UFC Belgrade is facing some pre-fight drama, as Uros Medic reacted to Daniel Rodriguez's imprisonment, stating it "puts a stain on all of our names." This incident highlights the ongoing challenges with fighter conduct outside the cage and its impact on the sport's image. Meanwhile, the UFC is adding new fights to its upcoming cards, sometimes with only 10 days' notice, to fill out events that desperately need bouts. This shows the constant scramble to put together compelling fight cards for fans.
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.
- Chimaev to wrestle Woodley in Sept. 5 RAF event (ESPN MMA)
- Paul's MVP, PFL join forces in 'landmark merger' (ESPN MMA)
- BTL LIVE NOW! Reaction to Anthony Smith’s arrest, MVP-PFL merger (MMA Fighting)
- Uros Medic reacts to Daniel Rodriguez’s imprisonment prior to UFC Belgrade booking: ‘It puts a stain on all of our names’ (MMA Fighting)
- Anthony Smith ‘reportedly threatened to kill’ his wife, allegedly ‘attempted multiple times’ to strike her with his vehicle leading to arrest (MMA Fighting)
- MVP, PFL officially merge to create new global combat sports platform (MMA Fighting)
- Khamzat Chimaev’s next bout official as he faces former UFC champion in Russian homecoming (Yahoo Sports)
- Conor McGregor’s workout videos after UFC 329 injury have confused doctor: ‘Starting to wonder...’ (Bloody Elbow)
- Chris Weidman backs Conor McGregor's return effort: 'He's fighting again' (Yahoo Sports)
- UFC Belgrade: Medić vs. Rodriguez Preview and Predictions (Combat Press)
- PFL New York takes a late hit as Nurmagomedov and Ditcheva undercard loses former champion (Bloody Elbow)
- Khamzat Chimaev vs. Tyron Woodley booked for RAF on Sept. 5 in Moscow (MMA Mania)
- UFC adds new fights on just 10 days’ notice to single-digit card that desperately needed bouts (Bloody Elbow)
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 30, 2026 edition of the daily show.