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Topuria’s Comeback Plan: February 2027 Return With Rematch Hopes
23 days ago•Source: MMA Mania
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29.135 min•23 days ago
Jones Eyes Return as Heavyweight Belt Opens Up, Steveson Says
With Tom Aspinall vacating the UFC heavyweight title due to an eye injury, Jon Jones may return as the belt opens up; Gable Steveson says Jones would be motivated by a vacant path, praises Ciryl Gane as a deserving undisputed champion, and even suggests Josh Hokit as a possible next opponent, underscoring how the heavyweight lineup could shift as the chase for the title heats up.
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Shevchenko vacates flyweight belt as back/shoulder injuries sideline her for nearly a year
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Chimaev admits 'there were mistakes' after UFC 328 showing
Khamzat Chimaev says his UFC 328 showing contained 'mistakes' but he isn’t dwelling on injuries or weight-cut issues, emphasizing that he’s focused on a quick return. He’s open to a Sean Strickland rematch (Strickland is currently rehabbing a shoulder) and plans to stay at 185 pounds, with Imavov as a potential future title challenger and RAF Moscow bouts on the horizon.
Bella Mir: Aiming for a longer career with less brain damage than her father
Bella Mir says her father, former UFC champion Frank Mir, has brain damage from his MMA career and she hopes to avoid a similar fate by fighting smarter and finishing fights faster. She notes his health has declined (often needing a cane) after years of wars, and she wants a long career without excessive brain damage, even as she recently lost on Dana White’s Contender Series. Frank Mir retired after Bellator 231, underscoring concerns about long‑term health in combat sports.
Yadong: No Grudge, Just Understanding After UFC Shanghai Moment
Song Yadong says there was no bad blood with Usman Nurmagomedov after Usman jumped into the cage to check on his brother at UFC Shanghai, explaining in a translated interview that the near-elbow moment was a protective reaction rather than animosity, and that he understands given they are family.
Gaethje’s hands still throbbing after brutal Topuria win at White House bout
Justin Gaethje says his hands are still hurt months after his brutal 4-round beatdown of Ilia Topuria at the White House UFC Freedom 250 event, where Topuria’s corner stopped the fight. He plans to recover and hasn’t ruled out a return in 2027, with talks of a big-money super fight or a potential defense against Arman Tsarukyan, though no next bout has been announced.
Nurmagomedov Promises Comeback After Shanghai KO Upset
Umar Nurmagomedov suffered an upset knockout to hometown favorite Song Yadong at UFC Shanghai, lasting about seven minutes, as the Dagestani contender was stopped by a right hand. Nurmagomedov later posted that he’s fine, will work on the mistakes, and will be back.
Topuria’s Return: Eyed Chandler Fight After Recovery, Says Tsarukyan
Ilia Topuria, coming off a brutal loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC White House 2026 and out until year-end or early 2027, could return with a tune-up bout against Michael Chandler, per Arman Tsarukyan, who says Topuria needs an easier fight before pursuing a title run.
Tsarukyan Emerges from Dana White’s Doghouse Ahead of UFC 331 Return
Arman Tsarukyan has been officially out of Dana White’s doghouse and is set to return as the UFC 331 co‑main event opponent of Mauricio Ruffy in Los Angeles. White confirmed at the pre‑fight press conference that Tsarukyan’s status has improved after a long stretch marked by injuries, weight‑cut drama and tense relations with UFC, with a win potentially moving him back into title contention by 2027 (though a Topuria/Pimblett double‑header on the same night isn’t planned).
Khabib Calls Islam Out After UFC 330 Presser Disagreement
At UFC 330’s press conference, Islam Makhachev told Ian Garry to 'SHUT UP,' drawing a rebuke from former champ Khabib Nurmagomedov, who urged Makhachev to be respectful. Makhachev blamed crowd noise for his reaction; Nurmagomedov stressed respect, noting Garry had shown him respect ahead of their bout on Paramount+. Islam defends the welterweight title against Garry on Saturday in Philadelphia.
Prates bets on Garry to shock Makhachev at UFC 330
Carlos Prates predicts Ian Garry will defeat Islam Makhachev by decision at UFC 330, citing Garry’s proven movement and a past win over Prates; bettors still favor Makhachev (-350) to Garry (+270); Prates’ view may stem from respect or hopeful thinking, and the piece notes Garry’s ambition to stay active with multiple title fights per year as Makhachev’s defenses remain infrequent through 2027.
Salkilld Stuns Gamrot With Early Submission in UFC Vegas 120 Main Event
Quillan Salkilld stunned Mateusz Gamrot by securing a first‑round rear-naked choke in the UFC Vegas 120 main event, extending Salkilld’s win streak to six and signaling his rise in the lightweight ranks on Paramount+.