MMA News
Dana White previews two under-the-radar fights at UFC 251
Adam Martin - July 9, 2020
UFC president Dana White previewed two under-the-radar fights on this Saturday night’s stacked UFC 251 event in a new video blog. Most fans are looking forward to the three title fights at the top of the UFC 251 card: Kamaru Usman vs. Jorge Masvidal for the UFC welterweight title; Alexander Volkanovski vs. Max Holloway in a rematch for the UFC featherweight title; and Petr Yan vs. Jose Aldo for the vacant UFC bantamweight title. Those are three incredible fights so it makes sense everyone is talking about them, but what truly makes UFC 251 a special card is its depth as White and the UFC matchmaker have put together and incredibly deep lineup.
UFC releases statement on Mike Perry, says he needs to complete treatment before fighting again
Cole Shelton - July 9, 2020
The UFC has released a statement following the incident involving welterweight Mike Perry. On Wednesday evening video got released showing Perry punching an older man in a bar, where he appeared to knock him out. He could also be heard yelling the N-word and screaming at patrons of the bar. The video was disturbing, and immediately many MMA fans called for “Platinum” to be released. They also wondered whether or not the UFC would comment on the matter.
UFC 251 | Pro fighters make their picks for Petr Yan vs. Jose Aldo title fight
Cole Shelton - July 9, 2020
The third title fight on the stacked UFC 251 card sees the vacant bantamweight title on the line as Petr Yan battles Jose Aldo. Heading into the fight, the Russian in Yan is a -225 favorite while the Brazilian is a +175 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 it will be Petr Yan getting the job done, with many thinking the fight ends by stoppage.
Dana White believes Conor McGregor will fight "next year"
Tom Taylor - July 9, 2020
UFC President Dana White believes former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor could end up fighting next year. McGregor shocked the MMA world back in June when he announced his retirement from the sport.
Angela Hill contacted by USADA lawyers over D.A.R.E. inspired t-shirt
Tom Taylor - July 9, 2020
UFC strawweight contender Angela Hill says she was contacted by lawyers from the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) about a t-shirt she created. Hill recently created a clever USADA t-shirt that took inspiration from the organization D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education), “an education program that seeks to prevent use of controlled drugs, membership in gangs, and violent behavior.”
Dana White challenges fighter pay critics to "ask Jon Jones how much he’s getting paid"
Tom Taylor - July 9, 2020
UFC President Dana White is challenging his naysayers to ask UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones how much he’s getting paid. Over the last few week, Jones has made no secret of the fact that he doesn’t believe he’s paid enough by the UFC. He’s spoken out multiple times on social media, and also aired his displeasure with his pay on Steve-O’s “Wild Ride” podcast.
Gilbert Burns thinks Kamaru Usman vs. Jorge Masvidal will be 'super boring'
Fernando Quiles Jr. - July 9, 2020
Gilbert Burns isn’t expecting Kamaru Usman vs. Jorge Masvidal to be a barn burner. Burns was supposed to challenge Usman for the UFC welterweight championship this Saturday night (July 11). That is no longer the case as “Durinho” tested positive for COVID-19. Masvidal and the UFC were able to reach a deal, so now “Gamebred” will be receiving the title shot that many expected him to get all along.
Dustin Poirier makes prediction for Alexander Volkanovski vs. Max Holloway 2
Tom Taylor - July 9, 2020
No. 2 ranked lightweight contender Dustin Poirier has made his prediction for the upcoming featherweight title fight between Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway. Volkanovski and Holloway are set to collide for featherweight gold in the co-main event of UFC 251 this Saturday in Abu Dhabi. The pair first met in December, when Volkanovski defeated Holloway by decision to claim the featherweight belt.
Gym reveals Alexander Romanov withdrew from UFC 251 due to positive COVID-19 test
Tom Taylor - July 9, 2020
Undefeated Moldovan heavyweight Alexander Romanov was expected to take on Marcin Tybura at UFC 251, but withdrew from the card earlier this month. Initially, the cause for his exit was not clear, however, his gym has now revealed he tested positive for COVID-19.
Mackenzie Dern targeted for Octagon return against Randa Markos
Tom Taylor - July 9, 2020
Mackenzie Dern is set to take on Randa Markos in a compelling strawweight fight targeted for September 12 in Las Vegas, according to a report from MMA Fighting. Dern last fought in late May, when she picked up a first-round submission victory over Hannah Cifers with a knee-bar. The win separated her from the first loss of her professional career, a decision defeat at the hands of Amanda Ribas. With her win over Cifers, Dern improved to a solid 8-1 overall in mixed martial arts.
UFC fighters including Jon Jones and Dustin Poirier donating thousands to ill UFC makeup artist Suzy Friton
Adam Martin - July 9, 2020
UFC fighters including Jon Jones and Dustin Poirier have made generous donations to UFC makeup artist Suzy Friton, who is battling stage 4 breast cancer. On Wednesday, a GoFundMe was started for Friton by Brittany Churchill, the wife of UFC light heavyweight contender Misha Cirkunov, who battled breast cancer herself last year. Since the GoFundMe was made public, nearly $100,000 has been donated to Friton, including thousands of dollars of donations from MMA fighters.
Former Bellator commentator Sean Wheelock to call adult webcam shows for blind users
Tom Taylor - July 9, 2020
Former Bellator commentator Sean Wheelock has taken on a gig as a play-by-play man for an adult webcam website called ImLive.com. His objective will be to enhance the experience for blind users. Here’s how an official press release explained it (via MMA Junkie):
Jorge Masvidal’s manager suggests Kamaru Usman is upset that ‘Gamebred’ is getting all the media attention
Harry Kettle - July 9, 2020
MMA manager Abe Kawa has suggested that Kamaru Usman isn’t happy with Jorge Masvidal receiving all of the media attention ahead of their UFC 251 main event this Saturday. Ever since “Gamebred” stepped in to replace Gilbert Burns and challenge Usman for the UFC Welterweight Championship, the media has been dying to get a glimpse into the mindset of the former Strikeforce star as he prepares for the biggest fight of his life.
VIDEO | Get your first look inside the UFC Fight Island arena
Tom Taylor - July 9, 2020
Footage has emerged from inside the arena on UFC Fight Island, where Saturday’s UFC 251 card and three subsequent events will occur. See this footage, which comes from Guilherme Cruz of MMA Fighting, below:
Ben Askren not surprised by Mike Perry’s recent actions: “Dude is a loose cannon”
Harry Kettle - July 9, 2020
Former UFC welterweight Ben Askren has said he isn’t surprised by the recent actions of controversial UFC fighter Mike Perry. Footage emerged last night of Perry, who recently beat Mickey Gall in a decisive unanimous decision, getting into a fight with a man before going on a verbal tirade to both those in attendance and his girlfriend.
Report | Mike Perry allegedly assaulted three individuals, could face theft charges
Natasha Hooper - July 9, 2020
Mike Perry allegedly assaulted three individuals at a restaurant and could also reportedly face theft charges. Yesterday, a video was released of the welterweight punching an older man.
VIDEO | Mike Perry involved in bar fight, caught dropping man with punch
Adam Martin - July 8, 2020
UFC welterweight Mike Perry was allegedly involved in a recent bar fight that was captured on video and posted and social media. Twitter user @MMAEejit posted the video on his social media on Wednesday night. The user added that the video was from last night, though we don’t know for sure when the incident in question took place. It’s worth noting in the video that Perry has a “Fight Island” t-shirt on.
Ben Askren says he is the one who put "the spotlight" on Jorge Masvidal: "I let him shine"
Cole Shelton - July 8, 2020
Ben Askren believes he played a major part in Jorge Masvidal’s rise to superstardom. After “Gamebred” knocked out Darren Till in the main event of UFC London, “Funky” was taking shots at Masvidal to try and get him to accept the fight. After several jabs, it worked and the two fought at UFC 239 where it was expected the winner would get a title shot.