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Aaron Pico is learning to be more patient inside the Octagon.

Pico (14-5) is scheduled to face Losene Keita (17-2) at UFC 333 on Oct. 24 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Ahead of the matchup, the former Bellator fighter said he wants to gain experience rather than rush to finish.

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Aaron Pico explains new fighting mentality ahead of Losene Keita matchup at UFC 333 Pico was knocked out in his UFC debut last year before earning his first promotional victory against Patricio Freire. He said he has since adopted a “beginner mentality.”

Pico, who has finished 11 of his 14 professional victories, has worked with coach Roberto Barreiro to develop a more measured approach. Instead of trying to end fights as quickly as possible, he now wants to settle into the action.

“When I say I needed to be humbled, it's not in the fact that I walked or carried myself… I needed to humble myself in the way that I was fighting,” Pico said at the UFC 333 media day. “I was…

Mandel Nallo says his nose-picking gesture at the ceremonial weigh-ins for the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s recent event in Edmonton, Alberta, was a message to his children.

Nallo stopped Nate Landwehr at UFC Edmonton on Oct. 17. Before the bout, however, the Canadian lightweight drew attention by conspicuously picking his nose onstage. He has since explained the gesture.

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Mandel Nallo says his sons inspired UFC Edmonton nose-picking gesture before Dana White's handshake offer Nallo said his sons suggested the gesture as a way to acknowledge them while they watched. That created an awkward moment when UFC CEO Dana White extended his hand before Nallo’s faceoff with Landwehr. Speaking to Ariel Helwani, Nallo explained that refusing the handshake might have looked disrespectful.

“I have two boys; they're 5 and 7... I wanted to notify them that I knew they were watching,” Nallo said. “So I told them, ‘What's something I can do so that you guys can…

Unbeaten welterweight Jacobe Smith will reportedly put his perfect record on the line against Ultimate Fighting Championship veteran Randy Brown.

Smith is coming off a first-round knockout of Bruce Whitehead at UFC 332 on Oct. 3. The 30-year-old needed just 92 seconds to improve his professional record to 13-0. He now faces a more experienced opponent in Brown, who has competed in the UFC since 2016.

Jacobe Smith vs. Randy Brown reportedly set for UFC's Oct. 31 Las Vegas cardBrown has made 22 UFC appearances and is coming off consecutive losses to Gabriel Bonfim and Kevin Holland. According to Marcel Dorff, “Rude Boy” will face Smith, who is 4-0 in the UFC after earning a contract on Dana White’s Contender Series.

The welterweights are slated to meet at UFC Fight Night 292 on Oct. 31 at Meta Apex in Las Vegas. A lightweight matchup between Renato “Money” Moicano and Tom Nolan headlines the card.

Randy Brown vs. Jacobe Smith #UFCVegas123 -…

Alex Pereira has explained his frustration with the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s heavyweight matchmaking.

Pereira (13-4) is scheduled to face Sergei Pavlovich (21-3) at UFC 335 on Dec. 12 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Meanwhile, Josh Hokit (10-0) will face Ciryl Gane (14-2) for the heavyweight title at UFC 334 on Nov. 14 at Madison Square Garden in New York.

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Pereira said he initially expected either a rematch with Gane or a grudge match against Hokit, but he sees the Pavlovich booking as a favorable stylistic matchup.Alex Pereira explains UFC matchmaking frustration and why Sergei Pavlovich is more dangerous than Josh Hokit Pereira lost his UFC heavyweight debut to Gane by technical knockout in an interim title bout at UFC Freedom 250. After Tom Aspinall relinquished the undisputed championship, Pereira said the promotion discussed a title rematch with Gane or a fight against Hokit, who has repeatedly criticized “Poatan.”

Pereira considers H…

Petr Yan believes he has figured out Merab Dvalishvili ahead of their trilogy bout.

Yan is scheduled to defend his Ultimate Fighting Championship bantamweight title against Dvalishvili at UFC 333 on Oct. 24 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Their series is tied 1-1, but Yan expects to replicate his commanding performance in their rematch.

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Petr Yan expects another dominant showing against Merab Dvalishvili in UFC 333 title trilogy Dvalishvili overwhelmed Yan with his wrestling to win their first meeting by unanimous decision in 2023. Yan reversed the result in their December 2025 title rematch, repeatedly defending takedowns and landing effective strikes to reclaim the championship by unanimous decision.

“No Mercy” expects another strong showing in their rubber match.

“We definitely have enough information downloaded from the time we spent together in the Octagon,” Yan said in a pre-fight interview. “But the second victory, obviously, was very do…

Alexander Volkanovski is confident he’ll become the first fighter to defeat Movsar Evloev.

Volkanovski (28-4) will defend his Ultimate Fighting Championship featherweight title against Evloev (20-0) at UFC 333 on Oct. 24 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. The champion believes he presents a “nightmare” stylistic matchup for the unbeaten Russian.

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Alexander Volkanovski explains why Movsar Evloev's grappling may fail him in UFC 333 title fight Ahead of their title clash, Volkanovski explained that Evloev relies on his wrestling to escape difficult situations. The Australian champion believes his own grappling skills will deny the challenger that fallback option.

“I think it just doesn’t end well for him,” Volkanovski said in a pre-fight interview. “I don’t mean it in any bad way. I just think I’m the guy to take that zero from him. He’s got incredible skill. He is very effective with what he does… Every time he’s had problems, he could rely on that wrestl…

Movsar Evloev says he has pushed himself harder than ever ahead of his first UFC title shot.

Evloev (20-0) is scheduled to challenge Alexander Volkanovski (28-4) for the Ultimate Fighting Championship featherweight title at UFC 333 on Oct. 24 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Ahead of the bout, the unbeaten Russian discussed how his preparations have differed from previous training camps.

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Movsar Evloev details toughest training camp ahead of Alexander Volkanovski title fight at UFC 333 Evloev said he increased his workload across all aspects of training to address any potential weaknesses. He believes that preparation will help him showcase his abilities in Saturday’s main event.

“This preparation is different just because I pushed more than ever,” Evloev said in a pre-fight interview. “And we did more of everything to make sure we didn’t miss anything. He hasn’t beaten anyone like me. There’s many things that make me special, like unique. And I’m abo…

Prop bets are available for the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s upcoming event in Abu Dhabi.

UFC 333 takes place Oct. 24 at Etihad Arena on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, featuring two championship bouts. BetOnline Sports & Casino is offering odds on which matchup will produce the fastest finish and how many bouts will end inside the distance.

Nikita Krylov vs. Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev leads UFC 333 fastest-finish odds at -200Nikita Krylov vs. Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev is the favorite in the fastest-finish market. The matchup is listed at -200, followed by Dominick Reyes vs. Azamat Murzakanov at +200 and Aaron Pico vs. Losene Keita at +300. The two championship bouts — Alexander Volkanovski vs. Movsar Evloev and Petr Yan vs. Merab Dvalishvili 3 — have the longest odds among the nine listed matchups.

The sportsbook has also set an over/under of 7.5 for the number of fights to end inside the distance at Saturday’s event.

The listed odds for the fastest-finish prop are:…

Brendan Allen says he and Khamzat Chimaev have agreed to fight each other only if a title is on the line.

Allen submitted Christian Leroy Duncan in his last bout, extending his Ultimate Fighting Championship winning streak to four. The victory strengthened “All In”’s case for a title shot and raised the possibility of a clash with his friend, Chimaev. However, Allen said they have an agreement governing a potential matchup.

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Brendan Allen explains title-only fight agreement with Khamzat Chimaev Allen discussed the arrangement during an appearance on MMA Junkie Radio, saying their friendship wouldn’t prevent them from sharing the Octagon in a championship bout.

“We have the agreement that we’re not going to fight each other unless it’s for gold,” Allen said. “So, if it’s for the belt, then we’re gonna fight. Fighting for the belt changes my life, and it changes my family’s. Everyone that I’ve ever come in contact with knows that about me: if it’s for…

Building the most data-backed combat sport on earth 🌎 We're deepening our partnership with @BallysCorp ahead of Friday’s card in Biloxi. Swipe to see what this 360 partnership means for the future of bare knuckle ➡️ https://t.co/G2L24zg52w

— BKB Bare Knuckle Boxing (@bkbbareknuckle) October 21, 2026

Bally’s Corp. and BKB Bare Knuckle Boxing will bring their latest Fightnight event to Mississippi on Friday, Oct. 23, combining professional bare-knuckle boxing with technology that measures punches and delivers real-time statistics to spectators and television viewers.

The event at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi is part of an expanding partnership linking Bally’s casino properties, sports technology and media distribution, the companies announced Wednesday.

Bally’s, BKB expand Bare-Knuckle Boxing partnership with Oct. 23 fight card in Biloxi

The collaboration centers on Bally’s proprietary ForceIQ punch-tracking technology, whi…

Bilal Hasan wants to capitalize on his early UFC momentum.

Hasan scored a 45-second technical knockout on Dana White’s Contender Series in August to earn his Ultimate Fighting Championship contract. The undefeated flyweight made his UFC debut in Shanghai just 18 days later, securing a second-round knockout. He recently discussed his busy schedule ahead of his second UFC appearance, slated for UFC 334.

Bilal Hasan embraces rapid UFC rise ahead of Luis Gurule fight at UFC 334 Hasan (10-0, 1 NC) is scheduled to fight Luis Gurule (11-4) at UFC 334 on Nov. 14 at Madison Square Garden in New York. “The IndoNinja” said his UFC career is moving faster than expected. He initially wanted only one more fight this year after earning his contract but has welcomed the additional opportunities.

“I said it right after my Contender Series fight, ‘I need just maybe one more fight before the end of this year. I want to take it super slow; I want to build all this.’ The UFC put me on a r…

Scott Coker is seeking rule changes before his new promotion’s debut.

The former head of Strikeforce and Bellator recently unveiled Ki MMA, which is expected to stage its first event in 2027. Coker said the promotion has submitted a request to the California State Athletic Commission to consider an alternative ruleset.

Ki MMA asks California regulators to discuss global MMA rules at Dec. 1 meetingCoker wants to incorporate elements of the global MMA rules into the Unified Rules of MMA. However, the proposal would exclude soccer kicks, stomps and what his statement describes as “linear knee strikes.”

“I’ve always believed MMA should keep evolving,” Coker wrote on Instagram. “Ki MMA has formally requested a rule change to bring elements of the Global MMA Rules into the Unified Rules, excluding soccer kicks, stomps and linear knee strikes as per Rule 533. We’ve asked CSAC to discuss this topic at the Dec. 1 stakeholders meeting.”

Eddie Hearn is mocking Zuffa Boxing after Shakur Stevenson’s departure.

The promotion, headed by Ultimate Fighting Championship CEO Dana White, signed Stevenson in July. However, the boxing star has secured his release without fighting for the organization.

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Eddie Hearn calls Shakur Stevenson's departure before Zuffa Boxing debut 'humiliating' Hearn criticized White over Stevenson’s departure. The Matchroom Boxing chairman said he initially thought the news was a publicity stunt.

“Unbelievable, I thought it was a publicity stunt, to be honest with you,” Hearn told iFL TV. “Like, until Shakur’s team called me, messaged me last night, I thought it was all just some kind of stunt for an announcement, because it was so bad, so embarrassing, so humiliating for Zuffa, that I thought it can’t be real. Because it happened, and literally within 30 seconds I had 50 messages. ‘Oh my God, have you seen this? Zuffa’s finished. Zuffa’s imploding. Dana White’s hea…

Muhammad Mokaev believes the Ultimate Fighting Championship is unfairly damaging fighters’ careers.

The UFC has drawn criticism for declining to renew the contracts of fighters on winning streaks. Mokaev claims some athletes have been warned to change their wrestling-heavy styles or risk losing their roster spots, raising questions about the fairness and competitive implications of such an approach.

Muhammad Mokaev questions UFC wrestling warnings and Dana White's remarks after Farid Basharat exit Farid Basharat (16-0) recently completed his contract and wasn’t offered a new deal despite going 7-0 in the promotion. UFC CEO Dana White suggested that difficulties with matchmakers or declined fights could explain such departures without identifying a specific incident involving Basharat. Mokaev believes those comments can damage fighters’ reputations and prospects after leaving the UFC.

The former UFC fighter questioned whether warnings about fighting styles improperly in…

Electronic Arts is bringing back its Fight Night boxing franchise.EA Sports teases Fight Night revival without announcing release date or platforms Ultimate Fighting Championship franchise developer EA Sports announced the series’ return in a social media post showing boxing gloves hanging over a ring. The caption reads:

“To everyone who stayed in our corner: Fight Night is coming back.”

Further details about the revival have not been announced. EA Canada developed the original Fight Night 2004 and the series’ two most recent installments, Fight Night Round 4 and Fight Night Champion. EA Chicago developed Fight Night Round 2 and Fight Night Round 3 before the studio closed in 2007. EA Sports UFC was developed in a collaboration between EA Canada and SkyBox Labs.

To everyone who stayed in our corner: Fight Night is coming back. 🥊♥️ #FightNight https://t.co/THPwtB7hTC

— EA SPORTS Fight Night (@EASPORTSFN) October 20, 2026

Jose Aldo would wait for Movsar Evloev to lose and then cut him from the Ultimate Fighting Championship roster if he were in charge.

Evloev (20-0) is scheduled to challenge Alexander Volkanovski (28-4) for the featherweight title at UFC 333 on Oct. 24 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Aldo said he wouldn’t have given Evloev a title shot.

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Jose Aldo calls Movsar Evloev's UFC fights boring ahead of Alexander Volkanovski title shot Despite his perfect record, Evloev has drawn criticism for going the distance in all 10 of his UFC appearances. Aldo said he would wait for the Russian’s first defeat before releasing him. The Hall of Famer views the UFC as an entertainment business in which winning alone doesn’t guarantee opportunities or stardom.

“The UFC isn’t just an organization that just has to follow a rankings system. It’s a business; it’s entertainment,” Aldo told MMA Fighting. “It’s not a matter of, ‘I’m number one so I have to fight for the title.’ N…

The Ultimate Fighting Championship proposed a four-man light heavyweight tournament, according to Morne Visser.

Dricus du Plessis’ coach said the UFC approached the former middleweight champion about joining a field that included Jiri Prochazka, Magomed Ankalaev and Navajo Stirling. Under the proposed format, the tournament winner would earn a title shot against light heavyweight champion Carlos Ulberg, who is sidelined with an injury.

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Morne Visser explains why he rejected UFC light heavyweight tournament with Jiri Prochazka, Magomed Ankalaev and Navajo Stirling Visser said he rejected the offer because they want to reclaim the 185-pound championship and defend it once before moving up. The Team CIT head coach said a move to light heavyweight remains the plan, but they want ample time to prepare for the division’s physical demands.

“They asked me three weeks ago; the UFC asked me for Dricus to move up to 205, they wanted us to join a pool of four f…

Mike Perry sees his fighting future in mixed martial arts.

Perry, one of bare-knuckle boxing’s biggest stars, said he is moving on from the sport. “Platinum” plans to focus on MMA for the foreseeable future.

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Mike Perry explains decision to leave bare-knuckle boxing after BKFC success Perry (15-9) left the UFC in 2021 after his contract expired, having compiled a 7-8 promotional record. He subsequently transitioned to bare-knuckle boxing and became a marquee attraction in BKFC, earning victories over Michael Page, Luke Rockhold, Eddie Alvarez and Jeremy Stephens.

Perry’s most recent BKFC appearance was a victory over Stephens in October 2025. He has since competed twice in MMA, defeating Nate Diaz before losing to Brandon Jenkins. He now intends to continue competing with gloves.

“That bare-knuckle stuff is like a cheat code and those two-minute rounds…” Perry told Ariel Helwani. “I was good at it. It was fun. I made some noise doing it. And I'…

Glover Teixeira believes Yousri Belgaroui’s growing confidence on the ground could help him overcome Caio Borralho as the Dutch middleweight prepares for his fourth Ultimate Fighting Championship appearance.

Belgaroui will enter the matchup after winning his first three UFC fights by technical knockout. He is scheduled to face Borralho at UFC 334 on Nov. 14, giving him an opportunity to build on that start against an established contender.

Glover Teixeira credits Yousri Belgaroui's extra grappling work ahead of Caio Borralho at UFC 334

Teixeira, Belgaroui’s head coach, said his fighter’s willingness to spend extra time wrestling and practicing jiu-jitsu has been central to his development.

“Yousri trains a lot and picks things up very quickly. And he likes training on the ground. Sometimes we finish training, everyone is tired, and he grabs someone doing wrestling or jiu-jitsu and rolls for another 20 minutes,” Teixeira said.

The matchup present…

Undefeated professional boxer and social media personality Anthony Vargas has signed a multifight contract with BKB Bare Knuckle Boxing, the organization announced during an open workout at Humble Warrior Gym in Los Angeles.

Vargas, 26, has amassed a combined 14.5 million followers on TikTok and YouTube while compiling a 3-0 professional boxing record.

Anthony Vargas signs multifight BKB contract after 3-0 start in professional boxingThe Los Angeles fighter made his professional debut in 2024, defeating Jeremy Park by unanimous decision. He followed with a stoppage victory over Irvin Arnoldo Arevalo Chavez in 2025 and a third-round technical knockout of Angel Antonio Mora Bernardino in June 2026.

Vargas will transition to bare-knuckle competition inside BKB's signature Trigon ring. His debut opponent and fight date have not been announced.

"Bare knuckle is more suited to my style. I feel like I can get the job done faster without gloves than I can with traditiona…

The Ultimate Fighting Championship’s recent visit to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, featured action inside and outside the Octagon.Police intervene in Rogers Place crowd altercation during UFC EdmontonEvery bout at UFC Edmonton except the co-main event ended in a finish. But a crowd altercation at Rogers Place on Oct. 17 also drew attention.

Video circulating on social media appears to show a police officer lifting a man and slamming him to the floor as officers intervene in the altercation. The man appears to lose consciousness after the impact.

Police officer slam KO’d a fan fighting in the crowd at UFC Edmonton tonight https://t.co/hN8Mzqf7CM

— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) October 18, 2026

Javid Basharat has defended his brother following the latter’s Ultimate Fighting Championship departure.

Farid Basharat (16-0) completed his contract and wasn’t offered a new deal despite going 7-0 in the promotion, prompting debate about recent roster decisions. Javid, whose UFC contract was not renewed in February, rejected CEO Dana White’s suggestion that difficulties with matchmakers or declined fights could explain his brother’s departure.

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Javid Basharat says Farid waited three months without UFC contract talks and never refused fights White was asked about Farid’s departure at the UFC Edmonton postfight press conference. He suggested there were reasons beyond Farid’s results for the decision not to renew his contract but did not identify a specific incident.

Farid responded on his Instagram Stories.

“A lot of assumptions made, but no facts were said,” Farid wrote. “I definitely wasn’t turning down fights.”

Javid echoed his brothe…

Muhammad Mokaev blames TKO and Paramount for recent Ultimate Fighting Championship roster decisions rather than CEO Dana White.

The UFC has faced criticism for declining to renew contracts for fighters on winning streaks. Mokaev, who left the promotion under similar circumstances, believes its parent company and broadcast partner are responsible for the recent departures.

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Muhammad Mokaev rejects Dana White's explanation after Farid Basharat's UFC departure Mokaev left the UFC more than two years ago. More recently, Michael Page and Farid Basharat were not offered new deals despite promotional records of 5-1 and 7-0, respectively. White’s comments about Basharat’s departure prompted Mokaev’s response.

At the UFC Edmonton postfight news conference, White suggested that difficulties with matchmakers or declined fights could explain why an unbeaten fighter was not re-signed, without identifying a specific incident involving Basharat. Mokaev rejected t…

Merab Dvalishvili can joke about his low finishing rate in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Dvalishvili is scheduled to challenge Petr Yan for the bantamweight title in a trilogy bout at UFC 333 on Oct. 24 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. When a fan recently asked him to predict the outcome, the former champion jokingly suggested another decision victory.

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Merab Dvalishvili jokes about his decision-heavy record ahead of Petr Yan title fight at UFC 333 Dvalishvili is known for his relentless pressure and wrestling, with 16 of his 21 career victories coming by decision. The Georgian has recorded two finishes in the UFC: a technical knockout of Marlon Moraes in 2021 and a submission of Sean O'Malley in his second title defense last year.

Asked how he would beat Yan, Dvalishvili described himself as a “decision machine.”

“There are three ways to win: knockout, submission, or decision,” Dvalishvili said in a brief interview. “I'm a decision machin…