MMA News
Jose Aldo turned down million-dollar payday to make return at UFC 301: "We had a lot of offers"
Josh Evanoff - May 1, 2024
Former featherweight champion Jose Aldo felt that he had to return to the UFC. ‘Junior’ famously retired from MMA after a unanimous decision defeat against Merab Dvalishvili in August 2022. For the next two years or so, Jose Aldo competed in the boxing ring. He compiled a 2-0-1 record and was in discussions for exhibitions with the likes of Floyd Mayweather Jr. Instead, the former champion will return to the UFC.
WATCH | Jose Aldo gets into Jonathan Martinez's face in intense faceoff ahead of UFC 301
Cole Shelton - May 1, 2024
Jose Aldo got into a heated faceoff with Jonathan Martinez ahead of his return to the Octagon at UFC 301 on Saturday. Aldo is set to face Jonathan Martinez in the co-main event of UFC 301 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It marks his first MMA fight since August of 2022 when he lost a decision to Merab Dvalishvili. Since then, the UFC allowed Aldo to take boxing fights, as he had three of them, but he will fight out his contract on Saturday.
David Feldman confirms Conor McGregor will have “a lot of say” in future BKFC operations
Susan Cox - May 1, 2024
David Feldman is confirming that Conor McGregor will have ‘a lot to say’ in future BKFC operations. The announcement came this past Saturday, April 27th during the BKFC KnuckleMania 4 broadcast, that Conor McGregor is now a part owner in the promotion.
UFC flyweight contender Manel Kape sends a warning to Israel Adesanya: “I’m undefeated in the streets”
Susan Cox - May 1, 2024
UFC flyweight contender Manel Kape is sending a warning to former middleweight title holder Israel Adesanya. Manel Kape (19-6 MMA) is sporting 4 victories in a row, his latest unanimous decision win coming against Felipe dos Santos (8-1 MMA) last September at UFC 293.
Muhammad Mokaev calls “number one bullsh*t” on updated UFC flyweight rankings
Harry Kettle - May 1, 2024
Muhammad Mokaev has called out the updated UFC flyweight rankings as Alex Perez jumps above him in the pecking order. As we know, Muhammad Mokaev is a rising force of nature in the UFC’s flyweight division. The youngster fully believes he has what it takes to become a world champion, and with an unbeaten 12-0 record, the future certainly looks bright. With that being said, there’s a lot of uncertainty in the air right now when it comes to the title picture.
Robert Whittaker explains why he hopes Jiri Prochazka doesn’t move down to middleweight: “Then we’re enemies”
Harry Kettle - May 1, 2024
Robert Whittaker has explained why he doesn’t want to see Jiri Prochazka move down to middleweight. For the longest time now, Jiri Prochazka has been a big fan favorite in mixed martial arts. That’s been especially true since he joined the UFC, with his eccentric style winning over the masses.
Daniel Cormier doesn’t believe Ilia Topuria “has much say in this as he thinks he does” with potential Max Holloway title fight
Harry Kettle - May 1, 2024
Daniel Cormier has questioned how much of a say Ilia Topuria has in his potential showdown with Max Holloway. Since knocking out Alexander Volkanovski, Ilia Topuria has been enjoying life as one of the UFC’s biggest new stars. He’s a huge name in Spain, he’s the featherweight champion of the world, and he has plenty of fighters calling him out.
UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria plans to be the highest paid fighter in the world in 2025: “I have no doubt”
Harry Kettle - May 1, 2024
UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria wants to become one of the highest paid athletes in the world next year. Right now, Ilia Topuria is living his best life. He’s the king of the featherweights, he’s a huge name in Spain, and his star power continues to grow every day. Of course, many are currently questioning what’s next for him, especially with talks of a rematch against Alexander Volkanovski dying down.
Gegard Mousasi claims Bellator fighters make more than the PFL guys: “They lose money all the time”
Susan Cox - April 30, 2024
Gegard Mousasi is claiming that Bellator fighters make more than the PFL guys. The PFL (Professional Fighters League) acquired Bellator in November of last year in an attempt to make a stronger competitor to the UFC.
Tom Aspinall vents frustration with “absolutely terrible” UFC 304 start time
Susan Cox - April 30, 2024
Tom Aspinall is venting his frustration with what he calls an ‘absolutely terrible’ UFC 304 start time. UFC 304 is scheduled to take place on Saturday, July 27th at the Co-Op Live Arena in Manchester, England.
Darren Till vows to “destroy” Mike Perry when they finally meet: “He’s been fighting old slow sh**ty dopes”
Susan Cox - April 30, 2024
Darren Till is vowing to ‘destroy’ Mike Perry when they finally meet. Perry (14-8 MMA) left the UFC in 2021 following a string of losses and went on to sign with BKFC (Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship).
Alexandre Pantoja details the time he "smashed" Sean O'Malley in sparring
Cole Shelton - April 30, 2024
UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja claims he smashed Sean O’Malley when they sparred years ago. Pantoja and O’Malley have spoken about their sparring in the past, as both have different versions of what happened. However, ahead of his flyweight title defense at UFC 301, Pantoja says he smashed O’Malley in sparring, and it was so bad ‘Suga’ wouldn’t send the Brazilian the sparring footage.
Alex Perez booked for June 15th UFC return just days after UFC Vegas 91 main event KO
Curtis Calhoun - April 30, 2024
UFC flyweight contender Alex Perez is already set for his next fight just days after a vicious knockout victory. Perez will make a quick turnaround and face Tagir Ulanbekov at UFC Vegas 93 on June 15th. MMA journalist Marcel Dorff was among the first to report the news of the Perez vs. Ulanbekov booking.
NSAC votes to withhold 20% of Arman Tsarukyan's UFC 300 purse after attacking fan during walkout
Curtis Calhoun - April 30, 2024
UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan has been fined by the Nevada State Athletic Commission for assaulting a fan during his walkout at UFC 300. The NSAC voted to withhold 20% of Tsarukyan’s UFC 300 purse, totaling $31,600, for hitting a fan during an altercation while walking to the Octagon. MMA Junkie‘s Nolan King was among the first to report the news of the vote.
Alexandre Pantoja defends UFC flyweights against Sean Strickland's harsh criticism of division: 'Shut your mouth and respect my job!'
Curtis Calhoun - April 30, 2024
UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja feels Sean Strickland’s perception of the 125lb division is seriously off-kilter. Pantoja will defend the UFC flyweight title against Steve Erceg this Saturday in the UFC 301 main event. He returns after defeating Brandon Royval in his last title defense at UFC 296 in December.
Paige VanZant offers update on BKFC deal after signing contract with Misfits Boxing: "I'm here to stay"
Josh Evanoff - April 30, 2024
While Paige VanZant has a new multi-fight deal with Misfits Boxing, she’s not done fighting in BKFC either. ’12 Gauge’ has had a strange career since leaving the UFC in mid-2020. Paige VanZant’s deal expired after a submission loss to Amanda Ribas, and she quickly showed interest in signing with Bellator, or other MMA companies. Instead, she shocked MMA fans by signing with David Feldman’s BKFC.
Charles Oliveira open to moving up to welterweight for a "big fight" after UFC 300 loss
Cole Shelton - April 30, 2024
CCharles Oliveira is open to moving up to welterweight for a big-money fight next time out. Oliveira is coming off a split decision loss to Arman Tsrukyan at UFC 300, in a pivotal fight. Had Oliveira won, he would have been in line to get a rematch against Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title. With the Brazilian losing, it’s unclear what is next for him at lightweight, which is why he’s open to a fight at 170lbs.
Just Scrap Radio Ep. 163 with Drakkar Klose and Tristan Hamm
Cole Shelton - April 30, 2024
The 163rd episode of Just Scrap Radio on BJPENN.com with host Cole Shelton is live to preview UFC 301 and Misfits 15. We’re first joined by UFC lightweight Drakkar Klose (1:00). Closing out the show is influencer and boxer Tristan Hamm (11:39).