BodySlam

Tag: MMA

  • Charles Oliveira Signs New 8 Fight UFC Deal

    Charles Oliveira Signs New 8 Fight UFC Deal

    Charles ‘Do Bronxs’ Oliveira isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. The UFC veteran and current BMF champion has been on a roll recently.

    In his most recent bout on March 7, he scored a dominant decision victory over Max Holloway to capture the BMF gold. Before that, he finished Mateusz Gamrot via submission back in October of 2025.

    Though he’s had his ups and downs in the UFC, but he’s alway been a fan-favorite. And if you are a fan, good news, he’s not going anywhere. Charles’ manager Diego Lima revealed to Agfight that Oliveira has signed a new 8-fight deal with the company, saying;

    “It was a wonderful deal. There’s not a single bad thing to say, it was an incredible deal.”

    “We’ve got fights lined up until Charles is 40 years old. So for those people who were saying he was going to retire, just wait a bit longer.”

    Charles is currently 36, so, if his coach is hinting at retirement at 40 for the champion, we still have four more years of Oliveira. As of now, his next fight has not been announced.

  • Mister Saint Laurent Now Lingerie Fighting Championships President

    Mister Saint Laurent Now Lingerie Fighting Championships President

    Major League Wrestling’s former COO Mister Saint Laurent has been announced to have a new role outside of MLW, and will now serve as the new president of Lingerie Fighting Championships, the promotion announced.

    Per LFC:

    Lingerie Fighting Championships Names Former Major League Wrestling COO Jared St. Laurent as President

    LAS VEGAS, April 28, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Lingerie Fighting Championships Inc. (LFC), the world’s leading all-female sports entertainment league, announced today the appointment of Jared St. Laurent (aka Mister Saint Laurent), former Chief Operating Officer of Major League Wrestling, as its new President.

    Saint Laurent brings a proven track record in combat sports and sports entertainment, having played a key leadership role in the growth and operational success of Major League Wrestling. His experience spans talent development, media rights, live event production, and global brand expansion—areas that LFC is actively targeting as it enters its next phase of growth.

    As President of Lingerie Fighting Championships, Saint Laurent will consult on all aspects of the league’s operations, including event production, talent acquisition, sponsorship development, and international expansion initiatives.

    “Saint Laurent’s leadership experience and deep understanding of the fight entertainment business make him an ideal addition,” said LFC CEO Shaun Donnelly. “We are focused on scaling the brand globally, enhancing our fan experience, and creating new opportunities for our athletes—and Saint Laurent is uniquely positioned to help us achieve those goals.”

    During his tenure with Major League Wrestling, Saint Laurent was instrumental in expanding the promotion’s footprint across television and digital platforms while strengthening its live event presence. His appointment signals LFC’s commitment to elevating its production value, storytelling, and competitive platform.

    “I’m excited to join Lingerie Fighting Championships at such a pivotal time,” said Saint Laurent. “There is incredible potential here to grow the brand, showcase world-class talent, and deliver a unique form of sports entertainment to a global audience. I look forward to building on LFC’s already impressive foundation that includes 5.5 million on-line fans and 300 million monthly views and take things to an even higher level.”

    H/T Fightful

  • Highest Paid MMA Fighter in 2026 – Who Really Earns Most?

    Highest Paid MMA Fighter in 2026 – Who Really Earns Most?

    Money is now one of the biggest talking points in MMA, and fighters are the first to feel the impact. Pay structures and sponsorships shape their careers and choices inside and outside the cage. For readers who already follow fight odds, props and major cards through sports betting, fighter earnings add just another layer of context. 

    The biggest earners are usually the biggest draws – names that attract audiences and influence how events are promoted. Their presence can shift attention around a card, but the foundation remains their performance. That is also why bookmaker platforms stay active during major UFC events. That financial gravity explains why the debate around the highest paid UFC fighter is very different from the debate around the best UFC fighter ever. One reflects financial pull, the other competitive legacy. But let’s get into the details.

    How UFC Fighter Salary Structures Work

    The UFC does not pay everyone on the same scale, and that is why salary discussions may get messy. A typical UFC salary structure can include several layers:

    • Show money for appearing on the card; 
    • A win bonus if the contract still uses that model; 
    • A $50 000 performance or fight bonus on standout nights; 
    • Pay-per-view points for top champions and proven sellers; 
    • Outside income from sponsorships, appearances and businesses. 

    This structure explains why people who wonder how much does a UFC fighter make rarely get one clean answer. It is not just the salary, many other sources of income should be taken into account. 

    UFC Salary Structure Explained

    Entry level UFC fighter salary contracts usually begin at around $12,000 to show and $12,000 to win. However, these figures aren’t fixed. Champions can earn a guaranteed $500,000 before bonuses, while superstars can add millions in PPV points. A fighter who loses may leave with only $12,000 before taxes and expenses. 

    Performance bonuses are the strongest incentive. The UFC still regularly awards $50,000 for “Fight of the Night” or “Performance of the Night”. For lower level fighters, that amount can double or even triple their total earnings. 

    Average UFC Fighter Salary Compared to Top Stars

    Many people wonder how much the average UFC player makes. This depends on their level, experience, skills and popularity. The UFC fighter salary varies widely depending on experience and popularity. However, the average UFC salary is estimated to be based on the tier, as follows:

    Entry-level $12,000 – $20,000
    Mid-tier $50,000 – $120,000
    Upper-tier $150,000 – $500,000
    Champions $500,000 – $3,000,000

    The average salary of a UFC fighter is around $150,000. But again, it depends on the player and his level. For example, Conor McGregor reportedly earned more than $20 million for some UFC fights before sponsorships and PPV points. 

    Fighters of that level also tend to shape betting markets, often drawing tighter and more competitive odds. All bookmakers reflect that demand, but some go further. At LEON Bet, one can also find less popular markets, along with casino games and attractive bonuses. So if you’re looking for a more complete experience, it makes sense to bet with experts.

    How Much Does a UFC Fighter Make Per Fight

    A low-card fighter may get $20,000 – $50,000 per fight with bonuses and more. A ranked contender often will earn six figures. Champions and PPV stars can make seven figures in just one night.

    Average Earnings in MMA

    Outside the UFC, earnings drop significantly. Fighter pay varies by market size and local popularity. Most athletes earn modest purses, often supplemented by sponsorships.

    Average Salary of MMA Fighter in Major Promotions

    Promotions like PFL, One Championship and Bellator (legacy deals) often pay more than local circuits but less than UFC stars. Typical ranges for the average salary of MMA fighter are:

    • PFL tournament fighters: $50,000 to $1 million if they win the season; 
    • ONE Championship starts at six figures for major names; 
    • Regional promotions are often under $10 000 per fight.

    It is difficult to give a specific number for the average salary of an MMA fighter, because it really depends. While a newbie can earn between $10,000 and $30,000 per fight, top fighters can get millions per fight, even if they lose. 

    How Much Do MMA Fighters Make Outside the UFC

    Regional fighters in Australia or Greece may earn only $1,000 – $10,000 per bout unless they sell tickets or attract sponsors. That is why asking how much do MMA fighters make has no simple answer. 

    Factors That Influence MMA Fighter Salary

    There are several factors that can shape the MMA fighter salary. Some of them are:

    • Championship status; 
    • Social media following; 
    • PPV draw;
    • Negotiation leverage; 
    • Sponsorship value. 

    Together, these factors determine how much a fighter can actually command.

    Rank UFC Fighters by Career Earnings

    If you rank UFC fighters by career earnings in 2026, Conor McGregor still sits comfortably at number one. Forbes estimated he earned $180 million in 2021 alone, and his total career earnings are believed to exceed $250 million. Jon Jones, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Georges St-Pierre and Israel Adesanya follow. 

    Highest Paid UFC Fighters of All Time

    The highest paid UFC fighters of all time are led by Conor McGregor, whose UFC 229 against Khabib reportedly sold 2.4 million PPV buyers. Khabib earned millions from that fight and his later business ventures. Jon Jones continues earning 7 figures for major fights.

    The Best UFC Fighter Ever Debate

    The best UFC fighter ever debate is not about money. Jon Jones is often considered number one because of wins over elite champions across multiple eras. St-Pierre built one of the most complete resumes in MMA history. Khabib retired 29-0 undefeated. Anderson Silva defended his title 10 times and changed striking forever. 

    Conor McGregor leads UFC fighter salary comparison in MMA

    Top UFC Fighters of All Time

    The top UFC fighters of all time usually are the names we know. These include:

    • Jon Jones;
    • George St-Pierre; 
    • Anderson Silva; 
    • Khabib Nurmagomedov; 
    • Demetrious Johnson; 
    • Amanda Nunes.

    Nunes became the greatest female fighter ever. She has titles in two divisions, and this is what makes her unique. 

    Most Popular UFC Fighters Worldwide

    The most popular UFC fighters often earn the most from sponsorships and outside businesses. McGregor, Nate Diaz, Sean O’Malley, and Israel Adesanya lead global popularity charts. 

    Comparing UFC Fighter Salary With Other Combat Sports

    Now, let’s compare average UFC fighter salary with other combat sports. As you will see, MMA pay still trails boxing at the highest level. 

    Canelo Alvarez and Tyson Fury can earn $30 million or more for just one fight. UFC stars rarely reach that without PPV upside. TKO reported over $1.36 billion in revenue for 2025. Fighter salaries have grown, but many athletes still argue they deserve a larger share.

    What Determines a Fighter’s Long‑Term Earnings

    Long-term wealth often depends on more than just the fights. Some of the key factors include:

    • Smart branding; 
    • PPV points; 
    • Sponsorship deals; 
    • Business ventures. 

    A fighter can get a good salary while fighting, but when it comes to the long-term, it is his personal branding and businesses that will make the most earnings. 

    FAQ

    How much does a UFC fighter make?

    The sum ranges from low five figures on entry contracts to millions for champions with PPV points. 

    What is the average UFC fighter salary?

    According to information by Gold BJJ, the average UFC fighter makes $150,249, but it depends on the different incomes. 

    Who is the highest paid MMA fighter?

    Conor McGregor remains the highest paid MMA fighter in 2026.

  • Ranking the 3 Most Anticipated Potential UFC fights of May 2026

    Ranking the 3 Most Anticipated Potential UFC fights of May 2026

    The month of May is poised to be big for UFC fans, despite some of the matchups remaining speculative. The most important aspect of this preview is that the best fights are not necessarily the ones that are formally scheduled initially, but the ones, which are most logical in terms of rankings, matchup of styles, and divisional momentum. To fans, that is exciting. To bettors, it provides an initial guide to researching potential lines and fight dynamics.

    Tom Aspinall appears to be the superstar of the heavyweight division. In the lightweight, Islam Makhachev continues to demonstrate what it means to control and stay calm at the championship level. At 147 pounds, Shavkat Rakhmonov and Ian Machado Garry still exemplify the type of head-on clash that can define a whole title picture. These are the names that are fueling discussion regarding UFC May 2026 and they naturally generate some of the most powerful speculative fight storylines of the time.

    As readers may wish to understand the UFC predictions and betting angle, a keen Tonybet analysis will help during the comparison of sportsbook features, including live betting, cash-out, and variety of markets. Such comparison is important, as the value in a fight is often not simply the main moneyline particularly in matches with style differences. Betting odds on UFC fights should be always verified nearer to the fight week, but to have a good MMA betting guide, the idea of the probable form of a fight is always to be considered.

    Heavyweight title clash: Tom Aspinall vs. Jailton Almeida

    One of the strongest matches that UFC could make in the world of heavyweight would be Aspinall vs. Jailton Almeida. Aspinall is quick, hits hard, and makes swift moves. Almeida brings ruthless wrestling, strangling dominance, and the type of grappling pressure that can dramatically change the flow of a fight.

    Stylistic breakdown: Precision striking vs. relentless grappling

    The figures contribute to the understanding of the popularity of the fight. UFC statistical leaders record Aspinall with 7.63 significant strikes landed per minute, the highest among the active heavyweights, with a qualifying sample, and an average fight time of 2:18 indicates how fast Aspinall finishes matters. Almeida’s profile is moving in the other direction: UFC fight-week statistical coverage has put a lot of emphasis on his 54.1 percent takedown accuracy and 88.4 percent control-time share, which makes him one of the most dangerous ground threats in the division.

    Paths to victory and key betting angles

    Aspinall’s path to victory is obvious. His wish would be to keep the fight standing, push Almeida back to shoot, and punish entries with blistering combinations and brute power. The path of Almeida is equally clear: put pressure on Aspinall to the fence, do full takedowns and make the fight a control battle that will not allow the champion to be as explosive. Betting-wise, method-of-victory markets would be the most appealing, in particular, Aspinall by KO or TKO vs. Almeida by submission. Round betting might also be useful since the two men have fashions which have the power to generate early swings.

    Lightweight supremacy: Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan II

    The Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan II fight is one of the most reasonable rematches in the sport. The competitive nature of their first fight on April 20, 2019 was good enough to create a lasting interest and Tsarukyan has since then improved significantly. He is no longer a mere up-and-comer. He is an extreme competitor who has more accurate striking, is more defensive conscious and much more skilled in high-pressure situations.

    Nevertheless, Makhachev remains the division’s benchmark. UFC statistical coverage leading to UFC 311 highlighted his 14 lightweight wins, 15 UFC victories, 10 finishes, and 91-percent takedown defense. These numbers are important because they demonstrate the reason why he would be the favorite in a rematch. He is workmanlike, calm and extremely difficult to pull out of his favorite fight. Tsarukyan’s strength lies in the fact that he can fight in the same wrestling-heavy arenas and at the same time provide sufficient offensive diversity to change the tone of the conversations.

    What’s different this time around?

    The difference this time is maturity. Tsarukyan is stronger and more confident than he was during the first meeting, whereas Makhachev has just become more manageable and more at ease during the championship.

    Early odds prediction and betting considerations

    Initial projections would probably be in favor of Makhachev due to his resume and ability to manage fights, but it could shift if the Tsarukyan camp can create some momentum or bettors determine that the rematch is closer than the initial encounter. That is why, anyone following UFC betting odds would have to pay attention to late camp reports and market movement.

    Undefeated collision course: Shavkat Rakhmonov vs. Ian Machado Garry

    Shavkat Rakhmonov vs. Ian Machado Garry can hardly be considered a more important speculative fight at welterweight. It has a someone’s 0-has-got-to-go energy that immediately grabs the eye, and can also be used to remove potential title killers. Rakhmonov has the finishing menace and full game and Garry has the precision striking and control of range and the type of technical discipline that may vex other opponents who are more aggressive.

    The finisher vs. the sniper: A technical duel

    Rakhmonov’s UFC profile reveals the reason behind his fearsome reputation: eight knockout wins, 10 submission wins, and one of the highest percentages in control-time among all active welterweights. The threat to Gary is different. He is a minute-winner cleaner, who relies on distance, time, and kicks in order to ensure that opponents do not get used to a rhythm that suits them. This renders the opposition between the two more than a mere power-versus-volume narrative. It is actually who has to impose tempo first.

    Intangibles and betting factors to watch

    This is not just picking a winner in regard to the betting angle. The strength of schedule, the endurance and the fight IQ are important, yet the psychological strain of not losing a winning streak is as well. Rakhmonov can provide the threat of a more powerful finish, whereas Garry can be the more proficient fighter to take the fight into a battle of technical decisions. This is why fight to go the distance, total rounds, or Rakhmonov by stoppage prop markets might be more interesting than the straight line.

    Ultimately, what makes these three fights unique is their title implications, high stylistic contrasts, and actual betting interest. Aspinall vs. Almeida would define the future of the heavyweight division, Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan II would resolve a massive lightweight controversy, and Rakhmonov vs. Garry would pit two of the most appealing divisions at welterweight.

  • Dana White Says White House Correspondents Dinner Shooting Was “F-cking Awesome”

    Dana White Says White House Correspondents Dinner Shooting Was “F-cking Awesome”

    Saturday Night, President Donald Trump and company held a White House Correspondents dinner at the Washington Hilton hotel ballroom in Washington, D.C.

    In what ended up being a chaotic scene, a shooter was active in the building and shots were fired. Officers in tactical gear with guns jumped over tables, brandishing their weapons as the president and other dignitaries were rushed from the stage as other guests ran and hid under tables.

    One of those guests was UFC president Dana White, and he, surprisingly, had a glowing stance about what occurred. He thought it was awesome.

    ”Inside, they started up- all the sudden it started getting noisy. Tables getting flipped over, guys running in with guns, and they were screaming “get down”. I didn’t get down. It was fucking awesome! I literally took every minute of it in and it was pretty, pretty crazy unique experience.”

    Dana White went on to say that he was directly seated in front of the President’s table, and at first he thought the shooter was over by them for a second.

    https://x.com/MMAJunkie/status/2048226463510302783/video/1?s=46

    No one was hurt in the chaos that occurred, and the shooter was captured. As of now, they believe it was just a sole shooter.

    While this went down, UFC’s Fight Night event was happening in Las Vegas. You can see results from that here.

  • UFC Fight Night: Sterling vs. Zalal Live Results

    UFC Fight Night: Sterling vs. Zalal Live Results

    UFC is back with another Fight Night from the UFC Meta Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada. The event is headlined by a Featherweight contenders bout, where #5 ranked Aljamain Sterling takes on #7 Youssef Zalal in what will be Zalal’s toughest test yet, despite Sterling being the betting underdog.

    Elsewhere on the card, #3 ranked Women’s Bantamweight Norma Dumont puts her spot on the line against the surging #11 ranked Joselyne Edwards. The full event is live on Paramount+ with the Prelims kicking off at 5PM ET, followed by the Main Card at 8PM ET. You can see the full results below.

    Main Card (Paramount+ 8PM ET) 

    • Aljamain Sterling def. Youssef Zalal via Unanimous Decision (49-45, 49-45, 49-45) 
    • Joselyne Edwards def. Norma Dumont via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28) 
    • Rafa Garcia def. Alexander Hernandez via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28) 
    • Davey Grant def. Adrian Luna Martinetti via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
    • Raoni Barcelos def. Montel Jackson via Split Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) 
    • Ryan Spann def. Marcus Almeida via Knockout (Punch, Round 2) 

    Prelims (Paramount+ 5PM ET) 

    • Eric McConico def. Rodolfo Vieira via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) 
    • Jackson McVey def. Sedriques Dumas via Submission (D’Arce Choke, Round 1) 
    • Michelle Montague def. Mayra Bueno Silva via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
    • Cody Durden def. Jafel Filho via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28) 
    • Francis Marshall def. Lucas Brennan via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
    • Victor Valenzuela def. Max Griffin via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
    • Talita Alencar def. Julia Polastri via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) 

     

  • Why Combat Sports Fans Keep Chasing Certainty in Events Designed to Disrupt It

    Why Combat Sports Fans Keep Chasing Certainty in Events Designed to Disrupt It

    Combat sports involve endless discipline from those who compete at the top level. But what makes the likes of boxing and MMA so enticing to spectators is the element of chaos underpinning even the most high-profile bouts. With every punch thrown and kick launched, there’s the potential for sudden glory or painful defeat.

    Despite the reality of randomness in combat sports, fans tend to try to anchor each face-off with a degree of certainty. So, why is this the case, and does it make sense to predict fight outcomes, or is doing so a fool’s errand?

    Safety in Stats

    Combat sports are closely analyzed and dissected after the fact, so today we’ve got access to vast volumes of information on how each and every athlete performs. This gives us the incentive to make predictions and future fight outcomes based on things like takedown defense percentages and typical strike accuracy.

    It makes sense for bookmakers to be clued in on these metrics, since it’s their job to calculate odds for upcoming combat sport events. And with the dawn of legal sports betting Canada and other countries now have opportunities for punters to place wagers on their favorite fighters, so being data-focused is also worthwhile in this context.

    However, stats aren’t as applicable to combat sports as to other events. In a baseball season, for instance, you get lots of games across which long play sessions can be scrutinized. In MMA, a fight might last an average of 10 minutes, and a fighter might only compete two or three times annually at best. So here, there’s the illusion of safety in the numbers, whereas there’s much less cause for certainty in predictions.

    Obsessing Over Storytelling

    Another crutch combat sports fans have is their love of a good story. It’s something the media machine whips up before important events, and when two fighters have history with one another, or there’s a young upstart taking on a veteran athlete, it’s in our nature to make assumptions about the outcome based on what’s narratively satisfying, not what’s actually possible.

    Even homing in on apparent certainties, such as a competitor being in career-best form, based on footage from training camp sessions shared on social media, is misleading. All the prep in the world might feel like a montage from Rocky that leads us towards assuming there’ll be a Hollywood-style conclusion to a fight, but once the bell rings, it’s not about what would make sense in a movie script.

    Revising History

    Lastly, combat sports fans chase certainty in events that are fueled by potential disruptions because when we look back at past fights, we’re not afraid to rewrite the history books on what actually happened. A lucky punch that wins the day out of nowhere will be reframed as inevitable. A last-minute comeback from a fighter who’s spent the whole match with their back against the ropes will make the earlier shakiness seem strategic, rather than a sign of weakness.

    In short, no sporting event outcome is certain, and combat sports have more chaos involved than most. We want certainty as fans, whether we’re betting on a bout or not, because we like feeling clever, and we love good stories.

  • Belal Muhammad vs. Gabriel Bonfim To Headline UFC Fight Night

    Belal Muhammad vs. Gabriel Bonfim To Headline UFC Fight Night

    Ranked UFC Welterweights are headed for a collision on June 6, 2026 at the UFC Meta Apex for a Fight Night event. Belal Muhammad vs. Gabriel Bonfim is set to headline the event, with Edman Shahbazyan and Brendan Allen announced for the featured bout.

    You can see the full press release for the fight announcements below.

    Las Vegas – UFC® returns to Meta APEX on June 6with a stacked card filled with fun fights and headlined by a can’t-miss main event featuring former UFC welterweight world champion and No. 4 ranked contender Belal Muhammad as he faces off with rising No. 10 ranked Gabriel Bonfim. Also on the card, No. 4 ranked middleweight contender Brendan Allen meets Edmen Shahbazyan.
    UFC FIGHT NIGHT®: MUHAMMAD vs. BONFIM takes place Saturday, June 6 in Las Vegas. The prelims will air at 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT, followed by the main card airing at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT. All bouts will stream live on Paramount+.
    Tickets for UFC FIGHT NIGHT®: MUHAMMAD vs. BONFIM will go on sale Friday, April 24 at 10 a.m. PTand are available at AXS.com. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. UFC Fight Club® will have the opportunity to purchase tickets on Wednesday, April 22 at 10 a.m. PT via the website UFCFightClub.com. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers Thursday, April 23 at 10 a.m. PT. To access the pre-sale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com.
    Meta APEX VIP Experience packages are available via On Location, UFC’s Official VIP Experience Provider. Enjoy exclusive access with an official ticket package that includes premium seating, all-inclusive hospitality, in-seat beverage service, meet-and-greets with UFC Octagon Girls and more. Visit UFCVIP.comfor more information.
    Muhammad (24-5 1NC, fighting out of Chicago, Ill.) returns to action looking to build momentum for another shot at UFC gold. A well-rounded competitor, Muhammad rose through the welterweight ranks with wins over Sean Brady and Gilbert Burns before defeating then-champion Leon Edwards. He now looks to take out Bonfim in dominant fashion.
    Surging Bonfim (19-1, fighting out of Brasilia, Brazil) aims to deliver another impressive UFC main event showing. A signee from season six of Dana White’s Contender Series, he holds recent wins over Randy Brown, Stephen Thompson and Khaos Williams. Bonfim now intends to break into the Top 5 by defeating the former champion.
    Perennial contender Allen (26-7, fighting out of Milwaukee, Wisc.) steps back into the Octagon chasing another highlight finish. Currently tied for third-most submissions in UFC middleweight history with six, Allen has shown off his skills in performances over Paul Craig, Bruno Silva and Andre Muniz. He now has his sights set on adding Shahbazyan to his resume and turning his attention towards the top of the division.
    Shahbazyan (16-5, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.) seeks to extend his current three-fight win streak and secure the biggest win of his career. A high-paced finisher, he has ended 13 of his 16 wins by knockout including those over Andre Muniz, Dylan Budka and AJ Dobson. Shahbazyan now looks to make it four wins in a row with a statement performance.
    Additional bouts include:
    • An intriguing bantamweight bout pits Bryce Mitchell (18-4, fighting out of Searcy, Ark.) against Victor Henry (25-7 1NC, fighting out of Southgate, Calif.)
    • No. 15 ranked UFC lightweight contender Fares Ziam (18-4, fighting out of Lyon, France) battles Tom Nolan (10-1, fighting out of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia) in a high-stakes contest
    • Undefeated light heavyweight prospect Iwo Baraniewski (8-0, fighting out of Warsaw, Poland) looks for another highlight-reel finish as he faces Billy Elekana (10-2, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.)
    • Flyweight standout Imanol Rodriguez (7-0, fighting out of Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico) makes his second Octagon appearance of 2026 when he squares off with veteran Matt Schnell (17-10 1NC, fighting out of Shreveport, Lou.)
    • Marcus McGhee(10-2, fighting out of Phoenix, Ariz.) faces Jakub Wiklacz (18-3-2, fighting out of Poznan, Poland) in a bantamweight contest
    • An exciting flyweight bout sees No. 15 ranked contender Bruno Silva (15-8-2 1NC, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil) defend his spot in the rankings againstEdgar Chairez (13-6 1NC, fighting out of Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico)
    • Always-entertaining Jordan Leavitt (13-3, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.) meets Joanderson Brito (18-5-1, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil) in a can’t-miss featherweight tilt
    • Ketlen Souza (16-6, fighting out of Manaus, Brazil) and Ariane Carnelossi (15-4, fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil) compete at strawweight
    • A women’s bantamweight bout features Priscila Cachoeira (13-8, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) and Chelsea Chandler (6-4, fighting out of Stockton, Calif.)
    • Dana White’s Contender Series signee Jeisla Chaves (6-0, fighting out of Bahia, Brazil) makes her UFC debut againstYuneisy Duben (6-1 1NC, fighting out of Provincia de Lima, Peru) at flyweight
    For the latest information on bout announcements and additional information for this event, please visitwww.ufc.com. All bouts are subject to change. Please click here to apply for the event.
  • Gilbert Burns Retires Following UFC Winnipeg Loss

    Gilbert Burns Retires Following UFC Winnipeg Loss

    Gilbert ‘Durinho’ Burns has retired from UFC following his round three TKO loss at UFC Winnipeg on Saturday night against Mike Malott.

    Gilbert Burns is 22-10 in his career, but sadly, he leaves on a five fight losing streak. Gilbert’s last win was against Jorge Masvidal in 2023. But, his last five losses were against tough competition, including former champions and rising challengers.

    For Gilbert, this is the end of a long career which started in 2012. Following his loss on Saturday, Gilbert Burns, alongside his coaches, brother, wife and kids, gave an emotional speech and thanked each one of them. He also thanked the fan, and everyone who helped him in his career.

    https://x.com/ufc/status/2045697625274364092?s=46

    Despite the 39 year olds career being in the down slope in recent years, Burns has beaten some legendary names including the likes of Stephen Thompson, Damien Maia and Tyron Woodley, all while being on a six fight win streak at the time.

    Gilbert Burns is a bonafide legend in the game, and we wish him the best in his retirement.

     

  • From Fighters to Brands: How MMA and Wrestling Stars Build Global Influence

    From Fighters to Brands: How MMA and Wrestling Stars Build Global Influence

    There was a time when fighters showed up and faded from view until the next bout. That version of reality feels distant. Today’s MMA athletes and wrestling performers exist in a space where a single punch can circle the globe in seconds, and a personality can outweigh a title belt.

    Look closer, and a pattern emerges. These athletes are building identities that stretch far beyond competition. Athlete and entrepreneur. The fight itself starts to feel like just one piece of a wider picture.

    The rise of the fighter entrepreneur

    Fighters have learned to turn attention into something concrete. Nielsen Sports reports show that leading combat athletes gain millions of followers each year, often rivaling players from major team sports.

    Attention on its own does not mean much. What matters is how it is used. Some fighters launch clothing brands. Others invest in startups or open gyms that double as social spaces. A few move into completely different industries. Wrestling had an early advantage here. Performers were already building characters that sold tickets and merchandise. That instinct carried smoothly into social platforms.

    Persona as currency

    Skill wins fights. Personality fills arenas. SportsPro Media has reported that athletes with strong personal narratives attract far higher engagement than those focused only on performance. Fans follow stories. Comebacks, rivalries, unexpected turns. This is where training takes on a second role. It becomes part of the story. Early mornings, injuries, repetition. These details create a connection.

    Authenticity is often mentioned, yet rarely is it simple. Some fighters are loud and unfiltered. Others present a more controlled image. Both can work. The key is consistency. The persona needs to feel believable, even if parts are shaped for the audience. Fans notice when something feels off.

    Digital platforms are the real arena

    The main arena might now be a screen. Instagram, YouTube, TikTok. These platforms have reshaped visibility. A few realities stand out:

    • Sponsored posts can match or exceed fight earnings
    • YouTube channels bring steady, long-term income

    Short videos have pushed global recognition at a surprising speed. And again, training content sits at the center. Fans are drawn to the process. The repetition, the grind, the visible effort. Another shift is happening quietly. Fighters are no longer fully dependent on promoters. Subscription platforms and exclusive content allow direct income. This brings more control, but it comes with pressure. Managing an audience takes time and consistency.

    Crossover power into mainstream culture

    Some transitions feel natural. Wrestling stars often move into film, helped by their charisma and experience performing in front of crowds. MMA fighters often focus on business. Fitness platforms, nutrition brands, digital products. Their expertise in training becomes something that can be scaled.

    Here is where it gets interesting. Success outside the sport feeds back into it. A strong brand increases visibility. Visibility boosts promotion. The cycle repeats. As explained here, even platforms built around online casinos like Slots.lv show how audience engagement, monetization, and digital visibility now operate across entirely different entertainment sectors.

    The risks behind the spotlight

    Constant visibility has a cost. Not every athlete manages to balance performance and promotion. The demand to stay relevant never really pauses. Audiences move fast. Attention fades. Staying visible requires steady effort, and that can wear people down.

    There is a quieter issue. When everything becomes content, the line between person and persona begins to blur. At that point, maintaining authenticity becomes harder. The audience expects consistency, yet real life rarely fits that pattern.

    Conclusion

    The shift from fighter to brand reflects a bigger change in sport. Athletes are no longer defined only by wins and losses. Their influence comes from how they connect and expand beyond competition. Some will focus only on fighting. Others will build something that lasts well beyond their careers. And that might be the real shift. Victory is no longer decided only inside the ring. It extends into everything that surrounds it.