Islam Makhachev is reportedly set to defend his title against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330. This is a big fight that's already generating a lot of buzz, with Arman Tsarukyan offering his breakdown of the potential matchup. However, Makhachev also voiced concerns about the UFC's "small purses" potentially hindering the signing of Usman Nurmagomedov, which could impact future talent acquisition for the promotion. It's a reminder that fighter pay remains a significant topic of discussion.
Sources (14)
We summarise the day's news in our own words. Full credit to the outlets below for the original reporting, click through to read their work.
- Paul, Rousey mock UFC White House TV figures (ESPN MMA)
- A Top Contender Wants Merab Dvalishvili Rematch More Than UFC Gold (LowKick MMA)
- ‘Rowdy’ rival! Ronda Rousey reacts to White House viewership numbers, trolls UFC’s Hunter Campbell: ‘Kiss my ass’ (MMA Mania)
- “Tom’s got a beautiful double leg”: Michael Bisping breaks down Tom Aspinall vs. Ciryl Gane rematch (LowKick MMA)
- Islam Makhachev says the UFC’s ‘small purses’ could hold up Usman Nurmagomedov signing (Bloody Elbow)
- Arman Tsarukyan breaks down Islam Makhachev vs. Ian Machado Garry UFC 330 welterweight title bout (LowKick MMA)
- UFC Champ Tears into Colby Covington: “He was putting on an act” (LowKick MMA)
- Former opponent says Conor McGregor has “a better chance of beating Max” than he had against Khabib (LowKick MMA)
- Ex-NFL star who squatted 700lbs lands devastating 11-second KO to become an MMA champion (Bloody Elbow)
- Michael “Venom” Page unsure of UFC future: “We are not even in discussions” (LowKick MMA)
- Justin Gaethje reveals the secret that helped him avoid facial damage in the Ilia Topuria battle (Bloody Elbow)
- Bryce Mitchell Says He’s Broke and Only Takes UFC Fights When His Bank Account Hits Zero (LowKick MMA)
- Open Thread, June 20, 2026 (MMA Mania)
- UFC Vegas 119 Results: Kape vs. Horiguchi 2 (MMA Fighting)
Split from that day's roundup, so the sources listed are the full set behind the whole edition rather than this story alone.
This story ran in the June 21, 2026 edition of the daily show.