MMA News
Conor McGregor to Nate Diaz: "Shut your eye lid and sign the contract!"
Chris Taylor - May 9, 2020
It appears that fight fans could soon be treated to a trilogy fight between UFC stars Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz. The fan favorites originally met in a welterweight contest at UFC 196 in March of 2016, with ‘The Stockton Slugger’ emerging victorious by way of a second round submission victory.
UFC 249: 'Gaethje vs Ferguson' Live Results and Highlights
Chris Taylor - May 9, 2020
The Octagon returns to Florida this evening for UFC 249, an 11-bout fight card headlined by a interim lightweight title fight between Justin Gaethje on Tony Ferguson. Ferguson was initially slated to compete against reigning UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov at the event. However, due to the Covid-19 outbreak, ‘The Eagle‘ was grounded in Russia forcing the UFC to turn to Gaethje.
Jake Paul is ready to "kick the sh*t" out of Dillon Danis with the help of Jorge Masvidal
Natasha Hooper - May 9, 2020
Youtube sensation turned fighter, Jake Paul claims he will smash Dillon Danis in a bout and will have Jorge Masvidal in his corner. Paul entered the boxing circuit earlier this year when he knocked out fellow Youtuber AnEsonGib, in the 1st round. He claimed he was ready to avenge his brother’s loss, Logan Paul vs KSI, but now Jake Paul has found fresh meat. He wants to defeat Conor McGregor’s training partner and Bellator star, Dillon Danis.
Francis Ngannou admits he didn't know who Jairzinho Rozenstruik was when UFC 249 fight was made
Cole Shelton - May 8, 2020
Francis Ngannou admits he didn’t know who Jairzinho Rozenstruik was when their fight was originally booked. Ngannou and Rozenstruik were supposed to fight on UFC Columbus and were rescheduled for UFC 249 after the event was canceled. Although this will be the third time Ngannou accepted a scrap with “Bigi Boy” he says he doesn’t even know who he is.
UFC releases statement after Jacare Souza and two cornerman test positive for Covid-19
Chris Taylor - May 8, 2020
Earlier tonight unfortunate news broke that middleweight standout Jacare Souza had tested positive for Covid-19 and was forced out of his UFC 249 fight with Uriah Hall. According to a report from ESPN‘s Brett Okamoto, a member of Jacare’s family had previously tested positive for Covid-19 and he disclosed this information when checking in with the UFC on Wednesday. Jacare took the test and was then isolated. This evening the test results came back positive and he was pulled from the UFC 249 fight card.
Gilbert Burns offers to step up to 185lbs and fight Uriah Hall on short notice at UFC 249
Adam Martin - May 8, 2020
UFC welterweight contender Gilbert Burns has offered to step up on short notice at 185lbs and take on Uriah Hall at UFC 249 after Ronaldo Souza was pulled from the event. Souza was forced off the card on Friday night after he tested positive for coronavirus. He was set to fight Hall on the ESPN portion of the preliminary card. The UFC has not said if Hall will stay on the card against a short-notice opponent or if he will be pulled from it. In the event he stays on the card, the UFC matchmakers have a willing opponent in Burns.
Report | Jacare Souza was the only UFC 249 athlete to test positive for COVID-19
Cole Shelton - May 8, 2020
The worst-case scenario happened for the UFC as it was revealed Jacare Souza has tested positive for COVID-19. The good news is that the other 23 fighters had their tests come back negative. ESPN’s Ariel Helwani reported on social media that Souza has left the fighter hotel after testing positive but no other fighters have the virus.
UFC 249 | New details emerge on Jacare Souza's positive test for Covid-19
Chris Taylor - May 8, 2020
Shocking news rocked the mixed martial arts world this evening as it was announced that Jacare Souza had tested positive for Covid-19 ahead of UFC 249. The announcement came from ESPN’s Brett Okamoto, who reported that Jacare Souza had tested positive for the virus and that his fight with Uriah Hall at UFC 249 was now cancelled.
Oscar De La Hoya trashes "little b*tch" Dana White
Adam Martin - May 8, 2020
Golden Boy promoter Oscar De La Hoya called Dana White a “little b*tch” in response to the recent comments made by the UFC president. De La Hoya recently said he would be open to a two-round boxing match against UFC superstar Conor McGregor, and White was not happy about those comments. Although De La Hoya recently commended the UFC bossman for his handling of the coronavirus pandemic, he didn’t like the remarks White made about him following the callout of McGregor.
Conor McGregor "doesn’t like the idea of fighting without a crowd" according to Dana White
Cole Shelton - May 8, 2020
Conor McGregor doesn’t appear to be too interested in fighting without a crowd. McGregor has been adamant of having three fights in 2020, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic that may not happen. Although the Irishman has hinted at a summertime return, according to UFC president, Dana White, the former champ-champ doesn’t like the idea of competing without a crowd but would understand if that’s what he had to do.
Videos | Top 5 Knockouts: UFC 31 - UFC 40
Christopher Taylor - May 8, 2020
In our newest segment “Top 5 Knockouts” we take a look back at some of the most brutal finishes that have occurred during numbered UFC events. In this the fourth edition of “Top 5 Knockouts”, we reflect back on UFC events 31 – 40, which occurred between the years of 2001 to 2002.
Ryan Bader eyes light heavyweight title defense against Lyoto Machida if Vadim Nemkov can't get into the States
Cole Shelton - May 8, 2020
Ryan Bader was expected to defend his light heavyweight title on May 9 against Russian contender, Vadim Nemkov. Yet, the event was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic leaving Bader uncertain when he’ll defend his 205-pound strap next. Bader, who has not fought since September against Cheick Kongo in a controversial no-contest, is eager to get back in the cage.
Anthony Pettis looking to become "invincible" again starting with UFC 249
Cole Shelton - May 8, 2020
BJPENN.COM Radio Ep. 126 // Bas Rutten
Jason Kindschy - May 8, 2020
Bas Rutten returns to the show to preview some of the upcoming action in the combat sports world and discuss what’s next for some of MMA’s biggest names. Being a UFC Hall of Famer, former UFC heavyweight champ, and former multiple-time King of Pancrase, “El Guapo” always gives an interesting perspective on he current MMA landscape. We’ll discuss the majority of this weekends UFC 249 card, including the highly anticipated showdown between Tony Ferguson and Justin Gaethje. Rutten gives his take on what strategy would best suit Gaethje to ensure the win, and why Tony is one of the toughest opponents in the business today. We’ll also discuss Cejudo and Cruz, Ngannou, Cerrone, and more. You’ll also hear Bas give his thoughts on the future of Jon Jones, Conor McGregor, and Jorge Masvidal. Always an entertaining and insightful conversation with the legend, Bas Rutten! Enjoy! Be sure to subscribe and share!
Khabib Nurmagomedov will fight the winner of Tony Ferguson vs. Justin Gaethje, says Dana White
Adam Martin - May 8, 2020
UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov will next fight against the winner of the UFC 249 interim title bout between Tony Ferguson and Justin Gaethje. Nurmagomedov was set to fight Ferguson at the original UFC 249 card in April before the event was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. The UFC then called upon Gaethje to fill in on short notice against Ferguson after Nurmagomedov went home to Russia and was then unable to leave the country due to global travel restrictions.
Francis Ngannou vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik winner will be in line for title shot, says Dana White
Adam Martin - May 8, 2020
Dana White confirmed the winner of the UFC 249 heavyweight bout between Francis Ngannou and Jairzinho Rozenstruik will be in line for a title shot. The UFC president was asked this week by the media prior to UFC 249 what is happening with the heavyweight division. UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic said this week he won’t fight again until he gets a full training camp in, further delaying his trilogy fight with Daniel Cormier, and White admitted the promotion could possibly strip Miocic of his belt.
TJ Dillashaw believes Dominick Cruz is "kind of a one-trick pony"
Mike Pendleton - May 8, 2020
The co-main event at UFC 249 will be for the bantamweight title as the former champion Dominick Cruz challenges the reigning champion Henry Cejudo. While the bantamweight division continues on, former champion TJ Dillashaw is keeping his eyes on the action. Cruz and Cejudo share one similarity, as they have both faced Dillashaw. Cejudo defeated Dillashaw in a flyweight fight last year, winning with a first-round knockout. Cruz and Dillashaw have also faced off one time against each other, with Cruz getting the win in that matchup by way of split decision.
Donald Cerrone addresses criticisms of Stephen A. Smith
Tom Taylor - May 8, 2020
Shortly after Donald Cerrone was defeated by Conor McGregor back in January, he was lambasted by ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith. Speaking to MMA Fighting ahead of his UFC 249 rematch with Anthony Pettis, Cerrone addressed the comments Smith made about him. He says its always his intention to avoid drama of this kind.
Megan Olivi discusses importance of UFC 249 in the sports world
Mike Pendleton - May 8, 2020
Sports are back this weekend, as UFC 249 is scheduled to go down in Jacksonville, Florida on Saturday night. With the NBA, MLB, and NHL seasons suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the UFC will be the first professional sports league to return. UFC reporter Megan Olivi was recently a guest on ‘MMA Tonight’ on Sirius XM and provided her take on how the UFC can capitalize on the extra attention they will have, and how the event won’t look too different from a production standpoint compared to normal events, minus the lack of a crowd.