MMA News
Josh Thomson slams Dana White's "recklessness" with fight island plan
Natasha Hooper - April 9, 2020
Chuck Liddell: It's "an honor" to have inspired Conor McGregor
Tom Taylor - April 9, 2020
Conor McGregor has made no secret of his admiration for former UFC light heavyweight champion Chuck Liddell. The feeling seems to be mutual.
Joe Rogan still hesitant about calling UFC 249 despite Dana White's claims
Tom Taylor - April 9, 2020
Joe Rogan is hesitant about serving as a commentator for UFC 249, and from the sounds of it, for any other UFC cards that occur during the coronavirus pandemic. Rogan previously stated that he wouldn’t be on commentary duty for UFC 249.
Dustin Poirier understands why he wasn’t selected to replace Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 249
Harry Kettle - April 9, 2020
Dustin Poirier has said that he understands why he wasn’t the man chosen to replace Khabib Nurmagomedov in the UFC 249 main event. When Nurmagomedov’s removal from the UFC 249 card was confirmed, speculation began regarding who may be the man to replace him on the seemingly doomed card. Poirier was one of several fighters to offer to step in. It was eventually revealed to be Justin Gaethje, with many believing “The Highlight” had more than earned the right to fight for the title — even if it’s only the interim alternative.
Daniel Cormier willing to fight in empty arena to secure retirement bout with Stipe Miocic
Natasha Hooper - April 9, 2020
Daniel Cormier is ready to do whatever it takes to fight Stipe Miocic, even if that means fighting in an empty arena. The former heavyweight champion has fought Stipe Miocic twice. In 2018 at UFC 226, he delivered a showstopper knockout against his opponent in the first round to seal the victory. In their second meeting a year later, “DC” delivered another strong performance. However, the body shots he endured at the hands of Miocic eventually caught up with him and he lost by TKO in the fourth round.
Jacare Souza admittedly scared of COVID-19, but must compete at UFC 249 to keep his house
Harry Kettle - April 9, 2020
Jacare Souza has admitted that he is scared of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, but that he will still fight at UFC 249 in order to help pay his bills. As of this writing, UFC 249 is scheduled to go ahead on April 18 on tribal land in California. One of the most intriguing undercard fights will see Jacare, 40, go head to head with Ultimate Fighter 17 winner Uriah Hall.
VIDEO | UFC releases epic promo for Justin Gaethje vs Tony Ferguson
Christopher Taylor - April 9, 2020
Justin Gaethje will be stepping up on short notice to battle Tony Ferguson for the UFC interim lightweight title in the main event of UFC 249 on April 18. Ferguson was originally slated to challenge undisputed lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov at the event. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, ‘The Eagle’ was grounded in Russia and unable to participate at the California-based event.
Breaking! Jose Aldo is out of UFC 250, Dominick Cruz will now challenge Henry Cejudo
Christopher Taylor - April 8, 2020
Former UFC featherweight kingpin Jose Aldo will no longer be challenging Henry Cejudo for the promotions bantamweight title at UFC 250. As reported by Combate, Aldo’s removal from the event stems from the Covid-19 pandemic which has forced the legend to remain in Brazil.
Francis Ngannou: My team and I will be tested for COVID-19 prior to UFC 249
Mike Pendleton - April 8, 2020
As the UFC moves forward with UFC 249, questions have come up to the safety of all those involved with the event, from the fighters to the coaches, and all event personnel, and what safety precautions will be in place due to the ongoing COVID-19 worldwide pandemic. One fighter on the card, Francis Ngannou, provided a very encouraging update to how the UFC will be handling the event from a safety standpoint. After their fight in March was postponed, Ngannou is scheduled to face Jairzinho Rozenstruik at UFC 249 on April 18, and spoke to BJPENN.com about the precautions in place for the event. Making an appearance on BJPENN.com’s Inside The Cage, Ngannou revealed that he and his team will be tested for COVID-19 prior to UFC 249, and he had no worries about the UFC keeping him and everyone involved healthy and safe.
Joe Rogan praises “monster” Justin Gaethje ahead of Tony Ferguson fight
Cole Shelton - April 8, 2020
Frankie Edgar willing to replace Jose Aldo against Henry Cejudo at UFC 250
Cole Shelton - April 8, 2020
Frankie Edgar is the latest UFC fighter to call out Henry Cejudo. Cejudo is scheduled to defend his bantamweight title against Jose Aldo on May 9 at a location to be announced. The scrap is set to headline UFC 250, which was expected to go down in Sao Paulo, Brazil, but the venue was scrapped due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Glover Teixeira calls for UFC to "do the right thing" and suspend Jon Jones for one year
Adam Martin - April 8, 2020
UFC light heavyweight contender Glover Teixeira criticized Jon Jones for his recent DUI arrest and said he wants the UFC to suspend Jones for one year. Jones was arrested a few weeks back for a DUI and gun charges but reached a deal with prosecutors that involved house arrest but no jail time. The deal was criticized by fans and media for being too weak a punishment for a repeat offender. Most of his fellow MMA fighters have been supportive of Jones, but Teixeira has no problem throwing down the hammer on the champ.
USADA releases statement on UFC 249 event
Cole Shelton - April 8, 2020
Dana White has remained adamant he wants all UFC events to go on as planned beginning April 18 at UFC 249. It now appears USADA will also be testing fighters on the card. USADA had originally released a statement on March 17 saying they would only test fighters as deemed fit. But, the USADA director of communications has now provided a statement to ESPN’s Marc Raimondi. As of right now, they say they will do everything in their power to test UFC 249 fighters.
Bellator fighter Isaiah Chapman reportedly shot dead at 30
Adam Martin - April 8, 2020
We have sad news from the MMA world today as Bellator bantamweight Isaiah Chapman was reportedly shot dead at age 30. Chapman’s death was reported by MMA reporter David McKinney on Twitter, who confirmed he was murdered by gunshot outside of his home in Akron, Ohio. Numerous reports on Facebook also confirmed he was shot to death. Bellator matchmaker Rich Chou later confirmed that Chapman has indeed passed away.
Israel Adesanya credits Dana White for making UFC 249 happen
Natasha Hooper - April 8, 2020
Israel Adesanya has given props to UFC president Dana White for pushing forward with fights despite the coronavirus pandemic. The middleweight champion joined Ariel Helwani this week to discuss the updated UFC 249 card. The event is scheduled to take place on April 18, but has undergone major changes in the wake of COVID-19. Khabib Nurmagomedov is out of the main event and has been replaced by Justin Gaethje. He will fight Tony Ferguson for the interim lightweight title and a new fight card has been announced. According to The New York Times, the event has also been moved to Tribal Land in California.
MMA Judges redo scores for UFC 247 Jones vs Reyes bout in digital lesson
Natasha Hooper - April 8, 2020
MMA judges are refining their skills with the help of referee Big John McCarthy, as they rejudge the controversial UFC 247 Jones vs Reyes fight. Judges competency is a common cause of contention in the evergrowing sport. MMA professionals such as Joe Rogan and Dominick Cruz have slammed judges for inaccurate point-scoring. During UFC 247 in February 2020, Rogan accused one of the judges of not watching, and blasted their scorecards for the closely contested Jon Jones vs Dominick Reyes bout. Jones claimed the decision victory, but UFC president Dana White revealed that he scored the UFC 247 main event in favor of Reyes.
Breaking | Rose Namajunas has been forced out of UFC 249
Christopher Taylor - April 8, 2020
UFC 249 has taken a major hit as it is being reported that former strawweight champion Rose Namajunas has been forced off of the April 18 fight card. Namajunas was slated to rematch Jessica Andrade in the co-headliner of UFC 249. However, according to a recent report from Combate, Rose has been forced to withdraw from the card due to undisclosed reasons.
VIDEO | Tyron Woodley gives his best Kamaru Usman impression
Natasha Hooper - April 8, 2020
Firstly a fighter, secondly a rapper, and now an actor, Tyron Woodley debuted his impersonating skills by giving his best Kamaru Usman impression. In a clip shared by ESPN, “The Chosen One” mocked the softly spoken welterweight champion. Watch the full clip below:
Dustin Poirier suggests welterweight fight with Dan Hooker on private island
Adam Martin - April 8, 2020
UFC lightweight contender Dustin Poirier is down to scrap rival Dan Hooker in a welterweight bout — and on a private island, to boot. UFC president Dana White announced this week that the promotion is going to have its next four fights at an undisclosed location (since revealed to be Tachi Palace), and then hold weekly fights on a private island after that. Poirier vs. Hooker was set to headline UFC San Diego on May 16, which was the fifth upcoming card on the UFC schedule. That means it could be the first event that would take place on White’s private island.
Colby Covington trashes Jorge Masvidal for giving alcohol to Jon Jones
Tom Taylor - April 8, 2020
UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones was recently arrested for aggravated DWI and negligent use of a firearm. When officers searched his vehicle, they discovered a bottle of Jorge Masvidal’s Recuerdo mezcal. Colby Covington, who is Jones’ former roommate and Masvidal’s former friend, sees that as a problem. Covington sounded off on Masvidal in a recent episode of Submission Radio, scolding his former ally for giving alcohol to a man he believes has a drinking problem.