Justin Gaethje

It’s difficult to decipher what being a two-time interim champion means for Justin Gaethje’s legacy, but what Saturday did provide was yet another reminder that this class of lightweight action heroes is possibly the most special era of any division ever. Gaethje, along with the Charles Oliveiras, Dustin Poiriers, etc. of this lightweight class have been challenged numerous times by the so-called new wave of 155ers, but they have kept giving them the Dikembe Mutombo finger wag. Aside from Arman Tsarukyan, the wave of new names from four or five years have been denied by this aging, but historically great pack of lightweights. Despite an inspired effort, Paddy Pimblett can now be added to the list of names who have fallen short to Gaethje & Company.

As for “The Highlight”, we can expect to see him unify the titles against Ilia Topuria, potentially on the White House lawn. Maybe Topuria is out for even longer than expected and Gaethje has to defend his interim belt, but I’d be doubtful (at least for now).

Gaethje’s next fight: Ilia Topuria

Sean O’Malley

After dropping back-to-back contests to Merab Dvalishvili, Sean O’Malley’s place in the title picture at bantamweight seemed blurry at best and non-existent at worst. But once Petr Yan pulled off the upset and grabbed the belt back, O’Malley’s fight with Song Yadong suddenly took on an entirely different meaning. With a win, O’Malley would have a claim to a title shot since he has a win against Yan, as controversial as it may be.

This decision may have looked somewhat unimpressive compared to some of the highlights he has produced in the past, but it was a win nonetheless and I do believe it will be enough for O’Malley to slide right back into title contention. Especially with a card at the White House coming up, the promotion will probably be looking for Americans to put into some of those title fights, and O’Malley fits that bill.

O’Malley’s next fight: Petr Yan

Waldo Cortes-Acosta

In a surprising turn of events, Waldo Cortes-Acosta has been on a heater at heavyweight since dropping a decision to Sergei Pavlovich. He fought 5 times in 2025, including twice in November. Having now fought on the first card of 2026, he clearly didn’t want to waste any time getting back inside the octagon. After making quick work of Ante Delija and Shamil Gaziev, he showed a more patient and methodical approach to dismantling the power threat in Derrick Lewis. He used his speed advantage to disorient Lewis and break his rhythm, on his way to a second-round TKO.

He called out Curtis Blaydes, which isn’t a bad option, but I prefer the Alexander Volkov matchup. Unfortunately for Volkov, he’ll almost certainly have to fight again before earning his title shot due to the delays of Tom Aspinall’s return. Why not take out the exciting new player in “Salsa Boy” to once again reaffirm your place as next in line?

Cortes-Acosta’s next fight: Alexander Volkov

Natalia Silva

It wasn’t the most action-packed nor the most decisive victory of Silva’s perfect UFC run, so far, but she was already the clear number one contender coming into this bout. Rose Namajunas may have leapfrogged Silva had she beaten Alexa Grasso on this card, which is why it was probably the right call for her to jump into Grasso’s spot once the Mexican withdrew as a way to make sure Rose couldn’t steal her spot.

Usually, these types of performances wouldn’t land you a title shot, especially when there are other names with a claim to it. However, Silva was already deserving of her shot after beating Grasso, this was just some added cushion between her and Erin Blanchfield, Maycee Barber, and the other contenders at flyweight. It may not be the most thrilling affair, but Valentina Shevchenko vs. Natalia Silva should be next.

Silva’s next fight: Valentina Shevchenko

Jean Silva

After suffering his first UFC loss to Diego Lopes in September, fans were wondering how the Brazilian would bounce back. Silva, who was often looking to shake hands with his opponent mid fight, was all business this time around. No fooling around, no unnecessary shenanigans, Silva came to fight. He was still mean-mugging Arnold Allen, doing theatrics in the dying seconds of the bout and was barking after winning the decision, but while in the fight, he seemed to have an added focus.

This allowed him to take home a competitive, but clear decision victory over the Englishman, who’s been a staple of the featherweight top10 for nearly half a decade, now. Knowing the promotion was ready to strap a rocket to him had he defeated Lopes in September, this win should bring him right back into a number one contender bout. I think a fight with Yair Rodriguez in late spring/early summer not only makes a whole lot of sense, but would be absolute fireworks, too.

Silva’s next fight: Yair Rodriguez

The post What’s Next: UFC 324 Winners appeared first on Cageside Press.

“Before the third round my coach, Carlos, he said listen Natalia, this is it. You need to win this round, you need go to for it. So that’s what I did,” Silva told reporters including Cageside Press through a translator at her post-fight scrum.

“Turned up a notch and went for it to win that round. The first round yes very tight, but the more significant strikes, the more forceful strikes were mine.”

The post Natalia Silva Says UFC Promised Shevchenko Title Fight After UFC 324 Win Over Rose Namajunas appeared first on Cageside Press.

Silva was the #2-ranked fighter in the division, and with Manon Fiorot, the only woman ranked ahead of her, losing to Valentina Shevchenko last year, the Brazilian was the front-runner for a title shot. “Thug” Rose, however, had the sort of name value that could see her jump right to a title opportunity, especially with a hypothetical match-up at the White House in June.

Namajunas looked like the quicker fighter early, practically bouncing on her feet. Silva fired a number of kicks, all of which missed. Through the first minute, little if anything either fighter had thrown actually landed. Silva nearly landed a shot clean off a caught kick, with Rose just pulling free in the nick of time. Namajunas then fired a kick of her own up high, which also missed. Namajunas did land an outside leg kick, and closing the distance, forced Silva to retreat. Rose’s right hand was looking like her best weapon after the first three minutes.

Silva also mixed in the odd low kick, as well as side kicks; despite a lot of feints and her well-known explosiveness, she still wasn’t landing too much at all. That changed towards the end of the round, but Namajunas’ movement continued to give her fits. A clinch came at the end of the round, but the pair stayed standing.

Namajunas was in-and-out early in the second, landing then fading back out of reach of Silva. The Brazilian continued to feint, but her offense was stymied: anything thrown seemed to hit air. Namajunas had a slight edge in strikes actually landed thanks to her speed, and the ex-champ was actually leading the dance, initiating most of the exchanges. In a clinch, the pair went down briefly roughly halfway into round two, but they scrambled back up immediately.

Back on the feet, however, Silva was able to take control, driving Rose into the fence. Namajunas was eventually able to reverse, cancelling that advantage out in a fight that continued to be extremely close. Moments later, “Thug” Rose had the takedown, perhaps the most significant development through nearly ten rounds of fight time.

Silva, without a solid submission available, tried to work back to the fence, while Namajunas looked for space to land a few strikes. While Rose couldn’t find room to land anything heavy, she got a few short shots in, and had over a minute of top time.

Round three of an extremely close fight opened with a much higher, downright scrappy pace. Silva started taking it to Namajunas, something she had not done through the first ten minutes. A spinning back kick to the body sent Namajunas retreating. Multiple kicks from Silva landed to the legs. Namajunas was almost in pure defensive mode, and needed to reset.

Silva was looking much lighter on her feet in the third. Where this Natalia Silva was through the opening ten minutes was a big question, and should she lose on the scorecards, she would have only herself to blame for the slow start. Silva was able to stuff a late Namajunas takedown, then landed her own off a throw. That put her in half guard with just over 30 seconds to go. With Rose taking round two and Silva winning the third, the fight would essentially come down to the low-action opening frame.

That, at least according to the judges, was won by Natalia Silva. A result that was not at all popular with the Las Vegas crowd.

Official Result: Natalia Silva def. Rose Namajunas by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

The post UFC 324: Natalia Silva Overcomes Slow Start, Decisions Rose Namajunas appeared first on Cageside Press.

To a man (and woman), nearly everyone involved sounded like their own confidence was high during Thursday’s pre-fight press conference, which saw the full main card on hand.

We’ve got some of the best quotes ready for you, ahead of the first UFC PPV numbered event of 2026!

Paddy Pimblett

On whether he actually hopes Justin Gaethje will draw him into a war and test him.

“Yeah of course. But I know I’ve got that in me anyway. I know I’ve got the heart and desire to go five rounds with a warrior like Justin Gaethje, but it’s not going to go that long. As I say, I’m going to put a beating on him, and it’s going to be like he’s never had before. And I can’t wait to show everyone just how good I am.”

Justin Gaethje

Reacting to Paddy Pimblett’s words, and diss of Dustin Poirier earlier in the week:

“I love it. This guy, I love everything he’s been saying. He sounds overconfident, he’s out here disrespecting legends like Dustin Poirier. I’m going to dog walk this English f*ck on Saturday. You watch.”

Jean Silva

Reacting to getting close to the UFC championship belt this week, and what these opportunities mean to him:

“I think that shows that I’m in the right path, and I’m doing the right things on the way to a title shot. I think even coming off of a loss, I lost to Diego [Lopes] who just got a [title] shot, probably because of the win against me. And I can tell you, Dana [White], Hunter [Campbell], Sean [Shelby], you can trust me, and you can take me to Sydney afterwards, because I can be there, just waiting on the title shot next.”

“For sure, you can rest assured that I will promote the greatest event that you will put on in your life.”

Natalia Silva

On what it will take to become one of the few to stop “Thug” Rose Namajunas:

“I have to be Natalia Silva. The only thing that I need to be on Saturday is to be myself, put my [game plan to work], and do what I need to do.”

Waldo Cortes-Acosta

Speaking on his fight with “The Black Beast” and what it could bring:

“The myth of Derrick Lewis ends on Saturday. This is about Waldo Cortes-Acosta going all the way to the top for the title.”

Derrick Lewis

On stopping Cortes-Acosta from stealing his spot on the UFC White House card:

“I’m gonna knock his ass out, first round.”

Sean O’Malley

Asked what he believes Sunday’s headlines will say about his fight with Song Yadong:

“The Suga Show’s back. I feel like every fight, I need to win. Like Suga Show snipping Song Yadong on Paramount, get more eyeballs- I feel like this is the return of the Suga Show.”

The post Confidence High on All Fronts Ahead of UFC 324 appeared first on Cageside Press.

“I wanted to get a shot at the title before, but the UFC said that Valentina (Shevchenko) was not going to be able to fight so soon. So they offered Rose’s name and we said yeah,” Silva told reporters including Cageside Press through a translator on Wednesday.

“We accepted it.”

Silva (19-5-1) expects her pace and style to force Namajunas into a reactionary role from the opening bell. She believes she’ll be the one setting the tone and making the adjustments as the fight unfolds.

“Throughout the fight she’s going to have to adapt to the style and when I step into the octagon I will be the one just dealing the cards throughout the fight. She’s going to have to adapt to that,” she said.

“In the name of Jesus yes I’m fighting for this, I’m working for this, and I think that a win against Rose already gives me the credential already to actually fight for the title,” she said.

“The UFC has said that this is an elimination fight. The next one will be for the title.”

Watch the entire media day scrum with Natalia Silva above. She faces Rose Namajunas at UFC 324 on Saturday night.

The post Natalia Silva Believes UFC 324 Win Over Rose Namajunas Earns Title Shot appeared first on Cageside Press.

First reported by Sherdog.

Rose (14-7) enters fresh off a unanimous decision win over Miranda Maverick in June. The former two-time strawweight champion moved to flyweight in 2023, debuting against Manon Fiorot in a losing effort before rebounding with a win over Tracy Cortez just months later.

Grasso (16-5-1) is riding a two-fight skid, having lost her title in a rematch with Valentina Shevchenko at UFC 306 before falling to Silva. No official reason was provided for her withdrawal, though it’s likely she will remain sidelined for the remainder of 2025.

UFC 324 takes place on Jan. 24 at T-Mobile Arena in the very first UFC event on Paramount+. 

The post Alexa Grasso Out, Natalia Silva In Against Rose Namajunas At UFC 324 appeared first on Cageside Press.

Jack Della Maddalena

After being the beneficiary of Shavkat Rakhmonov’s injury, the 28-year-old Australian was rebooked from a London main event in March against Leon Edwards, to a title fight in Montréal against Belal Muhammad. Coming in, there were uncertainties about Della Maddalena’s ability to consistently defend takedowns, but he put those to bed. Muhammad, who scored 9 of 13 takedowns against Edwards last July, only went 3 of 9 against JDM.

The biggest story surrounding this fight was the implications it had on the International Fight Week main event in late June. Had Muhammad retained his title, Islam Makhachev would’ve headlined UFC 317 against Ilia Topuria. But should his friend drop the title to JDM, Makhachev would then look to move up to welterweight to attempt double-champ status. With Della Maddalena now taking the belt back to Australia, it would appear the next step is an obvious one. Sure, we have names like Rakhmonov, Sean Brady, Ian Machado Garry and there’s a main event in Atlanta that could all affect the title picture, but as of right now, it’s the current lightweight champion who seems to have the inside track.

Della Maddalena’s next fight: Islam Makhachev

Valentina Shevchenko

With this win, “Bullet” became the first UFC fighter aged 37, male or female, at welterweight or lower, to successfully defend her belt. She was facing a tough opponent who hadn’t lost in the promotion and could match her physical attributes. Yet, she passed this test just like she has done for the better part of a decade. So, what is there next to accomplish for a fighter of Shevchenko’s pedigree? Well, how about a fight with the other most dominant champion of this decade? Zhang Weili is a two-time strawweight champion with four combined defences between her two reigns. She is now looking to move up to flyweight, so a fight with another recognizable champion like Valentina just books itself.

Shevchenko’s next fight: Zhang Weili

Aiemann Zahabi

Controversial scorecards aside, Aiemann Zahabi got his hand raised at UFC 315 and the 37-year-old now pushes his win streak to six. As he inches closer to the top 10 at bantamweight, the French-Canadian won’t be lacking in options.

Deiveson Figueiredo would’ve made a lot of sense, but who knows how long he will be out after his knee injury from last week? Kyler Phillips could be fun, but Phillips hasn’t fought since October, so his timeline probably won’t align with Zahabi’s. Same goes for Marcus McGhee who hasn’t competed since November. Farid Basharat and Vinicius Oliveira are two fighters that probably deserve a ranked opponent, but I doubt Zahabi will be looking to fight backwards. Henry Cejudo and Rob Font are out there, but I much prefer the idea of those two fighting each other. Last week I gave Montel Jackson the loser of the upcoming Vera/Bautista fight, so let’s give Zahabi the winner of that one.

Zahabi’s next fight: Vera/Bautista winner

Natalia Silva

It didn’t get ‘Fight of the Night’ honours like her last outing did, but Natalia Silva just shutout another former champion to extend her UFC win streak to seven. Usually, a body of work like hers would easily warrant a title shot, but unfortunately, I think she will be a victim of the circumstances.

With Zhang Weili alluding to a move to flyweight, a fight between the Chinese champion and Valentina Shevchenko just sells itself. And with that matchup most likely taking place in the fall, Silva can’t afford to sit on the sidelines for that long. When Manon Fiorot fought Erin Blanchfield, they were both deserving of a title shot, but they still fought because it was a better option than sitting out.

I don’t think Fiorot makes too much sense for Silva, and the Brazilian already beat Jasmine Jasudavicius. She could face the winner of the Rose Namajunas vs Miranda Maverick fight, but I’d rather have her face the winner of a main event later this month between Blanchfield and Maycee Barber.

Silva’s next fight: Blanchfield/Barber winner

Benoit Saint Denis

Kyle Prepolec showed off his toughness and pushed Saint Denis to the second round at UFC 315, but this was squash match, and the Frenchman made it look like one. This didn’t really answer any of the questions that spawned after Saint Denis’ last two losses, but it at least puts him back into the win column.

My mind initially went to the now annual Paris card that the UFC books in September, but BSD said he’s ready to get back in there in a couple weeks. Though I doubt he actually ends up fighting in the coming weeks, he might be able to squeeze another fight between now and September. A fighter who was supposed to compete earlier this year but has been sitting around as an unfortunate victim of a wild turn of events is Beneil Dariush. I wouldn’t hate giving Saint Denis another test like Grant Dawson or Nasrat Haqparast before having fight upwards again, but I also do like the Dariush matchup.

Saint Denis’ next fight: Beneil Dariush

The post What’s Next: UFC 315 Winners appeared first on Cageside Press.

“My eyes are set on the title. That’s what I want next. There’s even stories with both of those girls to promote this fight. Valentina was asked about me one time and she said she don’t know who I was,” Silva told reporters including Cageside Press through a translator at her post-fight scrum.

“It’s about time that she knows who I am.”

Silva (19-5-1) already has a pretty sizable following, but to beat Grasso so convincingly may push her name to the top of the list. At least she hopes it does.

“For sure I think the fans can ask for it. I think that can’t hurt for them to ask for me to fight for the title. That’s what I’m set on right now,” she said.

“I’ve been saying that I’m going to be the champion since I came in here. That’s what I really believe. I’m not just going to be any champion. I’m going to build a legacy and I’m going to be here for a while.”

If she hopes to build a legacy and become a legend she needed to look no further than Jose Aldo. Aldo lost his fight against Aimeann Zahabi at UFC 315, and then retired, but his example is special for all fighters. Specially Brazilians.

“Aldo’s a guy that has built an amazing legacy. He’s done amazing things in the UFC,” Silva told Cageside Press.

“Everyone can be inspired by him for sure for everything that he’s done. I hope he has a good retirement now.”

Watch the entire post-fight scrum with Natalia Silva above.

The post Natalia Silva Locked In On Title Shot, Praises Aldo appeared first on Cageside Press.

Grasso (16-4-1) was coming off her first loss since 2019. Going 1-1-1 in three bouts with new champion Valentina Shevchenko the Mexican star gets a fresh matchup in Silva. Grasso holds wins over Shevchenko, Viviane Araujo, Joanne Wood, Maycee Barber and Karolina Kowalkiewicz to name a few.

Silva (18-5-1) has been spectacular in her quick rise up the rankings. She brought her 6-fight UFC win streak into the fight with Grasso. Wins over Araujo, Jessica Andrade, Andrea Lee and Jasmine Jasudavicius got her the bout with Grasso in Montreal.

Round 1 Silva came out with the patented quick movement. Grasso with the high guard and jabs. Her timing was on point early on to counter Silva’s activity.

Silva threw a head kick, missed, slipped and fell, and Grasso flew in for a takedown. Silva stuffed it, but now she had to think about the takedown. Grasso had issues with the speed and attacks of Silva. She seemed stuck in first gear, but still landing her jabs.

Round 2 Grasso came out a bit more aggressive with the jabs, but still very measured and having issues dealing with the footwork of Silva. Silva landed kicks to the lead leg which Grasso tried to catch, but couldn’t follow up with a shot.

Grasso clearly wanted to grappled in this one, but the activity of Silva is just way too much to deal with. Silva landed a clean left hook and then got out of the way of return fire. Her game plan was clearly on point to deal with the former champ’s strength.

Silva continued her lateral movement until Grasso got close enough to rush in with a flurry. Landing shots everywhere she ended the round strong.

Round 3 Grasso came out much more aggressive knowing she needed to make this an ugly fight. Silva wouldn’t cooperate though and continued her stick-and-move game. Grasso shot in and got Silva to the fence, but couldn’t take her down.

Grasso did well to cut the cage off, but then waited way too long to do something with it. Continued to allow Silva to land and move. Silva got fancy with it under 1 minute going with spinning attacks.

The former champ chased and chased and looked for a finish, but wasn’t able to. Natalia Silva scored the biggest win of her career.

Official Result: Natalia Silva def. Alexa Grasso via Unanimous Decision (30-27×3)

The post Natalia Silva Taekwondo Style Gives Grasso Fits, Takes Decision appeared first on Cageside Press.

“It’s always good to deliver what the fans want to see, but in this case it’s something that’s really good for me,” Silva told reporters including Cageside Press through a translator on Wednesday.

“Really good fight for me. Alexa’s someone who’s always been at the top and it’s a really important fight for me. It’s good when you can join what the fans want with what I want to do and what’s good for me.”

Silva (18-5-1) continued her undefeated streak last time out scoring a decision over Jessica Andrade in September. The fight took home the Fight Of The Night bonus, but more importantly, set her up for a big fight.

“I’ve been saying that I’m going to be the champion ever since I joined the UFC. Right away I asked for a top 15 opponent because I knew that I was on my way to fighting for the belt one day,” she said.

“It’s amazing to be on this card. It’s amazing to fight on the same card as Jessica Andrade, and obviously the co-main event was Valentina and Manon fighting. I’m thinking about my fight, but I want to watch that fight closely too. That’s an important fight for me as well.”

Watch the entire media day scrum with Natalia Silva above. She takes on Alexa Grasso at UFC 315 on Saturday night.

The post Natalia Silva Hyped For “Really important fight”, Eyes On Title appeared first on Cageside Press.