Fight Bananas' Breaking News

  • Top 25 MMA Fighters RIGHT NOW — According to Gemini AI

    February 23, 2026
    As of February 2026, the UFC landscape has shifted significantly with several new champions and “double-champs” emerging. Popularity in the UFC is a mix of high-level skill (Pound-for-Pound rankings) and massive social media reach. Here are the 25 most popular and influential UFC fighters right now, categorized by their current status in the promotion: The “Superstars” (Elite Tier) These fighters lead the pack in terms of pay-per-view draw and global recognition: Ilia Topuria – The […]

R&R (Results and Recaps)

  • Top 25 MMA Fighters RIGHT NOW — According to Gemini AI
    February 23, 2026
    As of February 2026, the UFC landscape has shifted significantly with several new champions and “double-champs” emerging. Popularity in the UFC is a mix of high-level skill (Pound-for-Pound rankings) and massive social media reach. Here are the 25 most popular and influential UFC fighters right now, categorized by their current status in the promotion: The “Superstars” (Elite Tier) These fighters lead the pack in terms of pay-per-view draw and global recognition: Ilia Topuria – The […]
  • Michael Chiesa Announces Retirement Fight with Anik & Florian + Mario Bautista joins the show!
    February 22, 2026
    The Anik & Florian Podcast Is Back — And This Episode Was MUST-WATCH TV 🥊 By Cody Merrow | Fight Bananas WHAT IS UP, Fight Bananas faithful! Buckle up, because the Anik & Florian Podcast — now proudly partnered with All The Smoke Fight, powered by All The Smoke Productions — delivered one of its best episodes in recent memory this past Monday, and if you missed it, I don’t know what you were doing […]
  • The Weekly Rounds 2: UFC Heavyweight Division, Diaz, Ilia vs Islam, and more
    February 13, 2026
    What’s good FB family?! This is the 2nd edition of the Weekly Rounds, where I will give some thoughts on some topics around the world of MMA. The opinions are all mine, would love a good debate! By: Will Brewer  Ok. Glove touch. HERE. WE. GO! Round 1: The State of the UFC Heavyweight Division Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC Let’s just face it, The heavyweight division is in shambles right now. This is perhaps the worst […]
  • Anik & Florian UFC & Super Bowl Recap
    February 9, 2026
    ANIK & FLO BREAK DOWN MARIO BAUTISTA’S STATEMENT WIN AND SUPER BOWL HEARTBREAK 🥊 By Cody Merrow | Fight Bananas WHAT IS UP Fight Bananas family! Monday, February 9th, 2026 — the day AFTER the Super Bowl — should absolutely be a NATIONAL HOLIDAY, and Jon Anik and Kenny Florian aren’t wrong about this one! But while the rest of America was nursing hangovers and Patriots heartbreak (more on that in a minute), the guys […]
  • UFC Fight Night: Bautista vs Oliveira Polymarket Report
    February 7, 2026
    BAUTISTA VS OLIVEIRA: WHERE THE SMART MONEY IS GOING Breaking Down Polymarket vs Sportsbooks for UFC Fight Night By Cody Merrow WHAT IS UP Fight Bananas family! We’ve got a BANGER of a main event this weekend at the UFC Apex with Mario Bautista taking on Vinicius ‘Lock Dog’ Oliveira in a five-round bantamweight scrap. But here’s the thing though… where should YOU be putting your money? Let’s break down what the prediction markets AND […]

R&R (Results and Recaps)

  • Top 25 MMA Fighters RIGHT NOW — According to Gemini AI
    February 23, 2026
    As of February 2026, the UFC landscape has shifted significantly with several new champions and “double-champs” emerging. Popularity in the UFC is a mix of high-level skill (Pound-for-Pound rankings) and massive social media reach. Here are the 25 most popular and influential UFC fighters right now, categorized by their current status in the promotion: The “Superstars” (Elite Tier) These fighters lead the pack in terms of pay-per-view draw and global recognition: Ilia Topuria – The […]
  • Michael Chiesa Announces Retirement Fight with Anik & Florian + Mario Bautista joins the show!
    February 22, 2026
    The Anik & Florian Podcast Is Back — And This Episode Was MUST-WATCH TV 🥊 By Cody Merrow | Fight Bananas WHAT IS UP, Fight Bananas faithful! Buckle up, because the Anik & Florian Podcast — now proudly partnered with All The Smoke Fight, powered by All The Smoke Productions — delivered one of its best episodes in recent memory this past Monday, and if you missed it, I don’t know what you were doing […]
  • The Weekly Rounds 2: UFC Heavyweight Division, Diaz, Ilia vs Islam, and more
    February 13, 2026
    What’s good FB family?! This is the 2nd edition of the Weekly Rounds, where I will give some thoughts on some topics around the world of MMA. The opinions are all mine, would love a good debate! By: Will Brewer  Ok. Glove touch. HERE. WE. GO! Round 1: The State of the UFC Heavyweight Division Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC Let’s just face it, The heavyweight division is in shambles right now. This is perhaps the worst […]
  • Anik & Florian UFC & Super Bowl Recap
    February 9, 2026
    ANIK & FLO BREAK DOWN MARIO BAUTISTA’S STATEMENT WIN AND SUPER BOWL HEARTBREAK 🥊 By Cody Merrow | Fight Bananas WHAT IS UP Fight Bananas family! Monday, February 9th, 2026 — the day AFTER the Super Bowl — should absolutely be a NATIONAL HOLIDAY, and Jon Anik and Kenny Florian aren’t wrong about this one! But while the rest of America was nursing hangovers and Patriots heartbreak (more on that in a minute), the guys […]
  • UFC Fight Night: Bautista vs Oliveira Polymarket Report
    February 7, 2026
    BAUTISTA VS OLIVEIRA: WHERE THE SMART MONEY IS GOING Breaking Down Polymarket vs Sportsbooks for UFC Fight Night By Cody Merrow WHAT IS UP Fight Bananas family! We’ve got a BANGER of a main event this weekend at the UFC Apex with Mario Bautista taking on Vinicius ‘Lock Dog’ Oliveira in a five-round bantamweight scrap. But here’s the thing though… where should YOU be putting your money? Let’s break down what the prediction markets AND […]

R&R (Results and Recaps)

  • Top 25 MMA Fighters RIGHT NOW — According to Gemini AI
    February 23, 2026
    As of February 2026, the UFC landscape has shifted significantly with several new champions and “double-champs” emerging. Popularity in the UFC is a mix of high-level skill (Pound-for-Pound rankings) and massive social media reach. Here are the 25 most popular and influential UFC fighters right now, categorized by their current status in the promotion: The “Superstars” (Elite Tier) These fighters lead the pack in terms of pay-per-view draw and global recognition: Ilia Topuria – The […]
  • Michael Chiesa Announces Retirement Fight with Anik & Florian + Mario Bautista joins the show!
    February 22, 2026
    The Anik & Florian Podcast Is Back — And This Episode Was MUST-WATCH TV 🥊 By Cody Merrow | Fight Bananas WHAT IS UP, Fight Bananas faithful! Buckle up, because the Anik & Florian Podcast — now proudly partnered with All The Smoke Fight, powered by All The Smoke Productions — delivered one of its best episodes in recent memory this past Monday, and if you missed it, I don’t know what you were doing […]
  • The Weekly Rounds 2: UFC Heavyweight Division, Diaz, Ilia vs Islam, and more
    February 13, 2026
    What’s good FB family?! This is the 2nd edition of the Weekly Rounds, where I will give some thoughts on some topics around the world of MMA. The opinions are all mine, would love a good debate! By: Will Brewer  Ok. Glove touch. HERE. WE. GO! Round 1: The State of the UFC Heavyweight Division Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC Let’s just face it, The heavyweight division is in shambles right now. This is perhaps the worst […]
  • Anik & Florian UFC & Super Bowl Recap
    February 9, 2026
    ANIK & FLO BREAK DOWN MARIO BAUTISTA’S STATEMENT WIN AND SUPER BOWL HEARTBREAK 🥊 By Cody Merrow | Fight Bananas WHAT IS UP Fight Bananas family! Monday, February 9th, 2026 — the day AFTER the Super Bowl — should absolutely be a NATIONAL HOLIDAY, and Jon Anik and Kenny Florian aren’t wrong about this one! But while the rest of America was nursing hangovers and Patriots heartbreak (more on that in a minute), the guys […]
  • UFC Fight Night: Bautista vs Oliveira Polymarket Report
    February 7, 2026
    BAUTISTA VS OLIVEIRA: WHERE THE SMART MONEY IS GOING Breaking Down Polymarket vs Sportsbooks for UFC Fight Night By Cody Merrow WHAT IS UP Fight Bananas family! We’ve got a BANGER of a main event this weekend at the UFC Apex with Mario Bautista taking on Vinicius ‘Lock Dog’ Oliveira in a five-round bantamweight scrap. But here’s the thing though… where should YOU be putting your money? Let’s break down what the prediction markets AND […]
February 2, 2025
"MVP" at UFC Saudi Arabia
Published by Dave Van Auken on February 2, 2025

What’s Next For “MVP” After UFC Saudi Arabia?

Where Does “MVP” Go From Here? Michael “Venom” Page (23-3 MMA, 2-1 UFC) picked up the second win of his UFC career this past weekend when he became the first man to defeat Shara Magomedov inside the Octagon. Weltwerweight contender “MVP” made a pit-stop at 185 lbs for Saturday’s co-main event and despite being the one who was moving up in weight, the 37-year-old Brit carried a 5-inch reach advantage over “Bullet”. Page fought under […]
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January 31, 2025
Israel Adesanya UFC Saudi Arabia
Published by Dave Van Auken on January 31, 2025

“I Feel Free”: Israel Adesanya Free From Title Pressure At UFC Saudi Arabia

UFC Saudi Arabia – The Shackles Are Off For Adesanya When Israel Adesanya (24-4 MMA, 13-4 UFC) makes the walk to the Octagon this weekend to face Nassourdine Imavov, it will be the first time in almost 6 years that fans will see him take part in a non-title fight in the UFC. Not since he beat UFC legend Anderson Silva back in Febraury of 2019 has “The Last Stylebender” taken part in a bout […]
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January 31, 2025
UFC Saudi Arabia sleeper fight
Published by Dave Van Auken on January 31, 2025

Sleeper Fights You Don’t Want To Miss At UFC Saudi Arabia This Weekend

UFC Saudi Arabia Card Loaded With Potential Bangers It has been an electrifying start to the year in the world of MMA. Between Merab Dvalishvili’s masterclass and Renato Moicano’s unexpected shot at Islam Makhachev at UFC 311, and the 25-minute epic encounter that Paul Hughes and Usman Nurmagomedov dished up at last week’s PFL event in Dubai, fans have barely had time to draw breath before witnessing the next moment of magic. And this weekend’s […]
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January 29, 2025
UFC Saudi Arabia sleeper fight
Published by Dave Van Auken on January 29, 2025

UFC SAUDI ARABIA | ADESANYA Vs IMAVOV

What’s up fight fans! We are headed to the Middle East for this weekends card as Riyadh, Saudi Arabia hosts an amazing fight night line up! We have a 6 fight main card to break down, headlined by The Last Style-bender Israel Adesanya! Let’s get into it! For the opening fight of the night, we head to the featherweight division. MUHAMMAD NAIMOV V KAAN OFLI  Not the most dazzling opener to a card, but both […]
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January 28, 2025
Mauricio Ruffy James Llontop
Published by Dave Van Auken on January 28, 2025

Mauricio Ruffy: The”Brazilian Conor McGregor” Booked For UFC 313

Mauricio Ruffy Joins Strong Brazilian Line Up At UFC 313 When Alex Pereira returns to face Magomed Ankalaev in the main event at UFC 313 on March 8th, he will be spearheading a fight card packed full of exciting Brazilian talent. Although the event takes place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, the presence of names such as Amanda Lemos, Iasmin Lucindo, Brunno Ferreira, Djorden Santos and Carlos Leal add a certain ‘samba’ flavor […]
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January 26, 2025
Paul Hughes PFL
Published by Dave Van Auken on January 26, 2025

Breakout Moment For Paul Hughes In Dubai

There’s A New Name At The Top Table In MMA – Paul Hughes Did we just witness the fight of the year already…in January? Usman Nurmagomedov and Paul Hughes put on a sensational five-round war at the top of the PFL’s Road to Dubai: Champions Series fight card in Dubai on Saturday. With no UFC show taking place this weekend and with the PFL event having received a massive shot in the arm from a […]
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January 25, 2025
Marvin Vettori Fight announcement
Published by Dave Van Auken on January 25, 2025

Did Marvin Vettori Get His Wires Crossed?

Marvin Vettori’s Next Opponent Confirmed The news dropped this week that Marvin Vettori (19-6-1 MMA, 9-5-1 UFC) will face Roman Dolidze (14-3 MMA, 8-3 UFC) for the second time when the pair meet in the main event at UFC Vegas 104 on March 15th. The clash at the UFC Apex comes two years after their first encounter at UFC 286, where Vettori where “The Italian Dream” emerged victorious by way of unanimous decision. In a […]
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January 22, 2025
Published by Dave Van Auken on January 22, 2025

PFL ROAD TO DUBAI | NURMAGOMEDOV V HUGHES

Now then my people! We are fresh off the back of a fantastic UFC card last weekend in LA. Now we make the trip over to Dubai for its Champions Series event, headlined by Usman Nurmagomedov and Irelands Paul Hughes. Dagestan v Ireland? Sound familiar? Well we know Khabib will be there in Usman’s corner. But will a certain notorious Irishman make an appearance to support his fellow countryman Paul Hughes. I reckon so! Anyhow […]
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January 19, 2025
Merab Dvalishvili UFC 311
Published by Dave Van Auken on January 19, 2025

The Top 5 Winners From UFC 311

Who’s Stock Was Boosted At UFC 311? The first UFC pay-per-view event of the year proved to be an excellent one with a spate of impressive finishes and plenty of drama throughout the evening. Champions defended their belts, contenders strengthened their cases and prospects were “fraud checked” during an epic night of action at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. But which fighters came out of Saturday’s PPV carrying the most forward momentum? Let’s dive […]
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January 17, 2025
Jailton Almeida Fight Bananas
Published by Dave Van Auken on January 17, 2025

5 Sleeper Fights To Watch At UFC 311

The Best Of The Rest At UFC 311 The first UFC pay-per-view event of 2025 goes down this weekend at the brand new Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, California and the promotion have stacked the deck with two amazing title fights at the top end of the card. Pound-for-pound number one Islam Makhachev will put his lightweight strap on the line against Renato Moicano, after his original opponent Arman Tsarukyan picked up an injury at […]
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