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Ex-UFC champion reportedly lines up rematch after pulling out of UFC 324 comeback

A new UFC fight has reportedly been scheduled for March. Fans may not be fully behind the UFC 324 main event between <a href="/mma/players/justin_gaethje/586361">Justin Gaethje</a> and <a href="/mma/players/paddy_pimblett/909545">Paddy Pimblett</a>, but there’s no doubt people are still looking forward to the card.

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The Morning Bark

The Quiz of the Day

Diego Lopes says Alexander Volkanovski’s corner contributed to him not feeling confident in first fight

Diego Lopes is confident that he’s fixed his mistakes ahead of his second shot at UFC gold. Lopes was beaten by Alexander Volkanovski over five rounds in the main event of UFC 314 last year.

<div class='aalc' id='aalc_12_43304558' style='display: none;'></div> <div class='cell small-12 rfi-header'><div class='grid-x'><div class='cell shrink rfi-logo'><a href='/mma' title='MMA'><img width='32' height='32' alt='MMA' data-src='/uploads/logo/image/2176/140107_icons_MMA.jpg' class='yard_taxon_logo lazyload'></a></div><div class='cell auto rfi-text'><a href='/mma/players/kamaru_usman/407821'>Kamaru Usman News</a><span> / <a href='https://www.hitc.com/' rel='nofollow'>HITC</a> / <span class='rfi-date' data-yb-time='1767900064'>January 8</span></span></div></div></div>

<h2><a href='/mma/articles/kamaru_usman_breaks_silence_after_anthony_joshua_video_leak/s1_17664_43304558'>Kamaru Usman breaks silence after Anthony Joshua video leak</a></h2>

<a href="/mma/players/kamaru_usman/407821">Kamaru Usman</a> has responded after facing backlash over a video he shared on social media. Anthony Joshua was involved in a fatal car crash at the end of last year, and all that followed for some time was a short post on his Instagram story.

MMA News / Bloody Elbow / January 8

Dana White gives update on who the Justin Gaethje vs Paddy Pimblett winner will fight after UFC 324

The UFC president sounds less sure that Ilia Topuria will await the interim lightweight champion. Topuria announced a UFC hiatus ahead of the new year due to personal issues away from the cage.

MMA News / Bloody Elbow / January 8

Daniel Cormier won’t be happy as Kamaru Usman doubts his prediction for a Jon Jones wrestling match

Kamaru Usman cannot see Daniel Cormier’s 10-0 prediction coming to fruition. Talk of Cormier and Jon Jones renewing hostilities in wrestling has arisen owing to the pair’s stint as opposition coaches on ALF Reality.

<div class='aalc' id='aalc_12_43304208' style='display: none;'></div> <div class='cell small-12 rfi-header'><div class='grid-x'><div class='cell shrink rfi-logo'><a href='/mma' title='MMA'><img width='32' height='32' alt='MMA' data-src='/uploads/logo/image/2176/140107_icons_MMA.jpg' class='yard_taxon_logo lazyload'></a></div><div class='cell auto rfi-text'><a href='/mma'>MMA News</a><span> / <a href='https://clutchpoints.com/ufc/' rel='nofollow'>UFC on ClutchPoints</a> / <span class='rfi-date' data-yb-time='1767891029'>January 8</span></span></div></div></div>

<h2><a href='/mma/articles/alexa_grasso_vs_maycee_barber_2_set_for_ufc_seattle_in_march/s1_17120_43304208'>Alexa Grasso vs. Maycee Barber 2 set for UFC Seattle in March</a></h2>

The UFC’s return to Seattle will feature a compelling top-5 women’s flyweight clash as former champion <a href="/mma/players/alexa_grasso/909495">Alexa Grasso</a> prepares to face <a href="/mma/players/maycee_barber/911140">Maycee Barber</a> for the second time.

<div class='aalc' id='aalc_12_43303526' style='display: none;'></div> <div class='cell small-12 rfi-header'><div class='grid-x'><div class='cell shrink rfi-logo'><a href='/mma' title='MMA'><img width='32' height='32' alt='MMA' data-src='/uploads/logo/image/2176/140107_icons_MMA.jpg' class='yard_taxon_logo lazyload'></a></div><div class='cell auto rfi-text'><a href='/mma'>MMA News</a><span> / <a href='https://www.essentiallysports.com/' rel='nofollow'>EssentiallySports</a> / <span class='rfi-date' data-yb-time='1767894834'>January 8</span></span></div></div></div>

<h2><a href='/mma/articles/arman_tsarukyan_gives_reality_check_to_paddy_pimblett_after_ufc_324_headliner_submitted_in_gym/s1_17730_43303526'>Arman Tsarukyan Gives Reality Check to Paddy Pimblett After UFC 324 Headliner Submitted in Gym</a></h2>

Questions are beginning to pile up over whether star <a href="/mma/players/paddy_pimblett/909545">Paddy Pimblett</a> has what it takes to be a UFC champion right now. Fans are talking after he lost in a grappling tournament at his own gym just weeks before UFC 324.

<div class='aalc' id='aalc_12_43303878' style='display: none;'></div> <div class='cell small-12 rfi-header'><div class='grid-x'><div class='cell shrink rfi-logo'><a href='/mma' title='MMA'><img width='32' height='32' alt='MMA' data-src='/uploads/logo/image/2176/140107_icons_MMA.jpg' class='yard_taxon_logo lazyload'></a></div><div class='cell auto rfi-text'><a href='/mma'>MMA News</a><span> / <a href='https://mymmanews.com/' rel='nofollow'>MyMMANews</a> / <span class='rfi-date' data-yb-time='1767886454'>January 8</span></span></div></div></div>

<h2><a href='https://mymmanews.com/sean-strickland-vs-anthony-hernandez-headline-in-ufcs-return-to-houston/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=sean-strickland-vs-anthony-hernandez-headline-in-ufcs-return-to-houston'>Sean Strickland vs Anthony Hernandez headline in UFC’s return to <nobr>Houston <img src='/images/icons/icon-open-new.png'></nobr></a></h2>

UFC returns to Houston, Texas for the first time in four years with a high-stakes The post <a href="/mma/players/sean_strickland/407698">Sean Strickland</a> vs <a href="/mma/players/anthony_hernandez/923224">Anthony Hernandez</a> headline in UFC’s return to Houston first appeared on My MMA News.

<div class='aalc' id='aalc_12_43303392' style='display: none;'></div> <div class='cell small-12 rfi-header'><div class='grid-x'><div class='cell shrink rfi-logo'><a href='/mma' title='MMA'><img width='32' height='32' alt='MMA' data-src='/uploads/logo/image/2176/140107_icons_MMA.jpg' class='yard_taxon_logo lazyload'></a></div><div class='cell auto rfi-text'><a href='/mma'>MMA News</a><span> / <a href='https://www.hitc.com/' rel='nofollow'>HITC</a> / <span class='rfi-date' data-yb-time='1767892762'>January 8</span></span></div></div></div>

<h2><a href='/mma/articles/conor_mcgregor_issues_warning_to_dana_white_while_teasing_ufc_return/s1_17664_43303392'>Conor McGregor issues warning to Dana White while teasing UFC return</a></h2>

<a href="/mma/players/conor_mcgregor/322724">Conor McGregor</a> is once again setting his sights high for 2026. The Irishman has not fought since July 2021, when he suffered his second defeat of the year.

<div class='aalc' id='aalc_12_43303252' style='display: none;'></div> <div class='cell small-12 rfi-header'><div class='grid-x'><div class='cell shrink rfi-logo'><a href='/mma' title='MMA'><img width='32' height='32' alt='MMA' data-src='/uploads/logo/image/2176/140107_icons_MMA.jpg' class='yard_taxon_logo lazyload'></a></div><div class='cell auto rfi-text'><a href='/mma'>MMA News</a><span> / <a href='https://bloodyelbow.com/' rel='nofollow'>Bloody Elbow</a> / <span class='rfi-date' data-yb-time='1767891152'>January 8</span></span></div></div></div>

<h2><a href='/mma/articles/dustin_poirier_in_talks_to_end_his_retirement_for_arman_tsarukyan_match/s1_17651_43303252'>Dustin Poirier in talks to end his retirement for Arman Tsarukyan match</a></h2>

<a href="/mma/players/dustin_poirier/139501">Dustin Poirier</a>’s combat sports career may not be over just yet. ‘The Diamond’ hung up his gloves last year after one final battle inside the UFC Octagon against a familiar foe from his career, BMF champion <a href="/mma/players/max_holloway/408076">Max Holloway</a>.

<div class='aalc' id='aalc_12_43303143' style='display: none;'></div> <div class='cell small-12 rfi-header'><div class='grid-x'><div class='cell shrink rfi-logo'><a href='/mma' title='MMA'><img width='32' height='32' alt='MMA' data-src='/uploads/logo/image/2176/140107_icons_MMA.jpg' class='yard_taxon_logo lazyload'></a></div><div class='cell auto rfi-text'><a href='/mma/players/conor_mcgregor/322724'>Conor McGregor News</a><span> / <a href='https://www.hitc.com/' rel='nofollow'>HITC</a> / <span class='rfi-date' data-yb-time='1767890093'>January 8</span></span></div></div></div>

<h2><a href='/mma/articles/when_will_conor_mcgregor_come_back_to_ufc_irish_superstars_latest_comments_have_mma_fans_excited/s1_17664_43303143'>When will Conor McGregor come back to UFC, Irish superstar’s latest comments have MMA fans excited</a></h2>

<a href="/mma/players/conor_mcgregor/322724">Conor McGregor</a> has teased his long-awaited return to the UFC, and one recent social media post has MMA fans buzzing about when the Irish superstar might finally step back into the Octagon.

<div class='aalc' id='aalc_12_43303081' style='display: none;'></div> <div class='cell small-12 rfi-header'><div class='grid-x'><div class='cell shrink rfi-logo'><a href='/mma' title='MMA'><img width='32' height='32' alt='MMA' data-src='/uploads/logo/image/2176/140107_icons_MMA.jpg' class='yard_taxon_logo lazyload'></a></div><div class='cell auto rfi-text'><a href='/mma/players/bruce_buffer/58610'>Bruce Buffer News</a><span> / <a href='https://www.hitc.com/' rel='nofollow'>HITC</a> / <span class='rfi-date' data-yb-time='1767880800'>January 8</span></span></div></div></div>

<h2><a href='/mma/articles/how_bruce_buffers_cameo_on_friends_led_to_him_becoming_legendary_voice_of_ufc/s1_17664_43303081'>How Bruce Buffer’s cameo on Friends led to him becoming legendary voice of UFC</a></h2>

A short, one-off cameo on Friends helped <a href="/mma/players/bruce_buffer/58610">Bruce Buffer</a> become the premier announcer of the UFC. <a href="/mma/players/bruce_buffer/58610">Bruce Buffer</a> is the unmistakable “Voice of the Octagon” — but few fans realise that his journey to that title began not inside an arena, but on the set of one of TV’s most popular comedies.

<div class='cell small-12 rfi-header'><div class='grid-x'><div class='cell shrink rfi-logo'><img src='/images/logos/131006_YBlogos_L_Bug.jpg' width='28' height='28'></div><div class='cell auto rfi-text'>  <a href='https://www.yardbarker.com/newsletter/quiz_of_the_day/about/2?sf=qotd_promo_carousel'>Click here to get Yardbarker's Quiz of the Day emailed to you!</a></div></div></div>

<div class="lzy loading it-small_16_9"><img class="lazyload rfi-img" alt="The '2025 leading receiver by team' quiz" data-src="http://res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,e_improve,h_615,w_1095,x_545,y_43/c_fill,f_auto,h_225,q_auto,w_400/v1/m/a/e/aee8dbdf5057f0528300a48044ed16edd310deb2/2025-26-leading-receiver-team-quiz.jpg"></div> The '2025 leading receiver by team' quiz

<div class="lzy loading it-small_16_9"><img class="lazyload rfi-img" alt="The 'NFL passing TD leaders by year' quiz" data-src="http://res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,e_improve,h_618,w_1102,x_418,y_80/c_fill,f_auto,h_225,q_auto,w_400/v1/m/0/5/05a00231af0e1c31564fb9ef3510ccc01c722e32/nfl-passing-td-leaders-year-quiz.jpg"></div> The 'NFL passing TD leaders by year' quiz

<div class="lzy loading it-small_16_9"><img class="lazyload rfi-img" alt="The 'Most sacks in an NFL season' quiz" data-src="http://res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,e_improve,h_914,w_1628,x_268,y_68/c_fill,f_auto,h_225,q_auto,w_400/v1/m/6/2/62ac574bb8515a967f10ab6b533240e0ce86fbc2/sacks-nfl-season-quiz.jpg"></div> The 'Most sacks in an NFL season' quiz

<div class="lzy loading it-small_16_9"><img class="lazyload rfi-img" alt="The 'Last 4K-yard passer by NFL team' quiz" data-src="http://res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,e_improve,h_431,w_769,x_643,y_237/c_fill,f_auto,h_225,q_auto,w_400/v1/m/5/1/512aeb847c6cccc00cae1f86e17b9cb6b62eabba/last-4k-yard-passer-nfl-team-quiz.jpg"></div> The 'Last 4K-yard passer by NFL team' quiz

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<h2><a href='/mma/articles/alexander_volkanovski_recruits_brazilian_conor_mcgregor_after_diego_lopes_ko_threat/s1_17730_43302959'>Alexander Volkanovski Recruits ‘Brazilian Conor McGregor’ After Diego Lopes’ KO Threat</a></h2>

<a href="/mma/players/alexander_volkanovski/586025">Alexander Volkanovski</a> is all set to defend his crown against <a href="/mma/players/diego_lopes/912215">Diego Lopes</a> at UFC 325, and the fight is finally picking up steam. So far, the fans seem a little upset with the rematch since they wanted Volk to fight other deserving contenders like <a href="/mma/players/movsar_evloev/910373">Movsar Evloev</a> or <a href="/mma/players/lerone_murphy/927713">Lerone Murphy</a>.

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<h2><a href='/mma/articles/former_ufc_champion_reportedly_books_rematch_after_withdrawing_from_ufc_324_return/s1_17651_43302786'>Former UFC champion reportedly books rematch after withdrawing from UFC 324 return</a></h2>

A new matchup has reportedly been booked for March. The main event of UFC 324 between <a href="/mma/players/justin_gaethje/586361">Justin Gaethje</a> and <a href="/mma/players/paddy_pimblett/909545">Paddy Pimblett</a> may have been met with some backlash, but fans are still counting down the days.

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<h2><a href='/mma/articles/ufc_legend_dominick_cruz_makes_firm_prediction_for_jon_jones_vs_tom_aspinall/s1_17664_43302744'>UFC legend Dominick Cruz makes firm prediction for Jon Jones vs Tom Aspinall</a></h2>

<a href="/mma/players/jon_jones/128064">Jon Jones</a> and <a href="/mma/players/tom_aspinall/909164">Tom Aspinall</a> were expected to unify the UFC heavyweight title, but it never materialised. In 2025, Jones pulled out of a $30 million deal to face Aspinall, then stepped away from the sport altogether.

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<h2><a href='/mma/articles/tom_aspinall_breaks_silence_on_talk_of_ciryl_gane_vs_alex_pereira_for_interim_belt/s1_17664_43302561'>Tom Aspinall breaks silence on talk of Ciryl Gane vs Alex Pereira for interim belt</a></h2>

<a href="/mma/players/alex_pereira/908443">Alex Pereira</a> moving up to heavyweight? <a href="/mma/players/tom_aspinall/909164">Tom Aspinall</a> seems more than interested in that possibility. As of 2026, the UFC heavyweight champion’s return date is still a question mark.

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<h2><a href='/mma/articles/michael_chandler_predicts_justin_gaethjes_fate_as_ilia_topurias_personal_battle_continues/s1_17730_43302389'>Michael Chandler Predicts Justin Gaethje’s Fate as Ilia Topuria’s Personal Battle Continues</a></h2>

Amid tensions in <a href="/mma/players/ilia_topuria/907602">Ilia Topuria</a>’s personal life, <a href="/mma/players/justin_gaethje/586361">Justin Gaethje</a> is all set to headline UFC’s first PPV of 2026 against <a href="/mma/players/paddy_pimblett/909545">Paddy Pimblett</a> with the Interim Lightweight Title on the line.

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<h2><a href='/mma/articles/top_20_undefeated_fighters_part_one/s1_17621_43302340'>Top 20 Undefeated Fighters – Part One</a></h2>

Undefeated fighters in combat sports can give off a certain mystique. It is not as common in MMA as it is in boxing to see a fighter with over 20 fights who is undefeated.

<div class='aalc' id='aalc_12_43302259' style='display: none;'></div> <div class='cell small-12 rfi-header'><div class='grid-x'><div class='cell shrink rfi-logo'><a href='/mma' title='MMA'><img width='32' height='32' alt='MMA' data-src='/uploads/logo/image/2176/140107_icons_MMA.jpg' class='yard_taxon_logo lazyload'></a></div><div class='cell auto rfi-text'><a href='/mma'>MMA News</a><span> / <a href='https://www.mmaweekly.com/' rel='nofollow'>MMA Weekly</a> / <span class='rfi-date' data-yb-time='1767855692'>January 8</span></span></div></div></div>

<h2><a href='/mma/articles/former_champion_returns_in_rematch_at_ufc_seattle/s1_17621_43302259'>Former champion returns in rematch at UFC Seattle</a></h2>

Former women's flyweight champion <a href="/mma/players/alexa_grasso/909495">Alexa Grasso</a> returns to the octagon on March 28 in a rematch against No. 5 ranked <a href="/mma/players/maycee_barber/911140">Maycee Barber</a>. The news was first reported by Krazy Kev MMA on Wednesday evening.

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<h2><a href='/mma/articles/cormier_on_his_feud_with_jones_im_done_fighting_now/s1_17349_43302086'>Cormier On His Feud With Jones – ‘I’m Done Fighting Now’</a></h2>

<a href="/mma/players/daniel_cormier/407383">Daniel Cormier</a> says his feud with <a href="/mma/players/jon_jones/128064">Jon Jones</a> is over following the news they will compete as rival coaches on the third season of ALF Reality (often dubbed the “Russian TUF”).

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<h2><a href='/mma/articles/brandon_moreno_asu_almabayev_to_headline_ufcs_mexico_city_return/s1_17052_43302050'>Brandon Moreno-Asu Almabayev to headline UFC's Mexico City return</a></h2>

The main event for UFC's return to Mexico City on Feb. 28 will feature a matchup between flyweight contenders <a href="/mma/players/brandon_moreno/548330">Brandon Moreno</a> and <a href="/mma/players/asu_almabayev/929122">Asu Almabayev</a>. Tijuana's Moreno (29-3-2) will enter as the No.

<div class='aalc' id='aalc_12_43302025' style='display: none;'></div> <div class='cell small-12 rfi-header'><div class='grid-x'><div class='cell shrink rfi-logo'><a href='/mma' title='MMA'><img width='32' height='32' alt='MMA' data-src='/uploads/logo/image/2176/140107_icons_MMA.jpg' class='yard_taxon_logo lazyload'></a></div><div class='cell auto rfi-text'><a href='/mma/players/zhang_weili/909017'>Zhang Weili News</a><span> / <a href='https://boxingnews.com/' rel='nofollow'>BoxingNews.com</a> / <span class='rfi-date' data-yb-time='1767859124'>January 8</span></span></div></div></div>

<h2><a href='/mma/articles/zhang_weili_eyes_immediate_title_shot/s1_17349_43302025'>Zhang Weili Eyes Immediate Title Shot</a></h2>

<a href="/mma/players/zhang_weili/909017">Zhang Weili</a>’s head coach, John Wood, is calling for an immediate return to the strawweight division to challenge the new champion <a href="/mma/players/mackenzie_dern/910810">Mackenzie Dern</a>. The move follows Zhang’s unsuccessful bid to become a two-division champion this past November, where she suffered a unanimous decision loss to flyweight champion <a href="/mma/players/valentina_shevchenko/909496">Valentina Shevchenko</a> at UFC 322.

<div class='aalc' id='aalc_12_43300849' style='display: none;'></div> <div class='cell small-12 rfi-header'><div class='grid-x'><div class='cell shrink rfi-logo'><a href='/mma' title='MMA'><img width='32' height='32' alt='MMA' data-src='/uploads/logo/image/2176/140107_icons_MMA.jpg' class='yard_taxon_logo lazyload'></a></div><div class='cell auto rfi-text'><a href='/mma/players/julianna_pena/408418'>Julianna Pena News</a><span> / <a href='https://www.mmaweekly.com/' rel='nofollow'>MMA Weekly</a> / <span class='rfi-date' data-yb-time='1767824577'>January 7</span></span></div></div></div>

<h2><a href='/mma/articles/julianna_pena_shares_heartfelt_reaction_to_us_capturing_venezuela_president_nicolas_maduro/s1_17621_43300849'>Julianna Pena shares heartfelt reaction to U.S. capturing Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro</a></h2>

In what is being considered a successful military operation, the United States invaded Venezuela, capturing the country's president, Nicolas Maduro, and his wife, Cilia Flores.

<div class='aalc' id='aalc_12_43299431' style='display: none;'></div> <div class='cell small-12 rfi-header'><div class='grid-x'><div class='cell shrink rfi-logo'><a href='/mma' title='MMA'><img width='32' height='32' alt='MMA' data-src='/uploads/logo/image/2176/140107_icons_MMA.jpg' class='yard_taxon_logo lazyload'></a></div><div class='cell auto rfi-text'><a href='/mma'>MMA News</a><span> / <a href='https://dicecitysports.com/' rel='nofollow'>Dice City Sports</a> / <span class='rfi-date' data-yb-time='1767812889'>January 7</span></span></div></div></div>

<h2><a href='/mma/articles/conor_mcgregor_eyes_white_house_spectacle_with_floyd_mayweather_mma_rematch/s1_17391_43299431'>Conor McGregor Eyes White House Spectacle With Floyd Mayweather MMA Rematch</a></h2>

<a href="/mma/players/conor_mcgregor/322724">Conor McGregor</a> has never been subtle about how he wants to return to the spotlight and for 2026, he’s aiming as big as it gets. Last year, U.S. President <a href="/news_politics/players/donald_trump/140704">Donald Trump</a> and UFC CEO <a href="/mma/players/dana_white/58632">Dana White</a> announced plans for a historic UFC event on the White House lawn as part of celebrations marking the United States’ 250th anniversary.

<div class='aalc' id='aalc_12_43298124' style='display: none;'></div> <div class='cell small-12 rfi-header'><div class='grid-x'><div class='cell shrink rfi-logo'><a href='/mma' title='MMA'><img width='32' height='32' alt='MMA' data-src='/uploads/logo/image/2176/140107_icons_MMA.jpg' class='yard_taxon_logo lazyload'></a></div><div class='cell auto rfi-text'><a href='/mma'>MMA News</a><span> / <a href='https://www.si.com/fannation/mma/' rel='nofollow'>MMA on SI</a> / <span class='rfi-date' data-yb-time='1767796101'>January 7</span></span></div></div></div>

<h2><a href='/mma/articles/rising_ufc_star_gets_ranked_opponent_at_ufc_houston_after_going_4_0_in_2025/s1_17255_43298124'>Rising UFC star gets ranked opponent at UFC Houston after going 4-0 in 2025</a></h2>

<a href="/mma/players/melquizael_costa/929223">Melquizael Costa</a> will get a well-deserved crack at the featherweight rankings when he takes on <a href="/mma/players/dan_ige/911731">Dan Ige</a> at UFC Houston. Scheduled as the middle offering