Have you ever wondered what former UFC stars who’ve built successful careers outside the Octagon might charge for a comeback fight? Well, worry no more! Brendan Schaub has recently answered this question, revealing the staggering amount he would demand for a return to the UFC. Curious? Stick around because we’re back with another episode of MMA Roundup!
From the Brendan Schaub piece, we will move on to Michael Chandler’s prediction for his fight against Paddy Pimblett at UFC 314. Finally, we will conclude our montage with big news from former UFC flyweight Kyoji Horiguchi. So, without any further ado, let’s get started.
Brendan Schaub opens up about a career comeback
The last time when Brendan Schaub stepped inside the Octagon was on the main card of UFC 189 in December 2014 against Travis Browne. ‘The Hybrid’ was outclassed by Browne before getting knocked out in the very first round, prompting Rogan to convince him to quit the sport in an episode of JRE that followed the loss. After leaving his MMA days in the past, Schuab, with the help of Joe Rogan, launched his comedy career and started his own podcast. Years have passed since then, and the former UFC fighter has revealed the amount he would charge to come back.
While having a conversation on his YouTube handle, the podcaster revealed that he would comeback to the fighting scene provided that the promoters pay him 7 figures, “$5 million to fight. $5 million, just $5 million. It’d be a lot longer than six months for me to get prepared. I haven’t fought in how many years? Six months ain’t enough, bubba. [A year of training] at least. I also have to get off all the s**t I’m on, so you have to get off that and get your system back. I’d have to spar with professionals… It would have to be in MMA, I wouldn’t do boxing.”
A year after his last fight, Brendan Schaub announced his retirement from the sport. Since then, he has been away from active competition in the world of fighting, instead taking on the role of an analyst and pundit. With a career record of 10 victories and 5 defeats, ‘The Hybrid’ had an okayish career, but can he change it if he comes back? Well, it seems unlikely given the current level of heavyweights in the promotion, and to be honest, we’re not sure. But for now, let us move forward to Michael Chandler’s prediction of UFC 314.
Michael Chandler predicts a first-round knockout against Paddy Pimblett
Micahel Chandler and Paddy Pimblett are about to set the stage on fire at UFC 314 as both of these lightweight hotshots are bout to face each other next month. The Briton is riding a six fight winning streak under the UFC banner and is yet to concede any tough fight. On the other hand, the former title challenger is riding a two-fight losing streak against the best of the promotion. With just days remaining for their highly-anticipated clash, ‘Iron’ has come forward to predict the outcome of the fight.
On his outing with The Schmo, Michael Chandler revealed, “I’ve already visualized knocking out Paddy Pimblett. A couple of callouts, a couple of things I’m going to say. First round. First round would be great. I think I’m going to put pressure, a pace, and a presence on him that he’s never felt before. Now we’ll see—does he sink or swim?”
He further added, “I think just because there’s been an absence of strength of schedule in his career thus far, doesn’t mean there’s a presence of cardio. He could be tougher than we think he is. We’ll find out. But on April 12th, Miami, Florida, UFC 314, we do find out if he sinks or swims. [I will] knock him out first round.” Pimblett does have a better record, but one must not forget that Chandler has fought all the top dogs of the promotion, so he has better exposure to the game. Regardless, let us move forward to the last montage of the day.
Kyoji Horiguchi gave a huge update about his UFC return
“I do have the feeling of wanting to making another challenge in the UFC,” said Kyoji Horiguchi last year, hinting at a comeback to the UFC after nearly eight years of exodus. The former UFC flyweight fighter pulled out of his UFC contract back in 2017. Reason? Well, it appears that Rizin gave him a better contract. After pulling away from the promotion, Horiguchi became the Bellator as well as the Rizin champion, making him one of the best flyweights in the world.
Fast forward to 2025, the UFC has already signed a deal with the Japanese superstar for a comeback fight within the promotion. Well, he has officially submitted his sample to enter the testing pool, signaling the imminent return of ‘The Typhoon.’ Accoridng to the reports, he might return to the Octagon at UFC Azerbaijan this year against #11 ranked flyweight Tagir Ulanbekov.
Are you excited to witness the comeback of one of the most accomplished flyweights around the world? State your thoughts in the comments below.
The post MMA News Roundup: Retired UFC Heavyweight Wants $5M for Return, Chandler Seals Paddy Pimblett’s Fate, Kyoji Horiguchi’s Big News appeared first on EssentiallySports.