MMA News
Anthony Smith shares interesting takeaway from Jon Jones' UFC 239 performance
Tom Taylor - July 10, 2019
UFC light heavyweight contender Anthony Smith is the only man to have fought both Jon Jones and Thiago Santos. As such, he has some unique insight into the pair’s UFC 239 fight, which Jones won via narrow split decision — easily one of his least impressive performances of late. Smith gave his thoughts on Jones’ UFC 239 performance during an appearance on MMA on Sirius XM.
Jomary Torres wishes to empower women through her life’s story
BJPENN.COM Staff - July 10, 2019
Filipina mixed martial artist Jomary Torres returns to action on July 12 at ONE: Masters of Destiny as she faces MIMMA Women’s Champion and Malaysia’s own Jihin “Shadow Cat” Radzuan at the Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur. There’s a lot at stake for Torres who has lost her last three bouts after a stellar start with ONE Championship, and now as she prepares for one of the most important matches of her career, she reflects back to her humble beginnings and the reason why she took up the sport.
Cris Cyborg hints that she could be rematching Amanda Nunes at UFC 240
Natasha Hooper - July 10, 2019
A rematch between UFC titans, Cris Cyborg and Amanda Nunes could be on the cards for UFC 240. Cyborg hinted at the possibility on Twitter. Cyborg’s last fight was against the current “Champ Champ”, Amanda Nunes in December 2018. Nunes administered Cyborg’s first loss of her UFC career. Viewers were left shocked by Nunes’ ferocious KO power that dismantled Cyborg in under a minute of the first round.
Why Angela Lee must win against Michelle Nicolini
BJPENN.COM Staff - July 10, 2019
ONE Women’s Atomweight World Champion “Unstoppable” Angela Lee makes her return to competition on 12 July in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in the co-main event of ONE: MAsters of Destiny. The card is shaping up to be an impressive one with Lee’s bout playing second fiddle only to the rematch between Giorgio Petrosyan and Petchmorakot Petchyindee Academy.
The remarkably similar careers of Alexander Gustafsson and Chad Mendes
Christopher Taylor - July 9, 2019
Newly retired UFC standouts Alexander Gustafsson and Chad Mendes never came close to competing in the same weight class, but their respective careers are remarkably similar. Former UFC featherweight title challenger Chad Mendes (18-5 MMA) confirmed his previously announced retirement plans earlier this evening. Meanwhile, former UFC light heavyweight title challenger Alexander Gustafsson (18-6 MMA) decided to hang up his gloves last month, this following a submission loss to Anthony Smith.
Cub Swanson vs. Kron Gracie in the works for October 12
Cole Shelton - July 9, 2019
Cub Swanson will look to snap his four-fight losing streak when he takes on jiu-jitsu ace, Kron Gracie on October 12. The news was first reported by ESPN’s Brett Okamoto. Swanson last fought back at UFC Ottawa where he dropped a split-decision to Shane Burgos. Before that, the longtime veteran of the Octagon was submitted by Renato Moicano, dropped a decision to Frankie Edgar and tapped out to Brian Ortega. The 35-year-old is currently 25-11 as a pro.
After KO loss, Duke Roufus expects Ben Askren to come back better than ever
Cole Shelton - July 9, 2019
Ben Askren suffered the first professional loss of his career at UFC 239. There, Jorge Masvidal knocked out “Funky” with a flying knee just five seconds into the fight. The nasty strike kept the Olympic wrestler unconscious for quite a while. In Askren’s corner was his coach, Duke Roufus who admits it was scary to see that happen. Although he knows the loss sucks, the coach has to give credit where credit is due. He knows the flying knee was a risky move by Masvidal and knows had he been one second earlier or later, the fight could have gone totally different.
Francis Ngannou and the heavyweight Rumble that needs to happen
Natasha Hooper - July 9, 2019
Francis Ngannou (14-3-0) is on a roll and shows no signs of slowing down. “The Predator” scored yet another first-round knockout victory last month at UFC Minneapolis, defeating former champion Junior dos Santos (21-6-0). Francis Ngannou has won three fights back to back. Disposing of Cain Valesquez earlier this year and Curtis Blaydes in 2018, Ngannou is sitting on a trilogy of first-round knockouts.
Chatri Sityodtong reacts to Ben Askren's first pro loss
Thomas Taylor - July 9, 2019
Over the weekend, former ONE Championship welterweight king Ben Askren experienced his first professional loss, succumbing to a flying knee just five seconds into a UFC 239 bout with Jorge Masvidal. Speaking on Facebook on Tuesday, ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong shared his take on the former ONE Champ’s first taste of defeat.
Marvin Vettori wants Israel Adesanya rematch, confident he 'will finish him'
Cole Shelton - July 9, 2019
Israel Adesanya is 17-0 as a pro mixed martial artist and 6-0 inside the UFC’s Octagon. While many of his UFC wins have looked quite effortless, others have come a little less easily, such as his second bout, which saw him defeat Marvin Vettori by split decision. At UFC on FOX 29, Adesanya fought Vettori and ended up winning, but it was close. One judge sided with the Italian, who is still the only person to win a judge’s favor against Adesanya in the UFC. Now, the 25-year-old wants the rematch against the interim champion and is confident he not only wins but finishes Adesanya.
Bibiano Fernandes discusses potential bout with John Lineker
Tom Taylor - July 9, 2019
Shortly after John Lineker announced that he has signed with ONE Championship, he set his sights on two of the Singapore-based promotion’s brightest shining stars: flyweight contender Demetrious Johnson and bantamweight champion Bibiano Fernandes. “He’s an excellent athlete, a great fighter, but I’m coming,” Lineker told MMA Fighting of the bantamweight champ Fernandes. “I want to do my best in there and put on a show for the fans. Bibiano is a great athlete, has a good ground game and heavy hands, but I’m going there to give them a show.”
Joe Rogan discusses Jorge Masvidal's 'brilliant' flying knee KO
Fernando Quiles Jr. - July 9, 2019
UFC color commentator Joe Rogan has weighed in on Jorge Masvidal’s historic knockout win against Ben Askren. Masvidal has been at the center of attention for cementing his place in the history books. At UFC 239, Masvidal took on Askren. “Gamebred” needed just five seconds to ice Askren with a flying knee. It’s the fastest knockout in UFC history, topping Duane Ludwig‘s six-second finish over Jonathan Goulet back in Jan. 2006.
VIDEO | Joe Rogan reacts to Amanda Nunes stopping Holly Holm
Tom Taylor - July 9, 2019
Amanda Nunes is making a habit of leaving UFC commentator Joe Rogan absolutely stunned at his cage-side perch. Just months removed from her jaw-dropping, first-round knockout of the seemingly unbeatable Cris Cyborg, Nunes delivered yet another violent first-round stoppage at UFC 239 on Saturday, hacking down the former champion Holly Holm with a head kick.
John Lineker calls out Demetrious Johnson for ONE Championship superfight
Adam Martin - July 9, 2019
It didn’t take long for John Lineker to feel comfortable in his new home. Just one day after signing with ONE Championship, Lineker called out Demetrious Johnson for a superfight. “If they want to make this superfight, I’m here. I’m here to fight him. It’s going to be the opportunity that I didn’t have before. Finally,” Lineker told MMAFighting.com.
Chael Sonnen reacts to Jorge Masvidal's 'scary' KO over Ben Askren
Fernando Quiles Jr. - July 9, 2019
Chael Sonnen was concerned for Ben Askren after Jorge Masvidal finished him in just five seconds. Askren vs. Masvidal took place at UFC 239 in Las Vegas. It had been dubbed as the “people’s main event,” and it certainly delivered in terms of the highlight reel and record books. Masvidal sprinted at Askren immediately and landed a flying knee that put “Funky” to sleep. The five-second finish broke the UFC record for fastest knockout.
UFC 239 medical suspensions revealed, Ben Askren gets lengthy sit after KO loss
Cole Shelton - July 9, 2019
Last weekend, the Octagon returned to Las Vegas, Nevada for International Fight Week and a stacked UFC 239 card. In the main event, light heavyweight champion, Jon Jones defended his title as he edged out a split-decision over Thiago Santos. During the fight, the Brazilian’s knee buckled numerous times, while “Bones” had to be carried out of the Octagon due to his own leg injury. Meanwhile, the co-main event saw Amanda Nunes knock out Holly Holm in the first frame to defend her bantamweight title.
Drakkar Klose removed from UFC Sacramento after Dariush injury
Natasha Hooper - July 9, 2019
Lightweight fighter Drakkar Klose revealed on Instagram he will no longer be fighting at UFC Sacramento. UFC Sacramento will take place this Saturday, July 13, at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento. One the fight card, Drakkar Klose was scheduled to fight Beneil Dariush.
VIDEO | Floyd Mayweather gets knocked down in charity basketball game
Natasha Hooper - July 9, 2019
Floyd Mayweather is arguably the best boxer of all time. His incredible footwork, agility and allusive boxing style is the reason why he has never been dropped throughout his unbeaten (50-0) career. However, his luck ran out yesterday, when he finally went to the floor in a sports match that no one anticipated. The undefeated champion always fancied himself as a talented basketball player and yesterday he got the chance to prove it. Mayweather participated in a charity basketball match in Los Angeles.