During a recent media appearance, UFC CEO Dana White was asked why the promotion does not hold a Pride Night. White gave a straightforward response.

“Do your own thing. I’m just not into it. I let everybody be themselves and do their thing.”

The comments quickly generated discussion among fans, with some viewing them as a reflection of White’s belief that the UFC should not focus on identity-based celebrations, while others felt the promotion could do more to publicly recognize LGBTQ+ members of the MMA community.

A Different Approach From Other Sports Organizations

Unlike several major sports leagues that host Pride-themed events during the year, the UFC has generally taken a different approach. Rather than organizing dedicated celebrations or awareness nights, the promotion has largely focused on athletes’ performances inside the Octagon regardless of their background.

Over the years, openly LGBTQ+ fighters have competed successfully in the UFC and broader MMA landscape, including pioneers such as Amanda Nunes and Raquel Pennington. Their achievements have helped increase visibility and representation within the sport.

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White’s latest remarks suggest that his stance remains unchanged. Rather than creating special events centered on identity or social causes, he prefers a model where individuals are free to express themselves while the promotion stays focused on competition.

Whether fans agree with that philosophy or not, the comments have once again sparked debate about the role sports organizations should play in promoting social and cultural initiatives beyond the competition itself.

READ MORE: Alex Pereira’s Coach Signs With Misfits Boxing, Heavyweight Title Fight Set For September

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Speaking on a recent podcast appearance, the former UFC bantamweight champion claimed he received around $600,000 to compete at UFC Freedom 250. While that figure would be a career-high payday for many fighters, O’Malley suggested it was lower than what he could have earned under normal circumstances.

“It definitely sucks,” O’Malley said when discussing the reduced purse.

The comments have reignited the long-running debate over fighter pay in the UFC, particularly when it comes to the promotion’s biggest stars.

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O’Malley Adds His Voice to the Fighter Pay Debate

O’Malley has become one of the UFC’s most recognizable names over the past several years. Known for his flashy striking style, colorful personality and massive social media following, “Sugar” has consistently been one of the promotion’s most marketable athletes.

The UFC White House card was one of the most ambitious events in company history, attracting global attention and featuring several championship-level fights. However, according to O’Malley, the unique nature of the event came with financial sacrifices for some fighters.

His comments are likely to fuel further discussion about how UFC athletes are compensated compared to competitors in boxing, where top stars often earn significantly larger purses.

Despite his frustration over the reported payday, O’Malley still took part in one of the most memorable events the sport has ever seen. The White House card delivered a historic setting and enormous exposure for the fighters involved, but O’Malley’s remarks suggest that not everyone was satisfied with what they earned for making history.

As the conversation surrounding fighter pay continues, O’Malley’s candid admission has once again highlighted one of the most controversial topics in mixed martial arts.

READ MORE: Alex Pereira’s Coach Signs With Misfits Boxing, Heavyweight Title Fight Set For September

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Poirier was arrested at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport after reportedly being removed from a flight. Bodycam footage released in the days that followed allegedly showed the former interim lightweight champion arguing with airport staff and challenging a police officer before being taken into custody. He was later released and has since publicly acknowledged that he is struggling with life after retirement and needs help.

As expected, the incident drew strong reactions from across the MMA world.

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Covington and Strickland Don’t Hold Back

Colby Covington, who has had a long-running feud with Poirier dating back years, wasted little time taking aim at his former rival. In a video posted to social media, Covington sarcastically referred to Poirier as the “Father of the Year” before mocking the circumstances surrounding the arrest, continuing the bitter war of words that has existed between the two fighters for much of their careers.

Sean Strickland also reacted to the news as footage and details from the arrest spread throughout the MMA community. The former middleweight champion, known for his outspoken personality and unfiltered opinions, joined the growing list of fighters discussing the controversy.

While some fighters chose to criticize Poirier, others expressed concern after the retired UFC star released a heartfelt statement acknowledging that alcohol had become a problem and admitting that he needed help. Poirier explained that retirement has been a difficult adjustment and vowed to take the necessary steps to improve both for himself and his family.

The arrest comes less than a year after Poirier retired from professional MMA following his final fight against Max Holloway. Since leaving competition, the Louisiana native has spoken openly about the challenges of finding purpose away from the sport that defined much of his life.

Whether the focus remains on Covington and Strickland’s reactions or shifts toward Poirier’s recovery, one thing is certain: the story has sparked widespread discussion throughout the MMA world. With Poirier publicly committing to getting help, many fans will now be hoping the former UFC star can overcome the difficulties he has faced since stepping away from competition.

READ MORE: Alex Pereira’s Coach Signs With Misfits Boxing, Heavyweight Title Fight Set For September

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The UFC makes its long-awaited debut in Azerbaijan this weekend as UFC Fight Night: Rafael Fiziev vs Manuel Torres heads to the National Gymnastics Arena in Baku on June 27.

The card also features several notable names, including undefeated middleweight sensation Shara Magomedov, explosive Brazilian veteran Michel Pereira, rising lightweight Nazim Sadykhov, and top-15 flyweight contenders Asu Almabayev and Charles Johnson.

Fiziev Returns Home

For the first time in his UFC career, Rafael Fiziev will compete in front of a home crowd in Azerbaijan. The former title challenger is looking to bounce back into contention after facing some of the toughest competition in the lightweight division.

Standing across from him will be Manuel Torres, one of the division’s most exciting finishers. The Mexican has built a reputation for ending fights quickly and will be looking for the biggest win of his UFC career.

The co-main event pits fan-favorite striker Shara Magomedov against Michel Pereira in a matchup that promises fireworks. Both men are known for their unpredictable and entertaining styles, making it one of the most anticipated fights on the card.

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How to Watch

Event: UFC Fight Night: Rafael Fiziev vs Manuel Torres

Date: Saturday, June 27, 2026

Venue: National Gymnastics Arena, Baku, Azerbaijan

Preliminary Card: 2:00 PM BST

Main Card: 5:00 PM BST

Broadcast: UFC Fight Pass

Full Fight Card

Main Card

Rafael Fiziev vs Manuel Torres

Shara Magomedov vs Michel Pereira

Nazim Sadykhov vs Matheus Camilo

Asu Almabayev vs Charles Johnson

Ikram Aliskerov vs Brunno Ferreira

Abus Magomedov vs Michal Oleksiejczuk

Preliminary Card

Farman Hasanov vs Eric Nolan

Abdul Rakhman Yakhyaev vs Julius Walker

Nursulton Ruziboev vs Andrey Pulyaev

Kaan Ofli vs Javier Reyes

Daniil Donchenko vs Theodor Berggren

Bekzat Almakhan vs Jean Matsumoto

Tahir Abdullayev vs Jefferson Nascimento

With a homegrown star headlining, several ranked fighters in action and the UFC making history in Azerbaijan, this Fight Night card has all the ingredients to deliver an entertaining night of action.

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

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Magomedov enters the contest with a professional record of 16-1 and will be looking to bounce back after suffering the first defeat of his career. Across the cage stands the experienced Pereira, who brings a record of 32-14 with two no contests and remains one of the most unpredictable fighters on the UFC roster.

With both men known for their striking ability and highlight-reel finishes, fans can expect fireworks when they meet in Azerbaijan.

Shara Magomedov

Magomedov quickly became one of the UFC’s most talked-about prospects thanks to his aggressive striking style and finishing ability. The Russian middleweight earned victories over fighters such as Michal Oleksiejczuk and Armen Petrosyan before suffering a unanimous decision defeat to Michael Page earlier this year.

Known as “Bullet,” Magomedov possesses excellent kicking attacks, sharp counter-striking and a dangerous ability to finish opponents from range. Fighting in front of a crowd heavily supporting fighters from the region could provide an additional boost as he looks to return to the win column.

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Michel Pereira

Pereira has long been considered one of the most exciting fighters in mixed martial arts. The Brazilian built an impressive winning streak before suffering a setback against elite middleweight contender Anthony Hernandez.

At his best, Pereira combines explosive athleticism with powerful striking and underrated grappling. While he is capable of ending fights with spectacular finishes, his aggression can sometimes leave openings for opponents to exploit.

The 32-fight veteran will likely look to pressure Magomedov early and test whether the Russian has fully recovered from the first loss of his professional career.

Tale of the Tape

How to Watch

Event: UFC Fight Night: Rafael Fiziev vs Manuel Torres

Date: June 27, 2026

Location: National Gymnastics Arena, Baku, Azerbaijan

Main Card Start: 5:00 PM BST

Broadcast: UFC Fight Pass

Fight Analysis and Prediction

This matchup largely comes down to discipline versus chaos.

Magomedov is the cleaner and more technical striker. He does his best work at range, where he can pick opponents apart with kicks and straight punches. Pereira, meanwhile, thrives when fights become wild and unpredictable. His pressure, athleticism and willingness to take risks can overwhelm opponents.

The concern for Pereira is that he has occasionally struggled against technical strikers who maintain distance and force him to chase. Magomedov’s footwork and kickboxing pedigree make him a difficult target, and he should have success landing from the outside throughout the fight.

Pereira’s path to victory likely involves making the fight ugly, mixing in clinch work and forcing exchanges where his explosiveness can make a difference. However, over three rounds, Magomedov’s precision and volume should allow him to control the majority of the action.

Shara Magomedov def. Michel Pereira via Unanimous Decision

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

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Du Plessis, who has established himself as the top fighter at 185 pounds, recently addressed criticism from fans who believe he should face top contender Nassourdine Imavov instead. While the South African made it clear he has no issue with fighting Imavov, he believes a clash with Usman presents a different kind of challenge.

According to Du Plessis, he has already demonstrated his striking credentials against some of the division’s best stand-up fighters, including defeating Sean Strickland twice in championship bouts.

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Du Plessis Wants to Showcase His Complete MMA Game

The reigning champion pointed to Usman’s wrestling pedigree and all-around mixed martial arts ability as the main reason the matchup appeals to him.

Usman began his UFC career at middleweight before dropping to welterweight, where he became one of the most dominant champions in the promotion’s history. He also owns a victory over Sean Strickland from earlier in his career and pushed Khamzat Chimaev to a highly competitive decision when they met at middleweight.

For Du Plessis, facing another elite striker would not answer many questions about his abilities. Instead, he wants an opponent capable of testing him in every phase of mixed martial arts.

The champion believes a fight with Usman would allow him to showcase the evolution of his game, particularly his wrestling and grappling, areas that critics have often overlooked during his rise to the top of the division.

Whether the UFC ultimately books Du Plessis against Usman or opts for another contender remains to be seen. However, the South African’s comments make one thing clear: he is eager to prove that he is more than just an effective striker and wants to demonstrate that he can handle one of the sport’s most accomplished wrestlers as well.

With Du Plessis continuing to search for new challenges after successful title defenses, a potential meeting with Usman would undoubtedly be one of the most intriguing fights available in the middleweight division.

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

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Max Holloway and Conor McGregor have already shared the octagon back in 2013, where the ‘Notorious’ won via unanimous decision. However, since then, both fighters have developed and have become legends of the game.

McGregor’s last fight was in 2021, where he lost to Dustin Poirier and broke his leg, and he has spent years recovering. During that time, McGregor used his time expanding his business and spending time with his family.

In a recent interview, the veteran fighter talked about bringing his kids to his much-anticipated comeback fight. “I want to show them what discipline, dedication, and commitment can achieve. They’re gonna watch their father walk out and see the adoration of 30,000 fans,” said Conor McGregor via Jimmy Fallon Show.

Despite his lengthy inactivity, Conor McGregor remains supremely confident and believes he could make a grand comeback. During a recent online interview, the Irish superstar boldly claimed Holloway would not land even a single punch.

Holloway enters the matchup following a disappointing loss to Charles Oliveira, which also cost him the prestigious BMF title. Despite that setback, fans still trust Holloway’s elite striking, making a potential revenge victory over McGregor intriguing.

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Conor McGregor talks about the unfortunate loss of Ilia Topuria

Last week in the main event of Freedom 250, Ilia Topuria took on Justin Gaethje and lost his lightweight belt. It was one of the biggest upsets in recent times as Gaethje destroyed the Spaniard for four rounds before the doctor stoppage.

Following the loss, Ilia Topuria received an array of criticism from fighters such as Islam Makhachev, Arman Tsarukyan, etc. Conor McGregor also has an ongoing beef with the ‘El Matador’ and recently spoke about the loss in detail.

“I knew that was gonna happen to him. You need to get it put on you in the gym. He’s walking forward with the hands down on the opening bell, you’re gonna get walloped. He’s a bit flat-footed, he’s not a full complete fighter. But he’s good. His face will have to heal, it’s smashed up. I’ve not been there before, I’ve only bled my blood once inside the octagon. He’s got banged up bad. It’s gonna be a dark place that he’s in right now. He’s gonna have to dig deep. Can he do it? I think he could,” said Conor McGregor.

Following the loss, Topuria has talked about focusing on his recovery and getting back as soon as possible. The fighter has offered no excuses but is ready to run it back with Gaethje in the future.

READ MORE: Alex Pereira’s Coach Signs With Misfits Boxing, Heavyweight Title Fight Set For September

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Going into the fight, Topuria is the betting favourite due to his striking skills and undefeated momentum. However, as it turned out, Gaethje had some other plans and ultimately won the fight via doctor’s stoppage.

As promised, both fighters went at each other with sharp striking, with Topuria getting the initial momentum. Despite the brutal body shots, the ‘El Matador’ failed to stop the veteran in the early rounds.

As the fight went to the later rounds, Justin Gaethje’s durability and endurance prevailed and made it harder for the champ. After four rounds, Topuria’s eyes were all swollen up and bloodied, and the fight had to be stopped.

Gaethje celebrated his long-awaited win with his signature cage-side backflip after finally capturing UFC lightweight gold, a title that had eluded him in two previous attempts. ‘The Highlight’ soaked in the moment before taking a playful jab at Topuria, mocking the former champion for falling short on the sport’s biggest stage.

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Islam Makhachev mocks Ilia Topuria following brutal loss at Freedom 250

Ahead of the bout, Ilia Topuria was oozing with confidence and was confident about getting his hands raised. The fighter has had beef with many other superstars, including the welterweight king, Islam Makhachev.

Following the defeat, Makhachev didn’t miss his opportunity to mock the ‘El Matador’ via X. “To quit in the biggest fight of your career – is something not everybody can do,” wrote Makhachev.

Topuria had long pursued a showdown with Makhachev, believing a statement victory at Freedom 250 would strengthen his case. Instead, the defeat has dealt a major setback to those ambitions, leaving his hopes of a future move to welterweight and a clash with the pound-for-pound king in serious doubt.

READ MORE: Darren Till Dismisses PED Accusations After Impressive BKFC Debut Performance

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The historic event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, June 13, with a stacked lineup featuring some of the biggest names in mixed martial arts. White’s comments reflect the UFC’s confidence that the combination of a unique venue, star power and worldwide interest could attract an audience unlike anything the promotion has seen before.

Dana White Makes Bold Viewership Prediction

Speaking ahead of UFC White House, White suggested that the event’s reach could rival the audience figures typically associated with the Super Bowl.

The UFC president has never been shy about making ambitious predictions, but this latest claim highlights the magnitude of the promotion’s expectations for the event. With championship-caliber fights throughout the card and global media attention surrounding the White House setting, White believes the event can transcend the traditional MMA audience.

Interest in the card has continued to grow in the weeks leading up to fight night, with fans eager to witness one of the most unique events in combat sports history.

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How Big Are Super Bowl Numbers?

White’s comparison is significant given the scale of the NFL’s biggest game.

Super Bowl LX reached a peak audience of approximately 138 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched broadcasts of the year. The figure illustrates the enormous benchmark White is referencing when discussing the potential audience for UFC White House.

While UFC pay-per-view events have historically drawn millions of viewers worldwide, matching or approaching Super Bowl-level viewership would represent a landmark achievement for both the organization and the sport of mixed martial arts.

UFC White House Set For Historic Night

The event has already generated unprecedented attention due to its venue and star-studded lineup. Several championship-caliber fighters are scheduled to compete, and many within the MMA community view the card as one of the most significant events in UFC history.

Whether the event ultimately reaches the audience figures White envisions remains to be seen. However, there is little doubt that UFC White House has become one of the most talked-about combat sports events of 2026, with expectations continuing to rise as fight night approaches.

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

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The fight card is stacked from top to bottom, making it one of the most anticipated combat sports events. In the main event, UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria faces Justin Gaethje in a highly anticipated championship showdown.

The co-main event features heavyweight action as former champion Alex Pereira takes on French contender Ciryl Gane. Several other notable UFC stars, including Michael Chandler and Sean O’Malley, are also scheduled to compete that night.

The event has attracted significant attention from celebrities worldwide, with fans expecting an impressive display of star power. However, reports suggest Dwayne Johnson, Adam Sandler, Jared Leto, and Mario Lopez will not attend the event.

Meanwhile, Tom Hardy, Guy Ritchie, and Jason Statham have yet to provide updates regarding their attendance plans. Most of the VIPs would sit at the South Lawn, which is expected to host 4000 spectators, and there are larger screens for fans outside the venue for other fans.

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Dwayne Johnson’s first appearance at UFC

Back in 2019, Dwayne Johnson was invited as the special celebrity guest to inaugurate the symbolic BMF championship title. The historic bout featured Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal, with Johnson personally presenting the belt after Masvidal’s victory.

At the time, Johnson’s appearance highlighted the strong relationship between the UFC and one of Hollywood’s biggest stars. However, it appears circumstances may have changed significantly.

Similarly, Jared Leto has long been recognized as a passionate UFC supporter and has attended numerous high-profile events. The actor and musician was notably present during UFC 300, one of the promotion’s most celebrated cards.

Despite their history with the organization, both celebrities are reportedly expected to miss the event. Nevertheless, the UFC White House card remains one of the year’s biggest attractions and is expected to draw considerable attention worldwide.

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

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