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Dana White Announces Huge New Contract For Record-Setting Veteran

UFC 328: Chimaev v Strickland

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - MAY 09: UFC President and CEO Dana White speaks with media after the UFC 328 event at Prudential Center on May 09, 2026 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Michelle Farsi/Zuffa LLC)

Zuffa LLC

Ageless UFC veteran Jim Miller must have impressed Dana White.

White was asked after UFC 328 which fighter's performance in New Jersey shifted his plans moving forward. White said no one shocked him in that way, but he called out the amazing co-main event that saw Joshua Van defeat Tatsuro Taira to retain the UFC flyweight championship. White also announced a new five-fight deal for Miller, who also won one of the $100,000 performance bonuses for his submission win over Jared Gordon.

The bonus and new commitment seems to have come at a great time for Miller.

Key Facts at a Glance

  • Announcement: New five-fight contract extension for Jim Miller, announced by Dana White at UFC 328 post-fight press conference
  • Date: Saturday, May 9, 2026
  • Miller's Current Total: 48 UFC fights (most all-time)
  • Path To 50: Two more wins on the new contract gets him there
  • UFC 328 Result: Miller def. Jared Gordon via R1 guillotine choke at 3:29
  • Bonus: $100,000 Performance of the Night
  • All-Time UFC Records Held: Most wins (28), most fights (48), 16 post-fight bonuses (tied 3rd)
  • Miller's Age: 42

What Did Dana White Announce About Jim Miller?

It seems like Miller is destined to get to 50 fights in the UFC. He’s at 47 and he has a five-fight deal. He doesn't even need to finish the contract to reach the milestone.

White made the announcement during the UFC 328 post-fight press conference at Prudential Center, framing the extension as recognition of Miller's record-setting career and ongoing value to the company. Per Heavy.com, White said the extension should "take Miller past the 50-fight mark in the UFC" if he wants it. The five-fight deal effectively endorses Miller's long-stated goal of becoming the first UFC fighter to hit 50 walks under the banner.

What Records Does Jim Miller Already Hold?

Miller's resume is amazing. He spent several years as a solid contender. While he's no longer a contender, he is still a tough out. You have to wonder when considering his records for submissions and longevity if he's a UFC Hall-of-Famer.

The case is real. Miller now sits at 28 career UFC wins (most all-time), 48 UFC fights (most all-time), 20 UFC finishes (second only to Charles Oliveira), and 16 post-fight bonuses (tied for third with Nate Diaz, behind only Donald Cerrone). His Gordon submission was his 20th finish in the Octagon. The numbers don't get touched in a modern matchmaking environment, which is exactly the kind of body of work that earns Hall of Fame consideration regardless of championship status.

Why Does This Contract Matter In The Paramount+ Era?

To have the promotion offer a five-fight deal to a 42-year-old fighters is pretty amazing. It represents stability for Miller.

It also lands at a meaningful moment for the UFC. The Paramount+ broadcast era brings real questions about long-term fighter security in a streaming-first model, and locking in one of the company's foundational guys for a defined runway is exactly the kind of move that helps the UFC point to long-form fighter storytelling rather than prospect-cycling. Miller is also the rare veteran who shows up, fights anyone, and never causes problems behind the scenes — the kind of pro the company quietly values more than most casual fans realize.

What's Next For Jim Miller?

Miller called out Conor McGregor after the event. It makes sense. He'd get a huge payday. He's not a major contender, but he is relatively well-known. I'm not sure if the UFC would be thrilled about putting McGregor in with a grappling specialist when he returns.

McGregor has been out since breaking his tibia against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021, and his suspension for missed drug tests just expired in March, making him eligible to fight again. Miller's quote — "I'll test that new ankle he's got there, that titanium" — is exactly the kind of line that markets itself if the UFC wants to give the matchup a shot. Whether or not McGregor is the next opponent, Miller has four to five fights ahead of him and a built-in storyline that the UFC can shape into a true milestone send-off, similar to how other veteran legacy retirements have been handled this year.

This article was originally published on Forbes.com

Khamzat Chimaev Makes Huge Career Decision After UFC 328 Loss

UFC 328: Chimaev v Strickland

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - MAY 09: Khamzat Chimaev of Russia prepares to face Sean Strickland in the UFC middleweight championship fight during the UFC 328 event at Prudential Center on May 09, 2026 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)

Zuffa LLC

Khamzat Chimaev has had enough of the weight cut to get to 185 pounds. Moments after he lost his UFC middleweight championship to Sean Strickland in the main event of UFC 328 in New Jersey, Chimaev told UFC President Dana White, "I want to move up. I don’t want to fight in this weight class anymore."

White obliged and told the media on hand of Chimaev's intentions. It all seems to make sense considering Chimaev's struggles with weight cuts and the way he seemed to tire in the second and third rounds of his loss to Strickland on Saturday.

Key Facts at a Glance

  • Announcement: Chimaev moving to light heavyweight (205 lbs)
  • Source: Dana White at UFC 328 post-fight press conference
  • Date: Saturday, May 9, 2026
  • UFC 328 Result: Sean Strickland def. Khamzat Chimaev via split decision (48-47, 47-48, 48-47)
  • Chimaev's Career Record: 15-1
  • Reported Weight Cut: ~45-46 lbs to make 185
  • Title Shot Status: No immediate LHW title shot per Dana White
  • LHW Champion: Carlos Ulberg (out until 2027 with torn ACL)

Why Is Khamzat Chimaev Moving To Light Heavyweight?

Chimaev is said to have cut upwards of 45 pounds to make it to 185 pounds at the weigh-in on Friday. He looked worse for wear and some even suggested he cheated to make weight. That's a conspiracy White seemed to downplay at the post-event presser.

The cardio fallout was visible from Round 2 forward. Chimaev failed to attempt a single takedown in the third round despite controlling Round 1 with his wrestling, and Strickland out-landed him 43-29 in significant strikes in that frame. Per Bloody Elbow, White said Chimaev "literally walked up to me after the fight" to declare he was done at the weight class — a reaction tied directly to the toll of the cut, not the loss itself.

Will Chimaev Get An Immediate Title Shot At Light Heavyweight?

You could make the argument Chimaev could get an immediate crack at the light heavyweight title. However, newly crown champion Carlos Ulberg is out with a torn ACL. That leaves Magomed Ankalaev and perhaps Khalil Rountree or Dominick Reyes perhaps fighting for an interim title. Perhaps Chimaev faces Jiri Prochazka with the winner getting a title shot. In any case, Chimaev won't be too far out of the title picture at 205.

White's framing at the presser was that there's no immediate title shot, but a "huge fight" coming for Chimaev given his stature. Heavy.com listed the obvious top-15 candidates: Procházka, Ankalaev, Paulo Costa, Jamahal Hill, Reyes, Volkan Oezdemir, and Rountree all fit the "big debut" criteria. Procházka is the cleanest narrative play given he's coming off the brutal UFC 327 loss to Ulberg and would carry rematch energy regardless of who wins next.

How Does Chimaev's Game Translate Up To 205?

Superior grappling usually translates well when moving up a weight class. Chimaev's striking is also a bit better than he gets credit for in most circles. With a proper camp to strengthen himself, he shouldn't have a problem using very similar skills at 205.

Without the brutal cut, the version of Chimaev that walks into 205 should arrive with a fuller gas tank than fans have ever seen. That alone changes the math — his cardio dropoff against Strickland was directly tied to the weight cut, and removing that variable fixes one of the only real holes in his game. The bigger question is durability against natural light heavyweight power, but Rountree has publicly called Chimaev "one of the best in the world" regardless of weight class. The respect from inside the division is real.

What Does This Mean For The Middleweight And Light Heavyweight Divisions?

Nassourdine Imavov seems like the logical next man up at middleweight. Unfortunately, there aren't a ton of exciting up-and-comers in the division. As for 205, Chimaev injects some much-needed new blood in the division.

Imavov tweeted "I'm gonna put your lights out, Sean Strickland" right after the result, and his five-fight win streak (including high-profile wins over Israel Adesanya and Brendan Allen) makes him the obvious next challenger.

Light heavyweight, meanwhile, has been waiting for a star injection since Alex Pereira moved up to heavyweight, and Ulberg's recovery timeline through 2027 means the division needed a top-of-card story to build around in the meantime. Chimaev fills that gap overnight.

This article was originally published on Forbes.com

Fabio Wardley Vs. Daniel Dubois Results, Fight Of The Year Highlights

Fabio Wardley v Daniel Dubois - Co-op Live Manchester

Fabio Wardley (left) and Daniel Dubois during their WBO heavyweight title bout at Co-op Live, Manchester. Picture date: Saturday May 9, 2026. (Photo by Richard Sellers/PA Images via Getty Images)

PA Images via Getty Images

If you want to show someone exemplary heavyweight championship boxing to sell them on the concept, have them watch Daniel Dubois' 11th-round TKO victory over Fabio Wardley. Dubois' WBO-title-winning performance had everything.

Dubois was dropped twice en route to a thrilling victory. Wardley's chin is unbelievable. Though he never went down, the punishment he took from Dubois made referee Howard Foster's decision to stop the fight in the 11th a just call.

Key Facts at a Glance

  • Result: Daniel Dubois def. Fabio Wardley via 11th-round TKO
  • Title On The Line: WBO Heavyweight Championship
  • Date: Saturday, May 9, 2026
  • Venue: Co-op Live Arena, Manchester, England
  • Knockdowns: Dubois dropped twice, Wardley never went down
  • Referee: Howard Foster (stoppage call)
  • Wardley's Record After: 20-1-1 (19 KOs)
  • Dubois' Record After: 23-3 (22 KOs)
  • Dubois’ Career Note: Now a two-time world champion (IBF, WBO)

What Happened In The Wardley vs. Dubois Fight?

Dubois walked into Manchester at 22-3 against an unbeaten WBO champion who'd already pulled comeback wins out of nothing against Joseph Parker and Justis Huni. He left as a three-time heavyweight world champion. The defining sequence came late, with Dubois stacking accuracy and timing into the kind of sustained assault referees step in to stop.

Ring Magazine captured the immediate reaction:

The 11th-round finish wasn't a freak shot. It was the natural conclusion of cumulative damage, Wardley's reactions slowing just enough, his legs just loose enough, for Dubois to close the show with the kind of methodical pressure that's been missing from his résumé.

Foster called the end after checking on Wardley’s condition at the start of the previous two rounds.

How Did Daniel Dubois Win The Fight?

Dubois won by refusing to abandon his fundamentals when the fight turned wild.

He kept the jab live even when Wardley forced him onto the back foot, and the steady lead hand let him reset range every time the bout threatened to slip away.

the double jabs were espec When Wardley surged, Dubois answered with heavier counters that gradually took the snap out of Wardley's work.

ATS Boxing had the finish on replay seconds after the fight ended:

What separated tonight from previous Dubois performances was composure under sustained pressure. The two knockdowns he absorbed would've ended past versions of Dubois — instead they became fuel for a championship-round surge.

What Did The Boxing World Say?

Chris Eubank Jr. summed up the reaction across the heavyweight division:

ially effective. It eliminated Wardley’s chance to measure and fire the right hand.

Uncrowned Combat called the fight a 2026 Fight-of-the-Year contender within minutes of the stoppage:

DAZN Boxing's post-fight coverage echoed the same sentiment, emphasizing Dubois' resurrection from the Usyk loss to a third world title in roughly 18 months:

What's Next For Dubois And Wardley?

For Dubois, this is a narrative-changer. Stadium nights, unification talks, and serious conversations about his place in the next wave behind the established champions are all on the table.

His heart was questioned after he seemingly quit in his rematch against Oleksandr Usyk, but he reversed those narratives on Saturday.

A fight with Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, and Usyk are now matchups he can pursue without the lingering questions about his ability to handle adversity. He also has a legit world title again, and this one he took from a champion rather than inheriting it.

For Wardley, the loss doesn’t strip his relevance. Going deep into a classic with a dangerous puncher like Dubois, creating chaos, and staying in the fight until very late will keep his reputation as one of the most entertaining heavyweights in the sport intact. Still, he’s got to improve his defense. His head stayed on the center line all fight and he must diversify his offense. He didn’t offer much more than a 1-2 combination all night.

The path forward is clear: come-back fights, domestic or European-level wars, and eventually another crack at world level once he's made the technical and defensive tweaks this fight highlighted.

He sits alongside Moses Itauma on the very short list of British heavyweights who can headline a major card the second they’re matched right. Perhaps that’s what’s next for Wardley, but that is a major risk considering how dangerous Itauma is overall.

Perhaps a tune-up is best. Either way, we just watched an instant classic.

This article was originally published on Forbes.com

WWE Backlash PLE 2026: What Time Does It Start?

Monday Night RAW

OMAHA, NEBRASKA - MAY 4: Roman Reigns makes his entrance during Monday Night RAW at the CHI Health Center on May 4, 2026 in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Melina Pizano/WWE via Getty Images)

WWE via Getty Images

WWE Backlash is set and ready to go. Following an eventful episode of SmackDown on Friday that likely set the table for Saturday Night's Main Event in Fort Wayne in two weeks and Clash in Italy later this month, the Tampa premium live event is out of runway and is ready for takeoff.

Here's everything you need to know about start time and the finalized full card for the PLE that picks up the pieces left by WrestleMania 42.

Key Facts at a Glance

  • Date: Saturday, May 9, 2026
  • Venue: Benchmark International Arena, Tampa, Florida
  • Main Card Start Time: 6 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. CT / 3 p.m. PT
  • Pre-Show: Countdown to Backlash, 4 p.m. ET
  • U.S. Stream: ESPN Unlimited (ESPN App), ESPN2 simulcast for first hour
  • International Stream: Netflix
  • Headliner: Roman Reigns (c) vs. Jacob Fatu, World Heavyweight Championship

What Time Does WWE Backlash 2026 Start?

WWE Backlash 2026 starts at 6 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. CT / 3 p.m. PT on Saturday, May 9 from Benchmark International Arena in Tampa. The Countdown to Backlash pre-show kicks off two hours earlier at 4 p.m. ET on WWE.com, ESPN and WWE social platforms, with ESPN2 simulcasting the final hour.

The 6 p.m. ET window is intentional. It gives the show enough runway to wrap before UFC 328's main card gets going later that night, the third straight Backlash to share a night with a UFC PPV under TKO Group. A post-show airs on the ESPN App and YouTube immediately after the main event ends.

What Is the Full Backlash 2026 Match Card?

The card locked in at five matches following the May 1 SmackDown card update and the go-home episode this past Friday:

  • World Heavyweight Championship: Roman Reigns (c) vs. Jacob Fatu
  • United States Championship: Trick Williams (c) vs. Sami Zayn
  • Singles Match: Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker (w/ Paul Heyman)
  • Singles Match: IYO SKY vs. Asuka
  • Tag Team Match: Danhausen & mystery partner vs. The Miz & Kit Wilson

The main event is Reigns' first defense since capturing the World Heavyweight Title at WrestleMania 42, and it's also Fatu's first WWE world title shot. WWE creative has spent weeks building the Tongan Death Grip storyline as the in-ring hook of the program.

The Rollins-Breakker singles match is the next chapter in a feud that picked up serious momentum when Breakker got busted open by a Rollins chair shot on the Raw After Mania. Asuka vs. IYO SKY is a match originally targeted for WrestleMania 42 per POST Wrestling reporting, finally landing in a featured Backlash spot. Danhausen's mystery partner is the show's biggest creative wildcard.

How Can You Watch WWE Backlash 2026?

In the United States, WWE Backlash streams live on ESPN Unlimited via the ESPN App, with the standalone plan priced at $29.99 per month or available through Disney+ and Hulu bundles. The first hour of the main card will simulcast on ESPN2.

Internationally, Backlash streams on Netflix in most markets, on SuperSport in Sub-Saharan Africa, and on Abema in Japan. This is the first WWE Backlash to stream on ESPN's platform, part of WWE's broader distribution shift announced last year.

What Should Fans Watch For at Backlash 2026?

The main booking variable is whether WWE creative uses Backlash to extend Fatu's chase or pull a swerve. Most analysts have Reigns retaining as the consensus pick given how recently he captured the title, but Fatu has been positioned as the most credible challenger Reigns has faced in his return to the main event scene.

I believe Fatu could well go over.

The other major X-factor is John Cena's promised "history-making" Backlash announcement, with several scenarios in play tied to Club WWE, his Ambassador role, or the broader ESPN distribution shift.

Add in Danhausen's mystery partner reveal and a likely heel turn in the U.S. Title rematch, and Backlash has more booking levers than a typical post-Mania B-show.

This article was originally published on Forbes.com

Dana White 'Finalizing' Massive Shakur Stevenson Deal

UFC Freedom 250 Press Conference

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - MAY 08: UFC President and CEO Dana White is seen on stage during the UFC Freedom 250 press conference at Prudential Center on May 08, 2026 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)

Zuffa LLC

Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix reports junior welterweight champion and pound-for-pound contender Shakur Stevenson is "finalizing" a deal with Dana White's Zuffa Boxing. If this is true, White will have secured one of the pound-for-pound best fighters in the world to his growing stable of fighters, and he'll also have an obvious premier matchup at 147 pounds between Stevenson and new-signee Conor Benn.

Key Facts at a Glance

  • Reporter:Chris Mannix, Sports Illustrated
  • Status: "Working towards finalizing" per Mannix — not yet officially signed
  • Stevenson's Record: 25-0 (11 KOs)
  • Current Titles: WBO and Ring Magazine junior welterweight (140 lbs)
  • Last Fight: Defeated Teofimo Lopez 119-109 at MSG, January 31, 2026
  • Previously Reported Offer: $60 million for three fights (Stevenson dismissed in March)
  • Zuffa Boxing Run By: Nick Khan, fronted by Dana White, bankrolled by Saudi Arabia
  • Other Recent Zuffa Signings: Conor Benn ($15M one-fight), Jai Opetaia, Richardson Hitchins

What Did Chris Mannix Report About Shakur Stevenson?

Mannix's reporting frames Stevenson as "working towards finalizing a deal" with Zuffa Boxing, with multiple sources telling SI that Zuffa's guaranteed money proved too significant for Stevenson to ignore despite competing offers.

The reporting represents a meaningful shift from March, when Stevenson publicly dismissed a rumored $60 million three-fight offer on the Night Cap podcast.

The reporting also notes Zuffa is willing to work with boxing's sanctioning bodies for top stars even as the promotion publicly positions itself against the WBO/IBF/WBA/WBC sanctioning structure. That carve-out matters for Stevenson, whose WBO and Ring Magazine titles are currently the most marketable assets attached to his name.

Why Is This Deal Significant?

If finalized, Stevenson would become Zuffa Boxing’s first true pound-for-pound, prime-age signing. White has spent 2025 and early 2026 stocking the roster with a mix of over 90 fighters, but most signings have been midlevel talent or veterans like Jai Opetaia.

Stevenson is a different category entirely — a 28-year-old four-division world champion who just delivered a 119-109 masterclass over Teofimo Lopez at Madison Square Garden.

That signing would also fundamentally shift negotiation leverage across the sport. Top names approaching free agency would suddenly have a credible third pole — not just Matchroom, PBC, or Top Rank, but a Zuffa option backed by Saudi capital and Paramount+ distribution. Devin Haney has been rumored as the next domino.

What Does This Mean For Stevenson?

A Zuffa-backed Stevenson run is going to be event-driven, not stay-busy work. Mannix's earlier reporting and EssentiallySports both pointed to a potential late-2026 Las Vegas stadium card headlined by Stevenson vs. Conor Benn, assuming Benn rebounds from his recent fight against Regis Prograis.

Beyond the purse, the appeal is Dana White's track record building megastars rather than just fighters. Boxing promoters have historically struggled with cross-platform marketing; White's UFC infrastructure plus Paramount+ distribution gives Zuffa a different reach. Stevenson reportedly earned $8-10 million for the Lopez fight — even at the lower end of new Zuffa numbers, the per-fight purse jumps significantly.

What's The Obvious First Fight?

Stevenson vs. Benn at welterweight is the matchup Zuffa would build around. Benn is already signed, just put his unbeaten record on the line at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on April 11, and is exactly the kind of marketable name needed to anchor a stadium card.

The fight makes commercial sense, fits Zuffa's stadium-first event strategy, and lets White open the Stevenson era with a bout casual fans actually recognize. If the deal closes the way Mannix is reporting, expect that fight to be announced as Zuffa's first major U.S. stadium show — likely late 2026 in Las Vegas, with Paramount+ distribution attached.

This article was originally published on Forbes.com

Fabio Wardley Vs. Daniel Dubois Full Card And Ring Walk Times

Fabio Wardley v Daniel Dubois Press Conference

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 07: Fabio Wardley (L) Daniel Dubois (R) face off during the final Fabio Wardley v Daniel Dubois Press Conference at at Co-op Live on May 07, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images)

Getty Images

Do you like knockouts? Of course you do. There may not be a fight on the big-time heavyweight boxing schedule in 2026 that carries a higher probability of ending in KO than Saturday's clash between WBO heavyweight champion Fabio Wardley and former heavyweight champ Daniel Dubois.

Here's all the info you need on ring walk times and a look at the rest of the card on tap at Co-Op Live Arena in Manchester, England.

Key Facts at a Glance

  • Event: Wardley vs. Dubois ('Don't Blink')
  • Date: Saturday, May 9, 2026
  • Venue: Co-op Live Arena, Manchester, England
  • Title On The Line: WBO Heavyweight Championship
  • Main Card Start: 6 p.m. BST / 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT
  • Main Event Ring Walks: ~11 p.m. BST / 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT
  • Broadcast (UK): DAZN PPV (£24.99)
  • Broadcast (U.S.): DAZN

When Are The Wardley vs. Dubois Ring Walks?

Wardley and Dubois are expected to make their ring walks at approximately 11 p.m. BST in Manchester, which translates to 6 p.m. ET, 5 p.m. CT, and 3 p.m. PT in the United States. The window is firm but not fixed — undercard fights running long could push it 15 to 30 minutes later.

The main card starts at 6 p.m. BST (1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT), so U.S. viewers on the East Coast can catch the entire broadcast in a normal Saturday afternoon window. The DAZN ring walk schedule, Yahoo Sports, The Independent, and ESPN UK all converge on the same 11 p.m. BST main-event slot.

What Is The Full Wardley vs. Dubois Card?

The undercard reshuffled in the final two weeks after Jared Anderson withdrew because of injury. The locked-in lineup:

  • WBO Heavyweight Title: Fabio Wardley (c) vs. Daniel Dubois
  • Co-Feature: David Morrell vs. Zak Chelli
  • Heavyweight: Bakhodir Jalolov vs. Agron Smakici
  • Junior Welterweight (10 rounds): Jack Rafferty vs. Ekow Essuman
  • Light Heavyweight (10 rounds): Liam Cameron vs. Bradley Rea

The Morrell vs. Chelli swap-in gives the co-feature real juice — Morrell is one of the most avoided 168-pounders in the sport and Chelli is coming in as the live British underdog.

Jalolov, the undefeated Uzbek Olympic gold medalist, was added late to strengthen the heavyweight presence on the card. It's a stacked night for a WBO heavyweight title fight that already had main-event KO equity.

How Can You Watch Wardley vs. Dubois?

In the United Kingdom, the entire card streams on DAZN as a pay-per-view at £24.99. You don't need an existing DAZN subscription to purchase the PPV, though monthly plans start at £15.99 if you want broader access to the platform's library.

In the United States, the card is available via DAZN as well, and the platform's app works on smart TVs, mobile, tablets, streaming devices, game consoles, and web browsers. UK viewers also have the option of an annual super-saver DAZN subscription at £119.99 if they're planning to stick with the platform beyond Saturday — but for one-night-only buyers, the £24.99 PPV is the cleaner play.

What's At Stake For Both Fighters?

For Wardley, this is his first defense of the full WBO title after being elevated to champion in November 2025 when Oleksandr Usyk vacated rather than face him as mandatory. The Ipswich heavyweight grabbed the WBO interim belt with an 11th-round TKO of Joseph Parker last October and now puts his unbeaten record on the line against arguably the most dangerous puncher he's faced.

For Dubois, this is the chance to become a two-time heavyweight world champion six months after dropping the IBF title to Usyk via stoppage. A win flips the British heavyweight pecking order overnight and likely sets up a unification path.

Neither man has fought to the final bell more than once in their careers, which is why Saturday's outcome is most likely to end in a stoppage — and why the Tyson Fury winner-of-this-fight conversation already has plenty of overlap waiting on the other side.

This article was originally published on Forbes.com

Nintendo is raising the price of the Switch 2 by $50 starting in September — Console will soon cost $499, but you can avoid the price hike if you buy now

The price hikes have come for the last remaining current-gen console, as Nintendo has just announced that it'll make the Switch 2 more expensive in various regions around the world. America is getting a $50 bump this September, while Japan will see similar increases by the end of this month. Even Switch Online subscriptions will become costlier.

Path of Exile 2 Drops Its Final Pre-1.0 Patch in May With 50+ Hours of Endgame and a Rebuilt Atlas

A character with flaming wings and a spear stands against a fortress backdrop beside the title 'Path of Exile II: Return of the Ancients'.

New Zealand-based developer Grinding Gear Games announced today that Path of Exile 2: Return of the Ancients (version 0.5.0) launches May 29, 2026, and is effectively the final major early access content update before the game's full 1.0 release, still slated for this year. It's shaping up to be an absolutely massive patch with over 50 hours of new endgame content spread across five new storylines, 15 new bosses (including 4 Pinnacle fights), 2 new Ascendancy classes, and a completely rebuilt Atlas with 300+ nodes. Two New Ascendancy Classes Return of the Ancients introduces the Spirit Walker and Martial Artist Ascendary classes to Path of […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/path-of-exile-2-return-of-the-ancients-patch-may-2026/

LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight May Be the First PC Game to Require FrameGen Just for 30 FPS

A Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight character rides a motorcycle through a city street with visible signs including 'Gotham Burger' and 'HOTEL'.

We're now just two weeks away from the launch of LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight and the developers at TT Games have revealed the game's official PC system requirements. Unfortunately, it's not great news. In fact, to our knowledge, LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight might very well be the first PC game to require Frame Generation to be enabled as a requirement for the Minimum spec. This is troubling on its own and even more so because the specs mention the game would run at 30 frames per second with Frame Generation enabled. Basically, the developers […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/lego-batman-legacy-dark-knight-framegen-30fps/

EVE Online’s Studio Walks Away From Pearl Abyss After Record $70M Year, Reborn as Fenris Creations With Google DeepMind Backing

A promotional image shows 'FENRIS CREATIONS in partnership with Google DeepMind' alongside visuals and titles for 'EVE ONLINE,' 'EVE FRONTIER,' 'VANGUARD,' and 'CARBON,' featuring spaceships and a futuristic armored character, formerly CCP Games.

Following the sale of CCP Games from Pearl Abyss for $120 million in cash and non-cash elements, the Icelandic studio known mainly for the MMORPG EVE Online announced that it is rebranding and will be called Fenris Creations henceforth. The split was the result of a joint strategic review between the two parties, who mutually concluded that independent ownership was the better fit, citing "broader differences in operating context, current strategic focus, and long-term priorities". The new ownership group comprises Fenris Creations' senior management and long-term investors, including Omega Ventures co-founder Birgir Már Ragnarsson, who takes over as Board Chairman. CEO Hilmar Veigar Pétursson confirmed there will be no […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/eve-online-fenris-creations-pearl-abyss-google-deepmind/

Horizon Hunters Gathering to Host its Second Playtest in May With New Hunters, Story Content, While Dialing Up the Difficulty

A character battling a robotic creature in the game 'Horizon Hunters Gathering' amid a vibrant, rocky landscape.

Guerrilla Games' upcoming multiplayer spin-off of its mainline open-world Horizon series, Horizon Hunters Gathering, is set to have its second closed beta playtest later this month, from May 22-25, 2026. The closed playtest adds two new characters for players to try out, a new story mission from the game's narrative, a new region to explore, and an increased challenge with more difficult missions and changes to one of its core game modes. The game's first closed playtest, which, just like this upcoming one, you'll need an invite to participate in, took place at the cross between February and March of […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/horizon-hunters-gathering-closed-beta-playtest-may-2026/

CI Games Doubles Down on Lords of the Fallen 2’s Skimpy Armor After CEO’s Anti-‘Political Correctness’ Pivot: ‘You Wanted Provocative’

A fantasy warrior character wearing ornate gold armor and holding a spiked sword stands against a dark background in the game Lords of the Fallen 2.

Around five months ago, CI Games CEO Marek Tyminski signaled a shift in tone for Lords of the Fallen 2 away from "political correctness" and toward, among other things, skimpy female armor designs. Now, that's been confirmed with the official reveal of five concept art pieces that leave little to imagination: the female characters will feature much more revealing armor sets in the upcoming Soulslike sequel. The studio claimed to be responding to players' feedback: You wanted fierce. You wanted beautiful. You wanted provocative. The reveal also took place in partnership with content creator TheBackgroundNPC, who focuses specifically on female […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/ci-games-lords-of-the-fallen-2-skimpy-armor-female-characters/

Remedy’s New CEO Personally Vouches for CONTROL Resonant after Franchise Crosses 6 Million Units

A character in the game Control Resonant stands on a wrecked taxi as floating figures rise from a surreal, distorted cityscape.

This morning, Finnish developer Remedy Entertainment posted its Q1 2026 financial report, which revealed, among other things, a new sales milestone for CONTROL: 6 million units sold. The year's first quarter was profitable but slightly down year over year, with revenue falling 1.9% to €13.1 million, though EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) actually improved to €2.9 million from €2.6 million. The more notable shift is in the revenue mix: game sales and royalties nearly doubled to €5.0 million (from €2.6 million in Q1 2025), while development fees fell from €10.7 million to €8.2 million as CONTROL Resonant nears completion. […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/remedy-ceo-control-resonant-franchise-6-million-units/

Forza Horizon 6 Brings Its Biggest Soundtrack Ever With BABYMETAL, Linkin Park, and Nine Stations at May 19 Launch

Several cars race down a rural road in 'Forza Horizon 6', showcasing vibrant autumn scenery and dynamic motion.

Today, Playground Games confirmed several key Forza Horizon 6 details ahead of the game's May 19 launch. First and foremost, the game is now gold, and preloading is available on Xbox Series S and X and PC via the Xbox app, with Steam preloading coming soon. You'll have to make a lot of space in your storage drive, though: Playground also shared that there will be two graphics modes to pick from on Xbox Series S and X. The former console will allow 1440p at 30 frames per second or 1080p at 60 frames per second, while the latter enables […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/forza-horizon-6-soundtrack-babymetal-linkin-park-radio-stations/

Bank of America Wants GTA 6 Priced at $80 to Rescue a Struggling Industry — With Gamers Footing the Bill

A character from the game Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty with braided hair holds headphones in a dimly lit studio setting.

GTA 6 is poised to set the market on fire when it launches this November. While its price hasn't been determined, there's no doubt the sixth entry in the series by Rockstar Games will be a smashing success, but Bank of America believes the game should be priced at $80. A high price point that would not only be in Take-Two's self-interest, but that could also save the entire gaming industry, which is perceived as struggling. In an investor note penned by Omar Dessouky, as reported by Seeking Alpha, after attending the iicon Video Game Conference where Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick heavily suggested the […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/bank-of-america-wants-gta-6-priced-80/

Reggie Fils-Aimé Defends Nintendo’s Full-Price Forever Policy, Pointing to Kyoto Roots Most Gamers Never Consider

A person holding a Nintendo Switch with the Nintendo logo on the screen against a red background.

Long-time gamers know all too well that Nintendo has a rather unique policy when it comes to discounts for its exclusive games: they rarely, if ever, exist. Most of the time, you'll see Nintendo titles keeping their full price even years after their release, whereas every other platform, be it other consoles from Sony and Microsoft or PC itself, applies regular discounts for even the biggest games some time after their original launch. Former Nintendo of America president and CEO Reggie Fils-Aimé provided his own explanation for why that's the case. In a recent talk with games analyst Joost Van […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/reggie-fils-aime-nintendo-full-price-kyoto-craftsmanship/

GTA 6 Final Crunch Hits Rockstar Hard, With QA Staff Working Until 3 AM as November Deadline Looms

Two characters sit on a vintage car in front of a tropical city backdrop, with the text 'GTA 6' prominently displayed.

It looks like Take-Two and Rockstar Games are both pushing to avoid a third GTA 6 delay. Just last week, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick shrugged off delay rumors, pointing out that many people will likely take a sick day on November 19, the current release date for Grand Theft Auto 6. The toll of this final push, however, may weigh heavily on employees. On Glassdoor, a website that allows verified employees to anonymously publish reviews of their own companies, two reviews were posted last week noting this very issue. The first one went live on April 30. A former game […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/gta-6-crunch-rockstar-qa-november-deadline/

Halo 2 and Halo 3 Are Reportedly Getting Unreal Engine 5 Remakes, as Halo Studios Stacks Five Projects at Once

Two images of the character Master Chief from the 'Halo' series, with the left showing a pose against an orange sky, and the right featuring the title 'HALO' above the character.

Halo leaker RebsGaming reports that Halo Studios is already working on remakes for the second and third installments in the sci-fi first-person shooter franchise. Halo 2 and Halo 3 are currently in early development, presumably powered by Unreal Engine 5 like the first game's remake; this builds on a previous claim from a former Halo Studios developer, and is now backed by two additional sources, one of whom provided verification to RebsGaming and confirmed the trilogy remakes will proceed regardless of how well the upcoming Halo: Campaign Evolved performs. A separate source (the same one who leaked an unreleased Campaign […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/halo-2-halo-3-unreal-engine-5-remakes-reportedly-in-development/

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