Islam Makhachev expressed sympathy for Conor McGregor's knee injury, which unfortunately sidelined him from UFC 329. However, Makhachev also believes that Max Holloway would have won that fight regardless. Meanwhile, former UFC fighter Ben Askren has urged Justin Gaethje not to retire, advising him to capitalize on his recent title win. Askren believes Gaethje needs to "take advantage" of his current position in the sport, suggesting there's still plenty for him to achieve.
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.
- Ronda Rousey blasts UFC executive for not knowing ‘how to market f*cking anybody’ (MMA Fighting)
- Ex-UFC fighter Smith arrested on 3 felony charges (ESPN MMA)
- Jon Jones Doubles Down: “I Never Took Steroids” (LowKick MMA)
- Anthony Smith released on $500K bail, ex-UFC fighter currently facing 3 felony charges (MMA Fighting)
- Islam Makhachev ‘feels bad’ for Conor McGregor over knee injury that spoiled UFC 329 return (BJPENN.com)
- Islam Makhachev Says McGregor’s UFC 329 Injury Made Him ‘Feel Bad,’ But Holloway Was Going To Win (MiddleEasy)
- Justin Gaethje urged not to retire by ex-UFC fighter who says he must ‘take advantage’ of title win (Bloody Elbow)
- Anthony Smith update: UFC star appears before judge, released on $500k bond following felony arrest (Yahoo Sports)
- Ronda Rousey continues berating UFC exec Hunter Campbell: “He doesn’t know how to f*cking market anybody” (BJPENN.com)
- PFL champion Thad Jean ranks himself above Ian Machado Garry when addressing casual fans: ‘I’m top 3’ (Bloody Elbow)
- Dan Hooker confirms he’s getting biggest career payday ‘by a country mile’ to welcome UFC debutant (Bloody Elbow)
- Ronda Rousey return? ‘Rowdy’ won’t rule out MVP MMA 2, reignites war with UFC’s ‘stupid’ Hunter Campbell (MMA Mania)
- Ronda Rousey return? ‘Rowdy’ won’t rule out MVP MMA 2, reignites war with UFC’s ‘stupid’ Hunter Campbell (Yahoo Sports)
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 29, 2026 edition of the daily show.