MMA: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

What Islam Makhachev said to PFL star right after Usman Nurmagomedov easily submitted him revealed

The UFC welterweight champion had a short message for Alfie Davis after Saturday’s PFL main event. Islam Makhachev was in Dubai to corner Usman Nurmagomedov at the very first PFL event of 2026 on February 7.

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Jon Jones Sends Concerning Message to Dana White as UFC White House Card Looms

Former UFC two-division champion Jon Jones provided an update regarding a potential return to the promotion. And it certainly isn't a good one, especially for those anticipating a comeback.

MMA News / HITC / February 8

Alex Pereira in discussions to grapple UFC star Arman Tsarukyan failed to overcome

Alex Pereira could make his return to combat sports outside of the Octagon. The UFC light heavyweight champion is still waiting for his next fight to be confirmed, as he continues to push for a debut at heavyweight.

MMA News / EssentiallySports / February 8

Daniel Cormier Backs Conor McGregor to Fight at White House Over All-American Jon Jones

Despite being the face and biggest money-maker for Dana White and Co., Conor McGregor’s UFC return is still uncertain. Dana White recently shut down his fight against his most desirable opponent, Michael Chandler, at the UFC White House event on June 14.

Jon Jones News / HITC / February 8

Jon Jones changes course once more as uncertainty surrounds UFC return

Jon Jones is considering retirement again, less than a year after first stepping away from the sport. Back in June 2025, he announced that he was done with MMA.

Merab Dvalishvili News / Bloody Elbow / February 8

Merab Dvalishvili questioned teammate for tapping with one second left to give opponent $100k bonus

A strange ending defined a matchup that took place at the Meta Apex on Saturday night. In the main event, Mario Bautista submitted Vinicius Oliveira to prove that he’s still a contender in the mix at 135 pounds.

Alex Pereira News / HITC / February 8

Alex Pereira urges rankings recognition for ex-rival after UFC Vegas 113 KO

UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira had a keen eye on one particular fight at UFC Vegas 113. Since regaining the title last October, ‘Poatan’ has been waiting to learn who he will face next.

Kyoji Horiguchi News / EssentiallySports / February 8

Kyoji Horiguchi Admits He Broke His Hand in the First Round; Shares Return Timeline After UFC Vegas 113

The first Fight Night of 2026 just concluded at the Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada, which featured exciting matchups. Among the many, the co-main event between Kyoji Horiguchi and Amir Albazi was a one-sided affair, with the Japanese dominating the fight.

Mario Bautista News / Total Pro Sports / February 8

How Much Money Did Mario Bautista Earn For Defeating Vinicius Oliveira At UFC Vegas?

Mario Bautista was unhappy when his 8-fight win streak was broken by Umar Nurmagomedov. Meanwhile, Bautista has now successfully bounced back and cemented his position in the bantamweight rankings.

Khabib Nurmagomedov News / HITC / February 8

Khabib Nurmagomedov’s protégé called ‘the next big thing’ after 37-second PFL debut win

There is another fighter within Khabib Nurmagomedov’s camp poised to continue his late father’s vision. Following the former lightweight champion’s exit from the sport, Islam Makhachev stepped up and took control of the division.

Dana White News / Bloody Elbow / February 8

Dana White dishes out $450,000 in bonuses on drab night at the Apex for UFC Vegas 113

Dana White paid out $450,000 in bonuses for a relatively quiet night at the Meta Apex on Saturday night. Mario Bautista headlined the first Apex event of the new Paramount era in what was his only ever headliner.

Mario Bautista News / NY Fights / February 8

MMA World Erupts After Mario Bautista Dominates Vinicius Oliveira at UFC Vegas 113

Mario Bautista’s 2025 ended on a sour note when a loss to the dominant Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC 321 snapped his nine-fight winning streak. But the bantamweight contender has emphatically put himself back on track.

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Kyoji Horiguchi News / Total Pro Sports / February 8

Former UFC Champions Believe Kyoji Horiguchi Will Soon Capture UFC Gold

Kyoji Horiguchi defeated Amir Albazi by unanimous decision in the co-main event of UFC Vegas 113 on February 7, 2026, with scorecards reading 30–27, 30–27, and 29–28.

MMA News / Total Pro Sports / February 8

UFC Legend Claims Khabib Nurmagomedov Was 'Bulletproof' and Untouchable

UFC legend Don Frye recently spoke highly of Khabib Nurmagomedov, calling the former lightweight champion “bulletproof” and reflecting on just how dominant he was during his career.

Mario Bautista News / Field Level Media / February 7

Mario Bautista secures submission victory in main-event debut

Bantamweight Mario Bautista passed his first UFC main-event test with flying colors, securing a second-round rear-naked-choke submission against Vinicius Oliveira of Brazil to cap a six-fight UFC Vegas 113 main card on Saturday.

Alexander Volkanovski News / BoxingNews.com / February 8

What Is Volkanovski’s Next Move?

UFC Featherweight Champion Alexander Volkanovski has cast doubt on Jean Silva fighting him next after the latter called him out. Following his second victory over Diego Lopes at UFC 325 to retain his belt, Volkanovski made it clear that the “line-cutters” will have to wait.

Jon Jones News / Total Pro Sports / February 8

'I Think I Could Be Done': Jon Jones Opens the Door to Walking Away From MMA

Jon Jones may finally be nearing the end of a career that redefined greatness—and controversy—in mixed martial arts. Jones, who is expected to fight Alex Pereira soon, recently admitted that retirement is no longer a general idea but a real possibility he’s actively weighing.

MMA News / EssentiallySports / February 8

Jon Jones Gives Up on Alex Pereira UFC White House Fight After Months of Pleading Dana White

Jon Jones seems to be playing a prolonged game of hide-and-seek with the UFC. The undefeated former heavyweight champion announced his retirement last year, only to make a sharp U-turn after the UFC’s White House card was revealed.

MMA News / MMA Weekly / February 7

Justin Gaethje welcomes Conor McGregor fight at the UFC White House

Justin Gaethje is hoping to compete for undisputed gold when the UFC White House card arrives in June. But if lightweight champion Ilia Topuria hasn't returned to the octagon following personal troubles, Gaethje is willing put his title unification dreams aside to entertain a fight against Conor McGregor.

Nick Diaz News / BoxingNews.com / February 7

Nick Diaz Wants UFC World Title – ‘People Are Going To See’

Nick Diaz confirmed he is not only sober but planning a return to the Octagon, with a view to becoming a world champion. The 42-year-old, who spent much of 2025 in a recovery program in Mexico, made the comments after multiple fight cancellations in 2024.

MMA News / NY Fights / February 7