Islam Makhachev – Fight Bananas Official

March 10, 2026

Published by Cody Merrow on March 10, 2026

MALKI KAWA’S SLEEPLESS UFC WHITE HOUSE NEGOTIATIONS

🥊 MALKI KAWA BREAKS DOWN THE ALL-NIGHT NEGOTIATION THAT BUILT ILIA TOPURIA vs. JUSTIN GAETHJE By Cody Merrow | Fight Bananas | March 9, 2026 Live Producer, The Anik & Florian Podcast | Formerly of MMA Underground & The Pound 4 Pound Podcast Newsletter Malki Kawa had just undergone a heart procedure. It was Thursday. He was recovering. There was no fight. As far as the founder and CEO of First Round Management was concerned, […]

February 23, 2026

Published by Cody Merrow on February 23, 2026

Top 25 MMA Fighters RIGHT NOW — According to Gemini AI

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 […]

February 22, 2026

Published by Cody Merrow on February 22, 2026

Michael Chiesa Announces Retirement Fight with Anik & Florian + Mario Bautista joins the show!

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 […]

February 13, 2026

Published by Will Brewer on February 13, 2026

The Weekly Rounds 2: UFC Heavyweight Division, Diaz, Ilia vs Islam, and more

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 […]

February 5, 2026

Published by Will Brewer on February 5, 2026

The Weekly Rounds 1: Volk, Islam, Paddy and more

What’s good FB family?! This is the first 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: Alexander Volkanovski defeats Diego Lopes; retains title at UFC 325 [Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC] I had to start this off by giving all the respect to the […]

November 19, 2025

Published by Dave Van Auken on November 19, 2025

Who’s Next for Islam Makhachev ..?

Islam Makhachev just won the main event at UFC 322 via unanimous decision to win the UFC Welterweight Championship and now that question who is next for Islam Makhachev. ? Top Contenders to Watch as His Next Opponent Kamaru Usman Makhachev himself has mentioned Usman as a logical next challenge. Usman is a former champ and a big name in the 170-lb division. Michael Morales Morales got a lot of attention after […]

May 22, 2025

Published by Dave Van Auken on May 22, 2025

“He’s a Legend”: Jack Della Maddalena Calls on Volkanovski and Craig Jones to Crack the Makhachev Code

JDM Looks to Fellow Aussie Star for Edge Ahead of Makhachev Clash As Jack Della Maddalena gears up for the biggest test of his MMA career, he’s turning to someone who knows his upcoming opponent better than most—UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski. Della Maddalena (18-2 MMA, 8-0 UFC) captured the welterweight crown at UFC 315 in Montreal with a win over Belal Muhammad. Now, with Islam Makhachev (27-1 MMA, 16-1 UFC) expected to vacate his […]

May 17, 2025

Published by Dave Van Auken on May 17, 2025

Paddy Pimblett Sees Topuria as Path to UFC Title

UFC Shake-Up: Pimblett Targets Lightweight Title in Post-Makhachev Era With Islam Makhachev officially moving up to welterweight, Paddy Pimblett sees a clear path opening toward a UFC lightweight title shot. UFC President Dana White confirmed this week that Makhachev (27-1 MMA, 16-1 UFC) will relinquish the 155-pound championship he’s held since 2022 to pursue a new challenge at 170 pounds. He’s expected to face newly crowned welterweight king Jack Della Maddalena later this year. As […]

May 15, 2025

Published by Dave Van Auken on May 15, 2025

“You’re a Coward”: Topuria and Makhachev Erupt in War of Words

Topuria and Makhachev’s Trash Talk Gets Personal Ilia Topuria isn’t holding back when it comes to Islam Makhachev’s recent decision to move divisions instead of facing him in a highly anticipated superfight. Following UFC President Dana White’s announcement that Makhachev (27-1 MMA, 16-1 UFC) will vacate his lightweight title to pursue a shot at newly crowned welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena, Topuria (16-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) took aim at the Dagestani star, accusing him of […]