MMA News

Cole Shelton - July 8, 2020

Volkan Oezdemir knows his UFC 251 fight against the promotional newcomer, Jiri Prochazka, will end by knockout. Prochazka is the former RIZIN light heavyweight champ and both he and Oezdemir are known as knockout artists. Yet, for the Swiss native, he says when the fight was originally offered he didn’t love the idea of fighting an unranked opponent. But, he knows he is a tough foe. So, he’s eager for the opportunity to welcome him to the Octagon.

Adam Martin - July 8, 2020

UFC welterweight superstar Jorge Masvidal is drawing big betting action heading into UFC 251, with bettors laying Conor McGregor kind of money on him. Masvidal takes on UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman in the main event of UFC 251, filling in on short notice for Gilbert Burns. According to BestFightOdds.com, Usman is currently as high as a -280 favorite at some sportsbooks, while Masvidal is as high as a +230 underdog. With few other professional sports to bet on right now, the sportsbooks have been taking in record numbers of handle for their UFC fights as of late, and Usman vs. Masvidal is no exception, as the fight is proving to be a popular bet for sports bettors.

Fernando Quiles Jr. - July 8, 2020

Brendan Schaub has weighed in on UFC welterweight Geoff Neal having to return to his job at Texas Steakhouse. Back in Dec. 2019, Neal turned in a statement-making win over Mike Perry. Neal dusted “Platinum” in the opening round, which is a feat not often accomplished against someone as tough as Perry. While many expected the UFC to attach the rocket to Neal and have him take off, that hasn’t been the case.

Tom Taylor - July 8, 2020

Alexander Volkanovski feels that Max Holloway is “being a bit of a sore loser” ahead of their UFC 251 featherweight title fight. Volkanovski defeated Holloway by decision in December, claiming the UFC featherweight title for himself.

Harry Kettle - July 8, 2020

UFC middleweight Uriah Hall has outlined his strategy as he prepares to go head to head with top contender Yoel Romero next month. The former Ultimate Fighter finalist has had his fair share of ups and downs in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, but with three wins in his last four fights, it appears as if he’s finally starting to live up to the potential that fans knew he had when he first appeared on TUF.

Cole Shelton - July 8, 2020

In the co-main event of UFC 251 on Fight Island, Alex Volkanovski looks to defend his featherweight belt when he rematches Max Holloway. Heading into the fight, the champ is a -230 favorite while the Hawaiian in Holloway is a +180 underdog. Ahead of the fight, BJPENN.com reached out to several pro fighters to get their prediction for the scrap. The majority of the fighters believe Holloway will make the necessary adjustments to reclaim his featherweight title.

Tom Taylor - July 8, 2020

On Monday, UFC welterweight champ Kamaru Usman and his challenger Jorge Masvidal nearly came face-to-face at their hotel in Abu Dhabi. See this tense moment below:

Adam Martin - July 8, 2020

Former UFC welterweight title contender Jake Shields reacted on social media after COVID-19 led to several Fight Island bouts being scrapped. Numerous bouts set to take place this month have been canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic, the most prominent being the scheduled UFC 251 main event between UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman and Gilbert Burns. After Burns tested positive on Friday, the UFC worked hard all weekend to book a replacement fight with Jorge Masvidal.

Tom Taylor - July 8, 2020

Jorge Masvidal claims UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman, who he’ll fight in the main event of UFC 251 this Saturday, has “multiple personalities.” Masvidal made this claim on Twitter on Wednesday, pointing to the way Usman travels as an example.

Tom Taylor - July 8, 2020

Long-time UFC commentator Joe Rogan is not a fan of win bonuses in combat sports. In combat sports, particularly in mixed martial arts, it’s typical for fighters to be paid a flat rate for competing, and then an additional figure (oftentimes the same amount) if they win.

Natasha Hooper - July 8, 2020

Jessica Andrade plans on shutting down any doubters by sealing her second win against Rose Namajunas at UFC 251. The fighters first faced off at UFC 237 when Andrade managed to score a TKO in the second round. Many felt the strawweight’s statement knockout win was a fluke. Now, the 28-year is old is ready to prove naysayers wrong for a second time.

Tom Taylor - July 8, 2020

UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski has responded to talk of a superfight with former UFC bantamweight and flyweight champ Henry Cejudo. Cejudo retired back in May, shortly after a successful bantamweight title fight against Dominick Cruz. Since then, he’s maintained that there are only a few fights that will lure him out of retirement, such as a boxing match with Ryan Garcia, or a featherweight superfight with Volkanovski.

Tom Taylor - July 8, 2020

Jorge Masvidal will not have his head coach Mike Brown in his corner when he takes on Kamaru Usman at UFC 251 this Saturday night. On Monday, news surfaced that Brown had tested positive for COVID-19, which prevented him from flying to Abu Dhabi to corner Masvidal in his fight with Usman. Considering this fight marks Masvidal’s first crack at UFC welterweight gold, that’s a real blow. Masvidal is understandably distraught.

Natasha Hooper - July 8, 2020

Mike Perry has decided the best way to spend his UFC earnings is by purchasing a new 4Runner for his girlfriend, Latory Gonzalez. On June 27, the welterweight faced off against Mickey Gall. Instead of a traditional corner team, Perry only had his girlfriend in his corner between rounds. The 28-year old explained the decision behind his drastic change of tactics pre-fight. 

Harry Kettle - July 8, 2020

American Top Team coach Mike Brown has reacted to his positive COVID-19 test that will stop him from cornering Jorge Masvidal on Saturday night. The news broke yesterday that Brown, who has been a long-time coach and friend of Masvidal, will not be able to be by his side in what many believe to be the biggest fight of his mixed martial arts career.

Adam Martin - July 7, 2020

UFC lightweight contender Dustin Poirier says that Jorge Masvidal was in the gym training every day just in case the Kamaru Usman fight became available. Masvidal was set to fight Usman for the UFC welterweight championship in the main event of UFC 251 but the promotion had difficulties coming together on the financials and eventually gave the title shot to Gilbert Burns. But after Burns tested positive for COVID-19, the UFC and Masvidal made a last-minute move to strike a deal, and the UFC now has a megafight between Usman and Masvidal headlining this weekend’s pay-per-view event.

Cole Shelton - July 7, 2020

Jorge Masvidal is planning to end his fight with Kamaru Usman violently. Masvidal is taking this fight on just days notice but says that is plenty of time to beat up a “bum” like Usman. So, according to “Gamebred” he expects to baptize Usman to win the welterweight title.

Cole Shelton - July 7, 2020

In the main event of UFC 251 on Fight Island, Kamaru Usman looks to defend his welterweight title when he takes on Jorge Masvidal who took the fight on six days’ notice. Heading into the fight, the champ is a -300 favorite while “Gamebred” is a +230 underdog. Ahead of the fight, BJPENN.com reached out to several pro fighters to get their predictions for the scrap. The pros are nearly unanimous in thinking Usman defends his belt, but the big question is whether or not he gets the finish.