Luana Santos' move to bantamweight hit a snag as she missed weight at the official weigh-ins for UFC Vegas 83, coming in at 139 pounds, three pounds over the 135-pound limit. This resulted in her bout with Stephanie Egger proceeding at a catchweight, with Santos forfeiting 20 percent of her purse as a penalty.

Santos, who recently competed at flyweight with a victory over Juliana Miller, had previously made appearances at bantamweight before her UFC debut.

For Egger, this marks the second consecutive fight in which her opponent has missed weight. In her last bout, she faced Irina Alekseeva, who was four pounds over the bantamweight limit.

Despite these weight issues, the bantamweight headliners Song Yadong and Chris Gutierrez successfully made weight. Gutierrez's weigh-in had a bit of drama, requiring extra time for him to strip down and successfully hit the scale at 136 pounds.

In the ongoing UFC antitrust lawsuit, further details are emerging about the behind-closed-doors business tactics employed by the promotion. The lawsuit aims to expose the UFC's alleged use of underhanded methods to prevent fighters from seeking better contracts with rival promotions.

While instances of fighters feeling pressured by the UFC have been recounted before, especially after matchmaker Joe Silva's departure, the latest information sheds light on the involvement of top executives.

Notably, a recent revelation includes a text message exchange between UFC owners Dana White and Lorenzo Fertitta during a period when fighters Gilbert Melendez and Eddie Alvarez sought to leave the promotion. The UFC managed to retain them through various contractual clauses.

In the revealed messages, White expresses his admiration for Fertitta's handling of the situation: “Bro, u know i love u to fukn death as it is but what u pulled off this week with Melendez and 'other dude' is fukn BAD ASS! Fukn cutthroat nasty business like u see in movies!!”

Conor McGregor, the renowned UFC star, is contemplating a potential run for the presidency in Ireland amid recent political turmoil. The athlete, known for his outspoken nature, has been vocal about societal issues, particularly in the aftermath of a tragic incident in Dublin involving the stabbing of three children and a carer. The ensuing riots, fueled by claims that the suspect was a foreigner, led to anti-immigrant sentiments and chants. McGregor's social media posts addressing these events are currently under investigation by the police for alleged hate incitement.

In response to the investigation, McGregor accused the authorities of making him a scapegoat, stating on Twitter, "Attempt to scapegoat me all you wish. If it makes you feel better, I will take it." He released a formal statement urging the government to take action and address the issue of racism. McGregor emphasized the need for serious policy reforms related to Ireland's immigration and refugee processes, calling on leaders to act in the best interest of the citizens and the country's future.

UFC Fight Night on Saturday may not have been initially hyped as a show-stopper, especially when competing with the high-stakes drama of several college football conference championship games over the weekend. However, the event unfolded in a way that exceeded expectations, leaving a lasting impression on fans and fighters alike.

Despite the stiff competition from college football, the UFC Fight Night delivered a pair of knockouts that stole the headlines and showcased the unpredictability that makes mixed martial arts so compelling. This was particularly noteworthy considering the other high-profile sporting events vying for viewers' attention.

In the lightweight division, Drakkar Klose faced off against Joe Solecki, entering the bout with the momentum of two consecutive victories. What transpired in the octagon was nothing short of spectacular, as Klose secured a knockout within the first two minutes of the fight. However, this wasn't just any knockout; it was a highlight-reel moment that would be replayed for days to come.

Klose demonstrated his versatility by taking Solecki down early in the first round. As Solecki attempted to counter with an armbar, he found himself on the receiving end of a fight-ending move. Klose lifted Solecki off the mat and executed a slam that sent him crashing down headfirst, resulting in an immediate knockout. The sheer athleticism and precision of the move left both fans and fellow fighters in awe.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is set to captivate fight fans once again as it returns to ESPN+ for the highly anticipated UFC Austin, taking place at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas. Scheduled for tonight (Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023), the event promises a night of thrilling action and compelling matchups that will keep fans on the edge of their seats.

Headlining the event is a pivotal Lightweight bout between two top contenders, Beneil Dariush and Arman Tsarukyan. The co-main event features a clash between experienced fighters Bobby Green and Jalin Turner. This main card is brimming with potential Fight of the Night contenders and exciting narratives that will undoubtedly capture the attention of MMA enthusiasts worldwide.

Arman Tsarukyan, currently ranked No. 8, is no stranger to high-stakes matchups. In his first foray into the Octagon, Tsarukyan faced none other than the current Lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev, in 2019. Although he fell short on the judges' scorecards, Tsarukyan showcased his resilience and determination against a future pound-for-pound talent. Since then, he has compiled an impressive 7-1 record, earning him the chance to headline his second UFC event. With aspirations to break into the Top 5, Tsarukyan faces a formidable opponent in Beneil Dariush.

In a recent installment of the "This Past Weekend" podcast hosted by comedian Theo Von, a noteworthy exchange unfolded with UFC CEO Dana White. Von recounted a peculiar incident where sponsors, including Peloton, demanded the removal of an episode featuring an interview with Democratic presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. White, visibly surprised by the sponsors' objection, questioned the rationale behind it, considering Kennedy to be a "smart guy" with "common sense" despite never having met him in person.

Expressing his disdain for Peloton's decision, White vehemently exclaimed, "F— you, Peloton." To underscore his stance, White took action and shared an Instagram story from a UFC gym, showcasing the replacement of Peloton machines with Echelon bikes. The move was a testament to White's commitment to stand against perceived corporate interference.

Von, unwavering in the face of Peloton's pressure, kept the controversial interview with Kennedy on YouTube, where it garnered over 920,000 views. This defiance highlighted the clash between artistic freedom and corporate influence in the realm of podcasting.