MMA News
Alexander Volkanovski: Max Holloway is "being a bit of a sore loser"
Tom Taylor - July 8, 2020
Alexander Volkanovski feels that Max Holloway is “being a bit of a sore loser” ahead of their UFC 251 featherweight title fight. Volkanovski defeated Holloway by decision in December, claiming the UFC featherweight title for himself.
Bellator set to return on July 24 for first show since February
Adam Martin - July 8, 2020
Bellator is set to hold its first show since February as the promotion is scheduled to make its return to your television screens on July 24. Sherdog.com reported that Bellator is scheduled to return on July 24 with an event from the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. According to the report, the event is tentative pending the Mohegan Tribe Department of Regulation clearing it to go on. For that to happen, Sherdog reports it likely depends on “extensive testing, social distancing measures, cleaning procedures and Bellator holding its fights with no fans in attendance.”
Uriah Hall plans to “go after” Yoel Romero and earn a middleweight title shot
Harry Kettle - July 8, 2020
UFC middleweight Uriah Hall has outlined his strategy as he prepares to go head to head with top contender Yoel Romero next month. The former Ultimate Fighter finalist has had his fair share of ups and downs in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, but with three wins in his last four fights, it appears as if he’s finally starting to live up to the potential that fans knew he had when he first appeared on TUF.
UFC 251 | Pro fighters make their picks for Alex Volkanovski vs. Max Holloway 2 title fight
Cole Shelton - July 8, 2020
In the co-main event of UFC 251 on Fight Island, Alex Volkanovski looks to defend his featherweight belt when he rematches Max Holloway. Heading into the fight, the champ is a -230 favorite while the Hawaiian in Holloway is a +180 underdog. Ahead of the fight, BJPENN.com reached out to several pro fighters to get their prediction for the scrap. The majority of the fighters believe Holloway will make the necessary adjustments to reclaim his featherweight title.
Jake Shields on COVID-19 Fight Island shake-ups: "Maybe it’s time for healthy people to stop being scared of this virus"
Adam Martin - July 8, 2020
Former UFC welterweight title contender Jake Shields reacted on social media after COVID-19 led to several Fight Island bouts being scrapped. Numerous bouts set to take place this month have been canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic, the most prominent being the scheduled UFC 251 main event between UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman and Gilbert Burns. After Burns tested positive on Friday, the UFC worked hard all weekend to book a replacement fight with Jorge Masvidal.
Andreas Michailidis eager to put Greece on the MMA map
Alfredo Zullino - July 8, 2020
Greece has not been a hotspot for fighters lately, but mixed martial arts was basically born there in 648 BC, when Pankration was introduced for the first time as an Olympic sport. Andreas Michailidis is here to change this trend.
Jorge Masvidal gives examples of Kamaru Usman's "multiple personalities"
Tom Taylor - July 8, 2020
Jorge Masvidal claims UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman, who he’ll fight in the main event of UFC 251 this Saturday, has “multiple personalities.” Masvidal made this claim on Twitter on Wednesday, pointing to the way Usman travels as an example.
Joe Rogan rails against win bonuses in MMA: "I just don't think it's fair"
Tom Taylor - July 8, 2020
Long-time UFC commentator Joe Rogan is not a fan of win bonuses in combat sports. In combat sports, particularly in mixed martial arts, it’s typical for fighters to be paid a flat rate for competing, and then an additional figure (oftentimes the same amount) if they win.
Alexander Volkanovski rejects Henry Cejudo superfight talk: "I don’t want to put my division on hold"
Tom Taylor - July 8, 2020
UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski has responded to talk of a superfight with former UFC bantamweight and flyweight champ Henry Cejudo. Cejudo retired back in May, shortly after a successful bantamweight title fight against Dominick Cruz. Since then, he’s maintained that there are only a few fights that will lure him out of retirement, such as a boxing match with Ryan Garcia, or a featherweight superfight with Volkanovski.
Report: Paul Felder pulled from Fight Island commentary as a precaution
Tom Taylor - July 8, 2020
According to Michael Bisping, Paul Felder has been pulled from his commentary gigs on UFC Fight Island as a precaution. Felder was scheduled to commentate all four Fight Island cards, starting with UFC 251 this Saturday, and concluding with UFC Fight Night: Whittaker vs. Till on July 25. Regrettably, he’s apparently been pulled from those commentary spots.
Jorge Masvidal reacts to coach Mike Brown's positive COVID-19 test: We're "devastated"
Tom Taylor - July 8, 2020
Jorge Masvidal will not have his head coach Mike Brown in his corner when he takes on Kamaru Usman at UFC 251 this Saturday night. On Monday, news surfaced that Brown had tested positive for COVID-19, which prevented him from flying to Abu Dhabi to corner Masvidal in his fight with Usman. Considering this fight marks Masvidal’s first crack at UFC welterweight gold, that’s a real blow. Masvidal is understandably distraught.
Mike Perry purchases new 4Runner for girlfriend Latory Gonzalez
Natasha Hooper - July 8, 2020
Mike Perry has decided the best way to spend his UFC earnings is by purchasing a new 4Runner for his girlfriend, Latory Gonzalez. On June 27, the welterweight faced off against Mickey Gall. Instead of a traditional corner team, Perry only had his girlfriend in his corner between rounds. The 28-year old explained the decision behind his drastic change of tactics pre-fight.
Dustin Poirier says Jorge Masvidal was training for Kamaru Usman this whole time: "He's in fight shape"
Adam Martin - July 7, 2020
UFC lightweight contender Dustin Poirier says that Jorge Masvidal was in the gym training every day just in case the Kamaru Usman fight became available. Masvidal was set to fight Usman for the UFC welterweight championship in the main event of UFC 251 but the promotion had difficulties coming together on the financials and eventually gave the title shot to Gilbert Burns. But after Burns tested positive for COVID-19, the UFC and Masvidal made a last-minute move to strike a deal, and the UFC now has a megafight between Usman and Masvidal headlining this weekend’s pay-per-view event.
Henry Cejudo slams "overrated" Sean O'Malley, claims a "minor league wrestler" would beat him
Cole Shelton - July 7, 2020
Henry Cejudo isn’t buying the hype surrounding Sean O’Malley. O’Malley is currently undefeated as a pro and coming off a highlight-reel knockout win over Eddie Wineland at UFC 250. Following the win, many fans were ready to match him up with Cody Garbrandt or other top fighters.
Jorge Masvidal plans to leave Kamaru Usman "unconscious for a long time" at UFC 251
Cole Shelton - July 7, 2020
Jorge Masvidal is planning to end his fight with Kamaru Usman violently. Masvidal is taking this fight on just days notice but says that is plenty of time to beat up a “bum” like Usman. So, according to “Gamebred” he expects to baptize Usman to win the welterweight title.
UFC 251 | Pro fighters make their picks for Kamaru Usman vs. Jorge Masvidal title fight
Cole Shelton - July 7, 2020
In the main event of UFC 251 on Fight Island, Kamaru Usman looks to defend his welterweight title when he takes on Jorge Masvidal who took the fight on six days’ notice. Heading into the fight, the champ is a -300 favorite while “Gamebred” is a +230 underdog. Ahead of the fight, BJPENN.com reached out to several pro fighters to get their predictions for the scrap. The pros are nearly unanimous in thinking Usman defends his belt, but the big question is whether or not he gets the finish.
Thiago Santos vs. Glover Teixeira headlines September UFC event
Adam Martin - July 7, 2020
A battle of top-five light heavyweights will headline a UFC event in September as Thiago Santos will make his return to the Octagon against Glover Teixeira. ESPN’s Brett Okamoto first reported the Santos vs. Teixeira matchup. It is set to take place on September 12 at a newly-revealed UFC event that as of right now has very few details about it, though we’re sure to find out more about this event soon.
Report | Two American Top Team coaches test positive for COVID-19
Tom Taylor - July 7, 2020
According to a report from Brazilian MMA outlet Combate, two American Top Team coaches have tested positive for COVID-19. Combate reports that both Mike Brown and Gabriel de Oliveira have tested positive for the virus. The ATT coaches’ positive tests come just days after UFC bantamweight contender Pedro Munhoz, an American Top Team fighter, tested positive for the virus and was forced out of a July 15 fight with Frankie Edgar.