Exclusive MMA Interviews News
UFC 294 | Pro fighters make their picks for Kamaru Usman vs. Khamzat Chimaev
Cole Shelton - October 18, 2023
In the co-main event of UFC 294, Kamaru Usman stepped up on less than two weeks’ notice to face Khamzat Chimaev at middleweight. Heading into the fight, Usman is a +220 underdog while the undefeated fighter is a -295 favorite on FanDuel. Ahead of the fight, which was made on less than two weeks’ notice, BJPENN.com reached out to pro fighters to get their predictions for the scrap. The pros are leaning towards Chimaev getting the job done, however, some do think Usman can pull off the upset even though he’s fighting on very short notice and up a weight class.
Terrance McKinney says he drilled the flying knee just moments before walking out at UFC Vegas 81, eyes Chris Duncan at UFC 296
Cole Shelton - October 17, 2023
Terrance McKinney didn’t know if he would be able to fight at UFC Vegas 81. McKinney was supposed to face Chris Duncan, but the Scottish fighter couldn’t get his visa in time to fight. After that, Terrance was hoping to remain on the card, but weeks went by with nothing. However, on fight week, an opponent was found which was great news for McKinney.
UFC 294 | Pro fighters make their picks for Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski 2 title fight
Cole Shelton - October 17, 2023
In the main event of UFC 294, Islam Makhachev is looking to defend his lightweight title for the second time as he rematches Alexander Volkanovski. Heading into the fight, Makhachev is a -265 favorite while the featherweight champ is a +200 underdog on FanDuel. Ahead of the fight, which was made on less than two weeks’ notice, BJPENN.com reached out to pro fighters to get their predictions for the scrap. The pros are actually leaning toward Volkanovski pulling off the upset, despite taking it on short notice.
After a "rough two years" Ashley Yoder is "excited" to finally fight again as she faces Emily Ducote at UFC Vegas 81
Cole Shelton - October 12, 2023
Ashley Yoder is finally ready to fight. Yoder hasn’t fought since July of 2021 when she lost to Jinh Yu Frey by decision to drop her to 8-8 as a pro and 3-7 in the UFC. Since then, Yoder had an injury that resulted in surgeries, as well as filming a yet-to-be-released reality TV show.
Adrian Yanez plans to prove he still "belongs with the top guys" with win over Jonathan Martinez at UFC Vegas 81
Cole Shelton - October 11, 2023
Adrian Yanez knows he’s still a top-15 bantamweight despite losing to Rob Font back in April. Yanez suffered a first-round knockout loss and after the defeat, he knew what went wrong. The plan was to stay patient with Font, but after he rocked him, Yanez said he got too reckless, which was a good learning lesson.
Sodiq Yusuff plans to have "a striking fest" with Edson Barboza at UFC Vegas 81: "I don't think me or Edson are planning on going five rounds"
Cole Shelton - October 11, 2023
Sodiq Yusuff is thrilled to be headlining his first UFC main event. Yusuff hasn’t fought since October of last year when he beat Don Shainis by submission in 30 seconds. After the win, Sodiq wanted a quick turnaround. But unfortunately, just a week or two after the fight he suffered a serious back injury.
Jason Knight claims Conor McGregor didn't show up for a "good solid week" of TUF 31 practices
Cole Shelton - October 9, 2023
Jason Knight says Conor McGregor rarely showed up to TUF 31 practices and filming. McGregor returned to coach TUF 31 opposite Michael Chandler, and during the show, the Irishman was noticeably not around for weigh-ins. Kurt Holobaugh then told BJPENN.com that Conor McGregor was the cause of multiple practices being canceled because he didn’t show up.
OKTAGON's Pavol Langer not set on UFC ambitions: "I am just focused on my next fight"
Zain Bando - October 7, 2023
Although Pavol Langer is the betting underdog entering his highly-anticipated OKTAGON light heavyweight title fight against Karlos Vemola Saturday in Bratislava, he is taking it one fight at a time. A veteran of 21 fights, winning three straight, Langer has the momentum on his side against a formidable opponent in Vemola. Langer spoke to BJPenn.com ahead of Saturday night to get a feel for his opponent, a potential game plan, and his future in MMA.
Alex Morono tells fans to "expect violence" in his UFC Vegas 80 fight against Joaquin Buckley: "We are both going to throw down"
Cole Shelton - October 5, 2023
Alex Morono is pumped to fight Joaquin Buckley at UFC Vegas 80. After Morono beat Tim Means back in May, he figured it would take a bit for him to get another scrap, especially after he studied the welterweight division.
Grant Dawson says game plan against Bobby Green is straightforward, eyes Dan Hooker in December with a win
Cole Shelton - October 3, 2023
Grant Dawson didn’t expect to get his first UFC main event already but he is excited for it. Dawson is set to headline UFC Vegas 80 on Saturday against Bobby Green. It is a fight that came together on relatively short notice, as Dawson only got about five weeks’ to prepare. However, he says he was told he would be fighting around this time for a while but thought it would be against Jalin Turner.
Miles Johns wants Aiemann Zahabi in Toronto after win over Dan Argueta at UFC Vegas 79
Cole Shelton - September 28, 2023
Miles Johns didn’t understand why he was the betting underdog against Dan Argueta at UFC Vegas 79. Johns was coming off a 10-month layoff, so he knew people forgot about him. However, on paper, he believed this was a great style matchup for him against Argueta.
Loopy Godinez was "shocked" Elise Reed didn't tap from her armbar, hopes for ranked opponent next to "prove I belong"
Cole Shelton - September 24, 2023
Loopy Godinez had a ton of confidence heading into her Noche UFC fight against Elise Reed. Godinez felt like she was the better fighter everywhere and she proved just that. On the feet, Godinez dropped Reed, while she also was able to outwrestle her and even got a submission win. Showing off her complete game is something the Mexican-Canadian has wanted to do for quite some time, so she was thrilled with her performance.
Michelle Waterson-Gomez plans to build off the "really great moments" she had against Marina Rodriguez in rematch at UFC Vegas 79
Cole Shelton - September 21, 2023
Michelle Waterson-Gomez is set for the first rematch of her carer. Waterson-Gomez is set to take on Marina Rodriguez at UFC Vegas 79, as the two fought back in May of 2021. The fight was put together on short notice and was a five-round main event at 125lbs.
Pro fighters make their picks for Rafael Fiziev vs. Mateusz Gamrot
Cole Shelton - September 21, 2023
In the main event of UFC Vegas 79 at the UFC Apex on Saturday, a battle of top-10 lightweights goes down as Rafael Fiziev takes on Mateusz Gamrot. Heading into the fight, Fiziev is a -166 favorite while the Pole is a +130 underdog on FanDuel. Ahead of the scrap, BJPENN.com reached out to several pro fighters to make their picks for the fight. The pros lean towards Fiziev getting his hand raised, but they do believe it will be a close fight. The pros expect Fiziev will be able to piece up Gamrot on the feet and either get a late stoppage or a clear-cut decision.
Dan Ige believes he has "better grappling" than Bryce Mitchell, expects his foe to "break again" at UFC Vegas 79
Cole Shelton - September 19, 2023
Dan Ige always figured he’d end up fighting Bryce Mitchell. Ige and Mitchell have both been in the UFC since 2018, and with both men having success, the Hawaiian figured they would get matched up eventually. Although the bout took five years to come to fruition, Ige is excited to fight Mitchell who is now ranked in the top 10.
Pro fighters make their picks for Alexa Grasso vs. Valentina Shevchenko 2 title fight
Cole Shelton - September 14, 2023
In the main event of Noche UFC, the women’s flyweight title is up for grabs as Alexa Grasso rematches Valentina Shevchenko in her first title defense. Heading into the fight, Grasso is a +140 underdog while the challenger is a -180 favorite on FanDuel. Ahead of the scrap, BJPENN.com reached out to several pro fighters to make their picks for the fight. The pros are leaning towards Shevchenko reclaiming her belt at Noche UFC, as most seem to think she wins a decision.
Kyle Nelson expects to put on a striking "clinic" against Fernando Padilla at Noche UFC, eyes Cub Swanson in rumored Toronto card next
Cole Shelton - September 13, 2023
Kyle Nelson wanted a quick turnaround and he got his wish. Nelson returned to the win column back at UFC 289 in Vancouver as he pulled off an upset over Blake Bilder which saved his job. Just over three months later, Nelson is back as he will return at Noche UFC on Saturday against Fernando Padilla.
Jasmine Jasudavicius expecting Tracy Cortez matchup to be a "back-and-forth fight," but confident she'll "shock the world" again
Cole Shelton - September 12, 2023
Jasmine Jasudavicius is no stranger to being the betting underdog and being counted out. Jasudavicius has been the underdog in three of her four UFC fights and has won all three of them. Last time out, she was a big underdog against Miranda Maverick at UFC 289 and pulled off the upset at home in Canada.