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 […]
June 29, 2025
Ilia Topuria UFC 137
Published by Dave Van Auken on June 29, 2025

UFC 317 Results

UFC 317: Topuria Makes History, Van and Royval Go to War The UFC capped off International Fight Week with a stacked card at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, and four standout performances earned $50,000 bonuses as UFC 317 came to a close on Saturday night. Performance of the Night: Ilia TopuriaIlia Topuria continued his meteoric rise with a stunning first-round knockout of former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira. In less than half a round, Topuria showcased […]
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June 28, 2025
Published by Dave Van Auken on June 28, 2025

UFC317 | THE CHAMP HAS A NAME

The champ has a name, and it’s Charles Oliveira. That’s right fight fans. For everyone thinking Ilia Topuria has an easy fight this weekend, then get the FU%K outta here! It’s not that Topuria can’t win this Saturday, but some people are already thinking it’s set in stone. Especially the bookmakers. Who now have the Georgian -500 to get the win this Saturday. That’s borderline ridiculous. Especially for a guy moving up to the 155lb […]
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June 28, 2025
Robocop UFC 317
Published by Dave Van Auken on June 28, 2025

5 Sleeper Fights To Watch at UFC 317

UFC 317 Prelims Preview: Five Must-See Matchups We’ve already taken a deep dive into the main card matchups at UFC 317. Now, let’s turn our attention to the best of the preliminary action happening tonight at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Jack Hermansson vs. Gregory Rodrigues (Middleweight) Swedish veteran Jack Hermansson (24-8 MMA, 11-6 UFC) returns to the Octagon for the first time in 16 months as he takes on the always-dangerous Gregory Rodrigues (16-6 […]
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June 26, 2025
Charles Oliveira UFC 317
Published by Dave Van Auken on June 26, 2025

UFC 317 Preview: Two Title Fights Set for International Fight Week

Everything You Need to Know About UFC 317: Full Main Card Breakdown International Fight Week has arrived, and as always, the UFC is marking the occasion with a massive pay-per-view event. UFC 317 takes place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas this Saturday, featuring two title fights at the top of the card. The vacant UFC lightweight title is on the line in the main event, as former featherweight champion Ilia Topuria moves up to […]
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June 22, 2025
Published by Dave Van Auken on June 22, 2025

The Legacy of Jon Jones

Jon Jones’s legacy is undeniably one of extraordinary athletic achievement: youngest champ, multi-divisional reigns, dominant wins, and longevity. But it’s also a complex narrative, marred by off-field misconduct, doping controversies, and lingering “what ifs” about elite matchups avoided. For many, he’s the GOAT; for others, his record isn’t uncontested. As of now, his legacy hangs in dynamic tension—legendary yet unfinished, hero-like yet flawed. Jon Jon is the Youngest-ever UFC champ at age 23 by defeating […]
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June 19, 2025
Published by Dave Van Auken on June 19, 2025

BETTING BANANAS🍌- UFC BAKU

This Saturday the UFC make their first trip to Baku and put on a historic event at the Baku Crystal Hall. I’ve even included a picture of the arena for this one, as at night it is quite simply the most beautiful arena I have seen. The card will be headlined by Khalil Rountree taking on Jamahal Hill in the middleweight division! Anyhow, more importantly let’s get into what I am betting on this card. […]
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June 19, 2025
UFC baku Preview
Published by Dave Van Auken on June 19, 2025

UFC Baku Preview: Hill vs. Rountree Headlines Historic Card

PFL Baku Main Card Preview The world leader in mixed martial arts breaks new ground this weekend as Crystal Palace Hall in Baku, Azerbaijan, hosts its first-ever UFC event. Let’s take a look at the main card action at UFC on ABC 8 this Saturday night: Jamahal Hill vs. Khalil Rountree Jr. (Light Heavyweight) Former 205-pound champion Jamahal Hill (12-3 MMA, 6-3 UFC) is searching for his first win since January 2023 in Saturday’s main […]
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June 19, 2025
Published by Dave Van Auken on June 19, 2025

UFC Baku: A Career-Defining Moment for Rafael Fiziev

IRafael Fiziev will make his first-ever UFC appearance in Azerbaijan at UFC Baku — and with it, the weight of expectation from a passionate local crowd. He acknowledged the immense responsibility. “Fighting in my homeland is a huge honor… I’ve had three defeats in a row, and I need this victory … to stay in the title race.” That bar of expectation is high. After snapping a three-fight skid — including tough losses to Justin Gaethje (twice) […]
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June 17, 2025
Ben Askren UFC
Published by Dave Van Auken on June 17, 2025

Health Update on Ben Askren Provided by His Wife

Ben Askren’s Wife Shares Concerning Health Update The wife of retired UFC fighter Ben Askren has provided a public update regarding his serious health condition. Askren, 40, is currently hospitalized in Wisconsin after being diagnosed with pneumonia. According to the update, he remains sedated and is receiving support from a ventilator. Doctors are continuing to monitor his condition closely, and there is a possibility that he may require a lung transplant in the future. “I […]
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June 14, 2025
Paul craig UFC atlanta
Published by Dave Van Auken on June 14, 2025

Sleeper Fights You Need to Watch on the UFC Atlanta Undercard

From Bearjew’s Return to Wellmaker’s Rise: UFC Atlanta Prelims Preview While the main card of UFC on ESPN 69 is loaded with big names and high-stakes bouts, savvy MMA fans know the preliminary lineup in Atlanta, Georgia is packed with sleepers that could easily produce Fight of the Night contenders. From rising prospects to veteran showdowns, here’s a closer look at three must-watch matchups before the spotlight hits the main stage. Paul Craig vs. Rodolfo […]
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