MMA News

Paul Hughes
MMA News

Paul Hughes reveals UFC didn't make "meaningful offer" before PFL signing

Curtis Calhoun - April 22, 2024

Former Cage Warriors star Paul Hughes took mere seconds to decide between the PFL and UFC in his recent free agency. Hughes signed with the PFL last weekend, over the UFC and other promotions, for his next MMA chapter. The former Cage Warriors interim featherweight champion is expected to enter the 2025 PFL regular season and compete in non-tournament bouts for the rest of 2024.

UFC Apex
UFC

UFC Apex set to host WWE event as TKO partnership strengthens

Cole Shelton - April 22, 2024

The TKO partnership between the WWE and UFC has been a strong one, and now the WWE will host an event at the UFC Apex. The WWE announced that their NXT Battleground event will take place on Saturday, June 9 at the UFC Apex. It marks the first time the WWE will host an event at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.

Devin Haney

Video | Sean O’Malley mocks Ryan Garcia following his upset win over Devin Haney: “Interesting technique”

Harry Kettle - April 22, 2024

UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley has given his thoughts on Ryan Garcia’s upset win over Devin Haney. Last weekend, Ryan Garcia pulled off quite the upset. After months of antics and strange behavior, he somehow managed to overcome and defeat Devin Haney in what proved to be a huge upset. He dropped Haney on multiple occasions, eventually securing a majority decision victory.

Jordan Burroughs
UFC

Daniel Cormier sounds off on fan taunting Jordan Burroughs after Olympic trials loss: “It’s mind boggling”

Harry Kettle - April 22, 2024

UFC commentator Daniel Cormier has given his thoughts on a fan taunting Jordan Burroughs following his Olympic trials defeat. As many of us know, Jordan Burroughs is an American wrestling legend. In addition to his many World Championship titles, he also won an Olympic gold medal at London 2012. He’s an absolute stud, and he’s done a great deal for the sport of amateur wrestling.

Mark Kerr and Dwayne Johnson
UFC

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson announce he’s started his MMA training camp for ‘Smashing Machine’ movie

Harry Kettle - April 22, 2024

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson has announced that he has begun his mixed martial arts training camp ahead of his Smashing Machine movie. This year, The Rock has focused a lot of his attention on his professional wrestling return. Now, following WrestleMania XL, he’s preparing for his next move. He’s set to play Mark Kerr later this year in a movie titled Smashing Machine, chronicling his journey in the world of mixed martial arts.

Reece McLaren
ONE Championship

Reece McLaren guarantees upgraded form in return to ONE Championship: “I’ve gone to another level”

BJPENN.COM Staff - April 21, 2024

Reece McLaren is on a mission to rejuvenate his MMA career. “Lightning” gets the chance to do so when he returns to action at ONE Fight Night 22 on Prime Video. This U.S. primetime event takes place live from the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on June 7.

Renato Moicano
Renato Moicano

Renato Moicano appreciates Paddy Pimblett's kind words following UFC 300, still thinks he's "easy money"

Fernando Quiles - April 21, 2024

Renato Moicano and Paddy Pimblett have shown mutual respect as of late, but “Money” still thinks he’d make short work of “The Baddy.” Moicano’s stock has never been higher. The lightweight veteran is riding a three-fight winning streak. He recently made a huge statement by scoring a second-round TKO finish over Jalin Turner at UFC 300. As a result, Moicano has cracked the top 10 on the official UFC lightweight rankings.

Jorge Masvidal
Nate Diaz

Jorge Masvidal's coach thinks lightning strikes twice in boxing match against Nate Diaz: "I think Jorge has Nate Diaz’s number"

Fernando Quiles - April 21, 2024

Jorge Masvidal’s coach believes his fighter simply has Nate Diaz’s number. Masivdal and Diaz are set to collide for the second time, but this go-around the two will share a boxing ring. Masvidal vs. Diaz 2 will take place on June 1 and it’ll be held inside the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California.

Nate Diaz, Jorge Masvidal, UFC, Boxing, Rematch
Nate Diaz

VIDEO | Nate Diaz walks out of final tour stop with Jorge Masvidal: "Square off with yourself mother f**ker"

Chris Taylor - April 20, 2024

Nate Diaz is done promoting his upcoming boxing bout with Jorge Masvidal, as he walked out of their final tour stop on Friday night. Diaz (21-13 MMA, 0-1 Boxing) and Masvidal (35-17 MMA) have been on a cross-country tour promoting their upcoming rematch, a boxing bout, which will take place on June 1st at The Forum in Los Angeles.

Max Holloway punches Justin Gaethje UFC 300
Max Holloway

Justin Gaethje reflects on decision to take "huge risk" against Max Holloway at UFC 300: "I have no regrets"

Chris Taylor - April 20, 2024

Justin Gaethje knew he was taking a “huge risk” when he signed on to fight Max Holloway at UFC 300. Gaethje (25-5 MMA) was coming off a second-round knockout victory over Dustin Poirier in July of last year at UFC 291 to claim the promotion‘s vacant BMF title. In addition to taking home the ‘Baddest Mother F**ker’ belt, ‘The Highlight’ had seemingly cemented himself as the top contender to challenge reigning UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev.

Sean Strickland
UFC

Sean Strickland says it is a "damn shame to see" the current state of America: "I drive home and I see Mexican flags everywhere"

Chris Taylor - April 20, 2024

Former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland is explaining why loving your country is one of the worst things for mental health. Strickland (28-6 MMA) is known for his brash takes and once again stirred up controversy with his latest comments regarding the current state of America.

Jamahal Hill, UFC 300, Herb Dean, Alex Pereira, UFC, Non-stoppage
Jamahal Hill

Jamahal Hill makes first public remarks on referee Herb Dean's non-stoppage at UFC 300

Chris Taylor - April 20, 2024

Former light heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill has made his first public remarks regarding referee Herb Dean’s non-stoppage at UFC 300. Hill (12-2 MMA) was returning to action for the first since January 2023 in the headliner of last weekend’s UFC 300 event, where he was looking to reclaim the light heavyweight title, which he never lost, against reigning division champion Alex Pereira (10-2 MMA). ‘Sweet Dreams’ had of course captured the promotion’s vacant light heavyweight championship by defeating Glover Teixeira at UFC 283 but was later forced to vacate the belt after tearing his Achilles tendon.

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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.

Alex Pereira and Jamahal Hill
Exclusive MMA Interviews

UFC 300 | Pro fighters make their picks for Alex Pereira vs. Jamahal Hill title fight

Cole Shelton - April 10, 2024

In the main event of UFC 300, the light heavyweight title is up for grabs as Alex Pereira looks to defend the belt for the first time against former champ Jamahal Hill. Heading into the fight, Pereira is a -140 favorite while the American is a +110 underdog on FanDuel. Ahead of the scrap, BJPENN.com reached out to several pro fighters to make their picks for the light heavyweight title fight. The pros believe Pereira will get it done, as his striking will be too much for Hill.

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.

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.

Christos Giagos
Exclusive MMA Interviews

Christos Giagos expects to "catch" Ignacio Bahamondes at UFC Vegas 90: "It's going to be fun"

Cole Shelton - April 4, 2024

Christos Giagos is excited to face Ignacio Bahamondes at UFC Vegas 90 on Saturday. Giagos is coming off a submission loss to Daniel Zellhuber in September and after the defeat, he was hoping to return to fight in Anaheim at UFC 298. Although fighting at February’s pay-per-view never came to fruition, Giagos did get offered a fight against Bahamondes on Saturday at UFC Vegas 90 and jumped at the chance.

Damon Jackson
Exclusive MMA Interviews

Damon Jackson expects Alexander Hernandez fight to be a "banger" for however long it lasts: "First round is going to be a fury"

Cole Shelton - April 3, 2024

Damon Jackson is expecting his UFC Vegas 90 co-main event fight against Alexander Hernandez to be wild and chaotic for however long it lasts. Jackson is coming off a decision loss to Billy Quarantillo back in August, which was his second straight defeat. After the loss, Jackson focused on getting healthy and says he is now back to one hundred percent.

Andre Petroski
Exclusive MMA Interviews

Andre Petroski plans to continue to prove he's the best grappler at middleweight by beating Jacob Malkoun at UFC Atlantic City

Cole Shelton - March 28, 2024

Andre Petroski has made it clear that he believes he’s the best grappler in the middleweight division and he wants to continue to prove that. Petroski has been calling out the top grapplers since signing with the UFC and had a ton of success early on. However, in his last fight, he stepped up on short notice to face Michel Pereira and he suffered a first-round knockout loss.

Raquel Pennington
Julianna Pena

Raquel Pennington explains why she wants Julianna Pena and not Kayla Harrison as her first title defense

Cole Shelton - March 27, 2024

Raquel Pennington is hoping for her first title defense to be against Julianna Pena. Pennington won the vacant 135lbs title back in January with a decision win over Mayra Bueno Silva. Since then, she has been waiting for her first title defense, which she expects to happen in the fall. One possible opponent for Pennington’s first title defense is Kayla Harrison, who recently signed with the promotion and will make her debut opposite Holly Holm at UFC 300.

Raquel Pennington
Raquel Pennington

Raquel Pennington reveals she dealt with the flu during UFC 297 fight week: "I don't know if I can fight"

Cole Shelton - March 26, 2024

Raquel Pennington had to overcome adversity to even fight at UFC 297 for the vacant bantamweight title. Pennington was set to face Mayra Bueno Silva in January in Toronto, and she says the training camp was one of the best she’s ever had. However, on fight week, Pennington fell ill and she says it was at the worst point on fight day when she woke up and wasn’t sure if she was even going to be able to fight.

Kurt Holobaugh
UFC

Kurt Holobaugh says he's no longer just satisfied to be fighting in the UFC after winning TUF

Cole Shelton - March 21, 2024

Kurt Holobaugh is in his third stint with the UFC and he now has the tools to be a ranked lightweight. Holobaugh made his UFC debut in 2013 but after losing his first Octagon appearance, he was released. He worked his way back to the promotion, but after going 0-3 he was released from the promotion once again.