MMA News
Merab Dvalishvili names two potential contenders for next UFC bantamweight title fight
Fernando Quiles Jr. - February 14, 2025
Merab Dvalishvili has two possible challengers in mind for his UFC Bantamweight Championship. Dvalishvili is riding high following his impressive performance against Umar Nurmagomedov in the co-main event of UFC 311. The Georgian titleholder was able to thwart his opponent’s grappling efforts and managed to outwork him for a unanimous decision victory. It was the first successful title defense for Dvalishvili and now he is looking ahead.
Tye Ruotolo to defend welterweight crown against Dante Leon at ONE Fight Night 31
BJPENN.COM Staff - February 14, 2025
Two of the world’s best submission grapplers will be pitted against one another in a prolific World Title showdown at ONE Fight Night 31. On Friday, May 2, live in U.S. primetime, reigning ONE Welterweight Submission Grappling World Champion Tye Ruotolo defends his crown against Canadian star Dante Leon inside Bangkok, Thailand’s Lumpinee Stadium.
Edson Barboza forced out of UFC Seattle fight
Harry Kettle - February 14, 2025
UFC legend Edson Barboza has been forced out of his upcoming return to action at UFC Seattle due to an injury. Throughout the course of his entire mixed martial arts career, Edson Barboza has been recognized as one of the most entertaining fighters out there. He never shies away from a challenge, he’s an incredibly talented striker, and he’s constantly been viewed as a contender. Even at the age of 39, facing him is a fairly terrifying prospect.
Jared Cannonier defends Sean Strickland in the midst of UFC 312 criticism
Harry Kettle - February 14, 2025
UFC star Jared Cannonier has defended Sean Strickland in the midst of recent criticism he’s received following UFC 312. Last weekend, Sean Strickland came up short in his attempt to recapture the UFC middleweight championship. He challenged Dricus du Plessis for the belt – the same man who took the title from him. Unfortunately for Sean, he wound up on the wrong side of a fairly convincing one-sided beating.
Islam Makhachev responds to Dana White teasing something big for his next fight
Harry Kettle - February 14, 2025
UFC champion Islam Makhachev has responded to Dana White teasing something big for his next fight in the promotion. As we know, Islam Makhachev is the pound for pound best fighter in the UFC right now – and potentially in all of mixed martial arts. He continues to dominate at the elite level, serving as one of the best lightweights of all time. Of course, fans are always ready to look ahead to the future, and many want to know what’s next for him.
Joshua Pacio takes inspiration from Demetrious Johnson ahead of ONE 171
BJPENN.COM Staff - February 14, 2025
ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion Joshua Pacio wants to stay at the top of the mountain for as long as possible. To do so, “The Passion” has taken inspiration from former flyweight MMA king Demetrious Johnson. Pacio defends his crown against interim titleholder Jarred Brooks at ONE 171: Qatar, on Thursday, February 20, inside Lusail Sports Arena.
Andre Petroski says he's "confident no matter where" his UFC Vegas 102 fight goes againt Rodolfo Vieira
Cole Shelton - February 13, 2025
Andre Petroski has been saying he wants to prove he’s the best grappler in the UFC and his latest fight is a chance to further prove that. Petroski is set to take on Rodolfo Vieira at UFC Vegas 102 in an intriguing matchup. It’s a fight that Petroski has wanted and asked about, and he’s thrilled the bout is taking place.
Colby Covington slams "pathetic little b***h" Dustin Poirier for not making their fight happen
Cole Shelton - February 13, 2025
Colby Covington is still annoyed he never had a chance to fight Dustin Poirier in the UFC. Covington and Poirier are former teammates who became rivals when ‘Chaos’ left the American Top Team. Colby’s exit from ATT led to them both trashing one another in interviews, but Poirier has made it clear he has no desire to fight Covington as he doesn’t want to give him that platform to say things about his family before a fight.
UFC legend Rich Franklin shows interest in potential comeback: "Under the right circumstance..."
Josh Evanoff - February 13, 2025
UFC Hall of Famer Rich Franklin could fight again for the right price. ‘Ace’ was one of the UFC’s earliest stars. Debuting in the company in 2003, Rich Franklin quickly became one of the greatest 185-pound fighters on the planet. After scoring a knockout win over Ken Shamrock, he faced Evan Tanner in a rematch for middleweight gold in 2005. That night at UFC 53 saw Franklin win by fourth-round stoppage.
GFL announces first slew of bouts including Chris Weidman vs. Luke Rockhold II
Josh Evanoff - February 13, 2025
The Global Fight League has announced its first matchups, including Chris Weidman vs. Luke Rockhold II. Late last year, the upstart GFL was unveiled. Founded by Darren Owen, the team-based combat league is currently set to kick off in April. Last month, a pool of fighters was drafted by six teams, with several ex-UFC stars including Kevin Lee, Tony Ferguson, Paige VanZant, and Junior dos Santos all being selected.
UFC champion Ilia Topuria teases fight news amid rumors of bout against Islam Makhachev: "Maybe the next week"
Josh Evanoff - February 13, 2025
UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria hopes to announce his return next week. ‘El Matador’ hasn’t been seen in the octagon since his title defense against Max Holloway in October. Just a few months after knocking out Alexander Volkanovski to win UFC gold, Ilia Topuria met the red-hot ‘Blessed’. Holloway entered the bout after his knockout win over Justin Gaethje in April, hoping to win the featherweight title for the second time.
Oleksandr Usyk calls for Alex Pereira to be his retirement fight: "Why not?"
Cole Shelton - February 13, 2025
Oleksandr Usyk says he has two fights left in his career, and he wants his retirement bout to be against UFC champion Alex Pereira. Usyk is the former undisputed cruiserweight and heavyweight champion and is the third male boxer to become a two-weight undisputed champion in the “four-belt era. However, at age 38, his career is winding down and Usyk says he has two fights left, and wants his final fight to be against Pereira.
Paul Hughes responds to Conor McGregor's brutal rant with harsh truth about the UFC superstar
Fernando Quiles Jr. - February 13, 2025
Paul Hughes isn’t interested in a war of words with Conor McGregor, but he feels his fellow Irishman has lost his way. Ahead of Hughes’ big Bellator lightweight title fight against Usman Nurmagomedov, McGregor showed his support for “Big News.” Hughes even offered McGregor to serve as a cornerman for the fight, but it didn’t materialize. Hughes ended up putting forth an elite effort that just barely fell short of a world title. He lost the highly competitive championship bout via majority decision.
Paddy Pimblett welcomes 'midget' Ilia Topuria to lightweight division: 'I'm here waiting'
Fernando Quiles Jr. - February 13, 2025
Paddy Pimblett won’t shy away from a 155-pound scrap with Ilia Topuria. Pimblett and Topuria have had some beef dating back to 2021. The two had a run-in at a hotel lobby in London the during the week of a UFC Fight Night card the following year. Topuria’s issue with Pimblett stems from a social media post where “The Baddy” called Georgians “stupid” and added, “No wonder the Russians terrorize their lives.”
Dustin Poirier gives his thoughts on possible Islam Makhachev vs Ilia Topuria fight
Harry Kettle - February 13, 2025
UFC star Dustin Poirier has given his thoughts on a potential superfight between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria. Everyone is aware of the fact that Ilia Topuria is an ambitious person. In the wake of his victory over Max Holloway, he made it clear that he wants to try and win a second belt. If he’s going to do that, then there’s a pretty good chance he’ll have to go through Islam Makhachev in order to do it.
Colby Covington could be set for career change in different sport
Harry Kettle - February 13, 2025
UFC star Colby Covington could be set for a shift into a different sport following his eventual retirement from mixed martial arts. As we know, Colby Covington is a pretty eccentric guy. In addition to being a world class fighter throughout his career, he’s also been quite controversial. He tends to say and do things that a lot of people don’t like, and that much is an understatement.
Max Holloway provides update on his comeback fight
Harry Kettle - February 13, 2025
UFC legend Max Holloway has provided an update on his comeback fight as he prepares for his return to the Octagon. As we know, Max Holloway is easily one of the most popular fighters in all of mixed martial arts. He has achieved some incredible things up to this point, and many believe he still has a lot left in the tank. Either way, though, it feels like there’s nothing that can dampen the legacy he has created for himself in the sport.
Jarred Brooks aiming for "first round" finish of Joshua Pacio at ONE 171: Qatar
BJPENN.COM Staff - February 13, 2025
Jarred Brooks is ready to put his three-year rivalry with lineal king Joshua Pacio to bed. And he wants to do it as quickly as possible. Interim king Brooks and lineal champ Pacio will unify the ONE Strawweight MMA World Title soon. They meet in the third act of their long-standing feud at ONE 171: Qatar on Thursday, February 20, inside Lusail Sports Arena.