Tom Aspinall announced on Monday that he was vacating his UFC heavyweight title after suffering a setback in his recovery following multiple surgeries to repair damage done to his eyes following a fight against Ciryl Gane back in 2025.
MMA
Yair Rodriguez returns against Jean Silva in Noche UFC 4 main event
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-202197″>DIVISIONAL RANKINGS</a><a href=”https://www.sherdog.com/news/rankings/Sherdogs-PoundforPound-Top-10-Rankings-202093″>POUND-FOR-POUND RANKINGS</a><a href=”https://www.sherdog.com/news/rankings/Sherdogs-WMMA-PoundforPound-Top-10-202215″>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-202197″>DIVISIONAL RANKINGS</a><a href=”https://www.sherdog.com/news/rankings/Sherdogs-PoundforPound-Top-10-Rankings-202093″>POUND-FOR-POUND RANKINGS</a><a href=”https://www.sherdog.com/news/rankings/Sherdogs-WMMA-PoundforPound-Top-10-202215″>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”>
	<article>
		<div class=”article”>
			
			<div>
 <div class=”header”>
	<div class=”section_title”>
		<h1>Yair Rodriguez returns against Jean Silva in Noche UFC 4 main event</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/Sourav-Chakraborty-1731″>Sourav Chakraborty</a>				<span>Aug 5, 2026</span>				 <a class=”comments” href=”https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Yair-Rodriguez-returns-against-Jean-Silva-in-Noche-UFC-4-main-event-202226#insticator-commenting” data-page-id=”article-202226″/>			</div>
		</div>
			</div>
</div>
 <div class=”content body_content”>
 <a href=”/fighter/Yair-Rodriguez-106305″>Yair
Rodriguez</a> is set to make his Octagon return against one of the
featherweight division's most dangerous finishers.<p>The former <a href=”/organizations/Ultimate-Fighting-Championship-2″>
Ultimate Fighting Championship</a> interim featherweight champion
will headline <a href=”/events/UFC-Fight-Night-288-Noche-UFC-4-113632″>
Noche UFC 4</a> opposite <a href=”/fighter/Jean-Silva-239947″>Jean Silva</a>
on Sept. 12 in Glendale, Arizona.</p><p/><div id=”adViAi”><div class=”viaititle”>Advertisement</div></div>

<h2>Yair Rodriguez and Jean Silva headline UFC Noche 4
featherweight matchup in Glendale</h2>
<br/>
Rodriguez (20-5) will compete for the first time since defeating
former <a href=”/organizations/Bellator-MMA-1960″>Bellator</a>
champion Patricio “Pitbull†Freire by unanimous decision in April
2025.<p>Meanwhile, Silva (17-3) has established himself as one of the
division's most exciting contenders. He's coming off a decision
victory over <a href=”/fighter/Arnold-Allen-97499″>Arnold
Allen</a> in January. The Brazilian has finished the likes of
<a href=”/fighter/Bryce-Mitchell-151837″>Bryce
Mitchell</a>, <a href=”/fighter/Drew-Dober-23982″>Drew Dober</a>
and <a href=”/fighter/Charles-Jourdain-210843″>Charles
Jourdain</a> since winning a contract on <a href=”/organizations/Dana-Whites-Contender-Series-12411″>
Dana White's Contender Series</a>.</p><p>Silva previously headlined the third edition of Noche UFC in 2025,
losing to <a href=”/fighter/Diego-Lopes-112531″>Diego
Lopes</a>. Rodriguez, meanwhile, has never competed at a Noche UFC
event.</p><p>The fourth edition of Noche UFC will also feature former champions
<a href=”/fighter/Alexa-Grasso-142845″>Alexa
Grasso</a> and <a href=”/fighter/Brandon-Moreno-80173″>Brandon
Moreno</a>, returning against <a href=”/fighter/Manon-Fiorot-228689″>Manon
Fiorot</a> and <a href=”/fighter/Joseph-Morales-123553″>Joseph
Morales</a>, respectively.</p><p/><center>
<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet”>
<p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>¡Vamos! 🇲🇽<a href=”https://x.com/panteraufc?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>@PanteraUFC</a> &;
<a href=”https://x.com/Jeansilvamma96?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>@JeanSilvaMMA96</a>
will duel in the desert at <a href=”https://x.com/hashtag/NocheUFC?src=hash&;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#NocheUFC</a>!</p><p>[ LIVE SEPT 12 on <a href=”https://x.com/paramountplus?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>@ParamountPlus</a>
] <a href=”https://t.co/VUCr9FFa6B”>pic.twitter.com/VUCr9FFa6B</a></p>
— UFC (@ufc) <a href=”https://x.com/ufc/status/2084689324113817778?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>August
4, 2026</a></blockquote>
</center>
 </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/news/UFC-Champion-Believes-Jake-Paul-Would-Be-a-Challenge-199171″ class=”left”><b>«</b> Previous <b>UFC Champion Believes Jake Paul Would Be a Challenge</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/uk” rel=”next”>view more</a></span>
–>
<div class=”module_list_generic related_articles”>
	<ul>
	<li><a href=”/news/news/UFC-Champion-Believes-Jake-Paul-Would-Be-a-Challenge-199171″>UFC Champion Believes Jake Paul Would Be a Challenge</a></li><li><a href=”/news/news/Muhammad-Mokaev-vs-Charles-Johnson-Targeted-for-July-23-UFC-London-Card-186161″>Muhammad Mokaev vs. Charles Johnson Targeted for July 23 UFC London Card</a></li><li><a href=”/news/news/UFC-Fight-Night-204-Weighin-Results-All-Fighters-Make-Weight-185423″>UFC Fight Night 204 Weigh-in Results: All Fighters Make Weight</a></li><li><a href=”/news/news/Alexander-VolkovTom-Aspinall-to-Headline-UFC-London-in-March-PimblettVargas-Booked-184266″>Alexander Volkov-Tom Aspinall to Headline UFC London in March; Pimblett-Vargas Booked</a></li><li><a href=”/news/news/Stephen-ThompsonBelal-Muhammad-Welterweight-Battle-Set-for-UFC-Fight-Night-199-182930″>Stephen Thompson-Belal Muhammad Welterweight Battle Set for UFC Fight Night 199</a></li>	</ul>
</div>			
			 
<div class=”OUTBRAIN tkoTarget” data-src=”https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Yair-Rodriguez-returns-against-Jean-Silva-in-Noche-UFC-4-main-event-202226″ 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=”/news/news/Darren-Till-says-Ian-Garry-is-fake-before-Islam-Makhachev-title-fight-at-UFC-330-202246″>Darren Till says Ian Garry is ‘fake’ before Islam Makhachev title fight at UFC 330</a></li><li><a href=”/news/news/Conor-McGregor-shares-positive-update-following-ACL-surgery-202245″>Conor McGregor shares positive update following ACL surgery</a></li><li><a href=”/news/news/Alexander-Volkanovski-already-training-for-the-undefeated-fighter-he-expects-next-202243″>Alexander Volkanovski already training for the undefeated fighter he expects next</a></li><li><a href=”/news/news/UFC-331-card-just-got-deeper-with-anticipated-rematches-return-of-Gable-Steveson-202242″>UFC 331 card just got deeper with anticipated rematches, return of Gable Steveson</a></li><li><a href=”/news/news/Steven-Asplund-said-his-last-UFC-loss-felt-like-death-and-changed-everything-202239″>Steven Asplund said his last UFC loss ‘felt like death' and changed everything</a></li><li><a href=”/news/news/Mauricio-Ruffy-says-Arman-Tsarukyan-win-leads-straight-to-title-shot-202237″>Mauricio Ruffy says Arman Tsarukyan win leads straight to title shot</a></li><li><a href=”/news/news/Cris-Cyborg-adds-Holly-Holm-to-camp-ahead-of-PFL-Tampa-fight-with-Ketlen-Vieira-202236″>Cris Cyborg adds Holly Holm to camp ahead of PFL Tampa fight with Ketlen Vieira</a></li><li><a href=”/news/news/Darren-Elkins-reveals-why-hes-walking-away-after-UFC-Vegas-120-202235″>Darren Elkins reveals why he’s walking away after UFC Vegas 120</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/Allan-Nascimento-funeral-Charles-Oliveira-makes-emotional-promise-202250″>Allan Nascimento funeral: Charles Oliveira makes emotional promise</a></li><li><a href=”/news/news/Michael-Oliveira-has-a-message-for-anyone-questioning-his-weight-cut-202249″>Michael Oliveira has a message for anyone questioning his weight cut</a></li><li><a href=”/news/news/Quillan-Salkilld-reflects-on-journey-to-UFC-Vegas-120-main-event-202248″>Quillan Salkilld reflects on journey to UFC Vegas 120 main event</a></li><li><a href=”/news/news/Darren-Till-says-Ian-Garry-is-fake-before-Islam-Makhachev-title-fight-at-UFC-330-202246″>Darren Till says Ian Garry is ‘fake’ before Islam Makhachev title fight at UFC 330</a></li><li><a href=”/news/news/Conor-McGregor-shares-positive-update-following-ACL-surgery-202245″>Conor McGregor shares positive update following ACL surgery</a></li><li><a href=”/news/news/Alexander-Volkanovski-already-training-for-the-undefeated-fighter-he-expects-next-202243″>Alexander Volkanovski already training for the undefeated fighter he expects next</a></li><li><a href=”/news/news/UFC-331-card-just-got-deeper-with-anticipated-rematches-return-of-Gable-Steveson-202242″>UFC 331 card just got deeper with anticipated rematches, return of Gable Steveson</a></li><li><a href=”/news/news/Merab-Dvalishvilis-hilarious-prank-ends-after-fan-recognizes-his-nose-202241″>Merab Dvalishvili’s hilarious prank ends after fan recognizes his nose</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/PFL-Charlotte-announces-complete-fight-card-for-Aug-7-ESPN-event-202247″>PFL Charlotte announces complete fight card for Aug. 7 ESPN event</a></li><li><a href=”/news/news/Jake-Paul-wants-to-challenge-the-UFC-TKOs-response-wasnt-what-many-expected-202240″>Jake Paul wants to challenge the UFC; TKO’s response wasn’t what many expected</a></li><li><a href=”/news/news/Cris-Cyborg-adds-Holly-Holm-to-camp-ahead-of-PFL-Tampa-fight-with-Ketlen-Vieira-202236″>Cris Cyborg adds Holly Holm to camp ahead of PFL Tampa fight with Ketlen Vieira</a></li><li><a href=”/news/news/MVP-details-longterm-plan-to-challenge-UFC-following-PFL-merger-202230″>MVP details long-term plan to challenge UFC following PFL merger</a></li><li><a href=”/news/news/Usman-Nurmagomedov-bet-on-himself-now-the-UFC-question-begins-202227″>Usman Nurmagomedov bet on himself; now the UFC question begins</a></li><li><a href=”/news/news/Matt-Brown-gives-PFLMVP-credit-but-says-UFC-gap-remains-massive-202222″>Matt Brown gives PFL-MVP credit, but says UFC gap remains massive</a></li><li><a href=”/news/news/Paul-Hughes-says-current-drug-testing-not-good-enough-wants-lifetime-EPO-bans-202199″>Paul Hughes says current drug testing ‘not good enough,' wants lifetime EPO bans</a></li><li><a href=”/news/news/PFLMVP-merger-gets-blunt-response-from-UFC-CEO-Dana-White-202194″>PFL-MVP merger gets blunt response from UFC CEO Dana White</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-Fight-Night-284-Gamrot-vs-Salkilld-112957″>
 <div class=”calendar-date”>
 <div>Aug</div><div>08</div><div>2026</div>
 </div>
 <div class=”event”>
 <b>UFC Fight Night 284</b>
 Gamrot vs. Salkilld </div>
 </a>
 <a href=”/events/UFC-330-Makhachev-vs-Garry-112557″>
 <div class=”calendar-date”>
 <div>Aug</div><div>15</div><div>2026</div>
 </div>
 <div class=”event”>
 <b>UFC 330</b>
 Makhachev vs. Garry </div>
 </a>
 <a href=”/events/UFC-Fight-Night-285-Hernandez-vs-Rodrigues-113260″>
 <div class=”calendar-date”>
 <div>Aug</div><div>22</div><div>2026</div>
 </div>
 <div class=”event”>
 <b>UFC Fight Night 285</b>
 Hernandez vs. Rodrigues </div>
 </a>
 <a href=”/events/UFC-Road-to-UFC-Season-5-Shanghai-Semifinals-113362″>
 <div class=”calendar-date”>
 <div>Aug</div><div>28</div><div>2026</div>
 </div>
 <div class=”event”>
 <b>UFC</b>
 Road to UFC Season 5: Shanghai Semifinals </div>
 </a>
 <a href=”/events/UFC-Fight-Night-286-Nurmagomedov-vs-Song-113007″>
 <div class=”calendar-date”>
 <div>Aug</div><div>29</div><div>2026</div>
 </div>
 <div class=”event”>
 <b>UFC Fight Night 286</b>
 Nurmagomedov vs. Song </div>
 </a>
 </div><div class=”right-tabs-content event-tab-pfl” style=”display:none;”>
 <a href=”/events/Professional-Fighters-League-PFL-Charlotte-Battle-vs-Rosta-113347″>
 <div class=”calendar-date”>
 <div>Aug</div><div>07</div><div>2026</div>
 </div>
 <div class=”event”>
 <b>Professional Fighters League</b>
 PFL Charlotte: Battle vs. Rosta </div>
 </a>
 <a href=”/events/Professional-Fighters-League-PFL-Tampa-Cyborg-vs-Vieira-113435″>
 <div class=”calendar-date”>
 <div>Aug</div><div>22</div><div>2026</div>
 </div>
 <div class=”event”>
 <b>Professional Fighters League</b>
 PFL Tampa: Cyborg vs. Vieira </div>
 </a>
 <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>
 </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/Dalton-Rosta-277187″><img src=”https://www2-cdn.sherdog.com/_images/pictures/20250628085128_PFL_20250627_C2N02496_1.JPG” style=”object-position: center 15%”/><div>Dalton Rosta</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/Usman-Nurmagomedov-296291″><img src=”/image_crop/72/72/_images/fighter/1770478355865_17703859969707f17ed2f1677833f784f797be9c03-1-1.png”/><div>Usman Nurmagomedov</div></a><a href=”/fighter/Bryan-Battle-249825″><img src=”/image_crop/72/72/_images/fighter/1683944183396_20221208013638_Bryan_Battle_ff.JPG”/><div>Bryan Battle</div></a><a href=”/fighter/Navajo-Stirling-413272″><img src=”/image_crop/72/72/_images/fighter/1726027226Navajo_Stirling_ff.jpg”/><div>Navajo Stirling</div></a> </div>

 <div class=”right-more-fighters”>
 <h4>MORE FIGHTERS...</h4>
 <a href=”/fighter/Joshua-Silveira-244965″>Joshua Silveira</a> | <a href=”/fighter/Justin-Gaethje-46648″>Justin Gaethje</a> | <a href=”/fighter/Aaron-Jeffery-127631″>Aaron Jeffery</a> | <a href=”/fighter/Khabib-Nurmagomedov-56035″>Khabib Nurmagomedov</a> | <a href=”/fighter/Hasan-Mezhiev-219923″>Hasan Mezhiev</a> | <a href=”/fighter/Dillon-Danis-247811″>Dillon Danis</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/Usman-Nurmagomedov-296291″><h4>Usman Nurmagomedov</h4></a> | <a href=”/fighter/Bryan-Battle-249825″><h4>Bryan Battle</h4></a> | <a href=”/fighter/Navajo-Stirling-413272″><h4>Navajo Stirling</h4></a> | <a href=”/fighter/Joshua-Silveira-244965″><h4>Joshua Silveira</h4></a> | <a href=”/fighter/Justin-Gaethje-46648″><h4>Justin Gaethje</h4></a> | <a href=”/fighter/Aaron-Jeffery-127631″><h4>Aaron Jeffery</h4></a> | <a href=”/fighter/Khabib-Nurmagomedov-56035″><h4>Khabib Nurmagomedov</h4></a> | <a href=”/fighter/Hasan-Mezhiev-219923″><h4>Hasan Mezhiev</h4></a> | <a href=”/fighter/Dillon-Danis-247811″><h4>Dillon Danis</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
Curtis Blaydes talks about his MMA future after Noche UFC victory
Published
4 hours agoon
September 15, 2026
Trending:
Mike Perry speaks out after suffering injury during upset loss to Brandon Jenkins: “Health is wealthâ€
razorblaydes265 on InstagramUFC heavyweight Curtis Blaydes has discussed his future in the promotion after his triumph over Waldo Cortes-Acosta.
It feels like forever since Curtis Blaydes was first viewed as a real contender in the UFC heavyweight division. He always seems to get right to the cusp of earning a world championship opportunity, only to fall short at the final hurdle.
RELATED: Curtis Blaydes makes interesting suggestion for Josh Hokit: “I would be having serious discussions†after UFC Freedom 250
Now, though, Curtis Blaydes will be hoping his time has finally come after a solid win over Waldo Cortes-Acosta put him right back in the hunt.
In an interview following the bout, Curtis Blaydes opened up on what the future could hold for him in the UFC.
Curtis Blaydes looks to the future
“The rankings don't mean a damn thing to me no more. I no longer respect them. I'm not even going to look at them. That's why I don't really know where everyone is, but I hope to get a top 5 opponent next.â€
“As we're getting older, we don't just want to be fighting anybody, because you could always get injured,†Blaydes said. “You could break the hand, break the toe, break anything. So yeah, I'm not just fighting just anybody. Like, I took this fight because he was ranked above me, had a lot of steam, even though he just lost to Volkov. He's been very active, he's got a lot of highlights. That's why we took this fight in his hometown. I'm looking for, like I said, a top 5 guy.
“Like, I'm thinking about that game, Chutes and Ladders. As few steps as I can take to get here. If I can chute here, and chute here – that's what I'm looking to do. It just depends on the rankings, I guess.â€
Quotes via MMA Junkie
What do you want to see next for Blaydes? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, BJPENN Nation!
This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM
MMA
Brian Ortega releases statement after withdrawing from UFC 331 fight
Published
5 hours agoon
September 15, 2026
Trending:
Tom Aspinall issues statement on rumored UFC departure after coach's recent claims
briantcity on InstagramUFC veteran Brian Ortega has released a statement after withdrawing from his UFC 331 rematch against Renato Moicano.
Former title challenger Brian Ortega has been responsible for some incredible moments and finishes during his tenure with the Ultimate Fighting Championship. However, he has also been part of some pretty devastating losses, including a few really crucial title defeats.
RELATED: Brian Ortega opens up on toxic relationship with UFC star Tracy Cortez: ‘I f***** up!'
At UFC 331, though, Brian Ortega wanted to put that all behind him and focus on trying to get through Renato Moicano, a man who he already beat just under a decade ago.
In a recent statement posted to Instagram, Brian Ortega reacted to the news that he will be withdrawing from the contest due to an eye injury.
Brian Ortega releases UFC 331 statement
“This one hurts.
“I have to pull out of the fight because of the stitches in my eye. I'm on weight, I've been training my ass off, and this has honestly been one of the best camps I've ever had.
“I was really looking forward to fighting at home in Los Angeles in front of my family, friends, and everyone who's been supporting me.
“My next fight is in soon, so I'm getting right back to training. We've brought some new people into camp and I'm excited to show you guys a new side of me.
“Thank you to everyone who's been supporting me through all of this. I'll see you guys in November.â€
Ortega has certainly been on a rollercoaster ride throughout the course of his mixed martial arts career, and he isn't the biggest fan favorite in the world. Still, we can all hope that he gets back in there soon and stays healthy.
Do you want to see them run this fight back in the future? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, BJPENN Nation!
This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM
MMA
Matt Brown argues Tom Aspinall vacating heavyweight title creates more problems than it solves
Published
6 hours agoon
September 15, 2026
It's a heartbreaking turn of events for Aspinall after he waited so long to become undisputed champion —while also trying to fight Jon Jones to for that title — but now he's out of action for an undetermined amount of time and the UFC has to figure out what to do with the heavyweight title. Technically, Ciryl Gane could easily just get promoted to undisputed champion after he defeated Alex Pereira at the UFC White House card to claim the interim belt but that doesn't solve the bigger problem when it comes to the overall heavyweight division.
Following his loss to Gane in June, Pereira went on the offensive claiming referee Herb Dean was partially to blame for his downfall after he failed to penalize Gane for illegal shots to the back of the head. Pereira has continued to call for a rematch and now it seems like he might actually get his wish but is that what's best for the Brazilian and the rest of the division?
“I think the downside of that fight – if Alex goes out and loses again, what does that do to his stock?†retired UFC welterweight Matt Brown said on the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer. “I know what he did at [middleweight and light heavyweight], it was amazing stuff. That shit's in the past. You're a heavyweight now.
“You lose twice, you're not fighting Tom Aspinall when Tom Aspinall comes back. I don't know what that does to his future of big fights. I don't know what big fights you make after that. That's what I mean by his stock. Everyone is going to respect Alex Pereira the same but what do “
There's little argument that Pereira is the biggest name at heavyweight right now as he already commands superstar status whenever he competes. If he can go out and avenge that past loss to Gane and become undisputed heavyweight champion, it's a history making moment for Pereira because he would be the first fighter in UFC history to hold titles across three divisions.
But the flipside to that result is Gane knocks out Pereira again and now one of the UFC's most popular fighters is stuck in limbo and the heavyweight diviiosn still doesn't look that much better in his absence.
“Maybe he beats Ciryl the next time. I would pick Ciryl to win, I picked him the first time but that's where it starts to hurt his stock at that point,†Brown said. “Guys can be resistant to that when you're Conor [McGregor level superstar] or Ilia [Topuria] or maybe even Alex but with him being 39 and you've got the other potentials in the division like [Josh Hokit] or Gable Steveson, if he loses that fight, the future doesn't look quite as bright for him as it's looked in the past.â€
While Gable Steveson is just starting out his UFC career, he's obviously got the potential to rescue the heavyweight division thanks to his wrestling pedigree where he's an Olympic gold medalist but he's probably still years away from compting for the belt.
The other option is the always outspoken Josh Hokit, who is undefeated and certainly not afraid to call his shot whenever he fights. The problem with Hokit is his outlandish behavior isn't exactly attractive for most fans and it's unclear if the powers-that-be at the UFC want to put a title around his waist.
Add to that, Brown acknowledges that Hokit's style could be a serious problem for anybody else at heavyweight including Gane and Pereira.
“Hokit's not a great matchup for [Pereira],†Brown said. “I'm sorry. I think it's a winnable fight for Alex and if Alex is able to win that fight, I think that's phenomenal win. It's going to get a lot of eyeballs, a lot of people would loves to see Hokit get knocked out.
“I think it would bring a lot more attention to Alex so it probably would be the fight to make. But that's not a bright future. If you lose to Ciryl Gane and then you're fighting Josh Hokit, that's not a great situation to be in.â€
As of now, the UFC hasn't made any announcements regarding the future of the heavyweight division with Aspinall vacating the belt and taking time off to recover from his eye injury.
It's impossible to know for sure what UFC CEO Dana White is going to decide but Brown knows the options are limited and not all that appealing right now.
“It sucks for Tom Aspinall,†Brown said. “It sucks for the UFC. It sucks for the fans. It just sucks for everyone involved.â€
Listen to new episodes of The Fighter vs. The Writer every Tuesday with audio only versions of the podcast available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeartRadio
Advertisement
MMA4 hours ago
Curtis Blaydes talks about his MMA future after Noche UFC victory
Boxing4 hours ago
Josh Taylors Candid Take on Conor Benns World Title Chances After Ryan Garcia Knockout
Boxing4 hours ago
Canelo Alvarez Set for Epic Showdown in Firefight with 6 ft 3 World Champion
Trending
-
MMA2 days agoArman Tsarukyan in do-or-die situation at UFC 331: ‘If I lose this fight, I’m never going to see a title fight’
-
Boxing2 days agoConor Benn Knocked Out: Another Eubank Pay Day Awaits
-
MMA2 days agoConor McGregor criticizes Max Holloway for showing mercy in UFC 329 disaster: "Finish the f*cking fight"
-
MMA2 days agoJean Silva reveals has no memory of loss to Diego Lopes at Noche UFC last year
-
MMA2 days agoArman Tsarukyan admits he may never get title shot if he loses UFC 331 bout against Mauricio Ruffy
-
MMA2 days agoTommy McMillen says UFC rival was pleading for respect after war
-
MMA2 days agoIan Machado Garry's coach sticks up for fighter amid hugging criticism: "There’s absolutely nothing wrong with it"
-
MMA2 days agoTom Aspinall might be forced to relinquish UFC title amid Dana White's status update: "We'll definitely be talking about that"