Thiago Santos (18-6) has emerged as the frontrunner to fight Jimi Manuwa (17-4) on short notice at next month's UFC Fight Night São Paulo event on Sept. 22, though the fight isn't a done deal just yet, sources say. Santos, who typically fights at middleweight, most recently defeated Kevin Holland at UFC 227 earlier this month. Manuwa was left without an opponent after Glover Teixeira withdrew from the main event fight earlier this week due to a shoulder injury. The proposed fight would take place at light heavyweight.

Ariel Helwani, ESPN Staff Writer7h ago

Just spoke to Al Iaquinta. He said he's finally healthier than he's been in years. He wants to fight the recently medically cleared Tony Ferguson next. Any card in November (MSG, China, TUF Finale ...). "Can't stand that guy," he said. Ferguson hasn't fought since last October, while Iaquinta's last fight was in April.

Ariel Helwani, ESPN Staff Writer2d ago

Curtis Blaydes believes a fight against former UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic is "50/50. The ball is in his court." Blaydes has won four consecutive bouts, most recently a TKO win against Alistair Overeem in June. Miocic won five in a row before falling to Daniel Cormier in July.

Greg Rosenstein, ESPN Staff Writer4d ago