MMA News

Josh Evanoff - February 18, 2025

UFC middleweight contender Jared Cannonier wants a rematch with Israel Adesanya. The ‘Killa Gorilla’ is fresh off his return to the cage in the main event of UFC Vegas 102 on Saturday. Back for the first time since suffering a unanimous decision loss to Caio Borralho in August, Jared Cannonier met another rising Brazilian in the form of Gregory Rodrigues. ‘Robocop’ entered the bout riding a three-fight winning streak, last beating Christian Leroy Duncan last July.

Cole Shelton - February 18, 2025

Gregory Rodrigues wonders how his UFC Vegas 102 main event would have played out if he was healthy. Rodrigues entered his first main event as the betting favorite, and early on he had success. He dropped Jared Cannonier twice in the first round, but he couldn’t put Cannonier away. Cannonier then rallied and stopped Rodrigues early in the fourth round.

BJ Penn Staff - February 18, 2025

UFC lightweight King Green is going to bat for Anthony Smith following some harsh criticism from former bantamweight champ TJ Dillashaw. During a 2024 appearance on the JAXXON podcast, Dillashaw questioned “Lionheart” Smith’s heart, claiming he “gives up” in his fights.

Fernando Quiles Jr. - February 18, 2025

Dan Hooker believes that win or lose, he’ll be feeling the aftermath of his clash with Justin Gaethje. Hooker and Gaethje will be sharing the Octagon in the co-main event of UFC 313. The bout will be taking place on March 8th. Hooker is looking for his fourth win in a row. A victory over Gaethje would also be the biggest win of “The Hangman’s” pro MMA career.

Fernando Quiles Jr. - February 18, 2025

One rising UFC welterweight thinks it would be a mistake for Belal Muhammad to give middleweight a try. Muhammad has mulled over a potential move up to 185 pounds. “Remember The Name” has said he’d switch weight classes for a shot at becoming a double champion if the stars align. He has also said he’d rather move up in weight and allow reigning UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev to go after the welterweight gold.

Harry Kettle - February 18, 2025

Former UFC champion Henry Cejudo has disputed the idea that fellow former champ Sean O’Malley is a pay-per-view draw. We all know that Sean O’Malley is a big star in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. He has done some incredible things during his time with the promotion, and that much is an understatement. From viral knockouts to winning and defending the bantamweight championship, he is the definition of a household name.

Harry Kettle - February 18, 2025

Mixed martial arts fans have questioned the prospect of Urijah Faber making his return to the sport with GFL. Throughout the course of his iconic career, Urijah Faber has done some wonderful things in mixed martial arts. From competing to coaching, he’s a fairly iconic figure – especially in the smaller weight classes. In the eyes of many, he’s one of the greatest fighters to have never captured UFC gold.

Harry Kettle - February 18, 2025

UFC commentator Daniel Cormier has explained why he’s concerned over Alex Pereira’s preparation ahead of UFC 313. As we know, Alex Periera is one of the scariest fighters in all of mixed martial arts – and combat sports in general. He’s the current UFC light heavyweight champion and since joining the UFC, he’s done some incredible things.

Cole Shelton - February 18, 2025

The 190th episode of Just Scrap Radio on BJPENN.com with host Cole Shelton is live to preview UFC Seattle. We’re first joined by 12th-ranked UFC middleweight Anthony Hernandez (0:49). We close things out by talking to UFC light heavyweight Modestas Bukauskas (8:26).

Cole Shelton - February 17, 2025

The UFC returned to the Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada on Saturday for UFC Vegas 102. In the main event, Jared Cannonier took on rising contender Gregory Rodrigues. Cannonier entered the scrap on a two-fight losing streak and was coming off a loss to Caio Borralho. Rodrigues, meanwhile, was on a three-fight winning streak and was coming off a decision win over Christian Leroy Duncan.

BJPENN.COM Staff - February 17, 2025

Bantamweight Muay Thai sensation Jake Peacock is ready to make an impact when he returns to action at ONE 171: Qatar.   The Canadian-British striker meets Shinji Suzuki in bantamweight Muay Thai action this Thursday, February 20, inside Doha, Qatar’s Lusail Sports Arena. 

BJPENN.COM Staff - February 17, 2025

ONE Interim Strawweight MMA World Champion Jarred Brooks wants to put his rivalry with lineal king Joshua Pacio to bed at ONE 171: Qatar. Furthermore, he wants to do it as quickly as possible.   The feud meets its breaking point this Thursday, February 20, inside Doha’s Lusail Sports Arena. There, the duo collide for the third time with the undisputed ONE Strawweight MMA World Title hanging in the balance.  

Josh Evanoff - February 17, 2025

Former UFC women’s bantamweight champion Miesha Tate will return to the cage in May. ‘Cupcake’ hasn’t been seen in the cage in well over a year now. Miesha Tate last appeared in action at UFC Austin in December 2023 against Julia Avila. The bout was the fourth for the former champion since ending her retirement in 2021, and she dominated. Tate wound up handing ‘Ragin Panda’ a third-round submission loss.

Josh Evanoff - February 17, 2025

Former UFC title challenger Anthony Smith is now set for his retirement fight. ‘Lionheart’ hasn’t been seen in the cage since a clash with Dominick Reyes at UFC 310 in December. Sadly for Anthony Smith, he entered the bout with a heavy heart. Just weeks before the fight, his longtime coach, Scott Morton, suddenly passed away. While Smith debated pulling out of the bout, he continued with it.

Josh Evanoff - February 17, 2025

GFL team manager Lyoto Machida isn’t closing the door on a potential comeback. ‘The Dragon’ hasn’t been seen in the cage since a clash with Fabian Edwards at Bellator 281 in May 2022. The bout was an important one for the former UFC champion, as he entered the bout riding a three-fight losing streak. Sadly, Lyoto Machida was dominated by the younger brother of Leon Edwards, being handed a knockout loss.

Josh Evanoff - February 17, 2025

Former UFC bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz received support from an unlikely foe after announcing his retirement. ‘The Dominator’ was set to make one final walk to the cage this weekend in the co-main event of UFC Seattle. Over two years after being knocked out by Marlon Vera, Dominick Cruz signed a deal to face Rob Font. Ahead of the bout, the former champion confirmed it would be his last. With a lifetime of injuries and approaching his 40th birthday, the decision made sense.

Harry Kettle - February 17, 2025

UFC star Michael Chandler has given his thoughts on Conor McGregor teasing a fight in BKFC once again. Conor McGregor is one of the most unpredictable fighters in the world. We aren’t referring to his actual fighting ability, either. For whatever reason, he continues to be embroiled in controversy, both in and out of the combat sports world. Because of that, many don’t actually believe he’s going to fight again, especially for the UFC. Alas, the man himself seems to think that he’s got another run in him at some point in the future.

Harry Kettle - February 17, 2025

UFC veteran Marc Diakiese has given his thoughts on Jon Jones potentially fighting Tom Aspinall in his next outing. As we know, Jon Jones is the undisputed UFC heavyweight champion. He successfully defended his belt towards the end of last year, defeating Stipe Miocic in a fight that many believe shouldn’t have happened. The reason for that is simple: they instead wanted to see him go up against interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall.