MMA News
Rodtang eyes career-best performance versus Takeru at ONE 172
BJPENN.COM Staff - March 17, 2025
The stakes at ONE 172 are higher than ever for former ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon. But he intends to rise to the occasion like never before. “The Iron Man” locks up with three-division K-1 Champion Takeru Segawa in a flyweight kickboxing super-fight in the main event on Sunday, March 23, inside Japan’s Saitama Super Arena.
Yuya Wakamatsu reflects on previous loss to Adriano Moraes ahead of ONE 172 world title rematch
BJPENN.COM Staff - March 17, 2025
Second-ranked flyweight MMA star Yuya Wakamatsu has come a long way in ONE Championship. Arriving as a promising 22-year-old to a World Title challenger, he’s risen up the ranks to become a divisional stalwart, and he looks to make good on his second chance at gold. The Japanese jouster meets #1-ranked flyweight MMA star Adriano Moraes in a rematch for the vacant ONE Flyweight MMA World Title at ONE 172: Takeru vs. Rodtang this Sunday, March 23, at Japan’s Saitama Super Arena.
What's next for Roman Dolidze and Marvin Vettori after UFC Vegas 104?
Cole Shelton - March 17, 2025
The UFC was back at the Apex on Saturday, March 15 for UFC Vegas 104. The main event saw Roman Dolidze rematching Marvin Vettori. Dolidze was coming off a TKO victory over Kevin Holland which was his second-straight win. Vettori, meanwhile, hadn’t fought since June of 2023 when he dropped a decision to Jared Cannonier.
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.
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.
WATCH | Conor McGregor meets with Donald Trump at The White House for St. Patrick's Day
Josh Evanoff - March 17, 2025
Former two-weight UFC champion Conor McGregor met with Donald Trump at The White House earlier today. It’s no secret that the 47th President of the United States is a longtime fan of MMA. A lifelong friend of Dana White, Donald Trump regularly began attending UFC events in 2022 to promote his Presidential campaign. His efforts paid off in November, winning the Presidency by defeating then-Vice President Kamala Harris to become the first man since Grover Cleveland to win a second non-consecutive term.
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.
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 314 headliner Diego Lopes sends message to critics of his cardio ahead of Alexander Volkanovski fight
Fernando Quiles Jr. - March 17, 2025
Diego Lopes has some words for those who believe his cardio is in question. Lopes has been booked in the biggest fight of his pro MMA career. He will take on Alexander Volkanovski for the vacant UFC Featherweight Championship. The title fight is scheduled to headline UFC 314 in Miami.
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.
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.
Paddy Pimblett weighs in on Michael Chandler’s tendency to foul ahead of UFC 314 clash: “He knows what he’s doing”
Harry Kettle - March 17, 2025
Paddy Pimblett has given his thoughts on Michael Chandler’s tendency to issue fouls ahead of their UFC 314 clash. As we know, Michael Chandler is a bit of a polarizing figure in the world of mixed martial arts. While many fans and pundits appreciate the action-based style he brings when he enters the Octagon, others have questioned some of the seemingly ‘dirty’ tactics that he puts forward when he fights.
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)
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.