Justin Gaethje isn't waiting around for Conor McGregor to make the first move. The UFC lightweight champion has been teasing his own return to the octagon, and he used the moment to aim what's being called his "ultimate dig" at the Irish superstar [3]. Gaethje framed a fight with McGregor as the "best-case scenario," which tells you exactly how confident he is that style and story both favor him [3]. This is the kind of callout that writes its own promo, and Gaethje clearly knows it.
Alex Pereira Has Something Cooking
Alex Pereira is teasing a big fight announcement [2]. This comes right after what some are calling his attempt to become the promotion's first triple champion fell short [2]. Given his track record of turning any promotion into a moment, expect this "announcement" to actually move the needle once it drops.
Brandon Moreno Set for a Third Fight of the Year
UFC 335 is reportedly getting its first fight, and word is it's built around a former two-time champion's comeback [4]. The former two-time flyweight champion has been fighting his way back into title contention. That kind of workload for a former champion says a lot about how badly Moreno wants back into the flyweight picture rather than coasting on his name. UFC 335 closes out the calendar year, so Moreno gets one more shot to make a statement before 2026 wraps [4].
Joshua Van's Age Shocks Dana White, and the Hype Train Keeps Rolling
Dana White congratulated Joshua Van backstage at UFC 331, and the conversation took a turn when Van revealed he's still only 24 years old [1]. White's reaction says everything about how far ahead of schedule Van looks for his age. That's fueling a bigger conversation about where Van's ceiling actually is, with one detailed breakdown arguing he looks built to rule the UFC flyweight division for years [14]. The same piece is careful to note that MMA history is littered with can't-miss prospects who didn't pan out, so the "future great" label still needs to be earned in the cage, not just the media room [14].
Eddie Hearn Torches Dana White Over the Fury-Joshua Deal
Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn isn't letting Dana White off easy after the Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua super fight got announced [9]. Hearn's claim is blunt: he says White was "totally humiliated" once the contract terms surfaced [9]. Netflix had presented White as one of the fight's organizers, but Hearn insists the actual contract keeps White out of real involvement [9]. That's a pretty pointed accusation to lob at the most powerful man in combat sports, and it signals the backstage politics around Fury-Joshua are just as messy as the fight itself.
UFC 332 Adds Pieces Around Silva vs. Wang
UFC 332 keeps growing ahead of its October three date. A short-notice welterweight bout has been tacked onto the card, with prospect Jacobe Smith returning to face newcomer Bruce Whitehead, a booking that left plenty of fans scratching their heads over the matchup [11]. On the marquee side, Natalia Silva's coaching team is reportedly talking up her flyweight title fight against Wang Cong, promising it's going to be a treat for fans [17].
Roster Watch: A New Heavyweight Challenger and an Unbeaten Signing
UFC 334 is scheduled for November 14, 2026, and is headlined by Ciryl Gane vs. Josh Hokit [12]. Dana White won’t elevate Ciryl Gane to heavyweight champion, but UFC Hall of Famer Chris Weidman is breaking down exactly how Josh Hokit could dethrone him at Madison Square Garden [12]. Meanwhile, the UFC just bolstered its bantamweight pipeline by signing Asaf Chopurov, an undefeated eleven and zero prospect who trains as Petr Yan's primary sparring partner and holds the UAE Warriors title [13]. Landing Yan's own training partner is the kind of signing that quietly strengthens a division without anyone needing to hype it up.
Sources
- Dana White Reacts After Learning Joshua Van Is Still 24 (MiddleEasy)
- Alex Pereira teases big fight announcement (MMA Mania)
- ‘Best-case scenario’... Justin Gaethje calls out Conor McGregor and aims ultimate dig at UFC legend (Bloody Elbow)
- UFC 335 gets first fight as former two-time champion’s return in the works for last event of 2026 (Bloody Elbow)
- Eddie Hearn slams Dana White: "You were totally humiliated" (Frontkick Online)
- Surprising Short-Notice Welterweight Bout Added to UFC 332 (Yahoo Sports MMA)
- Chris Weidman Explains How Josh Hokit Can Beat Ciryl Gane (Yahoo Sports MMA)
- Best Prospect In The Sport? UFC Signs Petr Yan’s Undefeated Training Partner (Yahoo Sports MMA)
- Opinion: Joshua Van looks destined for UFC greatness; history says be careful (Yahoo Sports MMA)
- Natalia Silva’s coach makes bold claim about UFC 332 title fight (Yahoo Sports MMA)
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