UFC President Dana White confirmed that the promotion handled a "crazy" behind-the-scenes incident involving Namo Fazil, though he declined to elaborate on the specifics. Meanwhile, Carlos Prates continues his pursuit of welterweight champion Islam Makhachev, reportedly sending a new message suggesting a fight date and a famous location. It seems Prates is eager to challenge the champion. Lastly, Gilbert Burns weighed in on who he believes are the best jiu-jitsu practitioners in the UFC, naming two fighters who stand out for their skills on the ground.
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 CEO calls Eblen-Van Steenis rematch biggest fight in company history (Sherdog)
- Cage Warriors Returns to Newcastle on December 5th (Cage Warriors)
- Bella Mir makes history as biggest women’s betting favorite in Contender Series history (Yahoo Sports)
- Anthony Smith breaks silence following arrest and felony charges (MMA Weekly)
- Anthony Hernandez accuses Gregory Rodrigues of ‘cheating’ at UFC Sacramento (Sherdog)
- John Martin hails Cris Cyborg, addresses potential boxing bout with Claressa Shields (Sherdog)
- Carlos Prates suggests fight date and famous location in new message to Islam Makhachev (Bloody Elbow)
- Gilbert Burns names UFC’s best MMA & pure jiu-jitsu fighters (Sherdog)
- Jorge Masvidal teases ‘big news’ as UFC return talks heat up (Sherdog)
- Anthony Hernandez accuses Gregory Rodrigues of cheating (MMA Weekly)
- UFC debutant admits he had no idea how to defend submission: ‘What defense?’ (Sherdog)
- Dana White confirms UFC handled ‘crazy’ behind-the-scenes incident (Sherdog)
- Patricio Freire makes UFC contract intentions clear ahead of final fight on deal (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 August 24, 2026 edition of the daily show.