Exclusive MMA Interviews News

Tom Taylor - March 9, 2017

Singapore’s One Championship is far and away the biggest mixed martial arts promotion in Asia. They broadcast in millions of homes in dozens of countries, and have taken their live product to relatively untapped markets like Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, China and even further afield. One Championship’s approach to MMA promotion is a little bit different than what we’re used to here in the West. Where organizations like Bellator and World Series of Fighting tend to squabble over jettisoned UFC talent to bolster their rosters with recognizable names, One Championship is dedicated to building their own Asian stars. And this strategy is working.

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.

Chris Taylor - February 26, 2017

Stephen Thompson will get his second crack at UFC gold this Saturday in the main event of UFC 209 in Las Vegas when he squares off with Tyron Woodley for the second time in less than five months. “Wonderboy” and “The Chosen One” battled to a majority draw in the co-main event of UFC 205 this past November in New York and following their “fight of the night” war an immediate rematch was set by UFC officials.

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

Last month, on the main card of the UFC’s latest trip to Denver, Colorado, Jorge Masvidal dazzled with a second round knockout of the streaking Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone. With this emphatic win, Masvidal catapulted himself up the welterweight rankings, where fights with the division’s top dogs now await. He has been mentioned as a possible opponent for dangerous grappling specialist Demian Maia. He’s been discussed as an opponent for Neil Magny. He’s even been mentioned as a potential dance partner for Georges St-Pierre’s return. Perhaps the most intriguing of all Masvidal’s options, however, is a fight with Stockton’s Nick Diaz.

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.

Chris Taylor - February 21, 2017

UFC welterweight sensation Stephen Thompson will return to the octagon on March 4 when he rematches current division title holder Tyron Woodley in the main event of UFC 209 in Las Vegas. Thompson and Woodley first met at this past November’s UFC 205 event in New York, and after five-rounds of war their championship contest was ruled a majority draw by the judges in attendance.

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 14, 2017

For several weeks, we have known that a light heavyweight scrap between British knockout artist Jimi Manuwa and American wrestler Corey Anderson would serve as the main event of the UFC’s March 18 return to London, England. Now, we also know the card’s co-main event. London’s co-main event spot will be filled by a welterweight scrap between fan favorite striker Alan Jouban, and Icelandic grappling specialist Gunnar Nelson. This booking was initially reported by @TalkMMA on Twitter, and confirmed by a Tuesday press release from the UFC.

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.