De Ridder (20-2 MMA, 3-0 UFC) will look to emerge into title contention when he takes on former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker (26-8 MMA, 17-6 UFC) in the UFC on ABC 9 main event July 26 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.

Thompson (17-9-1 MMA, 12-9-1 UFC) lost a split decision to Gabriel Bonfim (18-1 MMA, 5-1 UFC) in Saturday's co-main event at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn. – a decision many observers deemed controversial. Longo also thought "Wonderboy" won the fight and explained why he thinks Thompson being 42 factored into the judges' decision.

UFC 318 was already shaping up to deeply tied to Louisiana, and main event fighter Dustin Poirier said Wednesday that Lil Wayne will walk him out to his final battle at the Smoothie King Center.

ESPN is increasing the price for UFC PPVs for the third time, bumping the cost of each pay-per-view card up $5 to $74.99. Sports newsletter 🏈's best, via 📧 Studio IX 🏀⚽️🥇 Club ...

UFC on ESPN 70 takes place Saturday (ESPN, ESPN+ ), and you can join us for live round-by-round coverage and official results beginning at 6 p.m. ET (3 p.m. PT). UFC on ESPN 70 takes place at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn.