MMA News
Valentina Shevchenko comes to the defense of Jon Jones following recent arrest
Harry Kettle - March 27, 2020
Valentina Shevchenko has defended fellow UFC champion Jon Jones following his recent arrest for a DWI, an open container and negligent use of a firearm. News broke of Jones’ arrest yesterday, with the MMA community having a variety of different reactions to the light heavyweight king’s latest incident. The majority of fans, and media members, couldn’t quite believe that Jones had once again let himself down like this.
Daniel Cormier doubtful fight schedule will continue as planned following UFC 249
Natasha Hooper - March 27, 2020
Daniel Cormier believes that Tony Ferguson vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 249 will take place next month. However, he remains sceptical about the destiny of future events. The former two-division champion trains under the American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) banner alongside teammate Khabib Nurmagomedov. “The Eagle” Nurmagomedov is scheduled to defend his lightweight title against Tony Ferguson in the main event of UFC 249. The eagerly anticipated matchup has been scheduled 4 times before but cancelled each time.
UFC releases statement on Jon Jones arrest
Natasha Hooper - March 27, 2020
The UFC has released a statement regarding Jon Jones’ recent arrest. The light heavyweight was arrested in the early hours of Thursday morning in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He was arrested for driving while intoxicated (DWI), negligent use of a firearm, possession of an open container, and no proof of insurance in vehicle.
New details emerge in Jon Jones arrest case
Harry Kettle - March 27, 2020
New details have emerged regarding the recent arrest of UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Jones was arrested for a DWI, having an open container and negligent use of a firearm, with news first breaking last night. Fans around the world have reacted both with shock and negativity towards “Bones”, with a handful of his loyal supporters defending him – as well as UFC champion Valentina Shevchenko.
Jose Aldo says he only needs ‘a week of training to beat’ Henry Cejudo
Cole Shelton - March 26, 2020
Anthony Smith believes he could beat Jon Jones in a rematch
Mike Pendleton - March 26, 2020
After their first fight did not go his way, Anthony Smith believes if he had another fight against light heavyweight champion Jon Jones, things would go differently than the first. At UFC 235 in March of 2019, Jones defeated Smith by unanimous decision in what was the first attempt at UFC gold for “Lionheart” after moving up from the middleweight division. Following his fight against Jones, Smith would defeat two-time title challenger Alexander Gustafsson by fourth-round submission. After taking some time away due to surgeries, Smith is scheduled to return and face Glover Teixiera on April 25 which is supposed to take place in Lincoln, Nebraska but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the location and venue are up in the air as of now.
Thiago Santos calls for title fight against Dominick Reyes following Jon Jones arrest
Cole Shelton - March 26, 2020
Thiago Santos believes he and Dominick Reyes should fight for the light heavyweight title following the arrest of Jon Jones. On Thursday afternoon, news broke that UFC light heavyweight champion, Jon Jones was arrested for a DWI and negligent use of a firearm. It is no doubt a bad look for the champion who has dealt with a ton of legal problems in the past.
Artem Lobov says 'focused' Conor McGregor deserves Khabib rematch, confident he'd dethrone the champ
Cole Shelton - March 26, 2020
Artem Lobov believes his teammate and friend, Conor McGregor deserves the chance to rematch Khabib Nurmagomedov. McGregor and Nurmagomedov fought back at UFC 229 where the lead up to the fight was intense. The rivalry was heated and after the submission win by Nurmagomedov, a post-fight melee took place.
Anthony Smith gives update on his UFC Lincoln main event fight
Mike Pendleton - March 26, 2020
With the future of UFC events in April up in the air due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, fighters are awaiting word on what’s next. While Dana White’s attention has been focused on making UFC 249 the best possible event they can make it, there other fighters awaiting word on their events. One of those fighters, Anthony Smith, is scheduled to face Glover Teixiera in the main event of UFC Lincoln on April 25. In an exclusive interview with BJPenn.com, Smith discussed the uncertainty surrounding his fight and explains why he as a fighter, needs to keep fighting despite the pandemic. As far as the status of his fight happening in his hometown Lincoln, Nebraska, Smith says the situation is up in the air right now.
PRIDE, K-1 veteran Branko Cikatic dead at 65
Adam Martin - March 26, 2020
PRIDE veteran and K-1 veteran Branko Cikatic passed away on Monday, March 23 in Croatia at the age of 65 due to Parkinson’s disease. Numerous combat sports websites reported the sad news early this week.
Din Thomas goes in-depth on his departure from American Top Team
Mike Pendleton - March 26, 2020
Din Thomas has been a coaching staple at American Top Team and has gotten most of his notoriety through his work with former welterweight champion Tyron Woodley. Thomas and Woodley have worked together for years and climbed up to championship heights back in 2016. They’ve stuck with each other throughout their journey. Thomas has worked with other fighters during his time at American Top Team but last week it was reported that he was parting ways with the team.
Ashlee Evans-Smith responds to accusations of stealing medical supplies
Tom Taylor - March 26, 2020
On Wednesday evening, a woman on Facebook accused UFC flyweight contender Ashlee Evans-Smith of stealing a basket of medical supplies that were intended for donation (see the full story here). The woman stated that Evans-Smith and he boyfriend were collecting a piece of furniture (per an agreed upon arrangement), and took the medical supplies along with it. She added that the UFC fighter did not respond to any of her followup messages and blocked her shortly thereafter.
MMA community reacts to Jon Jones' Thursday arrest
Tom Taylor - March 26, 2020
Early on Thursday morning, UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones was arrested for aggravated DWI, negligent use of a firearm, and possession of an open container. As always, the MMA community was quick to react to this major news on social media.
Report | Jon Jones arrested for DWI, negligent use of a firearm
Tom Taylor - March 26, 2020
Reigning UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones was reportedly arrested early on Thursday morning. According to a report from KOAT, Jones was arrested on charges of driving under the influence, negligent use of a firearm and possession of an open container.
Ali Abdelaziz urges the UFC to take care of its fighters: "Fighters need to get paid to support their families"
Adam Martin - March 26, 2020
MMA manager Ali Abdelaziz took to social media to urge MMA promotions including the UFC to take care of their fighters during the coronavirus pandemic. Abdelaziz manages several of the UFC’s biggest stars including Khabib Nurmagomedov, Henry Cejudo, Kamaru Usman, Frankie Edgar, and Justin Gaethje. He is arguably the most influential manager in MMA today and his message can reach a large audience. Though controversial due to his past, Abdelaziz remains a well-respected manager among his stable of fighters due to his ability to get them lucrative contracts and big fights.
Anthony Johnson reveals the UFC fight which inspired his Octagon return
Harry Kettle - March 26, 2020
Anthony Johnson has revealed the fight that inspired him to take a leap of faith and commit to making a UFC comeback. Ever since his last fight back at UFC 210, fans have been wondering whether or not Johnson would ever step foot inside the Octagon again. Now, it appears as if it’s just a matter of time before the knockout artist is back competing for the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Pro flyweights name their 125-pound GOAT
Cole Shelton - March 26, 2020
One of the biggest questions in all of MMA is who is the GOAT? Is it someone who had the biggest impact on the sport or the person who won the most? It’s an interesting debate for fighters and fans alike to have at any time. So, with little to no MMA on for the foreseeable future, BJPENN.com reached out to several current and former flyweights to ask who their divisional GOAT is. To no surprise, the majority gave the nod to Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson for his reign atop the UFC flyweight division for years.
VIDEO | Mike Perry KOs drunk in Orlando street fight
Tom Taylor - March 26, 2020
It’s no secret that UFC welterweight “Platinum” Mike Perry has dynamite in his hands. As it turns out, he’s previously put his explosive power to use outside the Octagon. In an early-morning Instagram post on Thursday, Perry shared a clip of himself bodying a fellow reveller outside a nightclub in Orlando. He explained that the video is a throwback—meaning it didn’t happen recently. See the clip and Perry’s explanation below:
Ashlee Evans-Smith accused of stealing donated medical supplies
Harry Kettle - March 26, 2020
UFC flyweight Ashlee Evans-Smith has been accused of stealing donated medical supplies in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. Evans-Smith, who saw her fight at UFC London against Molly McCann get canceled, recently went to pick up a dresser from an individual who had being planning to donate some medical supplies to a local hospital. With her boyfriend, Evans-Smith allegedly took the medical supplies in question alongside the dresser and drove off.