MMA News
Former UFC flyweight Muhammad Mokaev signs with Karate Combat: "I just want to compete"
Josh Evanoff - March 27, 2025
Former UFC flyweight contender Muhammad Mokaev is now a member of Karate Combat. ‘The Punisher’ was once viewed as the UFC’s brightest young prospects. Signing with the organization in 2022 with an undefeated record, Muhammad Mokaev quickly found success. He scored a first-round submission win over Cody Durden in his promotional debut, and he never looked back. Over the next two years, the Brit scored lopsided victories over names such as Tim Elliott, Alex Perez, and Charles Johnson.
Former UFC heavyweight Brendan Schaub names his price for one more fight: "I haven't fought in how many years?"
Josh Evanoff - March 27, 2025
Former UFC heavyweight contender Brendan Schaub wants $5 million to step into the cage again. ‘The Hybrid’ hasn’t appeared in the cage in over a decade now. Brendan Schaub last competed on the UFC 181 main card in December 2014, in a heated grudge match with Travis Browne. That night saw ‘Hapa’ hurt and quickly finish Schaub in the first round. While the fighter-turned-podcaster teased a move down to light-heavyweight, he instead retired the following year. Schaub quickly pursued stand-up comedy and a career outside the cage.
Former Bellator heavyweight champion Ryan Bader parts ways with the PFL
Josh Evanoff - March 27, 2025
Former Bellator heavyweight champion Ryan Bader is now a free agent after parting ways with the PFL. There are few fighters who benefited from leaving the UFC more than ‘Darth’. After eight years under Dana White, Ryan Bader left in favor of Scott Coker and Bellator in 2016. Quickly, the light-heavyweight wrestler found success. Bader won gold in his first night in the promotion, scoring a split-decision win over Phil Davis. He would follow that up with a title defense against Linton Vassell, before heading up to heavyweight.
Michael Chandler reveals plan to lure Conor McGregor back to the Octagon at UFC 314
BJ Penn Staff - March 27, 2025
The chances of Conor McGregor returning to the UFC look slimmer by the day, but Michael Chandler isn’t letting his long-time rival off the hook. Chandler, 38, spent the last few years of his career in talks to fight McGregor. He coached The Ultimate Fighter opposite the Irishman, and their long-awaited fight was finally booked for UFC 303 last summer. However, it ultimately fell through when McGregor suffered a toe injury. When it wasn’t rebooked after several months, Chandler finally realized it was time to move on. At the point, he accepted a rematch with former lightweight champ Charles Oliveira.
Reinier De Ridder reveals surprising strategy for Bo Nickal fight at UFC Des Moines
Fernando Quiles Jr. - March 27, 2025
Reinier De Ridder thinks he knows the direction his fight with Bo Nickal could go. De Ridder and Nickal are scheduled to collide at UFC Des Moines on May 3. It’s a big opportunity for both men. For De Ridder, it’s a chance to end the hype train of a rising 185-pounder. On the flipside, Nickal gets the opportunity to make his debut on the official UFC middleweight rankings.
Sister of beloved UFC champion announces retirement from MMA
Fernando Quiles Jr. - March 27, 2025
Add another UFC fighter to the retirement list. As of late, there has been a small wave of MMA fighters hanging up their gloves. Jalin Turner revealed he’s walking away from pro MMA competition following a submission loss to Ignacio Bahamondes at UFC 313 on March 8. Just a few weeks later, Molly McCann left her gloves inside the Octagon following her first-round submission loss to Alexia Thainara at UFC London.
UFC commentator Jon Anik names one fighter who is being overlooked ahead of UFC 314
Fernando Quiles Jr. - March 27, 2025
UFC play-by-play ace Jon Anik thinks one fighter has become the “forgotten man.” Anik has covered his share of big fights, and he’s seen some of the best athletes share the Octagon while calling the action. One division that he’s intrigued by is featherweight. There is a vacant championship fight set for April 12 between Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes. That title bout will headline UFC 314.
Steve Erceg plans to prove he's not a "bum" against Brandon Moreno at UFC Mexico City: "We will be slinging leather"
Cole Shelton - March 27, 2025
Steve Erceg wants to prove the doubters wrong that he is a top-ranked flyweight at UFC Mexico City. Erceg is coming off back-to-back losses to Kai Kara-France by KO and Alexandre Pantoja by decision. Despite losing two straight fights, he’s set to headline UFC Mexico City against Brandon Moreno on Saturday.
Alex Pereira hits out at Magomed Ankalaev’s coach over cheating accusations
Harry Kettle - March 27, 2025
Alex Pereira has lashed out at Magomed Ankalaev’s coach over accusations that he tried to cheat during their UFC 313 main event. As we know, Alex Pereira came up short in his UFC 313 main event clash with Magomed Ankalaev. Many were hoping that ‘Poatan’ would be able to extend his incredible reign as UFC light heavyweight champion but instead, his run came to an end at the hands of Ankalaev. Ever since then, fans and pundits alike have been calling for the two to run it back sooner rather than later.
UFC fighter defends Jon Jones’ desire to have six months to prepare for Tom Aspinall
Harry Kettle - March 27, 2025
UFC fighter Kevin Holland has defended Jon Jones for reportedly wanting six months to prepare for a fight against Tom Aspinall. As we know, Jon Jones is the undisputed UFC heavyweight champion. We also know that Tom Aspinall is the interim heavyweight champion. Of course, it makes sense for the two to fight and unify the belts, but there’s one problem – Jon is in no hurry whatsoever to make this fight happen.
ONE 172: Takeru vs. Rodtang draws $2 million gate, ONE boss Chatri Sityodtong "very happy"
BJPENN.COM Staff - March 26, 2025
ONE Championship’s return to Japan this past weekend marked a huge moment. The promotion drew their largest numbers ever in the country. ONE 172 on Sunday, March 23, brought in a staggering gate in excess of $2 million in ticket sales with over 15,000 fans in attendance.
Phetjeeja breaks down career-best performance versus Kana at ONE 172
BJPENN.COM Staff - March 26, 2025
ONE Women’s Atomweight Kickboxing World Champion Phetjeeja passed her toughest test with flying colors at ONE 172. “The Queen” defended her gold against Japanese knockout artist Kana Morimoto in a five-round striking showcase this past Sunday, March 23, at Japan’s Saitama Super Arena.
Alex Pereira reveals plans to call for boxing match with Oleksandr Usyk if victorious at UFC 313: "I wanted to move up"
Josh Evanoff - March 26, 2025
If UFC light-heavyweight Alex Pereira defeated Magomed Ankalaev earlier this month, he had some big plans. ‘Poatan’ is fresh off his return to the cage in Las Vegas earlier this month. Back for the first time since a knockout win over Khalil Rountree Jr. last fall, Alex Pereira finally met Magomed Ankalaev. The Russian entered the bout riding a 14-fight unbeaten streak, last handing Aleksandar Rakic a defeat last October. Ahead of the bout, the Brazilian was openly discussing future bouts against Jon Jones, and even Oleksandr Usyk.
Colby Covington shoots down fight against 'irrelevant bum' Michael Chiesa for The Ultimate Fighter 33 finale: "He's a nobody!"
Josh Evanoff - March 26, 2025
UFC welterweight contender Colby Covington has no interest in facing Michael Chiesa. ‘Chaos’ is fresh off his return to the octagon in December. Ending a yearlong layoff, Colby Covington stepped up on short notice to face the rising Joaquin Buckley. That night at UFC Tampa saw ‘New Mansa’ dominate the former interim champion, hurting him several times en route to a third-round stoppage. Post-fight, Covington blamed the loss on a “DEI Doctor” who called the bout off due to a cut above his eye.
Miesha Tate previews potential future UFC title fight against longtime friend Julianna Pena: "She is always game"
Josh Evanoff - March 26, 2025
Former UFC women’s bantamweight champion Miesha Tate is willing to fight Julianna Pena for a world title. ‘Cupcake’ hasn’t been seen in the cage since a clash with Julia Avila in December 2023. That night at UFC Austin saw Miesha Tate turn back the clock, dominating ‘Raging Panda’ en route to a third-round submission win. Over a year on from that win, the 38-year-old former champion is finally set to return. At UFC Des Moines in May, Tate will meet former title challenger Yana Santos.
Kelvin Gastelum says move back to middleweight at UFC Mexico City is permanent: "185 is my home"
Cole Shelton - March 26, 2025
Kelvin Gastelum says he will be a middleweight again from here on out. Gastelum is set to return to the middleweight division to take on Joe Pyfer on the main card of UFC Mexico City. It’s an intriguing fight as it also serves as Gastelum’s return to middleweight. The former interim title challenger fought just once at welterweight, losing to Sean Brady before facing Daniel Rodriguez in his return to middleweight.
Robert Whittaker blasted by surging UFC contender over recent 'pub' comments
Fernando Quiles Jr. - March 26, 2025
One surging UFC middleweight didn’t take too kindly to Robert Whittaker’s recent comments. Whittaker has made it clear that he’s eyeing a summer showdown with fellow ex-UFC middleweight titleholder Sean Strickland. Despite this, “The Reaper” has been called out by rising contenders such as Caio Borralho and Roman Dolidze.
Renowned UFC coach names one former champion who lacks heart of 'real true fighter'
Fernando Quiles Jr. - March 26, 2025
It’s one thing to become a UFC champion; it’s another to have the heart of a fighter. Much has been made about former UFC welterweight titleholder Leon Edwards following back-to-back losses in front of favorable crowds. “Rocky” struggled with Belal Muhammad’s grappling, which caused him to lose the 170-pound gold. He was once again dominated in the grappling department in the UFC London main event, but it was far worse this time against Sean Brady.