MMA News
Paige VanZant's husband Austin Vanderford relishing 'Mr. VanZant' nickname
Adam D Martin - August 25, 2019
Bellator middleweight Austin Vanderford was one of the stars of Saturday night’s Bellator 225 card. He absolutely thrashed Joseph Creer with ground and pound and finished his opponent via second-round TKO due to doctor stoppage in what was the most dominant performance of his MMA career thus far. But despite being an undefeated fighter, he’s still mostly known because of his more famous wife, the UFC’s Paige VanZant. Fans have joked on social media about Vanderford, referring to him as “Mr. VanZant.” Instead of getting upset at the fans who make the joke, Vanderford took it in stride. In a post-fight social media post celebrating his win, Vanderford said he’s cool with the nickname that fans have bestowed on him.
Nick Newell hopes to remain with Bellator
Adam D Martin - August 25, 2019
Lightweight Nick Newell hopes to remain with Bellator following a first-round submission win over Corey Browning on the Bellator 225 preliminary card. Newell was recently signed to a one-fight deal with Bellator after a failed stint on Dana White’s Contender Series. The congenital amputee fighter, who does not have a left hand, picked up a win on the regional circuit after the Contender Series and parlayed that into a one-fight deal with Bellator.
Matt Mitrione says mouthpiece was not cause of Bellator 225 knockout loss
Adam D Martin - August 25, 2019
Bellator heavyweight Matt Mitrione suffered a brutal second-round knockout loss to Sergei Kharitonov in the main event of Saturday night’s Bellator 225 card. But before the knockout happened, Mitrione was having trouble with his mouthpiece as it fell out of his mouth multiple times. The big blow came when Mitrione’s mouthpiece was knocked out by a Kharitonov punch early in the second round. He was clearly mentally shook by it and let his guard down, which allowed Kharitonov to land a vicious uppercut and then a knee which knocked Mitrione down. Kharitonov then finished Mitrione off with ground and pound before referee Dan Miragliotta stopped the fight.
Bellator 225 Results and Highlights
Chris Taylor - August 24, 2019
Bellator 225 is currently taking place from Webster Bank Arena in Bridgeport, Connecticut. The event is headlined by a heavyweight rematch featuring Matt Mitrione taking on Sergei Kharitonov.
Bill Goldberg and Jorge Masvidal have an interesting exchange on Twitter
Chris Taylor - August 24, 2019
Wrestling Icon Bill Goldberg and surging UFC welterweight contender Jorge Masvidal had an interesting exchange on social media this weekend. No, the wrestling legend did not give ‘Gamebred’ the famous words of “You’re next!”, but he did have some fun with the UFC standout.
Report | Colby Covington vs. Kamaru Usman set for November 2
Chris Taylor - August 24, 2019
UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman will attempt to make his first title defense on November 2 in New York, when he takes on Colby Covington. The announcement comes from Brazilian news outlet Combate, who reported this afternoon that Kamaru Usman will square off with Colby Covington at UFC 244 on November 2 at Madison Square Garden.
Mike Perry calls for a fight with "spoiled" Conor McGregor
Chris Taylor - August 24, 2019
UFC welterweight standout Mike Perry is willing to fight former promotional ‘champ champ’ Conor McGregor even with his busted up nose. ‘Platinum’ suffered one of the nastiest broken noses in mixed martial arts history during his most recent fight against Vicente Luque at UFC Uruguay.
UFC 242: Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Dustin Poirier Fight Card and Start Time
Chris Taylor - August 24, 2019
The Ultimate Fighting Championship returns to Abu Dhabi on September 7, for UFC 242: Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Dustin Poirier. The event is the UFC’s first under a new five-year partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi to bring UFC events to the emirate for the next five years.
Report | Max Holloway will return to the Octagon at UFC 245
Chris Taylor - August 24, 2019
UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway will reportedly be making another walk to the Octagon before the end of the 2019 calendar year. Gadiel Notelovitz was first to report the news, suggesting that a featherweight title fight between Max Holloway and Alex Volkanovski was being discussed for December’s UFC 245 event.
The Korean Zombie responds to Brian Ortega: "You lie too much"
Chris Taylor - August 24, 2019
Earlier this summer BJPENN.com reported that a key featherweight bout between The Korean Zombie and Brian Ortega was in the works for UFC Mexico. However, after the UFC announced that Jeremy Stephens vs. Yair Rodriguez would be headlining the September 21 fight card, it appeared that the promotion may have different plans for Jung and Ortega.
VIDEO | UFC lightweight Jared Gordon takes down bat-wielding stranger
Thomas Taylor - August 24, 2019
UFC lightweight Jared Gordon was having a nice night with his family in Chicago — until he was accosted by a stranger wielding a baseball bat. It all started with an “I ❤️ Crack Whores” bumper sticker.
Jorge Masvidal says Nate Diaz fight will determine the biggest dog in the division
Cole Shelton - August 23, 2019
Nate Diaz called out Jorge Masvidal following his win at UFC 241, and “Gamebred” gladly accepted. But, whether or not the fight happens is to be seen. Diaz said he is defending the baddest motherf****r belt. But, for the fight to happen, “Gamebred” knows he has to get paid what he is worth.
Chael Sonnen says Daniel Cormier doesn't owe anyone an apology
Fernando Quiles Jr. - August 23, 2019
Chael Sonnen caught wind of Daniel Cormier’s statement following UFC 241. Cormier took on Stipe Miocic in a heavyweight title rematch. “DC” looked good in the early going, taking Miocic down and showing some solid top control. Miocic turned the tide in the standup, however. The Cleveland native was able to rip Cormier’s body and then nailed him upstairs for the fourth-round TKO victory.
Colby Covington discusses crowd drama at UFC 241
Tom Taylor - August 23, 2019
Colby Covington was one of the stars in attendance for last weekend’s UFC 241 card in Anaheim, California, and apparently, his presence at the event caused a bit of a stir. In fact, several of the other fighters in attendance allegedly tried to start fights with the trash-talking welterweight star, according to UFC President Dana White.
Eddie Hearn: Dana White won't be able to 'control the fighters' in boxing
Tom Taylor - August 23, 2019
Dana White will soon launch Zuffa Boxing, a promotion that he hopes will revolutionize The Sweet Science. As Zuffa Boxing draws nearer and nearer to fruition, White has said that he hopes to apply the same practices that have made the UFC so successful to this new boxing venture. “It’s the sport and the politics in the sport and it has always been that way and if somebody doesn’t change it, it’s always gonna be that way,” White told Helen Yee recently.
Scott Coker interested in signing Cat Zingano
Tom Taylor - August 23, 2019
After a lengthy career in the UFC, Cat Zingano is now a free agent. The former title challenger parted ways with the Las Vegas based promotion earlier this month. From the sounds of it, she could soon have a new home in Bellator MMA.
Greg Hardy ready to 'crush' ranked opponent to prove he is 'something the world has never seen'
Natasha Hooper - August 23, 2019
Former NFL star and MMA prospect Greg Hardy is confident he is the next big thing for the UFC, and that he will “crush” any opponents that stand in his way. The controversial fighter (5-1) made his UFC debut this year at UFC Brooklyn. It didn’t go the way he anticipated as he lost via disqualification. However, he has successfully rebounded with two first-round KO wins and recently told MMA Junkie that he is on track to become the next UFC champion.
Scott Coker updates on negotiations with Cris Cyborg
Natasha Hooper - August 23, 2019
The president of Bellator, Scott Coker, is making his loyalty to Cyborg known, as he claims she is the female GOAT. The former UFC featherweight champion, Cris Cyborg, is currently a free agent after being released from her UFC contract. Her last fight was a win against formerly undefeated fighter Felicia Spencer (7-1) at UFC 240. Her contract release signalled rising tensions between her and Dana White.