MMA News
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.
Russian thugs surround Conor McGregor’s hotel in Moscow, police forced to intervene
Natasha Hooper - October 30, 2019
Conor McGregor struggles to stay out of trouble, even when travelling abroad. This week, the former champion’s trip to Russia was interrupted as thugs reportedly surrounded his hotel, forcing the building into lockdown and police to intervene (according to Sputnik News).
Cat Zingano signs with Bellator
Adam Martin - October 29, 2019
A few months after being released by the UFC, former UFC women’s bantamweight title challenger Cat Zingano has signed a multifight deal with Bellator. ESPN’s Ariel Helwani revealed the signing on Tuesday, noting that Zingano is expected to compete in Bellator’s featherweight division. Her debut date and opponent are not yet finalized. Her signing with Bellator was heavily rumored ever since her UFC release.
Opinion: The thrill of believing in Darren Till's self-belief
Mike Pendleton - October 29, 2019
The confident quotes and one-liners used to be endless from Darren Till, but a recent skid had him silenced as he figured out his best moved. During his run to a welterweight title fight against Tyron Woodley at UFC 228 in September of 2018, Till electrified the welterweight division with his most notable wins coming over Cowboy Cerrone and Stephen Thompson. What followed after his run to the top would hold many fighters down, Till would come up short in his fight against Woodley and then he returned to face Jorge Masvidal earlier this year, but suffered a second-round knockout loss. After taking time off to decide on his next move, Till jumped, better yet, leaped into the deep-end of the promotions middleweight division.
How to watch UFC 244: Masvidal vs. Diaz BMF Title fight
Natasha Hooper - October 29, 2019
UFC 244 is one of the most highly anticipated events on the 2019 MMA calendar and it takes place this weekend at Madison Square Gardens in New York. Jorge Masvidal will square off against Nate Diaz in the welterweight main event. They will battle it out for the unprecedented ‘BMF’ title, awarded by none other than Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson.
Israel Adesanya responds to Yoel Romero
Christopher Taylor - October 29, 2019
Fight fans received unfortunate news today that Paulo Costa had suffered an injury and was forced out of his slated title fight with Israel Adesanya. UFC President Dana White revealed the news in an interview with ‘The Schmo’, explaining that Costa had injured his bicep and will be out for eight months. White went on to say the promotion is working on securing a different opponent for Adesanya.
Ben Askren believes he still can prove he's the best fighter in the world
Cole Shelton - October 29, 2019
Two straight losses haven’t derailed Ben Askren’s confidence. Askren retired in 2017 because he could not get a shot in the UFC to prove he was the best welterweight in the world. Yet, this year that all changed. He made his Octagon debut in March with a submission win over Robbie Lawler. Since then though, he lost in five-seconds to Jorge Masvidal at UFC 239 and then was submitted by Demian Maia. His stock has dropped due to the setbacks and now said he is contemplating retirement.
Paul Felder says Irish fans are turning on Conor McGregor, challenges him to a fight
Adam Martin - October 29, 2019
UFC lightweight contender Paul Felder is challenging Conor McGregor to a fight to determine who the toughest Irish fighter in the UFC is. Felder, who is an Irish American, claims that Irish MMA fans are turning on McGregor after all of his issues outside of the cage, and he wants to fight him.
Paulo Costa injured, planned Israel Adesanya fight off the table
Adam Martin - October 29, 2019
UFC president Dana White confirmed that top middleweight contender Paulo Costa is injured and out of his fight against Israel Adesanya. White confirmed in an interview with The Schmo that Costa injured his bicep and will be out for eight months. The UFC president says the promotion is working on securing a different opponent for Adesanya.