MMA News
UFC rankings update: 'Cowboy' climbs into lightweight top-5
Tom Taylor - May 9, 2019
The official UFC rankings have been updated in the wake of last weekend’s UFC Ottawa card, and as expected, Donald Cerrone has made a big climb on the strength of his rousing decision defeat of Al Iaquinta. The fan favorite, known affectionately as “Cowboy,” now holds the number four spot in the lightweight division. These latest UFC rankings also include some big changes in the women’s bantamweight division, as Macy Chiasson has surged up on the list after a stoppage win over Sarah Moras.
Diego Ferreira expecting a war with Francisco Trinaldo in UFC 237 PPV opener
Cole Shelton - May 9, 2019
Diego Ferreira is ready for arguably the biggest fight of his career when he takes on Francisco Trinaldo in the pay-per-view opener of UFC 237. When the Brazilian first heard about the fight he was ecstatic as he knows a win over Trinaldo will most likely put him into the UFC lightweight rankings.
Gilbert Melendez returns to the Octagon at UFC 239
Natasha Hooper - May 9, 2019
Former UFC title challenger and Strikeforce lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez (22-7) returns to fight Arnold Allen (14-1) at UFC 239 on July 6. They meet in Vegas! @GilbertMelendez vs @Arnoldbfa is official for #UFC239 pic.twitter.com/uHs8anH1SR
Conor McGregor takes aim at Jose Aldo, proceeds to delete post
Christopher Taylor - May 9, 2019
Former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor took aim at former rival Jose Aldo on Wednesday, accusing the Brazilian of being back on the sauce. The UFC had shared a photo of the Brazilian on their official Instagram page, which resulted in the following comment from ‘Mystic Mac’.
UFC 237 | Pro fighters make their picks for Rose Namajunas vs. Jessica Andrade
Cole Shelton - May 9, 2019
In the main event of UFC 237 on Saturday, strawweight champion Rose Namajunas will look to defend her title in Brazil against the country’s own Jessica Andrade. Ahead of the fight, BJPENN.com reached out to several pro fighters to get their predictions. Although Andrade is the slight betting favorite, Namajunas is the favorite to win according to the pros.
Joe Rogan on Conor McGregor: 'He’s always going to have a problem with Khabib'
Natasha Hooper - May 9, 2019
Conor McGregor will always have a problem with Khabib Nurmagomedov, according to Joe Rogan. The UFC commentator and comedian invited Lex Fridman, an AI research scientist, onto his Joe Rogan Experience podcast on Monday to discuss an array of topics including autonomous cars and MMA.
UFC 239 | Ben Askren believes Jorge Masvidal dislikes him because of fight purse disparity
Cole Shelton - May 9, 2019
Ben Askren and Jorge Masvidal will finally settle their feud at UFC 239, during International Fight Week. The two have gone back-and-forth on social media, trash-talking each other . It first started when Askren went to London to pick a fight against the winner of Darren Till vs. Jorge Masvidal. Now that the two are set to fight, the rivalry has only gotten more heated. Masvidal went on the Joe Rogan Experience and explained what he plans to do to Askren.
Mairbek Taisumov issues scathing response to deleted Conor McGregor Tweet
Tom Taylor - May 9, 2019
Earlier this week, former UFC lightweight and featherweight champion Conor McGregor made some scathing comments about a number of the top Russian fighters on the UFC roster, namely Zubaira Tukhugov, Islam Makhachev, and Mairbek Taisumov. This comment from McGregor, which was made on Twitter and has since been deleted, accused the aforementioned fighters of performance enhancing drug use and referred to them as “dirty, smelly rats.” https://twitter.com/MMATeamDagestan/status/1125088821987528704
UFC 237 | Jared Cannonier confident he can knock Anderson Silva out
Cole Shelton - May 8, 2019
Jared Cannonier is set for arguably the biggest fight of his career this Saturday, in the co-main event of UFC 237. The 10th ranked middleweight will be taking on one of the greatest fighters of all time in Anderson Silva. Learn how to watch UFC 237 here. Although Silva is ranked below him, Cannonier still understands how big of a fight this is. And, with fight week now upon us, the work is done and the 35-year-old middleweight is just ready for Saturday.
TJ Dillashaw loses Monster Energy sponsorship
Natasha Hooper - May 8, 2019
Things are continuing to go downhill for TJ Dillashaw, as Monster Energy have terminated their sponsorship deal with the former UFC bantamweight champion. Ariel Helwani revealed on Twitter that the promotional deal signed in Dec 2018 has ended. Monster Energy has parted ways with TJ Dillashaw, according to Monster's Hans Molenkamp. The company signed him to a promotional deal in Dec. 2018. Dillashaw, the former UFC bantamweight champion, is currently serving a two-year suspension after he tested positive for EPO in Jan.
Anderson Silva urges Dana White to book Conor McGregor super fight
Tom Taylor - May 8, 2019
Over the last few months, former UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva has made several mentions of a potential super fight with former UFC lightweight and featherweight champion Conor McGregor. McGregor, never one to turn down a challenge, has shown reciprocal interest in this matchup. Despite the mutual interest Anderson Silva and Conor McGregor have in fighting one another, however, the matchup still looks pretty unlikely. Speaking to TMZ Sports this week, Silva did what he could to change that, pushing UFC President Dana White to book the fight.
Rory MacDonald explains how 'new relationship with Jesus Christ' has changed him as a fighter
Tom Taylor - May 8, 2019
Ever since his contentious Bellator 220 draw with Jon Fitch, there’s been some question about what the future holds for Bellator welterweight champion Rory MacDonald. Much of that uncertainty stems from the comments he’s made about his flagging urge to hurt people. Speaking on Ariel Helwani’s MMA Show on Monday, MacDonald added a bit of clarity to the situation. He explained that, since rediscovering his faith, he no longer feels the anger he once did when he steps into the cage.
Christian Lee recounts past training sessions with opponent Shinya Aoki
Tom Taylor - May 8, 2019
Christian Lee, the younger brother of ONE Atomweight World Champion Angela Lee, has spent the recent years of his career establishing himself as one of the top fighters in the ONE featherweight division. So, when he found himself on the receiving end of a respectful callout from ONE Lightweight World Champion Shinya Aoki, he was a little surprised. “Initially, it came as a shock,” Lee told BJPenn.com. “I wasn’t expecting it — I’m sure no one was expecting it.
Ben Askren received some advice from Bjorn Rebney after UFC debut
Tom Taylor - May 8, 2019
It’s been awhile since we’ve heard from former Bellator boss Bjorn Rebney. He’s been quiet ever since it was announced he’d be working with the seemingly defunct Mixed Martial Arts Athletes Association (MMAAA) in 2016. Apparently, however, the former Bellator chief has been in contact with former Bellator welterweight champ Ben Askren, who is now making waves in the UFC welterweight division. Speaking on Ariel Helwani’s MMA Show on Monday, Askren divulged that he received a message from Rebney shortly after he submitted Robbie Lawler in his first UFC bout.
UFC 237 | Returning Bethe Correia: 'The division needs me'
Drake Riggs - May 8, 2019
It has been six years since former UFC title challenger, Bethe ‘Pitbull’ Correia picked up a victory in her native country of Brazil. However, she looks to change that come this Saturday night in Rio de Janeiro. At UFC 237, Correia will make her return to action when she takes on Mexico’s Irene Aldana. For the 14-fight veteran in Correia, this will be her first fight since she headlined UFC Singapore opposite Holly Holm in June 2017. Unfortunately for the Brazilian, she suffered defeat that night via third-round knockout.
Kayla Harrison likes her chances against Khabib Nurmagomedov in a Judo match
Drake Riggs - May 7, 2019
When it comes to Judo players in MMA, there is no one better right now than PFL lightweight, Kayla Harrison. The undefeated 3-0 American Top Team product is a two-time Olympic gold medalist and her dominance has so far carried over to the MMA world with great effect.
Dana White to meet with Conor McGregor soon, expects a summer return
Mike Pendleton - May 7, 2019
During a recent appearance on the Jim Rome Show, UFC President Dana White said that he has plans to meet with Conor McGregor within a week. “He and I are getting together very soon, within the next week, and we’re going to figure out what’s next for him” White said. “I see him fighting this summer”.
Dana White on Jordan Burroughs in the UFC: 'I'd be very interested'
Drake Riggs - May 7, 2019
Last night in Madison Square Garden’s Hulu Theater, wrestling fans were treated to a dream match at Beat the Streets NYC 2019 between two of the best to ever do it. One of which has been argued as the best. The pairing saw 16-time gold medalist world champion, Jordan Burroughs matched against undefeated top UFC welterweight contender and former Bellator and ONE Championship king, ‘Funky’ Ben Askren.