Exclusive MMA Interviews News
Isaac Vallie-Flagg skeptical 'Iranian Hulk' will do well in BKFC
Tom Taylor - November 20, 2019
During the broadcast of last weekend’s BKFC 9 card, it was announced that the “Iranian Hulk” Sajad Gharibi has joined the bare knuckle promotion’s roster. Gharibi, who allegedly weighs almost 400lbs, is expected to make his debut in 2020.
Jason Knight open to Artem Lobov trilogy but also wants to shut up Johnny Bedford
Cole Shelton - November 20, 2019
Jason Knight is now 1-1 in Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship as he TKO’d Artem Lobov at BKFC 9 over the weekend. It was a very good performance for Knight, who predicted he would finish Lobov. But he believes, had he not hurt his hand, the knockout would have come a lot sooner.
Isaac Vallie-Flagg eager for more fights, bigger opportunities in BKFC ring
Tom Taylor - November 19, 2019
When Isaac Vallie-Flagg walloped his fellow UFC veteran — and former roommate — Melvin Guillard to a stoppage win at BKFC 7 in August, he improved to 3-0 as a bare knuckle fighter. To long-time fans of MMA or boxing, that record might not seem like much, but in a sport as new as North American bare knuckle fighting, it’s about as impressive as it gets. In the brief period that bare knuckle fighting has been legal on this side of the world, very few people have had as much success as Vallie-Flagg.
ATT owner wants Jorge Masvidal to fight Conor McGregor or Nick Diaz next
Cole Shelton - November 19, 2019
Jorge Masvidal is now the owner of the UFC’s BMF title, and he could very well be fighting for the welterweight title in his next fight. Yet Dan Lambert, the owner of American Top Team, is hoping for something else for “Gamebred” next. Lambert and the team at ATT know Masvidal wants the biggest payday so they are hoping a Conor McGregor fight can come to fruition. If that fight doesn’t materialize, Lambert believes Nick Diaz makes the most sense for Masvidal.
How Rich Franklin became the Anthony Bourdain of combat sports
Tom Taylor - November 14, 2019
Where in the world is Rich Franklin? Depending on when you ask that question, the answer might be Singapore, Mongolia, Australia, Myanmar, Pakistan — any far-flung corner of the planet you can imagine. As the President and host of ONE Warrior Series, the former UFC middleweight champion is almost always on the move.
UFC Sao Paulo | Pro fighters make their picks for Jan Blachowicz vs. Ronaldo Souza
Cole Shelton - November 14, 2019
In the main event of UFC Sao Paulo, Jan Blachowicz is looking to make it two in a row when he welcomes Ronaldo Souza to the light heavyweight division. Heading into the fight, Blachowicz is a -200 favorite while ‘Jacare’ is a +160 underdog. Ahead of the action, BJPENN.com reached out to several pro fighters to get their predictions. The majority are leaning towards Blachowicz and some see the Polish fighter getting another knockout win. Many also believe the size difference will play a factor.
Jake Shields not retired but not looking for fights
Cole Shelton - November 13, 2019
Jake Shields is keeping his options open. The 40-year-old has not fought since October 2018 at PFL 10 when he lost by TKO to Ray Cooper III for the second time in the year. He wanted to try out the tournament format, but at his age, he said he didn’t know if he wanted to fight so often to do it again.
Kevin Lee eyes early 2020 bout with Paul Felder or Conor McGregor
Cole Shelton - November 11, 2019
Kevin Lee returned to the win column in a big way at UFC 244, when he knocked Gregor Gillespie out cold with a head kick in the first round. The win snapped his two-fight losing streak and put him into the top-10 of the lightweight division. For Lee, the exact head kick was not planned, but after a few exchanges, he knew the opening was there but was hesitant to throw it due to an injury.
Johnny Walker says he doesn't feel the motivation to fight: 'I was sad with a lot of problems'
Cole Shelton - November 8, 2019
Johnny Walker says he was not in the right place mentally or emotionally for his UFC 244 fight against Corey Anderson. In the fight, the Brazilian suffered his first defeat inside the Octagon, losing by first-round TKO. While he is reluctant to make excuses or take anything away from Anderson, he feels he was not in the right headspace ahead of the fight.
Curtis Millender discusses UFC release, reveals he signed with Bellator and has fight booked
Cole Shelton - November 7, 2019
It was recently announced that Curtis Millender was released from the UFC after going 3-2 in the promotion. He was coming off back-to-back losses, yet those losses were to Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos and Belal Muhammad, who are borderline top-15 fighters. Millender isn’t upset about getting cut but does have a chip on his shoulder now.
Muhammed Lawal believes Greg Hardy beats and possibly finishes Alexander Volkov
Cole Shelton - November 7, 2019
American Top Team coach and MMA legend Muhammed Lawal is impressed with the progress Greg Hardy has made in MMA. The former NFL star is in his first year in the UFC and set for his fifth fight in the co-main event on Saturday when he takes on Alexander Volkov. The fight represents a massive step up in competition for Hardy, who has only fought UFC newcomers and prospects thus far.
UFC Moscow | Pro fighters make their picks for Greg Hardy vs. Alexander Volkov
Cole Shelton - November 7, 2019
In the co-main event of UFC Moscow, Greg Hardy is getting the big step up in competition many fans have been calling for. He is set to take on top-10 heavyweight, Alexander Volkov on short notice. Heading into this fight, Hardy is a +215 underdog while the Russian is a -275 favorite. Ahead of the fight, BJPENN.com reached out to several pro fighters to get their predictions for the scrap. The majority are happy that Hardy is taking a step up in competition but, they believe Volkov will get his hand raised.
Bellator 233 | Muhammed Lawal targets one last win to end career
Cole Shelton - November 5, 2019
Muhammed Lawal is ready to hang up the gloves for good. He just has one thing to take care of first. The 38-year-old already retired once following his loss to Jiri Prochazka at RIZIN 15 earlier this year. Yet retiring on a loss was not easy to stomach, and he decided to fight once more, this time at Bellator 233.
Jake Shields believes Nate Diaz's cut should not have ended fight, prefers McGregor trilogy over Masvidal rematch
Cole Shelton - November 5, 2019
Jake Shields is not happy with how the UFC 244 main event ended. Shields, a longtime teammate of Nate Diaz, was in New York City to support his training partner in his UFC 244 fight with Jorge Masvidal. Masvidal ended up winning this fight due to a cut on Diaz’s brow.
Manny Muro's message following win over Nick Newell: 'If you think it was a fluke, try me'
Mike Heck - October 31, 2019
According to the oddsmakers and many MMA fans around the world, Nick Newell was supposed to kick off his new Bellator contract with a victory on Saturday night at Bellator 232. Although the respect levels for his opponent were at an all-time high, Manny Muro had other ideas. Despite being as high as a +550 underdog heading into this past weekend’s event at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn., Muro overcame a tough opening round to pick up a split decision win over Newell, much to the dismay of the pro-Newell crowd.
UFC 244 | Pro fighters make their picks for Jorge Masvidal vs. Nate Diaz for the BMF title
Cole Shelton - October 31, 2019
In the main event of UFC 244, Jorge Masvidal is taking on Nate Diaz for the BMF title. The fight was almost derailed by a USADA scare last week, yet it is thankfully still on. Heading into the tilt, “Gamebred” is a -155 favorite while Diaz is a +125 underdog.
Emil Meek calls out multiple rivals for Octagon return
Tom Taylor - October 30, 2019
It’s cold in Norway this time of year, and the sun seems to set earlier every day. As the temperature drops and the days darken, Norwegian welterweight Emil Meek is feeling the urge to leave. Not forever, just for long enough to send a worthy adversary to Valhalla — and maybe get a bit of sun. “I need to travel somewhere,” Meek told BJPENN.com on Tuesday. “I can’t handle all this darkness.”
From Miami backyards to Madison Square Garden: How Jorge Masvidal made it to the UFC 244 headliner
Mike Pendleton - October 30, 2019
As the clock continues to tick towards UFC 244, fans, fighters and media alike are excited for the main event between Jorge Masvidal and Nate Diaz, who will collide for “BMF” title inside Madison Square Garden. There are many places this excitement can be focused on: Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal fighting each other, the creation of the BMF title, or maybe, two of the biggest throwback fighters in the UFC today grabbing the spotlight in the Mecca of the fighting world.