MMA News
Ben Askren details London run-in with 'irate' Jorge Masvidal
Tom Taylor - April 2, 2019
Ben Askren was one of several guest fighters in attendance for the recent UFC London card, which was topped by a welterweight scrap between Jorge Masvidal and Darren Till. Apparently, Askren had a bit of a tense run-in with Masvidal during his time in London. The former ONE and Bellator champ compared this run-in with Masvidal to his recent backstage encounter with Kamaru Usman (who he calls ‘Marty.’)
Dana White names his two dream fights in the UFC
Tom Taylor - April 2, 2019
UFC President Dana White can book any number of compelling matchups at any given time. Of all the possible matchups at his fingertips, however, there are apparently two that excite him most of all. They both include former UFC lightweight and featherweight champion Conor McGregor, and they’re both rematches. UFC President Dana White named these two dream fights in a recent interview with LasVegasNOW.com (via TSN’s Aaron Bronsteter).
Khabib Nurmagomedov takes shot at 'jealous wife' Conor McGregor
Tom Taylor - April 2, 2019
On Tuesday morning, UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov appeared at Plekhanov Russian University of Economics in Moscow, where he partook in a Q&A session with students. Economics, however, was not the main topic of discussion. As it seemingly always does, the conversation inevitably drifted in the direction of Nurmagomedov’s arch rival Conor McGregor.
Jeremy Stephens expresses interest in fight with Justin Gaethje
Drake Riggs - April 1, 2019
There is only one Justin Gaethje. Now 20-2 after his recent fantastic knockout of Edson Barboza in the UFC Philadelphia main event, “The Highlight” continues to live up to his nickname and solidify himself as arguably the most exciting MMA fighter of all time.
Joe Rogan labels Justin Gaethje the most violent fighter in MMA
Mike Pendleton - April 1, 2019
Justin Gaethje has made highlights in every single fight since he joined the UFC, and now UFC commentator Joe Rogan is giving him a title that fits just right. After Gaethje secured his third finish in five UFC fights, knocking out Edson Barboza in the first-round this past weekend at UFC Philadelphia, he’s secured his place as one of the most violent fighters in MMA. In fact, following his incredible performance over Barboza, Rogan labeled Gaethje as the most violent fighter in MMA.
Ken Hasegawa suffers nasty injury in loss to Aung La N Sang at ONE: A New Era
Drake Riggs - April 1, 2019
ONE Championship held their biggest event to date this past weekend with ONE: A New Era which took place live from Tokyo, Japan. The card featured several fantastic match-ups. Two of which included the promotional debuts of former UFC champions Demetrious Johnson and Eddie Alvarez. As well as four big title fights.
Dana White planning to figure things out with Conor McGregor in coming weeks
Drake Riggs - April 1, 2019
Last Monday, former featherweight and lightweight UFC champion Conor McGregor tweeted out that he was calling it a career. However, not everyone is sold on that notion. That includes UFC President Dana White. McGregor has recently mentioned wanting his share in the UFC to compete in anything less than main event bouts. Obviously, this is a bit of an extreme idea.
Ruslan Magomedov handed lifetime suspension from USADA
Drake Riggs - April 1, 2019
Russia’s ‘Leopard,’ Ruslan Magomedov was once considered by many to be the heavyweight division’s best prospect. His incredible speed for one of the big men of the sport was truly a sight to behold as evidenced by his nickname. Unfortunately, he was nothing more than a product of banned substances. On Monday, USADA announced that the 14-1 Magomedov has now been suspended permanently after three violations. Their statement on the sanction can be read in its entirety below.
UFC Philadelphia winner Maryna Moroz calls out Paige VanZant
James Lynch - April 1, 2019
Moving up to flyweight paid off for Maryna Moroz this past Saturday at UFC Philadelphia The “Iron Lady” put a halt to the Sabina Mazo hype train, defeating the Kings MMA standout by unanimous decision and handing the 22-year-old her first professional loss. Moroz picked up her first victory since Aug. 2016 and likely saved her job with the Las Vegas based promotion.
PFL Announces Final Additions to 2019 Roster
Nolan King - April 1, 2019
Monday morning, the PFL announced the final roster additions to their sophomore season via ESPN. Making the final cut were twenty lucky combatants from all over the globe. Notable names include returning PFL veterans Ronny Markes and Francimar Barroso, UFC veterans Jeremy Kennedy, Glaico Franca, Ronys Torres, and Damon Jackson, as well as fan-favorite Contender Series veteran Chris Curtis.
Michael Johnson issues statement after KO loss to Josh Emmett
Tom Taylor - March 31, 2019
On Saturday night, on the main card of UFC Philadelphia, former lightweight contender Michael Johnson partook in his latest featherweight bout, taking on the dangerous Josh Emmett. Unfortunately for Johnson and his fans, this fight did not go as planned, as he found himself on the receiving end of a 2019 Knockout of the Year contender late in the third round.
UFC Contender Weili Zhang inks new deal
Nolan King - March 31, 2019
One of the UFC’s fastest rising strawweight isn’t going anywhere any time soon. Currently ranked #7, China’s Weili Zhang (19-1) has signed a new multi-fight deal with the UFC, per her manager Brian Butler-Au. BJPenn.com’s Drake Riggs has since learned the deal is for six-fights.
Demetrious Johnson reflects on ONE Championship debut
Tom Taylor - March 31, 2019
Many fans expected former UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson to blow through former Pancrase champion Yuya Wakamatsu in his ONE Championship debut. Yet while Johnson ultimately earned himself a second-round submission win, the first frame of his fight with the young Japanese knockout artist was actually quite competitive. Demetrious Johnson opened up on his entertaining scrap with Yuya Wakamatsu at the ONE: A New Era press conference in Tokyo.
Conor McGregor rips 'little rat' Khabib Nurmagomedov, lightweight champ fires back
Tom Taylor - March 31, 2019
UFC lightweight champ Khabib Nurmagomedov and former UFC lightweight and featherweight champ Conor McGregor share one of the most heated rivalries in MMA. Not even their record-breaking UFC 229 showdown was enough to end their beef. There’s still some serious animosity festering between the two lightweight stars to this day. Their beef continued on social media over the weekend.
The biggest winners from UFC Philadelphia
Mike Straus - March 31, 2019
From the opening bell on the early prelims to the climactic knock out in the main event, UFC Philadelphia was a vastly entertaining card. Philadelphia is notoriously tough as a sports town. It is also one of the most endearing fan bases in all of sports. That being said, there were moments when the fans showed their frustrations during the 13 fight event, however, those moments were few and far between.
EXCLUSIVE | Former UFC flyweights give their thoughts on the state of the division
Cole Shelton - March 31, 2019
The future of the UFC’s flyweight division is murky. It was previously reported that the division was going to close down at the end of 2018. However, that was not the case. Rather, the division stayed on, and headlining the first card of 2019 was a flyweight title fight. Although the fight was considered a ‘superfight’ given TJ Dillashaw was moving down in weight to take on Henry Cejudo.
Ray Borg issues emotional statement on controversial loss to Casey Kenny
Tom Taylor - March 31, 2019
After a host of cancelled fights and opponent changes, former UFC flyweight title challenger Ray Borg finally returned to the cage at UFC Philadelphia on Saturday night. Borg, whose young son has been battling serious health issues, badly needed a victory in Philly. Unfortunately for him, Kenny wound up winning a controversial split decision.
What's next for UFC Philadelphia main event fighters?
Cole Shelton - March 31, 2019
The Octagon returned to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Saturday night for UFC on ESPN 2. In the main event, Justin Gaethje was taking on Edson Barboza in a fight that promised to bring fireworks. Ultimately, the fight delivered as Gaethje ended up knocking out Barboza in the first round. Now, Gaethje could very well be one win away from a title shot. Meanwhile, Barboza will have to take a step back in his next fight.