UFC Chaos, Callouts, and Title Ripples
This roundup covers UFC 329, Freedom 250, UFC Abu Dhabi, UFC Belgrade and UFC 331.
Islam Makhachev Targets August Return — With Ian Garry in His Crosshairs
Welterweight champion Islam Makhachev had indicated he wanted an August return against Ian Machado Garry. They met at UFC 330 on August 15, where Makhachev won by unanimous decision and retained the welterweight title.
Makhachev also picked Max Holloway to beat Conor McGregor in their UFC 329 rematch. Holloway won by first-round TKO after McGregor was unable to continue because of a knee injury.
In a moment that transcended the sport, Makhachev recently FaceTimed a young fan named Valentin, who is battling cancer, and personally invited him to attend his next fight. It was a rare glimpse of the champion outside the cage — and a reminder of the impact fighters can have beyond the Octagon.
UFC Abu Dhabi: Ankalaev Stops Guskov in Main Event
UFC Fight Night: Ankalaev vs. Guskov took place in Abu Dhabi on July 25. Khalil Rountree Jr. withdrew with an injury, and Bogdan Guskov replaced him. Ankalaev stopped Guskov by TKO in Round 5.
The originally announced co-main event was Umar Nurmagomedov vs. David Martinez, but that bout did not take place on this card. Nurmagomedov had fought earlier at UFC 324 in January 2026.
UFC Freedom 250 Results From the White House
UFC Freedom 250 took place on the White House South Lawn on June 14, 2026. Justin Gaethje stopped lightweight champion Ilia Topuria after Round 4 to win the undisputed title, and Ciryl Gane stopped Alex Pereira in Round 2 to claim the interim heavyweight title.
Michael Chandler also competed on the card, losing to Mauricio Ruffy by first-round knockout. The event was promoted as part of the celebrations surrounding the United States’ 250th anniversary.
Bogdan Grad Submits Dennis Buzukja at UFC Belgrade
Bogdan Grad and Dennis Buzukja fought at UFC Belgrade on August 1, 2026. Grad won by head-and-arm choke at 4:33 of Round 2.
The result gave Grad a second-round submission win on the UFC’s first event in Serbia.
Sean O’Malley Reflects on Viral Hokit–Topuria Moment
Former bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley addressed the viral confrontation involving Josh Hokit and Ilia Topuria, admitting he probably should have backed his teammate more assertively during the heated exchange. O’Malley’s comments add another layer to a storyline that refuses to cool off.
Anthony Smith Issues a Warning to Josh Hokit
Veteran contender Anthony Smith didn’t hold back when discussing Josh Hokit, expressing concern about the amount of damage Hokit has absorbed in recent fights. Smith urged him to think long‑term and protect his longevity — a rare moment of candid fighter‑to‑fighter guidance.
Ilia Topuria’s UFC Freedom 250 Title Fight
Then-lightweight champion Ilia Topuria headlined UFC Freedom 250 against Justin Gaethje on June 14. Gaethje won by corner stoppage after Round 4, taking the undisputed lightweight title from Topuria.
Arman Tsarukyan Returns to UFC Action
Lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan returned to UFC action at UFC 331 on September 19, 2026, where he knocked out Mauricio Ruffy with elbows at 4:56 of the first round.
Tsarukyan was not booked for the reported September BMF-title bout with Charles Oliveira; his UFC 331 opponent was Mauricio Ruffy.
The UFC Landscape Is Shifting Fast
These developments changed several UFC divisions over the summer, including title changes at lightweight and heavyweight and Makhachev’s successful welterweight defense.
Sources
- UFC news updates and fighter interviews
- UFC event announcements and athlete statements
- Training camp reports and athlete media availability
Article Tags
UFC, MMA News, Islam Makhachev, Ian Garry, Conor McGregor, Max Holloway, Magomed Ankalaev, Khalil Rountree Jr., Umar Nurmagomedov, Michael Chandler, Ilia Topuria, Arman Tsarukyan, Charles Oliveira, Sean O’Malley, Josh Hokit, UFC White House, UFC Abu Dhabi, UFC Serbia
