Paulo Costa's team released footage showing him struggling significantly to make 93 kg, a notable concern given he previously competed at 84 kg and is now fighting at light heavyweight. Jon Jones stated he has hung up his gloves and is now only businessman Jon Jones, not fighter Jon Jones. Merab Dvalishvili plans to fight two more times in 2026 despite suffering a broken nose. Costa also made inflammatory comments targeting Russian fighters, stating he will add Azamat Murzakanov to his record before potentially facing Khamzat Chimaev. Johnny Walker gave Jiri Prochazka a surprise gift related to the impending birth of Prochazka's daughter.
Multiple storylines are making waves in the MMA world heading into the spring of 2026, with notable developments surrounding Paulo Costa, Jon Jones, and Merab Dvalishvili all surfacing around the same time.
Costa's team released footage that has raised immediate questions about his upcoming light heavyweight appearance. The Brazilian, who holds a 16-4-0 record and is ranked 13th in the middleweight division, appeared to be in significant distress while trying to hit 93 kg — a weight class well above the 84 kg middleweight limit he previously competed at. At 35 years old and listed at six-foot-one with a 72-inch reach, Costa has built his reputation as one of the sport's most aggressive strikers, averaging 6.26 significant strikes landed per minute at 58 percent accuracy. Whether his body can absorb such a dramatic weight fluctuation remains a pressing question. Costa also made pointed remarks targeting Russian opposition, stating he intends to add Azamat Murzakanov to his record before a potential bout with Khamzat Chimaev.
Jon Jones, 38, has declared himself retired, describing himself publicly as businessman Jon Jones rather than fighter Jon Jones. The former champion carries a 28-1-0 record and stands six-foot-four with an extraordinary 84-inch reach — one of the most decorated physical and statistical profiles in heavyweight history, with a striking accuracy of 58 percent and 1.89 takedowns per 15 minutes across his career.
Merab Dvalishvili has confirmed he intends to compete twice more before the end of 2026, pressing forward despite suffering a broken nose. Separately, light heavyweight contender Jiri Prochazka, ranked second in his division with a 32-6-1 record, received a surprise gift from fellow 205-pound fighter Johnny Walker connected to the expected arrival of Prochazka's daughter.
Why it matters
- Costa's weight-cut footage casts doubt on his viability at light heavyweight ahead of his fight with Murzakanov
- Jones's retirement statement, if genuine, would create a significant vacancy at the top of the heavyweight division
- Dvalishvili's commitment to two fights signals continued activity at the top of the bantamweight landscape
