MMA News
Megan Anderson returns at UFC 243
Mike Heck - July 26, 2019
Megan Anderson will return to the Octagon and her home country in October. Anderson will welcome newcomer Zarah Fairn dos Santos to the organization when they square off at UFC 243, sources confirm to BJPenn.com. The event will take place Oct. 6 at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, Australia.
Alex Volkanovski on emergency standby for UFC 240 main event
Adam Martin - July 26, 2019
The UFC is protecting itself in case of a weigh-in mishap or last-second injury to the main event of Saturday’s UFC 240. Top featherweight contender Alexander Volkanovski is in Edmonton and on emergency standby in case something happens to headliners Max Holloway and Frankie Edgar at the official weigh-ins. Volkanovski is expected to weigh in and would jump in to fight in an emergency situation. TSN’s Aaron Bronsteter broke the news.
Alexandre Pantoja: Joseph Benavidez 'needs to fight me first' before Cejudo
Natasha Hooper - July 26, 2019
Alexandre Pantoja is already predicting an interim title fight for himself against Joseph Benavidez. This Saturday, Alexandre Pantoja will be going up against rival Deiveson Figueiredo in a flyweight bout at UFC 240. Figueiredo has vocalized his expectation of a future interim title fight against Joseph Benavidez. However, Pantoja believes he should get Benavidez next.
Cris Cyborg: 'Everything Dana says is a lie'
Tom Taylor - July 26, 2019
UFC President Dana White has recently had plenty to say about former UFC featherweight Cris Cyborg — most notably suggesting that the Brazilian is not interested in a rematch with two-division champion Amanda Nunes. Cyborg has vehemently denied White’s claims in the past, but at this point, almost seems to find them comical.
VIDEO | Combat jiu jitsu bout ends with blatantly illegal strike, massive referee slam
Tom Taylor - July 26, 2019
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Dana White: Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Conor McGregor rematch is 'absolutely possible' after UFC 242
Tom Taylor - July 26, 2019
The UFC lightweight division is arguably the best division in MMA. Home to champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and stars like Conor McGregor, Tony Ferguson, Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje and Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone, it is absolutely packed with top talent. Speaking with Rich Eisen this week, UFC President Dana White gave his take on the UFC lightweight division and the exciting matchups that can be made therein. He even sees retired former UFC welterweight and middleweight champion Georges St-Pierre as a player in the division.
Jon Jones willing to give Thiago Santos an immediate rematch upon recovery
Cole Shelton - July 25, 2019
At UFC 239, Jon Jones defended his light heavyweight title as he edged out a split-decision win over Thiago Santos. It was a very close fight that some even thought the Brazilian had won. What made it more impressive was the fact that Santos had torn every ligament in his knee and was practically fighting on one leg, but still pressed forward throughout the fight.
Khabib Nurmagomedov is starting to 'hate' combat sports after boxers death
Cole Shelton - July 25, 2019
Earlier this week, tragic news came out that boxer Maxim Dadashev passed away due to the injuries he sustained in his fight with Subriel Matias. Maxim’s trainer, Buddy McGirt called off the fight after the 11th round and said he wanted to stop it earlier.
Felicia Spencer criticizes team Cyborg for 'disrespectful' social media posts
Tom Taylor - July 25, 2019
Earlier this month, rumors briefly swirled suggesting that Felicia Spencer was out of her UFC 240 fight with Cris Cyborg. Though these rumors were quickly proven to be inaccurate, several posts on Cris Cyborg’s social media channels seemed to fan the flames, so to speak. Spencer was not happy about this.
CM Punk still training, open to another fight
Tom Taylor - July 25, 2019
Former WWE star CM Punk has now fought twice in the UFC’s Octagon, first losing by submission to Mickey Gall, then losing a lopsided decision to Mike Jackson. Despite these tough losses, however, the gritty pro veteran is still open to getting back on the horse and competing in the Octagon again. Punk, who still trains alongside UFC stars at Roufusport every day, discussed his future in the sport in a recent interview with ESPN.
Dana White to launch Zuffa Boxing in October
Tom Taylor - July 25, 2019
UFC President Dana White has been teasing a move into the boxing industry for years. From the sounds of it, the time is finally upon us. According to a report from Mike Coppinger of The Athletic Boxing, White recently made an important executive hire for Zuffa Boxing — though it’s not clear who he hired.
Teammate believes Conor McGregor may return by end of 2019
Fernando Quiles Jr. - July 25, 2019
Don’t close the book on a 2019 return for Conor McGregor just yet. McGregor has teased retirements and returns several times. The former UFC “champ-champ” competed back in Oct. 2018 against Khabib Nurmagomedov. “The Eagle” successfully retained his UFC lightweight title by submitting McGregor in the fourth round at UFC 229. Chaos ensued in a post-fight brawl and both men were suspended and fined for their roles in the fracas. They are both free to return to the Octagon now and Nurmagomedov will be in action on Sept. 7 against Dustin Poirier.
Frankie Edgar discusses possible featherweight title win, potential move to 135
Cole Shelton - July 25, 2019
In the main event of UFC 240, Frankie Edgar has the chance to become a two-division UFC champion. “The Answer” already held the lightweight title from 2010-2012. Since then, the 37-year-old has dropped down to featherweight, and has been chasing gold in the division ever since. At 145 pounds, Edgar has previously fought for the undisputed title and the interim title, both times against the former champ Jose Aldo, and both times losing by decision. Now, he has a chance to capture the belt once again, this time against reigning champ Max Holloway.
Dana White interested in booking Jorge Masvidal vs. Leon Edwards
Adam Martin - July 25, 2019
UFC president Dana White says he is interested in booking a high-profile welterweight grudge match between top contenders Jorge Masvidal and Leon Edwards. White told reporters that a fight between Masvidal and Edwards — who clearly do not like each other — intrigues him.
Georges St-Pierre names key to victory against Khabib Nurmagomedov
Tom Taylor - July 25, 2019
Over the last year, there’s been lots of talk about a potential super fight between former UFC welterweight and middleweight champion Georges St-Pierre, and current UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. Although St-Pierre is currently retired, he still seems to be interested in the fight. Speaking to TSN recently, the Canadian delved into the matchup itself, explaining how he would try to beat the undefeated Russian if given the chance.
UFC 240 | Pro fighters make their picks for Max Holloway vs. Frankie Edgar title fight
Cole Shelton - July 25, 2019
In the main event of UFC 240, Max Holloway is looking to defend his featherweight title when he takes on the former lightweight champion, Frankie Edgar. Heading into this fight, the featherweight champion is a -400 favorite, while “The Answer” is a +300 underdog. Ahead of the fight, BJPENN.com reached out to several pro fighters to get their predictions. As the odds suggest, most are leaning towards Holloway.
Two new fights announced for UFC Vancouver
Natasha Hooper - July 25, 2019
Two new bouts have been added to the upcoming UFC Vancouver fight card. Louis Smolka will face off against Ryan MacDonald at bantamweight, and Kyle Prepolec is scheduled to fight Austin Hubbard at lightweight.
Khabib Nurmagomedov tops Forbes list of most successful Russian athletes
Natasha Hooper - July 25, 2019
Khabib Nurmagomedov has earned the top spot on Forbes’ list for the most successful Russian athletes of 2019 (via Tass.Ru). The undefeated Dagestani fighter has risen through the ranks in the UFC and is now the promotion’s lightweight champion. He gained further international notoriety late last year when he fought Conor McGregor at UFC 229. “The Eagle” submitted his Irish rival in the fourth round.