Dricus Du Plessis has claimed that Kamaru Usman was hesitant to sign the contract for their upcoming fight at UFC Oklahoma City. This suggests some behind-the-scenes drama in getting that matchup finalized. In other news, Dana White made it clear where he stands on UFC Pride Nights, stating, "I don’t give a s-" when asked about them, indicating the promotion's current direction on such initiatives.
Sources (14)
We summarise the day's news in our own words. Full credit to the outlets below for the original reporting, click through to read their work.
- K-1 cruiserweight (-90kg) champion Liu Ce is in talks to sign straight up to UFC (r/MMA)
- ‘This is bad’... Jamahal Hill concerns UFC fans by debuting his heavyweight physique in new footage (Bloody Elbow)
- Paddy Pimblett motivated by Justin Gaethje defeating Ilia Topuria (MMA Weekly)
- Retired UFC legend Dustin Poirier admits he needs ‘help’ after alcohol-related arrest at airport (Yahoo Sports)
- Dustin Poirier: 'Walking away from fighting hasn't been easy on me' (MMA Weekly)
- Gable Steveson Heavy Favorite for UFC Debut Against Elisha Ellison (LowKick MMA)
- Found the pilot that called the police on Poirier (r/MMA)
- Jamahal Hill's current shape (r/MMA)
- Dana White Says “I Don’t Give a S-” When Asked About UFC Pride Nights (LowKick MMA)
- Jean Silva on IG: “Target set”. Who could he be fighting next? (r/MMA)
- Don Frye on the 24-year anniversary of their legendary fight: "I would love to see Yoshihiro Takayama get inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame" (r/MMA)
- Is Justin Gaethje a dirty fighter? UFC 329’s Paddy Pimblett blames ‘eye gouges’ and ‘low blows’ for ‘Highlight’ loss (MMA Mania)
- Dustin Poirier: 'Walking away from fighting hasn't been easy on me' (Yahoo Sports)
- Dricus Du Plessis: Kamaru Usman was reluctant to sign contract for UFC Oklahoma City (Sherdog)
Split from that day's roundup, so the sources listed are the full set behind the whole edition rather than this story alone.
This story ran in the June 26, 2026 edition of the daily show.