MMA News
Kamaru Usman: There could be psychological aspect in Lawler vs. Covington matchup
Tom Taylor - July 31, 2019
On Saturday night, in the main event of UFC Newark, former interim welterweight champ Colby Covington will step into the cage with former undisputed welterweight champ Robbie Lawler in a bout that could produce the next welterweight title challenger. As such, reigning champ Kamaru Usman will be watching the action closely. Lawler used to train at American Top Team, the gym Covington still calls home, and the pair actually got quite a bit of training in together over the years. Usman believes their previous training sessions could definitely play a psychological role in their fight — though he’s not sure who will benefit.
Al Iaquinta says 'sissy' Conor McGregor has lost stock with UFC
Tom Taylor - July 31, 2019
Conor McGregor is by far the biggest far in UFC history, and his star power has historically given him some real influence within the organization. According to UFC lightweight contender Al Iaquinta, however, McGregor’s stock has taken a major hit since his submission loss to UFC lightweight champ Khabib Nurmagomedov — even if he doesn’t realize it himself.
Boxing champion Claressa Shields considering 'trying the UFC'
Mike Heck - July 31, 2019
It seems like two-time Olympic champion and undefeated professional boxer Claressa Shields is truly pondering a transition to the sport of mixed martial arts. Shields, who captured gold medals in the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, has been eyeing a fight in the boxing ring with current UFC women’s bantamweight and featherweight champion Amanda Nunes. Tuesday morning, Shields took to Twitter and doubled down on a quote that inspired her to turn pro in the boxing world from sports medicine physician Dr. Jordan Metzl.
Jorge Masvidal praises 'f*cking G' Conor McGregor
Tom Taylor - July 31, 2019
Jorge Masvidal has been campaigning for a fight with Conor McGregor for several weeks, but from the sounds of it, his callouts of the Irishman are not rooted in bad blood. In fact, Masvidal seems to have quite a bit of respect for the former two-division champion. “First, let me say whether Conor takes it or not — because people be putting sometimes words in people’s mouths, from my mouth in particular — I got good things to say about Conor,” Masvidal told TMZ Sports (transcript via MMA Fighting). “He’s done a lot in this sport and he’s made his money already. If he feels he’s not getting the money he deserves to come back, man I’m the first one to applaud him and be like, ‘Do your thing my brother. Go get the money.’ I always cheer for my MMA brothers and sisters. So if he feels he ain’t getting his money’s worth, I’m not gonna call ever him a p*ssy for that, or nothing like that. Go get your money’s worth. That’s the first thing I want to say.
Michael Bisping reveals he was injured before GSP fight, claims he'd win rematch
Tom Taylor - July 31, 2019
In late 2017, Michael Bisping attempted to defend the UFC middleweight title opposite returning welterweight legend Georges St-Pierre. Despite an admirable effort, Bisping was ultimately dropped and submitted by his Canadian foe in the waning moments of the third round. Speaking to MMA Junkie during a promotional tour for his new autobiography, Quitters Never Win, Bisping revealed that his performance in this fight was hindered by a rib injury, and claimed that he’d defeat St-Pierre in a rematch.
Contender Series Antonio Trocoli flagged by USADA, released by the UFC
Matheus Costa - July 30, 2019
Antonio Trocoli impressed the UFC brass on the 2019 season of Dana White’s Contender Series by submitting Kenneth Berg in the first round with a broken foot. However, he won’t be able to display his talent inside the octagon anytime soon. The Brazilian fighter got flagged by USADA for using the prohibited substance Nandrolone and was immediately released from his contract with the UFC. The news was first reported by Combate and confirmed by BJPenn.com.
Colby Covington believes Ben Askren gets 'his walking papers' if he loses to Demian Maia
Cole Shelton - July 30, 2019
Colby Covington and Ben Askren do not like each other to say the least. They trade shots at one another in interviews and “Chaos” believes “Funky” will be released if he loses his next fight. Ben Askren is coming off of a knockout loss to Jorge Masvidal at UFC 239 in five seconds. He is now rumored to fight Demain Maia after his medical suspension is up, which Covington believes is a fight “Funky” losses.
Report | Johnny Walker set to return at UFC 244 in New York against Corey Anderson
Matheus Costa - July 30, 2019
It appears that a pivotal light heavyweight fight featuring Johnny Walker taking on Corey Anderson will take place at November’s UFC 244 event. The news was first reported by “Combate” and confirmed by BJPenn.com.
A perfect matchup awaits Frankie Edgar at 135-pounds
Natasha Hooper - July 30, 2019
After Frankie Edgar fell short of grasping the featherweight title against Max Holloway at UFC 240, the possibility that he will move down to 135 is floating in the air. This means “The Answer” would have a lot of fresh competition to get stuck into, and a perfect introduction to the bantamweight division could be none other than Dominick Cruz.
Intense staredowns aplenty at ONE: Dawn of Heroes Kick-Off Press Conference
BJPENN.COM Staff - July 30, 2019
The biggest event in Philippine martial arts history took off with a face-off from ONE Championship’s biggest stars at the official ONE: Dawn of Heroes kick-off press conference held at the City of Dreams Manila in Pasay City, Philippines last Tuesday afternoon. https://youtu.be/iGcVrIX9K9s
Dan Hooker says Al Iaquinta ducked him, moves on
Tom Taylor - July 30, 2019
After knocking out James Vick at UFC San Antonio, New Zealand’s Dan Hooker began campaigning for a fight with Al Iaquinta at UFC 243 in Melbourne, Australia. Before long, however, Hooker was claiming that Iaquinta had turned down the fight. UFC told me you turned down the fight. Quit acting like you want to fight me, you don't. #ragingbuildups https://t.co/1h9COKF0vh
Jonathan Haggerty holds no fear of Rodtang Jitmuangnon's power
BJPENN.COM Staff - July 30, 2019
You might have expected Jonathan Haggerty to have taken a moment to soak up the atmosphere before requesting a new opponent. The 22-year-old Englishman had just captured the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title in the main event at ONE: FOR HONOR. Haggerty defeated Thailand’s legendary Sam-A Gaiyanghadao via unanimous decision in a thrilling encounter. As golden confetti fell from the ceiling and Haggerty’s team celebrated his victory, it seemed only right for the London native to simply enjoy the occasion. However, there is a reason why Haggerty is as successful as he is, and that is because of his relentless drive to test his skills against the best in the world.
Chael Sonnen would be 'beyond stunned' if Daniel Cormier vs. Stipe Miocic 2 ends in first round
Fernando Quiles Jr. - July 30, 2019
Chael Sonnen isn’t expecting the upcoming rematch between Daniel Cormier and Stipe Miocic to end in the opening frame once again. Back in July 2018, Cormier challenged Miocic for the UFC heavyweight title. At the time, Cormier was the light heavyweight champion. Cormier knocked Miocic out in the first round to become a two-division champion. On Aug. 17, the two will collide a second time in the main event of UFC 241.
Dan Lambert believes Amanda Nunes belongs in the GOAT conversation
Cole Shelton - July 30, 2019
Amanda Nunes is the reigning bantamweight and featherweight champion and is fresh off of a knockout win over Holly Holm at UFC 239. Now, Amanda Nunes is hoping to defend her featherweight title, but it’s hard to say who she’ll fight. Cris Cyborg could soon be a free agent, and other than that, there are no real contenders on win-streaks available for Nunes.
Johnny Walker responds to callout from Corey Anderson
Tom Taylor - July 30, 2019
UFC light heavyweight contender Corey Anderson recently set his sights on a showdown with streaking light heavyweight prospect Johnny Walker. Anderson expressed his interest in this fight, which he hopes will go down at UFC 244 in New York City in November, on Twitter. Wanted to dethrone the "King", they want me to derail a train, #JohnnyWalker thinks he's ready for the big leagues, time to roll out the red carpet. You want the sauce?! Meet me in the land of opportunity, NYC, MSG, Nov 2nd. #ufc #msg @AliAbdelaziz00 @danawhite @Mickmaynard2
Brendan Schaub: Cris Cyborg has never been treated right her entire career
Fernando Quiles Jr. - July 30, 2019
Brendan Schaub feels Cris Cyborg hasn’t been given the respect she deserves. Cyborg recently competed in the last fight of her UFC deal. She took on Felicia Spencer in the co-main event of UFC 240 this past Saturday night (July 27). Spencer was able to hang on until the final horn, but Cyborg earned the unanimous decision victory.
Cage Warriors champ Nicolas Dalby announces UFC return in heartfelt statement
Adam Martin - July 30, 2019
Cage Warriors interim welterweight champion Nicolas Dalby has re-signed with the UFC. The Denmark native announced via his Instagram that he is returning to the Octagon at UFC Fight Night 160, which takes place September 28 at Royal Arena in his hometown of Copenhagen.
Frankie Edgar issues emotional statement after UFC 240 loss
Tom Taylor - July 30, 2019
Last Saturday, in the main event of UFC 240, Frankie Edgar attempted to swipe the UFC featherweight title from the waist of champ Max Holloway. Despite a valiant effort in the fight, Edgar came up short on points. Speaking on his official Instagram account on Monday, Edgar issued a poignant statement on this setback. In his statement, the former lightweight champ reflected on the loss, and assured that he’s not done fighting yet.