MMA: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

Is the UFC a Sport or a Popularity Contest? Alexander Volkanovski’s Next Fight Gives Us the Answer

In the wild world of the UFC, where meritocracy is supposed to be king, we often get matchups that make us collectively scratch our heads and ask, “Wait, what?” The latest head-scratcher comes from the featherweight division, where Alexander Volkanovski is slated for an immediate rematch against Diego Lopes at UFC 325.

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Diego Lopes issues defiant statement against criticism of controversial Alexander Volkanovski rematch

Diego Lopes thinks he is a lesson for other UFC fighters. Dana White and his promotion are coming under fire following the reveal of which title fights will open up the UFC calendar for 2026.

Khamzat Chimaev News / HITC / November 28

Khamzat Chimaev hints at next opponent as he says he must improve his wrestling

Khamzat Chimaev appears to have selected the opponent for his first middleweight title defence. Chimaev had a run-in with Ian Machado Garry over the weekend at UFC Qatar, and it did not take long for clips of their confrontation to spread online.

MMA News / HITC / November 28

Tsarukyan unleashes angry four-word verdict on Gaethje–Pimblett clash at UFC 324

In his latest wave of big fight reveals, Dana White has got plenty of people talking. Fans now know the matchups set to launch the UFC’s new era in Las Vegas on January 24th, marking the start of the organisation’s $7.7 billion broadcast deal with Paramount in 2026.

Conor McGregor News / Bloody Elbow / November 28

Conor McGregor vows to ‘live at the gym’ as he launches new SBG location ahead of UFC comeback

Conor McGregor has promised that he is going to ‘live in the gym’ as he prepares for his return to the octagon after half a decade. The Irishman last fought at UFC 264 in the summer of 2021, where he suffered a horror leg break against Dustin Poirier that ruled him out for years.

MMA News / EssentiallySports / November 28

Dana White Urged to Greenlight Jon Jones Super Fight Despite UFC White House Rejection

A White House fight card should’ve been Jon Jones‘ grand return. Instead, Dana White hit the brakes hard. Apparently, Jones’ retirement announcement in June not only broke fans’ hearts but also sabotaged his fight with Tom Aspinall.

MMA News / Bloody Elbow / November 28

‘Hurt’ Lerone Murphy says Alexander Volkanovski vs Diego Lopes 2 proves UFC is a popularity contest

Dana White’s 2026 fight announcements have left a couple of contenders less than pleased. The UFC president revealed a slew of big-name fights for the start of 2026 during halftime of the Cowboys vs Chiefs football game on CBS.

MMA News / MMA Weekly / November 28

Kayla Harrison and Amanda Nunes collide in UFC 324 co-main event

UFC 324: Gaethje vs. Pimblett will be the first UFC broadcast under the new media rights agreement with Paramount and two title fights headlined the event.

Ilia Topuria News / Total Apex Sports / November 28

Ilia Topuria Takes a Break: Is the Lightweight Division on Fire?

Just when you thought the UFC’s lightweight division couldn’t get any more chaotic, the man at the very top decides to take a little vacation. Ilia Topuria, the electrifying two-division champ who’s been leaving a trail of unconscious legends in his wake, has announced he’s stepping away from the octagon for a bit.

Shavkat Rakhmonov News / BoxingNews.com / November 28

Shavkat Rakhmonov On His Return

UFC Welterweight Shavkat Rakhmonov is ready to return to the Octagon after recovering from a knee injury, but has revealed that his desired opponent, Kamaru Usman, previously “turned him down.” Rakhmonov, who holds a 7-0 record in the UFC, last fought in December 2024 when he secured a win over Ian Machado Garry to cement his spot as the No.

Arnold Allen News / BoxingNews.com / November 28

What’s Next For Arnold Allen?

UFC featherweight Arnold Allen will face Jean Silva in his Octagon return at UFC 324, which will be under the first card of the UFC’s new broadcasting deal with Paramount+, with the card to take place on January 24 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

MMA News / EssentiallySports / November 28

Arman Tsarukyan Demands Answers After Paddy Pimblett Trolls Him Over Dana White’s UFC 324 Snub

Arman Tsarukyan believed he had done everything right. He walked into UFC Qatar as the favorite, dismantled Dan Hooker with a second-round submission, and left with a Performance of the Night bonus around his waist.

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MMA News / Field Level Media / November 28

Justin Gaethje-Paddy Pimblett fight opens UFC's Paramount+ deal

The UFC will kick off its new partnership with Paramount+ with a bout between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight championship on Jan.

MMA News / EssentiallySports / November 28

Potential Ronda Rousey MMA Comeback Hyped as Kayla Harrison’s Post-UFC 324 Move Surfaces

Kayla Harrison is living in a moment many fighters spend a lifetime chasing. She’s co-headlining the UFC’s first Paramount-era card on January 24, defending her bantamweight crown against Amanda Nunes, the woman widely regarded as the GOAT of women’s MMA.

Ilia Topuria News / MMA Weekly / November 27

Ilia Topuria taking extended break, interim title created

UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria vacated his featherweight title to move up to the 155-pound weight class at UFC 317 last June. He faced former titleholder Charles Oliveira in the fight card's main event and viciously knocked the Brazilian out in the first round to capture the lightweight crown.

MMA News / EssentiallySports / November 28

Jon Jones Brutally Claps Back at Daniel Cormier as Chechnya ‘Concern’ Sparks Thanksgiving Drama

Jon Jones has the ability to make a lot of noise without throwing a single punch, and this Thanksgiving weekend was no exception. While most of MMA had settled into a quiet Christmas rhythm, Jones’ name resurfaced—not because of a bout announcement, but because of where he chose to spend the holiday and who noticed.

MMA News / EssentiallySports / November 27