Daily Roundup: Alex Pereira Defends Tom Aspinall, Amanda Nunes vs. Sean Strickland, and More MMA News

Highlights from the top MMA stories on February 19, 2026, including Pereira's support for Aspinall, Makhachev's update on a potential Topuria fight, and Nunes' response to Strickland's controversial comments.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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This daily roundup covers the top MMA news from February 19, 2026, including Alex Pereira defending Tom Aspinall against fan criticism, Islam Makhachev's update on a potential fight with Ilia Topuria, and Amanda Nunes' response to Sean Strickland's controversial comments about women's MMA.

Why it matters

These stories highlight the ongoing controversies and narratives within the MMA world, from fighter feuds to debates around women's participation in the sport. They provide insight into the current state of the industry and the key figures shaping the conversation.

The details

UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira jumped to the defense of heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, who has faced criticism from fans over his recent eye injury. Pereira said Aspinall is "not gonna fake that" and attempted to silence the haters. Meanwhile, UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev provided an update on a potential fight with Ilia Topuria, saying it won't happen at UFC's White House event as the promotion has other plans, but he's still interested in the matchup in the future, potentially in 2027. And former UFC double champion Amanda Nunes fired back at Sean Strickland after the middleweight contender made controversial comments about women's MMA, telling him "don't cry" in response to his claims.

  • On February 19, 2026, Alex Pereira defended Tom Aspinall on social media.
  • Islam Makhachev recently provided an update on a potential fight with Ilia Topuria.
  • Sean Strickland made his controversial comments about women's MMA at the UFC Houston media day on February 19, 2026.

The players

Alex Pereira

The current UFC light heavyweight champion who defended his potential future rival Tom Aspinall against fan criticism.

Tom Aspinall

The current UFC heavyweight champion who recently underwent double eye surgery and faced criticism from fans who claimed he was faking the injury.

Islam Makhachev

The current UFC lightweight champion who provided an update on a potential fight with Ilia Topuria, saying it won't happen at the UFC White House event as the promotion has other plans.

Ilia Topuria

The UFC welterweight contender who has been rumored to fight Islam Makhachev, potentially in 2027.

Amanda Nunes

The former UFC women's bantamweight and featherweight champion who responded to Sean Strickland's controversial comments about women's MMA.

Sean Strickland

The UFC middleweight contender who made controversial comments about women's MMA at the UFC Houston media day.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.