A daily news digest covering multiple MMA stories. Dustin Poirier commented on Conor McGregor's potential return, stating he wishes McGregor the worst. Dana White shared construction photos from the White House event venue. Islam Makhachev continues hinting at a July return. New sparring footage emerged between Allen and Chimaev. Khamzat Chimaev undergoes special nightly recovery procedures. Carlos Ulberg has begun knee rehabilitation. Arman Tsarukyan's next RAF fight will earn him at least a three percent stake in the company. Peyton Talbott posted a Toy Story reference on Instagram, seemingly hinting at decreased UFC interest in him.
Several notable storylines are making the rounds in MMA on April 23, 2026, spanning fighter comments, venue preparations, and contract developments across the sport.
Dustin Poirier, the 37-year-old American southpaw fighting out of American Top Team, made clear he has no goodwill toward a potential Conor McGregor comeback. The 30-10 lightweight veteran — who lands 5.24 significant strikes per minute at 50 percent accuracy — paraphrased a familiar sentiment, stating publicly that he wishes McGregor the worst. Poirier has long had a complicated history with the Irish star, and the comment signals that tension remains very much alive.
Lightweight and welterweight champion Islam Makhachev, 34, continues to drop hints about a July return. The 28-1 Dagestani, who carries a 58 percent striking accuracy and averages 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes, holds both the pound-for-pound top ranking and championship gold. No official booking has been confirmed, but his social signals have been consistent.
Khamzat Chimaev, ranked first in the middleweight division and tenth pound-for-pound at 32 years old, is reportedly undergoing special nightly recovery procedures. The 15-1 Borz, who operates out of Allstars Training Center and averages a remarkable 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes with 60 percent striking accuracy, also appeared in new sparring footage alongside Arnold Allen, adding intrigue around his preparation.
Why it matters
- Makhachev's July timeline would have significant implications for the welterweight and lightweight title pictures
- Chimaev's recovery focus and fresh sparring footage suggest an active camp is underway for the top-ranked middleweight contender
- Arman Tsarukyan's reported three percent RAF equity stake for his next fight marks an unusual fighter compensation structure worth monitoring
- Carlos Ulberg beginning knee rehabilitation and Peyton Talbott's cryptic social media post both point to potential roster and scheduling shifts ahead
