MMA News Roundup – Michael Bisping Starring in Hollywood Thriller; Ian Garry Hit by a Carlos Prates Jibe; Paddy Pimblett Beefs With 2 Lightweights Before UFC 314

Well, it looks like Michael Bisping is getting ready for another knockout—this time at the box office. Don’t know what we’re talking about? Fret not, as we are back with yet another edition of EssentiallySport’s MMA news roundup. So, buckle up, as today’s roundup offers something for every fight fan. First up: Michael Bisping is returning to the big screen!

Then we shift to a growing feud, with Carlos Prates taking a sly jab at Ian Garry ahead of UFC Kansas City. Finally, we conclude with Paddy Pimblett doing what he does best: taking shots at Ilia Topuria and Arman Tsarukyan only days before UFC 314. Well, it surely looks like there is a lot to catch up on. So, without further ado, let’s dive right in.

Michael Bisping lands lead role in Hollywood thriller

Michael Bisping is back under the spotlight—but not in the Octagon. The former UFC champion turned commentator and actor recently announced his return to Hollywood, playing the protagonist in Atlas King, an upcoming thriller directed by Nika Agiashvili. Surely excited about making the announcement, ‘The Count’ took to his Instagram, where he teased fans with a simple but confident caption: “Atlas King.  Coming soon.” The post features a screengrab of an article that talks about this upcoming flick.

The project, which is advertised as a gritty, high-stakes crime thriller, will begin filming in Downtown Los Angeles this summer. Michael Bisping portrays a hardened ex-fighter who returns to town after years of exile to bury a friend and settle old grievances. The production crew consists of MMA and Hollywood talent, with UFC featherweight Giga Chikadze serving as an associate producer.

Carlos Prates takes a subtle jab at Ian Garry

UFC Kansas City has a new main event, and it is already heating up. After Jamahal Hill withdrew from the UFC Kansas City bout against Khalil Rountree Jr. and Geoff Neal against Carlos Prates from their UFC 314 outing, fans were surprised to see that Ian Machado Garry vs. Carlos Prates would suddenly headline the Fight Night event. While the contest is obviously attractive on paper, Prates’ statements piqued everyone’s interest. On The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, the welterweight reflected on Garry’s early success.

“When Ian Garry signed with UFC, I saw he’s really good… I said, ‘Oh, the guy is really good; he is probably going to be a champ.’ And now, I’ve changed my opinion a little bit.” Was that a faint tone shift? Classic psychological warfare. With Prates on an 11-fight winning streak and Garry coming off his first career loss to Shavkat Rakhmonov, the stakes are high—and the mind games have already begun.  Though’ Machado’ previously appeared unstoppable at 15-0, this fight will determine if he can recover and regain momentum—or if Prates is ready to derail another hype train.

Paddy Pimblett starts beef with Ilia Topuria and Arman Tsarukyan

Just days before UFC 314, Paddy Pimblett is causing quite the buzz. While everyone is focused on his fight against Michael Chandler, ‘The Baddy’ is already laying the groundwork for future feuds, with Ilia Topuria and Arman Tsarukyan in his sights. On the Full Send Podcast, Pimblett laid out his master plan: defeat Chandler, fight either Charles Oliveira or Justin Gaethje next, and challenge for the title in 2026. And when asked if he wanted Ilia Topuria to carry that belt, he responded bluntly, “F— that m—–.”

Topuria isn’t the only one catching stray bullets. ‘The Baddy’ also revived his feud with Arman Tsarukyan, who recently withdrew from UFC 311 due to a back injury. However, Paddy Pimblett was not buying it as the cause behind the pull-out. “No, he’s a little b— a—,” he said, accusing Tsarukyan of avoiding Islam Makhachev. He even insulted Tsarukyan’s history, calling him “a little posh boy who’s had everything handed to him on a silver platter.”

But Tsarukyan wasn’t going to let that go. Taking on X, he responded, “Says the guy who got the easiest path to the top in UFC just because he’s got a funny accent and budget Beatles haircut… I dare you to call me out if you win.” That’s more than just trash talk; it’s a challenge, laying the groundwork for a potential fight. With drama, insults, and genuine tension boiling over, UFC 314 is building up to be an exciting one. Which of these stories is most exciting to you: Bisping’s new film, Garry vs. Prates, or Paddy’s trash talk tour? Let us know in the comments.