UFC 325: Preview and suggested bets for Alexander Volkanovski vs Diego Lopes and more
Can UFC 325 live up to the hype of last weekend? Will Alexander Volkanovski further cement his legacy in the featherweight division? What does the return of Tai Tuivasa after nearly two years mean?
It’s another landmark event in the UFC this weekend as Volkanovski fights in Australia once more as part of his second title defence against Diego Lopes.
Fellow Aussies Dan Hooker and Tai Tuivasa join Volkanovski on the main card, with ‘The Hangman’ looking to bounce back from a heavy loss to Arman Tsarukyan just over two months ago.
MMA analysis: What does the interim title truly mean for Justin Gaethje?
On Sunday, January 25, Justin Gaethje claimed the interim lightweight title in one of the greatest fights of modern MMA.
It was an all-out war between the two fighters, with Gathje saying in a post-fight interview: “I went off the game plan a bit by trying to kill him as per usual.”
A true fight that displayed everything fans love about MMA and gave the lightweight division a new top dog, but what exactly is an interim champion? Sports News Blitz writer Cameron Cleugh gives his thoughts.
UFC 324 main event reaction: Justin Gaethje defeats valiant Paddy Pimblett in five-round war
Justin Gaethje defeated Paddy Pimblett by unanimous decision over five rounds in the UFC lightweight interim title fight main event on January 25 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
The judges scored the contest 48-47, 49-46, and 49-46 – with Gaethje putting in a dominant display to clinch the interim title by winning four rounds to one on two of the scorecards.
Pimblett did not go down without a fight, though, exhibiting admirable toughness across the contest, but the Liverpudlian took considerable damage the judges could not ignore.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Aidan Leo runs through the top reactions to the bout.
UFC 324: Preview and suggested bets for Justin Gaethje vs Paddy Pimblett and more
Will Paddy the Baddy boost his stocks once more in his toughest fight yet? Does Sean O’Malley still have the hunger to contend for the belt? Sports News Blitz’s Finn Littlewood gives his thoughts.
The UFC makes its long-awaited 2026 debut this weekend, with some big names taking to the octagon in what promises to be an electric event in Las Vegas.
Something that no doubt fight fans have missed the most is making their picks for a UFC weekend, and here I am going to talk through a few of mine and why I believe I’ve got it spot on (I have).
MMA news: Is UFC White House too big a stage for legendary but controversial Jon Jones?
Jon Jones is arguably the greatest fighter of all time and should be a no-brainer for the UFC White House card, but given his history, is Dana White willing to take the risk on MMA’s most unpredictable star?
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Ollie Hughes discusses the likelihood of this year’s most-hyped MMA event featuring the infamous ‘Jonny Bones’.
MMA news: ONE Championship star Jonathan Haggerty teases MMA debut
Jonathan Haggerty is one of the best kickboxers the world has ever seen, having previously held the ONE Championship flyweight and bantamweight Muay Thai titles as well as currently holding the bantamweight kickboxing title.
But on December 31st, 2025, Jonathan Haggerty made a post to his Instagram outlining his plans for 2026, saying, “I want the other two belts in ONE Championship Muay Thai and MMA.”
Claiming that he wants to be a three-sport champion, what are his chances of making the switch? Sports News Blitz’s Cameron Cleugh explores.
MMA analysis: Beautiful violence - An appreciation of Justin Gaethje
Professional fighters belong to a special breed of human, but even amongst the UFC roster, Justin Gaethje stands out.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Ollie Hughes pens a love letter to arguably the most exciting fighter in the history of MMA.
MMA news: Is the UFC building Paddy Pimblett’s star power with easy fights?
Paddy Pimblett is a controversial figure within the MMA community, with some seeing him as the UFC’s next massive star. However, since his clash with Tony Ferguson, his resume has left a lot to be desired.
This resume includes King Green, Michael Chandler and now Justin Gaethje.
It is starting to feel like the UFC is giving Pimblett fighters who are past their prime with massive star power to build his credibility and boost his status easily, writes Sports News Blitz’s Cameron Cleugh.
MMA opinion: One promotion, one story - Exploring the UFC’s narrative machine
The UFC is one of the biggest and most lucrative brands on the planet - and its press machine is well oiled thanks to the all-seeing eye of Dana White.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Ollie Hughes takes a look at how the UFC controls the narrative better than any other sports league.
MMA opinion: Right wing, left hook: How politics took hold of the UFC
The UFC has never been more popular, but its growing political ties have made fight nights feel like something very different from pure sport.
3:30am on a Saturday night. It’s not easy being a UK MMA fan, but this is business as usual for those dedicated few.
You’ve set an alarm, or maybe completely shifted your sleeping pattern to be awake for the UFC’s big numbered event taking place somewhere in the States.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Ollie Hughes offers his thoughts on how the political sphere has intertwined with the UFC.
MMA news: Alex Pereira reveals two fights at heavyweight he wants in 2026
After reclaiming his light-heavyweight title in the rematch against Magomed Ankalaev back in October, Alex Pereira has his sights set on a historic move to heavyweight in 2026.
Pereira, 38, has already left an unforgettable imprint on the sport of MMA since his UFC debut back in 2021.
The hard-hitting Brazilian has held titles at both middleweight and twice at light-heavyweight despite having just 12 fights in the UFC, with seven of those wins coming against either former champions or fighters who would go on to hold UFC gold.
However, after effectively clearing out the light-heavyweight division, Pereira has his sights on two fights in particular that would tempt him to move up to heavyweight, reports Sports News Blitz’s Niall Togher.
MMA news: Tom Aspinall reveals extent of brutal eye injury sustained against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321
During the first defence of his undisputed UFC heavyweight title at UFC 321 in October, Tom Aspinall was on the receiving end of an eye poke from Ciryl Gane that ultimately led to the bout being ruled a no-contest.
Just as the fight was heating up, it was over, and now Aspinall has done his first live interview since the fight, where the 32-year-old revealed the full extent of his injuries.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Niall Togher takes a look at what Aspinall had to say.
MMA news: Paddy Pimblett lays out mega three-fight plan for 2026
Paddy Pimblett has the opportunity to be the fourth English fighter in MMA history to hold a version of the UFC title.
In this article, Sports News Blitz writer Niall Togher looks at Pimblett’s ambitious roadmap as he targets championship gold and a blockbuster year ahead.
Alexander Volkanovski reacts as controversial Diego Lopes rematch confirmed for UFC 325
Alexander Volkanovski is set to defend his featherweight title against Diego Lopes in Sydney at UFC 325 on January 31, 2026.
The pair initially met back in April 2025 at UFC 314, where Volkanovski defeated Lopes by unanimous decision to claim the belt that was recently vacated by Ilia Topuria at the time.
It was arguably the feel-good moment of the year, as a 36-year-old Volkanovski snapped his two-fight losing streak against all odds to become a two-time champion at 145 pounds.
However, the decision for the Australian to rematch Lopes for the first title defence of his second reign has sparked controversy within the MMA community, with Volkanovski having his say on his upcoming bout.
Here, Sports News Blitz's Niall Togher breaks down the reaction from both men and the controversy surrounding the rematch.
MMA news: ‘I can’t be in that position’ - Dana White reveals why Jon Jones will not return at UFC White House card
Dana White has again poured cold water on a potential Jon Jones return at the highly anticipated UFC event at the White House, scheduled for 2026.
Jones, 38, announced his retirement from MMA back in June despite having an offer on the table to defend his UFC heavyweight title against the then-interim champion, Tom Aspinall.
Sports News Blitz’s Niall Togher gives his reaction to White’s recent comments on Jones’ potential return at the UFC White House card.
MMA news: Ex-UFC champ Michael Bisping reveals one positive Jack Della Maddalena can take from loss to Islam Makhachev
Jack Della Maddalena’s brief reign as welterweight champion came to an end at UFC 322 after he was handily beaten by Islam Makhachev.
Makhachev successfully captured a title in another weight class after vacating his lightweight strap earlier this year to further cement himself as one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time.
Despite the Australian having limited success during the contest, former UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping reveals the one positive Della Maddalena can take away from his performance this past weekend.
Sports News Blitz’s Niall Togher reacts to Bisping’s comments on Della Maddalena’s potential return to form after his UFC 322 loss.
Israel Adesanya sends warning to Islam Makhachev ahead of UFC 322 - ‘He’s going to get hurt’
Israel Adesanya does not think Islam Makhachev’s move up to welterweight will go as planned for the Russian at UFC 322, reports Sports News Blitz’s Niall Togher.
MMA news: ‘I’m next’ – Former UFC champ Usman lines up winner of Della Maddalena vs Makhachev
One of the most anticipated UFC main events of the year is set to take place this weekend as Islam Makhachev aims to become a two-division champion when he faces the current titleholder at welterweight, Jack Della Maddalena.
However, regardless of who leaves Madison Square Garden with the belt, their next challenger already appears to be waiting in the wings.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Niall Togher digs into the story.
MMA news: Jon Jones makes shocking Tom Aspinall admission after UFC 321
Jon Jones was not impressed with Tom Aspinall’s performance against Ciryl Gane before the eye poke that the Englishman endured prematurely ended the bout at UFC 321 just under a fortnight ago, on October 25.
Here, Sports News Blitz’s Niall Togher breaks down Jones’ comments and what they could mean for the heavyweight division moving forward.
MMA news: Aspinall warns Gane not to engage ahead of heavyweight UFC clash in Abu Dhabi
Tom Aspinall has warned Ciryl Gane not to engage ahead of a huge fight for the UFC heavyweight belt in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Will Thomas has all you need to know.