MMA News
Mike Perry vs. Geoff Neal added to UFC 245
Adam Martin - October 30, 2019
An absolute banger of a welterweight fight is the latest addition to UFC 245 as fan favorite Mike Perry takes on Geoff Neal in what is sure to be a war. ESPN’s Ariel Helwani confirmed the Perry vs. Neal booking for UFC 245, which takes place on December 14 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The bout has been rumored on social media in recent days, and now it’s nearly official. According to Helwani, verbal agreements are in place for the bout, and the UFC should make it official shortly.
Nate Diaz details the toughest fight of his career against Josh Neer at UFC Fight Night 15
Cole Shelton - October 30, 2019
Nate Diaz is set to headline UFC 244 against Jorge Masvidal for the promotions new BMF title. Many think this scrap will be one of the toughest fights for Diaz, coming a close second to Conor McGregor. Yet, that is far from the case as the Stockton-native revealed Josh Neer was his toughest fight to date.
VIDEO | Jorge Masvidal gets fans to box during UFC open workouts
Cole Shelton - October 30, 2019
Jorge Masvidal held his UFC 244 open workout on Wednesday and did the exact opposite of working out. Masvidal came out and said he wanted to be entertained so he got coach Mike Brown to go into the crowd and find the toughest guys to box each other. But, to make it safe, “Gamebred” only allowed body shots and was on the mic shouting and screaming when something happened.
Nate Diaz explains decision to go public with USADA ordeal
Thomas Taylor - October 30, 2019
Nate Diaz gave everybody a scare last week when he announced that an adverse finding on one of his United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) drug tests had forced him out of his UFC 244 fight with Jorge Masvidal. Thankfully, everything turned out ok, and his fight with Masvidal will go ahead as planned, but it was still a stress-inducing moment for anyone that follows this sport.
Paige VanZant names 18 rivals who are willing to fight her, demands fight from UFC
Thomas Taylor - October 30, 2019
Paige VanZant wants a fight. Over the last few days, the fan favorite flyweight has made it clear that she’s willing to compete against pretty much anyone, be it in the flyweight division or at strawweight.
Nate Diaz opens up on the time he slapped 'bully' Khabib Nurmagomedov
Tom Taylor - October 30, 2019
Nate Diaz and Khabib Nurmagomedov have had a number of run-ins over the years, but the most notable occurred at a World Series of Fighting show in 2015. Diaz recounted that infamous altecation on the latest episode of Ariel Helwani’s MMA Show.
Emil Meek calls out multiple rivals for Octagon return
Tom Taylor - October 30, 2019
It’s cold in Norway this time of year, and the sun seems to set earlier every day. As the temperature drops and the days darken, Norwegian welterweight Emil Meek is feeling the urge to leave. Not forever, just for long enough to send a worthy adversary to Valhalla — and maybe get a bit of sun. “I need to travel somewhere,” Meek told BJPENN.com on Tuesday. “I can’t handle all this darkness.”
Conor McGregor goes off on how defense in underutilized in MMA
Natasha Hooper - October 30, 2019
Conor McGregor is known for his trash-talking skills that he directs at opponents. While he rarely praises his opponents, however, he isn’t afraid to praise the sport as a whole. In his latest meditation on the sport of MMA, McGregor discussed the importance of effective defence.
Dana White updates on Conor McGregor comeback plans
Tom Taylor - October 30, 2019
Former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor recently announced that he intends to return to the UFC’s Octagon on January 18. “I would like to announce to the public the return of Conor McGregor will take place on January 18th in the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada,” McGregor said at a press conference in Moscow, Russia. “So that is my comeback fight. It is 12 weeks this Saturday. I’m in prime physical condition. I’ve agreed the date with the company. As far as the opponent, I have the opponent’s name but for me, the game I am in and from experience if I was to give you people the name, which I would love to do, I know the UFC would flip it because they are a crafty company. So for me here’s this one, ask the UFC who the opponent is because I do not give a f*ck who the opponent is.”
Yoel Romero tells Israel Adesanya 'Give me the f*cking date'
Adam Martin - October 30, 2019
Top contender Yoel Romero took things to another level with UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya, telling the champ “give me the f*cking date.” News broke on Tuesday that No. 1 contender Paulo Costa injured his biceps and recently had surgery, keeping him out until mid-2020. Romero immediately stepped up to the plate, and Adesanya posted an exchange on his social media between him and his coach Eugene Bareman talking about a potential fight between the two.
From Miami backyards to Madison Square Garden: How Jorge Masvidal made it to the UFC 244 headliner
Mike Pendleton - October 30, 2019
As the clock continues to tick towards UFC 244, fans, fighters and media alike are excited for the main event between Jorge Masvidal and Nate Diaz, who will collide for “BMF” title inside Madison Square Garden. There are many places this excitement can be focused on: Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal fighting each other, the creation of the BMF title, or maybe, two of the biggest throwback fighters in the UFC today grabbing the spotlight in the Mecca of the fighting world.
UFC 244 | Pro fighters make their picks for Darren Till vs. Kelvin Gastelum
Cole Shelton - October 30, 2019
In the co-main event of UFC 244, former welterweight title challenger Darren Till is moving up in weight to take on Kelvin Gastelum. Ahead of the scrap, “The Gorilla” is a +160 underdog while Gastelum is a -200 favorite. Ahead of the fight, BJPENN.com reached out to several pro fighters to get their predictions for the scrap. The majority are leaning towards Gastelum but some feel it is a much closer fight than the odds suggest.
Henry Cejudo distances himself from Joseph Benavidez title fight
Harry Kettle - October 30, 2019
UFC Bantamweight and Flyweight Champion Henry Cejudo has cast a shadow of doubt over a potential title fight between himself and Joseph Benavidez. Cejudo was last in action against Marlon Moraes back in June at UFC 238, where he was able to capture the vacant UFC Bantamweight Championship to become a two-weight world champion. The man known as “Triple C” has been active in the media ever since then, leading many to question what his next move was going to be.
Paulo Costa blasts Yoel Romero for calling out Israel Adesanya
Tom Taylor - October 30, 2019
Shortly after it came to light that an injury had forced Paulo Costa out of his planned title fight with UFC middleweight champ Israel Adesanya, Yoel Romero inserted himself into the conversation and called out the champ for a fight. He and Adesanya have since gone back and forth on social media, seemingly agreeing to a fight.
Dana White praises Ben Askren after loss to Demian Maia
Tom Taylor - October 30, 2019
The days of Dana White and Ben Askren publicly bashing each other seem to be over. In fact, White has leapt to Askren’s defense after Askren was submitted by Demian Maia in the UFC Singapore main event over the weekend.
UFC 244 | Blagoy Ivanov reveals key to beating Derrick Lewis
Cole Shelton - October 30, 2019
Blagoy Ivanov wanted to fight Derrick Lewis, and he’s getting his wish at UFC 244. Ivanov is on a two-fight winning streak after beating Ben Rothwell and most recently Tai Tuivasa at UFC 238. Now, he is set to fight Lewis who is ranked fifth and the exact opponent he wanted.
Paul Craig steps in to fight “Shogun" at UFC São Paulo
Harry Kettle - October 30, 2019
UFC light heavyweight Paul Craig will step in to face Mauricio “Shogun” Rua in the co-main event of UFC São Paulo, UFC has announced. The card is scheduled to take place on November 16 at Ginásio do Ibirapuera, with the headliner pitting Jan Błachowicz against Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza. The co-main event was also set to be a light heavyweight showcase with Sam Alvey facing Rua, but now, it’ll be “Bearjew” Craig that steps in for the biggest fight of his life.
Stamp Fairtex says her experience will help her beat Bi Nguyen
BJPENN.COM Staff - October 30, 2019
ONE Atomweight Muay Thai and Kickboxing World Champion Stamp Fairtex will face another imposing opponent in Killer Bee” Bi Nguyen who is out to redeem herself from her split-decision loss in her previous outing. Stamp is on a mission for a third world title in as many sports. After defeating Asha Roka in just her second mixed martial arts bout last August, Stamp continues her quest in Manila at ONE: Masters of Fate this November 8.