Apart from that, Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane will fight for the interim heavyweight championship in another high-profile contest on the card. Other notable fighters scheduled to compete include Sean O’Malley, Derrick Lewis, Michael Chandler, and Bo Nickal, among others.

The card has seven blockbuster fights, making it one of the most stacked events the promotion has announced in recent memory. However, there are no women on the fight card, which has certainly raised questions about Donald Trump‘s grand vision.

Historically, the UFC has frequently featured women fighters on its biggest events, but this occasion has been noticeably different from previous cards. CEO Dana White was recently asked about this during an interview, and he shared his thoughts on the matter.

“I wanted women on the card, but it just didn’t work out that way. The only thing that I cared about making this card is having people that I could depend on. They’re gonna deal with levels of stress and weird things that they’re not used to,” said Dana White via TIME.

When Dana White started UFC, he wasn’t willing to let female fighters participate; however, everything changed with Ronda Rousey. Since then, the promotion has made several other female superstars, including Joanna Jędrzejczyk, Valentina Shevchenko, Amanda Nunes, etc.

However, none of the active big female fighters got the opportunity to fight at the White House event. Nevertheless, it would be interesting to see whether the card can live up to the hype.

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UFC champion predicts UFC’s White House main event

Ilia Topuria is one of the biggest stars on the roster, making his first lightweight title defense since capturing gold. For Justin Gaethje, this could be the final opportunity to challenge for the lightweight championship and achieve UFC glory.

Current welterweight champion Islam Makhachev recently discussed the matchup, sharing his thoughts and predictions ahead of the highly anticipated fight.

“The main event at the White House. Of course I’m not counting Gaethje out. He’s an old warhorse with a lot of experience but Topuria is younger. It will be great fight for the fans. I believe this fight definitely won’t go the distance and I’m leaning toward Topuria winning,” said Islam Makhachev via UFC.

Islam Makhachev has expressed interest in fighting Ilia Topuria, a matchup many fans consider one of the biggest possible. However, the pound-for-pound king remains focused on defending his welterweight title against the division’s top contenders next.

READ MORE: Donald Trump Asked Dana White Whether a Full Camp Could Prepare Him for a UFC Fight

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Despite his inactivity, McGregor is still the biggest name in the world of combat sports, and this card has the potential to break records. During a recent interview, the current pound-for-pound king, Islam Makhachev, shared his views on McGregor’s return to action.

“It’s good, big name for our sport but he have tough opponent. I think Max can beat him,” said Islam Makhachev via UFC on TNT.

Makhachev and McGregor have shared a heated rivalry ever since the Irish superstar faced Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 229. The reigning welterweight champion has also openly expressed interest in facing McGregor should the opportunity arise in the future.

Since McGregor’s departure, the UFC has worked tirelessly to develop a new superstar capable of carrying the promotion. Despite several attempts, many believe no fighter has matched McGregor’s star power, making his return especially significant.

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Islam Makhachev gives an update about his UFC return

The last time Islam Makhachev faught it was back at UFC 322 when he beat Jack Della Maddalena to win the belt. Since then, the champ has struggled with a wrist injury, but now he’s ready to get back in action.

In a recent interview, Makhachev finally gave updates about his future fight plans. “Right after here, I’m going to camp, and I don’t know, August. I will be ready. A lot of contenders, but number 1 is Ian Garry. And we still have a couple more who want to take the belt,” Makhachev continued.

Several top contenders, including Ian Garry and Michael Morales, are vying for a title shot against Islam Makhachev. However, the biggest question remains when the reigning champion will return and who the UFC ultimately chooses as his next opponent.

READ MORE: Jonathan Haggerty Celebrates Freddie’s Win, Eyes ONE World Title Shot Against Rambolek

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White and Trump have shared a close friendship spanning over two decades, making this upcoming event especially meaningful for both figures. The President recently appeared in TIME Magazine’s latest cover story focused entirely on White’s incredible influence within combat sports globally.

The issue officially releases June 8 and includes several behind-the-scenes stories involving Trump while attending recent Ultimate Fighting Championship events. During UFC 327, Trump reportedly watched Kevin Holland compete before asking Dana White an outrageous and unexpected question cageside afterward.

Holland remains one of the promotion’s most active fighters, regularly competing across both the welterweight and middleweight divisions. Despite approaching his eightieth birthday, Trump continues attending UFC events regularly while maintaining strong enthusiasm surrounding mixed martial arts competition.

During the conversation with Dana White, Trump hilariously mentioned, “Now If I wanted to heavy train, because I’m a very good athelete, could I beat the sh** out of him.”

Laughter filled the room before the President followed his absurd question by jokingly asking whether anyone would stop him. Thankfully, the UFC president told his longtime friend he would absolutely prevent him from seriously attempting something that reckless and dangerous.

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Dana White explains why veteran UFC fighters hate him

Over the years, Dana White has dealt with thousands of fighters, they have often led to fallouts. Especially veterans who, after leaving UFC, criticize UFC and White for mismanagement and unfair practices.

One of the former UFC middleweight champions is Anderson Silva, who had a fallout during his last years in the promotion. In a recent interview, White talked about it in detail and shared the reason behind it.

“Anderson Silva was always a unique individual to deal with, but he lost like 9 or 10 in a row. That guy won’t talk to me to this day. I told him it’s over. He can still fight, you just can’t do it here,” said Dana White via Rolling Stone.

Following his retirement from UFC, like many others, Silva also tried his luck in boxing and participated in high-profile bouts. It would be interesting to see whether the veteran makes a comeback to the boxing world anytime soon.

READ MORE: Khamzat Chimaev Aims To “Kill” Sean Strickland In The Rematch In A Now Deleted X Post

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For Verhoeven, it’s an opportunity to use his years of experience in kickboxing and beat the current heavyweight boxing champion. On top of that, Verhoeven lost his mother earlier this year and has been using that grief as a motivation for the bout.

Sidekick Boxing’s owner, Daniel Knight, recently talked about this and mentioned how his mother’s passing can help Verhoeven beat Usyk. Knight shared his own experience and revealed he spoke with his mother days before her passing about elevating Sidekick Boxing into a globally recognised brand.

Knight admitted part of him emotionally died alongside his mother, yet another powerful side awakened. Before his mother’s passing, Sidekick Boxing remained respected mainly within combat sports circles, lacking mainstream popularity and widespread worldwide recognition.

Knight stayed determined, transforming Sidekick Boxing into a household name, pushing content aggressively across platforms while expanding audiences beyond martial arts. That vision eventually exploded successfully, with Sidekick Boxing now generating millions of monthly views and becoming recognised throughout mainstream sporting culture.

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Popular Boxing manager Eddie Hearn predicts Rico Verhoeven vs. Oleksandr Usyk

Oleksandr Usyk remains undefeated professionally, dominating the heavyweight boxing divisions. In his last fight, Usyk defeated Daniel Dubois brutally by knockout, further cementing his dominance within the heavyweight division.

Nearly one year since defeating Dubois, the Ukrainian superstar remains highly motivated, maintaining momentum while preparing himself mentally for another challenge. Eddie Hearn recently shared his prediction regarding the anticipated bout, confidently backing Usyk to secure victory once again.

“I think this is the biggest mountain to climb for Rico Verhoeven. I can’t disrespect him because he’s an unbelievable competitor. He’s a great athlete, he can punch but I have to say, I would be astonished if he wins,” said Eddie Hearn via DAZN.

Verhoeven feels extremely confident regarding his chances this Saturday, believing his experience and mindset will secure another massive victory. Fans worldwide eagerly anticipate the exciting showdown, making it incredibly interesting to discover who ultimately leaves victorious.

READ MORE: Rico Verhoeven Uses Personal Tragedy of Her Mother’s Passing as Fuel for Oleksandr Usyk Fight

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The fight will take place at the historic Giza Necropolis beside the legendary Pyramids of Giza near Cairo, Egypt. Organizers are promoting the event as “Glory in Giza,” making it one of boxing’s most unique venues ever.

Rico Verhoeven’s mother, Jacqueline, passed away in early 2026, but her exact cause of death was never publicly revealed. In a recent interview, the fighter talked about why this upcoming fight matters a lot to him.

“My mother passed away. How’s that a positive thing? It is not. But I have to do something with it to make it easier for me to cope with. So she passed away, and we had to clean out her house. And what happened is we came by pictures of her being in Egypt. Like, how crazy is that? I wanted to recreate that exact picture. I want it to be in that spot where she was 30 years prior,” Verhoeven via Matchroom Boxing.

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Heavyweight veteran backs Rico Verhoeven to beat Oleksandr Usyk

Oleksandr Usyk enters the bout as the reigning heavyweight boxing champion, while Verhoeven arrives after dominating kickboxing for over a decade. Many fans view the matchup as a rare crossover spectacle between two champions from completely different combat sports backgrounds.

For Verhoeven, this fight is an opportunity to prove himself against one of boxing’s greatest modern heavyweights today. Usyk has also praised Verhoeven’s athleticism and dedication, showing mutual respect before their highly anticipated showdown in Egypt this weekend.

Many experts have given their opinion on the upcoming fight, including Derek Chisora, who recently shared his prediction. “I think Usyk loses this fight in Egypt. I’m telling you, he might beat Usyk. The kickboxer is gonna win it,” said Derek Chisora via DAZN.

Both fighters have shown immense mutual respect and are eager to step inside the ring. It will be interesting to see who will take the lead this Saturday in Egypt.

READ MORE: Decho And Rustam Yunusov Sound Off Before ONE Friday Fights 155 Main Event: “Going To Be A Tough Night

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GSP spent 13 years in the promotion, winning two titles in different weight classes while becoming one of UFC’s biggest superstars.
He was also part of several iconic fights against other legendary competitors, creating unforgettable moments that remain etched in the memories of MMA fans worldwide.

Saint Pierre was well known for being one of the most well-rounded fighters with incredible striking skills and extremely lethal wrestling. Despite all those achievements, as it turns out, the legendary fighter never really appreciated being a professional fighter in the first place.

“I never really liked it. First, you can get hurt, but also it’s heartbreaking. It’s like you have done all this for ending up losing. This feeling is terrible. But the winning is the highest. When you win you feel like everything, all that sacrifice, was worth it,” said Georges Saint Pierre via YouTube.

Saint Pierre only lost twice in his professional MMA career against Matt Serra and Matt Hughes, but bounced back and avenged his respective losses. Following his retirement, the fighter became a brand ambassador of MMA all around the world.

Apart from fighting, Georges St-Pierre also explored acting and appeared in major Marvel movies alongside several other popular projects.
The UFC legend rarely attends events nowadays but still follows major fights closely and stays updated with top fighters worldwide.

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Will Georges Saint-Pierre ever make his combat sports return?

Following his retirement, Georges Saint-Pierre only showed interest in fighting when UFC offered him Khabib Nurmagomedov. However, the negotiations didn’t go through, and the veteran had a small fallout with the promotion.

However, given the current environment of many retired UFC fighters making MMA and boxing returns, fans are hyped about GSP. In a recent interview, the legend talked about this in detail.

“I get requests maybe once or twice a month for either fighting in MMA, boxing, wrestling, grappling – whatever,” said Georges Saint Pierre via MMA Junkie.

Georges Saint-Pierre has not shut down the idea of making a combat sports return but believes the timing isn’t right. The veteran wants to return on his own terms and believes it could happen next year.

READ MORE: Freddie Haggerty Has Japan In His Sights After The Inner Circle On May 22

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Finally, after years of anticipation, the UFC has officially announced that McGregor will take on Max Holloway in his return fight. The fight will take place during International Fight Week and is scheduled to headline the main event of the highly anticipated UFC 329 card.

Despite his inactivity, Conor McGregor is still one of the biggest names in the world of combat sports, and fans are hyped about his return. “You’re gonna put respect on my motherfucking name,” wrote McGregor via X, whole posting a picture of his first fight with Holloway.

The first time McGregor and Holloway fought each other was back in 201e where the ‘Notorious’ beat Holloway via unanimous decision. Since then, things have changed, and he is a former two-time featherweight and BMF champion.

In his last bout, Max Holloway lost to Charles Oliveira and surrendered his BMF title despite remaining one of UFC’s biggest stars worldwide. Heading into the rematch, Holloway seeks revenge against Conor McGregor and hopes to prove himself inside the Octagon once again.

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Jake Paul mocks UFC for the Conor McGregor fight announcement

Jake Paul’s MVP recently held their much-anticipated MMA event, which was headlined by Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano. It was a massive event, and the fights attracted millions of views as they were broadcast on Netflix.

Following the event during the press conference, Paul got to know about the Conor McGregor fight announcement. Given his rivalry with UFC and Dana White, Paul took this opportunity to mock the ‘Notorious’.

“Oh, the cokehead is back. That’s cool, bro. Drop it during our event. It doesn’t matter. That just shows how pressed they are, little, insecure boys trying to piggyback off their event and try to put some news over top of us. It’s not going to work, buddy,” said Jake Paul via press conference.

Jake Paul has been trying to get the Conor McGregor fight for a long time now, but hasn’t been successful. He has mostly fought retired UFC fighters and has beef with active fighters like Ilia Topuria.

READ MORE: GORILLA 4: When, Where and Everything You Need To Know

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It will be Ngannou’s return to MMA since his last title bout against Renan Ferreira back in 2024 under the PFL banner. Ahead of the bout, Ngannou is the betting favourite to win given his superior knockout power.

It’s been four years since Ngannou last fought inside the UFC Octagon before leaving the promotion. In a recent interview, the Cameroonian-French shared the behind-the-scenes of his fallout with Dana White‘s promotion.

“I think the mistake that the UFC did was they got to the point that hit my ego. I felt like I wasn’t respected, and that was the moment I was like, ‘I’m getting out of this contract.’ When something touches my ego, I don’t care about anything,” said Francis Ngannou via Daniel Cormier’s YouTube channel.

Francis Ngannou left the UFC after contract negotiations collapsed because the promotion refused to offer him significantly higher financial compensation. Following his departure, Ngannou publicly criticized UFC leadership, while Dana White claimed the former heavyweight champion remained difficult to work with professionally.

Ngannou strongly denied those accusations afterward, insisting disagreements surrounded contractual freedom, financial respect, and fair treatment throughout negotiations. Since leaving the UFC, Ngannou participated in several massive boxing and MMA events, earning substantially more money than previously reported.

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Francis Ngannou discusses the possibility of Jon Jones attending his upcoming fight

Before leaving the UFC, Francis Ngannou vs. Jon Jones’ heavyweight battle was something that the fans wanted desperately. The bout never took place, but it certainly promoted both superstars to engage in an online altercation.

Ahead of the fight, Ngannou recently talked about the potential to see Jon Jones in his upcoming fight with Philipe Lins. “It’s going to be interesting to see Jon Jones in the same arena. … It’s very interesting to see how it’s going to be,” Francis Ngannou via presser.

Similar to Francis Ngannou, Jon Jones also experienced a major fallout with the UFC, damaging their longstanding professional relationship. Their respective departures from the UFC could potentially increase possibilities for Ngannou and Jones finally competing together inside another MMA promotion.

READ MORE: Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano: Preview and Prediction

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The fight will take place on May 16 inside the Dome located in Los Angeles, California, with massive attention surrounding it. Ahead of the fight, let’s see which among these has a better chance of winning the bout.

Nate Diaz

Nate Diaz is one of the most popular fighters in MMA after delivering unforgettable performances throughout his UFC career. Diaz earned massive respect from fans because of his fearless fighting style, incredible durability, and legendary rivalries.

After parting ways with the UFC, Diaz explored new opportunities and was part of two high-profile boxing bouts. Now, Diaz is preparing for another huge fight, hoping to remind everyone why he remains one of combat sports’ biggest and most respected stars.

Mike Perry

Mike Perry built his reputation in the UFC and was part of many entertaining fights, but had an inconsistent record. Following his UFC departure, Perry found massive success in bare-knuckle boxing and quickly became one of BKFC’s biggest stars.

The former UFC fighter earned widespread attention because of his toughness, knockout power, and fearless approach inside the ring. Now, Perry is preparing for another major showdown, hoping to continue proving why he remains one of combat sports’ most dangerous and entertaining fighters.

Tale of the Tape

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How to watch

Fans in the United Kingdom can watch the upcoming Nate Diaz vs. Mike Perry card live exclusively on Netflix during fight night weekend. The early prelims are expected to begin around 11 PM BST, while the main card will likely start at 3 AM BST Sunday.

Viewers in the United States can catch the fight live exclusively on Netflix during the highly anticipated return event weekend. The early prelims are expected around 6 PM ET / 3 PM PT, while the main card should begin at 10 PM ET.

Fight Analysis and Prediction

Nate Diaz is well known for his durability, high-volume boxing combinations, and relentless pressure whenever fights extend into the later rounds. Throughout his career, Diaz has overwhelmed several opponents through superior cardio, constant forward pressure, and his ability to maintain a pace for long periods.

If the fight enters the later rounds, Diaz could hold a major advantage because of his experience in high-pressure battles. On the other hand, Mike Perry securing an early knockout against Diaz appears difficult because of Diaz’s toughness and recovery ability.

Perry will likely attempt to pressure Diaz with explosive power shots, but matching Diaz’s pace across multiple rounds could become far more difficult. With his elite endurance, experience, and ability to control fights through volume striking, Diaz clearly has a stronger chance of winning through unanimous decision this weekend.

Final Prediction: Nate Diaz via unanimous decision.

READ MORE: Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano: Preview and Prediction

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The fight will take place on May 16 inside the Dome located in Los Angeles, California, with massive worldwide attention surrounding it. Going into the fight, the hype remains extremely massive, and fans continue debating which legendary fighter currently holds the better winning chances.

Ronda Rousey

Ronda Rousey became one of the biggest stars in women’s MMA after dominating multiple opponents and capturing championship success during her legendary career. Rousey later retired from mixed martial arts following difficult losses against Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes, ending her UFC journey.

After leaving MMA competition behind, Rousey successfully transitioned into professional wrestling and eventually became one of WWE’s biggest female superstars. Now, Rousey is finally returning to combat sports competition, hoping to silence doubters and prove she still belongs among elite fighters.

Gina Carano

After her successful MMA career, Gina Carano eventually stepped away from professional fighting after suffering a major loss against Cris Cyborg. Following her retirement from combat sports competition, Carano successfully transitioned into Hollywood and built a strong career within the entertainment industry.

The former fighter appeared in several major movies and television projects, becoming widely recognized outside MMA. Now, Carano is finally making her long-awaited return to combat sports competition, hoping to prove she still belongs among elite fighters.

Tale of the Tape

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How to watch

Fans in the United Kingdom can watch the upcoming Gina Carano vs. Ronda Rousey card live exclusively on Netflix during fight night weekend. The early prelims are expected to begin around 11 PM BST, while the main card will likely start at 3 AM BST Sunday.

Viewers in the United States can catch Gina Carano vs. Ronda Rousey live exclusively on Netflix during the highly anticipated return event weekend. The early prelims are expected around 6 PM ET / 3 PM PT, while the main card should begin at 10 PM ET.

Fight Analysis and Prediction

Ronda Rousey is well known for her elite grappling abilities and relentless pressure whenever she successfully closes distance inside the Octagon. During her prime years, Rousey dominated several opponents through superior ground control, dangerous submissions, and aggressive transitions.

If the fight enters the later rounds, Rousey could maintain the advantage due to her experience handling high-pressure moments. On the other hand, Gina Carano securing an early knockout against Rousey appears difficult because of Rousey’s toughness and defensive grappling abilities.

Carano will likely attempt to keep the fight standing, but stopping takedowns from Rousey could become far more difficult than many expect. With her championship experience and dominant grappling threat, Rousey clearly has a stronger chance of winning through unanimous decision against Carano this weekend.

Final Prediction: Ronda Rousey via unanimous decision.

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