MMA News
Gegard Mousasi interested in Bellator welterweight title — under the right conditions
Tom Taylor - June 20, 2019
This weekend, in the main event of Bellator 223, Gegard Mousasi will attempt to defend the Bellator middleweight strap opposite Rafael Lovato Jr. If he’s successful on this mission, he may then seek a second title in another Bellator division. Previously, Mousasi has expressed interest in moving up to the light heavyweight division to battle reigning champion Ryan Bader for his belt. That being said, he’s now hinting at a potential move down to welterweight, but only if Douglas Lima captures the title from Rory MacDonald, as Mousasi has already decisively beaten MacDonald.
Robert Whittaker vs. Israel Adesanya headlines UFC 243 in Melbourne
Adam Martin - June 20, 2019
The two best middleweights in MMA are set to fight in a title unification bout this fall. According to a report from Raphael Marinho of Combate, UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker will take on interim UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya in the main event of UFC 243, which takes place October 6 at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, Australia. It is the biggest fight in MMA history between fighters from Australia and New Zealand.
Dana White weighs in on the post-UFC fight career of Rory MacDonald
Christopher Taylor - June 19, 2019
UFC President Dana White recently shared his thoughts on the post-UFC fight career of current Bellator welterweight champion Rory MacDonald. MacDonald had made headlines earlier this year, this after he questioned his desire to inflict pain on others following a draw with Jon Fitch.
Artem Lobov says Paulie Malignaggi doesn't have 'a clue what he is in for'
Cole Shelton - June 19, 2019
In the main event of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship 6 this Saturday, Artem Lobov is taking on Paulie Malignaggi. The two have gone back-and-forth with trash talk, and it even got to the point where the former boxing champion spit on “The Russian Hammer” at a press conference. Now, they will finally settle their differences inside the cage. There it will be Lobov’s second fight in BKFC, while it will be Malignaggi’s debut. With the experience in hand, Artem Lobov believes it won’t be a challenge for him to defeat Paulie Malignaggi.
Dana White fires back at UFC fans 'terrorizing' him over Tony Ferguson title shot
Tom Taylor - June 19, 2019
Tony Ferguson wants a shot at the UFC lightweight title currently owned by Khabib Nurmagomedov. Riding high on 12-straight wins over some of the division’s best fighters, he’s more than earned the opportunity, and he’s getting tired of waiting. As it turns out, his fans are tired of waiting too.
Julianna Pena makes short-notice return at UFC Sacramento, takes on Nicco Montano
Adam Martin - June 19, 2019
Former Ultimate Fighter winner Julianna Pena has not fought since January 2017, but she’ll be making her return to the Octagon next month at UFC Sacramento. According to Damon Martin of MMAFighting.com, Pena is stepping up on short notice to replace the injured Sara McMann and take on Nicco Montano in a women’s bantamweight bout at UFC Fight Night 155, which takes place July 13 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California.
Why Sage Northcutt can come back stronger from tough ONE debut
BJPENN.COM Staff - June 19, 2019
At ONE: Enter the Dragon in Singapore last May 17, Sage Northcutt’s ONE Championship debut didn’t last very long. Unfortunately for Northcutt, he was on the losing end of a destructive finish. As tough of an evening as it was for Northcutt, there is still room for recovery and improvement. There are a lot of things in his favor, but let’s first break down how it all happened.
Ben Askren responds to warning from Jorge Masvidal
Tom Taylor - June 19, 2019
Speaking on the latest episode of BJPenn.com Radio, Jorge Masvidal warned that if his UFC 239 opponent Ben Askren gets too close ahead of their July 6 fight, he could wind up getting the same treatment as Leon Edwards — a three-piece and a soda. In layman’s terms, a few punches outside the cage.
Dana White explains how he would 'rebuild' boxing business
Tom Taylor - June 19, 2019
UFC President Dana White has long teased a move into the boxing business, and with the unveiling of the new UFC Apex facility, and rumors that UFC parent company Endeavor could potentially purchase Premier Boxing Champions (PBC), that move is looking more imminent than ever. If White does jump into the boxing industry, he is confident he can breathe new life into the sport, which he believes is hindered by a broken business model.
Alex Volkanovski makes prediction for Holloway vs. Edgar
Cole Shelton - June 19, 2019
Max Holloway will look to defend his featherweight title against Frankie Edgar in the main event of UFC 240 in Edmonton this July. That being said, many thought Alex Volkanovski would get the title shot against Holloway after he beat Jose Aldo. In the end, the UFC decided on Edgar which leaves the Aussie on the sidelines awaiting the winner of the fight. But given the stakes of this featherweight title bout, Alex Volkanovski says he plans on being in Edmonton in case anything happens.
Jorge Masvidal: Ben Askren could get Leon Edwards treatment if he oversteps
Mike Pendleton - June 19, 2019
In a fight that likely has some title implications in the welterweight division, Jorge Masvidal has a personal goal for his UFC 239 opponent, Ben Askren. Since his arrival into the UFC, “Funky” Ben Askren has gotten under the skin of a lot of fighters, especially in the welterweight division, but Masvidal isn’t here for any jokes or games. Askren is coming off a controversial win over Robbie Lawler at UFC 235, the first fight of his UFC career, after a long beef with Dana White kept him away from the promotion. During a recent interview with BJPenn.com Radio, Masvidal discussed his fight with Askren and said he’d like to break the wrestling specialist’s face “on a personal note.”
Conor McGregor hints at upcoming meeting with Dana White
Tom Taylor - June 19, 2019
Yesterday, the UFC unveiled its new Apex facility — which includes a swanky new office for UFC President Dana White. Pictures of White’s new digs quickly began making the rounds on social media, and before long, former UFC lightweight and featherweight champion Conor McGregor was chiming in, expressing interesting in a meeting with the UFC boss. The new office is looking great Dana, congrats on the re-up! I’ll catch ye soon and we’ll lock stock.For two smoking barrels. pic.twitter.com/xR8cc4Mfjd
Dana White has heard 'Tom Cruise would do the fight' with Justin Bieber
Tom Taylor - June 19, 2019
Pop star Justin Bieber recently made headlines by calling for a UFC fight with Hollywood actor Tom Cruise — although he then walked that call-out back, admitting a fight with Cruise is most likely Risky Business, and that he’d probably lose. Well, it sounds like Bieber will potentially have to answer for his words anyway.
VIDEO | Anderson Silva’s son wins Muay Thai debut by TKO
Natasha Hooper - June 19, 2019
Anderson Silva’s son, Gabriel Silva is following in the footsteps of his father as he secured a confident TKO victory in his combat sports debut. MMA veterans have paved the way for the next new wave of prospective fighters, and one of the greatest rewards is being able to pass the baton on to a family member. In this case, Silva gives the honour to his son, who won his first ever Muay Thai fight last Saturday, June 15 at WCK 35 in southern California. The young Silva beat his opponent, Nick Navarro during the second round in a light heavyweight bout.
UFC Apex to host boxing event featuring Dana White's son
Adam Martin - June 19, 2019
UFC president Dana White has long promised he would get into the boxing business, and it appears that dream is nearing reality. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday before the new season of the Contender Series at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, White said the newly-built facility will host a boxing event in the coming months, and one of the boxers on the card will be none other than White’s own son.
Dana White: "Brock Lesnar made right decision" not returning to UFC
Mike Pendleton - June 18, 2019
After a year of speculation that his return was happening, former UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar decided not to return to the UFC and opted to re-sign with WWE instead. Following Lesnar’s decision, the UFC booked a heavyweight title rematch between champion Daniel Cormier and former champion Stipe Miocic, who waited out the rumors of Lesnar’s return, and got the rematch he had been calling for. While there were reports that Lesnar and the UFC could not come to an agreement because of their new ESPN deal, UFC President Dana White shut those rumors down immediately. Now that the dust has settled with the heavyweight title fight, White gave his thoughts on the former champion sticking with WWE. Speaking on ESPN MMA’s Instagram ahead of the 2019 Contender Series season premiere, White was asked about Brock Lesnar’s decision and he said he believes Lesnar made the right decision.
Valentina Shevchenko to defend title vs Liz Carmouche at UFC Uruguay
Mike Pendleton - June 18, 2019
UFC women’s flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko is getting right back into the Octagon after her first successful title defense. Shevchenko defeated Jessica Eye at UFC 238 in Chicago with a highlight reel head kick earlier this month, and she’s getting a quick turnaround for her second title defense. According to Brett Okamoto of ESPN citing multiple sources, Shevchenko will defend her flyweight title against Liz Carmouche on August 10, in the main event of UFC Uruguay.
Manager believes Conor McGregor is next if Anthony Pettis defeats Nate Diaz
Cole Shelton - June 18, 2019
Anthony Pettis is set to take on Nate Diaz at UFC 241. But, that isn’t stopping his manager, Abraham Kawa from thinking of what could be next for the former lightweight champ. Kawa believes if “Showtime” gets past the Stockton native, a fight against Conor McGregor should be next on the agenda. “Even Conor fighting Khabib (Nurmagomedov), I don’t think that’s the fight,” Kawa said to MMA Junkie. “I actually don’t want to see that fight right now. Maybe after a while, yes. But right now I think Conor vs. Anthony is the fight. I’m looking at it as (if) Anthony beats Nate, and I think Conor is next on the horizon.”