Shades of the infamous 4/1/2018 cancellation of the UFC 223 main event, also involving the great Khabib Nurmagomedov. In a bizarre, karmic turn of events, it appears we are closer than ever as of 4/1/26 to this much anticipated rematch.
This is not an April Fools joke. Both Khabib and Conor camps were approached by the UFC in late 2025 after the Paramount+ broadcast deal was finalized. The deal gained traction after Turki Al-Sheikh was looped into negotiations, I’m told.
More details to come.
DEVELOPING: There is a growing concern among Khamzat Chimaev’s camp and the UFC brass regarding Chimaev’s weight this week, I’m told.
While much could change, the UFC have flown in Reinier de Ridder to be on standby and weigh in as a backup if a replacement is needed.
#UFC319
In a shocking development of events, Dustin Poirier has left the MMA community in a frenzy after a cryptic post that indicates trouble may be brewing in the Poirier household.
Fans are left speculating what The Diamond meant by this concerning (and since deleted) statement.
Sources close to Chimaev’s camp confirmed that a lingering knee injury was re-aggravated in a sparring session last week, requiring surgery.
Another tough break for Khamzat, whose path to the title has had a lengthy history of being interrupted by health complications.
Khamzat Chimaev OUT of upcoming title fight against Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 319.
UFC is actively looking for a replacement for Du Plessis, with Nassourdine Imavov as the current frontrunner.
DEVELOPING: Dana White expected to step down from his position as UFC’s President and CEO in December.
UFC’s current Chief Business Officer, Hunter Campbell, is the frontrunner to assume the role. Several other candidates under TKO’s ownership umbrella are also in consideration.
This comes less than three weeks after Jones announced his retirement and vacated the heavyweight belt, promoting Aspinall to undisputed heavyweight champion.
Will mark Aspinall’s first official defense of heavyweight gold as undisputed champ.