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UFC is told this Islam Makhachev super-fight ‘needs to happen’ by the champion’s former rival

UFC is told this Islam Makhachev super-fight ‘needs to happen’ by the champion’s former rival

Calls for the UFC to book this huge matchup are continuing. Islam Makhachev remains without his first welterweight title defense on the calendar following his title triumph at Madison Square Garden last November.

Tom Aspinall News / HITC / January 4
UFC legend warns Tom Aspinall against repeating a mistake that cost him vision in one eye

UFC legend warns Tom Aspinall against repeating a mistake that cost him vision in one eye

Tom Aspinall has picked up some advice from a fighter who knows a thing or two about what he’s going through. Due to needing two eye surgeries, Aspinall doesn’t have a return date set, leaving fans waiting for his comeback.

Paddy Pimblett News / Bloody Elbow / January 4
Paddy Pimblett cancels birthday celebrations as UFC 324 title fight moves closer

Paddy Pimblett cancels birthday celebrations as UFC 324 title fight moves closer

Paddy Pimblett is pushing back any celebration of his birthday until after his world title fight on January 24 in Las Vegas. The fan favorite lightweight finally gets his shot at interim gold against Justin Gaethje in the main event of UFC 324.

MMA News / EssentiallySports / January 4
Jack Della Maddalena Predicts His Fate Against Ilia Topuria as Islam Makhachev Debate Heats Up

Jack Della Maddalena Predicts His Fate Against Ilia Topuria as Islam Makhachev Debate Heats Up

Jack Della Maddalena might have been defeated by Islam Makhachev for the welterweight title at UFC 322. Yet, the Aussie appears quite optimistic about his return.

MMA News / EssentiallySports / January 4
Kayla Harrison Roped In as Joe Rogan’s UFC Take Questioned by PFL Co-owner in Public Callout

Kayla Harrison Roped In as Joe Rogan’s UFC Take Questioned by PFL Co-owner in Public Callout

Was Kayla Harrison at her best in the PFL? By the numbers, it’s hard to argue otherwise. She dominated the promotion, winning the lightweight title twice, with her only loss coming in her final PFL bout.

Justin Gaethje News / MMA Weekly / January 4

Coach: 'Justin Gaethje is so dialed in right now'

The first UFC event of 2026, and the first UFC event of the $7.7 billion Paramount deal takes place on Jan. 24 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The fight card is headlined by an interim lightweight title bout between former interim titleholder Justin Gaethje and No.

Alex Pereira News / MMA Weekly / January 4

UFC insider believes Alex Pereira could end the Greatest of All Time debate

The greatest fighter of all time usually depends on who you ask. Jon Jones, Georges St-Pierre, and Anderson Silva are always in the discussion, but the

Holly Holm News / MMA Weekly / January 4
Holly Holm comes up short in WBA lightweight title bout

Holly Holm comes up short in WBA lightweight title bout

Former UFC women's bantamweight titleholder multiple-time former boxing champion Holly Holm attempted to win another boxing world title on Saturday but came up short against WBA lightweight champion Stephanie Han in Puerto Rico.

Dana White News / Bloody Elbow / January 4
Dana White publicly apologized to ex-teacher he told was ‘too old’ before they won their debut at 37

Dana White publicly apologized to ex-teacher he told was ‘too old’ before they won their debut at 37

On this day in 2015, Dana White admitted that he was wrong after turning a fighter down. Beating Tim Sylvia at UFC 68 remains the win that Randy Couture cherishes the most of all of his iconic victories.

MMA News / BoxingNews.com / January 3

Harrison Vows To Send Nunes Into Retirement

UFC Bantamweight Champion Kayla Harrison intends to make Amanda Nunes pay in their UFC 324 clash on January 24, vowing to send her into retirement. Kayla has chance to prove herself as the best female fighter on the planet.

MMA News / EssentiallySports / January 3
Charles Oliveira Picks His Former UFC Opponent to Knock Out Islam Makhachev

Charles Oliveira Picks His Former UFC Opponent to Knock Out Islam Makhachev

With a 16-fight win streak and two-division championship under his belt, UFC welterweight kingpin Islam Makhachev has established himself as one of MMA’s most feared stars, dominating top opponents like Jack Della Maddalena, Dustin Poirier, Alexander Volkanovski (2X), and Charles Oliveira.

MMA News / EssentiallySports / January 3
‘Joe Rogan Is 100% Right’: Tom Aspinall Gets Crucial Health Advice From Former One-Eyed UFC Champ

‘Joe Rogan Is 100% Right’: Tom Aspinall Gets Crucial Health Advice From Former One-Eyed UFC Champ

After Ciryl Gane eye-poked Tom Aspinall in the UFC 321 main event, it initially felt like the heavyweight champion could be sidelined for a while. That concern only grew when the Brit later revealed he had scheduled surgeries on both eyes in January.

MMA News / EssentiallySports / January 3
Original UFC Founder Pushes Back on Joe Rogan’s Claim That Dana White & Co. Rule MMA

Original UFC Founder Pushes Back on Joe Rogan’s Claim That Dana White & Co. Rule MMA

“If you’re going to be the best, you kind of have to be in the UFC,” said Joe Rogan this week on his JRE podcast. With that, Rogan framed the promotion as the combat sports “leader,” the ultimate proving ground for rising MMA talent where Dana White & Co.

MMA News / Bloody Elbow / January 3
Ex-UFC title challenger was KO’d in his Octagon debut years before matching Conor McGregor milestone

Ex-UFC title challenger was KO’d in his Octagon debut years before matching Conor McGregor milestone

On this day in 2015, a UFC star’s debut didn’t go to plan. We’ve seen the likes of the Joe Rogan approved Ateba Gautier produce incredibly impressive debut years in the UFC in 2025.

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MMA News / Bloody Elbow / January 3
Joe Rogan’s UFC claim also questioned by Cris Cyborg after PFL boss used Francis Ngannou to hit back

Joe Rogan’s UFC claim also questioned by Cris Cyborg after PFL boss used Francis Ngannou to hit back

The legendary Cris Cyborg has joined the PFL founder in dismissing Joe Rogan’s take. Having featured at the UFC commentary desk for over two decades and been involved in the promotion since first appearing in 1997, Rogan has had a close view of the all-time greats in mixed martial arts.

MMA News / Bloody Elbow / January 3
Alex Pereira told one win would make him the UFC GOAT in 2026 — but it’s not against Jon Jones

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.

Joe Rogan News / HITC / January 3
Joe Rogan challenged by PFL boss Donn Davis over UFC comment

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

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

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 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

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.

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.

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.

MMA News / Total Apex Sports / January 2
Justin Gaethje Confesses He ‘Loves’ the Terror of a potential Ilia Topuria Fight

Justin Gaethje Confesses He ‘Loves’ the Terror of a potential Ilia Topuria Fight

Let’s be real for a second: Justin Gaethje is not built like the rest of us. While most people would look at Ilia Topuria—a man who is currently sleeping legends for sport—and think, “No thanks, I choose life,” Gaethje looks at him and sees a beautiful nightmare.

MMA News / Total Apex Sports / December 31
Arman Tsarukyan on Why He Won’t Grapple Islam Makhachev 

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.

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