UFC 2025 Year in Review: Fighter of the Year Debate, Alex Pereira’s Redemption, and 2026’s Troubling Start
The UFC 2025 year in review proved one thing: this sport has never been deeper. Alex Pereira lost to Ankalaev, looked finished at 38, then knocked him out cold in 80 seconds to reclaim the light heavyweight throne. Islam Makhachev went to welterweight and dominated Jack Della Maddalena for his second belt. Joshua Van went 4-0 and captured flyweight gold at just 24. Valentina Shevchenko continues crushing opponents at 37. Dave Simon, AJ D’Alesio, and Fred Garcia break down who truly deserves Fighter of the Year honors—and why the early 2026 schedule filled with BMF title fights and interim belts already has fans concerned.
Mick Foley Leaves WWE: What His Exit Reveals About Wrestling’s Political Crisis
Mick Foley leaves WWE after decades of loyalty, walking away from the company over Saudi Arabia events and Trump administration connections. Unlike previous wrestler protests, Foley’s exit is public, explicit, and comes from someone with Hall of Fame legacy. The business reality: most WWE talent can’t afford this stand. They have mortgages, families, medical bills from years of punishment. AEW isn’t hiring everyone. For active wrestlers, leaving over politics isn’t brave—it’s financial suicide. This creates a two-tier system where legends exercise conscience while roster members stay silent. The question isn’t whether more follow Foley’s lead. It’s whether active talent can ever afford to.
Jiu-Jitsu Law Enforcement Debate: Why Rener’s SAFEWRAP Divides BJJ Community
The jiu-jitsu law enforcement debate just exploded with Rener Gracie’s SAFEWRAP technique. Sport BJJ competitors see watered-down grappling that won’t work under pressure. Self-defense advocates see practical application of Helio Gracie’s original vision. Here’s the reality: police departments get 8-16 hours defensive tactics training yearly—not enough for real jiu-jitsu, barely enough to drill high-percentage techniques. SAFEWRAP isn’t comprehensive—it’s one technique cops can execute under adrenaline with limited training while wearing 20 pounds of gear. The controversy exposes BJJ’s identity crisis: martial art, sport, or fitness program? We’re trying to be all three.
Can Karate Infrastructure Accelerate Southeast Asia MMA Development in 2026?
Can karate infrastructure accelerate Southeast Asia MMA development the way wrestling fed American fighters into the UFC? Vietnam and Singapore are investing heavily in national karate programs, building coaching pipelines, sports science systems, and competitive pathways. But here’s the thing: the transfer won’t be direct athlete conversion. The real impact comes from coaching infrastructure that elevates regional MMA training quality. From cultural resistance to competitive psychology differences to the incentive structure that keeps elite karateka in their sport – understanding Southeast Asia MMA development in 2026 requires looking beyond simple athlete crossover to see the systematic foundation being built.
Alex Garcia Arrested: 102 Kilos of Cocaine, $2.3M Seizure in Montreal Raid
Alex Garcia arrested in major Montreal anti-gang operation. The former UFC welterweight, who fought 10 times in the promotion between 2013-2018, was charged with drug trafficking and possession of proceeds of crime after coordinated raids netted 102 kilograms of cocaine valued at $2.3 million Canadian. Police also seized 5kg heroin, 20 liters of GHB, three firearms, two vehicles, and $306,000 cash. Garcia (legal name Lenin Billy Garcia Ciriaco) was arrested alongside two co-defendants, with warrants outstanding for two more suspects. The complete breakdown of the charges, seizures, and Garcia’s UFC background.
Why Do Ex-UFC Fighters Get Arrested? Garcia’s $2.5M Case Exposes Pattern
Why do ex-UFC fighters keep getting arrested? Alex Garcia’s $2.5M cocaine bust is the latest example of a pattern Ringside Report has documented for years. Low fighter pay, zero career transition support, and CTE damage create desperation. From Garcia to War Machine to Abel Trujillo – the system is broken.
How Much Do UFC Fighters Get Paid? 2026 Reality Check
When you watch a UFC main event, it’s easy to assume every fighter is rich. Here’s the reality: how much do UFC fighters get paid ranges from a brutal $12,000 for debuts to multi-millions for champions like Jon Jones. The “show and win” contract structure means a loss can cost fighters half their paycheck. Beyond base pay, fighters navigate Venum sponsorship tiers, performance bonuses, and PPV points – but then face 10-20% management fees, gym costs, and self-employment taxes. A fighter earning $50k might only take home $25k. This complete 2025 breakdown exposes the financial machinery behind every fight card.
John Cena’s Last Match: Why Gunther Is the Perfect Final Opponent for Wrestling’s Most Polarizing Champion
The John Cena last match against Gunther isn’t getting the emotional farewell WWE probably expected. After 20 years as the company’s top guy, Wrestling Uncensored hosts Dave Simon and Genesis Johnny North are asking the uncomfortable questions: Does Cena belong on wrestling’s Mount Rushmore alongside Hogan, Austin, and The Rock? Was his run more about incredible work ethic and durability than actual greatness? And is Gunther—the most dominant wrestler of this generation—the perfect opponent to expose Cena’s limitations one last time? The answers reveal why Cena’s legacy remains wrestling’s most controversial debate, and why Saturday Night’s Main Event might deliver the reality check instead of the storybook ending.
Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua: Fight Still On Despite Injury Rumors and Cancellation Speculation
Is Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua still happening? As of December 12, the fight is officially on for December 19 at the Kaseya Center in Miami, live on Netflix. But former champion Bermane Stiverne claims it’s off due to Paul’s sparring injuries. The evidence? Paul himself admitted his broken nose worsened in camp after work with Frank Sanchez, and he’s still carrying a black eye from Lawrence Okolie. Netflix dropped a new trailer. Sportsbooks haven’t pulled the lines. But in boxing, smoke usually means fire. My prediction: the fight happens, and Joshua stops Paul inside four rounds.
UFC 2026 Predictions: O’Malley, Usman, and Unwanted Matchups
Dave Simon delivered his most controversial UFC 2026 predictions on Ringside Report MMA: the Paramount era will bring fights nobody wants. Sean O’Malley gets another undeserved title shot after one win over Song Yadong. Islam Makachev’s welterweight debut will be against Kamaru Usman instead of legitimate contenders like Shavkat Rakhmonov. Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje fight for an interim lightweight title that means nothing. Dave, AJ D’Alesio, and Fred Garcia explained why the UFC’s subscription model will prioritize star power over merit, making 2026 “the year the UFC gives us a bunch of fights no one asked for.” Plus Merab Dvalishvili’s fighter-of-the-year debate after his UFC 323 loss, Brandon Royval vs Manel Kape predictions, and the six-week UFC drought before the Paramount deal begins.