issue 234
November 2026
Paul Browne jumps into the Fighters Only wayback-when machine to recap the best of mixed martial arts in October 2026
Dana White Explains Why Josh Hokit Got Heavyweight Title Shot Over Alex Pereira
UFC CEO Dana White has explained why Josh Hokit was selected to face Ciryl Gane for the heavyweight title instead of Alex Pereira, despite speculation that the former two-division champion was in line for another shot at gold.
Gane recently defeated Pereira by knockout to capture the interim heavyweight championship at UFC Freedom 250. Following Tom Aspinall's decision to vacate the heavyweight title last month to focus on his recovery from eye surgery, speculation emerged that Gane and Pereira could run it back for the undisputed championship.
However, the UFC confirmed that Hokit will face Gane at UFC 334 on November 14 at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Speaking to reporters during a media scrum this week ahead of UFC 332, White was asked whether Pereira's star power had given him a realistic chance of securing the title fight.
White dismissed the suggestion that the UFC makes matchups based primarily on popularity, emphasizing that sporting merit remains the priority.
"We make fights based on star power? We make fights based on who is the best in the world, who deserves to be there," White said.
He also pointed out that Pereira is coming off a loss to Gane, while making it clear that the Brazilian remains firmly in the heavyweight title picture.
"(Pereira is) coming off a loss right now against Ciryl Gane. This is the fight to make. Yeah, he's in there (in the title picture). It's not like he has to do anything to come close to the title shot. He's in it right now," White added.
The UFC CEO acknowledged that Pereira's position could appear uncertain following the change in plans but insisted that the situation is largely a matter of timing.
"I mean, everything you just said is dead on, and he'll get his shot. He's got to, you know. Sometimes people get in these weird positions where they feel like they're in no man's land, but it's just a timing issue."
Paddy Pimblett Wants to Coach The Ultimate Fighter Opposite Ilia Topuria
Paddy Pimblett is all in on the idea of coaching opposite longtime rival Ilia Topuria on a future season of The Ultimate Fighter.
The possibility was raised at the UFC 332 post-fight press conference Saturday, when UFC President Dana White was asked about the prospect of Pimblett and Topuria serving as opposing coaches on the UFC's long-running reality series.
"That would definitely be a good one," White said.
Pimblett subsequently made it clear that he would welcome the opportunity.
In a video posted to his social media accounts, the Liverpool native said he would "love" to do The Ultimate Fighter with Topuria, while recalling a previous suggestion from Renato Moicano.
“I’d love to do The Ultimate Fighter. I remember a couple of years ago, (Renato) Moicano saying (he wanted) to do The Ultimate Fighter with me, that would have been great television, but now I’d love to do The Ultimate Fighter with Ilia Topuria.
“I would have his head in the shed for six weeks. He wouldn’t know where to look, he wouldn’t know what to say. I’d have him feeling awkward constantly. Me and Ilia would bring the ratings back to The Ultimate Fighter like Season 10 with Rampage (Jackson) and Rashad (Evans).
“So yeah, if you’re going to do a season of The Ultimate Fighter and you’s want coaches that are actually still fighting (because the last few haven’t), do me vs. Ilia and we’ll bring The Ultimate Fighter back. It’ll be a reincarnation.”
Pimblett and Topuria have developed one of the UFC's most recognizable rivalries, with the two fighters repeatedly trading verbal jabs despite never having faced each other inside the Octagon.
A season featuring the pair would also follow a format that has historically generated significant attention for the UFC, with fighters serving as opposing coaches before potentially settling their rivalry in the cage.
For Pimblett, however, the entertainment value would be just as important as the competition.
"I would have his head in the shed for six weeks," he said, promising to make Topuria uncomfortable throughout the filming process.
Whether the UFC ultimately makes Pimblett vs. Topuria the next Ultimate Fighter coaching matchup remains to be seen, but White's initial response and Pimblett's enthusiastic endorsement have already put the idea firmly on the table.
Daniel Cormier Explains Why Imavov NEEDS Sean Strickland
Nassourdine Imavov is growing frustrated with Sean Strickland as he waits for his opportunity to challenge for the UFC middleweight championship.
Former two-division UFC champion Daniel Cormier has shared details of a confrontation between Imavov and reigning middleweight champion Strickland at the UFC Performance Institute in Las Vegas, with the French contender reportedly challenging Strickland over his reluctance to sign a fight contract.
Strickland has publicly expressed his desire for increased pay, leaving Imavov waiting for a potential championship opportunity. According to Cormier, the situation came to a head when the two fighters crossed paths this week at the UFC's training facility.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Cormier described the encounter and explained why the UFC Performance Institute can be an uncomfortable place for fighters who may eventually face one another inside the Octagon.
“The UFC PI is a great, great tool for athletes of the UFC. The UFC PI also is a danger zone for certain athletes or most athletes, honestly, because the ability to come across someone you're going to fight is very present almost every single day,” Cormier said.
Cormier, who competed in the UFC while the facility was open, explained that he deliberately avoided training there because he did not want to run into his potential opponents outside the competitive environment.
“I just didn't train there because I did not want to run into all of my competition,” he added.
Imavov Challenges Strickland Over the Championship Fight
According to Cormier, Imavov was particularly direct when confronting Strickland, questioning why the champion had not agreed to the proposed matchup.
“Imavov was saying, ‘What's your problem? You don't sign the contract.’ Sean said, ‘Say what?’ Imavov said, ‘Hey, money. I have money. I'll give you. What are you going to do now? I'm here,’” Cormier recounted.
The exchange appeared to center on Strickland's reported desire for more money before agreeing to fight Imavov. Cormier interpreted the contender's remarks as an attempt to remove that obstacle and get the championship fight booked.
“Because obviously Sean Strickland wants more money. He said it publicly. So Imavov is almost telling him, ‘I will pay you to fight me,’ right?” Cormier explained.
Cormier also noted that Imavov's willingness to confront Strickland in person was significant, given the champion's reputation for his reactions to people who challenge him.
“Here's the thing — most people would not approach Sean Strickland in that just normal environment. We've seen what he's done to people that have done that. But Imavov is just like, ‘Yo, I want to fight.’ Obviously he's not afraid of him, he's a professional so he's in his face,” Cormier said.
According to Cormier's account, Strickland ultimately walked away from the exchange rather than escalating the situation.
“To his credit, Sean walked away, (he) was like, ‘Yo, what is this guy talking about,’” Cormier added.
Why Imavov Needs a Fight With Strickland
While Imavov is clearly eager to secure his championship opportunity, Cormier believes the matchup would offer the contender much more than a chance to win the middleweight title.
Imavov has established himself as a leading contender in the division, and a victory over a champion of Strickland's standing could further elevate his profile. Cormier argued that beating Strickland would provide Imavov with a defining win that could help establish him as a legitimate champion and increase his popularity.
“Nassourdine Imavov needs Sean Strickland, and not for only the championship. Nassourdine Imavov needs Sean Strickland because you need someone to beat to become champion to really legitimize you and help with your star appeal,” Cormier said.
“A win over Sean Strickland would do that for Imavov.”
UFC bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison has opened up about the excruciating pain that forced her to undergo neck surgery just two weeks before her scheduled superfight against Amanda Nunes.
Harrison was forced to withdraw from the highly anticipated matchup at UFC 324 last January and has spent much of 2026 recovering from the procedure. With the bout now rescheduled for UFC 334 at Madison Square Garden in New York next month, the champion detailed the severity of her condition during an appearance on the Deep Waterspodcast on Monday.
According to Harrison, her symptoms became unbearable in the final days leading up to the fight, leaving her struggling to move her arm and get a decent night's sleep.
“You have to remember, I was trying to make it to my fight. So, this is two weeks before I'm supposed to fight Amanda, I can't lift my arm, I'm getting lightning bolts, the last five days, I think I slept maybe, like, three hours because I would fall asleep and then the lightning bolts (would begin),” Harrison said.
The former Olympic gold medalist described the experience as the worst pain she had ever endured, explaining that she was initially focused on finding a way to make it to fight night.
“Worst pain ever. No, it's the worst pain ever,” she added.
Eventually, the UFC instructed Harrison to travel to New York for further medical evaluation. After reviewing her condition, the doctor determined that surgery was necessary immediately, leaving the fighter with little choice but to prioritize her health over the upcoming bout.
“So finally, UFC was like, ‘Go to New York.’ I flew to New York. The doctor looked at all the stuff. He was like, ‘Yeah, you need surgery now…when do you want to have it?’ And I was like, ‘I mean, as soon as possible!’” Harrison recalled.
Harrison also revealed that she was alone in New York when she prepared for the procedure, with events moving quickly after the doctor's assessment.
“So I was in New York by myself. I Ubered to the hospital the next day at six. He was like, I'll see you at 6 a.m. tomorrow. I didn't even know they were going to go through (with surgery). I didn't know anything,” she explained.
At that point, Harrison's priority was no longer making it to the fight but finding relief from the debilitating pain and beginning the recovery process as quickly as possible.
“I was just like, get me out of pain and like, get me on the road to recovery as fast as you can,” she said.
Alexander Volkanovski Floats Retirement Superfight Against Justin Gaethje for Lightweight Title
Alexander Volkanovski has proposed a blockbuster superfight against Justin Gaethje that could see both UFC stars retire following a showdown for the lightweight championship.
Volkanovski is preparing to defend his featherweight title against Movsar Evloev at UFC 333 on October 24. However, the Australian champion is already considering what could come next if he successfully gets past the Russian contender.
Speaking on the WhoTheFook Podcast, Volkanovski suggested that a clash with Gaethje could provide a fitting conclusion to both men's legendary careers, particularly with retirement rumors surrounding the two champions.
“Imagine that? You do that as like a send-off. Gaethje and Volk, like, because he's talking about (fighting again)…does he want to fight still? I think he's like, ‘maybe one more,’ then that could be like a super fight,” Volkanovski said.
The former featherweight champion believes the matchup could be a major attraction, with Gaethje's lightweight title on the line and both fighters potentially walking away from the sport afterward.
“Let's do a super fight, you know, lightweight title on the line, and then we can see everyone off (into retirement) with a crazy super fight. That could be fucking real good. Let's do it,” Volkanovski added.
The Australian also suggested that such a matchup would allow the lightweight division to move forward and establish its next generation of contenders once the two veterans step away.
“And then, straight after that let the division sort themselves out, you know what I mean? And you'll still be happy with that. There you go, let's make that happen.”
Gaethje's Future Remains Uncertain
Despite Volkanovski's enthusiasm, the proposed superfight remains hypothetical. Gaethje has yet to confirm whether he intends to return to the Octagon, as he continues recovering from his brutal battle against Ilia Topuria at the White House earlier this year.
With questions surrounding both fighters' long-term futures, a title fight between Volkanovski and Gaethje would offer a high-profile opportunity to close out two remarkable careers. However, Volkanovski must first get past Evloev at UFC 333 before any potential move to lightweight can become a realistic possibility.
For now, the idea remains a tantalizing prospect rather than a confirmed UFC matchup. If both champions are willing to compete one more time, Volkanovski believes a lightweight title superfight could provide the perfect send-off for two of the sport's biggest names.
Dricus du Plessis Targets UFC Middleweight Title Return Before Moving Up to Light Heavyweight
Former UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis has his sights set on reclaiming his 185-pound title before eventually moving up to light heavyweight and pursuing a second championship.
In an interview with South African sports broadcaster Sias du Plessis, who is not related to the former champion, Du Plessis outlined his ambitions for the next chapter of his MMA career.
The South African lost his middleweight title to Khamzat Chimaev in August 2025 but bounced back with a dominant five-round decision victory over Kamaru Usman at UFC Oklahoma City in July 2026.
Despite the setback against Chimaev, Du Plessis remains determined to return to the top of the middleweight division. However, his long-term ambitions extend beyond reclaiming the championship, as he believes he has the size and ability to compete for gold at 205 pounds.
“Yeah, I mean, getting my belt back. I mean, that's for me, that's the biggest thing. I mean, I want to get my belt back and eventually go up to 205 and go test myself there,” Du Plessis said.
The former champion also expressed confidence in his ability to become a two-division champion if he makes the move to light heavyweight.
“And I'm certain that I'll be a champion. I'm big enough for that division and I'm certain I can be champion in that division as well.”
Aaron Pico: “You Haven't Seen the Best Version of Me Yet”
Aaron Pico believes he is finally putting the pieces together. After a devastating knockout loss in his UFC debut and an impressive rebound against Patricio “Pitbull” Freire, the featherweight contender says the adjustments he is making could take his career to another level.
Pico (14-5 MMA, 1-1 UFC) returns to action at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, facing Losene Keita (17-2 MMA, 1-1 UFC) in the main card opener. It is another important opportunity for the former Bellator standout to build momentum in the UFC featherweight division, and he arrives with renewed confidence in the direction of his game.
“You haven't seen the best version of Aaron Pico yet,” he told Fighters Only ahead of the fight. “And I think with this mindset and this new concept that I'm learning, the sky's the limit for me.”
It is a bold statement from a fighter who has spent much of his career carrying enormous expectations. A decorated wrestler and boxer in his youth before transitioning to mixed martial arts, Pico was widely regarded as one of the sport's most promising prospects. His journey, however, has not been without setbacks.
His UFC debut ended in brutal fashion when Lerone Murphy knocked him out with a spinning elbow. Pico responded with a composed, commanding performance against Freire, a former Bellator champion, demonstrating a different side to his game. For Pico, the difference was not simply a matter of working harder. It was about learning to fight smarter.
Learning to Let the Fight Develop
Pico has never lacked aggression or the ability to overwhelm opponents. But he recognizes that those qualities alone are not enough against the elite fighters at the top of the UFC featherweight division.
One of the most important changes came through his work with coach Roberto Guerrero, whom Pico has trained with for some time. Guerrero encouraged him to reconsider how he approaches a fight, emphasizing patience, defensive responsibility, and the importance of setting traps rather than forcing exchanges.
“One of the things is cooking the fight,” Pico explained. “And what I mean by that is just letting the fight happen. Cook it, add a little bit of salt, add a little bit of pepper. You don't have to go crazy right away.”
It is a simple analogy, but it reflects a significant shift in mindset.
“If you look at a lot of my fights, I would just kind of go forward, not really any defense,” he said. “And fighting at this level against the best guys in the world, that's going to get you in trouble. I knew if I wanted to be the best in the UFC, I had to switch some things up,” he said.
Changing an established style was not necessarily comfortable. Pico acknowledged that experimenting with new techniques and approaches can be mentally challenging, particularly when a fighter has spent years relying on familiar instincts.
But he stayed committed to the process, and the performance against Freire offered encouraging evidence that the work is paying off.
A Fighter Still Developing
At 30, Pico believes he still has considerable room to grow. Although his early career made him feel like a veteran long before his time, he sees his development as an ongoing process rather than a finished product.
His advice to younger fighters reflects that philosophy.
“If I can give one advice for any young fighter coming up or even older, it's just don't be so stuck in your ways,” he said. “Even if you're the best in one area, this is a whole different sport.”
For Pico, mixed martial arts demands constant learning. Success in wrestling or boxing does not automatically translate into mastery of the complete sport, and the fighters who continue improving are the ones willing to challenge their own habits.
“You're going to have to be a student of the game every single fight, every single day,” he said. “It's a never-ending process in this sport.”
That willingness to adapt could be crucial as Pico looks to establish himself among the UFC's top featherweights. His physical tools and experience have long made him an intriguing prospect, but turning that potential into sustained success requires consistency against increasingly difficult opposition.
Saturday's matchup with Keita will provide another test of his evolving approach.
Pico recognizes the danger posed by his opponent, particularly Keita's explosive attacks and powerful right hand.
“This guy has moments and he blitzes people, and he has a devastating right hand,” Pico said. “He's got a lot of power. He's very explosive.”
His plan is to remain composed, implement the strategy he has been developing, and use his strengths to dictate where the fight takes place.
“I have to wear him down,” he said, adding that he believes sticking to the game plan will lead to a successful night.
The Road to a UFC Title
Pico is not hiding his ambitions. He believes that a series of dominant, entertaining performances could put him within reach of a championship opportunity sooner rather than later.
“I think if I put on dominating fights, exciting fights, and the fans get behind me, and I just keep moving forward, I don't think it's going to be crazy long,” he said.
For now, his immediate focus remains on Keita. Pico knows that his position in the division will depend on what he accomplishes inside the Octagon, not simply what he believes he can achieve.
Still, he is confident in his ability to compete with the very best.
“I can say that anybody in the top 10, including the champion, I'll be prepared to fight and I believe I will win,” he said.
It is the kind of confidence that has followed Pico throughout his career. The difference now is that he believes he is developing the tactical maturity to match his natural ability.
UFC 333 represents another step in that process. A victory over Keita would give Pico further momentum and strengthen his case for a place among the division's leading contenders.
He has already experienced the disappointment of a brutal UFC debut and the satisfaction of an emphatic response. Now, he is trying to build something more sustainable.
Pico believes the best version of himself is still ahead. Against Keita, he has another opportunity to show just how close he might be to finding it.
Islam Makhachev Explains Why He Won’t Fight Carlos Prates in January
Islam Makhachev has explained why he won’t be fighting Carlos Prates in January.
It had been widely speculated that Makhachev was set to make the next defense of his welterweight title against Prates in the main event at UFC 336, which takes place in Toronto, Canada on January 30.
During the UFC 333 broadcast on Saturday night however, the announcement came that Prates will instead take on Michael Morales for the interim title on that card, as Makhachev won’t be ready to compete.
Dana White appeared frustrated while speaking about Makhachev’s lack of activity when he spoke to reporters at Saturday’s post-fight press conference, and the champion has since come out to clarify his stance on the matter.
"Yes, Prates and Morales will fight to determine who is a true worthy contender, and I'll fight the winner," Makhachev told pound4padel.ru in Russian. "They offered me a fight with Prates, who recently lost to (to Ian Machado Garry), someone I beat. If I beat him, Morales would already be next in line, who's not fighting and waiting for (a title shot). Just let them fight, and we will figure out who's the real challenger."
Prates suffered the only defeat of his UFC career at the hands of Machado Garry back in April of 2025, but the Brazilian has since rebounded to pick up stoppage wins over Geoff Neal, Leon Edwards and Jack Della Maddalena.
Aljamain Sterling Questions Petr Yan’s Claim to UFC Bantamweight GOAT Status
Aljamain Sterling believes Petr Yan deserves to be part of the conversation about the greatest UFC bantamweight of all time following his win over Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 333 on Saturday, but he is not convinced the Russian has done enough to claim the title outright.
Sterling, who held the UFC bantamweight championship from 2021 to 2023, shared his thoughts in a video uploaded to his YouTube channel, praising Yan’s technical ability while questioning whether his championship résumé is strong enough to put him above the division’s other legends.
“Yeah, I would say from a technical standpoint, if you want to say his technique is really, really good and he's a dog when he's in there, I 100% agree. I'm not going to dismiss that. I'm not going to deny that greatness. He's a technical savage when he's in there,” Sterling said.
However, Sterling believes the criteria for determining the greatest of all time (GOAT) are not always clear, making it difficult to reach a definitive conclusion about who deserves the distinction.
“What do you consider GOAT? I don't even know anymore because it seems like the lines are so blurred that I don't even know what the conversation is really even about anymore,” he added.
“And they have my wins at 14. It should be 15. The Renan Barao win (which took place at a catchweight of 140 pounds after Barao failed to make weight) should count to make it 15. But I think Yan's now at 13. Either way, he's right there. He's definitely in the mix,” Sterling said.
Sterling questions Yan’s championship résumé
Despite acknowledging Yan’s credentials, Sterling believes the Russian’s limited number of title defenses makes it difficult to declare him the greatest bantamweight in UFC history.
Yan has established himself as one of the division’s most technically accomplished fighters and has won the UFC bantamweight championship twice. However, Sterling believes becoming a two-time champion is not necessarily enough to settle the GOAT debate.
“He's in the conversation with the Dominick Cruzes, the Merabs, TJ Dillashaw. But to just go ‘hands down, he's the GOAT’ with one title defense? It's kind of crazy to me,” Sterling said.
“To become a two-time champ in itself, that alone is hard. But one title defense, I don't know if that does it for me.”
Sterling’s argument centers on the importance of championship longevity and sustained success at the highest level. While he recognizes the difficulty of capturing a UFC title more than once, he believes a fighter’s overall body of work must also be considered before declaring them the greatest in a division’s history.
Dominick Cruz and Merab Dvalishvili remain in the conversation
Sterling also pointed to other prominent bantamweights whose accomplishments deserve consideration, including former champions Dominick Cruz and TJ Dillashaw, as well as current-era contender Merab Dvalishvili.
Cruz helped define the division with his distinctive movement and wrestling-based approach, while Dillashaw enjoyed two championship reigns during his UFC career. Dvalishvili, meanwhile, has built his reputation through relentless pressure and an exceptional work rate.
For Sterling, comparing fighters across different eras makes the debate even more complicated, particularly when technical ability, championship reigns and overall accomplishments are weighed against one another.
“But he's definitely in the conversation. And if you want to talk about technique, again, his technique is probably one of the best out of everyone who's done it,” Sterling said of Yan.
“But if you're looking at the eras, I mean, you can't really dismiss a Dominick Cruz. And I'll let the fans decide it from there.”
Alexander Volkanovski Believes Aljamain Sterling Can Edge Jean Silva in Featherweight Title Race
Alexander Volkanovski believes Aljamain Sterling can move to the front of the line for a shot at the UFC featherweight championship with a victory over Kevin Vallejos.
Sterling is scheduled to face Vallejos at UFC Qatar on November 21, with the former bantamweight champion battling Jean Silva for the opportunity to challenge Volkanovski for the 145-pound title. While both contenders have made strong cases for themselves, the reigning champion believes Sterling currently has the edge.
Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show on Wednesday, Volkanovski pointed to Sterling’s experience against elite competition as a key factor in the title conversation. He also acknowledged that he does not want to see Silva’s opportunities overlooked.
“I think he's had more high-level fights. It's hard, man, because I don't want to take opportunities away from (Jean Silva). I like Silva. I like Aljamain. But I believe if Aljamain wins another fight, I feel like Aljamain deserves it more,” Volkanovski said.
“When we're talking deserves more, I'm going to say Aljamain. Aljo deserves it more. But who do I think's next? They're both worthy competitors. But who do I think deserves it more? I think Aljo, man, especially after another win. Taking a fight against a dangerous guy like Kevin, you know what I mean?”
Jean Silva Could Get the Next Shot if Sterling Loses
When asked whether Silva would become the leading contender if Sterling fails to get past Vallejos, Volkanovski suggested that the Brazilian would be well-positioned to earn the title shot.
“That makes more sense for Jean Silva. So I think it's really up to that fight (between Sterling and Vallejos), I believe. So yeah, Silva's in a great position. I think he needs to just wait and see what happens with Aljo,” Volkanovski said.
Volkanovski Has His Eyes on Bigger Challenges
Although Volkanovski is prepared to face either Sterling or Silva, the Australian champion admitted that other potential matchups currently excite him more.
With discussions surrounding possible lightweight fights also in the picture, Volkanovski acknowledged that a clash with Justin Gaethje or a move toward a lightweight title fight holds particular appeal.
“Yeah, yeah. Well, I mean, anyone. I mean, whoever deserves it next, that's good enough for me, right? That's how I look at it,” Volkanovski said.
“But I mean, we are obviously talking about lightweight fights and all that. I'd be lying to say that the Jean Silva excites me more than a (Justin) Gaethje fight or even just a lightweight title fight.”
Despite his interest in opportunities beyond featherweight, Volkanovski emphasized that he respects the competitive landscape and does not intend to stand in the way of deserving challengers.
“But again, I understand the situation. Everyone knows what type of champion he is. I'm not trying to take people's opportunities away.”
