BIG UFC / WWE MERGER

The two fighting promotions started to trade under the joint name TKO Tuesday on the New York Stock Exchange. Endeavor, UFC's parent company, retains a 51% ownership of the $21.4B initial valuation, while WWE shareholders hold 49%. UFC’s COO Lawrence Epstein said that one goal of the merger is to make every WWE fan a UFC fan and vice versa, to which Dana White replied it was “one of the dumbest statements of all time”.

DEREK BRUNSON AND TWO OTHER FIGHTERS REMOVED

Derek Brunson, Tecia Torres, and Zarah Fairn have all been removed from the active roster. While the exact reasons are unclear, it could mean that they’ve been let go, that their contract was over or that they chose to retire. Brunson, known for victories over Till and Holland, had a 23-9 UFC record. Torres, with a 9-6 UFC record, recently suffered a split-decision loss to Mackenzie Dern. Fairn faced four consecutive losses in her UFC career.

MIKE PERRY STICKS WITH BKFC

UFC veteran Mike Perry revealed he has just re-signed a multi-fight contract with BKFC. Perry disclosed that their offer in the high seven figures was the only one worth considering, taking a jab at what the UFC presumably offered him. He also remains free to pursue other fights outside of BKFC, such as being the backup for Paul vs Danis in October.

CANNONIER WANTS THE FIRST CRACK AT STRICKLAND

UFC middleweight contender Jared Cannonier is hoping for a title shot against Strickland after the upset victory over Adesanya. Cannonier, who holds a split-decision win over Strickland, expressed his intention in a comment on Dana White's Instagram post, urging for the rematch to be canceled. While Adesanya is the most likely challenger, Cannonier made his case directly to Dana White to at least face Dricus du Plessis.

UFC FIGHTER CAUGHT TORTURING AND EXTORTING A MAN

UFC fighter Khusein Askhabov, his twin brother Khasan and an accomplice were arrested in Thailand for allegedly breaking into a man's house, then robbing, kidnapping, and torturing him. The trio is said to have fled to Dubai with stolen goods worth over $338,000, including high-end watches, electronics, and cash from a safe. Following the arrest, the UFC canceled Askhabov's scheduled fight on October 7.

Fight Films: Here’s the poster for my Valentina Shevchenko documentary. I’m planning to release it next week ⬇️

DAZN publishes the face-off interview between Logan Paul and Dillon Danis.

TheMacLife’s DWCS’ press conference with Dana White.

KenanKTV breaks down how Strickland defeated Adesanya.

Gabriel Varga explains the ’’Philly Shell”.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT: GRASSO VS SHEVCHENKO 2