Welcome to Bloody Elbow’s day by day round-up of MMA news
That is your one-stop shop for the highest five stories from February 13, 2026.
There aren’t any big fights this weekend, but plenty is occurring with the world’s biggest sport.
- EXCLUSIVE: How Zion Clark became an elite wrestler despite being born without legs: ‘It took a protracted time’
Tom Aspinall update
Tom Aspinall began his day by denying a rumor about his status as UFC heavyweight champion.
Ex-UFC star Josh Thomson claimed the Englishman had been asked to vacate his title.
The one man to KO Nate Diaz also said that Aspinall asked for his UFC release in response.
None of that happened. It seems Thomson simply fell victim to a troll account on social media.
Later within the day, the long list of symptoms that convinced Aspinall to undergo eye surgery was revealed.
Ciryl Gane’s double eye poke at UFC 321 in October has left Aspinall suffering with dizzy spells, double vision, a black spot in one among his eyes, and pain when using his phone. The 32-year-old Englishman can also be struggling to trace moving targets, which has essentially brought his profession to a standstill.
Nate Diaz issues an apology
Nate Diaz issued a rare apology for stepping over the road while trash-talking Charles Oliveira.
The UFC legend got carried away while predicting Max Holloway vs Charles Oliveira 2 ahead of their BMF title fight at UFC 326 on March 7.
“I didn’t say I’d slap Max (Holloway), I said that about (Oliveira), but I shouldn’t have said that either, it was rude and I used to be fd up,” Diaz wrote on X – formerly often called Twitter.
“If we were fighting in a caged match, I would attempt it, but that was rude
“I shouldn’t have said that, my bad Bruhs all Respecto.”
UFC cuts two more fighters
UFC CEO Dana White has been in a ruthless mood for the past few days.
After cutting several fighters earlier this week, two more have been released today.
Mohammed Usman was cut from the UFC roster following his 30-month suspension for failing a drug test.
Adam Fugitt was the fighter released alongside Kamaru Usman‘s brother. The welterweight went 2-4 contained in the Octagon, along with his final fight ending in a first-round stoppage loss against Ty Miller at UFC 324 last month.
Sean Strickland talks retirement
Sean Strickland insists he could retire without delay ahead of his fight at UFC Houston on February 21.
The previous UFC middleweight champion is every week away from facing Anthony Hernandez in a title eliminator.
Sean Strickland says Alexander Volkanovski has inspired him to maintain fighting for so long as possible.
“I mean Volk just won, what’s Volk? 37? Almost 38? I really like fighting,” he said. “It’s type of hard, like what would I do? I’m turning 35, so I mean, let’s say I even have three years in me, I mean, that’s quite a lot of f—— fights.
“I could probably retire without delay if I desired to, I’m smart with my funds, but what do you do all day?
“You only get up? Discover what makes you completely happy?”
Valter Walker vs Zion Clark
Last but not least, fans are enthusiastic about a bizarre clash at Karate Combat 59.
UFC heavyweight Valter Walker will face off against Zion Clark in a grappling match on Friday night.
The heel hook specialist vs wrestler without legs has captured the interest of the web.
Walker and Clark were separated after a physical scuffle during their pre-fight face-off.
Anything could occur when the bitter rivals get on the mat together later tonight.