Bella Mir’s DWCS Upset Sparks Five UFC Contracts
In Week 3 of Dana White’s Contender Series at Meta Apex in Las Vegas, Bella Mir delivered the biggest upset in DWCS history as all five winners earned UFC contracts.
Tag
Mma
All articles tagged with #mma
Makhachev hints at a three-fight arc before stepping away from the cage
UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev says he may have three fights left in his career, signaling a possible life after fighting as he contemplates upcoming title challenges and how much more he wants to chase.
Underdog Apodaca Upsets Bella Mir, Secures UFC Contract in Contender Series Week 3
In Contender Series Season 10 Week 3, underdog Alex Apodaca stunned Bella Mir to take a unanimous decision (29-28 on all cards) and earn a UFC contract, joining Guilherme Uriel, Sean Clancy Jr., Ronald Humphrey, and Nick Galanti as winners who secured UFC deals on the night; Mir, a massive favorite, suffered one of MMA’s biggest upsets, while other fights produced decisive finishes and contract wins.
DWCS 89 lands five UFC contracts after a night of finishes and an upset
At DWCS 89, five fighters earned UFC contracts: Nick Galanti (KO on Carlos Petruzzella in 35 seconds), Ronald Humphrey (submission of Alexis Miranda via rear-naked choke), Sean Clancy Jr. (TKO of Gary Balletto), Guilherme Uriel (standing guillotine finish in 50 seconds), and Alex Apodaca (unanimous decision over Bella Mir following a historic upset). This night highlighted a mix of quick finishes and a notable upset that helped propel multiple competitors to the UFC.
Makhachev Sees Three More Tough Battles Ahead After UFC 330 Win
Islam Makhachev defended his welterweight title at UFC 330, extending a record-setting winning streak, but said the bout was tougher than anticipated and predicts at least three more challenging fights ahead, with Carlos Prates or Michael Morales likely next in line.
White respects Paul’s Joshua fight but won’t promote him
Dana White said he was impressed Jake Paul actually fought Anthony Joshua, calling it a 'ballsy move,' but he has no interest in promoting or signing Paul; Joshua KO’d Paul in the sixth round, breaking his jaw, while MVP announced a merger with the PFL.
Sacramento Sparks, Suspensions, and a Flood of Fight Talk: UFC Roundup
A UFC-focused news roundup for August 2026 covering Gregory Rodrigues' pivotal win over Anthony Hernandez at UFC Sacramento and Hernandez's six-month suspension, plus a flurry of headlines on Masvidal's return talk, Rodrigues addressing cheating claims, and rumor-filled chatter about Petr Yan vs Merab Dvalishvili, Costa/Prochazka rumors, and talk surrounding Islam Makhachev's next opponent.
UFC Shanghai Spotlight: Nurmagomedov vs Yadong headlines a global card and streaming guide
UFC Shanghai on August 29 features Umar Nurmagomedov vs Song Yadong as the main event, backed by a 12-fight card that includes Yan Xiaonan in the co-main. The event at Shanghai Indoor Stadium runs prelims at 3:00 ET and the main card at 6:00 ET, with regional broadcast rights varying (US: Paramount+, UK: TNT/Discovery+, Canada: Sportsnet+, Australia: Kayo/Foxtel, etc.), so check local listings for live viewing.
Bella Mir Sets DWCS History as Biggest Favorite Ahead of UFC Contract Bid
Bella Mir headlines Dana White’s Contender Series Week 3 at the UFC Apex, facing Alex Apodaca, and pursues a UFC contract while becoming the biggest betting favorite in women’s DWCS history—surpassing Antonina Shevchenko; the daughter of Frank Mir has a winding path back to competition and eyes UFC glory, Olympic gold, and more.
Rodrigues Narrowly Edges Hernandez on UFC Sacramento Fight-Night Weigh-In Gap
At UFC Sacramento, Gregory Rodrigues weighed 204.4 lb on fight night, about 2 lb more than Anthony Hernandez at 202.2 lb, underscoring hefty post-weigh-in gains; Rodrigues rose from 185 lb to 204.4 lb (19.4 lb, ~10%), Hernandez from 186 lb to 202.2 lb (16.2 lb, ~9%). Other notable gains included Reinier de Ridder to 221.8 lb (16.8 lb, ~8%), Roman Dolidze to 226.2 lb (20.2 lb, ~10%), and Marcio Barbosa’s biggest jump to 171 lb (25.5 lb, ~18%), vs. Ryan Kuse by nearly 20 lb.
Bella Mir charts a cross-sport path to UFC glory and Olympic gold
Bella Mir, daughter of UFC legend Frank Mir, is pursuing a cross‑sport ascent by fighting on The Contender Series for a UFC contract while targeting the 2028 Olympics and a berth at the World Wrestling Championships, supported by Dana White who endorses chasing both MMA success and Olympic glory.
Prochazka Keeps Next Move Hidden as Fight Rumors Swirl
Jiri Prochazka has not confirmed his next fight and is pushing back on internet rumors, saying he’ll announce it once he’s ready and that his preparation will be thorough. Following his KO loss to Carlos Ulberg at UFC 327, rumors linked him to a bout with Paulo Costa, but he stated the fight isn’t booked yet. With several UFC events left in 2026, his next appearance could come on a fall card, but no date has been set.
Hernandez accuses Rodrigues of glove grabbing after UFC Sacramento loss
In UFC Fight Night 285 in Sacramento, Anthony Hernandez lost to Gregory Rodrigues by unanimous decision in the main event, with both fighters earning Fight of the Night honors. Hernandez praised Rodrigues' toughness but said Rodrigues grabbed his glove multiple times and flagged it to referee Herb Dean mid-fight; no point deduction was issued. He vows to learn from the fight and hopes to fight again in Sacramento.
Rodrigues Edges Hernandez in UFC Sacramento as Glove-Grabbing Allegations Surface
Gregory Rodrigues defeated Anthony Hernandez by unanimous decision in the UFC Sacramento main event, earning Rodrigues his first five-round decision and both fighters a Fight of the Night bonus plus $100,000 each; Hernandez claimed Rodrigues grabbed the inside of his gloves several times and tried to alert referee Herb Dean, though no penalty was issued, while Hernandez battled a shoulder injury and leg issues in a hard-fought bout.
Rodrigues lands biggest UFC Sacramento payday at $340K
Gregory Rodrigues led UFC Sacramento payouts with a disclosed $340,000 payday ($170,000 show, $170,000 win), the highest on the card, while his main-event foe Anthony Hernandez earned $170,000. The California commission breakdown also shows notable purses for other fighters, including Reinier de Ridder at $300,000, Serghei Spivac at $125,000, and Vitor Petrino at $200,000 total, with the figures reflecting disclosed show and win pay and not counting any UFC bonuses.