Lucia Szabová vs Leidiane Fernandes ready for historic flyweight title fight at OCTAGON 87Undefeated champion Lucia Szabová aims for double champion history in fight against Leidiane Fernandes at OCTAGON 87
One of the biggest women’s fights in European MMA this year is officially scheduled. Undefeated bantamweight champion Lucia Szabová will attempt to make history by moving down the division to challenge Brazilian champion Leidiane Fernandes for the flyweight belt at UFC London Octagon 87.
The championship fight will take place on April 25, 2026 at the Home Credit Arena in Liberec, Czech Republic, where Szabová will attempt to become the first double champion in OKTAGON MMA history.
If successful, the Slovak star will hold both the bantamweight and flyweight titles, cementing her status as one of the promotion’s most dominant fighters.
Lucia Szabová: “Quiet Assassin” in pursuit of history
Known under a pseudonym “Quiet Assassin”, Lucia Szabová quickly became one of the brightest stars of European MMA.
The Slovak standout enters the fight undefeated with a professional record of 10-0 and boasts an impressive 67% finish rate and multiple submission victories.
Szabová won the OKTAGON Women’s Bantamweight Championship in 2025 and has since established herself as one of the most unsafe fighters on the organization’s roster.
Despite her placid demeanor outside the cage, Szabová is known for her aggressive and technical fighting style early in the fight. With experience in judo and striking disciplines, she became a versatile mixed martial artist, able to finish fights on the ground or in a standing position.
Now the 27-year-old aims to make history by dropping down to 125 pounds to pursue a second title shot.
Leidiane Fernandes is ready to end her undefeated streak
The unsafe Brazilian champion Leidiane Fernandes will stand in Szabova’s way.
Fernandes enters the fight with a professional record of 7–2 and poses a stern challenge to the Slovak champion.
Fighting in Rio de Janeiro, Fernandes built her reputation on her aggressive fighting style and resilience in the cage. Her ability to put pressure on her opponents and create momentum helped her climb to the top of the flyweight division.
For Fernandes, the fight is more than just a title defense – it’s about ending the unbeaten streak of one of Europe’s hottest prospects.
The Brazilian champion has made it clear that she plans to be the first player to silence the “Quiet Killer”.
High stakes Main Event in Liberec
The title fight was originally scheduled to take place earlier in 2026, but the fight was postponed after Fernandes withdrew due to injury. The fight has now been scheduled for the main event of OCTAGON 87, raising the stakes even further.
With Szabová seeking historic double champion status and Fernandes defending her throne, this fight could become one of the most essential women’s fights in OKTAGON history.
Fans at the Home Credit Arena are expected to witness a dramatic battle between:
An undefeated champion chasing a legacy
Risky Brazilian titleholder defending her crown
When the cage doors close on April 25, history may be made in Liberec.
Ismael
Bonfim has been removed from the
Ultimate Fighting Championship roster.
Bonfim's UFC tenure ended after a loss to Francisco
Prado at
UFC Vegas 122 on Saturday. The Brazilian missed the non-title
lightweight limit by 7.5 pounds and forfeited 25% of his purse. He
then suffered a first-round technical knockout before being removed
from the roster.
Ismael Bonfim exits UFC with 2-5 record after third weight miss
and Francisco Prado TKO
This was Bonfim's third weight miss during his UFC tenure. He came
in 3.5 pounds overweight for a scheduled fight against Vinc Pichel
in 2023, prompting the bout's cancellation. Bonfim missed weight by
five pounds against Chris
Padilla last year and lost by knockout. He was finished in his
last four UFC appearances.
Before news of his departure, Bonfim posted a statement Sunday
reflecting on the loss. The 30-year-old thanked his supporters and
said his career was not over.
“Always grateful to God for life, health and every opportunity He
gives me,†Bonfim wrote on Instagram. “Everything doesn’t go as
planned, results don’t always come as desired, but my faith remains
unshakable. Because, above my plans, are God’s plans, and I choose
to trust, even when I don’t understand. Thank you to every person
cheering me on, praying for me and standing by my side no matter
the outcome. You are all part of my story! There are no excuses, no
shame, and much less reason to give up. We’ve come here the hardest
way, facing battles few know about, overcoming fears, breaking
barriers, and fighting against things that go far beyond what
happens inside an octagon. The result of a battle does not define
the value of a warrior, and defeat will never be able to erase the
entire history we have built. I keep my head held high, my heart at
peace and my faith even stronger. Because who knows where he came
from, everything he faced and how much he had to fight to get here,
doesn’t give up because of a result. My story doesn’t end here. God
is still writing the next chapters, and I trust Him completely. All
honor and all glory be given to God!â€
Bonfim earned a UFC contract on
Dana White's Contender Series in 2022 and won his promotional
debut with a flying knee knockout of Terrance
McKinney. He went 1-5 afterward, finishing his UFC tenure at
2-5.
Ciryl Gane shares first words since Tom Aspinall vacated UFC heavyweight title amid latest eye setback
ufc on Instagram
Niko Price has discussed his mixed martial arts retirement and what the future could hold after his win over Leon Shahbazyan.
Heading into last weekend, Niko Price was riding a four-fight losing streak. With this being billed as the final fight in his mixed martial arts career, many hoped that he would be able to pull one out of the bag before riding off into the sunset.
RELATED: Niko Price surprisingly set for retirement reversal at UFC Vegas 122
In the end, that's exactly what he did as Niko Price secured a TKO victory, which was the first time he has finished an opponent since defeating James Vick via upkick in October 2019.
After the bout, Niko Price took the time to both reflect on what has been and look ahead to what could be to come.
Niko Price looks ahead to the future
“He was like, ‘Hey, do you want an actual retirement fight?’†Price told MMA Junkie and other reporters at a post-fight news conference Saturday after UFC Fight Night 290. “(I was like) ‘Yeah, why not?' Of course I'll take another paycheck to go fight someone. It's a lot easier fighting people than it is to rip down houses and landscaping. I know that.â€
“It means so much just to know the career wasn't a waste,†Price said. “They saw that I really put my blood, sweat, and tears into this and everything I have. I sacrificed time with the family. But it was all great and worth it.â€
In terms of the future, Niko had the following to say.
“I'm a prizefighter,†Price said. “I fight. But it has to be agreed upon with my family. My management is my family. As long as we all decide together, we'll jump into the pit together and we'll do it. … Maybe combat, maybe punching, but hit me up for some UFC BJJ. I'll come grapple anybody.â€
Quotes via MMA Junkie
Do you expect to see Price compete again? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, BJPENN Nation!
Fighter sues Jake Paul, MVP for $10 million after traumatic brain injury
jai_herbert_mma on Instagram
UFC veteran Jai Herbert is rolling with the punches after a nice win over Matheus Camilo in Vegas last weekend.
Throughout the course of his tenure in the promotion, Jai Herbert has been able to pick up some pretty nice wins. Of course, he's also had his fair share of setbacks, but against Matheus Camilo on Saturday night, he made it two wins on the bounce.
RELATED: Jai Herbert expecting an “entertaining fight†and to “put on a show†against Fares Ziam at UFC London
Given the fact that he is now 38 years of age, many wouldn't have expected Jai Herbert to still be competing at this level considering some of the damage he's taken in the past. Alas, he continues to defy the odds in an impressive way.
After the fight, Jai Herbert spoke to reporters about his current approach to the MMA game.
Jai Herbert reflects on latest victory
“I feel good,†Herbert told MMA Junkie and other reporters post-fight at UFC Fight Night 290. “I don't really look (at my age). I'm just rolling with it. … Usually they have a fight the start of the year in London. But whatever. I like fighting on the road. I really enjoy. I fought in Winning in April. Now fought in Vegas. I'm just happy to get there and fight. I'm just taking it every day as it comes.â€
“He was loading up with the big shots and I knew that was going to end up draining him,†Herbert said. “Obviously I was tired too, but I imposed my will on him. I knew I was going to win, especially in that last round. I wanted to work harder and that's what I did.â€
Quotes via MMA Junkie
What's next for Herbert in the UFC? Is this one of the best wins he's had in his UFC run? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, BJPENN Nation!