MMA News
Calvin Kattar "wouldn’t be surprised" if he gets the next title shot against Alex Volkanovski
Cole Shelton - July 28, 2020
Calvin Kattar believes he could very well be fighting for UFC gold next time out. Kattar, who is currently ranked sixth in the division, is already 2-0 in 2020. He had a knockout win over Jeremy Stephens and most recently a decision win over Dan Ige. Not only did he beat the streaking Ige, but he also did it over five rounds.
Is Khamzat Chimaev ready for Kamaru Usman? Dana White says "maybe"
Tom Taylor - July 28, 2020
UFC President Dana White believes it’s possible that Khamzat Chimaev is already skilled enough to hang with UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman. Chimaev was the breakout star of the UFC’s four-even stint on “Fight Island” in Abu Dhabi. The Chechen-Swede won two fights in a 10-day span, submitting John Phillips at middleweight and Rhys McKee by TKO at welterweight—both in the first round.
Roy Jones Jr. previews Mike Tyson fight: All he knows is "destruction and destroy"
Tom Taylor - July 28, 2020
Former four-division boxing champ Roy Jones Jr. believes Mike Tyson is still extremely dangerous, even at 54 years old. Jones, 51, will meet Tyson in an eight-round exhibition match on September 12.
Just Scrap Radio Ep. 4 with Edmen Shahbazyan, Calvin Kattar & Alex Perez
Cole Shelton - July 28, 2020
The fourth episode of Just Scrap Radio on BJPENN.com with Cole Shelton is here ahead of UFC Vegas 5. Host Cole Shelton is first joined by rising middleweight contender, Edmen Shahbazyan (1:55). Then, UFC featherweight Calvin Kattar (17:19) comes on and the final guest is UFC flyweight, Alex Perez (29:31). Irene Aldana was supposed to be on the program but she was removed from the Aug. 1 event due to testing positive for COVID-19. So, we wish her the best in overcoming the virus.
Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Georges St-Pierre betting odds released
Adam Martin - July 28, 2020
The opening betting odds have been released for a potential matchup between UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and MMA legend Georges St-Pierre. There have been rumblings about a hypothetical superfight between Nurmagomedov and St-Pierre for years. Firas Zahabi, GSP’s long-time trainer, has mentioned that the legend would be interested in the fight. On Monday, UFC president Dana White said that he would consider booking Nurmagomedov vs. GSP for Nurmagomedov’s 30th MMA fight. The oddsmakers took note of White’s comments and have now released a betting line.
Mike Tyson says he would kick Conor McGregor's ass in boxing match
Adam Martin - July 28, 2020
Boxing legend Mike Tyson said that he would kick MMA superstar Conor McGregor’s ass if the two ever met in a boxing match. The long-time heavyweight boxing legend Tyson recently announced his return to the boxing ring after 15 years away from the sport. He will take on Roy Jones Jr. in an eight-round exhibition boxing match on September 12 in California. The event will be streamed live on PPV via the Triller app, and the card will feature a co-main event between YouTuber Jake Paul and former three-time NBA Dunk Contest champion Nate Robinson.
Mike Perry, Latory Gonzalez announce they're having a baby
Tom Taylor - July 28, 2020
UFC welterweight “Platinum” Mike Perry and his girlfriend Latory Gonzalez have announced they’re having a baby together. Gonzalez announced the news on Instagram on Tuesday, adding that their son is due on January 12.
Joanna Jedrzejczyk clears up retirement rumors
Tom Taylor - July 28, 2020
Former UFC strawweight champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk is not retired, contrary to widespread rumors to the contrary. Earlier this month, in a post to her official Instagram account, Jedrzejczyk, 32, used the hashtag #33andretired. That hashtag caused rampant speculation that she might be hanging up the gloves.
Jack Hermansson explains why Robert Whittaker is "toughest test" at middleweight
Tom Taylor - July 28, 2020
Jack Hermansson believes that former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker might actually be a tougher matchup than the reigning champ, Israel Adesanya. Adesanya defeated Whittaker by knockout last fall to capture the UFC middleweight strap. Despite the outcome of their fight, Hermansson views Whittaker as the more versatile fighter of the two—particularly after watching the Aussie defeat Darren Till last weekend.
Dana White reveals date for Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Justin Gaethje
Tom Taylor - July 28, 2020
Khabib Nurmagomedov and Justin Gaethje will fight for the UFC lightweight title on October 24, according to UFC President Dana White. White confirmed the date for this fight during an interview with CNN.
VaynerSports enters MMA management industry, signs multiple stars
Tom Taylor - July 28, 2020
VaynerSports, a talent agency that is already established in professional football, baseball and e-sports, has entered the MMA industry. This news was first reported by veteran MMA reporter Mike Russell, and confirmed in a release on Tuesday.
Sean O’Malley sells out his custom jerseys in mere seconds
Natasha Hooper - July 28, 2020
“Suga” Sean O’Malley is making bank outside of the Octagon as his new custom jerseys sold out in just seconds. Last month, the bantamweight standout criticized the UFC’s partnership with Reebok after he claimed that he only made $3k as part of their sponsorship deal, despite him generating the company over a million dollars in sales. According to O’Malley, he was paid incredibly low royalties given the success of his clothing with the company.
PFL hires former ONE Championship executive Loren Mack as VP of Corporate Communications
Tom Taylor - July 28, 2020
The Professional Fighters League (PFL) has named Loren Mack Vice President of Corporate Communications. Mack, with over 15 years of experience in media and sports, becomes the latest hire to join a growing list of top sports, media and entertainment executives for the first organization to present Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) through a Regular Season, Playoff and Championship format.
Mike Perry’s ex-wife tried to obtain a protective order against the UFC welterweight earlier this year but was denied
Natasha Hooper - July 28, 2020
Mike Perry’s ex-wife Danielle Nickerson allegedly tried to obtain a protective order against the UFC welterweight for threatening physical harm approximately a year ago. Nickerson, 28, sought a protective order against her ex-husband, 28, which was denied after she “failed to allege facts sufficient,” according to court documents.
Dana White suggests No. 1 contender match between Robert Whittaker and Jared Cannonier
Adam Martin - July 27, 2020
UFC president Dana White suggested a matchup between middleweight contenders Robert Whittaker and Jared Cannonier to determine the next title challenger. Whittaker is coming off of a unanimous decision win over Darren Till at UFC Fight Island 3, while Cannonier is coming off of three straight TKO wins over Jack Hermansson, Anderson Silva, and David Branch. The UFC middleweight title will be on the line in September when champion Israel Adesanya takes on Paulo Costa in the main event of UFC 253, and White and the UFC matchmakers are already thinking about who will get the next title shot.
Dana White not interested in a rematch between Jorge Masvidal and Nate Diaz
Adam Martin - July 27, 2020
UFC president Dana White says he’s not interested in a potential rematch between welterweight rivals Jorge Masvidal and Nate Diaz. Masvidal and Diaz met in the main event of UFC 244 last November in New York City. After seemingly winning the first three rounds with his striking, Masvidal cut Diaz open around his eye and the doctor stopped the fight in controversial fashion even though Diaz could still see. Veteran MMA official John McCarthy was among those who argued against the stoppage.
Stephen Thompson would still "love" to fight Jorge Masvidal following UFC 251 loss
Cole Shelton - July 27, 2020
Stephen Thompson says he is still interested in having a rematch with Jorge Masvidal. When Masvidal agreed to step up on short notice and fight Kamaru Usman at UFC 251 he said he wanted to fight Thompson as his first title defense.
What's next for Robert Whittaker and Darren Till after UFC Fight Island 3?
Cole Shelton - July 27, 2020
In the main event of UFC Fight Island 3, a very intriguing middleweight bout between former champion Robert Whittaker and Darren Till headlined the card. Whittaker was looking to return to the win column following his KO loss to Israel Adesanya. Till, meanwhile, said all week he would beat Whittaker and earn himself a title shot. But, in the end, it was Whittaker who got the job done by decision.