MMA: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

Alex Pereira told one win would make him the UFC GOAT in 2026 — but it’s not against Jon Jones

A UFC legend thinks one Alex Pereira fight could end the GOAT debate this year. The Brazilian star has enjoyed a rapid rise to stardom and success in the UFC since crossing over to mixed martial arts following two-division glory in the kickboxing realm.

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Joe Rogan challenged by PFL boss Donn Davis over UFC comment

PFL founder Donn Davis hasn’t taken Joe Rogan’s comments lying down, firing back at the UFC commentator’s claims about fighter quality. Rogan, who has been a staple behind the microphone for the UFC for years, recently stated that true greatness in MMA can only be proven inside the Octagon, dismissing other promotions.

Jon Anik News / EssentiallySports / January 3

Jon Anik Reveals Unique Career-Ending Clause in His UFC Contract

UFC fighters enjoy a well-earned fanbase for the thrilling shows they put on inside the Octagon. However, figures like Jon Anik have built their own following by creating magic on the microphone.

MMA News / EssentiallySports / January 3

Jon Anik Floats Better Options Than Michael Chandler for Conor McGregor’s White House Return

“That’s the plan,” said Michael Chandler at New Year’s Eve Live Nashville Big Bash, hinting that his long-awaited fight against Conor McGregor at the UFC White House event is in the works.

MMA News / HITC / January 3

Joe Rogan warns UFC fighters to avoid ‘giant mistake’ by following Jon Jones’ mindset

Joe Rogan reckons more fighters should take a page out of Jon Jones’ playbook when it comes to how they handle themselves. Jon Jones, the former UFC heavyweight and light heavyweight champion, is often mentioned in the GOAT conversation.

MMA News / HITC / January 3

Brian Ortega responds after learning Tracy Cortez is dating Alex Pereira

The former featherweight title challenger addressed the news after fans flooded him with messages online. Tracy Cortez set social media alight over the New Year period when she confirmed that she is now in a relationship with UFC light-heavyweight champion Alex Pereira, bringing a new chapter to one of MMA’s most talked-about personal storylines.

MMA News / Bloody Elbow / January 3

UFC commentator risks angering Dana White by publicly stating he’s treated Arman Tsarukyan ‘unfairly’

The UFC continues to be questioned for its decision making in the lightweight division. MMA’s leading promotion will kick off its 2026 schedule and $7.7 billion broadcast deal with Paramount on January 24 with the next title fight at 155 pounds.

MMA News / Bloody Elbow / January 3

Joe Rogan tells UFC fighters to avoid ‘giant mistake’ by adopting this ‘admirable’ Jon Jones mindset

Joe Rogan thinks fighters would do well to replicate this Jon Jones approach. The former UFC heavyweight and light heavyweight champion is widely regarded as a leading contender for GOAT status, having gone unbeaten across his career aside from a disqualification.

Ilia Topuria News / BoxingNews.com / January 3

Topuria Summoned By Court Of Violence Against Women

UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria will reportedly appear at the Court of Violence Against Women in Móstoles, Spain, on January 7. This follows a filing

Tom Aspinall News / BoxingNews.com / January 3

Will Tom Aspinall Fight Again?

Joe Rogan is not sure if UFC Heavyweight Champion Tom Aspinall will fight again. Rogan revealed that the damage Aspinall sustained from a double eye poke against Ciryl Gane in October at UFC 321 is far more severe than many fans realize.

MMA News / EssentiallySports / January 3

Joe Rogan Sounds Alarm for UFC Heavyweight Division as Jon Jones, Francis Ngannou’s Absence Felt

The heavyweight division has always lived on myth. Fewer fighters, more consequences, and a champion meant to represent the pinnacle of combat sports. But lately, that myth feels smaller.

MMA News / EssentiallySports / January 3

Conor McGregor’s Two-Word Message to Dana White Revives UFC Plea That Changed Everything

Sometimes the loudest moments don’t involve speeches. They come quietly, nestled inside memory, and resurface when the timing feels intentional. Conor McGregor reminded everyone of it this week, not with a shoutout or a rant, but with a look back.

Joe Rogan News / Bloody Elbow / January 3

Joe Rogan challenged by PFL founder Donn Davis over claim that fighters can’t be elite outside UFC

Joe Rogan has clearly gotten under the skin of PFL founder Donn Davis, who has hit back at his claim about UFC fighter supremacy. Controversial comedian and podcaster Rogan has been the voice of the UFC octagon for decades.

MMA News / Bloody Elbow / January 2

Jon Anik names surprising preferred alternative to Michael Chandler for Conor McGregor’s White House return

The UFC commentator has downplayed the fight that could headline the White House event. Conor McGregor’s last win inside the Octagon came in January of 2020 when he stopped Donald Cerrone in just 40 seconds.

MMA News / Bloody Elbow / January 2

Tracy Cortez’s UFC star ex-boyfriend reacts to Alex Pereira dating news

Tracy Cortez broke thousands of hearts over the New Year’s period when she confirmed she is now dating Alex Pereira. The flyweight star is one of the most desired women in MMA.

MMA News / Bloody Elbow / January 2

Islam Makhachev, Paddy Pimblett, Max Holloway, & more name their dream fight for 2026

Some of the UFC’s top stars have picked the fight they want to see the most this year. In November, Dana White announced the UFC 324 card that will kick off the promotion’s broadcast deal with Paramount+.

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MMA News / Bloody Elbow / January 2

Rose Namajunas reveals secret weapon for UFC 324 fight that may set up Valentina Shevchenko showdown

‘Thug Rose’ has brought a fighter with Olympic pedigree into her training camp. Rose Namajunas is one of the big names tasked with kicking off the UFC’s $7.7 billion deal with Paramount+ on January 24.

Ilia Topuria News / Athlon Sports / January 2

Ilia Topuria’s Legal Dispute Takes Another Turn

Ilia Topuria and Giorgina Uzcategui are now navigating a personal and legal dispute that has moved further into public view. The situation represents a significant personal development for the UFC champion, whose career rise has largely been defined by consistency and control.

Kevin Holland News / EssentiallySports / January 2

UFC Houston Fight Falls Apart After 35 Year Old Veteran Denied Kevin Holland

The UFC’s highly anticipated return to Houston hit a major snag as a key welterweight bout featuring the promotion’s busiest star, Kevin Holland, unexpectedly fell apart, creating uncertainty for the organization.

MMA News / Athlon Sports / January 2

Joe Rogan Delivers a Brutal Reality Check on Tom Aspinall

Few fighters in the heavyweight division have faced a more unsettling stretch than Tom Aspinall since UFC 321. What should have been a springboard moment has instead turned into a prolonged period of uncertainty, driven by a serious eye injury that continues to cloud both his immediate health and long-term future.

MMA News / BoxingNews.com / January 1

Holly Holm Rips Ronda Rousey

Holly Holm has opened up on her rivalry with Ronda Rousey, as she blamed the latter for her own decline. Holm’s career went to a whole new level when she knocked out Rousey to give the latter her first UFC loss at UFC 193.

MMA News / Dice City Sports / December 31

Matt Brown On Francis Ngannou: 'I Highly Doubt He Has Any Regrets'

With just one fight remaining on his contract with the Professional Fighters League, Francis Ngannou recently reignited one of MMA’s most tantalizing what-ifs: a return to the UFC for a long-awaited showdown with Jon Jones potentially on the promotion’s planned White House card in June.

MMA News / Total Apex Sports / December 31

Arman Tsarukyan on Why He Won’t Grapple Islam Makhachev

It seems like everyone in the UFC wants a piece of Islam Makhachev these days, but actually getting into the ring with him is a whole different story—especially when we’re talking about grappling matches on the side.

Rose Namajunas News / MMA Weekly / December 31

Rose Namajunas getting back in touch with her roots for UFC 324 training camp

Former two-time women's strawweight champion Rose Namajunas was originally slated to face former flyweight titleholder Alexa Grasso at UFC 324, but Grasso was forced out of the bout due to injury. When the third-ranked Grasso fell out of the fight, No.

MMA News / Dice City Sports / December 30

Daniel Cormier: 'They’re Already Getting More Money'

Former two-division UFC champion Daniel Cormier says a major financial shift is already underway for fighters and he insists it’s a fact, not a theory.