MMA News
Fabricio Andrey promises a grappling showcase unlike any other at ONE Fight Night 30
BJPENN.COM Staff - April 2, 2025
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu phenom Fabricio Andrey makes his much anticipated debut at ONE Fight Night 30: Kryklia vs. Knowles this week. And he feels certain he can show off his unorthodox style of grappling to a whole new audience. “Hokage” meets Welsh veteran Ashley Williams in an intriguing featherweight submission grappling spectacle. It happens this Friday, April 4, inside Bangkok, Thailand’s Lumpinee Stadium.
Davey Grant expecting "fireworks" against Daniel Santos at UFC Vegas 105: "You don't want to miss"
Cole Shelton - April 2, 2025
Davey Grant is expecting a fun fight against Daniel Santos at UFC Vegas 105 on Saturday. Grant returned to the win column in December and was hoping to return in the first quarter of 2025. Although he just missed it, he’s glad he is getting back into the Octagon.
Thai legend Sitthichai has a point to prove versus Nico Carrillo at ONE Fight Night 30
BJPENN.COM Staff - April 2, 2025
Fourth-ranked featherweight Muay Thai star Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong enters ONE Fight Night 30: Kryklia vs. Knowles with a chip on his shoulder. “Killer Kid” welcomes #3-ranked bantamweight Muay Thai contender Nico Carrillo to the featherweight Muay Thai division this Friday, April 4, at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. And since the bout’s announcement, doubters have fueled Sitthichai.
Lerone Murphy explains why he asked to fight Josh Emmett at UFC Vegas 105
Cole Shelton - April 2, 2025
Lerone Murphy asked to fight Josh Emmett, and he got his wish at UFC Vegas 105. Murphy wanted to fight someone ahead of him in the rankings and asked the UFC about Emmett, as he thought the matchup was good for him. Oddsmakers seem to agree, as Murphy is a sizeable -340 favorite, while the American is a +250 underdog on FanDuel.
Dana White announces new multiyear partnership between UFC and Meta: "New fighter rankings system"
Josh Evanoff - April 2, 2025
UFC CEO Dana White has announced a new multiyear partnership with Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta. Earlier this year, the 55-year-old fight promoter suddenly joined Meta’s Board of Directors. At the time, there weren’t a lot of details about what, if anything, would be changing with Dana White joining the company. However, the two companies have now already signed a deal to work together. Earlier today, White took to social media to announce Meta’s new contract with the UFC.
Wyatt Hendrickson opens up on possible move to MMA after recent NCAA title win: "I love everything about it"
Josh Evanoff - April 2, 2025
NCAA wrestling champion Wyatt Hendrickson is open to a move to MMA. The 24-year-old is fresh off his meeting with Gable Steveson in the finals of the NCAA Championships last month. The Olympian entered the match riding a 70-match winning streak, and was widely expected to add another championship to his resume. Instead, Wyatt Hendrickson pulled off one of the biggest upsets in wrestling history. With Donald Trump watching on, the Oklahoma State wrestler pulled off the upset with a takedown in the final seconds.
Kai Kara-France hints at UFC 317 flyweight title fight against Alexandre Pantoja: "12 weeks out"
Josh Evanoff - April 2, 2025
It appears that Kai Kara-France is preparing for a summer meeting with UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja. ‘Don’t Blink’ last appeared in the cage at UFC 305 last August in Australia. Kai Kara-France entered the bout riding a two-fight losing streak, previously suffering losses to Amir Albazi and Brandon Moreno. Badly needing a win to remain in title contention, the striker scored a blistering first-round knockout win over Steve Erceg last summer. Post-fight, Kara-France called for a title shot against Alexandre Pantoja.
Deontay Wilder offers update on long-awaited clash with Francis Ngannou: "Stay tuned!"
Josh Evanoff - April 2, 2025
Former heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder is down for a meeting with Francis Ngannou in the boxing ring. ‘The Bronze Bomber’ hasn’t been seen in action since his clash with Zhilei Zhang last summer in Saudi Arabia. The bout was a must-win for Deontay Wilder, as he entered the bout having suffered three losses in his last four bouts. However, ‘Big Bang’ wound up dominating the former champion. In round five, Zhang landed a thudding right hand to put Wilder down for good. Post-fight, many called for the heavyweight to retire.
Sean O’Malley reacts to UFC 316 title rematch against Merab Dvalishvili
Fernando Quiles Jr. - April 2, 2025
Sean O’Malley has shared his first words publicly since the announcement of his UFC 316 title rematch against Merab Dvalishvili. UFC CEO Dana White recently announced that Dvalishvili vs. O’Malley 2 will be held inside the Prudential Center in Newark on June 7. The “Sugar” show lost the UFC Bantamweight Championship to “The Machine” back in Sept. 2024. O’Malley didn’t have an answer for his opponent’s relentless pressure.
UFC 314: Patricio 'Pitbull' Freire open to fighting UFC Hall of Famer if asked
Fernando Quiles Jr. - April 2, 2025
Patricio “Pitbull” Freire won’t shy away from a dream fight with his fellow legendary countryman. Freire will finally be making his UFC debut on April 12. He’ll share the Octagon with Yair Rodriguez on the main card of UFC 314 in Miami. It’s a big spot for Freire, who is looking to snag UFC gold before his fighting career is over.
Henry Cejudo names UFC legend who could prevent Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria
Fernando Quiles Jr. - April 2, 2025
Henry Cejudo believes one UFC legend will play a role in Islam Makhachev’s next fight. Much has been made about what’s next in the UFC lightweight title picture. Ilia Topuria recently vacated the UFC Featherweight Championship. While many assumed “La Leyenda” would get the next crack at Makhachev’s 155-pound gold, UFC CEO Dana White told reporters that it isn’t a guarantee.
Jack Della Maddalena receives apology regarding UFC 315 fundraising story
Harry Kettle - April 2, 2025
As it turns out, the story that Jack Della Maddalena was using a venue event to help raise travel funds for his team ahead of UFC 315. We all know that Jack Della Maddalena is an incredibly dangerous welterweight. At UFC 315, he’ll get the chance to prove he’s the best in the world. He’s set to throw down with Belal Muhammad for the UFC title, and while he’s the underdog, there’s always a chance that he can pull off one of the biggest upsets of the year thus far.
Mateusz Gamrot rumored to be in the mix for UFC 314 co-main event back-up role
Harry Kettle - April 2, 2025
UFC lightweight Mateusz Gamrot is rumored to be in the mix for a UFC 314 back-up role, if he is required. There are plenty of interesting contenders littered throughout the top 15 of the lightweight division. One who stands out for us, though, is Mateusz Gamrot. While he’s picked up some big wins in his career and has even been viewed as a title contender, he’s also suffered big setbacks against the likes of Beneil Dariush and Dan Hooker.
Khalil Rountree Jr reacts to Jamahal Hill fight being called off for UFC Kansas City
Harry Kettle - April 2, 2025
Khalil Rountree Jr has given his thoughts on his upcoming fight with Jamahal Hill at UFC Kansas City being called off. As we know, Rountree Jr is one of the most interesting light heavyweight contenders out there today. In his last outing, he battled Alex Pereira for the championship – and he came pretty close to pulling off an upset win. Alas, in the end, he went out on his shield, proving once and for all what a true warrior he really is.
UFC star narrowly avoided nightmare scenario in last fight: 'My stomach was not feeling great'
BJ Penn Staff - April 1, 2025
MMA fans can be a pretty critical bunch, and they sure don’t forget easily. In her latest UFC fight, strawweight star Loopy Godinez narrowly avoided a situation that would have had fans chattering for weeks — and not in a good way. Godinez, who was born in Mexico but now lives in Canada, was back in action as part of this past Saturday’s UFC Mexico City card. This time, she was taking on Julia Polastri in a three-round fight, looking to bounce back from consecutive decision losses to submission specialists — and top contenders — Virna Jandiroba and Mackenzie Dern.
Under the radar: 3 fights to watch at ONE Fight Night 30
BJPENN.COM Staff - April 1, 2025
ONE Fight Night 30: Kryklia vs. Knowles is only days away now. With two huge World Title bouts at the top of the bill, there’s plenty to keep you gripped this Friday, April 4, inside Bangkok, Thailand’s Lumpinee Stadium. Two-sport ONE World Champion Roman Kryklia defends his heavyweight Muay Thai gold against Lyndon Knowles. Also, fellow dual-reigning king Regian Eersel puts his lightweight kickboxing crown on the line against former champ Alexis Nicolas in a trilogy.
Dana White announces two title fights for UFC 316, including Merab Dvalishvili vs. Sean O’Malley 2
Josh Evanoff - April 1, 2025
UFC 316 will be headlined by Merab Dvalishvili vs. Sean O’Malley 2, Dana White revealed earlier today. Earlier today, the UFC CEO took to social media to announce several new fights. Sadly, the Fight Night slated for Kansas City later this month has a new main event, following an injury to Jamahal Hill. As a result, ‘Sweet Dreams’ is out of his slated fight against Khalil Rountree Jr., and the bout has been replaced by Ian Machado Garry vs. Carlos Prates. However, that welterweight headliner wasn’t the only bout announced earlier today.
UFC Kansas City gets new main event as Ian Machado Garry takes on surging contender
Cole Shelton - April 1, 2025
UFC Kansas City has gotten a new main event as Ian Machado Garry has once again stepped up on short notice. The event was supposed to be headlined by a light heavyweight bout between Khalil Rountree and Jamahal Hill. However, the fight is now off, and UFC CEO Dana White announced that Garry will take on Carlos Prates in the main event. The event is set to take place on April 26.