MMA News
Francis Ngannou sends warm wishes to Israel Adesanya ahead of UFC Saudi Arabia
Harry Kettle - January 30, 2025
Former UFC star Francis Ngannou has wished Israel Adesanya the best ahead of his return to the cage on Saturday. This weekend, Israel Adesanya will make his return to the cage. He’ll do so by taking on Nassourdine Imavov in the main event of UFC Saudi Arabia. For ‘Stylebender’, this serves as a real opportunity for him to prove that he can still mix it up with the best middleweights in the world. On the flip side, Nassourdine Imavov has an opportunity to make a name for himself against a former two-time world champion.
Pro fighters make their picks for Israel Adesanya vs Nassourdine Imavov
Cole Shelton - January 29, 2025
In the main event of UFC Saudi Arabia, a pivotal middleweight bout goes down as Israel Adesanya takes on Nassourdine Imavov. Heading into the fight, Adesanya is a -164 favorite while the Frenchman is a +128 underdog on FanDuel. Ahead of the scrap, BJPENN.com reached out to several pro fighters to get their predictions for the middleweight fight. Ultimately, the pros believe Adesanya will get a win over Imavov, as most of the fighters interviewed believe Izzy’s striking will be the difference. They also believe the former champ’s cardio over five rounds will help him edge out a win.
Jairzinho Rozenstruik admits he wasn't looking to fight former training parner Sergei Pavlovich at UFC Saudi Arabia: "We are professionals"
Cole Shelton - January 29, 2025
Jairzinho Rozenstruik turned himself back into a contender at heavyweight in 2024. Rozenstruik went 2-0 with a stoppage win over Shamil Gaziev and a decision win over Tai Tuivasa last year. His hope was to fight one more time in 2024, but he is fine with returning at UFC Saudi Arabia on February 1.
Chatri Sityodtong believes Superlek vs. Nabil Anane II will play out differently
BJPENN.COM Staff - January 29, 2025
ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong was one of many who were blown away by Nabil Anane’s performance at ONE 170 in Bangkok, Thailand. The combat sports mogul watched on as the Thai-Algerian obliterated #2-ranked bantamweight Muay Thai contender Nico Carrillo inside one frame last Friday, January 24. In doing so, Anane was crowned the ONE Interim Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion.
Khabib Nurmagomedov backs Paul Hughes in Irish beef with Conor McGregor: "You are a real Irishman"
Josh Evanoff - January 29, 2025
Khabib Nurmagomedov has sided with PFL prospect Paul Hughes in his war against Conor McGregor. ‘Big News’ returned to the octagon in the main event of PFL Champions Series 1 last Saturday. In the main event of the Dubai-based card, Paul Hughes met Usman Nurmagomedov. The event heavily played into the Dagestan vs. Ireland rivalry, given the champion’s relation to former UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Former Bellator featherweight James Gallagher becomes the latest to secure his PFL release: "This is not the end"
Josh Evanoff - January 29, 2025
Former Bellator featherweight contender James Gallagher has been released from the PFL. It’s not exactly a secret that the Donn Davis-led promotion has had a mixed few months. In late 2023, the PFL bought out Bellator, vowing to have a bigger schedule for 2024. Initially, there was a lot of excitement from fans and fighters alike. With a new streaming deal on MAX, the signing of free agents such as Francis Ngannou, and a $100 million investment from Saudi Arabia, the company had momentum.
REPORT | Brandon Moreno vs. Steve Erceg targeted for UFC Mexico City main event
Josh Evanoff - January 29, 2025
According to a recent report, Brandon Moreno and Steve Erceg will meet in the main event of UFC Mexico City in March. As of now, the March 29th event features a lot of high-profile Mexican talent. While Diego Lopes vs. Yair Rodriguez was initially expected to headline UFC Mexico City, that won’t be the case. As first reported by RealKevinK on X and later confirmed by Alex Behunin of MMA Mania, Brandon Moreno, and Steve Erceg will instead meet in the headliner.
Paul Hughes saddened by Conor McGregor's recent insults against him following PFL title fight: "Kind of a sad thing"
Josh Evanoff - January 29, 2025
PFL lightweight star Paul Hughes doesn’t care about Conor McGregor’s recent tirade. ‘Big News’ returned to the cage on Saturday night in Dubai. Back for the first time since defeating former Bellator champion A.J. McKee in October, Paul Hughes finally met Usman Nurmagomedov. The undefeated Russian is a cousin of Khabib Nurmagomedov, and the PFL played heavily into the Dagestan/Ireland rivalry heading into the event.
Nassourdine Imavov dismisses notion that Israel Adesanya is past his prime: 'I don't think he's getting older'
Fernando Quiles Jr. - January 29, 2025
Nassourdine Imavov doesn’t believe Israel Adesanya has lost a step. Imavov and Adesanya are scheduled to collide in the main event of a UFC Saudi Arabia Fight Night card this Saturday. Going into the fight, many are wondering if “The Last Stylebender” has fallen out of the elite tier at 185 pounds. Some have gone as far as to say the former two-time UFC middleweight champion is entering gatekeeper status.
Sean Strickland's coach explains why UFC 312 rematch with Dricus du Plessis is more personal than first fight
Fernando Quiles Jr. - January 29, 2025
Head coach Eric Nicksick says there’s a key change in Sean Strickland’s mindset going into his championship rematch with Dricus du Plessis. Strickland and du Plessis are set to collide once again in the main event of UFC 312 on February 8th. Strickland was the UFC middleweight champion going into his first encounter with du Plessis back in early 2024. He ended up losing the title via split decision in a highly contested five-round battle.
Shara Magomedov believes Michael Page will shoot for takedowns at UFC Saudi Arabia
Harry Kettle - January 29, 2025
UFC star Shara Magomedov doesn’t believe he’ll be the one to shoot for takedowns against Michael Page this weekend. On Saturday night, Shara Magomedov will battle Michael ‘Venom’ Page at UFC Saudi Arabia. It serves as easily one of the most intriguing fights on the card, with many believing it’s Shara’s toughest test to date inside the Octagon.
Stipe Miocic launches campaign to help his old university
Harry Kettle - January 29, 2025
UFC legend Stipe Miocic has launched a campaign that he hopes will help out his old alma mater. Over the years, Stipe Miocic has cemented himself as a true great in the UFC’s heavyweight division. Despite his loss to Jon Jones, many still consider him to be the greatest heavyweight of all time. Now, of course, he’s retired, with many believing he would simply ride off into the sunset, never to be seen again.
Israel Adesanya eager to "throw hands" with "dangerous" Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Saudi Arabia
Cole Shelton - January 28, 2025
Israel Adesanya is expecting a striking match against Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Saudi Arabia. Adesanya is set to headline the Fight Night event in his first non-title fight in 2019 when he fought Anderson Silva. The former middleweight champion is coming off a submission loss to Dricus Du Plessis after losing his belt to Sean Strickland by decision.
David Feldman could approach UFC about Conor McGregor BKFC fight ‘in the next week or two’
BJ Penn Staff - January 28, 2025
BKFC boss David Feldman isn’t holding out hope that the UFC will loan Conor McGregor to his bare-knuckle fight promotion, but he figures there’s no harm in asking. The former two-division UFC champ McGregor, who still has two fights left on his contract with the MMA promotion, recently became a part-owner of BKFC, and has been a recurring presence at its recent events.
Jake and Logan Paul tease March boxing match against each other: "The moment you've waited a decade for"
Josh Evanoff - January 28, 2025
It appears that Jake Paul and Logan Paul could be facing off in the boxing ring in March. ‘The Problem Child’ and ‘The Maverick’ are still two of the biggest names in professional boxing today. While Jake Paul is the far more experienced of the two, Logan Paul still holds a 1-1 record and has held the ring with Floyd Mayweather. He last appeared in the ring in late 2023, scoring a disqualification win over Dillon Danis.
Clay Guida vows to fight on after ending near two-decade run with the UFC: "The best is yet to come!"
Josh Evanoff - January 28, 2025
Longtime UFC lightweight contender Clay Guida has no plans to retire. ‘The Carpenter’ was one of the UFC’s longest-tenured fighters. First debuting in 2006 with a submission win over Justin James, Clay Guida remained a member of the lightweight division for nearly two decades. In that time, the 43-year-old scored wins over names such as Nate Diaz, Rafael dos Anjos, and Anthony Pettis.
GFL founder Darren Owen teases Tony Ferguson vs. Dillon Danis: "Make the fights that people want to see"
Josh Evanoff - January 28, 2025
GFL founder Darren Owen is interested in booking Tony Ferguson vs. Dillon Danis. The new team-based MMA league is set to start holding events in April. Earlier this month, the Global Fight League held its inaugural draft where names such as Paige VanZant, Kevin Lee, Chris Weidman, and more were selected. Two fighters selected in the draft include ex-interim UFC champion Tony Ferguson and the ever-controversial Dillon Danis.
Johan Ghazali expects toughest battle yet versus Johan Estupinan at ONE 170
BJPENN.COM Staff - January 28, 2025
Teenage Muay Thai phenom Johan Ghazali has sensed that a showdown with fellow brawler Johan Estupinan was inevitable. The pair have been climbing the ranks for some time now, and there’s no better place to see who’ll prevail than at ONE 170. The fiery flyweights collide on Friday, January 24, inside Bangkok, Thailand’s Impact Arena. The contest isn’t expected to go all three rounds.