The UFC is once again living up to its reputation. Not just with jaw-dropping fights, but with behind-the-scenes drama that’s shaking the MMA world to its core. With UFC 315 around the corner, the promotion has been hit with a whirlwind of withdrawals, surprise retirements, and heated exchanges. Dana White has his hands full as the UFC landscape shifts in real-time.

From Alex Pereira throwing unexpected shade at the company, to Cory Sandhagen turning down a backup role at UFC 316, and Belal Muhammad firing back at Jack Della Maddalena’s retirement talk, the Octagon is buzzing with controversy. Let’s dive into this wild ride with our latest edition of MMA news roundup and break down all the madness leading into UFC 315!

Is Alex Pereira leaving the UFC? Former 205lbs champ issues clarification

Wednesday night came as a shocker for UFC and MMA fans, as Alex Pereira unexpectedly took to X with a fiery message that no one saw coming. The Brazilian superstar suddenly lashed out at Dana White and the UFC, going as far as to threaten retirement. “I always answered the UFC’s calls, but if they want to play with me, we can do that. I’ve never spoken poorly of the UFC, but with what I’ve just heard, I’m disheartened. I’ve already had thoughts of not fighting anymore, and after what was just relayed to me, this may be the start,” Pereira’s X account stated.

Pereira was reigning as a two-division champion and held the light heavyweight title until UFC 313, where he lost the strap to Magomed Ankalaev. Still, the Brazilian remained composed after the defeat and promised fans he would heal and return. Moreover, he has always stepped up to save multiple cards for White and the company. That’s why his post was so unexpected. Just recently, he was listed as a VIP guest for the UFC 315 Meet & Greet with fans—another sign of his ongoing relationship with the promotion.

Finally, we have some answers—because ‘Poatan’ came to the rescue. Confused? We were, too! Pereira cleared the doubts, saying that his account was hacked:

“I’ve received a ton of messages, getting messages from everyone who saw a post from my Twitter,” Pereira said in Portuguese on his Instagram handle. “I didn’t even know about it. I was hacked. It’s been a while since I’ve posted anything – you guys see. But I was hacked, and I’ll resolve it.”

He reiterated his “great relationship with UFC” and promised to resolve the matter. Now that this rumor is put to rest and proven to be just a hoax, let’s move on to the next news.

Cory Sandhagen shuts down backup role for UFC 316, eyes title shot instead

Cory Sandhagen isn’t interested in being a backup fighter—especially if it doesn’t come with guaranteed rewards. Fresh off his win over former flyweight champ Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC Des Moines, ‘The Sandman’ made it clear that his sights are set on one thing: a bantamweight title shot. In the post-fight interview, Sandhagen emphasized that stepping in as a backup for the UFC 316 headliner between Merab Dvalishvili and Sean O’Malley in New Jersey doesn’t make sense for him right now.

He elaborated on the situation in a conversation with James Lynch: “So I talked to the UFC yesterday, I am gonna go to New Jersey. They told me they are not gonna decide on anything until after the fight happens. Well, they asked me if I wanted to be the backup. And I said, ‘Well, does that guarantee me a title shot afterward?’. And they were like, ‘no, we’re just gonna kind of do it for you because we like you.'”

He added, “I’ll definitely be in the building, but being a backup fighter is usually not a good deal for the backup fighter, most of the time. You gotta train for both guys, and usually it’s on shorter notice. And if you do end up fighting, you’re not going to be at 100%, as if you had time to prepare for just one of them.

He concluded with, “It’s a bad deal overall. I was gonna do it just to kiss some a-s, but if they’re not gonna guarantee me a title shot, it sounds like they’re okay with just waiting, and I’m okay with it too.”

Sandhagen isn’t biting. Though flattered by the UFC’s offer, he’s made it clear. He’s not showing up unless a title shot is in writing. The bantamweight picture may still be in flux, but for Sandhagen, the message is simple: it’s championship or bust. And to wrap up today’s headlines, let’s dive into some breaking news on Jack Della Maddalena and rumblings about retirement…

Belal Muhammad takes a jibe at Jack Della Maddalena’s retirement trash talk

“He’s had a good run in the UFC,” Jack Della Maddalena said in a recent interview with UFC. “It’s retirement time, buddy.” Belal Muhammad had a sharp response ready during the UFC 315 press conference held on May 7, 2025.

“I just think he’s not good at trash talk,” Muhammad said. “If he thinks it’s going to be that, it’s going to be a long night for him. I just can’t wait for him to eat his words and eat these fists.”

As Muhammad told TNT Sports, winning the belt once didn’t quench his hunger. He made it clear he still sees himself as the hunter.
“What’s the next goal? What’s the next target?’ I’m always that guy who’s always after a fight, what’s next? Who’s next?” he said. Retirement clearly isn’t on his mind.

‘Remember the Name’ is set to defend his title for the first time in this high-stakes matchup in Montreal. Do you think Belal Muhammad will hold onto the belt? Did you enjoy the UFC 315 news roundup? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!