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.
Combat sports betting trends and strategies
Betting on mixed martial arts (MMA) is becoming increasingly popular among sports enthusiasts.
The sport's dynamic nature and unpredictability offer unique opportunities for bettors. Understanding the trends and strategies in this growing market can enhance your betting experience.
Sports betting is undergoing significant changes, with combat sports like MMA leading the way. This growing interest parallels developments in other sports betting markets, such as NBA online betting.
This article examines the unique appeal of MMA betting, explores current trends, and provides strategic insights for those interested in this exciting field.
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.
MMA news: UFC President Dana White offers major updates ahead of UFC 317 and UFC 319
UFC President Dana White has dropped some mammoth news pertaining to upcoming bouts that will no doubt change the complexion of 2025.
News ranging from stars Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria, to the shake-ups in the middleweight division relating to champ Dricus Du Plessis, leaving us with plenty of scintillating fight news to discuss.
Sports News Blitz writer Aidan Leo walks you through all the recent fight revelations dropped by president Dana White.
MMA news: Who should UFC star Paddy Pimblett fight next?
UFC lightweight star Paddy Pimblett fought his toughest opponent to date in Michael Chandler at UFC 314 in April and emerged with his reputation unquestionably enhanced.
Sports News Blitz writer Jonathon House takes a look at who Pimblett might fight next.
UFC betting tips: Cory Sandhagen to neutralise Deiveson Figueiredo, and Bo Nickal to defeat Reiner de Ridder
The UFC Fight Night card in Des Moines, Iowa, goes down this Saturday and is headlined by two top bantamweight contenders looking to get back on track when Cory Sandhagen faces Deiveson Figueiredo.
In the co-main event, one of the most hyped prospects in MMA, Bo Nickal, faces the toughest test of his career so far when he takes on Reiner de Ridder.
In this article, Sports News Blitz’s MMA tipster Niall Togher previews both matchups and gives his predictions.
MMA news: Dustin Poirier talks retirement fight against Max Holloway at UFC 318
Two fan favourites are set to collide to complete their trilogy when Dustin Poirier takes on Max Holloway at UFC 318 for Holloway’s ‘BMF’ title.
The fight will be the last of Poirier’s legendary career, as ‘The Diamond’ will get the chance to retire in his home state of Louisiana.
Dustin Poirier welcomed a 19-year-old Max Holloway into the UFC for his debut fight back in 2012, writes Sports News Blitz’s MMA expert Niall Togher.
The pair then went on to have one of the best fights in UFC history in 2019 for the interim lightweight title, with Poirier beating Holloway on both occasions.
Now Holloway is the one to give Poirier the last fight of his career and attempt to gain revenge.
MMA news: Dricus du Plessis dismisses injury rumours ahead of potential Khamzat Chimaev bout
Sports News Blitz MMA expert Niall Togher breaks down the latest surrounding Dricus Du Plessis, who has firmly denied injury rumours ahead of a potential clash with Khamzat Chimaev.
As speculation swirls about a possible showdown at International Fight Week, Du Plessis has made it clear he's still in control of the middleweight title picture.
MMA news: ‘I’m going to get him back’ - Israel Adesanya targets rematch against Sean Strickland
MMA expert Niall Togher of Sports News Blitz brings the latest on Israel Adesanya, who has set his sights on a rematch with Sean Strickland.
After a period of reflection and setbacks, Adesanya says he’s ready to return and settle the score.
MMA betting tips: Ian Machado Garry to hand Carlos Prates his first UFC loss
After a phenomenal pay-per-view event in Miami last weekend, the UFC will keep the ball rolling with a showdown between welterweight contenders Ian Machado Garry and Carlos Prates in Kansas City on April 26.
Sports News Blitz writer Niall Togher previews the bout and offers a prediction.
MMA news: Ian Machado Garry ‘seething’ after title bout denial, excited for Carlos Prates match-up
After stepping up at short notice to take on Shavkat Rakhmonov in a title eliminator bout in December and losing a tight affair, Ian Machado Garry returns to action on April 26, when he faces rising star Carlos Prates in Kansas City.
Sports News Blitz writer Niall Togher reports on the story.