Exclusive MMA Interviews News

Tom Taylor - March 9, 2017

For the last few weeks, eighth-ranked UFC lightweight Michael Chiesa has been angling for a fight with former champ Eddie Alvarez. Unfortunately for Chiesa and his fans, Alvarez has been pencilled in for a bout with Dustin Poirier. The two will meet at UFC 211 on May 13 in Dallas. On Wednesday’s edition of BJ Penn Radio, Chiesa vented his frustrations about this booking to host Kinch.

Tom Taylor - March 2, 2017

This weekend, the UFC will touch down in Las Vegas with UFC 209. While the card is headlined by a welterweight title rematch between champ Tyron Woodley and challenger Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson, it seems that the majority of the buzz for the event surrounds the co-main event. This co-main event will see the streaking Tony Ferguson battle the undefeated Khabib Nurmagomedov for UFC interim lightweight gold. In advance of this compelling showdown, Ferguson has been working hard in the gym – particularly on his grappling, as that is Nurmagomedov’s bread and butter. Much of Ferguson’s grappling work has occurred under the tutelage of 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu founder Eddie Bravo.

Tom Taylor - March 2, 2017

This weekend, the UFC will return to glimmering Las Vegas, Nevada with UFC 209. The card is stacked to the rim with top UFC talent, featuring names like Tyron Woodley, Stephen Thompson, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Tony Ferguson, Alistair Overeem and Mark Hunt. Long before any of these established superstars step into the cage, however, Rhode Island’s Andre Soukhamthath will make his UFC debut against Albert Morales. The former CES bantamweight champion, Soukhamthath has done much of his recent training with the Blackzilians in South Florida. Regrettably, the Blackzilians camp has been enduring a rather public split, as inner conflict has caused the team to splinter.

Tom Taylor - March 2, 2017

This weekend, 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu founder Eddie Bravo will watch one of his star pupils vie for UFC gold. That pupil is Tony Ferguson, who battles Dagestan’s Khabib Nurmagomedov for the interim lightweight title in the co-main event of Saturday night’s UFC 209. As one of Ferguson’s coaches and cornermen, Bravo’s allegiance heading into this anticipated lightweight showdown is obvious. Objectively, however, the Jiu-Jitsu icon finds this matchup absolutely fascinating.

Tom Taylor - February 26, 2017

Last month, a widely unheralded Jorge Masvidal shocked the world by ending the welterweight win-streak of Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone with a blistering, second-round knockout. With this win, Masvidal rocketed up the welterweight rankings, where battles with the division’s top fighters now await him. Unfortunately, Masvidal has had a very difficult time getting another fight booked. That, of course, is not for lack of trying. Over the last few weeks, the American Top Team staple has expressed interest in fights with Demian Maia, Neil Magny, Nick Diaz, and even returning welterweight great Georges St-Pierre.

Tom Taylor - February 26, 2017

Robin Black is revered as one of the most insightful and engaging mixed martial arts analysts in the game today. His energetic breakdowns are a joy to watch, and they’ve become a highlight of the buildup to any big fight. Black’s latest fight breakdown shines a light on the co-main event of UFC 209, which will pit undefeated Dagestani grappler Khabib Nurmagomedov against the streaking Tony Ferguson in an interim lightweight title fight. If the reception on social media is any indication, this wonderfully well-researched fight breakdown is one of Black’s most popular to date. Unfortunately, however, not everyone seems to be a fan of it.

Tom Taylor - February 23, 2017

Ever since his thunderous, second round knockout of Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone back in January, Jorge Masvidal has had a difficult time finding a willing opponent for his next fight – and that’s not for lack of trying. Over the last few weeks, the Cuban contender has made several callouts on social media in attempt to get a fight booked. His latest callout was directed at Neil Magny. At first, Magny seemed to be down with the notion of this scrap. According to Masvidal, however, Magny refused to put pen to paper, citing an injury that will keep him on the shelf for some time.

Tom Taylor - February 23, 2017

After months of conflicting rumors and reports, Georges St-Pierre has finally agreed to the terms of a new contract with the UFC. That means we’re likely to see the former welterweight great and bona fide MMA legend back in the cage sometime before the end of the year. On Wednesday’s episode of BJ Penn Radio, Canadian middleweight Elias Theodorou weighed in on the return of St-Pierre with host Kinch. Apparently, he was initially unsure about the former champ’s comeback. His words:

Tom Taylor - February 23, 2017

Last Sunday, on the main card of the UFC’s second trip to Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canadian middleweight Elias Theodorou scored a nice decision win over Brazilian Ultimate Fighter winner Cezar “Mutante” Ferreira. Shortly after this win, Theodorou expressed interest in fighting Rashad Evans, a former UFC light heavyweight champion who will debut in the middleweight division opposite Daniel Kelly at UFC 209.

Tom Taylor - February 23, 2017

Back in January, a largely unheralded Jorge Masvidal stepped onto the canvas with the streaking Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone and delivered a blowout, knockout win. Given Cowboy’s reputation in the welterweight division, this emphatic win immediately looked like it could be a career-changer for Masvidal. Yet while it did earn him the number-five spot in the UFC welterweight rankings, it ultimately didn’t do much else for him, as he hasn’t been able to book a fight since. On Wednesday’s episode of BJ Penn Radio, Masvidal vented his frustration to host Kinch, blasting his fellow ranked welterweights for their reluctance to fight him.

Chris Taylor - February 22, 2017

Top UFC welterweight contender Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson will get his second shot at UFC gold in less than two weeks when he rematches current division champion Tyron Woodley in the main event of UFC 209. Prior to his highly anticipated rematch with “The Chosen One”, Thompson took the time to speak with BJPENN.com’s Chris Taylor on today’s episode of Rapid Fire.

Tom Taylor - February 22, 2017

The biggest ongoing story in combat sports today surrounds a potential mega fight between UFC lightweight champion Conor McGregor and semi-retired boxing great Floyd Mayweather Jr. Fans, pundits, and fighters alike have been wondering for months if this bout will actually happen, and if it does, which of the two stars will come out on top. According to Stephen Thompson, who fights for the UFC welterweight title on March 4, this potential mega bout does not look good for McGregor. The upcoming title challenger explained this belief on the latest episode of Rapid Fire with BJPENN.COM’s Chris Taylor.

Chris Taylor - February 21, 2017

Top UFC welterweight contender Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson will get his second shot at UFC gold in less than two weeks when he rematches current division champion Tyron Woodley in the main event of UFC 209. Prior to his highly anticipated rematch with “The Chosen One”, Thompson took the time to speak with BJPENN.com’s Chris Taylor on today’s episode of Rapid Fire.

Tom Taylor - February 21, 2017

Earlier this month we learned that, after months of conflicting rumors, reports, and updates, welterweight great Georges St-Pierre and the UFC had resolved their issues and agreed on the terms for a new contract. With this development, St-Pierre suddenly has a smorgasbord of exciting matchup possibilities on his table, ranging from middleweight champion Michael Bisping, to lightweight champion Conor McGregor. Many of St-Pierre’s most compelling options, of course, exist in the welterweight division that he once ruled. Of all these welterweight options, none is more interesting than a potential fight with the winner of UFC 209’s Tyron Woodley vs. Stephen Thompson welterweight title rematch.

Russell Ess - February 15, 2017

Even after three-and-a-half years, “The Korean Zombie” Chan Sung Jung didn’t skip a beat in his return to competition in the UFC. Jung stepped into the Octagon to take on then-#9 UFC ranked featherweight Dennis Bermudez after taking time off to fulfill his mandatory service in the military for South Korea. Jung took the opportunity that was broadcasted on FOX Sports 1 to showcase his skillset that has garnered him a cult-like following.

Tom Taylor - February 15, 2017

Earlier this month, Chan Sung Jung – more widely known as “The Korean Zombie” – returned from a lengthy hiatus to score a blistering, first-round knockout win over a game Dennis Bermudez. With this win, the resurgent fan favorite was immediately talked about as a potential featherweight title challenger. Jung, of course, is quite familiar with reigning featherweight champion Jose Aldo. The pair fought back in 2013, in the main event of UFC 163. On that night, Aldo came out on top, capitalizing on a Korean Zombie shoulder injury to earn a TKO win.

Chris Taylor - February 12, 2017

Last weekend, the UFC touched down in Houston, Texas with its annual Super Bowl weekend card which featured the return of the Korean Zombie. The event was headlined by an intriguing featherweight showdown. In one corner, we had Dennis Bermudez. In the other, we had Chan Sung Jung – more widely known as “The Korean Zombie” – who was returning from a hiatus of more than three years.

bjpenndotcom - February 11, 2017

While UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping is currently recovering from a recent knee surgery following his first successful title defense at UFC 204 against Dan Henderson, he and middleweight #1 contender Yoel Romero have continued to trade barbs in interviews.