The article highlights the top fighters of 2025 in UFC, emphasizing Merab Dvalishvili's record-breaking year, Joshua Van's rise to flyweight champion, Islam Makhachev's dominance, Waldo Cortes Acosta's breakout, and Valentina Shevchenko's impressive title defenses, showcasing a year of remarkable performances and career milestones.
Ronda Rousey criticizes MMA fans and media for their harsh treatment of fighters after losses, highlighting how legends are quickly discarded once they fall from the top, unlike in WWE where legends are more revered. She emphasizes the fleeting nature of a fighter's career and the lack of understanding from fans who haven't fought themselves, advocating for a more respectful approach to athletes' legacies.
Capcom has announced the Season 3 DLC characters for Street Fighter 6, including Sagat, C. Viper, Alex, and Ingrid, with release dates spanning from summer 2025 to late spring 2026, alongside a free Switch 2 demo and a new review.
UFC President Dana White has urged veterans Clay Guida, Anthony Smith, and Chris Weidman to retire following their recent losses at UFC 310. White expressed concerns about their performances and long-term health, emphasizing the importance of knowing when to step away from the sport. Guida, 43, suffered a quick submission loss, while Smith, dealing with personal grief, lost via TKO. Weidman, a former champion, was dominated by Eryk Anders and left the Octagon without announcing his retirement, despite White's repeated calls for him to do so.
The MMA community, including UFC fighters like Terrance McKinney, Sean O'Malley, and Jon Jones, celebrated Thanksgiving by sharing their festivities on social media. Many fighters took the opportunity to spend time with family and friends, while others, like Jon Jones, reminded followers of the importance of discipline and hard work even during the holidays. The celebrations were widely shared and discussed on platforms like Instagram and Twitter.
The article highlights 17 aspects of MMA to be thankful for in 2024, including the electrifying atmosphere in France, the dominance of fighters like Shavkat Rakhmonov and Francis Ngannou, and the contributions of figures like Andy Foster and Marc Ratner. It also celebrates the excitement around potential matchups, the role of referees, and the unique culture of MMA, while acknowledging the influence of personalities like Dana White and the phenomenon of recency bias in the sport.
The MMA Fighting Global Rankings have been updated following UFC 300, with significant changes in various divisions. Notable results include Tai Tuivasa defeating Marcin Tybura in the heavyweight division and Alex Pereira defeating Jamahal Hill in the light heavyweight division. The rankings also feature upcoming bouts and fighters receiving votes, with a panel of eight MMA Fighting staffers contributing to the rankings.
UFC CEO Dana White announced $300,000 performance bonuses for UFC 300 during the pre-fight press conference, after fighters called for increased bonuses for the historic event featuring 12 champions. The decision was made in response to the fighters' request, with $300,000 bonuses for "Performance of the Night" and "Fight of the Night" up for grabs, totaling $1.2 million in bonuses.
Ahead of UFC on ESPN 54, all fighters hit the scales at the host hotel, with one fighter, Julio Arce, missing the featherweight limit after gaining weight between attempts, causing frustration and disbelief from his team. Despite being fined 20 percent of his purse, the fight will continue as scheduled. The event features a pivotal women’s flyweight main event between Erin Blanchfield and Manon Fiorot, as well as a welterweight co-main event between Vicente Luque and Joaquin Buckley.
Fighters react with confusion, fear, and curiosity to news of a $335 million settlement in the UFC class-action lawsuit, with some expressing disappointment and suspicion about the amount. While some see it as a win for the UFC, others feel it missed an opportunity to change the promotion's business practices. Details on the settlement's distribution and impact on the sport remain to be seen, leaving fighters questioning the future and the possibility of meaningful change.
The UFC's parent company, TKO Group Holdings, has settled two class action lawsuits with a total payout of $335 million, causing a 7.84% increase in stock price. While the settlement likely means six-figure payouts for many fighters, it also surprised many that fighters would accept a settlement rather than insisting on their day in court. The settlement could lead to changes in standard UFC contracts, potentially benefiting fighters, but it's far from the total realignment of the sport that some had hoped for. The settlement also maintains the UFC's position as the unchallenged behemoth of MMA, and leaves questions about lasting changes and the future of fighters' associations.
Attorneys representing fighters in the UFC antitrust case are finalizing details of a $335 million settlement and seeking preliminary approval from the overseeing judge. Class members will have the opportunity to provide feedback or object to the settlement. The allocation of the settlement remains unclear, with attorneys expected to request around 33 percent for their fees. A "fairness hearing" to finalize the settlement agreement is anticipated to take place in September, and it is uncertain whether the settlement will include orders for the UFC to change its business practices.
The UFC's parent company, TKO Holdings, has agreed to a $335 million settlement in two class-action antitrust lawsuits filed by fighters alleging anti-competitive practices and suppressed wages. The settlement, reached just before a trial was set to begin, will benefit fighters who competed in the UFC from 2010 to 2021. Both parties have expressed satisfaction with the agreement, which is pending court approval.
The UFC has reached a settlement in antitrust lawsuits with a group of former fighters, agreeing to pay $335 million in periodic installments. The lawsuits alleged violations of the Sherman Act and claimed that the UFC's contract structure and business practices suppressed fighters' abilities to negotiate and explore other promotional options. The settlement brings litigation to a close, benefiting all parties involved, and the final terms will be submitted to the court for approval.
The parent company of UFC, TKO Group Holdings, has reached a proposed $335 million settlement to end long-running antitrust lawsuits, avoiding a trial and prompting mixed reactions from the MMA community. While some fighters see it as a win for the UFC, others express dissatisfaction and a desire for more transparency. The terms of the settlement have yet to be fully revealed, but the news marks a significant development in a story that could have potentially changed the MMA landscape.