MMA and Combat Sports Daily Digest - July 19, 2026

UFC Oklahoma City Recap

The UFC Oklahoma City event was highlighted by the return of Dricus du Plessis, who made a statement by defeating Kamaru Usman in the main event. Du Plessis showcased his skills and resilience, securing a unanimous decision victory after five rounds of action. This victory positions him for a potential title shot in the middleweight division.

Promotional Bonuses Awarded

The UFC has announced the bonus recipients following the exciting fights. Tommy "Gun" McMillen was awarded the Performance of the Night bonus for his spectacular knockout victory, along with several fighters who finished their opponents. Each fighter who secured a finish received a consolation bonus of $25,000, acknowledging their efforts in the octagon.

Cannonier's Struggles Continue

In a co-main event that didn't live up to expectations, Jared Cannonier suffered a disappointing loss to Christian Duncan. Cannonier's performance raised concerns, marking his fourth defeat in the last five fights. His future in the UFC is now under scrutiny as he deals with this ongoing struggle.

International Boxing Highlights

On the boxing front, the Serbian national boxing team is ramping up preparations for the Mediterranean Games, showing promise as they gear up for international competition. Meanwhile, Dominic Barry captured the UBO Continental title in an intense match against Kevin Brizuela, where he demonstrated that he can handle pressure, a vital skill for any successful fighter.

IBA Bare Knuckle's Historic Debut

The IBA Bare Knuckle made waves in the combat sports community with its United States debut, showcasing remarkable talent such as Vyacheslav Borshchev, who won in decisive fashion. This event featured top-tier fighters and received strong endorsements, marking a significant push for bare-knuckle boxing in the American market.

McGregor's Sports Betting Ventures

Not to be overlooked, Conor McGregor made headlines by betting on an upcoming football match, demonstrating that even while recovering from injury, he remains at the forefront of sports discussions. His choice to bet $100,000 on the Argentina vs. Spain match has garnered brief but significant attention.

Confrontation at Press Conference

The tension escalated between UFC fighters Belal Muhammad and Colby Covington during a media conference, leading to a physical confrontation. Their rivalry has intensified, adding an extra layer of drama to their professional lives as upcoming matchups loom on the horizon.