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Defeating Cody Garbrandt was one of the high points of Pedro Munhoz's UFC career. | Getty/UFC

Pedro Munhoz is ready to move on to the next phase of his career.

The 39-year-old UFC bantamweight veteran revealed via Instagram that he has requested his release from the Las Vegas-based promotion. “The Young Punisher” hasn’t competed since November 2024, when he dropped a unanimous verdict to Aiemann Zahabi at UFC Fight Night 246.

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A New Direction “Since 2014, I’ve been part of the UFC, building my name, proving myself, and showing what I’m capable of inside that octagon. After 32 fights, I can proudly say I’ve never been submitted or knocked out. I’ve always stepped in there with heart, discipline, and respect for the game,” Munhoz wrote.

“There comes a point in life when you don’t just stay comfortable, you take control of what’s next. Right now, I feel it’s time to take a new direction, explore different opportunities, and focus on othe…

Curtis Blaydes is the UFC's all-time leader in takedowns at heavyweight. | Getty/UFC

When Curtis Blaydes initially got the offer to fight Josh Hokit at UFC 327, he admittedly didn’t know anything about his opponent.

“My thoughts were: ‘Who is this guy?’” Blaydes told UFC.com. “Also, I’ll take the money. I knew otherwise I’d have to wait a little longer and we’re trying to make some moves this year.”

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Hokit has combined performance in the cage — he’s 8-0 with two first-round finishes in the UFC — with a pro-wrestling style schtick that has drawn plenty of attention, though not all of it has been positive. Most recently, “The Incredible Hok” had a verbal confronation with Jiri Prochazka before unveiling his latest personalat UFC 327 media day.

It’s nothing new, according to Blaydes, who adds that Hokit’s ability to promote pales in comparison to some of his more celebrated predecessors.

“There’s Chael Sonnen, he’s like the OG, then…

Dana White normally won’t entertain holding a fight card outdoors. However, he will make an exception for a once-in-a-lifetime UFC card at the White House.

The UFC White House card will take place on June 14 on the South Lawn and is headlined by a lightweight title clash between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje. In the co-main event, Alex Pereira will face Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight crown.

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If the weather doesn’t cooperate, the card will move forward — with one exception.

“[If it rains] we're fighting," White told Adin Ross. "If it f—ing snows, we're fighting. Nothing will stop this show going that night. It can f—ing rain – Lighting is the only thing. We'd have to wait it out. We'd have to wait the lightning out and then do the fight.

"This is why I don't like doing things outside. Rain would suck. Heavy winds will suck. If it's muggy and bugs. All this kind of sh— is the stuff you have to deal with when you do it outside, but we'r…

Demetrious Johnson couldn’t overcome a significant size disadvantage during a recent grappling session with Khamzat Chimaev.

The former UFC flyweight champion posted a video on Instagram of the two fighters training together on the mats. “Mighty Mouse” began the encounter sounding confident.

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“Did Arman [Tsarukyan] tell you I was good? Arman tell you I was strong?” Johnson said.

“Maybe for him, yeah,” Chimaev replied.

It didn’t take long for Chimaev, the reigning UFC middleweight champion, to lock in a brabo choke to force a tap from Johnson. The time of the submission was 47 seconds.

Being Realistic “You guys are like ‘man, why did he pull guard?’” Johnson said. “Do you think I’m going to shoot a f—-ing takedown on Khamzat Chimaev?”

Johnson will be enshrined in the UFC Hall of Fame as part of International Fight Week this July. In addition to a lengthy reign as UFC flyweight king, “Mighty Mouse” was also a 135-pound title holder in O…

Josh Hokit is doing whatever he can to gain attention.

The heavyweight prospect was a hot topic during UFC 327 media day, though not necessarily for positive reasons. First, Hokit was captured on video by Gifdsports having a verbal altercation with light heavyweight Jiri Prochazka.

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Josh Hokit cosplaying as a Mexican gets into it with Jiri Prochazka at #UFC327 media day pic.twitter.com/sz6VSvUyso

— Gifdsports (@gifdsports) April 8, 2026

“Stay where you are,” Prochazka said.

“I’ll cut you up with this lightsaber, homie,” Hokit said, prop in hand. “And then ---ing stitch your head on Alex Pereira’s body, homie.”

It’s unclear what led to the brief altercation.

From there, Hokit proceeded to cut a couple of bizarre promos — even by his standards — during his media day session. “The Incredible Hok” has become well known for his pro-wrestling inspired interviews during his UFC tenure.

Read more about Josh Hokit confronts Jiri Prochazka, unveils bizarre persona at UFC 327 media day

Darren Till’s combat sports journey will continue in Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship.

The promotion on Wednesday that Till will make his debut at BKFC 90 in Birmingham, England against an as yet-to-be-determined opponent. The UFC veteran is expected to compete at 185 pounds. Ariel Helwani was first to report the news.

Earlier this week, Till announced that he was parting ways with Misfits Boxing, with an announcement regarding his next move coming soon. “The Gorilla” went 3-0 while capturing a title during his stint under the Misfits banner. He stated that a return to the organization down the road was a possibility.

Till emerged as a star early in his UFC career thanks to victories over welterweight stalwarts such as Donald Cerrone and Stephen Thompson. After suffering a second-round submission defeat against Tyron Woodley in a 170-pound title bout in September 2018, the Liverpool native was never the same, ending his promotional tenure with losses in four o…

Dana White once allegedly forgot where he parked his Ferrari. 

Chael Sonnen was recently interviewing Steve Garcia, who fights Diego Lopes at the White House on June 14. Sonnen correctly guessed that Garcia was at the Palace Station Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Sonnen then recalled a story from when he stayed a week at the Palace Station. 

Sonnen claims he saw a black Ferrari parked in the fire parking lane outside the hotel. The former UFC light heavyweight stayed a week at the hotel and never saw the car move. Sonnen claims he somehow guessed that the car could be Dana White’s. When Sonnen asked White if he had parked his car at the Palace Station, the UFC head honcho allegedly thanked him. White had seemingly forgotten where he had parked his Ferrari for two months. White then told one of his men to immediately get the car back.

Vegas Tales“I get to the Palace Station, there’s this beautiful black Ferrari right out front where the Uber drops me off,”…

Steve Garcia thinks Alexander Volkanovski is no longer the same fighter that he used to be.

Garcia is scheduled to fight Diego Lopes at UFC White House on June 14. Garcia wants to call for a title shot against Volkanovski if he gets past Lopes. Garcia believes Volkanovski should ideally retire now. However, if Volkanovski doesn’t retire, “Mean Machine” vows to make the 37-year-old hang up his gloves if they meet inside the Octagon. While Garcia isn’t looking past Lopes, he sees chinks in Volkanovski’s armor now.

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Championship Dreams “I’m calling for that strap,” Garcia said on the "Smash Cast” podcast. “Give me that strap, that’s what I want. Honestly, I feel like Volk should retire. Because if he doesn’t, I’m gonna retire him… But again, I got a huge tall task ahead of me. I’m not gonna look past Diego Lopes, that would be stupid to do it. But in my head every time I see Volk, I’m like, ah, he’s not the Volk of old. And there’s ways to beat this guy.…

Jiri Prochazka is the true embodiment of the samurai lifestyle. 

Prochazka is scheduled to fight Carlos Ulberg for the vacant light heavyweight title at UFC 327 on Saturday at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. Prochazka recently put his hand on a nest of Mexican ants as part of his training. The Czech star says the bites were not the most painful that he has experienced so far. According to Prochazka, one must experience and overcome pain to become stronger.

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Find the Strength “I tried to feel the bites of these Mexican ants,” Prochazka told the UFC. “This one from the video, they were not so painful. These ones, which were in the grass, those were painful bites. If you are looking for strength, you have to find the strength in animals, places, feel the pain, overcome the pain.” 

Prochazka (32-5) is one of the most unorthodox personalities to have ever graced the sport. A strict follower of the Bushido code, “BJP” often engages in bizarr…

Joe Pyfer is not a fan of Khamzat Chimaev. 

Sean Strickland (30-7) is scheduled to challenge Chimaev (15-0) for the middleweight title in the main event at UFC 328 on May 9 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. While Chimaev is a heavy favorite, many believe Strickland could pose a serious threat to the Chechen-born champion. 

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Pyfer wants Strickland to defeat Chimaev. Pyfer doesn’t like the inactivity of Chimaev, who is set to defend his title for the first time since winning it against Dricus Du Plessis in August 2025. Pyfer believes Strickland’s elite defense will be his strongest weapon against Strickland. While Strickland has lost twice against Du Plessis, Pyfer believes the South African was a stylistically unsuitable matchup for Strickland.Defense Wins Championships? “I want Sean Strickland to win,” Pyfer said on the "Death Row MMA” podcast. “I don’t like the inactivity of Khamzat… I think more than anything, Sean’s got good …

Belal Muhammad and Kamaru Usman’s common manager, Ali Abdelaziz, must be in a tough spot. 

Muhammad is scheduled to fight surging welterweight contender Gabriel Bonfim at UFC Fight Night 278 on June 6 at the Apex in Las Vegas. Muhammad claims Bonfim and Usman were two potential opponents initially mentioned to him by his manager. However, Muhammad was almost certain he would have to fight Bonfim, as he knew Usman wouldn’t accept. 

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Muhammad even plans to tell Abdelaziz in person that he is protecting Usman. However, Muhammad also understands Abdelaziz’s predicament. Muhammad notes that Usman is one of the most high-profile fighters that Abdelaziz has managed over the years. However, Muhammad believes “The Nigerian Nightmare” is at the tail end of his career, where he has to wait for a perfect matchup.

Usman was initially rallying for a welterweight title shot against Islam Makhachev, who is also managed by Abdelaziz. However, Muhammad beli…

Dominick Reyes sees an upside to fighting on the same card that has a title fight. 

Reyes (15-5) is scheduled to fight fellow veteran Johnny Walker (22-9) in a light heavyweight matchup at UFC 327 on Saturday at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. Meanwhile, Jiri Prochazka and Carlos Ulberg will fight for the vacant light heavyweight title in the main event of the same card. 

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Reyes believes there is an advantage of fighting on the same card where the title is on the line. According to “The Devastator,” we live in a world of recency bias. Reyes believes a highlight-reel win over Walker will make him relevant in the title picture since the title goes on the line just a couple of fights later.Planning to Put on a Show “I win this fight, I would have won four of my last five, so it’s pretty damn good,” Reyes told MMAjunkie.com. “The cool thing about fighting on the title fight card is a relevancy thing. We live in a world of, ‘What have you don…

Ian Garry is hungry for a welterweight title shot. | Getty/UFC

Ian Garry doesn’t miss any opportunity to rally for a title shot against Islam Makhachev. 

Garry is considered a frontrunner, along with Michael Morales, for the next welterweight title shot against Makhachev. However, a matchup between Makhachev and lightweight champion Ilia Topuria is arguably one of the most anticipated matchups in modern MMA history. A fight between Topuria and Makhachev was rumoured to be the original plan for the UFC White House card in June. However, Topuria will now defend his title against interim champion Justin Gaethje at the White House on June 14. 

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Topuria hinted that he was originally scheduled to fight Makhachev, who pulled out. Makhachev recently denied Topuria’s accusations, claiming to have accepted the fight. Makhachev instead accused Topuria of demanding an unrealistic amount of money, and pulling out when the UFC didn’t meet h…

Paulo Costa can’t wait to get rid of his worst investment.

Costa recently revealed that he regrets buying an old BMW in Las Vegas. The UFC star did not expect the amount of wear and tear the car has undergone, leading to perpetually high maintenance costs. “Borrachinha” can’t wait to sell the old car.

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Buyer’s Remorse“I bought an old BMW in Las Vegas,” Costa told t UFC on Paramount+. “I think it was the worst thing because it has a lot of damage, and the maintenance is so high. We spent a lot of money on that. I can’t wait to sell it.”

Costa (15-4) is scheduled to fight undefeated light heavyweight contender Azamat Murzakanov at UFC 327 on Saturday at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. The Brazilian is coming off an upset win over Roman Kopylov that saw him rebound from consecutive losses against Robert Whittaker and Sean Strickland. However, Costa displayed two of his best performances in the losses against Whittaker and Strickland.

Meanwhi…

Carlos Ulberg has won nine straight UFC bouts. | Getty/UFC

Jiri Prochazka is one of the most unorthodox fighters in the sport, which can make game planning something of an interesting process.

The was the challenge Carlos Ulberg faced as he prepared to face Prochazka for the vacant light heavyweight title in the UFC 327 main event on Saturday at the Kaseya Center in Miami. At the same time, the City Kickboxing standout has been eyeing Prochazka as a potential opponent for quite some time as he made his way toward the top of the 205-pound division.

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“There's no real preparing for a particular fighter like Jiri. He's very unpredictable,” Ulberg told the UFC.  “We do have some looks that can give us what we need for this particular fight. It was a short notice to take this fight on, especially it being a world title fight, five rounds.

“But we've been preparing for this fight for years now. We've seen it happen. We've seen that …

Gable Steveson has an opponent for his Real American Freestyle debut.

The two-time NCAA national champion and Olympic gold medalist will square off against Alexander Romanov in the RAF 9 main event on May 30 at College Park Center in Arlington, Texas. The organization announced the match on Tuesday. Additionally, Colby Covington will meet Chris Weidman in the RAF 9 co-headliner. The event streams on Fox Nation.

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A Highly-Anticipated Debut While his wrestling background is well known, Steveson is also one of the top prospects in all of MMA. The 25-year-old, who has worked extensively with former UFC two-division champion Jon Jones, is 3-0 in MMA bouts — finishing all of his opponents inside of a round. Prior to focusing on fighting, Steveson tried his hand at both professonal wrestling and the NFL.

Romanov went 7-3 during a 10-bout UFC stint to 2024. The 35-year-old Moldovan has since joined Professional Fighters League and is currently scheduled t…

Khamzat Chimaev (15-0) recently said that he does not put too much thought into his legacy.

The UFC middleweight champion believes legacy will find its own course if it has too. Chimaev enjoys traveling to fight and the paycheck that follows.

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“No legacy,” Chimaev said on the "Beyond the Win” podcast. podcast. “I never think too much about the legacy. Legacy gonna come by itself. I enjoy my job. I like to train, I like to fly to other countries, beat somebody up, take the money and come back.” A Growing Trend? Chimaev is not the first fighter to prioritize money over legacy. The legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov had always emphasized that he fought for his legacy, not money. However, things have since changed in the MMA world. Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou fought only once in MMA after leaving the UFC, despite securing a lucrative contract with the PFL. When asked if he jeopardized his legacy by leaving the UFC, Ngannou said that le…

Jiri Prochazka doesn’t mix emotions with his profession. 

Prochazka has stopped every UFC opponent with the exception Alex Pereira. The Czech star was finished in two title fights against Pereira. However, Prochazka doesn’t hold any grudges against Pereira. “BJP” isn’t hell bent on avenging his losses against Pereira. Prochazka took the losses in his stride, and wants to prove that he always comes back stronger.

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Moving On “I'm not pushing the UFC to give me Alex,” Prochazka told New York Post Sports. “I’m not obsessed with that. I'm not the guy who holds some bad emotions, like, ‘I have to defeat Alex Pereira. Til that time I won’t find calm.’ I really don’t care. Every fall down will strengthen your mind and spirit. And you have to come back and be the best.”

Prochazka (32-5) was knocked out by Pereira (13-3) the first time in a fight for the vacant lightweight title at UFC 295 in 2023. Pereira once again defended his title against Prochazka …

Islam Makhachev recently doubled down on his accusations against Ilia Topuria. 

A fight between Makhachev (28-1) and Topuria (17-0) is arguably the most anticipated booking by MMA fans right now. With the buildup going on for over a year, the fight was reportedly being targeted to be the main event for the UFC White House card in June. However, Topuria is now scheduled to defend his lightweight title against interim champion Justin Gaethje at the White House. 

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Topuria has since claimed that he originally accepted an offer to fight Makhachev at the White House. However, Topuria was allegedly informed that he would fight Gaethje a day before the card was officially announced by the UFC. Topuria recently reiterated his comments at a press conference in Spain. 

Makhachev has now responded to Topuria, accusing the undefeated Georgian-Spaniard of turning down a fight offer. Makhachev claims he accepted an offer to fight Topuria at the Whi…

Dricus Du Plessis has faced some opponents who just refused to go down.

Du Plessis (23-3) lost his middleweight title to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319 last year. However, it didn’t feel like a fight to Du Plessis, as he was dominated for five straight rounds. Excluding the loss against Chimaev, Du Plessis considers Israel Adesanya the most technically sound opponent he has faced so far. Du Plessis was losing against Adesanya while defending his title in 2024, before he turned things around and submitted “The Last Stylebender.” 

In terms of sheer grit, Du Plessis considers Brad Tavares and Sean Strickland his toughest opponents so far. Du Plessis has won two title fights against Strickland, who is known for defensive striking. Du Plessis notes that while Strickland rolled with his punches, Tavares kept standing despite absorbing some flush shots.

Technical and Tough “Obviously, the Khamzat fight was one that I lost pretty significantly,” Du Plessis told Fight Fore…

Santiago Ponzinibbio never enjoyed the company of Colby Covington. 

Ponzinibbio recently called out Covington for a UFC fight. “The Argentine Dagger” slammed Covington for calling for matchups that are implausible. Ponzinibbio has previously trained with Covington at American Top Team in Coconut Creek, Florida. Ponzinibbio doubts Covington will accept his callout considering their experience training together.

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“One fight that I would like without a doubt is against Colby Covington,” Ponzinibbio told Hablemos MMA A. “… He is always asking for fights that he knows aren’t gonna happen. We had the opportunity to train together here, at American Top Team. But truth is, he knows that it may not be an easy fight for him. And that’s why he doesn’t want to accept it. But it would be a great fight for me without a doubt.” 

Covington left ATT in 2020 over growing feuds with multiple teammates. Ponzinibbio claims Covington was always selfish, compet…

Khamzat Chimaev is oozing confidence as usual. 

Chimaev dethroned Dricus Du Plessis to win the middlweight title at UFC 319 last year. While some expected it to be close contest, Chimaev dominated Du Plessis for five rounds to earn a unanimous decision win. “Borz” was extremely confident going into his title fight against the South African. Chimaev explains that he doesn’t like to accept fights that he thinks he won’t win. And Chimaev currently believes he can win all potential fights that are on offer. The undefeated Chechen-born doesn’t think it’s a big deal to beat up just one opponent inside the Octagon.

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“Honestly, I don’t like to start things where I can’t win,” Chimaev said on the ”Beyond the Win” podcast.. “These fights, I can win. That’s why – I know I can win the fight, I go in excited, happy. It’s only one guy against you. It’s not that big thing to beat him up.” No Fear Chimaev (15-0) puts his title on the line against Sean Stric…

Jiri Prochazka doesn’t mind Magomed Ankalaev being excluded from the light heavyweight title picture. 

Former champion Alex Pereira recently vacated the light heavyweight title and moved up to heavyweight. Pereira is now scheduled to fight Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title at UFC White House on June 14. 

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With Pereira out of the picture, many expected Magomed Ankalaev to evidently get a shot at the vacant light heavyweight title. However, despite being the only man to beat Pereira at light heavyweight, Ankalaev has been excluded from the upcoming title fight. Prochazka is now scheduled to fight Carlos Ulberg in the main event at UFC 327 on Aprill 11 at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. ‘Not Just Like That’ Prochazka believes Ankalaev didn’t deserve a shot at the light heavyweight title after his last loss against Pereira. Prochazka believes the former champion has to build his way back into the title picture.

“I think af…

Arman Tsarukyan is making bold claims. 

Tsarukyan was recently asked who would win a fight between him and a prime Khabib Nurmagomedov. Tsarukyan believes he would defeat “The Eagle” via a decision. According to “Ahalkalakets,” he is more well rounded than Nurmagomedov.

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Betting on Himself “It’s probably a decision… My skills, I’m more well-rounded than him,” Tsarukyan told influencer Nawid Yosufi.

Nurmagomedov (29-0) is considered one of the greatest fighters of all time. Nurmagomedov retired as the undefeated UFC lightweight champion following the demise of his father in 2020. 

Meanwhile, Tsarukyan (23-3) is currently considered one of the best active fighters in the world. Tsarukyan gave a tough contest to Nurmagomedov’s teammate and successor Islam Makhachev in his short notice UFC debut in 2019. While Tsarukyan was scheduled to challenge Makhachev for the lightweight title in a rematch last year, he was forced out with an injury…