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.
Oct 8, 2026
Josh Hokit is set to challenge Ciryl Gane for the UFC heavyweight title at UFC 334 on November 24 at Madison Square Garden. Despite Hokit's rapid rise and chaotic fighting style, Alexander Volkov views him as an easier opponent compared to Gane. Volkov, who lost a controversial decision to Gane in 2024, is eyeing a potential title shot if he wins his upcoming fight against Rivzan Kuniev.
Source ↗Oct 8, 2026
The UFC 334 lightweight bout between Jefferson Nascimento and Nazim Sadykhov has been canceled following withdrawals by both fighters. Nascimento was the first to pull out, and Sadykhov later announced he would not remain on the card due to injuries. UFC 334 is scheduled for Nov. 14 at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Source ↗Oct 8, 2026
Brendan Allen is set to face Christian Leroy Duncan in the main event of UFC Vegas 122. Despite Duncan being ranked lower, Allen is excited about the matchup due to Duncan's aggressive style and potential for an all-action fight. Allen, known for his 'kill-or-be-killed' mentality, anticipates a thrilling contest that could elevate him in the middleweight title conversation.
Source ↗Oct 8, 2026
Former boxing world champion JoJo Diaz is set to face Brian Hyslop in a bare-knuckle boxing match at BKB 60. Diaz, who has competed against top names in traditional boxing, is embracing the challenge of fighting without gloves. The transition marks a new chapter in his career as he prepares for the unique demands of bare-knuckle competition.
Source ↗Oct 8, 2026
UFC commentator Jon Anik proposes Alexa Grasso as a potential challenger for Natalia Silva's flyweight title, should Valentina Shevchenko remain sidelined. Silva recently claimed the title at UFC 332, and Grasso, named Anik's 'Fighter of the Year' for 2026, has been impressive with wins over Maycee Barber and Manon Fiorot.
Source ↗Oct 8, 2026
Colby Covington opines that Islam Makhachev's upcoming title defense against Carlos Prates will be an easy win due to Prates' grappling vulnerabilities. Covington suggests Makhachev will exploit these weaknesses and secure a submission victory. He also commented on Michael Morales, noting his unproven status in high-level fights and questioning his takedown defense.
Source ↗Oct 8, 2026
Colby Covington believes Islam Makhachev will have an easy title defense against Carlos Prates, citing Prates' lack of grappling skills as a key weakness. Prates, known for his striking, recently defeated Jack Della Maddalena. Covington suggests Makhachev will exploit this by taking Prates down and submitting him.
Source ↗Oct 8, 2026
UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland has expressed dissatisfaction with UFC compensation, contemplating a switch to boxing for higher earnings. Strickland, who reclaimed the title in May 2026, has aired his grievances on social media, comparing his pay to that of Conor McGregor and others. His comments highlight ongoing debates over fighter pay in the UFC.
Source ↗Oct 8, 2026
Brendan Allen aims to extend his winning streak to four by defeating Christian Leroy Duncan at UFC Vegas 122. A victory could set up a grudge match with Dricus du Plessis in early 2027, which Allen believes would earn him a UFC middleweight title shot. Allen is focused on Duncan, who poses a significant challenge with his own five-fight winning streak.
Source ↗Oct 8, 2026
Scott McHugh, a five-time BKB champion, is set to challenge reigning super welterweight champion Rolando Dy at BKB 60 in Newcastle. McHugh, a veteran of over 20 bare-knuckle fights, believes that Dy's title reign can be ended, asserting that every champion eventually loses.
Source ↗Oct 8, 2026
Israel Adesanya, the two-time UFC middleweight champion, has expressed his intent to retire from fighting without returning. Despite recent losses, Adesanya aims to leave the sport on his own terms and avoid the common pitfall of returning due to the allure of competition. He looks forward to exploring new opportunities outside the octagon.
Source ↗Oct 8, 2026
UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland was confronted by Nassourdine Imavov at the UFC Performance Institute in Las Vegas. Imavov, frustrated over a stalled title fight, questioned Strickland about not signing a fight contract. Strickland, who has expressed interest in switching to boxing, dismissed the encounter as 'cringe' and 'fake content'.
Source ↗Oct 8, 2026
Rolando Dy, the first Filipino BKB world champion, is set to defend his super welterweight title against Scott McHugh, a five-time BKB champion. Dy recently stopped former boxing world champion Paulie Malignaggi in the second round, solidifying his status in bare-knuckle boxing. He discusses his career and upcoming title defense.
Source ↗Oct 8, 2026
Diego Lopes will face Charles Oliveira for the BMF title at UFC 335 on December 12 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. After multiple potential matchups, including Dan Hooker and BSD, Lopes secured the fight with Oliveira when the latter's bout with Arman Tsarukyan fell through. Lopes, previously a featherweight contender, aims to make a mark in the lightweight division.
Source ↗Oct 8, 2026
UFC Hall of Famer Chris Weidman supports Alex Pereira's chances against Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 335 on December 12. Despite skepticism from figures like Michael Bisping, Weidman believes Pereira's resilience and strategic use of calf kicks could be pivotal in the heavyweight bout. Pereira, aiming for a third weight class title, seeks redemption after a TKO loss to Ciryl Gane.
Source ↗Oct 8, 2026
Christian Leroy Duncan is set to face Brendan Allen at UFC Vegas 122, aiming for a title shot in the Middleweight division. Duncan believes a victory over the fourth-ranked Allen could propel him into title contention, despite the current uncertainty surrounding champion Sean Strickland's future. Duncan is currently ranked tenth in the Meta rankings.
Source ↗Oct 8, 2026
Cage Fury Fighting Championships concludes its 2026 Next Generation series with two title fights on November 7 at Sound Waves, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City. Mike O’Brien faces Trig Tennant for the vacant 147-pound title, while Katie Ramos and Berea Clark compete for the inaugural 118-pound championship. The event highlights emerging talent in a professional setting.
Source ↗Oct 8, 2026
UFC Hall of Famer Chris Weidman believes Alex Pereira's 'championship mindset' will help him overcome Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 335. Pereira, who is moving up to heavyweight, faces Pavlovich in a five-round co-main event on December 12 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Despite being an underdog after his loss to Ciryl Gane, Pereira's resilience and strategic use of calf kicks could be key.
Source ↗Oct 8, 2026
Jai Herbert showcased his striking skills and resilience by securing a knockout victory over Nallo in just 125 seconds. Herbert expressed satisfaction with his performance, highlighting the importance of overcoming adversity in the octagon, which is difficult to replicate in training.
Source ↗Oct 8, 2026
Ketlen Souza is optimistic about her future in the UFC after a strategic change in training camps. Following back-to-back losses, Souza switched to a gym with a more diverse focus, which she credits for her recent victories over Brasil and Carnelossi. She aims to enter the rankings this year and plans to contend for the title next year.
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