MMA News: Volkanovski, Cruz and Schaub Make Headlines

October 29, 2026 15 Views by

The MMA world has rarely lacked drama, but the latest wave of headlines has touched nearly every corner of the sport, from championship ambitions and commentator controversies to long-standing grievances involving some of the biggest names in combat sports.

At the center of the discussion is reigning UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski, who is already looking toward another historic opportunity while several other controversies continue to divide fighters, analysts, and fans alike.

Alexander Volkanovski Eyes Lightweight Gold

Fresh off another successful featherweight title defense, Alexander Volkanovski has made it clear that his ambitions extend far beyond the 145-pound division.

The Australian champion recently revealed that he would be willing to challenge Arman Tsarukyan for a vacant UFC lightweight championship if current lightweight titleholder Justin Gaethje decides to retire rather than defend the belt. Volkanovski has even suggested he would vacate his featherweight title to pursue the opportunity.

Volkanovski’s confidence stems from a career built on defeating elite wrestlers and grapplers. Despite recognizing Tsarukyan as one of the division’s most dangerous contenders, “The Great” believes his takedown defense and overall skill set would make him a serious threat at lightweight.

Former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker has also voiced confidence in Volkanovski’s chances against Gaethje, praising his fight IQ, durability, and championship experience. Such support only adds momentum to conversations about Volkanovski potentially becoming a two-division champion.

Joaquin Buckley Blasts Dominick Cruz Over Eye-Poke Comments

One of the most heated debates in MMA right now revolves around eye pokes and fighter responsibility.

The controversy began after former UFC bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz suggested that fighters who get poked in the eye bear some responsibility because poor positioning and head movement can put them in danger.

Cruz specifically defended heavyweight champion Ciryl Gane against accusations of intentional fouling, arguing that elite defensive movement should reduce the likelihood of eye pokes.

Joaquin Buckley strongly disagreed.

Buckley criticized Cruz’s stance, arguing that such comments shift accountability away from fighters who extend their fingers toward opponents. Many fans echoed Buckley’s sentiments online, insisting that eye-poke prevention should remain the responsibility of the fighter initiating contact rather than the fighter receiving the foul.

The debate has reignited calls for stricter officiating and possible glove modifications to reduce accidental eye pokes in MMA competition.

Fedor Emelianenko Renews Feud With Dana White

Legendary heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko has reopened one of MMA’s oldest unresolved disputes.

After Dana White recently revisited the UFC’s failed attempts to sign Fedor during his prime, the Russian icon pushed back against White’s version of events. Emelianenko accused the UFC CEO of repeatedly changing his narrative regarding negotiations that could have produced a dream matchup against Brock Lesnar.

According to Fedor, UFC interest often surfaced only when he was already contractually committed elsewhere. He also criticized White’s business practices, claiming the longtime promoter has not remained consistent in his public explanations over the years.

The failed UFC-Fedor partnership remains one of the biggest “what if” stories in MMA history, as fans never got to see Emelianenko compete inside the Octagon during his competitive peak.

Tim Welch and Daniel Cormier Exchange Sparks Debate

Sean O’Malley’s head coach Tim Welch recently found himself at odds with UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier.

The disagreement emerged after Cormier discussed potential bantamweight title challengers and mentioned Song Yadong following Petr Yan’s championship victory. Welch questioned why O’Malley’s name was not immediately presented as the most logical next challenger.

Welch suggested that Cormier may have longstanding bias against O’Malley, while Cormier later clarified that production cues contributed to his comments during the broadcast.

Meanwhile, former UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping defended Cormier amid growing criticism from fighters and fans. Dominick Reyes has also publicly challenged aspects of Cormier’s commentary in recent weeks, contributing to a broader discussion about the role analysts play in shaping narratives around fighters and title contenders.

Matt Brown Questions UFC Interim Title Decision

Former UFC welterweight contender Matt Brown has joined the growing list of critics questioning the UFC’s latest interim championship.

The promotion recently booked Carlos Prates and Michael Morales to compete for an interim welterweight title after reigning champion Islam Makhachev declined an earlier return date.

Brown acknowledged fan frustration over inactivity but argued that Makhachev had earned the right to dictate certain aspects of his schedule after building an elite championship résumé. He was particularly critical of introducing another interim belt, pointing out that Makhachev defended his title only months ago.

According to Brown, interim championships should be reserved for situations involving lengthy absences rather than relatively short delays between title defenses.

Brendan Schaub’s Remarks Trigger Massive Backlash

Perhaps the most controversial story of the week involves former UFC heavyweight Brendan Schaub.

While discussing Islam Makhachev’s decision to postpone his next fight until after Ramadan, Schaub criticized both the champion and the UFC. However, the controversy intensified when Schaub expanded his criticism to Muslim champions more broadly, sparking immediate backlash across the MMA community.

The remarks drew strong reactions from fans, fighters, and executives, including longtime MMA manager Ali Abdelaziz, who publicly condemned the comments.

Many observers viewed Schaub’s statements as crossing the line from criticism of scheduling decisions into criticism based on religion. The fallout has become one of the most talked-about controversies in combat sports this week and has further polarized an already passionate MMA fanbase.

Final Thoughts

From Alexander Volkanovski pursuing double-champion status to renewed tensions involving Dana White, Dominick Cruz, Daniel Cormier, and Brendan Schaub, the MMA landscape remains as unpredictable outside the cage as it is inside it.

While championship opportunities and title fights continue to dominate headlines, the ongoing debates surrounding commentary, officiating, and fighter conduct demonstrate just how interconnected every aspect of the sport has become. As the UFC approaches another busy stretch of events, several of these storylines appear far from finished.

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MMA, UFC, Alexander Volkanovski, Arman Tsarukyan, Justin Gaethje, Robert Whittaker, Joaquin Buckley, Dominick Cruz, Eye Poke Controversy, Fedor Emelianenko, Dana White, Sean OMalley, Tim Welch, Daniel Cormier, Michael Bisping, Dominick Reyes, Carlos Prates, Michael Morales, Matt Brown, Islam Makhachev, Brendan Schaub, Ali Abdelaziz, UFC News, MMA News, Combat Sports

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