Ray Sefo, President of Fighter Operations for the Professional Fighters League (PFL), discusses the organization's unique league format and the upcoming playoffs. The PFL, which offers a $1 million grand prize in each weight class, is set to dominate the MMA stage with events in Florida. Sefo, a former fighter and Hall of Famer, expresses excitement for the playoffs and the fighters' control over their destiny. Despite comparisons, Sefo insists the PFL is not in competition with the UFC but with itself, aiming to grow and improve. The PFL's decision to postpone the 2020 season due to COVID-19 is seen as a positive move, and the league's format continues to excite fans and fighters alike.

Rizin.26, a mixed martial arts and kickboxing event, is set to take place on New Year's Eve at the Saitama Super Arena in Japan, featuring 16 bouts. The main MMA event is a bantamweight title rematch between Kai Asakura and Kyoji Horiguchi. The card also includes the world's top kickboxer, Tenshin Nasukawa, facing Muay Thai crossover Kumandoi Phetjaroenvit, and a women's atomweight title fight between Ayaka Hamasaki and Miyuu Yamamoto. Other notable debuts include Olympic wrestler Shinobu Ota and kickboxing sensation Ren Hiramoto. The event will be available via pay-per-view stream on the LiveNow platform.

Former UFC fighter John Lineker is set to make his debut in the One Championship in Jakarta, where he will face Muin Gafurov. Lineker has expressed his intention to maintain his usual fighting style, which is aggressive and focused on striking. He has a clear plan for the fight, aiming to knock out Gafurov. This match marks a new chapter in Lineker's career after his time with the UFC, and he seems confident about his approach to this upcoming bout.

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has publicly criticized the government of his successor, Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi, using strong language such as 'ungrateful' and 'gutless.' Mahathir expressed his disappointment with individuals he once helped rise to power, accusing them of betraying him. The article does not detail the specific incidents or policies that led to Mahathir's outburst, but it indicates a significant political rift between the former and current leadership of Malaysia.