MMA News
Dricus du Plessis reacts to Alex Pereira cornering Sean Strickland at UFC 312: 'They don't even speak the same language'
Fernando Quiles Jr. - January 30, 2025
Dricus du Plessis doesn’t sound too worried about Alex Pereira being in Sean Strickland’s corner. Pereira and Strickland were once opponents inside the Octagon, but have become training partners. Head coach Eric Nicksick recently told The Schmo that “Poatan” will be in Strickland’s corner for the middleweight title rematch against du Plessis at UFC 312 on February 8th. Strickland has heaped praise on Pereira as a sparring partner, and some are wondering if the UFC light heavyweight champion’s presence will give him a boost on fight night.
Sean Strickland blasts Islam Makhachev over middleweight talk: 'Go back to f***ing Dagestan'
Fernando Quiles Jr. - January 30, 2025
Sean Strickland has sent a short, yet clear message to UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. Much has been made over what the future could hold for Makhachev. He’s already set a new record for the most successful UFC title defenses at 155 pounds. The lightweight ruler has insisted that he will get eventually win the welterweight championship. He’s even said that a move up to middleweight might be a possibility one day.
Tim Welch gives positive health update on Sean O’Malley: 'It makes me feel a lot better'
Fernando Quiles Jr. - January 30, 2025
Head coach Tim Welch has given an update on the health status of Sean O’Malley and it’s a positive one. O’Malley hasn’t been seen in action since losing the UFC Bantamweight Championship to Merab Dvalishvili back in September 2024. O’Malley underwent hip surgery after the fight and has been on the road to recovery. Now that he’s had a few months to heal up, many have been wondering how the “Suga” show is feeling.
Marcelo Garcia reflects on momentous return to action at ONE 170
BJPENN.COM Staff - January 30, 2025
After 14 years, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu superstar Marcelo Garcia made a sensational return to grappling action at ONE 170 on January 24 in Bangkok, Thailand. Garcia needed less than five minutes to submit fellow grappling icon Masukazu Imanari with a north-south choke in their openweight clash at Impact Arena. The victory marked his first competitive outing since 2011.
Alex Pereira set to corner Sean Strickland in UFC 312 main event
Harry Kettle - January 30, 2025
In an interesting move, Alex Pereira looks set to corner Sean Strickland in his upcoming UFC 312 main event. At UFC 312, Sean Strickland will attempt to reclaim the UFC middleweight championship. He lost the belt to Dricus du Plessis, and his big hope is that he’ll be able to earn it back in what is set to be a blockbuster rematch. In order to get the job done, however, he’ll likely have to put in the best performance of his career – or, at least, come close to his win over Israel Adesanya.
Conor McGregor seemingly doubles down on Paul Hughes insults
Harry Kettle - January 30, 2025
UFC fighter Conor McGregor seems to be doubling down on the insults he has thrown in the direction of Paul Hughes. Over the course of the last few months, Conor McGregor has been as unpredictable as ever. He continues to keep people guessing and we’re not so sure that’s a good thing. His actions have been erratic, to say the least, in the wake of him losing his civil sexual assault case. In the eyes of the public, the general public opinion towards him has certainly shifted in an unfavourable way.
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.
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.
Eduard Folayang vs. Shinya Aoki IV booked for ONE 172
BJPENN.COM Staff - January 29, 2025
ONE Championship returns to Japan in just two months’ time, and they’re bringing the latest installment of a long-running feud between two MMA standouts. On Sunday, March 23, former ONE Lightweight MMA World Champions Eduard Folayang and Shinya Aoki will go to battle for the fourth time when they meet inside Japan’s Saitama Super Arena at ONE 172: Takeru vs. Rodtang.
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.
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.
Michael Page says he's "happy" to wrestle Shara Magomedov at UFC Saudi Arabia: "This is an MMA game"
Cole Shelton - January 29, 2025
Michael Page is happy to werstle Shara Magomedov at UFC Saudi Arabia. Page is set to move up to middleweight to face Magomedov and many expect it to be a fun striking fight. Both fighters are known for their striking, but both have said the other will wrestle. However, speaking at UFC Saudi Arabia media day, Michael Page made it clear that he is fine to wrestle Magomedov if that is a path to victory.
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.
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.
Brian Ortega flies across the country and chokes out Fortnite troll
Harry Kettle - January 28, 2025
UFC star Brian Ortega recently flew across the country to choke out an online friend of his for trolling. As we know, Brian Ortega is one of the most effective submission artists of this or any other generation. He has been able to produce magic inside the Octagon and while he’s never won a world title, he’s come as close as you can possibly get over the years.