. In a recent interview, the retired fighter discussed where the PFL-MVP union stands in comparison to the UFC.

“I certainly think it’s a smart thing for both of those companies to do,” Brown said on the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer. “Come together, join forces, try to build something big. Unfortunately, they’re in a space where they’re still just going to be No. 2.”

Brown largely agreed with White’s comments days earlier, where the UFC CEO dismissed the new merger a…

Mateusz Gamrot credits Dustin Poirier’s energy ahead of UFC Vegas 120

Mateusz Gamrot is looking to feed off Dustin Poirier’s energy in his upcoming bout in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Gamrot (26-4) is scheduled to headline UFC Fight Night 284 against Quillan Salkilld (12-1) on Aug. 8 at Meta Apex in Las Vegas. The Polish lightweight’s American Top Team teammate, Poirier, will serve as a desk analyst for the event.

Mateusz Gamrot explains why Dustin Poirier’s energy could help against Quillan Salkilld Gamrot recently recalled his conversation with Poirier about his teammate attending the upcoming Fight Night. He claimed that having his teammate in attendance will only boost his performance.

“[Poirier brings] energy, crazy energy, every day attitude,” Gamrot told Full Send MMA. “He texted me and said he wants to come to my fight this Saturday in Las Vegas. I texted him back, ‘Bro, if you come, you give me 100% more power.’ If Dustin comes to this fight, I’ll be immortal.”

Notably, this will be Poirier’s…

Renato Carneiro slams Dana White for insensitive Instagram post

Dana White’s recent Instagram Stories blunder has drawn the ire of Renato “Money Moicano” Carneiro.

White, on one of his stories, paid tribute to late Ultimate Fighting Championship flyweight Allan Nascimento, who tragically passed away in his sleep at just 34 years of age due to a heart attack. The UFC CEO’s next story showed him smoking a cigar, with the caption reading, “Great Day.”

‘Dana messed up this one’: Renato Carneiro calls out UFC CEO’s insensitive post While the posts are clearly unrelated, fans subsequently pointed out White’s insensitive order of posts on Instagram, catching the attention of Carneiro, who previously mourned his compatriot after hearing the tragic news.

“Damn, man… Dana messed up on this one, posted the kid's photo and then the cigs and we're just enjoying we're just enjoying!!??” The UFC lightweight wrote on X. “We really are just passing through this cruel big world! Only Jesus saves.”

Carneiro returned to winn…

Robert Whittaker eyes Magomed Ankalaev next, dismisses Paulo Costa rematch

Robert Whittaker recently listed matchups he’s interested in while dismissing others.

Whittaker (27-9) has a new range of opponents available after moving up to light heavyweight. “The Reaper” is eyeing fellow former Ultimate Fighting Championship champion Magomed Ankalaev, who defeated Bogdan Guskov at UFC Abu Dhabi last month.

Robert Whittaker discusses Magomed Ankalaev, Paulo Costa and UFC light heavyweight matchups While Whittaker admits Guskov would have been an exciting opponent as well, he also would have been interested in Jan Blachowicz if not for the Polish 205-pounder’s loss to Navajo Stirling at UFC Belgrade. While Paulo Costa has momentum behind him, Whittaker would rather fight others, having already beaten “Borrachinha” in a middleweight bout in 2024.

Whittaker also clarified that he will not fight his teammates Stirling and Carlos Ulberg, the current champion.

“I’d love to get in there with like Ank. Jan just had a loss but …

Allan Nascimento dies at 34 after apparent heart attack, UFC mourns

The mixed martial arts world is mourning the sudden death of Allan Nascimento.

Nascimento (22-7) was reportedly found unresponsive on Monday, Aug. 3. The Ultimate Fighting Championship flyweight suffered a heart attack in his sleep and was pronounced deceased at the scene by medical responders.

UFC and Chute Boxe pay tribute after flyweight Allan Nascimento dies at age 34 The UFC posted a condolence message on social media.

“This morning, Monday, Aug. 3, our beloved flyweight fighter, Allan Nascimento, was found unresponsive after suffering an apparent heart attack in his sleep. Despite the efforts of the responding medical team, he was pronounced deceased at the scene. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Allan's family, friends, teammates, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”

His team, Chute Boxe, also took to social media to share a message.

“Today, our team loses much more than an athlete; we have lost a warrior, a friend, a…

TKO: UFC Freedom 250 lost approximately $30 million at White House

The Ultimate Fighting Championship took a significant financial hit by staging UFC Freedom 250 at the White House.

Despite the loss, the promotion's parent company still posted strong overall growth in the second quarter of 2026.

TKO details the financial impact of UFC Freedom 250 and Q2 2026 earnings TKO Group Holdings recently released its latest financial results, revealing that the White House event resulted in an estimated $30 million loss for the company. Notably, the event didn’t generate any ticket revenue because it was invite-only. The promotion recouped some of the cost through sponsorships and other commercial partnerships.

“With regards to UFC Freedom 250, we incurred significantly higher than normal costs, which we partially offset with sold-out global partnerships inventory,” TKO chief financial officer Andrew Schleimer said during a call with investors. “As a reminder, we did not sell tickets and therefore did not record any live e…

Murilo Bustamante brings together MMA and jiu-jitsu legends for his 8th-degree belt promotion

BJJ icons gathered in Rio de Janeiro to honor Murilo Bustamante. | 📷: Marcelo Alonso/Sherdog

Murilo Bustamante’s latest Brazilian jiu-jitsu milestone became a gathering of the sport’s past, present and future.

The former Ultimate Fighting Championship middleweight champion and longtime BJJ figure was promoted to 8th-degree black belt, receiving the red-and-white coral belt. This was celebrated at the AABB club in Lagoa, Rio de Janeiro, with many legends in attendance.

Several Brazilian legends attended Murilo Bustamante’s belt promotion Bustamante's promotion was witnessed by major figures from both the grappling and mixed martial arts world.

Among those in attendance were Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Ricardo Arona, Ricardo Liborio, Ricardo De La Riva, Fernando Pinduka, Carlos Rosado and Bebeo Duarte. Former rivals from other academies also gathered to honor Bustamante, including Ralph Gracie, Leonardo Castello Branco, Sergio Zveiter, H…

Jonah Hill said he’d ‘annihilate’ anyone; a retired UFC star answered

Jonah Hill’s comments about jiu-jitsu have drawn a reaction from Cub Swanson.

Hill, who trains jiu-jitsu, said that he would “annihilate” anyone who challenges him. Swanson, who competed in the featherweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship for nearly 15 years, now wants to test the Hollywood star’s skills.

Cub Swanson had a playful response after Jonah Hill's confident Brazilian jiu-jitsu comments. Hill’s physical transformation has garnered much attention lately. The actor was known for playing characters on the heavier side, but his weight loss over the past few years hasn’t gone unnoticed. He recently revealed that jiu jitsu has played a major role in his fitness journey and positively benefited his confidence as well.

“I love Brazilian jiu-jitsu, except my body is begging me not to love it,” Hill said during his appearance on SiriusXM’s Smartless. “My wife is often like, ‘You’re not going to become a professional fighter. You kno…

Cain Velasquez breaks silence on life after prison release

Cain Velasquez has reflected on how life has changed since his release from prison.

The former Ultimate Fighting Championship champion was incarcerated after targeting an individual he accused of molesting one of his young relatives. He was released earlier this year, but has stayed away from the limelight. Velasquez has now opened up about his time in prison and the changes that have followed.

Former UFC champion Cain Velasquez reveals how life changed after prison Back in 2022, Velasquez pursued Harry Goularte, a man he accused of molesting one of his young relatives in San Jose, California. He even shot at Goularte’s vehicle, but he came away uninjured. Velasquez was later sentenced to five years in prison for the incident.

After being released in February upon serving 11 months, Velasquez has been focused on rebuilding his life. He is currently mentoring fighters at American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose.

“I've always been a teacher eve…

Alistair Overeem vs. Rico Verhoeven boxing match reportedly in talks

Two Dutch heavyweight combat sports legends are reportedly in talks to meet.

Former Ultimate Fighting Championship title challenger Alistair Overeem and longtime Glory heavyweight champion Rico Verhoeven are in negotiations for a boxing match in Amsterdam, per a new report.

Alistair Overeem and Rico Verhoeven reportedly negotiating heavyweight boxing showdown in Amsterdam Black Book PR, which represents Overeem, shared a post from popular boxing news outlet Boxing.media on their Instagram stories, drawing attention to the potential matchup. The post claims Overeem and Verhoeven, who were scheduled to square off on two previous occasions, could finally lock horns in a boxing match at Johan Cruijff ArenA in Amsterdam.

The post further claims that the boxing clash will be the first of three bouts, with the two heavyweights then competing in MMA and kickboxing.

Overeem hasn’t competed in the UFC since his 2021 loss to Alexander Volkov. He fought …

Why Islam Makhachev says his second welterweight camp is different

Islam Makhachev is settling in nicely at welterweight, which gives him even more confidence.

Makhachev (28-1) recently revealed that his training camp for his Ultimate Fighting Championship welterweight debut was challenging and that he’s better adjusted to the higher weight class going into his first title defense at 170 pounds. The former lightweight champ takes on Ian Garry (17-1) in the main event of UFC 330, which takes place Aug. 15 at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia.

Islam Makhachev details his transition from lightweight champion to UFC welterweight titleholder Makhachev was focused primarily on securing the belt rather than chasing a finish against Jack Della Maddalena last year. The Russian claims to be more comfortable going into his second welterweight outing, as he isn’t lifting weights during camp.

“Now, I feel more comfortable, honestly,” Makhachev told MMA Junkie. “The first camp, so hard. I just tried to gain weight, do a lot …

Former UFC star Zabit Magomedsharipov again books long-awaited return

Zabit Magomedsharipov is set to make his first competitive combat sports appearance in nearly seven years.

The former Ultimate Fighting Championship featherweight takes on Youssef Zalal in the main event of ACBJJ 22 on Aug. 30 in Istanbul, Turkey. Kerim Engizek and Belal Muhammad will also be a part of the grappling event.

Zabit Magomedsharipov returns after UFC run ended in 2019 The ACBJJ 22 main event will pit Magomedsharipov against Zalal, an active 145-pound contender in the UFC. This marks his first competitive outing since his last Octagon appearance, which came in 2019 against Calvin Kattar.

The Russian enjoyed an impressive run in the Octagon between 2017 and 2019, emerging as a fan favorite thanks to his flashy striking and memorable finishes. However, after a bout against Yair Rodriguez fell through, Magomedsharipov stepped away from the sport. He was previously scheduled to face Raul Rosas Jr. in a grappling match in July but withdrew be…

Dana White reveals why Ian Garry is a ‘serious threat’ to Islam Makhachev

Ultimate Fighting Championship CEO Dana White believes Ian Garry possesses one key attribute that could trouble Islam Makhachev.

Makhachev is set to make his first 170-pound title defense when he meets Garry in the UFC 330 main event on Aug. 15 at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia. White recently highlighted what makes the Irish challenger a “serious threat” to the welterweight title.

Dana White explains why Ian Garry’s takedown defense could challenge Islam Makhachev at UFC 330 White pointed to Garry's defensive wrestling as a potential equalizer against Makhachev. He said that if “The Future” proves too difficult to take down, the champion could struggle to impose his will.

“I think it's a great fight, actually,” White told The Mac Life. “If you look at what Ian Garry has been able to do, he frustrates people. His takedown defense has been excellent and we'll see if he can stay on his feet. Obviously, if he can stay off the ground, he poses a …

UFC prospect Danny Silva reveals life-threatening medical scare

Ultimate Fighting Championship featherweight Danny Silva’s career might be cut short.

Silva (11-2) recently revealed that he is contemplating retirement after spending three days in the hospital. Despite his body hurting after a recent training session, “Puma” went for a three-mile run. It was during the run that Silva’s body started shutting down. When he saw swelling on his neck after returning home, the 29-year-old visited the hospital.

UFC featherweight Danny Silva details neck thrombosis, pulmonary embolism Silva’s scans revealed a massive thrombosis in his neck, with part of the clot causing a pulmonary embolism in his lung. Doctors told him that while 50% of patients wouldn’t have made it, the UFC prospect’s great physical shape helped him survive. With much still unknown about his health, Silva is unsure about his future in fighting.

The American, who has only lost to surging contender Kevin Vallejos in four UFC outings, says his second-rou…

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