MMA opinion: UFC Freedom 250 - Could it be any more of a disaster?
With the announcement of the UFC’s ‘Freedom 250’ card, the promotion aims to bring the sport to the masses on ‘Flag Day’, a celebration of American independence aligned with the adoption of the ‘stars and stripes’ as the country’s emblem.
The card was announced on the UFC 326 broadcast and will feature a headline unification bout between the returning Ilia Topuria and interim champion Justin Gaethje, as well as Alex Pereira moving up to heavyweight for a shot at a title in a third weight class.
A widespread outcry of confusion, disappointment and indifference has followed, with many feeling the card, originally described as a ‘full event’, has been dramatically oversold to them.
Sports News Blitz’s Freddie Thomas-Neher offers his thoughts on the card.
MMA opinion: Why is Tom Aspinall being vilified after getting fouled?
The controversy coming out of the UFC 321 main event has been shrouded in volatile discussion ever since Ciryl Gane’s infamous eye-poke foul on Tom Aspinall saw the referee call the fight.
But why should the incumbent champion face criticism?
Sports News Blitz writer Freddie Thomas-Neher shared his thoughts on the debate.
MMA news: Tatsuro Taira gets title shot against Joshua Van over Manel Kape
Joshua Van, UFC flyweight champion, eagerly awaited his return to the cage after capturing the belt in just 26 seconds in a freak accident against Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 323 in December.
At 24 years old, Van had one of the best years in MMA history in 2025, going from an unranked fighter at the start of the year to flyweight champion by the end.
Van is scheduled to fight Tatsuro Taira at UFC 327 on April 11 for his first title defence, writes Sports News Blitz’s Samuel Faris-Clark.
MMA analysis: Top-heavy, no depth - The quiet decline of the UFC’s heavyweight division
Sports News Blitz writer Ollie Hughes explores the decline of the UFC’s heavyweight division and how its fall off can be explained.
MMA analysis: Has the UFC done enough to cultivate a new generation of stars?
Sports News Blitz writer Ollie Hughes discusses the current star power on the UFC roster and why the promotion may have no intention of growing it any time soon.
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.
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 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: 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.