Afghanistan 
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs has added MMA training to his 2026 offseason program. Working with respected coach Rafael Cordeiro, Gibbs is using striking, grappling and constant movement to improve his conditioning, body control and durability before taking over as Detroit’s unquestioned lead back.
Conor McGregor has pushed back on PED allegations ahead of UFC 329: McGregor vs. Holloway 2, where he returns to the UFC against Max Holloway. With Holloway vs. McGregor approaching, both McGregor and the promotion deny he broke anti-doping rules.
UFC Freedom 250: Topuria vs. Gaethje turned the White House into the strangest fight venue in UFC history. Gaethje vs. Topuria ended with a corner stoppage, while Gane vs. Pereira and O’Malley vs. Zahabi added more finish-heavy drama.
Saturday MMA went global with PFL Africa: Nigeria, WAR 9: Cartagena and FNC Vikings 2. PFL had tournament submissions, WAR MMA crowned Óscar Hernández, and FNC brought quick knockouts in Zagreb.
A stacked MMA weekend delivered across OKTAGON 89, ARES FC 41, WOW 31 Madrid, BRAVE CF 106, and UFC Vegas 118. Jack Grant, Muhammad Mokaev, Pavel Dailidko, Gabriel Bonfim and others gave the weekend plenty of finish-heavy headlines.
Jay Silva, the former UFC, Bellator MMA and KSW fighter, has died at 45. Known as “The Spider Killer,” Silva built a career on tough fights, big names, and a willingness to compete anywhere.
Anderson Silva has fired back at Dana White after the UFC boss discussed Silva’s exit following Uriah Hall vs. Anderson Silva. Silva’s response was simple, sharp, and very Silva: the bald guy does not know how to count.
Hrishikesh Koloth, a 27-year-old MMA hopeful from Kerala, India, was killed in a rare black bear attack in northern Saskatchewan. His family says he came to Canada chasing a UFC dream, trained for years, and wanted to be remembered as a fighter first.
Tensions were high in Marseille as the fighters of ARES 31 hit the stage for ceremonial weigh-ins. Josh O'Connor, Ylies Djiroun, and Axel Sola all faced off with fight-night energy already in the air.
