Fighters Only

Issue 231

August 2026

Paul Browne jumps into the Fighters Only wayback-when machine to recap the best of mixed martial arts in July 2026

Daniel Cormier Claims Jon Jones Rejected Massive Payday to Face Him Again

Former UFC two-division champion Daniel Cormier claims Jon Jones turned down a lucrative seven-figure offer to face him in a wrestling match, saying his longtime rival has no interest in competing under rules that could expose him to defeat.

Cormier and Jones share one of the most bitter rivalries in UFC history, having met twice inside the Octagon. Jones defeated Cormier by unanimous decision to retain the light heavyweight title at UFC 182 in January 2015 before stopping him with a head kick and punches at UFC 214 two years later. That second result was later overturned to a no contest after Jones failed a drug test.

Although both men have since retired from mixed martial arts, they recently reunited as opposing coaches on the Russian reality show ALF Global. Speaking during a fan Q&A this week, Cormier revealed that another chapter in their rivalry nearly came together outside the UFC.

“I swear to God, it wouldn't be RAF (Real American Freestyle) because they can't afford to pay it. But there's an organization that offers both seven figures for a six-minute match. He will not do it. I'm telling you guys, he will not do it. I'm telling you, I'm not lying. I went through the negotiations.”

Cormier said he was eager to accept the matchup under traditional wrestling rules and was confident he would dominate the former UFC champion.

“And I said, 'If he wrestles me. I'll do it,’ I said, 'but it's going to be 10-0, I'm going to attack him.’ I said. But unfortunately, he knows it's going to be 10-0, so he won't do it.”

According to Cormier, Jones instead pushed for a submission-only grappling contest, a format Cormier declined because he preferred a ruleset with a clear winner determined by points if necessary.

“So I said, 'how about we do a grappling match?' He said, 'no, only submissions.' I said, 'well, why don't we do points, right? Where we win…I don't want to be tied at the end.’ No points, only submissions.”

Cormier believes Jones' reluctance stems from a desire to avoid competing in any format where he believes he is at a disadvantage.

“So he won't do it. He won't compete with me in anything that he thinks there's a chance he will lose in. So, give up on the Jon Jones thing. He's not going to do it.”

Jones has not publicly responded to Cormier's claims. Whether the proposed match will ever materialize remains uncertain, but according to Cormier, fans hoping to see the longtime rivals settle their differences on the mat should not expect it to happen anytime soon.

Robert Whittaker Questions Whether Conor McGregor Entered UFC 329 Injured

Robert Whittaker expressed sympathy for Conor McGregor following the Irish star's disastrous return to the Octagon at UFC 329.

McGregor's first fight in five years ended in devastating fashion on Saturday night in Las Vegas, as he suffered a serious knee injury while throwing an opening kick in the main event against Max Holloway.

Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show on Monday, former UFC middleweight champion Whittaker weighed in on the incident and suggested several possible explanations for the injury.

"It sucks. Everything that could go wrong went wrong," Whittaker said. "If he was injured prior to the fight, would he have done that kick? Like, I know I've gone into fights with LCL tears and MCL tears and brother, I'm not jumping switch kicking if I've got one."

Whittaker also floated the possibility that McGregor may have entered the bout with a pre-existing issue.

"Unless he knew, and he needed a way to get out," he added. "Or maybe it was just a freak accident."

The former champion emphasized the physical demands of mixed martial arts and the challenges fighters face when returning after extended layoffs.

"The game isn't… it's not one of those games you can just take off time and come back," Whittaker said. "You need that contact constantly. Your body's primed and ready."

Whittaker pointed to his own recent return as an example, noting that despite taking a year away from competition before making his light heavyweight debut against Nikita Krylov at UFC 329, he remained active in training throughout his absence.

"That's why, even though it took me a year to come back to the cage, I was training the whole time, you know, working my way into light heavyweight," he said. "I wasn't just doing nothing, because you need your body ready and hard to get used to just the stress that you put it under."

Whittaker suggested that even if McGregor had practiced the technique extensively during training camp, the intensity of a live fight environment may have contributed to the injury.

"He may have trained that kick a million times throughout the camp, but with the nerves, the adrenaline, maybe he jumps a little bit too far, maybe he jumps a little bit too high," Whittaker said. "There's so many what-ifs and whatnot."

Despite the unfortunate outcome, Whittaker said he hopes McGregor can eventually recover and move forward.

"But I feel for the guy," he said. "Everything that could go wrong did, and I hope maybe he comes out of it the other end better for it somehow."

Jon Jones Reveals He Could Fight Again if 'That Calling' Comes

Former UFC light heavyweight and heavyweight champion Jon Jones says he remains open to fighting again despite announcing his retirement last year.

Jones stepped away from the sport following a lengthy and ultimately unsuccessful attempt to finalize a heavyweight title unification bout with interim champion Tom Aspinall in 2025. More recently, he expressed interest in coming out of retirement for a potential showdown with former UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira at the UFC's planned White House event, though UFC president Dana White instead matched Pereira against Ciryl Gane.

Despite the setbacks, Jones revealed during an interview with Ring Magazine on Thursday that the possibility of another Octagon appearance remains very much alive.

"When it comes to me actually fighting anyone, I just keep the door open," Jones said. "I'm still in the UFC's drug testing pool. I get drug tested, blood tested all the time. The door is open. If I get that calling, maybe from the higher powers, just kind of that tugging, then I'm going to have to answer that call."

For now, however, the 38-year-old said his priorities lie outside of fighting.

"But right now, I feel like I'm in the right place, which is serving someone else," Jones said. "As long as I'm in the drug testing pool the UFC are contractually obligated to offer me a few fights a year. I haven't heard anything from them in a while."

"Right now, my main focus is just being a good dad, being a good family man. When I get offered to fight, that's going to be great. And we'll see how I feel when that time comes."

Jones also addressed his relationship with White after the two briefly reunited during International Fight Week in Las Vegas last week, suggesting that any previous tensions between them have not damaged their long-standing business relationship.

"Things are great. It was good to see Dana the other day," Jones said. "We laughed, we took a good photo together. In order to do big business, you can't hold grudges."

"I've made Dana millions of dollars over the years and he's made me millions of dollars over the years. And so it's not always about how you feel about a person. You know, it's just like, can we still work together? Can we still do business together?"

Jones added that he believes the two will always be able to collaborate professionally, even if they are not particularly close on a personal level.

"I feel like we're always going to be able to make money together," Jones said. "Will I be invited to his house on Christmas? Probably not. But the guy changed my life and he is a homie for life."

Ian Machado Garry Compares Islam Makhachev Fight to Conor McGregor's Jose Aldo Upset

Ian Machado Garry believes he has an opportunity to replicate one of the most iconic moments in Irish MMA history when he challenges Islam Makhachev for the welterweight title at UFC 330 on Aug. 15.

Appearing on the High Performance podcast this week, Garry (17-1 MMA, 10-1 UFC) discussed the comparisons that have followed him throughout his career and drew parallels between his upcoming fight and Conor McGregor’s legendary upset of Jose Aldo at UFC 194 in 2015.

“My whole career I've had a lot of expectations. I've had a lot of pressure from the outside world, from the fans and the sport itself, to be this star, to live up to the hype that Conor McGregor set,” Garry said.

The Irish contender acknowledged that being from Dublin has inevitably led to comparisons with McGregor, one of the biggest stars in combat sports history.

“Being from Dublin, Ireland, I've had a lot of comparisons to Conor due to the fact that we're both from Dublin, we're both from Ireland, we both talk the talk, we both walk the walk, but we will fight anyone on the planet,” Garry said. “And that's nothing to do with me, but everything to do with people comparing me to him.”

Garry has never hidden the fact that McGregor played a significant role in inspiring him to pursue a career in mixed martial arts.

“I've been very vocal about how I started this sport,” Garry said. “Being a fan of his and being inspired by Conor on his rise to greatness in the sport and completely transcending the entire MMA scale to this entire world, he transcended the sport to a next level.”

McGregor famously captured the featherweight title by knocking out Aldo in just 13 seconds, ending the Brazilian's decade-long reign at the top of the division. Garry sees similarities between that moment and his upcoming clash with Makhachev, who is widely regarded as the top pound-for-pound fighter in the sport.

“When Conor fought for his first UFC world title, he fought the number one pound-for-pound fighter (Jose Aldo), who hadn't been beaten for a decade. And he knocked him out in 13 seconds,” Garry said. “I cannot wait to step into the Octagon against Islam Makhachev and beat him, because there will be no doubt that I have done it against the best.”

Garry believes a victory over Makhachev would remove any questions about his standing in the sport.

“To be the best, you have to beat the best,” Garry said. “My next opponent, right now, is regarded by everyone in the world as the number one ranked pound-for-pound fighter on the planet. Make no excuses. There will be no doubt.

“After the fight, I just want it to be known. Ian Machado Garry is great.”

A win over Makhachev at UFC 330 would represent the biggest victory of Garry's career and could cement him as Ireland's next major MMA star while ending the lightweight champion's reign atop the pound-for-pound rankings.

Dominick Cruz Believes Conor McGregor 'Absolutely Can Come Back' From UFC 329 Injury

Former UFC bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz believes Conor McGregor has both the resources and motivation necessary to make another return to the Octagon following the serious injury he suffered at UFC 329.

McGregor sustained the injury in last week's main event, casting doubt over his immediate fighting future and prompting renewed questions about whether the former two-division champion will compete again.

Cruz, who repeatedly battled back from major injuries throughout his own career, offered his perspective during an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show on Monday. Having endured multiple career-threatening setbacks himself, Cruz said McGregor is in a strong position to recover physically.

“He has the physical therapy at the performance institute, he has all the best doctors and money in the world now,” Cruz said. “I think he's going to stay in the testing pool this time. I don't know, last time he didn't. I had to stay, I chose to stay in, we'll see what he does with that.

“But with all the access to the things he has, he absolutely can come back.”

Beyond the physical aspects of recovery, Cruz suggested that McGregor's desire to compete again stems from the same deep-rooted obsession that drives many elite fighters.

“It took so much for me to not have martial arts (in my life), that's why I think he came back,” Cruz said. “He's got everything in the world, everybody keeps saying, right? So why do you go back in the octagon? There's only one logical reason to go in there and do that when you have everything he has. And it's because he needs it.

“I needed it. Why wouldn't he? Why would he be different? It takes a certain obsession to be good at this.”

Cruz also reflected on how difficult life away from competition can be for fighters who have dedicated themselves to the sport for so long.

“And my obsession was taken away from me,” Cruz said. “And his obsession, I think, was taken away. And then he was just let out to go be free, and man, we saw where that went for him. Apparently for him, it wasn't working. So he wanted to get back to what did work for him. I can totally resonate with that.”

Despite the setback at UFC 329 and the criticism surrounding McGregor in recent years, Cruz remains convinced that the Irish superstar will fight again.

“And I think that he definitely will be back. I really do because of the injury and because everybody got that taste and that feeling of showing up, and everybody doubts him right now, and everybody's kind of upset,” Cruz said. “A lot of people are upset.

“Everybody wants a comeback story so no matter what anybody says they're going to watch because everybody loves a comeback story and he's entertaining so the build-up to that will be great.”

Cruz believes the emotions McGregor experienced on fight night will ultimately help fuel his rehabilitation process.

“But I think he'll definitely do it,” Cruz said. “I think that feeling he had that night (at UFC 329) will resonate with him, he's going to hold on to it tight and get through and use it to get through this rehab. He has all the access he needs.”

Caio Borralho Reveals Planned Joe Pyfer Fight at UFC 330 Was Canceled Due to Injury

Caio Borralho has revealed that he signed on the dotted line for a massive fight at UFC 330 next month, but an injury ultimately shelved those plans.

I spoke with Borralho (18-2 MMA, 8-1 UFC) on the red carpet at the 17th Annual World MMA Awards in Las Vegas during International Fight Week, where we discussed the current landscape of the middleweight division in the wake of Sean Strickland's recent title victory over Khamzat Chimaev.

“It’s exciting,” the Brazilian told me. “The division is moving right now, you know? I was supposed to fight Joe Pyfer on August 15^th at UFC 330, but I hurt my ribs and needed to have the surgery. I'm still recovering…I have four more weeks to recover and then I go back to training.”

After enjoying a blistering start to his UFC career — winning seven straight fights between 2022 and 2025 — "The Natural" tasted defeat inside the Octagon for the first time when he was outpointed by Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Paris last September.

Having returned to the win column with a victory over Reinier de Ridder in March, the Brazilian is hoping to squeeze in one more fight before the end of the year, and he has a clear idea of who he wants to face next.

“I want to fight in October,” Borralho said, “maximum in November, and I think, if not Joe Pyfer, if they're not going to hold him down because (UFC 330 is in) his hometown in Philly – I think he's going to fight there – I want to fight the winner of Kamaru (Usman) and Dricus (Du Plessis), because I've wanted Dricus for so long, and I think it's a great fight to do, and I think if he wins this one, it's a great fight for me and him to go to the title contender.”

With Du Plessis having since gone on to beat Usman in the main event at UFC Oklahoma City this past weekend, it seems the stars are aligning for a potential title eliminator between the pair to take place before the end of 2026.

Dana White Says Anderson Silva Still Won't Speak to Him After Retirement Comments

Dana White has revealed that former UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva still refuses to speak to him after the UFC CEO suggested that the Brazilian legend retire from mixed martial arts.

Silva (34-11 MMA, 17-7 UFC) is widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters in UFC history. "The Spider" dominated the promotion's middleweight division from 2006 to 2013, putting together the longest winning streak in UFC history and authoring one of the most celebrated title reigns the sport has ever seen.

However, Silva's career trajectory changed dramatically following his rematch with Chris Weidman at UFC 168 in December 2013, when he suffered a devastating broken leg. Although he eventually returned to competition, Silva was unable to recapture his previous form, earning just one victory inside the Octagon before parting ways with the UFC in 2020.

Since leaving the promotion, Silva has enjoyed a successful run in professional boxing, securing notable victories, including a win over former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley in December of last year.

Speaking during a recent appearance on The Pivot podcast, White reflected on his relationship with Silva and explained that the former champion has held a grudge against him ever since he advised him to retire.

"I don't know if there's anybody we treated better than Anderson Silva," White said. "I mean, (we) respected him so much for his talent and everything else. And the guy is, to his core, a fighter and a martial artist, you know? Fighting is what he loves."

White acknowledged Silva's determination to continue competing despite a difficult stretch toward the end of his UFC career.

"And he went on a losing streak…I don't know, seven of his last eight or something like that," White said. "We never cut his money. We never pulled his money back. He made shitloads of money. And then I said, 'Time to retire.'"

According to White, the conversation effectively ended his relationship with the former champion.

"And he won't talk to me to this day," White continued. "He hates me because he says, 'Who the f*** are you to tell me I can't do what I love to do,' you know? And I get it. It is what it is. And sometimes, it's business, but sometimes it gets personal."

Despite their apparent falling out, White's comments highlighted the immense respect he still has for Silva's accomplishments and legacy inside the UFC, where the Brazilian remains one of the most influential and revered champions in the promotion's history.

Kamaru Usman Considering Retirement After Dricus Du Plessis Loss

Dana White has revealed that former UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva still refuses to speak to him after the UFC CEO suggested that the Brazilian legend retire from mixed martial arts.

White acknowledged Silva's determination to continue competing despite a difficult stretch toward the end of his UFC career.

According to White, the conversation effectively ended his relationship with the former champion.

Still Dangerous: How Syndicate MMA Revitalized Davey Grant's Career

I caught up with Davey Grant on the red carpet at the 17th Annual World MMA Awards during International Fight Week in Las Vegas.

A fixture of the UFC bantamweight division since 2013, Grant has carved out a reputation as one of the promotion's most consistently entertaining fighters. Now 40 years old, the British veteran has built a new life in Las Vegas, where he trains and coaches at one of the sport's premier gyms.

When asked about his decision to settle at Syndicate MMA, Grant had no doubts.

“It’s a fantastic gym,” Grant beamed. “I feel like it’s the best gym in the world, that’s why I’m there. I did move to Vegas to try out all the gyms and see where I liked, and as soon as I went to Syndicate I knew that was the place for me.

“Me and (head coach) John Wood really clicked, and the training partners I’ve got (are) just fantastic. I’ve got everything under one roof and John really wanted me to come and work for him because he likes the way I coach. We’ve managed to make a great life over here for our family.”

The move has coincided with a resurgence inside the Octagon. Grant earned the sixth post-fight bonus of his UFC career with his victory over Adrian Luna Martinetti in April, marking his third win in his last four appearances.

Despite entering his fifth decade, "Dangerous" insists retirement is nowhere on the horizon.

“Yeah, things are going well,” he smiles. “Things are going fantastic! And it's crazy, I thought I’d be long done by now, you know? I just don't feel like I'm slowing down at all. I do not feel like I'm slowing down at all. I feel ready to go, and I could keep fighting till I'm 43, 44. If I'm getting paid, I'm fighting. Even if they wanted me to do it for free, I'd probably still do it!”

Grant's all-action style has made him a fan favorite throughout his UFC tenure, with his fights regularly producing memorable moments. But while spectators have come to expect fireworks every time he competes, Grant says that's simply a byproduct of who he is as a fighter rather than something he consciously tries to deliver.

“You know what it is? No, not at all, because I don't mean to (be so entertaining). I really don't. It's just, it's lucky for me that that's my style and people like to watch…do you know what I mean? So I don't feel like I'm ever having to try (to entertain). If anything, I get told to try less, do you know what I mean? Try and stick to game plans and keep it a little bit less, like, I don't know, flamboyant if you will, but yeah, I'm just lucky that my style, it's exciting to watch, it's pleasing to the eye, and I think it's kept me in the UFC for a long time.”

As for when fans can expect to see him back in action, Grant is targeting a return before the end of the year after recovering from a minor procedure.

“Hoping for, like, December, October. I've just had a little surgery on my nose, so I'm still not sparring yet, but hopefully, yeah. A couple of months and I'll be ready.”

Daniel Cormier Denies Jon Jones' Claim About Private Rivalry Conversation

Daniel Cormier has denied Jon Jones' claim that he privately admitted he no longer harbors any animosity toward his longtime rival.

Earlier this week, an interview surfaced in which Jones said Cormier made the admission while the pair were filming a season of the Russian reality show ALF Global earlier this year. According to Jones, Cormier also told him he wanted to preserve the appearance of their rivalry because it remained financially beneficial.

Speaking on his YouTube channel this week, Cormier firmly rejected Jones' version of events.

“That didn't happen. We did not have that conversation where I sat to him and said, ‘when the cameras are rolling, you're my enemy.’ No, he's just my enemy all the time. It just is what it is. And it's okay.

“As I have told you before, you can go to bed at night with an enemy. You don't need the happy fairy tale ending. Everybody doesn't need that. I don't, I'm a grown man and neither does Jon, right? Jon shouldn't need that.”

Cormier also addressed why he felt compelled to respond publicly, insisting Jones had falsely attributed comments to him.

“I don't want to necessarily be talking about all these things, but like obviously someone put a microphone in front of that man's face and he started speaking on the words that I (supposedly) delivered and that's not true. You can always come for here, right here at the Daniel Cormier Show to know what I want to say because I'm more than willing to tell it.”

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