The PFL champions are making it clear they're ready for the big leagues. After Jean claimed the PFL welterweight title, there's already talk of PFL fighters testing themselves against UFC talent. In fact, Islam Makhachev's coach claimed a PFL champion could beat Justin Gaethje, Paddy Pimblett, and "every single" UFC lightweight. This kind of cross-promotional chatter is always exciting for fans, hinting at potential super-fights down the line.
Sources (13)
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.
- PFL champ beats Gaethje, Pimblett and ‘every single’ UFC lightweight, claims Islam Makhachev’s coach (Bloody Elbow)
- Magomed Ankalaev Finally Responds to Alex Pereira’s ‘Are You Still Alive’ Remark (LowKick MMA)
- Borislav Nikolić Hits UFC After Vacating BRAVE CF Bantamweight Belt (MiddleEasy)
- Carlos Ulberg Suggests Magomed Ankalaev vs. Jiri Prochazka (Yahoo Sports)
- Khamzat Chimaev Is Waiting For Sean Strickland “To Come Out Of His House” (LowKick MMA)
- UFC Fight Night 282 post-event facts: Valter Walker ties Damian Maia record (Yahoo Sports)
- Carlos Ulberg matchmakes the UFC's 205 division for next challenger (Yahoo Sports)
- Carlos Ulberg says forget an interim title fight, how about a UFC light heavyweight tournament instead? (Yahoo Sports)
- Jean stops late fill-in Rodriguez to claim PFL title (ESPN MMA)
- Magomed Zaynukov takes aim at Ilia Topuria after UFC debut win (Yahoo Sports)
- Steve Garcia reflects on UFC White House loss and heartbreaking conversation with his son afterwards: ‘It broke me’ (MMA Fighting)
- Mike Davis Apologizes To Nurullo Aliev After UFC Abu Dhabi Rant (MiddleEasy)
- Daniel Cormier feels Magomed Ankalaev may have clinched title shot after UFC Abu Dhabi finish: “The light heavyweight division is in a weird place” (BJPENN.com)
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 July 26, 2026 edition of the daily show.