The card, caught up
MMA News, free for everyone: the latest headlines from the last 3 days, each one source-linked. MMA News Plus adds the analyst breakdown on every story and the full archive.
Sep 16, 2026
Renato Moicano will face Tom Nolan in the main event of UFC Vegas 123 on October 31 at Meta APEX in Las Vegas. Moicano, coming off a submission victory over Chris Duncan, was originally set to fight Brian Ortega, but the bout was canceled. Nolan enters the fight on a five-fight winning streak, last defeating Fares Ziam by unanimous decision.
Source ↗Sep 16, 2026
Alexandre Pantoja is set to face Joshua Van in a rematch for the UFC flyweight title at UFC 331 on September 19 in Los Angeles. Pantoja has stated he is not interested in promoting the fight through pre-fight antics or press conferences, focusing instead on the bout itself. The dynamic between the fighters has shifted since their first meeting, with Van taking verbal shots at Pantoja.
Source ↗Sep 15, 2026
Dana White has praised Akbar Abdullaev as possibly the greatest talent to emerge from the Contender Series in its ten-year history. Abdullaev secured a UFC contract following a stunning 20-second knockout performance, and White expressed high expectations for his future in the sport.
Source ↗Sep 15, 2026
Alexandre Pantoja and Joshua Van are set to clash for the UFC flyweight title at UFC 331 on September 19 in Los Angeles. Both fighters have identified weaknesses in each other's styles that they plan to exploit. Pantoja's coach predicts a fourth-round finish, while Van aims for a victory within three rounds, showcasing their confidence in diverse strategies.
Source ↗Sep 15, 2026
Arman Tsarukyan is set to face Mauricio Ruffy in the co-main event of UFC 331 in Los Angeles. According to American Top Team muay thai coach Anderson Franca, Tsarukyan presents a challenging stylistic matchup for Ruffy, who is regarded as the best striker in the lightweight division. Franca has been instrumental in Tsarukyan's preparation for this fight.
Source ↗Sep 15, 2026
Demetrious Johnson expressed skepticism about Tom Aspinall's return to the UFC following severe eye injuries that led Aspinall to vacate the heavyweight title. Johnson, speaking on his YouTube channel, highlighted the risks Aspinall faces, including potential vision loss, and questioned whether Aspinall would risk further damage by fighting again. Aspinall, however, remains hopeful for a return once medically cleared.
Source ↗Sep 15, 2026
Michael Page expressed disappointment with how the UFC handled his departure after a 5-1 run, including a four-fight win streak. Despite his success, Page was not offered a new contract and was denied a post-fight interview after his final bout. He described the UFC's actions as disrespectful, believing he deserved contract negotiations.
Source ↗Sep 15, 2026
Akbar Abdullaev secured a UFC contract after delivering a 19-second knockout against Ednilson Barros Santos on Dana White's Contender Series. The undefeated Kyrgyz fighter, now 14-0 with a 100% finishing rate, is the first from his country to earn a UFC deal through DWCS. UFC CEO Dana White praised Abdullaev as a top prospect in the series' history.
Source ↗Sep 15, 2026
Dana White's Contender Series Week 6 saw Akbar Abdullaev secure a UFC contract with a stunning 19-second knockout of Ednilson Barros Santos. White hailed Abdullaev as potentially the greatest talent in the show's history. The event also added three other fighters to the UFC roster, marking a record 28 contract winners for Season 10.
Source ↗Sep 15, 2026
Islam Makhachev and Jon Jones have engaged in a public dispute over their respective UFC legacies. Makhachev criticized Jones for his history of drug-testing violations, while Jones defended himself by pointing to USADA's findings and his near-perfect fight record. The exchange highlights ongoing tensions between the two fighters, with Makhachev also noting Jones' legal issues.
Source ↗Sep 15, 2026
Nate Diaz has publicly criticized Ilia Topuria, calling him a 'punching bag' after Topuria's recent loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250. Diaz, who was similarly criticized by Topuria earlier this year, expressed interest in fighting for Ki MMA, particularly due to its use of a ring instead of a cage. He plans to fight at least twice next year.
Source ↗Sep 15, 2026
Jon Jones has openly criticized Tom Aspinall after the latter vacated the UFC heavyweight title. Aspinall, who hasn't fought since a no-contest against Ciryl Gane due to eye pokes, vacated the belt citing ongoing eye issues. Jones, however, agreed with social media users speculating that Aspinall's decision was influenced by doubts about a rematch with Gane.
Source ↗Sep 15, 2026
Tom Aspinall has vacated his UFC heavyweight title following complications from an eye injury sustained at UFC 321. The injury, caused by a foul from Ciryl Gane, has led to Aspinall being out indefinitely. Despite no pressure from the UFC, Aspinall chose to vacate the title as he faces an uncertain return timeline.
Source ↗Sep 15, 2026
Mayton Perea from Ecuador earned a UFC contract after a swift 45-second knockout victory over Zevan Hunt at Dana White's Contender Series 92 in Las Vegas. The 26-year-old fighter's decisive win marked his fourth consecutive victory, impressing UFC CEO Dana White.
Source ↗Sep 15, 2026
Week 6 of Dana White's Contender Series at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas saw all four winners earn UFC contracts through stoppages. While main event winner Mayton Perea impressed with a knockout, Akbar Abdullaev stole the spotlight with a 19-second knockout, earning high praise from Dana White as the greatest fighter in Contender Series history.
Source ↗Sep 15, 2026
Dana White's Contender Series saw four fighters, Mayton Perea, Igor Cavalcanti, Akbar Abdullaev, and Luis Hernandez, earn UFC contracts after impressive performances. Abdullaev delivered a standout moment with a 19-second knockout, which Dana White praised as showcasing the greatest talent seen on the show. Tyshawn Williams, despite winning, was invited back for another shot at a contract.
Source ↗Sep 15, 2026
Mayton Perea of Ecuador earned a UFC contract after a swift 45-second knockout victory over Zevan Hunt at Dana White's Contender Series 92 in Las Vegas. Perea, now on a four-fight win streak, impressed with his striking power, overcoming Hunt's initial mount position to secure the win.
Source ↗Sep 15, 2026
During Week 6 of Dana White's Contender Series at Meta APEX, four fighters secured UFC contracts after achieving stoppage victories. Mayton Perea, Igor Cavalcanti, Akbar Abdullaev, and Luis Hernandez were awarded contracts, while a unanimous decision winner was invited back to improve his performance.
Source ↗Sep 15, 2026
UFC 331's prelims in Los Angeles feature a key bantamweight matchup between Charles Jourdain and Marlon Vera. Jourdain, undefeated at 135 pounds, seeks to extend his winning streak against Vera, a former title contender in need of a victory. The card also includes heavyweight Tai Tuivasa versus Robelis Despaigne and other intriguing bouts.
Source ↗Sep 15, 2026
Igor Cavalcanti secured a swift victory over Oscar Revello at Dana White's Contender Series 92, finishing the bout in just 98 seconds with a TKO. The middleweight clash took place at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas, marking Cavalcanti's third consecutive win after a previous DWCS loss.
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