MMA News
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.
Khabib Nurmagomedov's cousin explains why he thinks Conor McGregor continues to troll his family
Harry Kettle - February 14, 2025
UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov’s cousin has explained why he believes Conor McGregor continues to hound his family. Conor McGregor has been on something of a downward spiral in the last few years. In the last few months, especially, the public opinion of him has gone down dramatically. At this point, many aren’t sure that he’ll ever compete again inside the Octagon.
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.
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.
Rampage Jackson slams Anthony Smith over recent comments about his podcast: "You're a motherf*cking b*tch!"
Josh Evanoff - February 13, 2025
Former UFC champion Rampage Jackson has sent a warning at Anthony Smith. The 46-year-old fighter is quickly rising up in the podcast world. As the host of the ‘JAXXON’ Podcast, Rampage Jackson interviews current and retired athletes, including the likes of Forrest Griffin, Alex Pereira, Jorge Masvidal, and more. While the podcast is growing fast, it seems that UFC light-heavyweight Anthony Smith isn’t a fan.
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.
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.
Surging UFC middleweight questions how much longer Dricus du Plessis' title run will last
Fernando Quiles Jr. - February 13, 2025
How long will Dricus du Plessis remain the UFC middleweight champion? It’s a question many fans and experts are asking after “Stillknocks” earned his second successful title defense at UFC 312. Du Plessis had a one-sided showing against Sean Strickland in their rematch at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia. The reigning 185-pound king retained his gold via unanimous decision.
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.”
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.
Sean Strickland provides update on relationship with Eric Nicksick
Harry Kettle - February 13, 2025
Sean Strickland has provided an update on his relationship with head coach Eric Nicksick following the latter’s recent criticism. As we know, Sean Strickland fell short in his attempt to defeat Dricus du Plessis at UFC 312. He was handily beaten by the reigning champion, leaving many to wonder what’s next for him. Since then, his coach Eric Nicksick has made waves in the MMA community by criticizing Sean’s performance in the contest.
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.
Youssef Zalal eager to "solve the puzzle" of Calvin Kattar at UFC Vegas 102: "Shake up the division"
Cole Shelton - February 12, 2025
Youssef Zalal is excited to prove he’s a true title contender at UFC Vegas 102. Zalal was brought back into the UFC last year and went 3-0 to show he’s a true contender. He will now get a tough test as he will face Calvin Kattar in the co-main event of UFC Vegas 102 on Saturday night at the Apex.
Daniel Cormier and Chael Sonnen pitch Colby Covington vs Michael Chiesa to fight after TUF 33
Cole Shelton - February 12, 2025
Daniel Cormier and Chael Sonnen are set to coach TUF 33 and they want their assistant coaches to fight at season’s end. Usually, the coaches of The Ultimate Fighter fight at the season’s end. However, Sonnen and Cormier are both retired and have no plans to fight again. With that, there won’t be a fight at season’s end, but Cormier has Michael Chiesa on his coaching staff, while Sonnen has Covington so they want them to fight instead.