The MMA world never stops, and this week has been no exception. However, sometimes our busy schedules don’t allow us to stay up-to-date with them all. Fret not, as we are back with yet another edition of EssentiallySport’s MMA news roundup to provide you with all the necessary updates you need. The most recent news has had fans buzzing, with record-breaking investments and intense social media conflicts.

Dana White just signed another historic sponsorship deal, Conor McGregor made an unexpected step in the music industry, and two of the sport’s greatest talents, Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier, revealed massive hints about their next fights. Whether it’s the UFC’s multimillion-dollar collaborations, high-profile callouts, or surprising crossovers, there’s always something going on. Let’s look at the top stories making headlines this week.

Dana White breaks $100M Bud Light record with Monster Energy

UFC CEO Dana White has officially revealed the largest sponsorship contract in UFC and Monster Energy history. The multi-year agreement will keep Monster as the UFC’s exclusive worldwide energy drink sponsor, extending their already successful alliance, which began in 2015. “This partnership with Monster has been one of the most important and enduring relationships in UFC history,” the head honcho said in a statement. “From the very beginning, Monster has helped elevate the UFC, and now, this new deal will only expand that success.”

Monster’s new partnership is breaking records, surpassing Bud Light’s $100 million sponsorship deal, which began in 2024. The Bud Light deal was a significant milestone for the UFC, but this extension with Monster demonstrates how far the organization has come when it comes to attracting top-tier sponsors. Monster Energy Co-CEO Rodney Sacks shared White’s enthusiasm, describing the agreement as “the biggest sponsorship deal in our history.” With UFC’s continuous global expansion and Monster’s aggressive marketing, the two brands are expected to reach 975 million households in 170 countries. This agreement enhances Monster’s position as one of the most recognizable companies in sports marketing, with the Dana White-led promotion providing the ultimate platform for global product promotion. And that’s not the only big deal signed in the MMA world this week.

Conor McGregor signs the next Spice Girls?

Conor McGregor has never been one to stay in his lane, and his latest move proves that. The former UFC double champion has made another brave move outside of fighting by signing an all-girl music group, Sweet Love, to his record label, Greenback Records. Greenback Records, which McGregor founded in 2024 with music entrepreneurs Richard Buck and Julian O’Brien, has already signed several emerging musicians, including Xzibit. “Ladies and gentlemen, an amazing day for Greenback Records. I’m super proud to announce the signing of the biggest girl band since the Spice Girls,” McGregor said in a video on his Instagram.

He also wrote in the caption, “Ladies and gentlemen, introducing @sweetlove! The biggest Girl Band since the spice girls! Welcome to @greenbackrecords, ladies. First single coming soon! 🌎”The Irishman then proceeded to introduce the four British members—Venice, Honey, Jasmine, and Maya—and promised that new music was on its way, and so was global domination by the new girl band in town. It’s a big claim, given that the Spice Girls were a global phenomenon that sold over 100 million CDs and changed pop culture forever. But the former UFC double champion is never lacking in confidence, and with his commercial skills, Sweet Love could be destined for great things.

Dustin Poirier brutally shuts down Nate Diaz & Paddy Pimblett

Dustin Poirier is determined to conclude his storied MMA career on his own terms, and he is not amused by Nate Diaz and Paddy Pimblett’s clout-chasing tactics. With rumors circling around Poirier’s final UFC fight, Pimblett pushed his name into the mix, implying that he should be the one to take the fight. However, Nate Diaz, never one to remain silent, welcomed the idea while blaming ‘The Diamond’ for supposedly declining the offer. Pimblett then emphasized Diaz’s statements, adding on his Instagram story, “@Natediaz209 knows his s—, he’s a real G. @dustinpoirier fight BSD when he’s rank 12 but not me, you know what would happen.”

Poirier, on the other hand, didn’t have time for the noise. Responding on Instagram, he rejected both combatants with a harsh message: “You guys will try to attach your name to anything for clout and clicks, but guess what… It’s Legends Only! ♦️” Poirier has made it obvious that he is not interested in entertaining fights that fail to solidify his legacy. As a result, he appears to be saving up for a high-profile final fight with a genuinely famous opponent. Fans are excited to find out who ‘The Diamond’ will chose for his final showdown.

Max Holloway teases return to the Octagon

Max Holloway, one of the UFC’s most popular fighters, has been relatively quiet lately, but his latest social media tweet has fans excited about his future return to the Octagon. Holloway, who has been out of action since his last fight in October, responded to a fan on X (previously Twitter) who encouraged him: “Max, I medically need you to come back and knock people THE F— out so I can sleep better.”

So, to finally help his fan out, Holloway responded, “Working on the date.” It’s a simple message, but it has MMA fans talking about when the former UFC Featherweight Champion will make his return. While Holloway has yet to confirm an opponent, the UFC’s Featherweight division is as competitive as ever, packed with potential matches that might lead to exciting returns. One of the most intriguing tales surrounding Holloway right now is his reaction to Charles Oliveira’s recent request for a rematch that has been ten years in the making.

‘Blessed’ hasn’t defended his BMF title since his surprising knockout win at UFC 300 last April, but the timing for a potential Oliveira rematch is ideal. Oliveira, a UFC fan favorite, has challenged Holloway for a crack at the BMF belt. With Islam Makhachev’s return probably delayed until late 2025, the two combatants could face off later this year. Max Holloway responded quickly, with a tweet asking, “International Fight Week?” Fans are eagerly expecting an answer, with anticipation growing that the two will square off during the highly anticipated week, which is traditionally set for June or July. So, are you excited for the fight? Let us know in the comments.