UFC Baku Post-Fight Press Conference

The first fight is expected to begin at 9 a.m. ET. The main card is scheduled to start at Noon ET. Refresh the page for the lates results.

UFC Baku Official Results

MAIN CARD (Paramount+, Noon ET)

• Rafael Fiziev def. Manuel Torres via KO (punches) at 0:15, Round 2
• Shara Magomedov def. Michel Pereira via unanimous decision  (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
• Matheus Camilo def. Nazim Sadykhov via TKO (punches) at 1:31, Round 1
• Asu Almabayev def. Charles Johnson via submission (Suloev stretch) at 3:33, Round 3
• Ikram Aliskerov def. Brunno Ferreira via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
• Abus Magomedov def. Michal Oleksiejczuk via Submission (guillotine choke) at 3:25, Round 1

PRELIMINARY CARD (Paramount+, 9 a.m. ET)

• Farman Hasanov def. Eric Nolan via unanimous decision  (30–27, 30–27, 30–27)
• Abdul Rakhman Yakhyaev def. Julius Walker via KO (punches) at 0:08, Round 1
• Nursulton Ruziboev def. Andrey Pulyaev via Technical Submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:58, Round 1
• Kaan Ofli def. Javier Reyes via Submission (arm-triangle choke) at 4:16, Round 1
• Danil Donchenko def. Theodor Berggren via TKO (head kick and punches) at 1:35, Round 2
• Matsumoto def. Bekzat Almakhan via unanimous decision (29–28, 29–28, 29–28)
• Tahir Abdullayev def. Jefferson Nascimento via TKO (punches) at 4:28, Round 3

The two first fought at UFC Fight Night 26 in August 2013. McGregor defeated Holloway via unanimous decision in a featherweight bout. Since, the two have gone open to have legendary careers but are in very different places.

Holloway, 34, has competed and defeated some of the top fighters in the world in two different weight classes. McGregor, 37, has been sidelined since July 2021 after suffering a broken leg at UFC 264 in a trilogy bout against Dustin Poirier.

"Max is a durable fighter with great skill. Not on my level, however. I am a level about. In fact, multiple levels above," McGregor told UFC on Paramount+.

"Skill-wise, mental-wise, physical-wise. We're at 170 pounds. There's a few facets into this. Max has been a busy body in the game. In fact, he's the most time spent inside the octagon, eight and a half hours, which is a staggering of time. For me, I kind of look at it saying it means you can't finish people, you know. So, however he's never fought at 170 pounds. This is a 170-pound bout."

"If you're asking me what I have above him, speed, power, IQ, fitness, health, freshness," McGregor said. "He didn't lay a glove on me last time. I also tore my ACL. I tore it actually in the fight against the guy I'm going to fight. Midway through the second round I had to improvise my approach and adapt and overcome and that I did."

Neither are the same fighter they were 13 years ago but McGregor doesn't think Holloway has changed that much.

""Is he? Is he really," McGregor said about the Hawaiian being a different fighter today. "I don't see it. I don't see vast improvements. ... "I sonned Max when I fought him last, and I plan on doing the same again in more devastating fashion."

UFC Baku Ceremonial Weigh-In Video

Both Fiziev and Torres weighed in at 156 pounds for Saturday's featured fight. All other fighters successfully hit their marks.

Representing where it matters most 💪@RafaelFiziev | 156 lbs

[ #UFCBaku | LIVE JUNE 27 at 12pmET on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/Padx8R25Gn

— UFC (@ufc) June 26, 2026

Lookin’ to climb the lightweight rankings 😎

Manuel Torres weighs in at 156 lbs

[ LIVE JUNE 27 at 12pmET on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/mQMvMNLAOc

— UFC (@ufc) June 26, 2026

UFC Baku Official Weigh-In Results

MAIN CARD (Paramount+, Noon ET)

• Rafael Fiziev (156) vs. Manuel Torres (156)
• Shara Magomedov (186) vs. Michel Pereira (185.5)
• Matheus Camilo (156) vs. Nazim Sadykhov (156)
• Asu Almabayev (126) vs. Charles Johnson (125.5)
• Ikram Aliskerov (186) vs. Brunno Ferreira (185)
• Abus Magomedov (185.5) vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk (186)

PRELIMINARY CARD (Paramount+, 9 a.m. ET)

• Farman Hasanov (170.5) vs. Eric Nolan (170.5)
• Julius Walker (206) vs. Abdul Rakhman Yakhyaev (206)
• Andrey Pulyaev (186) vs. Nursulton Ruziboev (186)
• Kaan Ofli (146) vs. Javier Reyes (145.5)
• Theodor Berggren (171) vs. Daniil Donchenko (170.5)
• Bekzat Almakhan (136) vs. Jean Matsumoto (135.5)
• Tahir Abdullayev (170.5) vs. Jefferson Nascimento (171)

Following the fight, Topuria was transported to the hospital and it was revealed he suffered facial fractures and a broken nose. Lightweight contender Paddy Pimblett doesn't think "El Matador" will ever be the same.

"It's just Gaethje gets you into that dog fight, drags you into it. You know what I mean? And Ilia's never had that. Ilia's never had to come back from adversity. Ilia's only ever been the hammer. He's never been the nail," Pimblett said on MIGHTYcast. "I don't think Ilia Topuria ever comes back the same.

"His whole mindset, his whole like ego, you know what I mean? Like he is like, 'I'm undefeated. No one can beat me.' Having celebrations the night before the fight. I just don't think he'll ever be the same. He's never had to come back from nothing like that. I've had to face adversity before," continued Pimblett.

"Nothing can prepare you for it. That's the thing. And that's why I think he'll never come back the same. Nothing can prepare you for it. But we'll find out what sort of man he is if he does come back and when he does come back because as I say, I've been there before. I've been beat. You know what I mean? And I've had to come back stronger every time. And I have done. He's never been beat. He's never had to do this before. He's going to have to look at himself in the mirror and be like, 'What? I've just got my head smashed in. I need to come back.' And you never know. He might not have the cojones to do it."

“The Baddy” faces No. 5 ranked Benoit Saint-Denis in the UFC 329 co-main event on July 11 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and hopes to rebound from the loss to Gaethje.

Entering the white house to represent his country in front of the president, 'The Highlight' produced yet another unforgettable night under the lights. Up against the odds, which has become a familiarity, the Arizona native entered the octagon against an undefeated global superstar responsible for some of the biggest knockouts in recent history, Ilia Topuria. However, that didn't faze the 37-year-old, who dominated and earned a corner stoppage victory ahead of the fifth round, securing UFC gold.

With the title victory, there's not much left for Justin Gaethje to accomplish. With retirement rumors persisting, Gaethje has a choice to make. Fellow UFC great, Georges St-Pierre, believes retiring on top is the route Gaethje should favor at this stage of his career.

"He's the kind of guy that works really hard and he comes back from adversity," St-Pierre said. "It's really inspiring to see what he has accomplished."

In addition to being the undisputed UFC lightweight champion, Justin Gaethje has been a two-time interim UFC champ and has held the BMF belt following a knockout win over Dustin Poirier.

Gaethje's spoils of war are Hall of Fame worthy alone, but it's his bonus earnings that set him apart from his peers. Since arriving in the UFC in 2017, nobody has come close to his 17 post-fight bonuses. Astonishingly, Gaethje has the third-most bonuses in UFC history, behind both Donald Cerrone (18) and Charles Oliveira (21), despite competing over 20 times less than the pair.

Having achieved as much as he has, Georges St-Pierre believes there's no better time for Gaethje to leave the sport.

"You might not like what I'm going to say, but if I were him—because I like him—[I would retire]," St-Pierre continued. "I heard Demetrious Johnson say it, but that's what I would do. That would be an amazing ending. What else does he want to accomplish? He did it all. He did it all."

The decision to retire continues to plague MMA fighters. Unlike boxers, those competing in a cage have a harder time bringing an end to their careers for financial reasons.

Fighter pay has long been a discussion among mixed martial arts fans, with the company facing widespread backlash over the decades of its existence. Justin Gaethje recently suggested that the UFC create a new company and grant him equity, believing he deserves support from the promotion.

Gaethje's pursuit of long-term financial stability and passive income in a UFC-owned company that doesn't exist has raised suspicion among fans about his financial situation. If money is an issue, as it has been for many before him, Georges St-Pierre speculates whether that could be a key factor in his prolonged career in the octagon.

"Of course he will, you know, for money, if you stop now, you are under the impression that you're leaving money on the table, maybe," St-Pierre proceeded. "Because you're fighting for a title. I'm sure he can still beat a lot of guys. Maybe he can still go on a roll because he still can do it. But health, I think, is the priority, and also the fact that man, when you're a professional athlete in combat sport, it's very hard to retire on top because you're always tempted to see, oh, I can do one more, one more, one more, one more, one more, and you probably can do."

"But man, what a magnificent way to end a career it would be for him."

Listen to Georges St-Pierre's thoughts on Justin Gaethje and more in the video below.

On Tuesday, Poirier released a statement via social media admitting that he needs help to deal with alcohol. The Louisiana native retired from fighting in July 2025 after losing to Max Holloway via unanimous decision in a trilogy bout. Retirement hasn't been an easy transition for the 37 year-old.

"Some days I'm great, some days I'm not so good," Poirier posted on his Instagram stories. "If I'm not working towards something or trying to better my family I'm a danger to myself."

"I'm at a point where I need some help, walking away from fighting hasn't been easy on me an alcohol isn't the answer," continued Poirier. "It has ruined my father's life and I will not allow it ruin mine, my family deserves me 100%. I'm trying to do everything I can to get my mind right and take the right next steps."

Poirier's a future UFC Hall of Fame member. He fought UFC gold three times, the BMF title once, and captured the interim belt. Holds wins over five former UFC Champions: Max Holloway (twice), Conor McGregor (twice), Eddie Alvarez, Anthony Pettis and Justin Gaethje.

During the height of his career, 'The Diamond' was considered one of the best 155-pounders in the world. Competing for UFC gold three times, the BMF title once, and capturing the interim belt are just some of his milestones throughout his career, but he is struggling to adjust to retirement. After laying his gloves inside the octagon and bringing an end to his fighting days last year, the now 37-year-old has opened up about the challenges he has faced away from mixed martial arts.

Dustin Poirier revealed that time away from competition has resulted in him getting in his own head. Alongside that claim, a separate video emerged late last year, showing a heavily intoxicated Poirier making fight predictions, but his connection to alcohol is yet to break.

On Sunday, June 21 at 6:38 PM, police were called to a disturbance which involved Dustin Poirier. The Louisiana native was found drunk at an Atlanta airport, being aggressive toward staff and visibly upset when police arrived on the scene.

The altercation escalated once the law enforcement officer recognized him. Poirier became hostile, making threats and spewing profanity, almost to the point of being tazed.

While backup was rightfully called before the situation became physical and Poirier complied when put in handcuffs, seeing a man idolized by millions in such a state has been alarming for fans.

Once news came to light of his mishap on Sunday, the shoe-in UFC Hall of Famer offered an apology to his fans and promised to work on himself.

Watch the saddening footage of the events that led to Dustin Poirier's arrest in the video below.

Dustin Poirier got kicked off his flight and tried to fight a cop before getting arrested pic.twitter.com/PL9ydmhjN5

— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) June 23, 2026

"Michelle Obama is a man," he said to a mixed reaction from the crowd. His comment has drawn criticism from mainstream media outlets and legends in the sport, including former two-division titleholder Daniel Cormier. UFC CEO Dana White called Hokit's statement "disgusting."

Former UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis isn't a fan of Hokit's alter egos and schtick and considers it all a bit cringe.

"I think right now he's getting in his own way saying something stupid like that. I mean, freedom of speech one thing, but it's so irrelevant and it's, you know, it was so, it's not even something that people are talking about right now. Read the room," Du Plessis told Fight Forecast.

"It's not a topic that is of discussion. Such a random joke he tried to make that didn't land at all. I think it was a mistake, but I mean, he's new in the game and that's how we learn. I mean, if you say something and you like live by it, but that's not something anybody lives by. That was trying to be funny. And I don't think it worked out, so I think it's going to cost him. I think that comment is going to cost him."

Du Plessis praised Hokit's fighting ability and has been impressed with his recent performances over Lewis and Curtis Blaydes. As far as Hokit's persona, Du Plessis had some advice for "The Incredible Hok."

"I haven't seen anything like this before. I mean, maybe in WWE, but it's borderline being weird. It's borderline for me to, I don't want to watch it. Like, when he has the mic, I don't want to see it. It's too intense and the antics, it's too much. It's too much. I do believe so," Du Plessis said.

"I see what he's going for. Go for it. Maybe a Colby Covington, but he's trying too hard a little I think. Just turn it down a notch. Maybe like a Covington, between Covington and Chael Sonnen. That's what I see, but they got it. You know, when they did it, they did it right. I think he's trying to create something new and for me it's not working. But the fight style, I have no advice for him. Keep on going."

"Getting up and watching that, came in more motivated, you know. I went five rounds with Gaethje and was pushing the pace to the very end. I didn't quit. I kept coming forward to try and finish the fight, you know what I mean? And I think I won (rounds) three and five, so it would be three-two. One of the judges agreed," Pimblett said on his YouTube channel.

"And if a lot of things didn't happen in that fight like eye gouges, low blows, and him faking low blows, then it would have been a different fight. You've got to get on with it now. No point crying over spilt milk. I just hope I get to fight him again. As they say, he's the undisputed champion now. I went five rounds with the undisputed champion of the world."

"The Baddy" faces No. 5 ranked Benoit Saint-Denis in the UFCz 329 co-main event on July 11 and hopes to rebound from the loss to Gaethje. In a perfect scenario, Pimblett would defeat the Frenchman and earn a rematch with Gaethje, but the top of the division is filled with fighters awaiting their shot.

"I don't think it's a No. 1 contender fight. I think Arman [Tsarukyan] probably still the No. 1 contender but Justin said himself that Charles [Oliveira] has beat him before so he'd like to fight Charles again. Charles could end up getting the title shot. Perfect time to make Ilia versus Arman because Arman's been calling Ilia out for years. But there's so many different variables in the lightweight division now, you don't know," Pimblett said.

"I'd love to beat BSD and get a rematch with Justin but I can't really demand that after a one-fight win streak, so we'll just hav to see what happens over the next coming months."

Usman called for the fight months ago but it wasn't signed until now. Du Plessis, the No. 2 ranked contender in the division, justified facing Usman next instead of third-ranked Nassourdine Imavov.

"We've been talking about the fight a long time. He mentioned the fight way before we made the fight and I said, 'Well, cool. I'll take that fight.' Now people say, 'Why don't you fight Imavov?' I don't mind that fight either. I want to fight somebody that gets me to my title again," Du Plessis. told Fight Forecast.

"Kamaru Usman, yes, he's a bit older, but now you look at what [Justin] Gaethje just did. I mean, so that throws that argument out the window immediately. Kamaru Usman is arguably the best welterweight ever, you know, alongside Georges St-Pierre if you go on title defenses and all that. So, he started his career out at middleweight. He has a win over Sean Strickland. He had that very close fight with Khamzat Chimaev. And that's why I wanted this fight."

Du Plelssis wanted the stylistic matchup Usman brings to the table to show his grappling improvements. He didn't think Imavov would give him that opportunity.

"What's it going to mean for me to go out there and beat another striker? I've done that many times. I defended my belt against strikers. I've beaten the best, which is Strickland at middleweight twice. So, why go out there and fight another striker? People are going to be like, 'Yeah, okay, well, we know he can strike. What about the wrestling and grappling' because of my last fight," Du Plessis said.

"I want to go out there and prove what I've done. Prove, like I said, go out and figure this out and go show the problem that the middleweights have on their hands now because now I am more complete. And I was a complete fighter, but now I am complete in all areas and I can't wait to go and show that."

When he makes the walk to the octagon on July 18 at Paycom Center, it will have been 11 months since he last competed. Du Plessis said the layoff just lit a fire in him. He also claimed Usman didn't want to sign the bout agreement.

"It's been long. I was supposed to fight in April, got the injury, and man, I think that was all for a reason because the fire in me to get back in there is like never before. I'm feeling great. Camp is going great," he said.

"I know he didn't want to sign the contract. I know that for a fact. You know, I spoke to the UFC and they said, 'We finally convinced him to sign.' If you need convincing to sign, that's a problem. But, I can't blame him. I would also not want to fight me right now. It would be the smart move not to sign the fight, but, you know, let's go."

"As of June 22, 2026, the UFC will begin the transition of its official rankings from the traditional media panel towards Meta UFC Rankings, offering an innovative new approach to rankings determined entirely by fight data. In close collaboration, the two organizations came together to develop a new methodology for an objective and clear UFC athlete ranking system that fans and athletes can understand and trust," the fight promotion said in a press release.

“I’ve been unhappy with the rankings and always believed there had to be a better way,” said UFC President and CEO Dana White. “We’ve always been a company that runs toward technology and innovation and now we’ve worked with Meta to integrate it directly into our rankings system. I’m excited to see how this innovation can help change the sport for both the fans and the athletes.”

"I'm excited to work with Dana and the UFC to build a system that analyzes fighter performance at a much deeper level, helping create more transparent and accurate rankings," said Meta Founder and CEO, Mark Zuckerberg.

The Meta UFC  Rankings will be automatically calculated and updated by Monday following every official UFC event.

UFC to keep old ranking system as well

With the new "Meta Rankings," the UFC will have two ranking systems. The media panel rankings will continue to be update on the Tuesday after events and posted on the UFC website.

"I'm going to have both. I'm still going to do human, non-human, however you want to look at it, rankings. And I think neither will be perfect, but, you know, it will get us closer," White said during the UFC Vegas 119 Post-Fight Press Conference over the weekend.

It's been almost one year since 'The Diamond' decided to bring an end to his glistening career. After a legendary rivalry with Conor McGregor, an interim lightweight title victory, and 40 total fights inside the cage, the Louisiana native bowed out of the sport in his hometown, competing for the BMF title. The 37-year-old vowed to relish life away from competing, and a year following his final walk to the octagon, he seems to be doing just that.

After a spell away from the spotlight, Dustin Poirier seamlessly transitioned into media broadcasting, securing recurring roles as an on-screen UFC desk analyst alongside other notable MMA veterans. However, he has recently been making headlines for the wrong reasons.

Poirier was handed a misdemeanor and booked for public intoxication at 6:38 PM on Sunday. The former undisputed UFC title challenger was held for several hours before being released, a couple of hours before midnight.

Reports state that Dustin Poirier was out in Atlanta, Georgia, having a good time, drinking, and celebrating at local bars for Father's Day. Among those claims was Ben Askren, who posted evidence of a slightly drunk Poirier enjoying himself while wrestling with some of Askren's friends.

He was having a good time at the airport. Wrestled some of my friends 😂 https://t.co/D1GMLNsEmc pic.twitter.com/Hi4R5U0i5N

— Funky 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 (@Benaskren) June 22, 2026

A conviction for public drunkenness, confirmed as the reason for Dustin Poirier's arrest, could result in up to a one-year jail sentence or a fine. Poirier was expected in court on Monday morning to address the charge.

As the news broke, Dustin Poirier took to Instagram to share his thoughts with his fans. Poirier showed love to his supporters as concerns are beginning to grow regarding his relationship with alcohol and mental health post-retirement.

"Love you all," Poirier said on Instagram. "I'm working on myself."

'The Highlight' turned his clash with the previously undefeated superstar Topuria into a dog fight, an area of the game he relishes. Throughout the history of mixed martial arts, you would struggle to find somebody who thrives in the mayhem more than Gaethje does, and he often has the edge over his opponents anytime the bout reaches those chaotic moments. That remained the case during his last outing, despite having to endure punishment to get over the finishing line.

In the curtain closer at UFC Freedom 250, Ilia Topuria showed flashes of brilliance, hurting Justin Gaethje with body shots and almost finishing the fight. However, Gaethje believes his opponent's actions following his crippling liver hooks led to his demise.

"I told Trevor yesterday, I think him hurting me to my body was the reason, one of the main reasons I won," Gaethje said. "You know, when he hit me, when I dropped, it wasn't the first time he hit me in the body. That was probably like the fourth or fifth one. And he had landed some really clean shots, and he could probably sense that I was in trouble and hurt. And I think that fact made him dump everything because it was his last chance to take me out. And he almost did take me out."

After winning titles in two divisions and cementing himself as the number two pound-for-pound in the world, Ilia Topuria became an established knockout artist who would trouble anybody on the feet.

But even with Topuria's expertise in striking, he has more career submission victories than knockouts. While believing it caused his downfall, Gaethje understands why Topuria welcomed the grappling exchanges instead of keeping the fight standing.

"When I went down, it's always easier to make these decisions in hindsight, but when I went down, he's had way more submissions than he has knockouts," Gaethje continued. "So for him not to have that belief that he's going to be able to go down there, especially with the Khabib fight. Especially with the Charles Oliveira fight. Especially with all the negativity around my grappling, you know, I think he would have been foolish not to [go for the submission] because I would have stood back up. I would have stood back up and he would have charged forward, trying to finish me."

"I would have jumped on his legs, I would have pulled guard. He was going to end up on top of me no matter what. I wasn't going to sit there and trade with him again. I would have front-rolled into grappling situations or whatever. I would have made him cover me."

Alongside his own game plan and ability inside the octagon, Justin Gaethje attributes his win to Ilia Topuria's mistake, using Shane Carwin's infamous energy crash against Brock Lesnar as the prime example.

"I think me getting hit is what made him completely blow his [tank], Shane Carwin-esque," Gaethje stated. "Blow his tank and go for the win. And I think that was the choice he had to make because it was going to continue to get worse. I beat his ass in the first round. Like, it might have been close on the scorecards. I absolutely took the first round, but the amount of damage that I inflicted in the first round set up the rest of the fight."

Listen to Justin Gaethje and Joe Rogan recall the title-winning performance at UFC Freedom 250 and more in the video below.

McGregor put on a clinic, finishing Alvarez in the second round. Look back at "Notorious" joining the multi-division UFC champion.

McGregor returns to the octagon on July 11 after five years on the sidelines. He faces former featherweight champion and BMF titleholder Max Holloway in a rematch. The two. headline UFC 329 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

For Du Plessis, it will be his first fight since losing the belt to Khamzat Chimaev last August. "Stillknocks" will be looking to rebound and remain in the top tier of the division.

Usman has been out of action for a year. He last fought in June 2025, defeating Joaquin Buckley via unanimous decision. "The Nigerian Nightmare" didn't compete at all in 2024. At 39, Usman wants to make one last run at a UFC championship. A win over the former champion could land him the opportunity.

The event will mark the promotion's third visit to Oklahoma City and their first trip to Oklahoma's capital since 2017.

Kape made the walk to the octagon riding a three-fight winning streak and ranked No. 2 in the division. Horiguchi carried with him a seven-fight winning streak to the octagon and was ranked No. 5 in the weight class. On the line was a likely a title shot against champion Joshua Van.

The two first fought in the Rizin World Grand Prix 2017: Final Round. Horiguchi defeated Kape via arm-triangle choke, but that was nearly a decade ago.

The two touched gloves and Horiguchi landed first with an outside leg kick. He went to the body with one that was partially caught. Kape responded with a leg kick. They felt each other ut for minute. Horiguchi went to the body with a kick and landed a right hand. Kape connected with a counter right. They traded left hands at the midway mark. Horiguchi delivered a hard leg kick. Kape moved in with a left. Horiguchi looked to get the fight to the ground but Kape defended the attempt. Kape switched back and forth with stances. Horiguchi connected to the body with a kick. Horiguchi changed levels and Kape moved forward and put Kape on the ground. MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for Horiguchi.

They were measured to start the second frame. Horiguchi stepped in with a teep kick. Kape responded with a leg kick. Horiguchi landed a left hand that got Kape's attention. Horiguchi caught a leg kick and took Kape down 90 seconds into the round. He worked for the half guard position. Horiguchi delivered short punches but Kape did a good job of controlling Horiguchi's arms. He delivered elbows from the bottom. Kape re-established his guard. Horiguchi postured up and connected with a right hand. He landed a couple of big left hands in the closing seconds. MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for Horiguchi.

Horiguchi pressed forward with a right hand. Kape responded and they exchanged. Horiguchi found a home with a right hook. Kape threw a leg kick and Horiguchi checked it. Kape looked in pain. Kape connected with a right hand that hurt Horiguchi. Kape kept the pressure on and delivered left hands until Horiguchi went limp and the referee stepped in.

The official time of the TKO stoppage was 2:42 of the third round. Kape avenged the previous loss and likely earned a title shot.

STARBOY GETS IT DONE 🤩@ManelKape earns the RD3 TKO!

[ #UFCVegas119 | LIVE NOW on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/5vTvULt3hp

— UFC (@ufc) June 21, 2026

A flyweight rematch between former RIZIN Bantamweight Champion Manel Kape and former UFC flyweight championship challenger Kyoji Horiguchi headlined the fight card. 

UFC Vegas 119 Post-Fight Press Confernce

Follow along for the live results. The first fight is expected to begin at 5 p.m. ET. Refresh the page for the latest outcomes.

UFC Vegas 199 Official Results

MAIN CARD (Paramount+, 8 p.m. ET)

• Manel Kape def. Kyoji Horiguchi via TKO (punches) at , 2:42, Round 3
• Navajo Stirling def. Ion Cutelaba via TKO (punches) at 3:23, Round 2
• Christian Rodriguez def. Hyder Amil via submission (guillotine choke) at 3:44, Round 1
• Murtazali Magomedov def. Melsik Baghdasaryan via submission (twister) at 1:17, Round 1
• Vinicius Oliveira def. Andre Fili via TKO (elbows and punches) at 4:56, Round 2

PRELIMINARY CARD (Paramount+, 5 p.m. ET)

• Kevin Borjas def. Andre Lima via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
• Bia Mesquita def. Melissa Mullins via submission (armbar) at 3:16, Round 1
• Mitch Raposo def. Allan Nascimento via split decision  (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
• Gaston Bolanos def. Michael Aswell via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
• Levan Chokheli def. Leon Shahbazyan via TKO (leg kick and punches) at 0:23, Round 1
• Luana Santos def. Karol Rosa via unanimous decision (30-37, 30-27, 30-27)
• Shane Collins def. Otari Tanzilovi via unanimous decision (30–27, 30–27, 30–27)

Cutelaba made the walk to the octagon coming off a submission win over Oumar Sy in his last outing in March. He had won four of his last five fights and looked to build on the momentum. Stirling entered the fight having never tasted defeat in his nine-fight career.

Cutelaba moved forward and missed with a huge right hand. They clinched and worked for position along the cage. Cutelaba applied a guillotine choke. He pulled Stirling to the ground and mounted him. Stirling escaped and worked his way back to his feet but they remained in the clinch. Cutelaba tripped Stirling back to the ground but he quickly got to his feet and separated. Stirling connected with his right hand. Cutelaba pressed forward with punches but came up short. Midway through the round they were in the clinch along the cage. They changed positions a few times before Cutelaba tripped Stirling to the canvas. Stirling got to his feet but ate a short elbow. Stirling went to the body with a hard right hand. Cutelaba answered with a left hook. The round ended with the fighters in the clinch. MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for Cutelaba.

Cutelaba came out in the second using leg kicks. Cutelaba pressured Stirling. He connected with a right hand but Stirling responded with an elbow. Stirling stepped in the pocket with a left hook. He looked to get the fight to the ground. He secured a takedown but Cutelaba quickly got to this feet and applied a kimura. Stirling got his arm free but Cutelaba connected with punches as Stirling worked to stand. Cutelaba drug Stirling to the ground but Stirling immediate stood and separated. He connected with a right hand. Cutelaba changed levels and put Stirling on his back. Stirling gained top position and stood over Cutelaba and unloaded punches. Cutelaba was against the fence and not defending himself. The referee stepped in to stop it.

The official time of the TKO stoppage was on the 3:23 of the second round. With the win, Stirling remained undefeated and wants to return this fall.

MAKE IT 5 🤯@NavajoStirling earns the RD2 TKO to keep his perfect record!#UFCVegas119 | LIVE NOW on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/t6BR3qUK3x

— UFC (@ufc) June 21, 2026

Rosa, a seven-year UFC veteran, came into the bout coming off a decision win over Nora Cornolle last August. She was the more experienced fighter, making her octagon debut befor Santos made had her first professional fight.

Santos entered the octagon riding a two-fight winning streak. She was 5-1 in her six octagon appearance heading into the contest. The 26 year-old looked to expand her winning streak and pick up a solid win in the division.

Rosa took the center of the cage but Santos landed first with a kick to the body. She closed the distance and tied Rosa up along the cage. She delivered knees to the body and legs. Santos worked hard to get the fight to the ground but was unable to. Rosa eventually circled out. Santos connected with a body kick. A right hand from Santos got Rosa's attention. Rosa fired back and Santos responded with a combination. Late in the round Santos secured a takedown and landed in side control. She delivered short left hands for the remaining moments. MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for Santos.

Rosa pressured Santos to start the second frame and landed a kick to the body. Santos changed levels and put Rosa on her back 30 seconds into the round. She delivered a right hand and quickly moved to half guard. Santos connected with short right hands to the body and head. Rosa remained flat on her back offering little effort to improve the position. Santos continued to pepper Rosa with punches. MMAWeekly scored the frame 10-9 for Santos in a dominant round.

Rosa again pressured Santos to start the round. She landed her jab and Santos quickly worked to get the fight to the ground. Rosa defended the attempt but couldn't escape the grasp of Santos. Midway through the frame and Santos finally got Rosa to the canvas and took her back. She controlled Rosa for the remainder of the fight. MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for Santos.

The judges scored the fight for Santos via unanimous decision. The scorecards read 30-27, 30-27, and 30-27.

Several threats were in place to derail the UFC White House event, with countless lives put at risk should the terrorists' ill-advised ideas unfold. A coordinated drone attack was to be followed by a sniper assault on the fleeing civilians. Thankfully, the FBI and Secret Service quickly moved to disrupt the security threats, preventing a potential mass murder, and allowing the President to enjoy the fights on his 80th birthday.

Also in celebration of 250 years of America's independence, Dana White was glad the event went ahead and is pleased with what he and his team were able to achieve with one of the biggest sporting events in history.

"It was incredibly special," White said days removed from the White House card. "I mean, being there live and experiencing it. And like I said going into this thing, my goal for this was, this is America's 250th birthday. If you are left, if you are right, if you are down the middle, this was not a political event. It was an American event."

"And if you are an American and you love your country, I wanted you to feel proud. Everybody could sort of watch together and feel, you know, the history of this country. Again, I have a hard time articulating what this thing really was and how it felt and what it meant..."

"One of the greatest interviews I've seen is [Alexander] Volkanovski, who says, 'I'm not even an American. I'm Australian and it was such an incredible experience to be there.' That's what I was trying to deliver on Sunday to Americans. And the fact that an Australian felt that way, I'm obviously very proud of that."

A true once-in-a-lifetime event blossomed last Sunday. Each of the seven fights ended via stoppage, while one of the biggest upsets in sports history unraveled in the main event, as the American, Justin Gaethje, fighting to represent his country, having failed to capture undisputed gold to this point, entered the fight as a huge underdog and managed to dethrone the then-undefeated knockout artist, Ilia Topuria, to become the UFC lightweight champion of the world.

A rough weather warning was miraculously avoided when a worrying storm somehow wrapped around the octagon setup on the White House south lawn, leaving the area unscathed despite prior doubts.

Amid the chaos, the FBI deserves much credit for halting the terrorist plan that was directed toward UFC Freedom 250. After proceedings, Dana White revealed that he knew of the main plot and some subplots and was kept updated throughout the showcase.

"There was more than that [plot]. There was more than that," White claimed. "And yes, I was in the loop on all of the stuff that was happening in real time. These are the kind of events that bring the nuts out. You know what I mean?" White continued. "These are, yeah. This is normal stuff."

Dana White gave flowers to law enforcement for the work they put in to keep everybody safe last weekend, allowing the event to go ahead unchallenged.

Despite being the target of many threats, White insisted that Washington, D.C., was the safest place to be in America when the historic card got underway.

"The FBI is so good. I mean, these guys are so good at what they do. I mean, the up-to-date things that I had during, you know, the week of the fight. These guys are incredible."

"Listen, here's the reality. There was no safer place in America to be on Sunday night than in [Washington,] DC."

Horiguchi weighed in first and tipped the scales at 125 pounds. Kape came in one pound heavier at 126.

One fighter missed weight. Kevin Borjas came in three pounds heavy for his flyweight bout against Andre Lima weighing in at 129 pounds. The fight will proceed as planned with Borjas being fined 20% of his fight purse.

UFC Vegas 119 Official Weigh-In Results

MAIN CARD (Paramount+, 8 p.m. ET)

• Manel Kape (126) vs. Kyoji Horiguchi (125)
• Ion Cutelaba (205.5) vs. Navajo Stirling (205)
• Hyder Amil (145) vs. Christian Rodriguez (145.5)
• Melsik Baghdasaryan (145.5) vs. Murtazali Magomedov (146)
• Andre Fili (145.5) vs. Vinicius Oliveira (145.5)

PRELIMINARY CARD (Paramount+, 5 p.m. ET)

• Kevin Borjas (129)* vs. Andre Lima (126)
• Bia Mesquita (136) vs. Melissa Mullins (135.5)
• Allan Nascimento (126) vs. Mitch Raposo (125.5)
• Michael Aswell (146) vs. Gaston Bolanos (146)
• Karol Rosa (135.5) vs. Luana Santos (136)
• Levan Chokheli (170.5) vs. Leon Shahbazyan (170.5)
• Shane Collins (145.5) vs. Otari Tanzilovi (145)

*Kevin Borjas missed weight by three pounds

'Poatan' was one win away from being the only fighter in UFC history to capture gold in three separate weight classes. Knocking out Israel Adesanya and Jiri Prochazka to capture both the middleweight and light heavyweight titles, Ciryl Gane stood in the way of greatness. Unfortunately for the Brazilian, it wasn't to be, but the loss didn't come without controversy. After being dropped, Pereira was subject to multiple illegal shots to the back of his head, and the referee has come under fire for allowing those strikes to go unpunished.

This wouldn't be the first time Herb Dean has been at fault for costly mistakes inside the octagon, but Alex Pereira isn't prepared to make peace with the official. Pereira believes that without the barrage of illegal strikes, he would have been able to recover as he has done several times before in his fighting career.

Pereira claimed he would push for Herb Dean never to referee one of his future fights. The former UFC champion also shared what punishment should be in place for Dean's alleged sloppy officiating.

"Something's got to be done," Pereira said. "But one thing I'll tell you, I think his time is up. I think he already did enough, and just like on a regular 9-to-5, on a regular business, he's been there for too long already, and now he's starting to mess up. Maybe he shouldn't be there anymore. Something's got to be done so people don't end up getting hurt because of him."

"Let's say that there was a punishment. The guy goes over there, Herb stops that fight [and] takes a point or whatever. The guy's going to complain but he should say, 'You knew you're not supposed to do this and you still done it.' But now when nothing is done, the guy's going to go, 'You know what, I'm just gonna do what I'm gonna do because he's not going to stop this fight. So then, I'll do whatever it takes to become a champion.'"

However, Herb Dean contested Pereira's claims in a video released on social media. Dean insisted each shot from Ciryl Gane was legal, and there were no grounds for complaints.

"All respect to both fighters, I'm talking about Gane and Pereira; amazing fight," Dean said. "The rule we're talking about is the back of the head, and that's confusing. It's different from boxing. The way we enforce this rule is we focus on the nape of the neck. That's really what the rule should be called."

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Herb Dean's explanation, which revealed that a small section at the back of the head is off-limits rather than the entire back of the head, didn't go down well with Alex Pereira.

"That doesn't really make sense," Pereira said in response to Herb Dean. "He kind of changed the line for his favor, even when he made those little lines. So, it's the same as saying, 'I'm going to put a little coin and say this is the area that cannot be hit.' Do you know the size of somebody's hand to be hit on the back of the head?"

Pereira's coach, Cruz, considers Dean's justification video to be incriminating, with too many inconsistencies.

The pair later went over a conversation they had with Herb Dean during the pre-fight rules meeting. Cruz was used to translate a specific warning to the referee about Ciryl Gane's history of unlawful tactics inside the cage, which was seemingly ignored once the fight unfolded.

Alex Pereira then turned his attention to Gane, sharing his opinion on the Frenchman's style.

"I'm not going to say [he 's a dirty fighter]," Pereira continued. "It's just like I said before, I think it's just his survival instinct. He gets a little desperate. In his mind, he's desperate, and he just does these kinds of things. But he knows what he's doing."

Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou couldn't pass up on the opportunity to place a bet on Gaethje to win and cashed in when Topuria's corner threw in the towel following the fourth round.

"I knew. I put my money on Gaethje," Ngannou told TMZ Sports. "I bet on Gaethje. You know, I saw the odds and I'm like, 'Something is wrong with this bookmaker.' Like, 'What's wrong?' Like, this is Justin Gaethje, man. Like, I mean, even when the guy lost, he always shows up and gives you the show. Put on the show. And then he's a guy that he's good at taking people so out. You know? And then I was like, he's been knocked out. Like, why? You know? No, I put money on Gaethje."

Ngannou didn't reveal how much money he placed on Gaethje but it was enough to make him a happy man.

"Thanks to him, I'm having a wonderful day. I'm having a beautiful week," Ngannou said. "I put some money on him. Not a million dollars."

Ngannou parted ways with the UFC in 2023 after failing to come to terms with the fight promotion on a new contract. After a stint in boxing where he fought Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, Ngannou returned to mixed martial arts in May, defeating Philipe Lins on the MVP MMA: Rousey vs. Carano fight card.

Makhachev captured the welterweight title at UFC 322 last November, defeating Jack Della Maddalena via unanimous decision in a one-sided fight. It was the Russian's welterweight debut after relinquishing the lightweight crown. With the win, Makhachev tied the record for the longest win streak in UFC history with 16. He's currently ranked as the top pound-for-pound fighter in the world.

Garry will make the walk to the octagon on Aug. 15 riding a two-fight winning streak. He defeated former champion Belal Muhammad by unanimous decision in his last outing. The lone blemish on his record came to Shavkat Rakhmonov by unanimous decision in December 2024.

The event will mark the promotion's fourth visit to Philadelphia.

Dern won the championship at UFC 321 last October, defeating Virna Jandiroba by unanimous decision. She'll enter the her first title defense riding a three-fight winning streak.

Robertson will make the walk to the octagon inside Xfinity Mobile Arena carrying with her a five-fight winning streak. The Canadian last felt defeat in June 2023. The matchup pits two submission specialists against each other.

Dern, a jiu-jitsu world champion, has won half of her mixed marital arts bouts via submission. Robertson holds the record for the most submission wins in UFC women's history with seven.

Outside the octagon, McGregor is known to skate around the rules from time to time, but has always upheld a professional standard in his career. Never missing weight despite fighting in three separate divisions and earning the coveted clean jacket, formerly awarded by USADA to fighters with 50 negative results, are just some of the milestones the Irishman has had throughout his time under the UFC banner. But, half a decade after his last fight inside the cage, the 37-year-old is being hit with a substance allegation.

PEDs are strictly prohibited within professional combat sports, with athletes caught taking them facing serious, career-altering consequences. The UFC is among the major sports organisations that ban anabolic steroids, growth hormones, and other performance enhancers, hoping to keep their company free from those attempting to gain an edge on their competition.

However, though banned from use, performance-enhancing drugs are beneficial to men and women suffering from severe physical trauma. After enduring one of the worst injuries the octagon has ever witnessed, Conor McGregor required surgical intervention. Many were unsure whether 'The Notorious' would ever fight again after the leg break, and five years later, it looks like the wait is finally over.

But, to get to this stage and return to fighting, McGregor performed an act that is now dividing opinion. A recent, in-depth, bombshell New York Times investigation alleged that McGregor used "powerful, banned drugs" to recover from the injury he sustained during his outing against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264. Responding to those rumors, McGregor said:

"Shocking. Shocking. A man's private medical," McGregor said. "The most devastating injury that you'll see in combat sport. The whole thing is strange to me; you have an injury like that, you're not going to walk again. The objective should be to get that athlete, that fighter, who has given his life, his limb, his livelihood for the entertainment of the people and the profit of the company, it should be to get this man back on his feet."

"And that was not the case. Not with the UFC, but with the former body that was there prior. And I find that strange and I find that wrong."

Recovering from the sickening leg fracture was Conor McGregor's sole focus. McGregor removed himself from the testing pool and bypassed drug-testing rules to blindly take whichever substance was prescribed, with his health the only factor important to him at that time.

"All I cared about was, you know, I'm airlifted out of this f***ing arena with my leg hanging off. How am I going to walk again? A bar? Do this, do that? Do it. That's it. And that was that. So the fact that five years after the fact, I find it strange to be honest. And I feel the game should change to accommodate a situation like that."

"If a doctor is prescribing certain medications and certain things to come back, otherwise you're not going to walk again. There's like a 20% chance that that leg doesn't join together again. It's called a non-union where the bone doesn't join. You're left on a wobble forever. That's what's at stake here? F*** this fighting game, are you crazy? I have children to raise and play with."

"So, I was a bit shocked that that was the case, but whatever. I took myself out of the pool, listened to my doctors, I didn't ask questions. I don't even know. If you're going to ask what I was on, I don't even know. I don't know. I don't want to know. All I want to know is what's going to get me back to my f***ing feet to be able to play with my children in a normal capacity again."

The investigation triggered a Major League Baseball inquiry into Dr. Neal ElAttrache, the head physician for both the Los Angeles Dodgers and the NFL's Los Angeles Rams.

Dr. ElAttrache was sought out by Conor McGregor after his injury in 2021. However, the renowned surgeon came under fire after referring the UFC ace to a bone-healing metabolism specialist, who later prescribed McGregor with the banned substance.

The UFC has held three "Fight for the Troops" events in the past taking the octagon to military installations. In 2027, the fight promotion plans to bring them back.

"The president and I are talking about doing a Fight for the Troops next year," UFC CEO Dana White said during the UFC Freedom 250 Post-Fight Press Conference. "We did a lot of them in the past. We used to work with the Fisher family who were very dialed in with the military and could get things done easily.

"It's not easy to get things done on military bases and things like that, but when we had the Fisher family and then obviously the president can make things happen. So, we're talking about doing it next year. He (the president) wanted to do it this year and I said, 'Sir, I need a year to recover financially from the White House fight.' So, give me a year."

The last "Fight for the Troops" event took place in November 2013 at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. While not officially labeled a "Fight for the Troops" event, the first UFC fight card to take place on a military base was in 2006 at the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in California.

Pereira was knocked down by a stiff jab and Gane followed him to the canvas unleashing a series of strikes. Pereira worked his way back to his feet but absorbed what appeared to be illegal blows to the back of the head. "Poaton" accused the Frenchman of working outside the rules in a frenzy to get the finish.

Heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall watched the fight live and agreed with Pereira. He pointed out the alleged illegal punches and elbows as they happened.

"They look a bit illegal," Aspinall said while watching Pereira try to get back to his feet. "They look very illegal. What is going on? ... I'll have to watch that again and see. It looked like there was a lot of illegal elbows going on. And illegal punches."

The interim title fight between Gane and Pereira was made because Aspinall continues to recover from injuries suffered in his UFC 321 title defense against Gane last October. Late in the opening round, Aspinall was poked in both eyes by Gane and rendered unable to continue. He's yet to be cleared to spar but expects clearance to come soon.

Gane finished Pereira in the second round after dropping Pereira with a stiff jab. It began a sequence that ended with Pereira out on his feet. The former two-division titleholder called the shot "lucky."

"In the fight I felt really good. My training, we had a super camp, everyone helping me. I was feeling really good just that I've never fought at that weight, but I felt good in the octagon," Pereira said on his YouTube channel.

"Unfortunately the punch landed, that jab. Like I said. it's heavyweight. The punches are stronger. But I would say it was a lucky jab, a lucky shot because if you throw it closing your eyes and lowering your head, cool, the shot landed. That's where everything started. That's where it started going well for him. But it was a lucky jab. After he took advantage and started landing heavy shots.

While Pereia was on the mat trying to cover up and get back to his feet, Gane hammered away with punches and elbows. Pereira alleged several of Gane's strikes landed to the back of the head and were illegal.

"After the jab I dropped. I grabbed his legs. It was there, throwing elbows and punches. He's desperate. He threw a shot that he didn't even believe in and he wanted to finish the fight in whatever way," said Pereira. "He always does that. Multiple fights. If you look at his highlights that's what you'll see all the time. I was being careful about that, finger in the eye, kick to the groin. That there isn't supposed to happen, but it does. Even I could potentially do that but not because I meant to. It's a contact sport. But on the back of the head?

"A punch to the back of the head, you're right there, man. You have to be seeing it. But that was the opportunity of a lifetime for him. And the referee was right there to see it"

Heading into the matchup, Pereira was worried about what he saw as Gane's tendency to break the rules in the past. He said he spoke with the referee during backstage instructions about it. He also claimed the allegedly illegal shots played a role in the outcome of the fight.

"If you watch the footage, man, multiple shots there, multiple elbows," Pereira said. "Okay, sure. The Jab. But given everything that happened illegal. I was getting up. It became difficult to recover. But I believe that if it wasn't for those shots I'd be in that situation and could have possibly recovered. Maybe not, but they were very hard shots and illegal. Illegal shots."

As the dust settles on a historic night at the White House, several key talking points have surfaced. Most are directed toward fighters at the top of the bill, with questions being raised about what's next for the likes of Ilia Topuria and Alex Pereira following their defeats. However, Tsarukyan believes there are pressing issues that other competitors present at the event need to address.

Retirement is always an uncomfortable conversation for lifelong athletes in all avenues of sport. Competition is ingrained in their DNA, and many find it difficult to walk away from, often spending more than half their lives forging a career. But as age catches up to those sportsmen and women and results begin going against them, the thought of adapting to life away from their respective sport becomes ever-present.

Suffering his fourth straight loss at UFC Freedom 250, Arman Tsarukyan considers it time for Michael Chandler to lay down the gloves.

"How [do] they let Michael Chandler fight?" Tsarukyan said. "Please cut him. Just fire him. Tell UFC they got to fire him..."

"Yeah, [they 've got to cut him] because he is losing all of his fights."

Despite having a less-than-successful stint over the past few years and winning just two of his eight fights since making the switch to the UFC, Tsarukyan wasn't entirely critical of Michael Chandler.

Love him or hate him, Chandler has managed to keep in exceptional shape at 40, earning the respect of Tsarukyan.

"To have a physique like that at 40 years old is something crazy, you know," Tsarukyan continued. "I would like to have the same body when I am going to be 40."

Listen to Arman Tsarukyan's full interview and more below.

Following Sunday's TKO win, Gane called for a rematch against the champion to take place in his hometown. "Next, everybody knows already. Let's do that in Paris in September," the Frenchman told Joe Rogan in his post-fight UFC Freedom 250 Octagon Interview.

On Monday, Aspinall agreed to the September matchup with Gane in Paris on his YouTube channel. "Paris in September? I'll do that. I'll do that," Aspinall said. "Let me know. ... I don't mind. I'll go to Paris. Let me know. I'll be there."

Gane and Aspinall first fought at UFC 321 last October. The fight ended late in the opening round and was ruled a no contest. A double eye poke rendered Aspinall unable to continue and the champion retained his belt. He continues to recover from an eye injury suffered from the pokes but expects to be cleared to spar in the near future.

"Ciryl Gane in Paris. Let's Go," said Aspinall.

The UFC was the talk of the town in Washington, D.C., on Sunday. The combat sports promotion took over the White House and showcased the very best they had to offer in what is being considered a true one-off show on the Presidential residence south lawn. Weather scares and federal lawsuits threatened to disrupt in the weeks prior, but a much more sinister outcome was reportedly prevented on June 14.

The FBI and Secret Service were quick to respond, thrwarting a coordinated terrorist act involving an estimated 23 people intending to target UFC Freedom 250. The criminals allegedly planned to bomb nearby buildings using weaponized drones, hoping to cause a mass evacuation and lure those fleeing the destruction toward a pre-staged sniper team.

Following the first attack, a second wave was planned, which would see the terrorists storm the White House gate amid the commotion, according to reports.

As of Monday, June 15, five people were taken into custody, revealing the aforementioned 23-person network of culprits.

Tycen Proper, 19, was identified as one of the suspects in court documents. A criminal complaint indicates that Proper spent upwards of $3,000 to purchase firearms, ammunition, and several other items expected to be used in the planned attack, with the ammunition boxes reportedly containing thousands of rounds.

Thankfully, the U.S. Secret Service and the FBI were well informed and managed to prevent any such plan of terror from materializing.

"In the days leading up to this weekend, our special agents, mission support personnel, and technical security teams worked around the clock to identify those responsible and hold them accountable," Secret Service Director Sean Curran explained. "Equally important to our protective mission is ensuring accountability through the justice system. To that end, our formal comments regarding the specifics of this case will be made through court filings."

After numerous arrests were made, investigators explored Signal messages, where a web of connections planning pre-operational activity was uncovered.

FBI Director Kash Patel is keen on sharing a positive relationship with the UFC and its fighters. As the plot unraveled and law enforcement did its job, Patel praised his team for their efforts.

"While the result represented the best of investigative work, it was also nothing out of the ordinary for this law enforcement team," Patel stated. "We are built to detect, respond to, and bring to justice those who threaten the lives of American citizens—particularly during large gatherings like the historic UFC [Freedom] 250 fight."

"That's exactly what we did here."

Sitting ringside with his good friend Dana White, President Donald Trump was in attendance at the White House during the event. One suspect is said to have told investigators that the politically motivated plot was targeting "billionaires," "capitalist elites," and politicians who benefited from funding for the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, likely making Trump a prime target in their hunt.

On Tuesday, Trump was questioned about the terrible scenes that almost unfolded days earlier. According to the 80-year-old, he wasn't informed about such rumors, but did take the time to express his admiration for the UFC Freedom 250 event.

"I haven't heard about it," Trump claimed. "The attack that I watched were the fighters... They were as good a fights as I've ever seen, the best."

"The last fight was brutal, and the two last—all of the fights were good. It was all good, it was a great evening. It was very different for the White House."

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'El Matador' plays a risky game with the confidence he exudes in the build-up to each of his fights, and it all caught up to him under the lights at the White House. Despite the loss, the Georgian showed some signs of promise throughout the fight, landing his trademark bombs inside the octagon and was likely moments away from victory on several occasions.

However, it was Justin Gaethje who walked away with the corner stoppage victory, earning undisputed UFC gold at the ripe age of 38. For the first time since losing his title, undefeated record, and pound-for-pound status, Ilia Topuria has broken his silence. Topuria shared his immediate thoughts on social media, saying:

"Justin, congratulations," Topuria said in his first statement post-UFC Freedom 250. "You said you'd leave your mark on my face... and you did."

"You took the sight from my right eye in the first round, and by the end of the second, from my left too."

Despite fighting through drama in his personal life and sinking to his first loss in combat sports when the stakes were at their highest, Ilia Topuria isn't making excuses.

Topuria refused to blame external factors for his performance, instead giving Justin Gaethje his flowers.

"No excuses," Topuria continued. "I had one of the best camps of my life. I came in sharp, prepared, and ready. Last night was your night."

"That's the nature of this game. Glory and pain walk side by side."

As every true champion with high expectations does, Topuria has now set his sights on his imminent recovery and eventual return. If the stars align, the former champion would relish the chance to collide with Justin Gaethje a second time.

"I'll heal. I'll rest. And I'll return stronger, wiser, and far more dangerous," Topuria stated. "And trust me... this story between us is far from over. We will have our rematch."

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Heading into the bout as an underdog, as he has been in at least 10 of his 16 outings since joining the UFC, 'The Highlight' had the weight of the world on his shoulders. Fighting in front of his family, in a once-in-a-lifetime event at the White House, against an undefeated pound-for-pound great in Topuria, all with rumors of retirement hanging over his head, Gaethje had to handle the pressure and perform at his best.

And that he did. Justin Gaethje weathered the storm and delivered a show-stopping performance on Sunday evening, earning him UFC gold and an additional $825,000 in bonuses. However, capturing the title has painted a target on his back, and his peers were quick to ready their arrows in the direction of the new champion.

Several elite lightweights announced their intention to fight Gaethje, but nobody had a more unique proposal than Charles Oliveira.

Currently riding a two-fight win streak, 'Do Bronx' has honed in on a title fight with the newly crowned champion. Oliveira doesn't come empty-handed, with the South American willing to put his BMF title on the line should his offer be accepted.

"BMF and UFC lightweight belt - let's make history," Oliveira said on X. "Deal? Winner takes all."

#BMF and #UFC lightweight belt - let's make history

Deal?

Winner takes all...@Justin_Gaethje pic.twitter.com/sc9crX8SHS

— Charles 'DoBronxs' Oliveira (@CharlesDoBronxs) June 15, 2026

After employing a suffocating grapple-heavy style against Max Holloway last time out, Charles Oliveira received much backlash. The performance sparked calls for a rule change to BMF title fights, while others insisted the UFC should scrap the title entirely.

With the two men holding belts, a champ vs. champ affair would be a huge selling point for the rematch. And if their second meeting is anything like their first, it could resurrect the BMF title to its former glory.

Gaethje was crowned the new undisputed UFC lightweight champion on the South Lawn of The White House after causing Topuria's corner to throw in the towel following the fourth round. One of the few that picked Gaethje to pull off the upset was Paddy Pimblett. Gaethje earned the title unification bout against Topuria by defeating Pimblett at UFC 324 in January.

"As I've seen saying, I know he's the underdog. I know everyone's counting him out, lad, but he did it against me. And Justin Gaethje is the intimate spoiler. He ruined Tony [Ferguson] versus Khabib [Nurmagomedov]. He ruined me versus Ilia. And I think he's about to ruin Ilia versus Islam [Makhachev]," Pimblett said before the fight.

Pimblett watched the championship bout and tore into Topuria after his corner threw in the towel accusing him of 'quitting.'

"Oh my God, you quit. You little b***h. Justin Gaethje, man, the ultimate spoiler. What did I tell you? I said he was going to win didn't I," Pimblett said on his YouTube channel.

"You quit like a little b***h. My face was worse than yours, you little p***y," continued Pimblett. "I went five with him. I took every f**king shot that he threw at me and kept walking forward. This little b***h just quit after four rounds. That's what this little b***h has just done. Look at him sat on his stool. I kept f**king walking forward at Gaethje for five rounds and didn't have an ounce of quit in me because I'm a proper fighter."

A huge knee to the solar plexus to close out round four all but closed the show as it was the final blow which led to Topuria’s corner to wave the towel therefore forcing the former champion to retire on his stool.

“All glory to God I’ve prayed so much for this opportunity to do something legendary, and I know that was absolutely legendary because I can’t even believe it,” Gaethje said in his post-fight Octagon interview. “I knew I was going to have to get through the first round his skills are unmatched when he’s fresh and I’m fresh but, my durability, my tenacity and my heart got me through those first two rounds, and nobody can outwork me in round three and especially rounds four and five those championship rounds. I am made for these moments, this sport was made for me, and I’ve shown you why because I’m the most consistent and exciting guy that’s ever been in this cage.”

With the win, Gaethje a two-time interim champion and former 'BMF 'title holder, has now put together a sure fire first ballot UFC Hall of Fame resume by becoming undisputed champion of the world. He’s now tied for third in knockouts in UFC lightweight history with seven and his knockout to close out UFC Freedom 250 in front of U.S. president Donald Trump cements his status as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in UFC history.

The man known as the “The Highlight" also won $825,00 in fight bonuses and is now the oldest fighter in history to win a UFC lightweight title (37 years, 71 days). With five wins in his last six fights with his only loss coming in a classic fight against Max Holloway in April of 2024; UFC Freedom 250 turned into the career exclamation point many didn’t realize Gaethje needed for his legacy.

“When they look back, I think my career is going to age like fine wine,” Gaethje said. "Being an underdog in 12 of my 16 fights and being top 5 since 2017 these things are unmatched. Having 17 bonuses in 16 fights and I had 9 bonuses in my first 7 fights these are the things I’m most proud of.”

Topuria moved up to the lightweight division after defeating former featherweight champion and BMF titleholder Max Holloway in October 2024 in his first 145-pound title defense. He relinquished the belt, moved to lightweight and became a two-division titleholder by knocking out former champion Charles Oliveira.

A divorce kept Topuria out of the cage since last June and an interim champion was crowned in his absence. Gaethje defeated Paddy Pimblett for the interim belt and earned a crack at Topuria and the undisputed championship. Topuria predicted a first-round knockout.

Topuria took the center of the cage. Gaethje met him with a jab. Topuria walked forward. He landdd a leg kick. Gaethje looked for a takedown and landed an uppercut on the break. Topuria landed a leg kick. Gaethje landed a right hand and Topuria responded with a right hand. Topuria connected with a counter right hand. Gaethje found a home with an uppercut. He's cut near his right eye. Gaethje s jab was landing. Topuria responded with a right to t he body.

Midway thought the first frame, They exchanged jabs. Gaethje landed an uppercut on the inside. Topuria continued to press forward. Gaethje connected with a clean right hand. Another right hand found a home for Gaethe. Topiuria connected with a combination. He landed an uppercut on the inside. They exchanged recklessly. Topuria landed a combination. Topuria picked up the pressure. MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for Gaethje.

They touched gloves to start the second. Topuria pressed forward. Topuria targeted the body of Gaethje. Topuria stepped in the pocket with a left hand. He continued to invest in body shots. Gaethje landed his uppercut one the inside. Gaethje connected with a huge right hand. Topuria took it. He pressured Gaethje. Topiuia hurt Gaethje to the body. Gaethje fired back. A liver shot put Gaethje down. Topuria mounted him. He applied a triangle from the top. Gaethje got free but Topuria mounted him again. The round ended with Topuria in side control. MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for Topuria.

Gaethje's corner asked him to pressure Topuria. Gaethje immediately clinched. Topuria broke free. The pace slowed. Topuria landed a counter right off of a leg kick. Gaethje connected with his jab. Gaethje hurt Topuria with a right hand. Gaethje briefly looked for a choke. Topuria got to his feet. Gaethje partially landed a head kick. Gaethje connected with a combination and clinched. Topuria's face was a bloody mess. Topuria landed to the body. He connected with a right hand. Gaethje responded with a right hand that caused Topuria to retreat. MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for Gaethje.

The doctor checked Topuria. He seemingly stopped the fight before letting it continue.

Gaethje clinched and traded uppercuts. Gaethje connected with a clean right hand. Gaethje tossed Topuria to the ground. Topuria quickly got up. Gaethje's jab continued to land. Topuria found a home with a right hook. Gaethje landed but Topuria responded with a right hand. Gaethje jumped in with a knee. Topuria got hurt with an uppercut. Topuria went to the body with a right. Topuria's left eye was badly swollen. Topuria took Gaethje down and mounted him. He delivered an elbow. Gaethje scrambled to his feet. Topuria looked for a takedown but Gaethje sprawled. Gaethje delivered a hard knee to the body.

The fight was stopped between rounds. Gaethje became the new UFC lightweight champion due to corner stoppage.

GETTING STARTED EARLY 😳@Justin_Gaethje | LIVE NOW on @ParamountPlus!

[ Title fights presented by @Cryptocom ] pic.twitter.com/EGtBJXGBCW

— UFC (@ufc) June 15, 2026

DROPPED THE CHAMP 😱@Justin_Gaethje | #UFCWhiteHouse#UFCWhiteHouse LIVE NOW on @ParamountPlus!

[ Title fights presented by @Cryptocom ] pic.twitter.com/G36sY59igq

— UFC (@ufc) June 15, 2026

THE ULTIMATE CAREER HIGHLIGHT 🤯@Justin_Gaethje JUST DID THE UNTHINKABLE AT #UFCWhiteHouse!! pic.twitter.com/EQYfuiwffh

— UFC (@ufc) June 15, 2026

The event, which took place on the South Lawn of The White House, was headlined by a lightweight title unification bout between champion Ilia Topuria and interim titleholder Justin Gaethje.

UFC Freedom 250 Post-Fight Press Conference

In the co-main event, former two-division titleholder Alex Pereira looks to make history by becoming the first fighter in the promotion’s history to win championships in three different weight classes. He faces former interim champion Ciryl Gane with the interim. heavyweight belt on the line.

The UFC Freedom 250 live results from The White House begin at 8 p.m. ET on MMAWeekly.com. Refresh page for the lated results from the historic event.

UFC Freedom 250 Official Results

• Justin Gaethje def. Ilia Topuria via TKO (corner stoppage) at 5:00, Round 4
• Ciryl Gane def. Alex Pereira via TKO (punches) at 1:27, Round 2
• Sean O’Malley def. Aiemann Zahabi via TKO (punches) at 4:02, Round 2
• Josh Hokit def. Derrick Lewis via TKO (punches) at 4:09, Round 2
• Mauricio Ruffy def. Michael Chandler via TKO (spinning wheel kick and punches) at 4:29, Round 1
• Bo Nickal def. Kyle Daukau via TKO (punches and elbows) at 4:29, Round 1
• Diego Lopes def. Steve Garcia via KO (punches) at 2:42, Round 2

Standing in his way was former interim titleholder and multiple-time title challenger Ciryl Gane. Gane fought for the undisputed championship last October against champion Tom Aspinall. The fight was ruled a no contest after a double eye poke rendered Aspinall unable to continue. With Aspinall still recovering, the fight promotion opted to crown an interim champion.

Despite weighing in heavier, Pereira was the smaller fighter inside the octagon. They touched gloves and Gane landed a jab. Pereira threw a head kick that was blocked in response. They traded leg kicks. Pereira again went high with a kick that was blocked again. Gane stepped forward with his jab. Pereira delivered a calf kick. Gane responded with an inside leg kick. Gane's jab began finding a regular home.

Midway thought the frame, Gane casually looked for a takedown. Pereira shrugged it off. Gane connected with a right hand. He picked up the pace. His jab continued to land. Pereira pressed forward. Gane connected with a left hand. Pereira reacted with a leg kick. Gane looked for a takedown but didn't commit. Pereira connected with two right hands near the bell. MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for Gane.

They touched gloves to start the second frame. Gane delivered a leg kick. He landed another and Pereira pressed forward. Gane looked for a takedown. Pereira shook it off. Gane landed a stiff jab that dropped pereira. Gane tried to finish with a series of landed shots. Pereira got to his feet and fired back. Gane connected with a combination while Pereira was badly hurt and on wobby legs. Referee Herb Dean stepped in to stop it.

The official time of the TKO stoppage was 1:27 of the second round.

HE JUST DID THAT 😮‍💨@Ciryl_Gane creates an unforgettable moment as he earns the RD2 TKO victory!#UFCWhiteHouse LIVE NOW on @ParamountPlus!

[ Title fights presented by @Cryptocom ] pic.twitter.com/3gzvdR4kqe

— UFC (@ufc) June 15, 2026

It belongs to him 👏@Ciryl_Gane earns the RD2 TKO and becomes the interim heavyweight champ!#UFCWhiteHouse LIVE NOW on @ParamountPlus!

[ Title fights presented by @Cryptocom ] pic.twitter.com/Cm5EN86wyw

— UFC (@ufc) June 15, 2026

Zahabi looked to pick up the biggest win of his career and move into title contention. The Canadian entered the bout riding a seven-fight winning streak.

O'Malley took the center of the octagon and pressured Zahabi. He landed to t he body with a right hand. Zahabi pressed forward and delivered a leg kick. O'Malley continued to target Zahabi's body. O'Mally dictated the pace through the first half of the round. He switched stances. Zahabi connected with a leg kick. He rushed forward with another inside leg kick. O'Malley responded with a right hand to the body. Zahabi connected with a left hook. The crowd began changing, 'USA, USA.' O'Malley landed a left hand followed by a right. He connected with a combination late in the frame. MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for O'Malley.

O'Malley pressed forward in the second. Zahabi landed two leg kicks followed by a right hand. O'Malley doubled up on his jab and followed with a left. Zahabi rushes in with a leg kick. He continued to target O'Malley's legs. O'Malley met Zahabi with a left hand as he moved into the pocket. O'Malley delivered a combination. Zahabi answered with leg kicks. The leg kicks from Zahabi began adding up. O'Malleuy responded with a right hand. A left hand knocked Zahabi down. He tried to get up and was hit again and O'Malley walked off and saluted.

The official time of the TKO win was 4:09 of the second round.

LEVELS 👊@SugaSeanMMA backs up his word and earns the RD2 KO in STYLE!#UFCWhiteHouse LIVE NOW on @ParamountPlus!

[ UFC Freedom 250 Presented by @Cryptocom & @RamTrucks ] pic.twitter.com/fBymGHjq11

— UFC (@ufc) June 15, 2026

UFC CEO Dana Whiterefuted Strickland's claims and said no one was banned from attending but pointed out the temporary venue having limited seating. On Sunday, just before the event went live on Paramount+, Strickland was removed from the event's Fan Fest by numerous police officers. The middleweight champion could be facing misdemeanor charges for disorderly conduct for sneaking into the event.

“I may have been charged with disorderly conduct. I don’t know what that is but it sounds cool,” Strickland said in an Instagram post. “Anyways, I just want to thank you fans. I can’t thank you guys enough. After being banned, you guys riding, supporting me, it means a lot to me.”

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President Donald Trump requested Lewis be featured on the historic event. Hokit had just picked up the biggest win of his career over Curtis Blaydes and jumped at the opportunity for a quick turnaround against Lewis.

Hokit gave Lewis the finger during fighter introductions and took the center of the cage when the fight began. Hokit missed with a spinning back kick. He began using leg kicks. Lewis pressed forward but missed with a combination. Hokit connected with a right hand. Hokit changed levels and took Lewis down. He postured up and landed right hands to the body. Hokit moved to side control and stood over Lewis. He connected with a big right hand followed by a hard elbow. Lewis tried to get up but Hokit pulled him back to the canvas.

Lewis was cut but an elbow. Hokit delivered right hands. He mounted Lewis. Lewis rolled two his knees and tried to stand. Hokit pulled him back down. Hokit applied an armbar. Lewis stayed calm and made it to the end of the round. MMAWeekly scored the round 10-8 for Hokit.

Lewis inched forward to start the second round. Hokit stopped that with his jab. Lewis missed with a head kick attempt. Hokit changed levels and worked for single leg takedown. Lewis stuffed it and landed punches. Hokit disengaged and retreated. Lewis began pressuring Hokit. Hokit connected with a clean combination. He landed another one. Lewis tried to fire back but looked fatigued. Hokit landed another right hand and they cliched.

Midway through the frame, Hokit connected with another right hand. His right hand was landing at will. Hokit doubled up with right hands and clinched. Hokit delivered punches on the inside before breaking free. Hokit connected with a combination He landed another combination. A right hand sent Lewis crashing to the canvas. A few follow up shots and the referee stepped in.

The official time of the TKO stoppage was 4:09 of the second round.

HE WALKS THE TALK 🗣️@Josh_HokitUFC gets the RD2 TKO victory and continues his undefeated form!#UFCWhiteHouse LIVE NOW on @ParamountPlus!

[ UFC Freedom 250 Presented by @Cryptocom & @RamTrucks ] pic.twitter.com/Q2zYfiK72r

— UFC (@ufc) June 15, 2026

Ruffy entered the bout coming off a win over Rafael Fiziev and looking to build off the momentum. The 29 year-old Brazilian wanted to show it's a new ear in the 155-pound weight class.

Ruffy took the center of the cage while Chandler rotated on the outside. Chandler landed first with an outside leg kick. He pressed forward and briefly looked for a takedown. Ruffy defended off the attempt. Ruffy connected with a stiff jab that backed Chandler up. Chandler looked for a takedown again but didn't commit to it.

Ruffy began moving forward. Chander pushed off the cage with his foot and landed a superman punch. Ruffy again backed Chandler up with a stiff jab. Ruffy delivered a hard right hand. Chandler was backed up against the fence. Ruffy landed a spinning heel kick. Chandler secured a takedown but Ruffy got up. Ruffy connected with an uppercut that that staggered Chandler. Ruffy dug to the body with a left hand. Ruffy landed another spinning heel kick that hurt Chandler. A right hand follow and another one put Chandler out.

The official time of the TKO stoppage was 4:29 of the first round.

Landing big EARLY @RuffyMMA

UFC Freedom 250 coverage is LIVE NOW on @ParamountPlus!

[ Presented by @Cryptocom & @RamTrucks ] pic.twitter.com/FGY6ojNkCo

— UFC (@ufc) June 15, 2026

RUFFY LEAVES NO DOUBT 😤@RuffyMMA gets the RD1 TKO and leaves with the win at #UFCWhiteHouse!

LIVE NOW on @ParamountPlus!

[ UFC Freedom 250 Presented by @Cryptocom & @RamTrucks ] pic.twitter.com/1GEOPZ5qZt

— UFC (@ufc) June 15, 2026

Lopes entered the fight coming off a loss to champion Alexander Volkanovski in his last outing and hoping to rebound. Garcia made the walk to the octagon riding a seven-fight winning streak looking to add another win.

The two touched gloves and began judging distance. Each pawned with their jabs. Garcia landed first with a leg kick. He pressed forward and connected with a left hand. Lopes fired back with a right that found a home. Lopes delivered a kick to the body. Garcia landed with a right hand. He was able to move in and out of the pocket avoiding counter attacks. Garcia dictated the pace and backed Lopes up. A straight left hand landed for Garcia late in the round. MMAWeekly scored the frame 10-9 for Garcia.

Garcia pressed forward to start the second stanza. Garcia's jab landed early in the round and he began working in leg kicks more often. Garcia connected with a clean left hand. Lopes rushed in with a right hand that landed. Garcia responded with a combination. Lopes landed a right hand that hurt Garcia. Lopes continued to let his hands go. He landed another clean shot that sent Garcia crashing to the canvas. He finished with a series of punches on the ground.

The official time of the knockout finish was 2:42 of the second round.

WHAT A START TO THE NIGHT 😳@DiegoLopesMMA rose to the occasion and found the RD2 TKO!#UFCWhiteHouse LIVE NOW on @ParamountPlus!

[ UFC Freedom 250 Presented by @Cryptocom & @RamTrucks ] pic.twitter.com/mxqJjOzUlY

— UFC (@ufc) June 15, 2026

There's much to be excited about on June 14. A lightweight title unification bout between the undefeated Ilia Topuria and the proud American Justin Gaethje will take center stage as the show's closing fight. Before that, Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane go to war for heavyweight gold, and Sean O'Malley is confident he can notch a win for Team USA. At the same time, Michael Chandler, Bo Nickal, and others have vowed all-time performances while competing at such a legendary location. The fight card is stacked, and here's how you can tune in from home.

UFC Freedom 250: Here's how to watch the instant-classic event

UFC Freedom 250 is fast approaching. Here's everything you need to know about location, event time, and how you can be one of the many to witness history live from the White House.

The event is taking place in the U.S. capital, Washington, D.C., on Sunday, June 14. Live attendance has been cut to around 4,000 people, while a further 85,000 are being welcomed to The Ellipse Park for a free watch party. A fight card consisting of just seven fights, fans can expect the action to begin at 8 PM ET / 5 PM PT.

For fans in the United Kingdom, the opening clash between Diego Lopes and Steve Garcia is scheduled for 1 AM BST on Monday, June 15.

The full event can be streamed on Paramount+ at no extra pay-per-view charges for subscribers within the United States. Alongside Paramount, all the action will be available to watch on CBS. International broadcasting options may vary.

TNT Sports is the designated broadcaster for those in the UK, with event rewatch options available on HBO Max.

Check out the full UFC Freedom 250 card below:

FIGHT CARD (Paramount+, 8 PM ET)

• (C) Ilia Topuria vs. (IC) Justin Gaethje - UFC lightweight title bout
• Alex Pereira vs. Ciryl Gane - UFC interim heavyweight title bout
• Sean O'Malley vs. Aiemann Zahabi - Bantamweight bout
• Josh Hokit vs. Derrick Lewis - Heavyweight bout
• Mauricio Ruffy vs. Michael Chandler - Lightweight bout
• Bo Nickal vs. Kyle Daukaus - Middleweight bout
• Diego Lopes vs. Steve Garcia - Featherweight bout

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Aside from his BJJ background, Danis hasn't enjoyed much success in combat sports outside of a short stint in Bellator. While the grappling phenom can compete with elite jiu-jitsu aces at any level, his wrestling is in dire need of improvement. The 32-year-old has twice competed on the Real American Freestyle mats, being dominated and suffering tech fall defeats in each outing.

Khamzat Chimaev took advantage of Dillon Danis' lack of quality, scoring a quick pinfall victory over 'El Jefe'. Chimaev's performance was flawless, but it was the scenes in the aftermath of their matchup that captured headlines. As the referee brought an end to the match less than a minute after the opening bell, Danis held on to Chimaev's leg, causing the former UFC champion to kick out at his grounded opponent.

That brief altercation was the spark that set off yet another brawl under the RAF banner, following on from the wild events between Arman Tsarukyan and Georgio Poullas in their first bout earlier this year.

Training partners and coaches from both sides stormed the stage, throwing punches and kicks as the clash raged out of control. Security sprang into action, attempting to restore the peace amid the turmoil.

Many expected fireworks in Khamzat Chimaev's RAF debut. Once lined up against Dillon Danis, who is known to aggravate his opponents as his former training partner Conor McGregor often does, many anticipated such events.

Watch Khamzat Chimaev collect the easy win over Dillon Danis and their subsequent post-match brawl below.

WILD BRAWL breaks out after Khamzat Chimaev PINS Dillon Danis at #RAF 10.

(Via @MikeHeck_JR) pic.twitter.com/Hl8a7AUevp

— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) June 14, 2026