MMA News
Just Scrap Radio Ep. 190 with Anthony Hernandez and Modestas Bukauskas
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).
What's next for Jared Cannonier and Gregory Rodrigues after UFC Vegas 102?
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.
Jake Peacock expects "firefight" with Japanese rising star at ONE 171: Qatar
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.
Jarred Brooks aiming for early finish of Joshua Pacio at ONE 171: Qatar
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.
Miesha Tate announces UFC return against Yana Santos is set for May
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.
REPORT | Anthony Smith set to face unranked light-heavyweight in retirement bout at UFC Kansas City
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.
GFL coach Lyoto Machida open to possible MMA comeback: "I'm not taking away the possibility of fighting"
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.
Dominick Cruz reveals T.J. Dillashaw reached out to offer support following career-ending injury: "I was shocked"
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.
Michael Chandler reacts to Conor McGregor teasing a fight in BKFC
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.
UFC veteran Marc Diakiese advises Jon Jones to avoid Tom Aspinall fight
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.
Daniel Cormier is concerned about Francis Ngannou's potential boxing return
Harry Kettle - February 17, 2025
UFC commentator Daniel Cormier has voiced his concern over Francis Ngannou’s potential return to professional boxing. As we know, Francis Ngannou is still one of the scariest men in all of combat sports. He has done some incredible things in mixed martial arts, and his return to the cage with PFL went about as well as it could’ve. However, in the last few days, the man himself has confirmed that he’d like to step back into the boxing ring.
Henry Cejudo gives his thoughts on Merab Dvalishvili's next opponent
Harry Kettle - February 17, 2025
UFC legend Henry Cejudo has given his thoughts on who Merab Dvalishvili’s next opponent as champion should be. Merab Dvalishvili is one of the most successful fighters in the UFC today. In addition to his incredible win streak, he’s also now successfully defended the UFC bantamweight championship. With wins over Sean O’Malley and Umar Nurmagomedov, he’s firmly established himself as the best fighter at 135 pounds right now.
Kevin Belingon ready for war with Bibiano Fernandes at ONE 171: “Wherever this fight goes”
BJPENN.COM Staff - February 17, 2025
Former ONE Bantamweight MMA World Champion Kevin “The Silencer” Belingon wants to show that he can still hang with the big dogs in the yard. He looks to prove that point when he clashes with former longtime king Bibiano Fernandes for the fifth and final time at ONE 171: Qatar, on Thursday, February 20, inside Lusail Sports Arena.
Phetjeeja to defend ONE Atomweight World Title against Kana at ONE 172
BJPENN.COM Staff - February 17, 2025
If you thought ONE Championship’s return to Japan was stacked enough, the promotion just bolstered the card with a fifth World Title affair featuring Phetjeeja. At ONE 172: Takeru vs. Rodtang, renowned ONE Women’s Atomweight Kickboxing World Champion Phetjeeja will make the first defense of her gold against Japanese sensation Kana Morimoto.
Michael Bisping suggests familiar foe as Jared Cannonier's next opponent following UFC Vegas 102 win
Fernando Quiles Jr. - February 16, 2025
Michael Bisping is playing a bit of UFC matchmaker and he thinks he has the perfect opponent for Jared Cannonier. Cannonier was in action this past Saturday inside the UFC Apex. He shared the Octagon with Gregory Rodrigues in the UFC Vegas 102 headliner. Cannonier got off to a shaky start, being dropped in the opening frame. “The Killa Gorilla” recovered, while Rodrigues faded. This was bad news for “Robocop,” as he ended up being finished in the fourth round via TKO.
Belal Muhammad reveals key to victory against Shavkat Rakhmonov in UFC title fight
Fernando Quiles Jr. - February 16, 2025
Belal Muhammad believes he knows the key to victory against Shavkat Rakhmonov. Muhammad was expecting to put his UFC Welterweight Championship at stake against Rakhmonov in the main event of UFC 310 at the end of 2024. The champion ended up pulling out of the fight due to a foot infection. Rakhmonov ended up defeating Ian Machado Garry in a competitive fight via unanimous decision.
Daniel Cormier expects changes at Xtreme Couture following Sean Strickland's UFC 312 loss
Fernando Quiles Jr. - February 16, 2025
Daniel Cormier is expecting some changes for Xtreme Couture following Sean Strickland’s UFC 312 loss. Strickland challenged Dricus du Plessis in a rematch for the UFC Middleweight Championship in Sydney, Australia in February. While their first encounter was competitive, Strickland had little to offer DDP in the rematch. Du Plessis was ahead of Strickland on the feet throughout the fight and even busted his nose.
Jared Cannonier admits path to title uncertain despite UFC Vegas 102 win over 'Robocop'
Fernando Quiles Jr. - February 16, 2025
Jared Cannonier can hold his head up high following UFC Vegas 102, but he’s unsure of his path to gold. Cannonier shared the Octagon with Gregory Rodrigues in the main event of UFC Vegas 102 this past Saturday night. The action was held inside the UFC Apex. “The Killa Gorilla” was in a world of trouble in the opening frame, as he was dropped by “Robocop.” Cannonier weathered the storm and gained the advantage as Rodrigues began to tire.