Chael Sonnen isn't buying Alexander Volkanovski's sales pitch.
MMA
How to watch UFC 331: Start time, live stream & full fight card
Published
1 month agoon

	
<header>

	<div class=”tiled_bg”>

		<div class=”slanted_box grad”>
			<div id=”menu-icon”><span/><span/><span/><span/></div>
			<a href=”/”><img class=”logo” src=”https://www3-cdn.sherdog.com/img/new/logo.svg”/></a>
		</div>

		<div class=”top-menu”><a href=”/news/news/list” data-sub=”news”>NEWS <span>▼</span></a><a href=”/news/articles/list” data-sub=”features”>FEATURES <span>▼</span></a><a href=”/events” data-sub=”fight_finder”>FIGHT FINDER <span>▼</span></a><a href=”https://www.sherdog.com/tag/podcasts” data-sub=”podcasts”>PODCASTS <span>▼</span></a><a href=”https://www.sherdog.com/videos”>VIDEOS</a><a href=”/news/rankings/list” data-sub=”rankings”>RANKINGS <span>▼</span></a><a href=”https://forums.sherdog.com/” data-sub=”forum”>FORUM <span>▼</span></a><a href=”/tag/boxing”>BOXING</a><a href=”/” data-sub=”more”>MORE <span>▼</span></a><a href=”/tag/fight-odds”>FIGHT ODDS</a><a href=”https://www.sherdog.com/tag/pfl2026″>PFL</a><div class=”sub-menu news”><a href=”/tag/ufc”>UFC NEWS</a><a href=”/tag/pfl”>PFL NEWS</a><a href=”/tag/wmma”>WOMEN’S MMA NEWS</a></div><div class=”sub-menu features”><a href=”/tag/previews”>PREVIEWS</a><a href=”https://www.sherdog.com/tag/opinion”>OPINION</a><a href=”/tag/interviews”>INTERVIEWS</a></div><div class=”sub-menu fight_finder”><a href=”/organizations/Ultimate-Fighting-Championship-UFC-2″>UFC EVENTS</a><a href=”/organizations/Professional-Fighters-League-12241″>PFL EVENTS</a><a href=”/events”>FULL CALENDAR</a><a href=”/news/articles/Sherdog-Fight-Finder-A-Guide-For-Regulators-Promoters-Managers-Coaches-and-Fighters-158515″>FIGHT FINDER GUIDE</a></div><div class=”sub-menu podcasts”><a href=”https://www.sherdog.com/tag/shillan-duffy-podcast”>SHILLAN &; DUFFY PODCAST</a><a href=”https://www.sherdog.com/tag/the-sheehan-show”>THE SHEEHAN SHOW</a><a href=”https://www.sherdog.com/tag/after-the-bell”>AFTER THE BELL</a><a href=”https://www.sherdog.com/tag/check-the-kick”>CHECK THE KICK</a></div><div class=”sub-menu rankings”><a href=”https://www.sherdog.com/news/rankings/1/Sherdogs-official-mixed-martial-arts-rankings-200-double-champ-Rajabali-Shaidullaev-cracks-featherweight-Top-5-202796″>DIVISIONAL RANKINGS</a><a href=”https://www.sherdog.com/news/rankings/Sherdogs-official-poundforpound-rankings-Islam-Makhachev-remains-No-1-202387″>POUND-FOR-POUND RANKINGS</a><a href=”https://www.sherdog.com/news/rankings/Alexa-Grasso-surges-in-womens-P4P-rankings-after-Noche-UFC-4-202794″>WOMEN’S POUND-FOR-POUND RANKINGS</a></div><div class=”sub-menu forum”><a href=”https://forums.sherdog.com/forums/ufc-discussion.2/”>UFC DISCUSSION</a><a href=”https://forums.sherdog.com/forums/worldwide-mma-discussion.61/”>WORLDWIDE MMA DISCUSSION</a><a href=”https://forums.sherdog.com/#general-discussion.4″>OFF TOPIC DISCUSSION</a><a href=”https://forums.sherdog.com/forums/shoopville.94/”>PHOTOSHOPS</a></div><div class=”sub-menu more”><a href=”/pictures”>PICTURES</a><a href=”https://www.sherdog.com/tag/how-to-watch”>HOW TO WATCH</a><a href=”/contact”>CONTACT</a></div></div>
		<div class=”socials”>
			<a target=”_blank” href=”https://www.facebook.com/OfficialSherdog”><img alt=”FB” src=”https://www4-cdn.sherdog.com/img/new/icon_facebook.svg”/></a>
			<a target=”_blank” href=”https://twitter.com/sherdogdotcom”><img alt=”TW” src=”https://www1-cdn.sherdog.com/img/new/icon_twitter.svg”/></a>
			<a target=”_blank” href=”https://www.instagram.com/mmaconnoisseur/”><img alt=”IG” src=”https://www3-cdn.sherdog.com/img/new/icon_instagram.svg”/></a>
			<a target=”_blank” href=”https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCW3KTagNuyADCijmSwuaNJA”><img alt=”YT” src=”https://www4-cdn.sherdog.com/img/new/icon_youtube.svg”/></a>
			<a target=”_blank” href=”https://vk.com/id544261512″><img alt=”VK” src=”https://www1-cdn.sherdog.com/img/new/icon_vk.svg”/></a>
			<a target=”_blank” href=”https://www.threads.net/@mmaconnoisseur”><img alt=”TH” src=”https://www2-cdn.sherdog.com/img/new/threads.svg”/></a>
		</div>

		<div id=”theme-switch” class=”light”><em/></div>

		<div class=”slanted_box_right”>
			<form method=”get” action=”/search.php”><input name=”MainSearchTxt” type=”text” placeholder=”Search”/></form>
			<img id=”search” src=”https://www3-cdn.sherdog.com/img/new/search.svg” alt=”Search”/>
		</div>

	</div>

</header>


<div id=”side-navigation”>

	<div class=”links”>
		<div><span>+</span><a href=”/news/news/list”>NEWS</a><div><a href=”/tag/ufc”>UFC NEWS</a><a href=”/tag/pfl”>PFL NEWS</a><a href=”/tag/wmma”>WOMEN’S MMA NEWS</a></div></div><div><span>+</span><a href=”/news/articles/list”>FEATURES</a><div><a href=”/tag/previews”>PREVIEWS</a><a href=”https://www.sherdog.com/tag/opinion”>OPINION</a><a href=”/tag/interviews”>INTERVIEWS</a></div></div><div><span>+</span><a href=”/events”>FIGHT FINDER</a><div><a href=”/organizations/Ultimate-Fighting-Championship-UFC-2″>UFC EVENTS</a><a href=”/organizations/Professional-Fighters-League-12241″>PFL EVENTS</a><a href=”/events”>FULL CALENDAR</a><a href=”/news/articles/Sherdog-Fight-Finder-A-Guide-For-Regulators-Promoters-Managers-Coaches-and-Fighters-158515″>FIGHT FINDER GUIDE</a></div></div><div><span>+</span><a href=”https://www.sherdog.com/tag/podcasts”>PODCASTS</a><div><a href=”https://www.sherdog.com/tag/shillan-duffy-podcast”>SHILLAN &; DUFFY PODCAST</a><a href=”https://www.sherdog.com/tag/the-sheehan-show”>THE SHEEHAN SHOW</a><a href=”https://www.sherdog.com/tag/after-the-bell”>AFTER THE BELL</a><a href=”https://www.sherdog.com/tag/check-the-kick”>CHECK THE KICK</a></div></div><div><a href=”https://www.sherdog.com/videos”>VIDEOS</a></div><div><span>+</span><a href=”/news/rankings/list”>RANKINGS</a><div><a href=”https://www.sherdog.com/news/rankings/1/Sherdogs-official-mixed-martial-arts-rankings-200-double-champ-Rajabali-Shaidullaev-cracks-featherweight-Top-5-202796″>DIVISIONAL RANKINGS</a><a href=”https://www.sherdog.com/news/rankings/Sherdogs-official-poundforpound-rankings-Islam-Makhachev-remains-No-1-202387″>POUND-FOR-POUND RANKINGS</a><a href=”https://www.sherdog.com/news/rankings/Alexa-Grasso-surges-in-womens-P4P-rankings-after-Noche-UFC-4-202794″>WOMEN’S POUND-FOR-POUND RANKINGS</a></div></div><div><span>+</span><a href=”https://forums.sherdog.com/”>FORUM</a><div><a href=”https://forums.sherdog.com/forums/ufc-discussion.2/”>UFC DISCUSSION</a><a href=”https://forums.sherdog.com/forums/worldwide-mma-discussion.61/”>WORLDWIDE MMA DISCUSSION</a><a href=”https://forums.sherdog.com/#general-discussion.4″>OFF TOPIC DISCUSSION</a><a href=”https://forums.sherdog.com/forums/shoopville.94/”>PHOTOSHOPS</a></div></div><div><a href=”/tag/boxing”>BOXING</a></div><div><span>+</span><a href=”/”>MORE</a><div><a href=”/pictures”>PICTURES</a><a href=”https://www.sherdog.com/tag/how-to-watch”>HOW TO WATCH</a><a href=”/contact”>CONTACT</a></div></div><div><a href=”/tag/fight-odds”>FIGHT ODDS</a></div><div><a href=”https://www.sherdog.com/tag/pfl2026″>PFL</a></div>	</div>

	<div class=”friends”>
		MORE FROM OUR CHANNELS<p><a href=”https://www.mandatory.com/wrestlezone/” target=”_blank”><img alt=”Wrestlezone” src=”https://www4-cdn.sherdog.com/img/new/wrestlezone_logo_white.svg”/></a>
	</p></div>
	<div class=”socials”>
		<a target=”_blank” href=”https://www.facebook.com/OfficialSherdog”><img alt=”FB” src=”https://www4-cdn.sherdog.com/img/new/icon_facebook.svg”/></a>
		<a target=”_blank” href=”https://twitter.com/sherdogdotcom”><img alt=”TW” src=”https://www1-cdn.sherdog.com/img/new/icon_twitter.svg”/></a>
		<a target=”_blank” href=”https://www.instagram.com/mmaconnoisseur/”><img alt=”IG” src=”https://www3-cdn.sherdog.com/img/new/icon_instagram.svg”/></a>
		<a target=”_blank” href=”https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCW3KTagNuyADCijmSwuaNJA”><img alt=”YT” src=”https://www4-cdn.sherdog.com/img/new/icon_youtube.svg”/></a>
		<a target=”_blank” href=”https://vk.com/id544261512″><img alt=”VK” src=”https://www1-cdn.sherdog.com/img/new/icon_vk.svg”/></a>
		<a target=”_blank” href=”https://www.threads.net/@mmaconnoisseur”><img alt=”TH” src=”https://www2-cdn.sherdog.com/img/new/threads.svg”/></a>
	</div>

</div>
<div id=”side-navigation-overlay”/>


<div class=”wrapper”>

	<div class=”content top_ads”>
		<div class=”ads top_ad”>
			<div class=”ad leaderboard”><!– Tag ID: sherdog_leaderboard_atf –>
<div align=”center” data-freestar-ad=”__320×100 __970×90″ id=”sherdog_leaderboard_atf”>
 
</div></div>
		</div>
	</div>


	<div id=”live_event_placeholder”/>

	<div class=”inner-wrapper”>
		<!– LEFT COLUMN –>
<div class=”col-left”>
 <div class=”tagger”>
 <div class=”tag”><h3><a href=”/tag/ufc”><img src=”/img/new/tag.png” alt=”tag” class=””/>UFC News &; Features</a></h3></div>
 </div>
	<article>
		<div class=”article”>
			
			<div>
 <div class=”header”>
	<div class=”section_title”>
		<h1>How to watch UFC 331: Start time, live stream &; full fight card</h1>
			</div>
	<div class=”info”>
				<div class=”share”>
 
 <!– AddToAny BEGIN –>
 <div class=”a2a_kit a2a_kit_size_32 a2a_default_style”>
 <a data-notrack=”true” class=”a2a_button_facebook a2a_counter”/>
 <a data-notrack=”true” class=”a2a_button_twitter a2a_counter”/>
 <a data-notrack=”true” class=”a2a_button_reddit a2a_counter”/>
 <a data-notrack=”true” class=”a2a_button_whatsapp a2a_counter”/>
 <a data-notrack=”true” class=”a2a_button_email a2a_counter”/>
 </div>
 
 
 <!– AddToAny END –>		</div>
						<div class=”article-info”>
			<div>
				<a href=”/authors/Sayan-Nag-1723″>Sayan Nag</a>				<span>Sep 18, 2026</span>				 <a class=”comments” href=”https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/How-to-watch-UFC-331-Start-time-live-stream-full-fight-card-202828#insticator-commenting” data-page-id=”article-202828″/>			</div>
		</div>
			</div>
</div>
 <div class=”content body_content”>
 The <a href=”/organizations/Ultimate-Fighting-Championship-2″>
Ultimate Fighting Championship</a> will host its next card in Los
Angeles on Sept. 19.<p/><h2>UFC 331 streaming details for Joshua Van vs. Alexandre Pantoja
2</h2>
<br/>
Here's a brief rundown for those who intend to watch <a href=”/events/UFC-331-Van-vs-Pantoja-113633″>UFC
331</a>:<p/><div id=”adViAi”><div class=”viaititle”>Advertisement</div></div>

<h2>How to watch UFC 331 in the United States</h2>
<br/>
UFC 331 goes down at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Sept. 19.
U.S. fans can stream the early prelims live on UFC Fight Pass and
Paramount+ at 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT. Meanwhile, the prelims air
live only on Paramount+ at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT, followed by the
main card at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.<p><a href=”/fighter/Joshua-Van-365973″>Joshua
Van</a> (17-2) puts his flyweight title on the line in a rematch
against <a href=”/fighter/Alexandre-Pantoja-25023″>Alexandre
Pantoja</a> (30-6) in the main event. Pantoja defended his title
four times before losing it to Van last December. The fight ended
in an unfortunate injury loss for Pantoja as “The Cannibalâ€
dislocated his elbow in less than 30 seconds. Van has since
defended his title with a knockout win over <a href=”/fighter/Tatsuro-Taira-293975″>Tatsuro
Taira</a> this past May.</p><p><a href=”/fighter/Arman-Tsarukyan-213913″>Arman
Tsarukyan</a> (23-3) and <a href=”/fighter/Mauricio-Ruffy-192545″>Mauricio
Ruffy</a> (14-2) meet in a highly anticipated lightweight clash in
the co-main event. Riding a five-fight winning streak, Tsarukyan
finished <a href=”/fighter/Dan-Hooker-45122″>Dan Hooker</a> in
his last outing in November 2025. Meanwhile, Ruffy is coming off
stoppage wins over <a href=”/fighter/Rafael-Fiziev-202657″>Rafael
Fiziev</a> and <a href=”/fighter/Michael-Chandler-50829″>Michael
Chandler</a>.</p><p/><h2>How to watch UFC 331 in the United Kingdom</h2>
<br/>
The UFC 331 early prelims air live on UFC Fight Pass at 10 p.m. BST
on Sept. 19 for fans in the U.K. and Ireland. The prelims will
follow on UFC Fight Pass and TNT Sports at 12 a.m. BST on Sept. 20.
Meanwhile, the main card will be broadcast solely by TNT Sports at
2 a.m. BST on Sept. 20.<p>Here's a look at the complete UFC 331 card as of Sept. 18:<br/>
<a href=”/fighter/Joshua-Van-365973″>Joshua
Van</a> vs. <a href=”/fighter/Alexandre-Pantoja-25023″>Alexandre
Pantoja</a><br/>
<a href=”/fighter/Arman-Tsarukyan-213913″>Arman
Tsarukyan</a> vs. <a href=”/fighter/Mauricio-Ruffy-192545″>Mauricio
Ruffy</a><br/>
<a href=”/fighter/Patricio-Freire-9960″>Patricio
Freire</a> vs. <a href=”/fighter/Doo-Ho-Choi-56689″>Doo Ho
Choi</a><br/>
<a href=”/fighter/Gable-Steveson-483540″>Gable
Steveson</a> vs. <a href=”/fighter/Sean-Sharaf-344701″>Sean
Sharaf</a><br/>
<a href=”/fighter/Alonzo-Menifield-210501″>Alonzo
Menifield</a> vs. <a href=”/fighter/Iwo-Baraniewski-381634″>Iwo
Baraniewski</a><br/>
<a href=”/fighter/Marlon-Vera-97179″>Marlon
Vera</a> vs. <a href=”/fighter/Charles-Jourdain-210843″>Charles
Jourdain</a><br/>
<a href=”/fighter/Tai-Tuivasa-133745″>Tai
Tuivasa</a> vs. <a href=”/fighter/Robelis-Despaigne-406903″>Robelis
Despaigne</a><br/>
<a href=”/fighter/Michael-Aswell-286497″>Michael
Aswell</a> Jr. vs. <a href=”/fighter/Joo-Sang-Yoo-387629″>Joo Sang
Yoo</a><br/>
<a href=”/fighter/Ryan-Gandra-404139″>Ryan
Gandra</a> vs. <a href=”/fighter/Osman-Diaz-156965″>Osman
Diaz</a><br/>
<a href=”/fighter/Edmen-Shahbazyan-247691″>Edmen
Shahbazyan</a> vs. <a href=”/fighter/Brunno-Ferreira-322603″>Brunno
Ferreira</a><br/>
<a href=”/fighter/Casey-O’Neill-175007″>Casey
O’Neill</a> vs. <a href=”/fighter/Eduarda-Moura-395040″>Eduarda
Moura</a><br/>
<a href=”/fighter/Giga-Chikadze-213745″>Giga
Chikadze</a> vs. <a href=”/fighter/Joanderson-Brito-181115″>Joanderson
Brito</a> </p></div>
</div>
			
			
<!– ingage unit shd030 –>
<div style=”text-align:center;line-height:0;font-size:0″><div id=”ingageunit” style=”margin:auto;display:inline-block”/></div>


<!– end of ingage unit –>						<div class=”content”>
				<div class=”share”>
									</div>
			</div>
			<div class=”pagination”>
							</div>
		</div>

 						<div class=”tools_list”>
 								<a href=”/news/articles/Opinion-The-UFC-is-on-Autopilot-202847″ class=”left”><b>«</b> Previous <b>Opinion: The UFC is on Autopilot</b></a>
 						</div>
 						
			<div class=”tiled_bg latest_features”>
 <div class=”slanted_title”>
 <div>More</div>
 <div/>
 </div>
</div>
<!–
	<span class=”read_more black”><a href=”/tag/ufc” rel=”next”>view more</a></span>
–>
<div class=”module_list_generic related_articles”>
	<ul>
	<li><a href=”/news/articles/Opinion-The-UFC-is-on-Autopilot-202847″>Opinion: The UFC is on Autopilot</a></li><li><a href=”/videos/videointerview/UFC-331-press-conference-live-stream-Watch-Van-Pantoja-more-23769″>UFC 331 press conference live stream: Watch Van, Pantoja &; more</a></li><li><a href=”/news/news/Alexandre-Pantoja-fully-healed-ready-to-reclaim-UFC-title-from-Joshua-Van-202843″>Alexandre Pantoja fully healed, ready to reclaim UFC title from Joshua Van</a></li><li><a href=”/news/news/Alex-Pereira-trolls-Ciryl-Gane-with-champion-jab-following-Tom-Aspinall-exit-202842″>Alex Pereira trolls Ciryl Gane with ‘champion' jab following Tom Aspinall exit</a></li><li><a href=”/news/news/Aljamain-Sterling-wants-Jean-Silva-fight-to-decide-UFC-No-1-contender-202840″>Aljamain Sterling wants Jean Silva fight to decide UFC No. 1 contender</a></li>	</ul>
</div>			
			 
<div class=”OUTBRAIN tkoTarget” data-src=”https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/How-to-watch-UFC-331-Start-time-live-stream-full-fight-card-202828″ data-widget-id=”AR_1″ data-ob-template=”Sherdog”/> 


	</article>
</div>
<!– END OF LEFT COLUMN –>

<!– RIGHT COLUMN –>
<!– RIGHT COLUMN –>
<div class=”col-right”>
 
 <!– 300×250,300×600 Ad –>
 <div class=”right-module ads”>
 <div class=”ad mediumrectangle”>
 <!– Tag ID: sherdog_siderail_right_1 –>
<div align=”center” data-freestar-ad=”__336×280 __300×600″ id=”sherdog_siderail_right_1″>
 
</div> </div>
 </div>
 
 <!– Mailchimp Newsletter –>
 <!– Begin Mailchimp Signup Form –>
<link href=”//cdn-images.mailchimp.com/embedcode/classic-071822.css” rel=”stylesheet” type=”text/css”/>
<style type=”text/css”><![CDATA[
	#mc_embed_signup{ background:transparent;clear:left;font:14px Montserrat,Arial,sans-serif;width:290px;margin:0 5px;color:white; }
	#mc_embed_signup form { margin:0; }
	#mc_embed_signup h2 { font-family: Montserrat, Arial; font-weight: normal; padding: 0; margin: 5px 0; font-size: 23px; color: #fff; }
	#mc_embed_signup .button { background-color: #ee5627; font-family: Montserrat, Arial; }
	#mc_embed_signup .button:hover { background-color: #ee5627; opacity: 0.8; }
	#mc_embed_signup .helper_text,
	#mc_embed_signup #mc-embedded-subscribe-form div.mce_inline_error { background-color:transparent; }
	#mc_embed_signup .mc-field-group { width:100%; }
	#mc_embed_signup .indicates-required { margin-right:0; }
	/* Add your own Mailchimp form style overrides in your site stylesheet or in this style block.
	 We recommend moving this block and the preceding CSS link to the HEAD of your HTML file. */
]]></style>
<div class=”right-module mailchimp-module” style=”min-height: 225px”>
	<div id=”mc_embed_signup”>
		<form action=”https://evolvemediallc.us11.list-manage.com/subscribe/post?u=3ec95885a55385b42d553426d&;id=2edeb314bd&;f_id=006f89e0f0″ method=”post” id=”mc-embedded-subscribe-form” name=”mc-embedded-subscribe-form” class=”validate” target=”_blank” novalidate=””>
			<div id=”mc_embed_signup_scroll”>
			<h2>Subscribe to our Newsletter</h2>
			<div class=”indicates-required”><span class=”asterisk”>*</span> indicates required</div>
	<div class=”mc-field-group”>
		<label for=”mce-EMAIL”>Email Address <span class=”asterisk”>*</span>
	</label>
		<input type=”email” value=”” name=”EMAIL” class=”required email” id=”mce-EMAIL” required=””/>
		<span id=”mce-EMAIL-HELPERTEXT” class=”helper_text”/>
	</div>
	<div hidden=”true”><input type=”hidden” name=”tags” value=”9291012″/></div>
		<div id=”mce-responses” class=”clear”>
			<div class=”response” id=”mce-error-response” style=”display:none”/>
			<div class=”response” id=”mce-success-response” style=”display:none”/>
		</div><!– real people should not fill this in and expect good things – do not remove this or risk form bot signups–>
		<div style=”position: absolute; left: -5000px;” aria-hidden=”true”><input type=”text” name=”b_3ec95885a55385b42d553426d_2edeb314bd” tabindex=”-1″ value=””/></div>
		<div class=”clear”><input type=”submit” value=”Subscribe” name=”subscribe” id=”mc-embedded-subscribe” class=”button”/></div>
		</div>
	</form>
	</div>
</div>

<!–End mc_embed_signup–>
 <!– Latest Articles –>
 <div class=”right-module nopad”>

<div class=”tiled_bg “>
 <div class=”slanted_title”>
 <div>Latest News</div>
 <div/>
 </div>
</div>

<div class=”module_list_generic tabbed-content latest_articles_by_tag”>

	<div class=”right-tabs”>
	<a href=”all” data-rel=”news-tab-all”>ALL</a><a href=”ufc” data-rel=”news-tab-ufc”>UFC</a><a href=”pfl” data-rel=”news-tab-pfl”>PFL</a>	</div>

	<div class=”right-tabs-content news-tab-all” style=”display: block;”><div class=”module_list_generic latest_articles”><ul><li><a href=”https://www.sherdog.com/events/ACA-YE-68-ACA-Young-Eagles-68-114451″>ACA YE 68 results: Dzhukkaev slices Khazbulatov, wins by doctor stoppage TKO</a></li><li><a href=”https://www.sherdog.com/events/Fight-Nights-141-Emilbek-uulu-vs-Smoyan-114076″>Fight Nights 141 results: Emilbek Uulu, Abbasov shine among Kyrgyz winners</a></li><li><a href=”https://www.sherdog.com/videos/recent/UFC-331-press-conference-live-stream-Watch-Van-Pantoja-more-23769″>UFC 331 takes center stage as Van, Pantoja, Tsarukyan &; Ruffy meet media</a></li><li><a href=”/news/news/Ilia-Topuria-cleared-for-UFC-return-takes-shot-at-Justin-Gaethje-202838″>Ilia Topuria cleared for UFC return, takes shot at Justin Gaethje</a></li><li><a href=”/news/news/Arman-Tsarukyan-rips-Ilia-Topurias-Justin-Gaethje-glove-claim-Just-excuses-202830″>Arman Tsarukyan rips Ilia Topuria's Justin Gaethje glove claim: ‘Just excuses'</a></li><li><a href=”/news/news/Robelis-Despaigne-says-UFC-exit-fixed-the-hole-in-his-heavyweight-game-202837″>Robelis Despaigne says UFC exit fixed the hole in his heavyweight game</a></li><li><a href=”/news/news/Paulo-Costa-wants-his-UFC-jacket-after-claiming-200-drug-tests-202836″>Paulo Costa wants his UFC jacket after claiming 200 drug tests</a></li><li><a href=”/news/news/Tyron-Woodley-details-rock-bottom-after-losing-UFC-title-to-Kamaru-Usman-202835″>Tyron Woodley details ‘rock bottom' after losing UFC title to Kamaru Usman</a></li></ul></div></div><div class=”right-tabs-content news-tab-ufc” style=”display: none;”><div class=”module_list_generic latest_articles”><ul><li><a href=”/news/news/How-to-watch-UFC-331-Start-time-live-stream-full-fight-card-202828″>How to watch UFC 331: Start time, live stream &; full fight card</a></li><li><a href=”/news/news/Alexandre-Pantoja-fully-healed-ready-to-reclaim-UFC-title-from-Joshua-Van-202843″>Alexandre Pantoja fully healed, ready to reclaim UFC title from Joshua Van</a></li><li><a href=”/news/news/Alex-Pereira-trolls-Ciryl-Gane-with-champion-jab-following-Tom-Aspinall-exit-202842″>Alex Pereira trolls Ciryl Gane with ‘champion' jab following Tom Aspinall exit</a></li><li><a href=”/news/news/Aljamain-Sterling-wants-Jean-Silva-fight-to-decide-UFC-No-1-contender-202840″>Aljamain Sterling wants Jean Silva fight to decide UFC No. 1 contender</a></li><li><a href=”/news/news/Ilia-Topurias-brother-reportedly-set-for-UFC-return-in-November-202839″>Ilia Topuria's brother reportedly set for UFC return in November</a></li><li><a href=”/news/news/Ilia-Topuria-cleared-for-UFC-return-takes-shot-at-Justin-Gaethje-202838″>Ilia Topuria cleared for UFC return, takes shot at Justin Gaethje</a></li><li><a href=”/news/news/Arman-Tsarukyan-rips-Ilia-Topurias-Justin-Gaethje-glove-claim-Just-excuses-202830″>Arman Tsarukyan rips Ilia Topuria's Justin Gaethje glove claim: ‘Just excuses'</a></li><li><a href=”/news/news/Robelis-Despaigne-says-UFC-exit-fixed-the-hole-in-his-heavyweight-game-202837″>Robelis Despaigne says UFC exit fixed the hole in his heavyweight game</a></li></ul></div></div><div class=”right-tabs-content news-tab-pfl” style=”display: none;”><div class=”module_list_generic latest_articles”><ul><li><a href=”/news/news/90-Boris-Mbarga-Atangana-faces-toughest-test-yet-in-Bryan-Battle-at-PFL-Lyon-202776″>9-0 Boris Mbarga Atangana faces toughest test yet in Bryan Battle at PFL Lyon</a></li><li><a href=”/news/news/200-Rajabali-Shaidullaev-agrees-to-twoyear-MVP-deal-per-report-202760″>20-0 Rajabali Shaidullaev agrees to two-year MVP deal, per report</a></li><li><a href=”/news/news/Zabit-Magomedsharipovs-undefeated-brother-gets-biggest-test-yet-at-PFL-Dubai-202751″>Zabit Magomedsharipov's undefeated brother gets biggest test yet at PFL Dubai</a></li><li><a href=”/news/news/PFL-Chicago-adds-flyweight-bout-with-rankings-implications-202750″>PFL Chicago adds flyweight bout with rankings implications</a></li><li><a href=”/news/news/Rajabali-Shaidullaev-improves-to-200-and-becomes-double-champ-at-Super-Rizin-5-202749″>Rajabali Shaidullaev improves to 20-0 and becomes double champ at Super Rizin 5</a></li><li><a href=”/news/news/PFL-sets-final-event-before-MVP-rebrand-with-bantamweight-title-fight-202739″>PFL sets final event before MVP rebrand with bantamweight title fight</a></li><li><a href=”/news/news/Jake-Paul-wants-Michael-Page-following-UFC-exit-Bring-MVP-to-MVP-202738″>Jake Paul wants Michael Page following UFC exit: ‘Bring MVP to MVP'</a></li><li><a href=”/news/news/PFL-tournament-winner-Oleg-Popov-draws-unbeaten-finisher-in-Dubai-202715″>PFL tournament winner Oleg Popov draws unbeaten finisher in Dubai</a></li></ul></div></div>
</div>

</div>
 <!– Poll placeholder –>
 <div class=”pollPlaceholder” style=”min-height: 600px; margin: 5px auto;”>
 
 </div>

 <!– Latest Forum Threads –>
 
 <!– Featured Events –>
 <div class=”right-module tabbed-content events-module” style=”min-height: 520px”>
 <div class=”yellow-title”><h3>EVENTS / FIGHTS</h3></div>
 <div class=”right-tabs”>
<a href=”/organizations/Ultimate-Fighting-Championship-UFC-2″ data-rel=”event-tab-ufc”>UFC</a><a href=”/organizations/Professional-Fighters-League-12241″ data-rel=”event-tab-pfl”>PFL</a> <a href=”/events”>MORE</a>
 </div>

<div class=”right-tabs-content event-tab-ufc” style=”display:none;”>
 <a href=”/events/UFC-331-Van-vs-Pantoja-2-113633″>
 <div class=”calendar-date”>
 <div>Sep</div><div>19</div><div>2026</div>
 </div>
 <div class=”event”>
 <b>UFC 331</b>
 Van vs. Pantoja 2 </div>
 </a>
 <a href=”/events/UFC-Fight-Night-289-Rosas-Jr-vs-Barcelos-113789″>
 <div class=”calendar-date”>
 <div>Sep</div><div>26</div><div>2026</div>
 </div>
 <div class=”event”>
 <b>UFC Fight Night 289</b>
 Rosas Jr. vs. Barcelos </div>
 </a>
 <a href=”/events/UFC-332-Silva-vs-Wang-114123″>
 <div class=”calendar-date”>
 <div>Oct</div><div>03</div><div>2026</div>
 </div>
 <div class=”event”>
 <b>UFC 332</b>
 Silva vs. Wang </div>
 </a>
 <a href=”/events/UFC-Fight-Night-290-Allen-vs-Duncan-113919″>
 <div class=”calendar-date”>
 <div>Oct</div><div>10</div><div>2026</div>
 </div>
 <div class=”event”>
 <b>UFC Fight Night 290</b>
 Allen vs. Duncan </div>
 </a>
 <a href=”/events/UFC-Fight-Night-291-Buckley-vs-Malott-113800″>
 <div class=”calendar-date”>
 <div>Oct</div><div>17</div><div>2026</div>
 </div>
 <div class=”event”>
 <b>UFC Fight Night 291</b>
 Buckley vs. Malott </div>
 </a>
 </div><div class=”right-tabs-content event-tab-pfl” style=”display:none;”>
 <a href=”/events/Professional-Fighters-League-PFL-MENA-11-2026-Semifinals-113638″>
 <div class=”calendar-date”>
 <div>Oct</div><div>02</div><div>2026</div>
 </div>
 <div class=”event”>
 <b>Professional Fighters League</b>
 PFL MENA 11: 2026 Semifinals </div>
 </a>
 <a href=”/events/Professional-Fighters-League-PFL-Africa-3-2026-Playoffs-113283″>
 <div class=”calendar-date”>
 <div>Oct</div><div>10</div><div>2026</div>
 </div>
 <div class=”event”>
 <b>Professional Fighters League</b>
 PFL Africa 3: 2026 Playoffs </div>
 </a>
 <a href=”/events/Professional-Fighters-League-PFL-Chicago-2-Carmouche-vs-Bishop-2-114222″>
 <div class=”calendar-date”>
 <div>Oct</div><div>16</div><div>2026</div>
 </div>
 <div class=”event”>
 <b>Professional Fighters League</b>
 PFL Chicago 2: Carmouche vs. Bishop 2 </div>
 </a>
 <a href=”/events/Professional-Fighters-League-PFL-Returns-to-Dubai-Nemkov-vs-Bilostenniy-114296″>
 <div class=”calendar-date”>
 <div>Nov</div><div>14</div><div>2026</div>
 </div>
 <div class=”event”>
 <b>Professional Fighters League</b>
 PFL Returns to Dubai: Nemkov vs. Bilostenniy </div>
 </a>
 <a href=”/events/Professional-Fighters-League-PFL-Lyon-2026-Lapilus-vs-McKee-114297″>
 <div class=”calendar-date”>
 <div>Dec</div><div>12</div><div>2026</div>
 </div>
 <div class=”event”>
 <b>Professional Fighters League</b>
 PFL Lyon 2026: Lapilus vs. McKee </div>
 </a>
 </div>
 <div class=”js-more”>
<a href=”/organizations/Ultimate-Fighting-Championship-UFC-2″ class=”right-more event-tab-ufc” style=”display: none;”>+ <em>MORE UFC FIGHTS</em></a><a href=”/organizations/Professional-Fighters-League-12241″ class=”right-more event-tab-pfl” style=”display: none;”>+ <em>MORE PFL FIGHTS</em></a> </div>
 
</div>
 <!– Poll –>
 
 <!– Fight Finder –>
 <!– Fight Finder Templates –>
 <div id=”autocomplete_template” data-format=”{firstname} { ";nickname"; }{lastname}” data-slaveinput=”#sample” data-slaveformat=”{id}” style=”display:none”>
 <table cellpadding=”0″ cellspacing=”0″><tr><td width=”37″ height=”37″><img data-src=”{image}” width=”32″/></td><td>{firstname} { “nickname” }{lastname}</td></tr></table>
 </div>
 
 <div id=”autocomplete_template_Fighter” data-format=”{firstname} { ";nickname"; }{lastname}” data-slaveinput=”#sample” data-slaveformat=”{id}” style=”display:none”>
 <table cellpadding=”0″ cellspacing=”0″><tr><td width=”37″ height=”37″><img data-src=”{image}” width=”32″/></td><td>{firstname} { “nickname” }{lastname}</td></tr></table>
 </div>
 
 <div id=”autocomplete_template_Event” data-format=”{name} – {title}” data-slaveinput=”#sample” data-slaveformat=”{id}” style=”display:none”>
 <table cellpadding=”0″ cellspacing=”0″><tr><td width=”37″ height=”37″><img data-src=”{image}” width=”32″/></td><td>{name} – {title}</td></tr></table>
 </div>
<!– End of Fight Finder Templates –>




 <div class=”right-module fightfinder-module” style=”min-height: 780px”>
 <div class=”yellow-title”><h3>FIGHT FINDER</h3></div>

 <form class=”right-search” action=”/stats/fightfinder” method=”get”>
 <input data-groupfield=”source” name=”SearchTxt” data-autocorrect=”false” data-offset=”-105px 0″ type=”text” placeholder=”SEARCH FIGHTERS, NICKNAMES, EVENTS” class=”search autocomplete” data-source=”/search/fightfinder/” data-template=”#autocomplete_template” data-onselect=”autocomplete_select”/>
 <input value=”” type=”submit”/>
 </form>

 <hr/>

 <h4>FIGHTER OF THE WEEK</h4>
 <a class=”fow” href=”/fighter/Jena-Bishop-392402″><img src=”https://www2-cdn.sherdog.com/_images/pictures/20260416082417_PFL_20260411_C1N09497_1.JPG” style=”object-position: center 15%”/><div>Jena Bishop</div></a>
 <style><![CDATA[a.fow img { width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 16/5; object-fit: cover; margin-top: -5px; } a.fow div { text-align: center; margin-bottom: 10px; color: white; margin-top: 3px; font-size: 20px; font-weight :bold; text-transform: uppercase; }]]></style>
 <hr/>
 
 <h4>TOP TRENDING FIGHTERS</h4>

 <hr/>

 <div class=”right-fighters-content”>
 <a href=”/fighter/Islam-Makhachev-76836″><img src=”/image_crop/72/72/_images/fighter/1783440299898_20220401034240_Islam_Makhachev_ff.JPG”/><div>Islam Makhachev</div></a><a href=”/fighter/Liz-Carmouche-67007″><img src=”/image_crop/72/72/_images/fighter/1670532481Liz_Carmouche.jpeg”/><div>Liz Carmouche</div></a><a href=”/fighter/Joshua-Van-365973″><img src=”/image_crop/72/72/_images/fighter/1755795692950_20250601052513_Joshua_Van_ff.JPG”/><div>Joshua Van</div></a><a href=”/fighter/Alexandr-Shabliy-72353″><img src=”/image_crop/72/72/_images/fighter/1665770781Alexandr_Shabliy.jpeg”/><div>Alexandr Shabliy</div></a> </div>

 <div class=”right-more-fighters”>
 <h4>MORE FIGHTERS...</h4>
 <a href=”/fighter/Anthony-Wint-383061″>Anthony Wint</a> | <a href=”/fighter/Bilal-Hasan-400714″>Bilal Hasan</a> | <a href=”/fighter/Salahdine-Parnasse-172169″>Salahdine Parnasse</a> | <a href=”/fighter/Timur-Khizriev-258185″>Timur Khizriev</a> | <a href=”/fighter/Michael-Page-91937″>Michael Page</a> | <a href=”/fighter/Oualy-Tandia-419548″>Oualy Tandia</a> </div>
 <a href=”/events” class=”right-more”>+ <em>FIND MORE</em></a>
 </div>















<!– Fight Finder Templates –>
<!–
 <div id=’autocomplete_template’ data-format=’{firstname} { “nickname” }{lastname}’ data-slaveinput=’#sample’ data-slaveformat=’{id}’ style=’display:none’>
 <table cellpadding=’0′ cellspacing=’0′><tr><td width=’37’ height=’37’><img data-src=”{image}” width=’32’/></td><td>{firstname} { “nickname” }{lastname}</td></tr></table>
 </div>
 
 <div id=’autocomplete_template_Fighter’ data-format=’{firstname} { “nickname” }{lastname}’ data-slaveinput=’#sample’ data-slaveformat=’{id}’ style=’display:none’>
 <table cellpadding=’0′ cellspacing=’0′><tr><td width=’37’ height=’37’><img data-src=”{image}” width=’32’/></td><td>{firstname} { “nickname” }{lastname}</td></tr></table>
 </div>
 
 <div id=’autocomplete_template_Event’ data-format=’{name} – {title}’ data-slaveinput=’#sample’ data-slaveformat=’{id}’ style=’display:none’>
 <table cellpadding=’0′ cellspacing=’0′><tr><td width=’37’ height=’37’><img data-src=”{image}” width=’32’/></td><td>{name} – {title}</td></tr></table>
 </div>
–>
<!– End of Fight Finder Templates –>
<!–


<div class=”fight_finder”>
 <div class=”module”>
 <title><h2>Fight Finder</h2></title>
 <div class=”content”>
 <div class=”sponsor”>Sponsored by</div>
 <form action=’/stats/fightfinder’ method=’get’>
 <input data-groupfield=’source’ name=”SearchTxt” data-autocorrect=’false’ data-offset=”-105px 0″ type=”text” placeholder=”Search fighters / Events...” class=’search autocomplete’ data-source=’/search/fightfinder/’ data-template=’#autocomplete_template’ data-onselect=’autocomplete_select’ />
 <input value=”Go” type=”submit” class=”go”>
 </form>
 <div class=”trending_fighters”>
 <h3>Top trending fighters</h3>
 <a href=”/fighter/Islam-Makhachev-76836″><h4>Islam Makhachev</h4></a> | <a href=”/fighter/Liz-Carmouche-67007″><h4>Liz Carmouche</h4></a> | <a href=”/fighter/Joshua-Van-365973″><h4>Joshua Van</h4></a> | <a href=”/fighter/Alexandr-Shabliy-72353″><h4>Alexandr Shabliy</h4></a> | <a href=”/fighter/Anthony-Wint-383061″><h4>Anthony Wint</h4></a> | <a href=”/fighter/Bilal-Hasan-400714″><h4>Bilal Hasan</h4></a> | <a href=”/fighter/Salahdine-Parnasse-172169″><h4>Salahdine Parnasse</h4></a> | <a href=”/fighter/Timur-Khizriev-258185″><h4>Timur Khizriev</h4></a> | <a href=”/fighter/Michael-Page-91937″><h4>Michael Page</h4></a> | <a href=”/fighter/Oualy-Tandia-419548″><h4>Oualy Tandia</h4></a> </div>
 </div>
 </div>
</div>
–>
 <!– 300×250,300×600 Second Ad –>
 <div class=”right-module ads”>
 <div class=”ad mediumrectangle”>
 <!– Tag ID: sherdog_siderail_right_2 –>
<div align=”center” data-freestar-ad=”__300×600″ id=”sherdog_siderail_right_2″>
 
</div> </div>
 </div>
 
 <!– Insticator –
 <div class=”right-module”>
 </div>
 –>

 <!– Facebook fans widget –>
 
 <!– spotify podcast widget –>
 
 <!– Twitter widget–>
 
 
 <!– 300×250,300×600 Third Ad –>
 <div class=”right-module ads” style=”position: sticky; top: 50px;”>
 <div class=”ad mediumrectangle”>
 <!– Tag ID: sherdog_siderail_right_3 –>
<div align=”center” data-freestar-ad=”__300×600″ id=”sherdog_siderail_right_3″>
 
</div> </div>
 </div>
 
</div>
<!– END OF RIGHT COLUMN –>
<!– END OF RIGHT COLUMN –>
	</div>

</div>

<footer>
	<div>
		<div class=”footer-wrapper”>
			<div class=”footer-logoline”>
				<img class=”logo” src=”https://www1-cdn.sherdog.com/img/new/logo_footer.svg” alt=”Logo”/>

				<div class=”footer-socials”>
					<a target=”_blank” href=”https://www.facebook.com/OfficialSherdog”><img alt=”FB” src=”https://www4-cdn.sherdog.com/img/new/icon_facebook.svg”/></a>
					<a target=”_blank” href=”https://twitter.com/sherdogdotcom”><img alt=”TW” src=”https://www1-cdn.sherdog.com/img/new/icon_twitter.svg”/></a>
					<a target=”_blank” href=”https://www.instagram.com/mmaconnoisseur/”><img alt=”IG” src=”https://www3-cdn.sherdog.com/img/new/icon_instagram.svg”/></a>
					<a target=”_blank” href=”https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCW3KTagNuyADCijmSwuaNJA”><img alt=”YT” src=”https://www4-cdn.sherdog.com/img/new/icon_youtube.svg”/></a>
					<a target=”_blank” href=”https://vk.com/id544261512″><img alt=”VK” src=”https://www1-cdn.sherdog.com/img/new/icon_vk.svg”/></a>
					<a target=”_blank” href=”https://www.threads.net/@mmaconnoisseur”><img alt=”TH” src=”https://www2-cdn.sherdog.com/img/new/threads.svg”/></a>
				</div>
			</div>
			<div class=”footer-menu”>
				<h5>RESOURCES</h5>
				<ul class=”footer-menu-links”>
					<li><a href=”/about-us”>About Us</a></li>
					<li><a href=”/contact”>Contact Us</a></li>
					<li><a href=”/advertising-info/”>Advertising</a></li>
					<li><a href=”/cookies”>AdChoices</a></li>
					<li><a href=”/privacy”>Privacy Policy</a></li>
					<li><a href=”/terms-of-use”>Terms &; Conditions</a></li>
					<li><button id=”pmLink”>Privacy Manager</button></li>
					</ul>
			</div>
			<div class=”footer-copyright”>
				<div class=”footer-evolve”><a href=”https://www.evolvemediallc.com/”><img src=”/img/new/evolvemedia-logo-white.svg”/></a></div>
				<span>Sherdog is a property of <a href=”https://www.evolvemediallc.com/”>Evolve Media (Australia) PTY LTD</a>. © 2026 All Rights Reserved. | Affiliate Disclosure: Evolve Media (Australia) PTY LTD, and its owned and operated subsidiaries may receive a small commission from the proceeds of any product(s) sold through affiliate and direct partner links.</span>
			</div>
		</div>
	</div>
 	<div style=”position: absolute; height:0; left: -999em”>
		monitoring_string = “5eb5a0f65cbe346d74f978e14db1b00d”
	</div>
</footer>

	
	

	
	<!– Begin Insticator Tag –>

<!– End Insticator Tag –>
	<!– START Nielsen Online SiteCensus V6.0 –>
<!– COPYRIGHT 2012 Nielsen Online –>



<!– END Nielsen Online SiteCensus V6.0 –>
			
	<!– Insticator Counter –>
	

	
	<!– Tag ID: sherdog_skin –>
<div align=”center” id=”sherdog_skin”>
 
</div>

	<!– WS quick fixes –>
	

Continue Reading
You may like
Click to comment
MMA
Muhammad Mokaev blames TKO & Paramount, not Dana White, for UFC exits
Published
9 hours agoon
October 28, 2026
Muhammad
Mokaev blames TKO and Paramount for recent
Ultimate Fighting Championship roster decisions rather than CEO
Dana
White.Muhammad Mokaev rejects Dana White’s explanation after Farid
Mokaev blames TKO and Paramount for recent
Ultimate Fighting Championship roster decisions rather than CEO
Dana
White.
The UFC has faced criticism for declining to renew contracts for
fighters on winning streaks. Mokaev, who left the promotion under
similar circumstances, believes its parent company and broadcast
partner are responsible for the recent departures.
Muhammad Mokaev rejects Dana White’s explanation after Farid
Basharat’s UFC departure
Mokaev left the UFC more than two years ago. More recently,
Michael
Page and Farid
Basharat were not offered new deals despite promotional records
of 5-1 and 7-0, respectively. White's comments about Basharat's
departure prompted Mokaev's response.
At the
UFC Edmonton postfight news conference, White suggested that
difficulties with matchmakers or declined fights could explain why
an unbeaten fighter was not re-signed, without identifying a
specific incident involving Basharat. Mokaev rejected that
explanation and instead blamed TKO and Paramount.
“They can't give a reason. Only thing they gotta say is ‘the
matchmakers can't deal with him.' Total bullsh*t answer. Still I
don't blame Dana, I blame Paramount and TKO,†Mokaev wrote on
X.
Mokaev completed his UFC contract with a victory over Manel Kape
in July 2024, improving to 7-0 in the promotion before it declined
to re-sign him. White cited behind-the-scenes issues at the time,
while Mokaev said matchmakers had warned him about his
grappling-heavy style.
They can't give a reason Only thing they
gotta say is “the matchmakers can't deal with him†Total bulsh*t
answer Still I don't blame Dana , I blame paramount and tko— Muhammad
Mokaev (@muhammadmokaev)
October 18, 2026
MMA
Canelo Alvarez vs. Christian Mbilli fight card, start time
Published
9 hours agoon
October 28, 2026
The Canelo vs. Mbilli fight card is for this Saturday's massive boxing event.
Canelo Alvarez returns to the ring for the first time since his unanimous decision loss to Terence Crawford last September. In this event dubbed “Mexico vs. the World,†Alvarez faces the undefeated Christian Mbilli (29-0-1, 24 knockouts) for the WBC super middleweight title at The Venue in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Mbilli had a split draw against Lester Martinez in his last outing last September to retain his interim WBC super middleweight title. He was elevated to undisputed champion when Crawford retired.
Check out the Canelo vs. Mbilli fight card below.
Canelo vs. Mbilli main event (Expected around 4:30 p.m. ET)
Canelo Alvarez vs. Christian Mbilli
Canelo vs. Mbilli undercard (DAZN PPV at 2 p.m. ET)
Jaime Munguia vs Nikita Zon
Rafael Espinoza vs Ricardo Blandon
David Picasso vs Carl Martin
Reito Tsutsumi vs Raymundo Rojas
Canelo vs. Mbilli prelims (MMA Fighting at 10 a.m. ET)
Carlos Rojo Vazquez vs Flavius Biea
Brayan Leon vs Hector Aguirre
Sultan Almohammed vs Erick Jahir Urvina
Bek Nurmaganbet vs Marcos Vazquez
MMA
Morning Report | Chael Sonnen: Alexander Volkanovski double retirement fight pitch is ‘one of the dumbest ideas I’ve ever heard’
Published
20 hours agoon
October 28, 2026
This past weekend, Volkanovski successfully defended his featherweight title with a second-round stoppage of Movsar Evloev in the main event of UFC 333. The win was yet another feather in the cap of one of the greatest fighters of all time, and afterward, Volkanovski quickly began to lobby for an even grander feather: a fight with lightweight champion Justin Gaethje.
Despite the line of contenders at lightweight, Volkanovski suggested that he and Gaethje could do a superfight, with both men retiring afterward so as to not hold up either the 145-pound of 155-pound divisions. But Chael Sonnen thinks that's ridiculous.
“He does not know what we are doing here,†Sonnen said on his YouTube channel. “Volkanovski just laid out one of the dumbest ideas I've ever heard. … He's gonna go up, and he's gonna fight Justin Gaethje. He's got no problem with him; they get along. But they're gonna throw their arms around each other and put the gloves down in the middle when this thing is over. Who does that help? Why would anybody book that fight?
“It was just a really weird thing to do. He suggested that he goes to 155 pounds to test himself. I appreciate that, except the fact that you're a ‘55-pounder that cuts his ass off to not fight at ‘55. You cut your ass off to not test yourself. You used to weigh 96 kgs [211 pounds]. …
“I do challenge the notion that, ‘I will go to 155 to test myself to fight Gaethje.' That's a cop out. That's a cop out by anybody. I don't mean that it's conscious, but that it's subconscious. If you want to go to 155 and test yourself, drop the strap and go into the division; exactly what Ilia Topuria did. Now, I understand that history is going to tell you that Ilia ended up with a title shot. He was not guaranteed a title shot when he dropped the strap and moved into the division.
“You want to test yourself, do what Max Holloway did: be a ‘45-pounder that enters ‘55 with no guarantee. Which means if I lose, I don't get to say I lost to the best guy.'â€
It's unknown right now if the UFC has any interest in accommodating Volkanovski's pitch, though following UFC 333, UFC CEO Dana White did suggest it would be hard to deny “The Great†many requests. That being said, Volkanovski has already had two shots to become a two-division UFC champion, losing twice to Islam Makhachev. In those instances, Volkanovski did not vacate his featherweight belt, and Sonnen seems to take umbrage with Volkanovski looking to get that same consideration for a third time.
“When Volk went up, he did not vacate; he did not burn his boats. If he was to burn his boats, he would have dropped the ‘45-pound belt. …
“There's nothing stopping — there's no anchor tied to your ass to do that. You can do that now. Right now. … Make a public statement, that's all you've got to do to drop a belt. Tell the public you're dropping the belt. It's no different than we put a belt on a guy at a press conference. This really is how it works.
“You want to test yourself? I like the idea. You want Gaethje? It's not the same thing. You want a shot at a world title that you've already had twice. It's not the same thing. You want to test yourself, do what Ilia did: drop the belt, go into the division.â€
Interim. Matt Brown defends Islam Makhachev, rips UFC for introducing another ‘f*cking interim title.'
Chama. ‘Go back to Chama': Israel Adesanya questions Alex Pereira for saying he'll return to 205 with UFC 335 loss.
GOAT. Aljamain Sterling explains why he's not ready to call Petr Yan the bantamweight GOAT just yet.
Christmas. Nakisa Bidarian teases Darren Till as possible next opponent for Jake Paul.
Wrestling. Arman Tsarukyan wrestles Anthony Pettis in RAF 15 main event.
The UFC Journey for Moicano vs. Tom Nolan.
DC talks to Sean O'Malley.
Patrick Habirora trains with Georges St-Pierre.
SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE
Movsar got a nice welcome home.
Very obviously no, since he just lost.
I don't think that was real.
Drew Dober is trying hard to break through as a content guy. Some of it is interesting.
TJ on them good vitamins now.
Vadim Nemkov (20-2, 1 NC) vs. Sergei Bilostenniy (15-4); PFL Dubai; Nov. 14
Patrick Habirora (9-0) vs. Omar El Dafrawy (16-6); PFL Dubai; Nov. 14
Pouya Rahmani (6-0) vs. Oleg Popov (23-2); PFL Dubai; Nov. 14
Sergio Pettis (25-8) vs. Joji Goto (21-9-1); PFL Dubai; Nov. 14
Abubakar Nurmagomedov (17-4-1) vs. David Martinez (17-6); PFL Dubai; Nov. 14
Khasan Magomedsharipov (11-0) vs. Adam Borics (20-4); PFL Dubai; Nov. 14
Asaël Adjoudj (11-1) vs. Movlid Khaybulaev (23-0-1); PFL Dubai; Nov. 14
Ernesto Rodriguez (11-2) vs. Rhys McKee (15-7-1); PFL Dubai; Nov. 14
Shem Rock (12-3-1) vs. Connor Hughes (12-3); PFL Dubai; Nov. 14
Alexei Pergande (8-0) vs. Akhmed Magomedov (11-2); PFL Dubai; Nov. 14
Lewis McGrillen (13-2) vs. Nawras Abzakh (15-6); PFL Dubai; Nov. 14
Khmazat Abaev (6-1) vs. Leon Hill (10-2); PFL Dubai; Nov. 14
Aleksandra Savicheva (8-2) vs. Jacinta Austin (9-2); PFL Dubai; Nov. 14
Khabib Nabiev (12-0) vs. Styve Ngono (8-1); PFL Dubai; Nov. 14
Denis Goltsov (37-9) vs. Maxwell Djantou Nana (9-2); PFL Dubai; Nov. 14
Quillan Salkilld (13-1) vs. Benoit Saint Denis (17-4, 1 NC); UFC Sydney, Feb. 6
Mailbag! Get your questions in!
It’s that time of the week.
Got questions? I have answers. Send in your Qs and I’ll give you some As, and if there are some really good Qs, I’ll A them in a mailbag column.
Thanks! Love y’all!
Rec 1ReplyRead 39 replies
I'm sure I'm in the minority, but letting Volkanovski get a third crack at a lightweight title would be absurdly silly when there are many more-deserving contenders waiting. But if you're going to push for it, at least just be honest and say why you really want it: because you love Volk and want him to get a chance at a meaningless second title.
Because that's what this is about. If he beats Gaethje and instantly retires, he won't be the best lightweight on Earth, the same way GSP wasn't the best middleweight. It's just collecting a trinket, at the expense of the careers of other deserving contenders.
Chael is right: if Volk wants another lightweight title shot, go up and beat a top contender. Then no one can possibly complain.
If you find something you'd like to see in the Morning Report, hit up @AlexanderKlee or @JedKMeshew on Twitter and let us know about it. Also, follow MMAFighting on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and like us on Facebook.
Advertisement
Boxing4 hours ago
Tim Bradley Predicts Canelo vs Mbilli KO: He Can Land Something Big
MMA9 hours ago
Muhammad Mokaev blames TKO & Paramount, not Dana White, for UFC exits
MMA9 hours ago
Canelo Alvarez vs. Christian Mbilli fight card, start time
Trending
-
Boxing2 days agoTeddy Atlas Final Verdict on Canelo vs Christian Mbilli: He Must Hurt Him Early
-
Boxing2 days agoShakur Stevenson Faces 20-Day Deadline to Fight Former World Champion or Risk Losing Title
-
Boxing2 days agoConor Benn Eager to Return to Boxing for Crossover Fight Anytime: Any Day of the Week
-
MMA2 days agoAaron Pico admits he was fighting too out of control before UFC 333
-
MMA2 days agoMorning Report | Paddy Pimblett: Movsar Evloev ‘quit’ in loss to Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 333
-
MMA20 hours agoMorning Report | Chael Sonnen: Alexander Volkanovski double retirement fight pitch is ‘one of the dumbest ideas I’ve ever heard’
-
MMA20 hours ago
Morning Report | Chael Sonnen: Alexander Volkanovski double retirement fight pitch is ‘one of the dumbest ideas I’ve ever heard’
-
Boxing2 days agoShawn Porter Predicts Canelo Will Score KO Against Christian Mbilli in Title Fight