MMA News

Adam Martin - June 7, 2019

Former UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson is generally regarded as one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters in MMA history, but the criticism directed towards him during his run in the Octagon was that he wasn’t a draw for fans. Now a member of ONE Championship, Johnson was the most dominant flyweight and arguably the most dominant fighter in MMA period between 2012 and 2018. However, for whatever reason, Johnson just never appealed to fans as a box-office draw, with his pay-per-view numbers being lower than some other champions during his time in the UFC.

Tom Taylor - June 7, 2019

Tony Ferguson has had plenty to say about UFC President Dana White over the last few days — and none of it has been good. From the sounds of it, Ferguson’s growing disdain for White stems from the comments the UFC boss made after Ferguson was forced out of a 2018 fight with Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Tom Taylor - June 7, 2019

For a little while, it sounded like WWE star Brock Lesnar might finally return to the UFC’s Octagon for a heavyweight title fight with Daniel Cormier this year. Unfortunately for Lesnar fans, this long-awaited fight ultimately fizzled out, as Lesnar recommitted to his pro wrestling career. Shortly after it became clear that Brock Lesnar would not be returning to the UFC, Wrestling Observer Newsletter’s Dave Meltzer reported that the former heavyweight champ’s negotiations with the UFC were hindered by the promotion’s new pay-per-view model.

Tom Taylor - June 7, 2019

The UFC returns to Chicago this weekend with the stacked UFC 238 card. The card will be topped by a pair of compelling title fights. In the main event, UFC flyweight champion Henry Cejudo will move up to the bantamweight division to battle streaking contender Marlon Moraes for the vacant title. In the co-main event, meanwhile, flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko will attempt to defend her title opposite top contender Jessica Eye.

Natasha Hooper - June 7, 2019

“The Motown Phenom” Kevin Lee joined Joe Rogan on his podcast this week to discuss all things MMA. A notable topic of discussion was a potential fight between Lee and UFC legend, George St-Pierre.

Tom Taylor - June 7, 2019

Henry Cejudo put on quite a show at UFC 238 media day on Thursday (see it here). The flyweight champion arrived at the festivities wearing a crown and a cape, and when it came time for his pre-fight face-off with his opponent Marlon Moraes, clambered onto the stage with an armful of props. There was a Mickey Mouse toy, which Cejudo kicked into the crowd. There was a rubber snake, which the champ whipped at the ground. There was a plush rabbit, drawn from a top hat, which met a similar fate to its rodent cousin Mickey.

Tom Taylor - June 7, 2019

Speaking to ESPN recently, UFC President Dana White updated on the fighting future of former two-division champ and MMA mega star Conor McGregor. The UFC boss explained that McGregor’s massive financial success is allowing him to sit back wait for the right moment to return. He also assured that the UFC’s new pay-per-view model — PPVS are now available exclusively through ESPN — has nothing to do with the delay on McGregor’s return.

Thomas Taylor - June 6, 2019

Henry Cejudo continues to come out of his shell. The UFC flyweight champion, who will battle Marlon Moraes for the vacant bantamweight strap in the UFC 238 main event this Saturday, showed up to Thursday’s media day dressed in a crown and cape, with plenty of other props to boot.

Drake Riggs - June 6, 2019

Being the first to do something is always a special and memorable feat no matter the endeavor. There is an uncountable number of things that someone or something could be first at or first to do. As that’s the case when literally racing someone, it can turn everything else into metaphorical versions of it too. After a goal or objective is completed for the very first time, history more often than not will end up repeating itself at some point down the line. It just depends on how much. Perhaps it could even do so multiple times before the other beginnings can unfold in their own right.

Cole Shelton - June 6, 2019

At UFC 242, Khabib Nurmagomedov will look to defend his lightweight title against Dustin Poirier in Abu Dhabi. The champion is already a big betting favorite. Although the odds are against Poirier, UFC welterweight Kevin Lee believes it is a much tougher fight for Nurmagomedov than many think. The reason for that thinking is simple. He suspects Poirier’s footwork will be too good for Khabib.

Tom Taylor - June 6, 2019

Until recently, top UFC lightweights Tony Ferguson and Conor McGregor were both managed by Paradigm Sports. In April, however, Ferguson parted ways with Paradigm and signed with Ballengee Group. Speaking to ESPN, Ferguson opened on his departure from Paradigm, claiming he left because the company did everything they could to keep him from a fight with fellow client McGregor.

Tom Taylor - June 6, 2019

As always, the fighting future of former two-division UFC champ Conor McGregor is shrouded in uncertainty. If one of his latest Tweets is to be taken at face value, however, he will indeed return to the Octagon. Speaking on his Twitter account, McGregor noted that he’s already fought eleven times in the UFC, and confirmed that he will fight fight in the Octagon for a twelfth time. Twelve, of course, is an important number for the Irishman behind the popular Proper No. Twelve Irish whiskey.

Adam Martin - June 6, 2019

There were rumors floating around on social media in the days before UFC 238 that Henry Cejudo has been injured, which would put his vacant bantamweight title fight against Marlon Moraes on Saturday in jeopardy. Hearing info from a source who says he was in the #ufc workout room last night and #HenryCejudo may have been injured. Source says there was a loud scream like he tore something, followed by a pause, and then another loud yell. Hoping to verify here shortly. #ufc238

Tom Taylor - June 6, 2019

Tony Ferguson is scheduled to return to the cage opposite Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone at UFC 238 this Saturday. Before this bout was announced, however, the former interim lightweight champion was dealing with some personal issues that cast uncertainty on his fighting future. Amid Ferguson’s struggles outside the cage, UFC President Dana White claimed that the fighter would need to be evaluated before returning to the cage.

Adam Martin - June 6, 2019

Tony Ferguson returns to action this Saturday against Donald Cerrone at UFC 238, but before the fight he went on the offensive against the manager of UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, none other than Ali Abdelaziz. In a pre-fight scrum with the media, Ferguson ripped the manager and criticized his persona on social media.

Cole Shelton - June 6, 2019

In the main event of UFC 238, the vacant bantamweight title is on this line. Flyweight champion Henry Cejudo is moving up in weight to try and become a two-division champ, while top contender, Marlon Moraes will look to win his first UFC title. Ahead of the fight, BJPENN.com reached out to several pro fighters to get their predictions for the fight. Some believe Moraes’ explosivenesses will be too much, while others think Cejudo’s wrestling will make the difference.

Tom Taylor - June 6, 2019

Heading into his Saturday night UFC 238 fight with Donald Cerrone, former UFC interim lightweight champion Tony Ferguson has had to deal with some personal issues outside the cage. These issues have caused some fans to question his focus and his mental health. Tony Ferguson has a message for those doubters.

Cole Shelton - June 6, 2019

Donald Cerrone and Tony Ferguson are set to throw down this Saturday at UFC 238. It will be a battle between two fan favorites, and a fight that should earn the winner the next title shot. The stakes are high for this one, and “Cowboy” believes it will be an entertaining scrap where anything can happen.