MMA News
Bo Nickal explains why he asked the UFC to fight Reinier de Ridder at UFC Des Moines
Cole Shelton - March 17, 2025
Bo Nickal says he asked the UFC to fight Reinier de Ridder next and they granted his request. Nickal will return to the Octagon in the co-main event of UFC Des Moines on May 3 in an intriguing matchup. According to Nickal, he thought de Ridder was the perfect next step up for him. It’s also a chance to prove he is a legit contender at middleweight.
Robert Whittaker reveals next middleweight fight could be his last: "I'm going to decide after this next fight"
Josh Evanoff - March 17, 2025
Former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker remains interested in a move to 205 pounds. ‘The Reaper’ hasn’t been seen in action since a clash against Khamzat Chimaev last October at UFC 308. Robert Whittaker entered the title eliminator riding a wave of momentum, fresh off a first-round knockout victory over Ikram Aliskerov in June. Sadly for the former middleweight champion, he was quickly taken down and submitted by ‘Borz’ in round one. Five years after losing the gold, Whittaker had suffered another setback.
Nate Diaz confirms interest in UFC return, trashes current roster: "I want to go back and get a title"
Josh Evanoff - March 17, 2025
Nate Diaz is interested in a return to the octagon to win a UFC championship. The 39-year-old hasn’t been seen in action since his boxing match with Jorge Masvidal last July. Nearly five years after facing off at UFC 244 in New York City, Nate Diaz and ‘Gamebred’ put on a show in California. The two former title challengers went back and forth for 10 rounds, with both landing big shots throughout. However, it was Diaz who emerged with a majority decision victory.
Donn Davis dismisses rumors of Francis Ngannou leaving the PFL: "Fake News!"
Josh Evanoff - March 17, 2025
According to PFL founder Donn Davis, Francis Ngannou isn’t going anywhere. ‘The Predator’ hasn’t been seen in action since a pivotal clash against Renan Ferreira in October. Back in the cage for the first time since defeating Ciryl Gane in January 2022, Francis Ngannou handed the former PFL tournament winner a first-round knockout loss. After so much turmoil and tragedy since leaving the UFC, the victory was an emotional one for the heavyweight star. However, Ngannou is already working on a return.
Bryce Mitchell claims Jean Silva is possessed by a "legion of Demons" ahead of UFC 314 fight
Cole Shelton - March 17, 2025
UFC featherweight Bryce Mitchell claims Jean Silva is possessed by a legion of demons which has impacted his sleep. Mitchell claims ever since the UFC 314 press conference he’s had a hard time sleeping he’s being haunted by Demons in his dreams from Silva.
Jeremy Stephens reveals he signed a 1-fight deal with UFC to make his return: "I'm betting on myself"
Cole Shelton - March 17, 2025
Jeremy Stephens will be making his return to the UFC at UFC Des Moines in Iowa. Stephens last fought in the UFC 2021 when he was submitted by Mateusz Gamrot which was his third-straight loss and sent his winless streak to six straight. After the loss, the UFC parted ways with Stephens but he’s now back as he will fight in his hometown of Des Moines to face Mason Jones.
Tom Aspinall slams 'uneducated fans' for hot takes on Alex Pereira's UFC title loss to Magomed Ankalaev
Fernando Quiles Jr. - March 17, 2025
Interim UFC Heavyweight Champion Tom Aspinall has seen some hot takes after Alex Pereira’s title loss. Pereira put the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship at stake against Ankalaev in the main event of UFC 313. Fans were surprised to see “Poatan” fighting backwards, and it cost him the 205-pound gold. Ankalaev looked to be the aggressor throughout the fight and he captured UFC gold for the first time in his career via unanimous decision.
UFC veteran isn't sold on GFL MMA having success: 'I don't know what they would be doing that's different'
Fernando Quiles Jr. - March 17, 2025
A one-time UFC title challenger has his doubts about the upcoming Global Fight League. GFL has arrived, but many feel it’s been with a whimper. The promotion, which positions itself as a league, has signed a slew of aging names who were once relevant under the UFC banner. Some of those stars, such as UFC Hall of Famer Rashad Evans, denied ever signing up for GFL despite the fact that he was initially used for promotional material.
UFC legend Matt Brown explains crucial lesson he learned in “favorite fight” of MMA career
BJ Penn Staff - March 17, 2025
Matt Brown is considered one of the most exciting fighters in UFC history, and has delivered some unforgettable fights over the course of his 43-fight MMA career. When it comes to his personal favorite, though, there’s no question. Brown’s favorite fight occurred back in 2014, when he stepped into the Octagon with Robbie Lawler.
Former UFC star calls Ilia Topuria’s lightweight move premature
Harry Kettle - March 17, 2025
A former UFC star has given his thoughts on Ilia Topuria’s impending move up to the promotion’s lightweight division. As we know, Ilia Topuria is set for a stint at 155 pounds after winning the world title at featherweight. Some were taken by surprise by this decision, given that he’s only defended the strap once since winning it. With that being said, he clearly has his eyes on an even bigger accomplishment as he pushes for superstardom.
Chael Sonnen tricked opponent to win a fight early in his MMA career
Harry Kettle - March 17, 2025
Chael Sonnen reportedly tricked an opponent of his in order to win a fight early in his mixed martial arts career. Chael Sonnen has always been an incredible character in the world of mixed martial arts. In fact, you could make the argument that he’s the best trash talker in the history of the sport. However, back when he fought against Jason Lambert in 2003, he was a relative unknown.
Magomed Ankalaev’s coach claims Alex Pereira was greasing in UFC 313 title fight: “He had some substance smeared on him”
Harry Kettle - March 17, 2025
Magomed Ankalaev has a fairly controversial claim regarding Alex Pereira from their UFC 313 main event bout. Ever since capturing the UFC light heavyweight championship, Magomed Ankalaev has been pretty vocal on social media. It seems as if he feels a bit slighted and, in no uncertain terms, he’s made the world know about it.
UFC London: ‘Edwards vs. Brady’ Fight Card and Start Times
Harry Kettle - March 17, 2025
UFC London is set to go down this weekend as Leon Edwards and Sean Brady collide in a fascinating welterweight clash. Event: UFC London: Edwards vs Brady Date: Saturday, 22nd March 2025 Location: O2 Arena (London, England) Broadcast: ESPN+, UFC Fight Pass (12pm EST main card)
Nico Carrillo makes featherweight Muay Thai debut versus Sitthichai at ONE Fight Night 30
BJPENN.COM Staff - March 16, 2025
The fight card for ONE Fight Night 30: Kryklia vs. Knowles continues to flourish, and the latest announcement has fans full of intrigue. On Friday, April 4, Scottish striking star Nico Carrillo begins his featherweight Muay Thai World Title campaign. There, he leaves his bantamweight days behind. He faces #4-ranked contender Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong inside Bangkok, Thailand’s Lumpinee Stadium.
Rodtang promises to "bury" Takeru at ONE 172
BJPENN.COM Staff - March 16, 2025
ONE 172 draws nearer by the day, and former ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon is oozing confidence as he looks to crush Takeru Segawa. “The Iron Man” travels into enemy territory to take on former three-division K-1 Champion Takeru Segawa in a flyweight kickboxing super-fight inside Japan’s iconic Saitama Super Arena on Sunday, March 23.
Surging UFC heavyweight calls out Derrick Lewis following KO win at UFC Vegas 104
Fernando Quiles Jr. - March 16, 2025
One rising UFC heavyweight is targeting a clash with Derrick Lewis. A lot has been made about the status of the UFC heavyweight division. Dana White is in the process of trying to book reigning champion Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall in a title unification fight. Meanwhile, other heavyweights are vying to make a name for themselves in the rankings.
Streaking UFC welterweight veteran wants ranked opponent after big UFC Vegas 104 win
Fernando Quiles Jr. - March 16, 2025
One UFC welterweight is looking for ranked competition following his sensational performance at UFC Vegas 104. The 170-pound division has some rising names, such as Jack Della Maddalena and Shavkat Rakhmonov. They are looking to prove they can take out the likes of reigning UFC Welterweight Champion Belal Muhammad. They say MMA is a young athlete’s game, but one 170-pounder past the age of 36 is looking to change the narrative.
Rising UFC star wants backup role for UFC 314 fight between Paddy Pimblett and Michael Chandler
Fernando Quiles Jr. - March 16, 2025
One rising lightweight star has thrown his name in the hat to serve as the backup option for UFC 314’s co-headliner. Michael Chandler and Paddy Pimblett are set to throw leather inside the Kaseya Center in Miami on April 12. It’s a big test to see where Pimblett stands in the 155-pound division. While fans are looking forward to the matchup, unforeseen circumstances aren’t exactly rare in MMA.