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.
Ian Garry EXPLODES: Kamaru Usman “F***ing IRRELEVANT” for Islam Fight + UFC Qatar Predictions

Ian Machado Garry just called Kamaru Usman “f***ing irrelevant” for wanting to fight Islam Makhachev next. The Irish contender says fans want to see the new generation, not a washed-up former champ. Is he right? Plus, Ilia Topuria blasts Islam as “the most boring thing in this game” and UFC Qatar predictions with title shot implications for Arman Tsarukyan and Belal Muhammad.
UFC 321: Aspinall vs Gane Preview – Bold Picks + Vancouver Recap

The Ringside Report MMA team delivered their most comprehensive UFC 321 analysis yet, and their insights on the heavyweight title fight are fascinating.
Dave Simon makes a compelling case for why Ciryl Gane presents unique problems for Tom Aspinall: “It’s hard not to pick Aspinall. However, Ciryl is competent. He’s capable of winning the fight. Aspinall is probably the safer pick. But Cyril could easily win that fight, especially at heavyweight.”
The episode also features:
Detailed betting analysis (AJ reveals his 5-fight parlay strategy)
UFC Vancouver post-mortem (What went wrong with Reinier de Ridder?)
Canadian fighter spotlight (Malott, Zahabi, and the Jourdain brothers)
Women’s strawweight title fight breakdown (Dern vs Jandiroba)
After watching their Vancouver predictions implode spectacularly, the crew is approaching Abu Dhabi with hard-earned wisdom and zero BS.
UFC 319 Breakdown: Why Chimaev DESTROYS Dricus After DC Video

A viral moment changed everything for UFC 319. When Khamzat Chimaev effortlessly picked up and spun former heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier like a rag doll, it sent shockwaves through the MMA world and completely shifted expert predictions for Saturday’s middleweight title fight against Dricus du Plessis. Ringside Report’s Dave Simon and AJ D’Alesio break down why this display of freakish strength means Chimaev destroys the champion, plus complete betting breakdowns and fight analysis.
UFC 317 Preview: Topuria vs Oliveira Title Fight Predictions and Betting Picks

UFC 317 preview and predictions from Ringside Report hosts Dave Simon and AJ D’Alesio. Complete breakdown of Topuria vs Oliveira for the vacant lightweight title, betting picks, parlay strategies, and analysis of the full International Fight Week card.