MMA & UFC Daily: Zabit’s Jiu-Jitsu Pivot, White House Speculation, and the Houston Hype

Good morning, fight fans. It is Tuesday, February 17, 2026. The MMA world never stops spinning, and today we have a mix of legendary returns (with a twist), roster shakeups, and the final build-up to this weekend’s pivotal middleweight clash in Texas.

Whether you're sipping your first coffee or heading to the gym, here is your essential breakdown of the latest in the Octagon and beyond.

The Return of Zabit—But Not to the Octagon

For years, Zabit Magomedsharipov has been the ultimate "what if" of the featherweight division. After retiring abruptly in his prime due to health issues and a lack of motivation, fans have begged for his return. Today, we finally have news, though it might not be exactly what UFC purists were hoping for.

Zabit has officially signed with ACBJJ (Absolute Championship of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu). While it isn’t a return to MMA, seeing the Dagestani wizard back in a competitive arena is a massive win for combat sports. ACBJJ president Zaurbek Khasiev confirmed the negotiations are complete, stating, "Major decisions are made in silence." Expect Zabit to bring that same creative, unorthodox style to the mats that made him a human highlight reel in the UFC.

Chael Sonnen Drops a "White House" Bombshell

The buzz surrounding the UFC White House event on June 14 is reaching a fever pitch. While Dana White has kept the official bouts under wraps, industry insider and "Bad Guy" Chael Sonnen claims to have the inside track on the main event.

Sonnen stated on his YouTube channel that he is "very confident" Alex "Poatan" Pereira will headline the historic card. The question, of course, is the opponent. With the light heavyweight division in a state of flux, rumors are swirling about a potential move to heavyweight or a "BMF" style superfight. Meanwhile, Cory Sandhagen and Colby Covington have both publicly lobbied for spots on the South Lawn, with Covington eyeing a matchup that "fits the patriotic theme" of the evening.

Houston We Have a Problem: Strickland vs. Hernandez

We are just days away from UFC Houston (February 21), where former champion Sean Strickland takes on the surging Anthony "Fluffy" Hernandez.

This is a classic "gatekeeper vs. rising star" scenario with massive title implications. Hernandez is riding an incredible eight-fight winning streak and looks to propel himself into the conversation with champion Khamzat Chimaev. For Strickland, it’s a chance to prove his defensive masterclass style can still shut down the elite grapplers of the new generation.

Current Buzz: Analysts are split. While Strickland’s jab and distance management are legendary, Hernandez’s "unfixable" pace and cardio have many wondering if he can drown the former champ in the later rounds.

The Zuffa Boxing Fallout

Following this past weekend’s Zuffa Boxing 03 event, Dana White hasn't held back in his critique of the traditional boxing world. After Efe Ajagba dismantled Charles Martin, White mocked rival promoters, claiming they are "beating up babies" compared to the high-level matchmaking he intends to bring to the ring.

The success of these early Zuffa Boxing cards suggests the UFC's infrastructure is successfully bleeding into the squared circle, and we can expect more UFC stars to potentially "cross over" for one-off boxing matches under the Zuffa banner later this year.

Quick Hits:

• Cain Velasquez Support: Following his release from prison on parole, Dana White has publicly voiced his support for the former heavyweight king, signaling that Velasquez will likely always have a home within the UFC's ambassador program.

• Paddy Pimblett’s Transformation: "The Baddy" revealed he is currently sitting at a disciplined 190 lbs (86kg) following his loss to Justin Gaethje. It seems the days of "Fat Paddy" between camps might be over as he looks to reinvent himself for a summer return.

• Jaylen Brown to the UFC?: In a bizarre crossover story, NBA star Jaylen Brown confirmed he has discussed "post-career opportunities" with Dana White. While a pro debut is far off, the All-Star forward’s Muay Thai background makes him a serious fan of the sport.

• Roster Cuts: The "spring cleaning" continues as Dana White confirmed more veteran releases are coming this week. The promotion is clearing space for the next wave of Contender Series talent as they lean into their Paramount+ era.

That wraps up today’s update. Tomorrow, we’ll take a closer look at the "White House" card rumors—specifically the likelihood of Conor McGregor actually making the walk.