This week has been huge for MMA. There are a lot of changes going on in the sport right now, from the possible return of Francis Ngannou to a new UFC broadcast deal in 2025 and even Khabib Nurmagomedov introducing a new wrestling powerhouse. This roundup has all the latest UFC news you need to know.
Breaking: Dana White Announced Jon Jones’ is retiring and Aspinall is the new Heavyweight Champ
In a stunning turn for the heavyweight division, UFC president Dana White confirmed tonight that Jon Jones will hang up the gloves effective immediately, clearing the path for rising star Tom Aspinall to be crowned the new undisputed heavyweight champion.
Jones, who captured the belt in his long-anticipated move to heavyweight last year, retires with an unmatched résumé—leaving behind a 15-year reign of dominance across two divisions—while Aspinall, the dynamic Brit with lightning-quick finishes and top-tier grappling, assumes the throne after his interim title run.
The announcement reshapes the UFC’s marquee weight class overnight, igniting fresh match-up possibilities and signaling a generational hand-off from one of MMA’s greatest champions to its most explosive new king.
Francis Ngannou Could Return to the UFC
Last week, Ngannou, who left the UFC in 2023 to join the PFL (Professional Fighters League), made an appearance at UFC Atlanta. There have been rumors of a possible return to the Octagon since his unexpected appearance.
Jones’ remarks merely fueled the flames. According to media outlets and UFC insiders, a comeback is probable if the financial terms are favorable and Ngannou’s demeanor meets Dana White’s requirements. Eric Nicksick, Ngannou’s coach, also made a suggestion that things are still open.
Aspinall finds himself in a difficult situation. The British interim champion has stated that if Jones doesn’t defend his title soon, the UFC should take away his title. However, Aspinall may be pushed aside again if Ngannou makes a comeback and wins the battle.
Jake Paul, a boxer and social media celebrity, proposed a “winner-takes-all” bout between Jones and Ngannou to add interest, with the winner receiving all of the money. Fans and even influencers are excited for this heavyweight fight, even though Dana White has not commented on the idea.
UFC Broadcast Deal 2025: New Platforms, Big Money
The UFC is getting ready for a significant change in how fans watch fights outside of the Octagon. According to Dana White, the UFC’s $300 million yearly broadcast agreement with ESPN is about to expire. The sport may be altered by what happens next.
The UFC is moving toward a multi-platform broadcast model, according to White. This implies that a single provider may no longer be the only option for UFC events. Instead, Netflix, Amazon Prime, ESPN, Warner Bros. Discovery, and others could share content, including Fight Nights and pay-per-view.
According to insiders, the UFC wants to reach a deal worth nearly $1 billion annually, which is more than three times the current amount. Fans may have more options for accessing content with a mixed-platform strategy, but it may also make it unclear where to watch particular events.
This move might be the largest business shift in UFC broadcast history if it is completed by September 2025. The UFC wants to lead the way as sports streaming keeps expanding.
Khabib Nurmagomedov Pushes UFC to Sign Olympic Wrestler
This week, former UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov made headlines by suggesting Abdulrashid Sadulaev as a new star for the UFC. Sadulaev is a multi-time world and Olympic champion and is known as one of the best freestyle wrestlers in the world.
Khabib used social media to ask Dana White to sign his teammate in public. Sadulaev has never fought professionally in MMA, but his elite wrestling skills could make him a threat to the UFC heavyweight division.
Some fans are even talking about whether Sadulaev could one day fight Jon Jones. People are excited about the idea of a world-class wrestler joining the heavyweight scene, even though a debut fight isn’t set yet.
Sadulaev’s addition would bring new life to the roster, especially since the division is already full of strong fighters. If he signs, he could bring back a wrestling-heavy style that hasn’t been seen since Cain Velasquez or Daniel Cormier.
The State of MMA in 2025: What to Watch For
There will be a lot for MMA fans to watch during the last half of 2025. The possible fight between Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou is still the biggest question mark. The UFC seems to be more interested in big fights than title defenses based on merit, even though Tom Aspinall is waiting in the wings.
The UFC broadcast deal for 2025 is going to be the biggest in the company’s history when it comes to business. If the UFC goes ahead with a plan to use more than one platform, it could make record profits and change how people around the world watch MMA.
And finally, the possible signing of Abdulrashid Sadulaev adds to the growing interest in the heavyweight scene, especially since Khabib Nurmagomedov is still very involved in shaping the future of MMA. Sadulaev could become one of the best grapplers in UFC history if he makes the jump.
Final Thoughts: The Future of UFC is Fast-Changing
The MMA world is full of surprises, from possible super fights to new stars and changing media strategies. This week, fans saw new hope for Jones vs. Ngannou, news about the UFC’s biggest business deal so far, and the rise of a new potential superstar under Khabib’s guidance. Whether it’s the long-awaited showdown between legends, the UFC’s growing commercial power, or the next generation rising under proven champions, the sport is once again reminding everyone who follows the sport why it’s one of the most unpredictable and electrifying shows on Earth.
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