MMA News
Two top UFC lightweights offer to step in for Dan Hooker against Justin Gaethje
Harry Kettle - February 25, 2025
Two top UFC lightweights have offered to step in and fight Justin Gaethje in place of Dan Hooker at UFC 313 next month. In case you missed the news overnight, Dan Hooker will no longer be competing against Justin Gaethje at UFC 313 in March. He seems to have suffered a hand injury that will put him on the shelf for an undisclosed period of time, leaving Gaethje without an opponent.
Dan Hooker confirms he is out of UFC 313 fight against Justin Gaethje
Harry Kettle - February 25, 2025
UFC star Dan Hooker has announced that he is out of his scheduled UFC 313 fight against Justin Gaethje. As we know, Dan Hooker was set to return to the Octagon for an absolutely insane lightweight collision with Justin Gaethje at UFC 313. Unfortunately, that’ll no longer be happening. Following on from reports in the MMA media, the man himself posted a video that confirmed he will be out of action as a result of a hand injury.
Just Scrap Radio Ep. 191 with John Castaneda and Austen Lane
Cole Shelton - February 25, 2025
The 191st episode of Just Scrap Radio on BJPENN.com with host Cole Shelton is live to preview UFC Vegas 103. We’re first joined by UFC bantamweight John Castaneda (0:57). We close things out by chatting with UFC heavyweight Austen Lane (15:07).
What's next for Song Yadong and Henry Cejudo after UFC Seattle?
Cole Shelton - February 25, 2025
The UFC was in Seattle, Washington on Saturday for UFC Seattle. The main event saw Song Yadong take on Henry Cejudo in a pivotal bantamweight bout. Yadong entered the fight coming off a decision loss to Petr Yan last year. Cejudo, meanwhile, was on a two-fight losing streak losing to Merab Dvalishvili and Aljamain Sterling for the belt in his return to the sport.
Dricus du Plessis praises Roberto Soldic after KO win at ONE 171
BJPENN.COM Staff - February 25, 2025
Welterweight MMA juggernaut Roberto Soldic rocked the world last week at ONE 171, going as far as capturing the attention of UFC Middleweight World Champion Dricus du Plessis. “Robocop” made a stunning return to the win column at Qatar’s Lusail Sports Arena. There, he faced fellow perennial finisher Dagi Arslanaliev, scoring a monumental first-round stoppage in the process last Thursday, February 20.
Michael Chandler finally casts doubt on Conor McGregor ever fighting again: "I wouldn't put money on it"
Josh Evanoff - February 24, 2025
UFC lightweight contender Michael Chandler wouldn’t bet on Conor McGregor fighting again. ‘Iron’ hasn’t been seen in the cage since a rematch with Charles Oliveira in November. Ending a two-year layoff, Michael Chandler was handed a second loss by ‘Do Bronx’, this time by unanimous decision. The defeat was a brutal one for the former Bellator star, who famously sat on the sidelines for years trying to secure a fight with Conor McGregor.
Dustin Poirier reveals retirement fight is targeted for this summer in New Orleans: "It would be incredible"
Josh Evanoff - February 24, 2025
UFC lightweight contender Dustin Poirier is continuing to work for his retirement fight. ‘The Diamond’ hasn’t been seen in the cage since a title fight with Islam Makhachev last summer. In the main event of UFC 302, Dustin Poirier faced the Russian in his third crack at undisputed lightweight gold. Despite entering the cage a massive betting underdog, the 36-year-old brought the fight to the champion.
Michael Chandler reacts to Patricio Pitbull's decision to join the UFC: "If he plays his cards right..."
Josh Evanoff - February 24, 2025
Lightweight contender Michael Chandler is happy to see Patricio Pitbull in the UFC. ‘Iron’ recently signed a deal to return to the cage at UFC 314 in Miami. Fresh off a loss to Charles Oliveira in November, Michael Chandler will face off with the rising Paddy Pimblett in April. For his part, ‘The Baddy’ hasn’t competed since a first-round submission victory over ‘King’ Bobby Green last summer.
Jamahal Hill wishes the ref let him go out on his "shield" against Jiri Prochazka
Cole Shelton - February 24, 2025
Jamahal Hill wishes the ref let him go out on his shield against Jiri Prochazka. Hill fought Prochazka in a pivotal light heavyweight bout at UFC 311 and it was Prochazka who won by third-round TKO. Hill got dropped twice and the ref stopped it after Prochazka landed some ground and pound.
Michael Chandler vows to test Paddy Pimblett's chin at UFC 314: "Separate him from consciousnesses"
Cole Shelton - February 24, 2025
Michael Chandler is looking to put Paddy Pimblett to the test at UFC 314. Chandler is set to take on Pimblett in a highly-anticipated five-round fight in the co-main event of UFC 314. It’s an intriguing matchup as Chandler faces an up-and-comer while Pimblett has a chance to prove himself as a legit title contender if he can get past the former Bellator champ.
Austin Vanderford isn't holding grudge with Nikolay Veretennikov despite UFC Seattle antics
Fernando Quiles Jr. - February 24, 2025
Austin Vanderford may think that Nikolay Veretennikov should get a pink slip, but there’s no beef. Vanderford made his UFC debut this past Saturday inside Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle. He went one-on-one with Veretennikov in a short-notice fight. Vanderford scored the second-round TKO finish. Veretennikov immediately protested the stoppage and shoved Vanderford from behind. The man formerly known as “The Gentleman” shoved Veretennikov back and flipped a double bird.
Dustin Poirier wants to see Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria: 'Doing it the right way'
Fernando Quiles Jr. - February 24, 2025
Dustin Poirier believes Ilia Topuria should receive a crack at the UFC lightweight title right away. Topuria has made the decision to move on from the 145-pound weight class and in doing so, he’s vacated the featherweight gold. Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes will be vying for the vacant title in the main event of UFC 314 on April 12. As for Topuria, UFC CEO Dana White has said it isn’t a guarantee that “El Matador” will get the next shot at Islam Makhachev’s UFC Lightweight Championship.
Diego Lopes and Aljamain Sterling trade barbs amid UFC 314 announcement
Fernando Quiles Jr. - February 24, 2025
Diego Lopes and Aljamain Sterling have gone back and forth on social media following a big UFC 314 announcement. Dana White recently revealed that Alexander Volkanovski and Lopes will collide for the vacant UFC Featherweight Championship on April 12 in Miami. Ilia Topuria has decided to vacate the 145-pound gold to move up to the lightweight division. While Volkanovski vs. Lopes sounds like a fun fight on paper, not everyone is on board with it.
Henry Cejudo and Song Yadong seemingly agree to rematch after UFC Seattle
Harry Kettle - February 24, 2025
Henry Cejudo and Song Yadong have seemingly agreed to a rematch after what went down at UFC Seattle last weekend. In the main event of UFC Seattle, Song Yadong defeated Henry Cejudo via technical decision. It came after Henry was ruled unable to continue as a result of a nasty eye poke, which eventually led to the officials stepping in and putting a stop to proceedings.
Georges St-Pierre reveals insane brick story from rivalry with Matt Serra
Harry Kettle - February 24, 2025
Georges St-Pierre had an interesting way of managing his rivalry with Matt Serra – by carrying around a brick with his name on it. As we know, Georges St-Pierre is one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time. In the eyes of many, he is the de-facto GOAT – with only Jon Jones being a contender in that particular debate.
Dricus du Plessis rips Brendan Allen for questioning his resume after recent loss at UFC Seattle
Harry Kettle - February 24, 2025
UFC champion Dricus du Plessis has hit back at Brendan Allen following the latter’s defeat at UFC Seattle last weekend. At UFC Seattle, Brendan Allen fell short in his battle with Anthony Hernandez. Many felt he had a great chance of making it out of there with a win to his name but instead, he was beaten via decision. Now, it’s time for him to reflect, and consider what direction he’s going to head in from here.
Michael Bisping rips into Jake Paul during social media rant
Harry Kettle - February 24, 2025
UFC commentator Michael Bisping doesn’t appear to be the biggest fan of YouTuber turned professional boxer Jake Paul. As we know, Michael Bisping is considered to be a legend in the world of mixed martial arts. He’s achieved some incredible things throughout the course of his career, which includes capturing UFC gold. On the flip side, the aforementioned Jake Paul is also a big name in the combat sports sphere, largely due to some of his more high profile boxing wins.
Anthony Hernandez dealt nightmare scenario before UFC Seattle win over Brendan Allen
Fernando Quiles Jr. - February 23, 2025
Almost everything that could go wrong for Anthony Hernandez did before UFC Seattle. When Hernandez entered his rematch against Brendan Allen this past Saturday night inside Climate Pledge Arena, he was far from 100 hundred percent. He admitted as much to Michael Bisping after scoring a unanimous decision victory over Allen. “Fluffy” apologized for his performance despite the win, revealing he just finished his antibiotics one day before the fight.