MMA
Islam Makhachev weighs in on Justin Gaethje's MMA future
Published
3 weeks agoon
Trending:
Daniel Cormier doubts Dricus du Plessis gets next middleweight title shot due to history with Sean Strickland
justin_gaethje on InstagramUFC champion Islam Makhachev has given his thoughts on the future of the new lightweight king Justin Gaethje.
At UFC Freedom 250, Justin Gaethje shocked the world and became the new undisputed UFC lightweight champion. He achieved this goal by forcing Ilia Topuria to quit on the stool, capping off what has been an incredible rollercoaster ride to the top of the division across the last ten years.
RELATED: Justin Gaethje says Arman Tsarukyan is far more deserving of title shot than Ilia Topuria: “He's not fighting me nextâ€
Now, many are questioning what exactly is left for Gaethje to accomplish in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Some want to see him compete for as long as he physically can, whereas others feel like retirement would be a solid option given the punishment he has put his body through over the years.
In a recent interview, Islam Makhachev weighed in on the Gaethje debate.
Makhachev discusses Gaethje's future
“I don't know. I think this guy make like enough in this sport,†Makhachev told MMA Junkie of Gaethje. “He became UFC champion. He also has many records. What's next for him? If I'm matchmaker, I don't know honestly. But this guy is not in good shape right now. I saw him last week. I said, ‘Hey, why you become fat?' He's just enjoying the belt. He deserves it.â€
“I said before that fight, Justin is a warrior,†Makhachev said. “He's going to fight. You have to knock him out to stop him. This guy is going to fight all rounds. Maybe Topuria a little bit underestimated him. I don't know. It is what it is. This is MMA, small gloves, and very dangerous sport.â€
Quotes via MMA Junkie
What do you believe should be next for Justin Gaethje in his mixed martial arts career? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, BJPENN Nation!
This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM
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MMA
Bella Mir makes weight for DWCS headliner as 5-fight card becomes official
Published
25 minutes agoon
August 26, 2026

	
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		<h1>Bella Mir makes weight for DWCS headliner as 5-fight card becomes official</h1>
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				<a href=”/authors/Sayan-Nag-1723″>Sayan Nag</a>				<span>Aug 25, 2026</span>				 <a class=”comments” href=”https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Bella-Mir-makes-weight-for-DWCS-headliner-as-5fight-card-becomes-official-202510#insticator-commenting” data-page-id=”article-202510″/>			</div>
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 All fighters successfully made weight for <a href=”/events/Dana-Whites-Contender-Series-Contender-Series-2026-Week-3-112628″>
Week 3</a> of <a href=”/organizations/Dana-Whites-Contender-Series-12411″>
Dana White's Contender Series</a> 2026, scheduled for Aug. 25 at
Meta Apex in Las Vegas.<p/><h2>Frank Mir's daughter faces Alex Apodaca atop Dana White's
Contender Series 2026 Week 3</h2>
<br/>
Five matchups for Week 3 of DWCS 2026 are set, with fighters
competing for <a href=”/organizations/Ultimate-Fighting-Championship-2″>
Ultimate Fighting Championship</a> contracts. Former UFC
heavyweight champion <a href=”/fighter/Frank-Mir-2329″>Frank Mir</a>'s
daughter Bella is set to compete in the main event.<p>The action begins at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on Tuesday, Aug. 25.</p><p/><h2>Weigh-in results of Week 3 of DWCS 2026</h2>
<br/>
<a href=”/fighter/Bella-Mir-376715″>Bella
Mir</a> (136) vs <a href=”/fighter/Alex-Apodaca-380894″>Alex
Apodaca</a> (135.5)<br/>
<a href=”/fighter/Mario-Piazzon-395038″>Mario
Piazzon</a> (238) vs <a href=”/fighter/Guilherme-Uriel-402490″>Guilherme
Uriel</a> (241.5)<br/>
<a href=”/fighter/Gary-Balletto-Jr-203371″>Gary
Belletto Jr.</a> (169) vs <a href=”/fighter/Sean-Clancy-Jr-322787″>Sean Clancy
Jr.</a> (170)<br/>
<a href=”/fighter/Ronald-Humphrey-400469″>Ronald
Humphrey</a> (169) vs <a href=”/fighter/Alexis-Miranda-288689″>Alexis
Miranda</a> (170)<br/>
<a href=”/fighter/Carlos-Petruzzella-391232″>Carlos
Petruzzella</a> (185.5) vs <a href=”/fighter/Nick-Galanti-382572″>Nick
Galanti</a> (185)<p/><center>
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 <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>
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 <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>
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 <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”/>
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 <h4>FIGHTER OF THE WEEK</h4>
 <a class=”fow” href=”/fighter/Taila-Santos-143185″><img src=”https://www2-cdn.sherdog.com/_images/pictures/20240803021442_PFL_20240802_C2N00713_1.JPG” style=”object-position: center 15%”/><div>Taila Santos</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>
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 <h4>TOP TRENDING FIGHTERS</h4>

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 <a href=”/fighter/Ian-Garry-268923″><img src=”/image_crop/72/72/_images/fighter/1708042846Ian_Garry_ff.jpg”/><div>Ian Garry</div></a><a href=”/fighter/Cristiane-Justino-14477″><img src=”/image_crop/72/72/_images/fighter/1648258507307_20220325093502_Cris_Cyborg_ff.JPG”/><div>Cristiane Justino</div></a><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/Usman-Nurmagomedov-296291″><img src=”/image_crop/72/72/_images/fighter/1770478355865_17703859969707f17ed2f1677833f784f797be9c03-1-1.png”/><div>Usman Nurmagomedov</div></a> </div>

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 <h4>MORE FIGHTERS...</h4>
 <a href=”/fighter/Luke-Trainer-222645″>Luke Trainer</a> | <a href=”/fighter/Mackenzie-Dern-137171″>Mackenzie Dern</a> | <a href=”/fighter/Javid-Basharat-222651″>Javid Basharat</a> | <a href=”/fighter/Mansur-AbdulMalik-393926″>Mansur Abdul-Malik</a> | <a href=”/fighter/Movsar-Ibragimov-389946″>Movsar Ibragimov</a> | <a href=”/fighter/Joel-Alvarez-190201″>Joel Alvarez</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 –>
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 <div class=”module”>
 <title><h2>Fight Finder</h2></title>
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 <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’ />
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 <h3>Top trending fighters</h3>
 <a href=”/fighter/Ian-Garry-268923″><h4>Ian Garry</h4></a> | <a href=”/fighter/Cristiane-Justino-14477″><h4>Cristiane Justino</h4></a> | <a href=”/fighter/Islam-Makhachev-76836″><h4>Islam Makhachev</h4></a> | <a href=”/fighter/Usman-Nurmagomedov-296291″><h4>Usman Nurmagomedov</h4></a> | <a href=”/fighter/Luke-Trainer-222645″><h4>Luke Trainer</h4></a> | <a href=”/fighter/Mackenzie-Dern-137171″><h4>Mackenzie Dern</h4></a> | <a href=”/fighter/Javid-Basharat-222651″><h4>Javid Basharat</h4></a> | <a href=”/fighter/Mansur-AbdulMalik-393926″><h4>Mansur Abdul-Malik</h4></a> | <a href=”/fighter/Movsar-Ibragimov-389946″><h4>Movsar Ibragimov</h4></a> | <a href=”/fighter/Joel-Alvarez-190201″><h4>Joel Alvarez</h4></a> </div>
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MMA
Edson Barboza calls UFC 331 star an ‘improved version of me’
Published
4 hours agoon
August 25, 2026
Edson
Barboza sees plenty of himself in Mauricio
Ruffy and believes the surging Brazilian has become an
“improved version†of him.Barboza compares Mauricio Ruffy to Anderson Silva ahead of
Barboza sees plenty of himself in Mauricio
Ruffy and believes the surging Brazilian has become an
“improved version†of him.
Barboza, who recently retired from the
Ultimate Fighting Championship, claims Ruffy is one of his
favorite fighters to watch. Ruffy is set to face Arman
Tsarukyan in the UFC
331 co-main event on Sept. 19 in Los Angeles and Barboza
recently broke down the matchup, having trained alongside Tsarukyan
at
American Top Team.
Barboza compares Mauricio Ruffy to Anderson Silva ahead of
Arman Tsarukyan fight
Barboza gave his assessment of the matchup in an exclusive
interview with Sherdog. He claims Ruffy reminds him of UFC legend
Anderson
Silva before drawing a comparison between Tsarukyan and
Khabib
Nurmagomedov.
“Ruffy is one of my favorite fighters right now,†Barboza said.
“He's extremely creative and skilled, and he reminds me of Anderson
Silva. He just needs one opportunity to finish a fight. I'd say
he's the improved version of me.â€
While he thinks highly of Ruffy’s abilities, Barboza acknowledged
how good Tsarukyan is while comparing the latter to Nurmagomedov,
who he faced back in 2017.
“I've had the opportunity to train many times with Arman at ATT,â€
Barboza added. “He's impressive. If he needs to, he'll come at you
10,000 times until he takes you down. Khabib had more pressure. He
controls you more and is always one move ahead, but he doesn't
really look for the submission. Arman is different. He's always
looking to advance and find the finish.â€
He then highlighted Ruffy's finishing ability while hyping up the
matchup.
“Ruffy only needs one opportunity to finish the fight,†Barboza
concluded. “All I can say is that it's going to be a fight you
can't miss — a classic striker vs. grappler matchup.â€
MMA
Jordan Burroughs calls out Georges St. Pierre for wrestling match
Published
6 hours agoon
August 25, 2026
Jordan Burroughs has called for a wrestling match against Georges St.
Pierre, revealing that the
Ultimate Fighting Championship legend is his top choice.Burroughs names GSP his top choice and proposes an Oct. 3
Pierre, revealing that the
Ultimate Fighting Championship legend is his top choice.
The Olympic gold medalist recently called out the UFC Hall of Famer
for a freestyle wrestling match under the Real American Freestyle
banner, proposing a meeting at RAF 14 in Las Vegas on Oct. 3.
Burroughs names GSP his top choice and proposes an Oct. 3
showdown at RAF 14
Burroughs discussed a potential match with St. Pierre during an
appearance on “The Ariel Helwani Show†after his recent RAF victory
over Sean Brady
on Aug. 22. When the Canadian's name came up as a possible
opponent, Burroughs made his interest clear.
“Yeah, Georges, if you’re out there, I would love to compete
against you,†Burroughs said. “I’d love to wrestle you. I honor
you. I honor your legacy. And I don’t want to embarrass you. I
don’t want to humiliate you. I just would love to share the stage
with you. And so, he’s No. 1. He’s at the very top of my list.â€
Burroughs then proposed a date and location.
“Georges, if you’re out there and are watching this show, make it
happen. Las Vegas, Oct. 3.â€
St. Pierre has not competed professionally since submitting
Michael
Bisping to capture the UFC middleweight title in 2017. He
officially retired from mixed martial arts in 2019 and was inducted
into the UFC Hall of Fame the following year.
Burroughs is next scheduled to face Magomed Kurbanaliev at RAF
Moscow on Sept. 5.
Jordan Burroughs says GSP is the dream
matchup he wants most:“Georges, if you’re out there, I would love to compete against you.
I’d love to wrestle you.I honor your legacy, and I don’t want to embarrass you. I don’t
want to humiliate you. I just would love to share the stage…
pic.twitter.com/wZAt90EmRU— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani)
August 24, 2026
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