MMA News

Mike Heck - June 25, 2019

When it comes to hindsight, even UFC president Dana White can take a look back on decision making with a different lens. With the sport of mixed martial arts evolving at such a frenetic pace, finding MMA’a next big star has become a daunting task. One of the fighters who garnered a lot of attention after a huge win in a headline position was welterweight Darren Till. It seemed like “The Gorilla” would be off to the races following his first round finish of Donald Cerrone at UFC Fight Night 118 in October 2017, which was followed by a unanimous decision win over, then, top contender Stephen Thompson seven months later.

Adam Martin - June 25, 2019

Leave it to Ben Askren to go big-game hunting. At the UFC 239 pre-fight press conference, Askren was asked who his ideal next three opponents were. The first name he listed was Jorge Masvidal, who he fights at UFC 239 on July 6 in Las Vegas. The second name was Kamaru Usman, the UFC welterweight champion. And the third name was the Canadian legend himself, Georges St-Pierre.

Natasha Hooper - June 25, 2019

CBD is making waves in professional sport. The legalization of Marijuana in different states is opening doors for business, especially for companies who are eager to capitalize off new sponsorship opportunities. Many of these business prospects are popping up in the MMA world, and Bellator is leading the way. This week they announced a multi-year, exclusive partnership with cbdMD, Inc. The MMA promotion is joining forces with the American registered cannabinoid (CBD). As a result, cbdMD will receive an array of integrated partnership assets such as category-exclusive branding inside the Bellator cage. CbdMD joins corporate powerhouses such as Monster Energy and Burger King who sponsor Bellator.

Tom Taylor - June 25, 2019

Look over the impressive resume of Jon Jones, and you’ll spot only a single loss: a 2009 disqualification to Matt Hamill. This DQ occurred after Jones hammered Hamill with a series of illegal, 12-6 downward elbows, and has been a subject of controversy among many fans ever since. The primary argument is that Jones absolutely decimated Hamill with a maneuver that should probably be legal anyway.

Natasha Hooper - June 25, 2019

Diego Sanchez has cut ties with his former training home, Jackson-Wink MMA after not receiving the training he requires. Jackson-Wink MMA in Albuquerque, New Mexico is considered one of the top MMA training centres in the world and has been the training home of many exceptional fighters. Diego Sanchez is no exception and has been a flag bearer of the company throughout his career. However, the time has come for Sanchez to step away and explore other avenues to develop his training.

Natasha Hooper - June 25, 2019

Ben Askren doesn’t shy away from a twitter roast. Today is no exception as he mocks Colby Covington for not getting a title shot. Askren, the former Olympic wrestler and Bellator champion prepares for his second UFC appearance against Jorge Masvidal. The winner of the fight will likely get a title shot against current champion, Kamaru Usman.

Christopher Taylor - June 24, 2019

Earlier tonight news broke that former interim welterweight champion Colby Covington would be returning to the octagon at August’s UFC Newark event against former division kingpin Robbie Lawler. The booking came as a shock to many, as it was anticipated that Covington would serve as the first challenger to newly crowned division title holder Kamaru Usman.

Christopher Taylor - June 24, 2019

It was expected that current UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman would fight former interim champ Colby Covington in his first attempted title defense. However, that is no longer the case as it was reported earlier this evening that Covington would be returning to the cage this August in Newark against former division title holder Robbie Lawler.

Adam Martin - June 24, 2019

Count UFC president Dana White among the parties interested in a third fight between rivals Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier. Speaking to Brett Okamoto of ESPN, White said he’s interested in a trilogy bout between Jones and Cormier, and he wants to see the trilogy fight take place at heavyweight.

Christopher Taylor - June 24, 2019

UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones is set to defend his title against Thiago Santos at UFC 239, but that hasn’t stopped chatter of a trilogy fight with reigning heavyweight champ and bitter rival Daniel Cormier. ‘DC’ is set to return to action in the headliner of August’s UFC 241 event for a rematch with former title holder Stipe Miocic.

Cole Shelton - June 24, 2019

Before Henry Cejudo fought Marlon Moraes at UFC 238, he said a win over the top bantamweight fighter would make him the top pound-for-pound fighter in the sport. After all, he was already the flyweight champion and was looking to become the bantamweight title holder as well, this in addition to being a former Olympic gold medalist. “First and foremost guys. You guys are acting a little shy. I would like to start off by, I’ve been called some nasty things in my life and I’m sick of it,” Henry Cejudo said at his media luncheon before UFC 238. “I’ve been called a gold digger, I’ve been called a son of a gold, I’ve been called an Olympic champion, UFC champion, Hall of Famer, author, dreamcatcher, dream snatcher, G.O.A.T. killer, the king of cringe, greatest combat athlete of all-time. But, never have I been called the ‘P’ word and I’m sick of it.

Adam Martin - June 24, 2019

Former UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo has signed a new, long-term contract with the UFC, ending any rumors of his impending retirement. According to a report from ESPN.com’s Brett Okamoto, Aldo recently signed a new deal with the UFC and will not retire in 2019, as was previously rumored. UFC president Dana White told ESPN about the new deal for Jose Aldo, and the Brazilian’s head coach Andre Pederneiras confirmed that the long-time featherweight champion indeed inked a new deal prior to his UFC 237 bout against Alexander Volkanovski.

Adam Martin - June 24, 2019

Despite being next in line for a featherweight title shot later this year against the winner of UFC 240’s Max Holloway vs. Frankie Edgar, top-ranked contender Alexander Volkanovski has his sights set on a money fight against Conor McGregor. “Oh mate, I would love that,” Volkanovski said (via TheBodyLockMMA.com). “Again, money, money, money. I know he’s game. I’ll be completely different problems that he’s never dealt with, as well. I’m a pretty bad matchup for him.”

Fernando Quiles Jr. - June 24, 2019

It appears UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones doesn’t see interim UFC middleweight title holder Israel Adesanya as a threat. Jones and Adesanya are on different paths in the immediate future, but that hasn’t stopped the two men from trading barbs. Jon Jones will defend his 205-pound gold against Thiago Santos in the main event of UFC 239 on July 6. Adesanya will take on Robert Whittaker in a middleweight title unification bout later this year.

Fernando Quiles Jr. - June 24, 2019

Artem Lobov is done trading barbs with Paulie Malignaggi after their BKFC 6 scrap. This past Saturday night (June 22), Lobov and Malignaggi went the distance inside the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall in Tampa. There was plenty of bad blood going into the bout. Malignaggi slapped Lobov and even spat on him in the lead-up to their BKFC 6 main event. Lobov ended up scoring the unanimous decision victory and the two embraced.

Cole Shelton - June 24, 2019

Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier have arguably the biggest rivalry in MMA. The two have fought two times before. They first fought at UFC 182, when Jones beat Cormier by decision to defend the light heavyweight title. They fought for a second time at UFC 214. This time, it was “DC” who was the champion, but Jones once again came out on top. However, the fight was eventually ruled a no-contest after Jones tested positive for turinabol.

BJPENN.COM Staff - June 24, 2019

New Zealand-Malaysian star Ev Ting is getting back to basics ahead of his clash with Japan’s Daichi Abe at ONE: Masters of Destiny in Malaysia. The 29-year-old has been a mainstay of what is arguably ONE Championship’s most talent-rich division for over five years, where he’s experienced plenty of success in establishing himself as one of its toughest competitors.

Fernando Quiles Jr. - June 24, 2019

Brendan Schaub doesn’t believe Artem Lobov vs. Paulie Malignaggi lived up to expectations, but it isn’t all doom and gloom. BKFC 6 took place inside the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall in Tampa. Headlining the card was a grudge match between Lobov and Malignaggi. In the end, Lobov was awarded the unanimous decision victory.