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Mauricio Ruffy announces backup role for Conor McGregor vs. Max Holloway 2: "I don't miss my chances"

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3 weeks ago

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Mauricio Ruffy announces backup role for Conor McGregor vs. Max Holloway 2: "I don't miss my chances"

Mauricio Ruffy will serve as the backup fighter for the UFC 329 main event between Conor McGregor and Max Holloway.

Many have viewed Ruffy as an exciting option to fight either McGregor or Holloway, and he could actually make one of those fights come to fruition if he is needed in an emergency situation. With a matchup as big as the “Notorious†one vs. “Blessed,†it's clear that the ideal scenario would be for both men to enter the bout as planned. Still, Ruffy is being viewed as a solid backup choice if necessary.

In a Instagram post, Ruffy made the announcement that he accepted the emergency fighter offer while on vacation.

“Hey guys. As you know, I made myself available for the Conor McGregor vs. Max Holloway fight. I'm going on a trip to Las Vegas,†Ruffy revealed. “I took good care of myself. These guys made me train halfway through my vacation.â€

Ruffy then showed himself tipping the scales at around 185 pounds, meaning he'd have around 15 pounds to shed to solidify the backup spot during Friday's weigh-ins. The emerging Brazilian star also believes a showdown with McGregor would be easier than a clash against Holloway. Regardless, Ruffy feels his power would be too much for either man to handle.

Ruffy's decision to take the backup role was an easy one to make. He said, “I don't miss my chances,†and it could pay off if the stars align in his favor.

Following his UFC Paris setback against Benoit Saint Denis, Ruffy bounced back with a third-round TKO finish over Rafael Fiziev. It was a bonus-winning effort for Ruffy, who went on to stop Michael Chandler in the opening frame of their UFC Freedom 250 fight. If Ruffy gets the call to step inside the Octagon on Saturday, it would be the biggest bout of his career up to this point.

Do you like Mauricio Ruffy as the emergency fighter in case something goes awry with the Conor McGregor vs. Max Holloway rematch? Share your opinion in the comments below.

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MMA

UFC Abu Dhabi results: Ankalaev vs. Guskov

Published

9 hours ago

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July 25, 2026

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UFC Abu Dhabi results: Ankalaev vs. Guskov
UFC Fight Night: Ankalaev v Guskov Ceremonial Weigh-in
UFC Fight Night: Ankalaev v Guskov Ceremonial Weigh-in

ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – JULY 24: (L-R) Opponents Magomed Ankalaev of Russia and Bogdan Guskov of Uzbekistan face off during the UFC Fight Night ceremonial weigh-in at Etihad Arena on July 24, 2026 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC)

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MMA

PFL D.C. Results: Jean vs. Rodriguez

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12 hours ago

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July 25, 2026

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PFL D.C. Results: Jean vs. Rodriguez

MMA Fighting has PFL D.C. results for the Jean vs. Rodriguez fight card from CareFirst Arena, Washington, D.C on Saturday night.

In the main event, Thad Jean takes on late-notice replacement Ernesto Rodriguez for the vacant PFL welterweight title. The 2025 PFL welterweight champion, Jean was originally scheduled to face 2024 PFL champion Shamil Musaev in the bout, but Musaev withdrew this week, allowing Rodriguez, who was booked to fight Aaron McKenzie on the undercard, to step in.

A light heavyweight slugfest between Tyson Pedro and Rafael Xavier serves as the co-main event.

The PFL D.C. prelim card kicks off at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN+, with the main card following at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN.

Check out the PFL D.C. results below.

Main Card (10 p.m. ET on ESPN)

Thad Jean vs. Ernesto Rodriguez — Vacant welterweight title fight

Tyson Pedro vs. Rafael Zavier

Sullivan Cauley vs. Rasul Magomedov

Eliezer Kubanza vs. Chris Mixan

Preliminary Card (8 p.m. ET on ESPN+)

Michael Cyr vs. Bryce Meredith

Nkosi Ndebele vs. Brandon Davis

Chad Yard vs. Coby Bradford

Noah Hermosillo vs. Jacob Pais

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MMA

UFC Abu Dhabi loses fight hours before event

Published

12 hours ago

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July 25, 2026

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UFC Abu Dhabi loses fight hours before event

UFC Abu Dhabi has taken a late just before the event was set to kick off.

Saturday's Fight Night card will go down with only 12 bouts after the cancellation of a main card bout between Islam Dulatov and Wellington Turman, the promotion announced just hours before the start of the event.

According to the promotion, Dulatov was forced off the welterweight bout due to illness. On a statement posted on Dulatov's social media Saturday morning, his team revealed the fighter had to be hospitalized on Friday.

“Last night, Islam was admitted to the hospital due to an infection and spent several hours receiving medical treatment,†the statement read. “Despite every effort to keep the fight on, the decision was made together with the UFC to withdraw him from the bout in the interest of his health and well-being. Right now, the only priority is for Islam to make a full recovery. He will personally address everyone with a statement as soon as he is able.â€

Dulatov's team added that “Islam will use this time to recover completely and will come back stronger than ever.â€

Turman, who was set to make his return to the cage after two and a half years away, sidelined that long due to four shoulder surgeries, said on his social media he wishes Dulatov a quick recovery and hopes for a fast turnaround, re-booking the Dulatov bout or facing a new opponent instead.

The UFC has yet to announce if a fight will be moved to the main card.

Check the updated UFC Abu Dhabi lineup below.

Main Card (Paramount+ at 12 p.m. ET)

Preliminary Card (Paramount+ at 9 a.m. ET)

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