MMA News
Dustin Poirier makes prediction for Alexander Volkanovski vs. Max Holloway 2
Tom Taylor - July 9, 2020
No. 2 ranked lightweight contender Dustin Poirier has made his prediction for the upcoming featherweight title fight between Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway. Volkanovski and Holloway are set to collide for featherweight gold in the co-main event of UFC 251 this Saturday in Abu Dhabi. The pair first met in December, when Volkanovski defeated Holloway by decision to claim the featherweight belt.
Jimmie Rivera claims Frankie Edgar turned him down for Fight Island matchup: "Frankie said no"
Adam Martin - July 9, 2020
UFC bantamweight contender Jimmie Rivera says that Frankie Edgar turned down a short-notice matchup against him for a Fight Island card next week. Edgar was set to fight Pedro Munhoz at UFC on ESPN 12: Kattar vs. Ige, but the fight was scrapped when Munhoz tested positive for COVID-19. Immediately, fighters such as Rivera, Chito Vera, and Ricky Simon all raised their hands up on social media by saying they would take the fight but so far no replacement opponent for Edgar has been announced. It’s unknown at this point whether or not Edgar will remain on the card going forward.
Gym reveals Alexander Romanov withdrew from UFC 251 due to positive COVID-19 test
Tom Taylor - July 9, 2020
Undefeated Moldovan heavyweight Alexander Romanov was expected to take on Marcin Tybura at UFC 251, but withdrew from the card earlier this month. Initially, the cause for his exit was not clear, however, his gym has now revealed he tested positive for COVID-19.
Mackenzie Dern targeted for Octagon return against Randa Markos
Tom Taylor - July 9, 2020
Mackenzie Dern is set to take on Randa Markos in a compelling strawweight fight targeted for September 12 in Las Vegas, according to a report from MMA Fighting. Dern last fought in late May, when she picked up a first-round submission victory over Hannah Cifers with a knee-bar. The win separated her from the first loss of her professional career, a decision defeat at the hands of Amanda Ribas. With her win over Cifers, Dern improved to a solid 8-1 overall in mixed martial arts.
Former Bellator commentator Sean Wheelock to call adult webcam shows for blind users
Tom Taylor - July 9, 2020
Former Bellator commentator Sean Wheelock has taken on a gig as a play-by-play man for an adult webcam website called ImLive.com. His objective will be to enhance the experience for blind users. Here’s how an official press release explained it (via MMA Junkie):
Ben Askren doesn’t think extra punches from Jorge Masvidal were “super necessary”, but admits the line is “kinda funny”
Natasha Hooper - July 9, 2020
Ben Askren recently reflected on his infamous KO loss at the hands of Jorge Masvidal. He admitted the final punches Masvidal administered weren’t “super necessary” but were at least “kinda funny”. The “BMF” winner, Masvidal is preparing to face off against the welterweight champion, Kamaru Usman, at UFC 251 this weekend on UFC Fight Island. The anticipated matchup comes after a long list of career triumphs for “Gamebred”.
Jorge Masvidal’s manager suggests Kamaru Usman is upset that ‘Gamebred’ is getting all the media attention
Harry Kettle - July 9, 2020
MMA manager Abe Kawa has suggested that Kamaru Usman isn’t happy with Jorge Masvidal receiving all of the media attention ahead of their UFC 251 main event this Saturday. Ever since “Gamebred” stepped in to replace Gilbert Burns and challenge Usman for the UFC Welterweight Championship, the media has been dying to get a glimpse into the mindset of the former Strikeforce star as he prepares for the biggest fight of his life.
VIDEO | Get your first look inside the UFC Fight Island arena
Tom Taylor - July 9, 2020
Footage has emerged from inside the arena on UFC Fight Island, where Saturday’s UFC 251 card and three subsequent events will occur. See this footage, which comes from Guilherme Cruz of MMA Fighting, below:
Report | Mike Perry allegedly assaulted three individuals, could face theft charges
Natasha Hooper - July 9, 2020
Mike Perry allegedly assaulted three individuals at a restaurant and could also reportedly face theft charges. Yesterday, a video was released of the welterweight punching an older man.
Daniel Cormier explains why Jorge Masvidal is in a "no-lose situation" at UFC 251
Cole Shelton - July 8, 2020
Daniel Cormier believes Jorge Masvidal is in a no-lose situation when he fights Kamaru Usman at UFC 251. Masvidal is entering this fight on just six days notice and is a sizeable underdog. Many people are picking against him and counting him out, yet for Cormier, he believes even if “Gamebred” loses, his stock doesn’t change.
VIDEO | Mike Perry involved in bar fight, caught dropping man with punch
Adam Martin - July 8, 2020
UFC welterweight Mike Perry was allegedly involved in a recent bar fight that was captured on video and posted and social media. Twitter user @MMAEejit posted the video on his social media on Wednesday night. The user added that the video was from last night, though we don’t know for sure when the incident in question took place. It’s worth noting in the video that Perry has a “Fight Island” t-shirt on.
Ben Askren says he is the one who put "the spotlight" on Jorge Masvidal: "I let him shine"
Cole Shelton - July 8, 2020
Ben Askren believes he played a major part in Jorge Masvidal’s rise to superstardom. After “Gamebred” knocked out Darren Till in the main event of UFC London, “Funky” was taking shots at Masvidal to try and get him to accept the fight. After several jabs, it worked and the two fought at UFC 239 where it was expected the winner would get a title shot.
Jorge Masvidal drawing big betting action heading into UFC 251: "Masvidal is the new Conor McGregor"
Adam Martin - July 8, 2020
UFC welterweight superstar Jorge Masvidal is drawing big betting action heading into UFC 251, with bettors laying Conor McGregor kind of money on him. Masvidal takes on UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman in the main event of UFC 251, filling in on short notice for Gilbert Burns. According to BestFightOdds.com, Usman is currently as high as a -280 favorite at some sportsbooks, while Masvidal is as high as a +230 underdog. With few other professional sports to bet on right now, the sportsbooks have been taking in record numbers of handle for their UFC fights as of late, and Usman vs. Masvidal is no exception, as the fight is proving to be a popular bet for sports bettors.
Brendan Schaub on Geoff Neal working at Texas Steakhouse: 'It's such a bad look for the UFC'
Fernando Quiles - July 8, 2020
Brendan Schaub has weighed in on UFC welterweight Geoff Neal having to return to his job at Texas Steakhouse. Back in Dec. 2019, Neal turned in a statement-making win over Mike Perry. Neal dusted “Platinum” in the opening round, which is a feat not often accomplished against someone as tough as Perry. While many expected the UFC to attach the rocket to Neal and have him take off, that hasn’t been the case.
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.”
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.
Jorge Masvidal comments on "trippy" close encounter with Kamaru Usman at hotel
Tom Taylor - July 8, 2020
On Monday, UFC welterweight champ Kamaru Usman and his challenger Jorge Masvidal nearly came face-to-face at their hotel in Abu Dhabi. See this tense moment below: