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UFC Fight Night 267 Review

Posted on February 24, 2026 by Jack Latham

Fight of the Night

Chidi Njokuani vs Carlos Leal

Last weekend’s fight night in Houston, Texas, had a handful of entertaining fights, with the featured preliminary bout between Chidi Njokuani and Carlos Leal my pick for fight of the night.

Njokuani had won five of his previous nine UFC bouts prior to this matchup, with three of these victories coming via KO/TKO. However, a submission loss to Jake Matthews in July last year meant he faced Leal off the back of a loss.

As for Leal, he made his UFC debut in 2024 and suffered a controversial decision defeat at the hands of Rinat Fakhretdinov before beating Alex Morono by TKO in March 2025.

My name is Jack Latham.

I am 20 years old and am currently studying Sports Journalism at the University of Chester.

I became interested in combat sports, particularly MMA, in the lockdown period and have followed it closely ever since.

I have previously created my own website titled ‘Combat Corner,’ where I produce MMA content.

Prediction for the UFC 326 Main Event: Holloway or Oliveira?

Posted on February 23, 2026 by A. J. Riot

UFC 326 is expected to be an intriguing fight night in 2026, especially with Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira making headlines in a long-awaited rematch for the prestigious BMF (Baddest Mother F*er) title. This 2026 bout is a clash between two veteran MMA stars with different paths to the top. Let’s break down tactics, physicality, psychology, and fight scenarios.

March 2026 MMA Showdowns: Title Stakes, Betting Movement and the Fights That Matter Most

Posted on February 20, 2026 by A. J. Riot

March does not ease you into the year. It throws you straight into rematches with history attached, former champions fighting to stay relevant and contenders trying to force the rankings to move. From Las Vegas to London and Seattle, this month carries consequences.

The headline belongs to a fight ten years in the making. But the real story runs deeper than one rematch. It runs through divisional crossroads, market signals and the subtle tension between legacy and momentum.

WBC North Cyprus Turkish Republic Night

Posted on February 18, 2026 by Heather

WBC North Cyprus Turkish Republic Night

19 May 2026

The Arkin İskele Hotel – Nord Cyprus Turkish Republic

Ahmet Öner from Box Promotions and Burak Mataraci from Mega Fight Arena, are together organizing this event. Both gentlemen are under the WBC federation. The main event will be between Ahmed Krnjić and Mourad Aliev in the heavyweight division. Both are experienced southpaw boxers and well-known amongst spectators within their region.

Combat Sports & Martial Arts Writer| Director of Partnerships Marketing
I have been an avid viewer of Boxing and MMA for decades. Judo is the martial art that I most admire. At different periods in my life, I have practiced Judo. This piqued my interest in MMA since 2001. I had a 25 year career in healthcare and now I am pursuing my hobby and a new venture. Now I enjoy writing about combat sports and martial arts for FightMatrix.

www.fightmatrix.com

MMA Promoter and Former Fighter, Jadyson Costa of PFI

Posted on February 17, 2026 by Heather

Introduction

In this exclusive interview with Jadyson Costa, a seasoned MMA fighter and founder of PFI, we will delve into various aspects of Jadyson’s life. Such as, his early life in Brazil, his martial arts journey, and his thoughts on the evolution of modern MMA. Jadyson discusses his inspirations, standout bouts, and the motivation driving his MMA promotion. His stories and perspectives reveal what it takes to thrive in mixed martial arts. Read further to learn more about his experiences, philosophies, and the passion that drives him forward.

Combat Sports & Martial Arts Writer| Director of Partnerships Marketing
I have been an avid viewer of Boxing and MMA for decades. Judo is the martial art that I most admire. At different periods in my life, I have practiced Judo. This piqued my interest in MMA since 2001. I had a 25 year career in healthcare and now I am pursuing my hobby and a new venture. Now I enjoy writing about combat sports and martial arts for FightMatrix.

www.fightmatrix.com

Islam Makhachev Leads the Charge of the Octagon Anglers

Posted on February 17, 2026 by A. J. Riot

Before Islam Makhachev stepped into the octagon to chase the welterweight title at UFC 322, he was spotted spending his downtime chasing a different kind of prize. While in New Jersey, the man from Makhachkala in Russia was seen in Pell’s Bait and Tackle shop to gear up for a fishing trip.

Even with a massive title fight against Jack Della Maddalena looming at Madison Square Garden – a bout that would ultimately see the Dagestani Destroyer tie a new UFC record for the longest winning streak – Makhachev showed he’s never too busy to ignore his fishing passion for long.

UFC Fight Night 267 – Main Event Preview

Posted on February 15, 2026 by Vitaliy Vovk

Sean Strickland (#4 MW | #3 UFC) vs Anthony Hernandez (#7 MW | #4 UFC)

Toyota Center, Houston, Texas, United States

February 21, 2026

________________________________________

Context

The main event of UFC Fight Night 267 brings together two top-tier middleweights with contrasting styles and significant divisional implications. Strickland is a proven five-round veteran with extensive experience against elite competition. Hernandez enters as one of the division’s most physically imposing and surging contenders, riding strong momentum into this matchup.

The winner solidifies his position near the top of the rankings and strengthens his case in the title picture.

MMA Promoter | Event Organizer | Analyst

Founder & President of Real Fight Promotion (RFP) – one of the longest-running and most recognized MMA organizations in Ukraine. Organizer of 100+ MMA events. Contributor, analyst, and Trusted Promoter collaborating with leading global MMA platforms.

https://rfpromo.com/

What next for Paddy The Baddy after UFC 324?

Posted on February 13, 2026 by A. J. Riot

Image from Freepik.com

Following his loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC 324, MMA fans are already making predictions about what comes next for Paddy Pimblett.

The Baddy suffered his first defeat in the Octagon in Las Vegas, losing via unanimous decision after a five-round war that saw the American claim the interim lightweight championship. Gaethje will next face Ilia Topuria, expected sometime around the summer.

The result was contentious, especially after the eye gouge that many claim cost Pimblett the fight. The same thing happened to Tom Aspinall, a fellow Brit who suffered bilateral eye injuries from multiple eye pokes by Ciryl Gane back in October.

Gaethje was docked a point for an eye-poke in the opening round, but while some feel it was an influential moment, the Baddy was rocked throughout the contest.

The American went three for three on takedowns compared to Paddy’s zero from five, controlling the fight when it mattered most.

Pimblett did well not to get knocked out after claiming Scousers never get finished, something that would have followed him forever.

The Top 5 Canadian MMA Prospects to Watch in 2026

Posted on February 13, 2026 by A. J. Riot

4 November 2021; Georges St-Pierre, UFC Legend on Centre Stage during day three of Web Summit 2021 at the Altice Arena in Lisbon, Portugal. Photo by Diarmuid Greene/Web Summit via Sportsfile

Canada has been producing fighters at a steady clip for years, but 2026 feels different. The talent pool is younger, the finishes are coming earlier in fights, and several of these names are training under coaches who have already built UFC champions.

What makes this group worth paying attention to is that none of them appear close to hitting a ceiling. They are still getting better, and the records back that up. Tommy Morrisson sits unbeaten at 10-0 under Firas Zahabi at Tristar. Mike Malott has knocked out two straight opponents in the UFC welterweight division.

Charles Jourdain has submitted his last two opponents since dropping to bantamweight. Jasmine Jasudavicius just choked out a former champion. Adam Posener holds the BFL welterweight title at 6-0.

Glendal “Buckshot” Whitney: Missouri’s Undefeated MMA Prospect

Posted on February 6, 2026 by A. J. Riot

Missouri’s fight scene is surging in 2026, with one name leading the charge: Glendal “Buckshot” Whitney. A rising star with an undefeated record in regional MMA promotions, Whitney has captured the attention of fans across the state through aggressive striking, explosive finishes, and a relentless hunger to prove himself. Every match he wins adds weight to the belief that he is not just a hometown hero but a future contender on the national stage.

Fans supporting Whitney’s rise can add to the excitement by exploring the Fanatics Missouri promo code, giving them a chance to gear up responsibly while celebrating local sports talent.

Turkish Women’s Boxing is Making Waves!

Posted on February 3, 2026 by Heather

Busenaz Surmeneli (First Turkish Boxer to Win an Olympic Metal)

Women began boxing in Türkiye as early as the 1920’s. This came about due to foreign soldiers being in Istanbul. In 1924, female boxing was hitting the media. This soon started to diminish in popularity due to the newly founded Turkish Republic, in 1923. Boxing was viewed as unconventional for women to partake in. Women were seen as having enough equality by 1935, and the female boxing scene was put on hiatus. It took off again in the late 1990’s, when teams were formalized. In the 2000’s, Turkish women began boxing internationally.

Combat Sports & Martial Arts Writer| Director of Partnerships Marketing
I have been an avid viewer of Boxing and MMA for decades. Judo is the martial art that I most admire. At different periods in my life, I have practiced Judo. This piqued my interest in MMA since 2001. I had a 25 year career in healthcare and now I am pursuing my hobby and a new venture. Now I enjoy writing about combat sports and martial arts for FightMatrix.

www.fightmatrix.com

Is UFC 324 The Fight of the Year Already? Why Gaethje vs. Pimblett Changed MMA Forever

Posted on February 2, 2026 by A. J. Riot

When UFC 324 first came, many fans were excited. However, it was also perceived as a form of an unexpected matchup. Justin Gaethje is known as one of the most established and experienced lightweights in the sector. He was set to face Paddy Pimblett. Paddy was a fast-rising name popular for his overall confidence and skill set. Therefore, the matchup clearly set experience against momentum.

As the fight started, it became clear that there was something more to only entertainment. The bout raised major questions about modern MMA, like how fights are matched, how rankings are viewed, and how the sport rates popularity & competition. As the climax of the match came about, fans were already in a debate: Had UFC 324 delivered the fight of the year?

A Fighter’s Reflection: David Price on Boxing, Purpose, and Britain’s Next Heavyweight Era

Posted on January 30, 2026 by A. J. Riot

In a sport where titles come and go, true insight often comes from those who’ve stepped away from the ring. Former heavyweight contender David Price may no longer lace up gloves for competition, but his perspective carries the weight of experience, from Olympic highs and domestic pressure to brutal setbacks and public scrutiny.

In a recent interview with 247Bet, which was produced for boxing and MMA betting enthusiasts, Price offered a grounded, honest look at the state of heavyweight boxing today, the inner world of elite fighters like Tyson Fury, and the rising stars who carry the future of British boxing.

David Price has lived the sport from inside the ring and now offers a view many fans miss. As scheduled cards and live odds shape public perception of fighters, favourites, underdogs, and returning names alike, his perspective in this conversation focused on what the numbers don’t show.

UFC 325: Volkanovski vs Lopes Preview

Posted on January 29, 2026 by Jack Latham

Background

After the Paramount era got off to a bang last weekend with Justin Gaethje defeating Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight title, attention now turns to Australia and the heavily anticipated rematch between Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes.

Volkanovski currently holds the featherweight title after defeating Lopes in April 2025, after Ilia Topuria had vacated it to move up to the lightweight division.

Before being defeated by Topuria, Volkanovski had held the title for 1526 days, defeating the likes of Brian Ortega and Max Holloway on the way to securing five title defenses.

As for Lopes, he caught the eye of MMA fans in 2021 after losing via technical decision, due to an eye poke, against Joanderson Brito on Dana White’s Contender Series.

Despite his chance for a contract being cut short, the UFC eventually signed him, and he made his debut on five days’ notice against Movsar Evloev in May 2023.

Lopes then went on to defeat Ortega and Jean Silva to earn a shot at the gold, losing out via unanimous decision over five rounds.

But Lopes is determined to capture the title and this time maybe his fortunes will change…

My name is Jack Latham.

I am 20 years old and am currently studying Sports Journalism at the University of Chester.

I became interested in combat sports, particularly MMA, in the lockdown period and have followed it closely ever since.

I have previously created my own website titled ‘Combat Corner,’ where I produce MMA content.

UFC 324 — Gaethje vs. Pimblett

Posted on January 21, 2026 by Vitaliy Vovk

Interim Lightweight Championship (155 lbs)
January 24, 2026
T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

[#5][#4 UFC] Justin Gaethje (26–5–0) vs. [#8][#5 UFC] Paddy Pimblett (23–3–0)

Stylistic Breakdown

Justin Gaethje

Pressure-based striker with high output, emphasis on leg kicks and mid-range exchanges. Defensive wrestling and takedown awareness have improved, particularly against single-shot entries. Historically effective over extended durations. Primary risk area remains prolonged grappling sequences and transitional control.

Paddy Pimblett

Submission-oriented finisher with strong positional awareness in scrambles. Most effective when converting chaos into back control or dominant top positions. Striking output has increased, though defensive gaps remain, particularly against sustained pressure and leg-kick damage.

MMA Promoter | Event Organizer | Analyst

Founder & President of Real Fight Promotion (RFP) – one of the longest-running and most recognized MMA organizations in Ukraine. Organizer of 100+ MMA events. Contributor, analyst, and Trusted Promoter collaborating with leading global MMA platforms.

https://rfpromo.com/