Exclusive MMA Interviews News

Tom Taylor - August 12, 2020

Matt Dixon might not be a household name among fight fans yet, but that could soon change. Dixon, a 24-year-old welterweight with a flawless, 9-0 record, will battle Orion Cosce (6-0) on next Tuesday’s episode of Dana White’s Contender Series. If he leaves the cage-side UFC President suitably dazzled, he’ll be offered a contract.

Cole Shelton - August 12, 2020

Sean O’Malley believes Henry Cejudo only retired from MMA because “Triple C” knew he would lose to “Sugar” and Petr Yan. Following Cejudo’s UFC 249 win over Dominick Cruz to defend his belt he shockingly announced his retirement from the sport. Since then, he has kept trash-talking the flyweight and bantamweight divisions but O’Malley doesn’t care about any of that.

Cole Shelton - August 12, 2020

Marlon Vera is excited to finally share the Octagon with Sean O’Malley as he is confident he can hand “Sugar” his first loss. In the co-main event of UFC 252, Vera and O’Malley are set to fight in a scrap many fans are looking forward to. The common perception entering the bout is whether or not O’Malley’s hype is real or if Vera will prove to be too much too soon.

Cole Shelton - August 12, 2020

Jairzinho Rozenstruik is looking to get back into the win column just three months after suffering a brutal knockout loss to Francis Ngannou. Back at UFC 249 in May, Rozenstruik was knocked out in 20 seconds. Following the loss, many expected the former kickboxer to take some time off to heal his brain.

Cole Shelton - August 11, 2020

Junior dos Santos is looking to get back into the win column on the main card of UFC 252. The former UFC heavyweight champion has suffered back-to-back knockout losses to Francis Ngannou and Curtis Blaydes. Entering this fight against Jairzinho Rozenstruik, it is a little different given they both train at American Top Team. But, for the former heavyweight champion, he doesn’t believe it will impact the fight.

Alfredo Zullino - August 10, 2020

It seems like it’s nearly impossible to find an available opponent for Marvin Vettori, according to the Italian fighter’s own words. ‘The Italian Dream’ is currently riding a three-fight win streak, having triumphed over Cezar Ferreira, Andrew Sanchez and, most recently, on Karl Roberson with his most impressive UFC victory so far.

Cole Shelton - August 10, 2020

Vinc Pichel believes he is a good MMA fighter because of his childhood street fights. Pichel was born in California and knows he is lucky MMA and the UFC turned out to be a massive sport. “From Hell” grew up fighting and believes if it wasn’t for fighting he would most likely be in jail or on the streets selling drugs.

Cole Shelton - August 6, 2020

In the main event of UFC Vegas 6 top-10 heavyweights collide as Derrick Lewis is set to battle Alexey Oleynik. Heading into the fight, Lewis is a -200 favorite while the Russian is a +160 underdog. Ahead of the fight, BJPENN.com reached out to several pro fighters to get their predictions for the scrap. The majority of pros believe it will be Lewis getting his hand raised by knockout to extend his winning streak to three.

Cole Shelton - August 5, 2020

Curtis Millender knows he has to beat Sabah Homasi if he is going to get a long-term contract in free agency. At Bellator 243 this Friday, Millender is set for his second fight in Bellator since re-signing with the promotion after being cut by the UFC. In his debut, he scored a decision win over Moses Murrietta.

Cole Shelton - August 5, 2020

Scott Holtzman is looking to be the latest fighter to knock out Beneil Dariush. On the main card of UFC Vegas 6, Holtzman is getting the chance to fight a ranked opponent in Beneil Dariush. It is an interesting matchup and “Hot Sauce” believes it is the perfect next step after beating Jim Miller last time out.

Cole Shelton - August 5, 2020

In the main event of Bellator 243, Michael Chandler and Benson Henderson are having a rematch nearly four years in the making. The first fight took place in 2016 where Chandler won a split decision. Heading into the rematch, Chandler is a -235 favorite while the former UFC champion is a +185 underdog. Ahead of the fight, BJPENN.com reached out to several pro fighters to get their predictions for the scrap. The pros believe the three-time Bellator lightweight champion in Chandler will get his hand raised again.

Cole Shelton - August 4, 2020

Alexey Oleynik always wanted to share the Octagon with Derrick Lewis and he now gets the chance to do so. In the main event of UFC Vegas 6, the Russian will be taking on Lewis. It is a very intriguing fight that the UFC wanted to headline the June 13 show according to Oleynik. But, he needed more time after his win over Fabricio Werdum.

Cole Shelton - August 3, 2020

Tim Johnson believes he has a clear path to victory against Matt Mitrione. Johnson will be making his fourth appearance in Bellator to battle the always dangerous Mitrione in the co-main event of Bellator 243 on Friday. Although this is a big fight for Johnson, he didn’t get much notice for it.

Tom Taylor - July 31, 2020

Henry Cejudo has been angling for a fight with UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski, and his manager Ali Abdelaziz will be doing everything he can to make it happen. Cejudo, the former UFC bantamweight and flyweight champion, retired in May, after defending his bantamweight strap with a TKO win over Dominick Cruz. Since his retirement announcement, he’s stated repeatedly that he’d return to the cage for a fight with Volkanovski, which would give him the opportunity to become the first three-division champion in UFC history.

Cole Shelton - July 30, 2020

Randy Brown is happy he still gets the chance to fight Vicente Luque. The two were supposed to fight in April but the event was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After that, Luque ended up earning a TKO win over Niko Price. So, for Brown, he thought his chances of fighting the ranked welterweight were out the window.

Cole Shelton - July 30, 2020

In the main event of UFC Vegas 5, Derek Brunson is looking to extend his winning streak when he takes Edmen Shahbazyan. Heading into the fight, Brunson is a +255 underdog while the undefeated prospect is a -335 favorite. Ahead of the fight, BJPENN.com reached out to several pro fighters to get their predictions for the scrap. The pros are split on this one with some thinking Brunson is a step up too soon while others believe the hype is real behind Shahbazyan.

Tom Taylor - July 30, 2020

Earlier this week, ONE Championship CEO Chatri Sityodtong announced a new partnership with MMA manager Ali Abdelaziz and his company, Dominance MMA. Abdelaziz and Sityodtong were first introduced through their mutual friend, Renzo Gracie, but only recently began working together. Both agree the relationship is long overdue.

Cole Shelton - July 29, 2020

Edmen Shahbazyan is looking to turn some more heads when he headlines this Saturday’s card against Derek Brunson. Shahbazyan vs. Brunson was originally scheduled to be the co-main event, but after Irene Aldana tested positive for COVID-19,the bout was moved to headliner status.