MMA News
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.
James Gallagher says Conor McGregor 'shouldn't come back unless he gets what he deserves'
Cole Shelton - June 19, 2019
Back in March, Conor McGregor announced his retirement from MMA. Many people believed it was only to keep him in the headlines and he would soon return to action. But, as of right now, there is still no word on if or when the Irishman will return to the Octagon. According to his teammate in James Gallagher, he believes the former champ-champ won’t return unless he gets what he deserves. What Conor McGregor deserves, says Gallagher is a share in the UFC.
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.
Valentina Shevchenko discusses call with President of Kyrgyzstan, lobbies for UFC event in country
Tom Taylor - June 19, 2019
Earlier this month, in the co-main event of UFC 238 in Chicago, Kyrgyzstan’s Valentina Shevchenko defended the UFC flyweight title with a beautiful head kick knockout of challenger Jessica Eye. Shortly after this dazzling victory, she received a congratulatory phone call from Kyrgyz President Sooronbay Jeenbekov. This isn’t the first this has happened, but it was still a pretty special moment for the flyweight champ.
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
UFC Greenville | Pro fighters make their picks for Renato Moicano vs. Korean Zombie
Cole Shelton - June 19, 2019
The Octagon heads to South Carolina for UFC Greenville this Saturday. In the main event, Renato Moicano is taking on Chan Sung Jung aka “The Korean Zombie”. There, both fighters are looking to get back into the win column after recent losses. Ahead of the fight, BJPENN.com reached out to several pro fighters to get their predictions for the fight. In this case, it was almost unanimous, as most believe Korean Zombie will be too much for Moicano.
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.
Paulo Costa says ex-trainer was a 'snitch' and tried to blackmail him with IV video
Cole Shelton - June 18, 2019
Paulo Costa is set to return to the Octagon at UFC 241 against Yoel Romero. It will be the Brazilian’s first fight since being sidelined for six months due to a USADA suspension. His suspension came in part due to a leaked video of Costa using IV’s after weigh-ins. There, the Brazilian says he found out the leak came from an ex-trainer.
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.”
Elias Theodorou discusses release from UFC
Tom Taylor - June 18, 2019
Despite an 8-3 promotional record against solid competition, Canadian middleweight Elias Theodorou was recently released by the UFC. The move, though widely derided by fans, has not left Theodorou with any ill will toward the UFC. “I have no ill will toward the UFC,” Theodorou told MMA Junkie. “I don’t think being upset about it does anyone good. Especially myself. I don’t want to burn any bridges, but I also want to look at it in the positive aspects where I’m happy and healthy, and I’ve been successful in 20 of my professional times.”