MMA News
Chuck Liddell interested in pro wrestling career
Tom Taylor - September 20, 2019
Chuck Liddell has seemingly closed the curtain on his mixed martial arts career, but that doesn’t mean his days as an entertainer are done. Liddell recently divulged that he has some interest in working as a professional wrestler, particularly in the WWE ring.
PHOTO | Thiago Santos in incredible shape following recent surgery
Tom Taylor - September 20, 2019
Thiago Santos sustained some serious injuries in his July split decision loss to UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones. Despite his valiant effort, the Brazilian challenger exited the cage with a torn ACL, MCL, PCL and meniscus in his left knee and a partially torn meniscus in his right. Unsurprisingly, these injuries required Santos to go under the knife. Shortly after his fight, he underwent a complicated surgery to repair his badly damaged knees.
UFC President Dana White confirms Daniel Cormier will fight again: "We’re going to do the trilogy”
Natasha Hooper - September 19, 2019
UFC President Dana White has confirmed that former promotional ‘champ champ’ Daniel Cormier will be making at least one more walk to the Octagon. Earlier tonight, the UFC boss spoke to Barstool Sports where he announced that the UFC is planning on booking a rubber match between Daniel Cormier and current UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic.
Dana White explains why Kamaru Usman vs. Colby Covington isn't happening at UFC 244
Cole Shelton - September 19, 2019
After Colby Covington beat Robbie Lawler at UFC Newark, all signs pointed to him fighting welterweight champion, Kamaru Usman next. Many also expected that fight to be at UFC 244 in Madison Square Garden. Yet, that is not the case. Instead, negotiations between the two fell apart and the UFC booked Nate Diaz vs. Jorge Masvidal as the main event of the card.
Video | Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal staredown for first time ahead of UFC 244
Cole Shelton - September 19, 2019
In the main event of UFC 244 on November 2 at Madison Square Garden, Nate Diaz will take on Jorge Masvidal. The two will also be fighting for the inaugural BMF title. The fight was put into place after Nate Diaz called out Jorge Masvidal following UFC 241.
Dana White expects Conor McGregor to fight in early 2020
Cole Shelton - September 19, 2019
For the past couple of months, one of the biggest questions in MMA has been when will Conor McGregor fight again. The Irishman has been tweeting and hinting at returning but no fight has been booked by the promotion. McGregor has remained adamant he wants to have his rematch with Khabib Nurmagomedov. But, in an interview with ESPN, he revealed he was scheduled to fight Justin Gaethje in July before a hand injury derailed that.
Jorge Masvidal: I can't fight Conor McGregor because 'I don’t wanna go to jail'
Tom Taylor - September 19, 2019
Shortly after he knocked out Ben Askren at UFC 239, streaking welterweight contender Jorge Masvidal began campaigning for a fight with former UFC featherweight and welterweight champ Conor McGregor. In the end, however, talk of this matchup fizzled when UFC President Dana White claimed that Masvidal is “too big” for a matchup with McGregor, and that he wouldn’t book the matchup on those grounds.
Eddie Alvarez shares strategy for beating Khabib Nurmagomedov
Tom Taylor - September 19, 2019
UFC lightweight champ Khabib Nurmagomedov looks more and more unbeatable every time he fights — that includes his recent submission victory over Dustin Poirier. That being said, former UFC lightweight champion and current ONE Championship star Eddie Alvarez believes Nurmagomedov can be beaten. It will just take a fighter with the right style to pull it off. Alvarez believes he has that style.
Ray Longo concerned for Donald Cerrone's health following UFC Vancouver loss
Fernando Quiles Jr. - September 19, 2019
Ray Longo isn’t calling for Donald Cerrone to retire, but he hopes “Cowboy” takes more time off between fights. Cerrone suffered his second straight TKO loss at UFC Vancouver. “Cowboy” was stopped by Justin Gaethje in the first round. Cerrone’s defeat at the hands of Gaethje came just over three months removed from his stoppage loss to Tony Ferguson. We’re in September and “Cowboy” has already had four fights this year.
Report | David Branch released by UFC after positive drug test
Adam Martin - September 19, 2019
UFC middleweight David Branch has reportedly been given his walking papers after testing positive for banned substances and receiving a two-year suspension by United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) for the infraction. Veteran MMA journalist Mike Russell reported the news on Twitter that Branch has been released by the UFC after USADA announced his suspension yesterday. Russell also revealed that Branch has left Dominance MMA.
John Lineker talks potential Demetrious Johnson matchup, ONE Super Series bouts
Tom Taylor - September 19, 2019
John Lineker is currently dialed in on his ONE Championship debut, which will pit him against the ferocious Muin Gafurov at ONE: Dawn of Valor in Jakarta, Indonesia on October 25. Yet that doesn’t mean he’s not thinking about his future under the ONE banner. Lineker’s ONE debut will occur in the 145-pound ONE bantamweight division. That being said, one of the biggest fights available to him in ONE Championship would be a collision with fellow UFC veteran Demetrious Johnson, who calls the 135-pound ONE flyweight division home.
Dustin Poirier interested in moving up to welterweight
Adam Martin - September 19, 2019
UFC lightweight contender Dustin Poirier recently told fans that he is interested in potentially competing in the welterweight division. “The Diamond” responded to a fan on Twitter, who asked him if he was open to moving up in weight. Here’s what he said.
UFC Mexico City | Pro fighters make their picks for Yair Rodriguez vs. Jeremy Stephens
Cole Shelton - September 19, 2019
In the main event of UFC Mexico City, top-10 featherweights collide as Yair Rodriguez takes on Jeremy Stephens. Heading into the fight, the Mexican in Rodriguez is a -110 underdog while the American is the -120 favorite, meaning it is practically a pick’em fight. Ahead of the fight, BJPENN.com reached out to several pro fighters to get their predictions for the scrap. The pros believe it will be a close fight but give a slight edge to the local fighter.
Francis Ngannou wants 'revenge' on Stipe Miocic in 2019
Tom Taylor - September 19, 2019
Francis Ngannou fell short in his first bid to steal the UFC heavyweight belt from Stipe Miocic, but is eager for a chance to right this wrong. Now on a three-fight win-streak, he feels he’s earned a second crack at the champion, and hopes that opportunity comes before years’ end.
Jorge Masvidal explains why there will be no trash talk ahead of Nate Diaz fight
Tom Taylor - September 19, 2019
Don’t expect any trash talk from Jorge Masvidal and Nate Diaz ahead of their UFC 244 fight. Speaking on Ariel Helwani’s MMA Show on Monday, Masvidal explained why any trash talk with his next opponent would be super unnecessary.
Jeremy Stephens has violent plans for Yair Rodriguez
Cole Shelton - September 18, 2019
Jeremy Stephens will look to get back into the win column when he takes Yair Rodriguez in the main event of UFC Mexico City on Saturday. Although he is going into hostile territory to fight the Mexican in Rodriguez, Stephens isn’t worried about that. Instead, he believes his experience will be too much for the 26-year-old as he will embarrass him.
Colby Covington will '100 percent' stay at ATT; partially switches management group
Cole Shelton - September 18, 2019
Colby Covington has gotten some heat from fellow American Top Team (ATT) fighters as of late. ‘Chaos’ has taken shots at both Jorge Masvidal and Dustin Poirier with both firing right back at the former UFC interim welterweight champion. It got to the point that Covington admitted a brawl may take place at ATT and he could very well have to leave the gym.
Matt Serra names two fighters who can give Khabib Nurmagomedov problems
Fernando Quiles Jr. - September 18, 2019
Matt Serra believes two fighters could solve the puzzle of Khabib Nurmagomedov. At a stellar 28-0 and holding UFC lightweight gold, Nurmagomedov has become one of the most dominant fighters in the history of mixed martial arts competition. He’s coming off a successful title defense against Dustin Poirier, submitting “The Diamond” in the third round.