MMA News

Sean O'Malley, UFC 299, Pros react, UFC
UFC

Sean O’Malley claims he makes three times as much from social media compared to fighting: “I paid more in taxes than I made last year in my fight”

Susan Cox - May 9, 2024

Sean O’Malley is claiming that he makes three times as much money from social media compared to fighting. The current UFC bantamweight champion, O’Malley (18-1 MMA), last fought and defeated Marlon Vera (23-9 MMA) in his first title defense this past March at UFC 299.

Robelis Despaigne
UFC

Surging UFC heavyweight contender Robelis Despaigne expects to be fighting for the title in 2025

Susan Cox - May 9, 2024

Surging UFC heavyweight contender Robelis Despaigne expects to be fighting for the title in 2025. It will be Robelis Despaigne (5-0 MMA) vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta (11-1 MMA) in a heavyweight bout this coming Saturday, May 11th at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Missouri.

Michel Pereira
Roman Dolidze

Michel Pereira makes a quick turnaround, gets ranked opponent at UFC Louisville

Cole Shelton - May 9, 2024

Michel Pereira has his third fight of 2024 already set. Pereira is coming off a first-round submission win over Ihor Potieria last weekend at UFC 301 and will now return on June 8 at UFC Louisville against Roman Dolidze. MMA journalist Marcel Dorff was the first to report the news.

Daniel Cormier, Sean O'Malley, Conor McGregor
Daniel Cormier

Daniel Cormier praises Sean O'Malley's callout of Conor McGregor: "Keep your name on that same playing field!"

Josh Evanoff - May 9, 2024

UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier loved to see Sean O’Malley call for a fight with Conor McGregor. In case you missed it, a rivalry between ‘Sugar’ and ‘The Notorious’ has begun brewing. Earlier this month, Ryan Garcia failed a drug test stemming from his boxing match with Devin Haney. That positive test resulted in a rant from Conor McGregor, who slammed the boxer. The Irishman also aimed at Sean O’Malley in the rant, who previously failed a drug test for the same substance Garcia did.

Derrick Lewis and Jailton Almeida
UFC

Derrick Lewis reveals he fought Jailton Almeida with two torn shoulders: "I just didn’t have any strength"

Cole Shelton - May 9, 2024

Derrick Lewis revealed he entered his last fight against Jailton Almedia with a serious injury. Lewis stepped up to headline UFC Sao Paulo against Almeida and he lost a lackluster decision. Almedia was able to take him down at will as he scored six takedowns and controlled the fight for over 21 minutes on the ground.

Akbar Abdullaev
ONE Championship

Akbar Abdullaev showcased underrated wrestling at ONE Fight Night 22: "I can do everything"

BJPENN.COM Staff - May 9, 2024

At ONE Fight Night 22 on Prime Video last Friday, May 3, Akbar Abdullaev demonstrated why he’s far from being a one-trick pony. Known initially for his striking prowess and knockout power, he surprised many with his exceptional grappling skills.

Dmitry Menshikov
ONE Championship

Dmitry Menshikov targets rematch with Regian Eersel: “I want to be the champion”

BJPENN.COM Staff - May 9, 2024

It’s safe to say that Dmitry Menshikov is a man on a mission. After his stunning victory at ONE Fight Night 22 on Prime Video last Friday, May 3, the Russian striker believes he has earned the right to rematch Regian Eersel for the ONE Lightweight Muay Thai World Title.

Jan Blachowicz
Jan Blachowicz

Jan Blachowicz calls for rematch with UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira: “He knocked out everybody… not me”

Harry Kettle - May 9, 2024

Jan Blachowicz has called for a rematch against UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira upon his return from injury. Back in July 2023, Jan Blachowicz went head to head with Alex Pereira. After what proved to be a really tight and tense affair, it was Pereira who managed to edge out a decision victory. From there, he proceeded to become a two-weight world champion by claiming the belt at 205 pounds.

Sean O'Malley
Merab Dvalishvili

Sean O’Malley and Aljamain Sterling reignite rivalry ahead of Merab Dvalishvili title fight: “Keep bragging about a handicapped fight”

Harry Kettle - May 9, 2024

Sean O’Malley and Aljamain Sterling have reignited their war of words as the former prepares to battle Merab Dvalishvili. As we all know, Sean O’Malley is the king of the bantamweight division. He was able to earn that title by defeating Aljamain Sterling, in what served as one of the biggest moments in the history of the promotion.

Thiago Moises
UFC

Thiago Moises details “awkward” encounter with drug tester at his home: “My dog came into the bathroom”

Harry Kettle - May 9, 2024

UFC fighter Thiago Moises has detailed an awkward encounter with a drug tester in his home recently. As we all know, drug testing in mixed martial arts has been a hot topic for as long as the sport has been around. In the UFC, that’s particularly true, especially since the departure of USADA.

Denice Zamboanga
ONE Championship

Denice Zamboanga determined to make history at ONE 167

BJPENN.COM Staff - May 8, 2024

Denice Zamboanga is fully aware of the historical relevance of her upcoming assignment. “The Menace” challenges Stamp Fairtex for the Thai superstar’s ONE Women’s Atomweight MMA World Championship in the main event of ONE 167 on Prime Video.

Chase Hooper
Exclusive MMA Interviews

Chase Hooper expecting an "exciting fight" against Viacheslav Borshchev in grappler vs. striker matchup at UFC St. Louis

Cole Shelton - May 8, 2024

Chase Hooper knows he will have to get Viacheslav Borshchev to the ground if he is going to get his hand raised at UFC St. Louis. Hooper is set for his third fight at lightweight as he’s 2-0 and coming off a submission win over Jordan Leavitt back in November. After the win, he was hoping to get a quick turnaround, but that didn’t happen.

Exclusive MMA Interviews

Chase Hooper
Exclusive MMA Interviews

Chase Hooper expecting an "exciting fight" against Viacheslav Borshchev in grappler vs. striker matchup at UFC St. Louis

Cole Shelton - May 8, 2024

Chase Hooper knows he will have to get Viacheslav Borshchev to the ground if he is going to get his hand raised at UFC St. Louis. Hooper is set for his third fight at lightweight as he’s 2-0 and coming off a submission win over Jordan Leavitt back in November. After the win, he was hoping to get a quick turnaround, but that didn’t happen.

Diego Ferreira
Exclusive MMA Interviews

Diego Ferreira explains why Mateusz Rebecki is a "perfect match" for him at UFC St. Louis, wants Bobby Green with a win

Cole Shelton - May 7, 2024

Diego Ferreira will end his nearly year-long layoff at UFC St. Louis when he takes on Mateusz Rebecki. Ferreira hasn’t fought since May 20th of last year when he knocked out Michael Johnson. After the fight, Ferreira welcomed a baby girl into the world and also had to focus on his gym which kept him out of action.

Tristan Hamm
Exclusive MMA Interviews

Tristan Hamm details transition from influencer to boxer ahead of Le'Veon Bell boxing match, eyes future fight with Dillon Danis

Cole Shelton - May 2, 2024

Tristan Hamm made quick work in his boxing debut and now he wants to see how far he can take it. Hamm, also known as Mr. Adventure on social media with over two million Instagram followers, had his boxing debut in January on the Misfits card. He scored a quick knockout win, and although he’s only been boxing for six months, Hamm says being part of the influencer boxing was something he had been interested in.

Alexandre Pantoja and Steve Erceg UFC 301
Exclusive MMA Interviews

UFC 301 | Pro fighters make their picks for Alexandre Pantoja vs. Steve Erceg title fight

Cole Shelton - May 1, 2024

In the main event of UFC 301, the flyweight title is up for grabs as Alexandre Pantoja looks to defend his belt against Steve Erceg. Heading into the fight, Pantoja is a -200 favorite while the challenger is a +154 underdog on FanDuel. Ahead of the scrap, BJPENN.com reached out to several pro fighters to make their picks for the flyweight title fight. The pros are unanimous in thinking Pantoja will remain the flyweight champ as they believe this is too big of a step up in competition for Erceg.

Austen Lane
UFC

Austen Lane guarantees violence against Jhonata Diniz at UFC Vegas 91: "I will turn it loose"

Cole Shelton - April 24, 2024

Austen Lane wasn’t surprised when he got offered to fight Jhonata Diniz at UFC Vegas 91. Lane is coming off a knockout loss to Justin Tafa back in September at UFC 293, this after their no-contest result. Following the loss, Lane wanted to return much sooner as he wanted to be as active as possible.

Cody Brundage
Cody Brundage

Cody Brundage believes he's too much of a "step-up in competiton" for Bo Nickal, confident he will finish him at UFC 300

Cole Shelton - April 12, 2024

Cody Brundage wanted to fight Bo Nickal and he was hoping he’d get the fight at UFC 300. Brundage is on a two-fight winning streak and after his last win, he thought it made sense for him to be Nickal’s next opponent. To no surprise, when his coach called with a fight offer, it was Nickal at UFC 300 which he jumped at.

Charles Oliveira and Arman Tsarukyan
Charles Oliveira

UFC 300 | Pro fighters make their picks for Charles Oliveira vs. Arman Tsraukyan

Cole Shelton - April 11, 2024

On the main card of UFC 300, former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira takes on Arman Tsarukyan in a potential No. 1 contender fight. Heading into the fight, Oliveira is a +176 underdog while the Armenian is a -230 favorite on FanDuel. Ahead of the scrap, BJPENN.com reached out to several pro fighters to make their picks for the lightweight fight. The pros are actually going with the underdog in Oliveira as they feel like he is getting overlooked.

Justin Gaethje and Max Holloway
Justin Gaethje

UFC 300 | Pro fighters make their picks for Justin Gaethje vs. Max Holloway BMF title fight

Cole Shelton - April 11, 2024

On the main card of UFC 300, Justin Gaethje looks to defend his BMF title for the first time as he takes on Max Holloway. Heading into the fight, Gaethje is a -178 favorite while the Hawaiian is a +138 underdog on FanDuel. Ahead of the scrap, BJPENN.com reached out to several pro fighters to make their picks for the BMF title fight. The pros are expecting Gaethje to get his hand raised in a highly-anticipated fight, as they think the size will play a factor.

Zhang Weili and Yan Xiaonan
UFC

UFC 300 | Pro fighters make their picks for Zhang Weili vs. Yan Xiaonan

Cole Shelton - April 10, 2024

In the co-main event of UFC 300, the strawweight title is on the line as Zhang Weili looks to defend her strap against Yan Xiaonan. Heading into the fight, Weili is a sizeable -500 favorite while the challenger is a +340 underdog on FanDuel. Ahead of the scrap, BJPENN.com reached out to several pro fighters to make their picks for the strawweight title fight. To no surprise, the pros believe Zhang Weili will be too much for Yan Xiaonan as she will defend her title with ease.

Jim Miller
Exclusive MMA Interviews

Jim Miller plans to "frustrate" Bobby Green at UFC 300, lays out retirement plan

Cole Shelton - April 9, 2024

Jim Miller got his wish of fighting on UFC 300. Miller competed at UFC 100 and 200 and for the past couple of years, he has been campaigning to be on UFC 300. Originally the plan was for Miller to retire at UFC 300, but that is no longer the goal, so he says that has taken a bit away from the spectacle of the event.

Raul Rosas Jr and Ricky Turcios
Exclusive MMA Interviews

Coach reveals UFC "compensated" Ricky Turcios, claims Raul Rosas Jr. was cleared to fight at UFC Mexico City

Cole Shelton - April 9, 2024

Alex Morono, the head coach of Ricky Turcios says the UFC took care of the bantamweight after his canceled fight against Raul Rosas Jr. at UFC Mexico City. Just minutes before Turcios was set to make the walk, it was revealed Rosas Jr. was sick and the fight was off. It was disappointing news for Morono and Turcios, who liked the style matchup against the 19-year-old.

Kyle Nelson
Kyle Nelson

Kyle Nelson eyes Cub Swanson or Nate Landwehr after first-round TKO over Bill Algeo at UFC Atlantic City

Cole Shelton - April 6, 2024

Kyle Nelson has won his third straight fight as the betting underdog. Nelson scored a first-round TKO win over Bill Algeo on the main card of UFC Atlantic City. The Canadian started strong as he landed a massive shot that wobbled Algeo and he kept landing punches that forced the ref to jump in and stop the fight.