MMA News
Marcelo Garcia opens up on life-threatening battle with stomach cancer
BJPENN.COM Staff - January 28, 2025
On and off the mats, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu icon Marcelo Garcia hasn’t had it easy in recent years. The legendary grappler has overcome an arduous battle with stomach cancer, and now he’s ready to embark on a new chapter of his life. Garcia debuts in ONE Championship at ONE 170 this Friday, January 24, inside Bangkok, Thailand’s Impact Arena versus fellow legend Masakazu Imanari.
Superlek breaks down Nico Carrillo-Nabil Anane Interim World Title clash
BJPENN.COM Staff - January 28, 2025
Reigning two-sport, two-division ONE World Champion Superlek Kiatmoo9 may be sidelined for this week’s monumental ONE 170 event, but he’ll still be paying attention. “The Kicking Machine” will watch closely as #2-ranked contender Nico Carrillo and #5-ranked star Nabil Anane vie for the ONE Interim Bantamweight Muay Thai World Championship this Friday, January 24, at Bangkok, Thailand’s Impact Arena.
ONE Championship's Jonathan Haggerty teases idea of showdown with UFC's Sean O'Malley
BJPENN.COM Staff - January 28, 2025
ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion Jonathan Haggerty knows how to rile up combat sports fans. In his latest attempt, “The General” took to his Instagram story with an altered image of him battling former UFC Bantamweight World Champion “Sugar” Sean O’Malley.
Nabil Anane promises war with Nico Carrillo at ONE 170: Tawanchai vs. Superbon II
BJPENN.COM Staff - January 28, 2025
Fifth-ranked bantamweight Muay Thai contender Nabil Anane has the opportunity of a lifetime at ONE 170: Tawanchai vs. Superbon II. The Thai-Algerian giant steps in to vie for the ONE Interim Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title against #2-ranked contender Nico Carrillo on Friday, January 24, inside Bangkok, Thailand’s Impact Arena.
Dan Hooker gives his thoughts on Justin Gaethje fight being five rounds
Harry Kettle - January 28, 2025
Dan Hooker has given his thoughts on the UFC making his fight against Justin Gaethje five rounds long instead of three. At UFC 313, Dan Hooker will go head to head with Justin Gaethje. To put it lightly, this is one of the most highly anticipated fights of the year. These two lightweights know how to put it all on the line, and you can bet that’s exactly what they’re going to do again later this year.
Alex Pereira responds to Jiri Prochazka's black magic allegations
Harry Kettle - January 28, 2025
UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira has given his thoughts on Jiri Prochazka’s ‘black magic’ allegations. As we know, Alex Pereira is one of the scariest individuals in mixed martial arts. That extends to combat sports, really. Up to this point, one of his biggest rivals has been Jiri Prochazka – who he’s been able to defeat on two separate occasions.
Daniel Cormier explains why he could never train with a former rival
Harry Kettle - January 28, 2025
UFC commentator Daniel Cormier has explained why he could never train with a former rival of his. As we know, Daniel Cormier is a legend in mixed martial arts. One of the reasons for that is due to his truly epic rivalry that he shared with Jon Jones. It was perhaps one of the most bitter feuds in the history of the sport.
Just Scrap Radio Ep. 187 with Jairzinho Rozenstruik and Terrance McKinney
Cole Shelton - January 28, 2025
The 187th episode of Just Scrap Radio on BJPENN.com with host Cole Shelton is live to preview UFC Saudi Arabia. We’re first joined by ninth-ranked UFC heavyweight Jairzinho Rozenstruik (0:56). Closing out the program is UFC lightweight Terrance McKinney (9:33).
Chris Weidman opens up on short-lived retirement after signing with Global Fight League: "I love to compete"
Josh Evanoff - January 27, 2025
Former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman has signed with the Global Fight League. ‘The All-American’ is fresh off his return to the octagon at UFC 310 last month in Las Vegas. Back for the first time since a controversial win over Bruno Silva in March, Chris Weidman faced Eryk Anders. Despite a first-round knockdown from the former champion, he was finished in the closing seconds of the second frame.
Jeremy Stephens reveals free agent status after knockout win over Eddie Alvarez at BKFC KnuckleMania V: "You paid the wrong man"
Josh Evanoff - January 27, 2025
BKFC welterweight contender Jeremy Stephens is now a free agent after beating Eddie Alvarez. ‘Lil Heathen’ and ‘The Underground King’ met in the main event of BKFC KnuckleMania V over the weekend. Heading into the matchup, Jeremy Stephens was riding a two-fight winning streak, previously scoring wins over Jimmie Rivera and Bobby Taylor. Meanwhile, Alvarez hadn’t been seen since a knockout loss to Mike Perry in late 2023.
Dan Hooker previews UFC 313 co-main event against Justin Gaethje: "The UFC wants to see someone die"
Josh Evanoff - January 27, 2025
UFC lightweight contender Dan Hooker can’t wait to go to war with Justin Gaethje. ‘The Hangman’ hasn’t been seen in the cage since a clash with Mateusz Gamrot in August. That night at UFC 305 saw Dan Hooker go to war with ‘Gamer’, and emerge with an upset win by split-decision. The victory was the New Zealander’s third in a row, previously scoring victories over Jalin Turner and Claudio Puelles.
Alex Pereira reveals conversation with Jon Jones about making UFC superfight a reality: "Let's make the fight"
Josh Evanoff - January 27, 2025
UFC light-heavyweight champion Alex Pereira still wants to fight Jon Jones. ‘Poatan’ just signed a deal to return to the octagon in March. Back for the first time since a stoppage win over Khalil Rountree last fall, Alex Pereira will meet the rising Magomed Ankalaev in the main event of UFC 313. The Russian is currently riding a 13-fight unbeaten streak, last defeating Aleksandar Rakic in October.
Robert Whittaker reveals biggest threat Israel Adesanya faces against Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Saudi Arabia
Fernando Quiles Jr. - January 27, 2025
Robert Whittaker believes he knows the biggest challenge that lies ahead of UFC Saudi Arabia for Israel Adesanya. Whittaker and Adesanya have become quite chummy recently. The two now train together, and “The Reaper” helped “The Last Stylebender” prepare for Nassourdine Imavov. Adesanya and Imavov will collide this Saturday in the main event of a UFC Saudi Arabia card.
UFC 314 main event between Ilia Topuria and Alexander Volkanovski possibly leaked by rising star
Fernando Quiles Jr. - January 27, 2025
Ilia Topuria vs. Alexander Volkanovski 2 will headline UFC 314 in Miami, Bo Nickal claims. Much has been made over what’s next for Topuria, the current UFC featherweight champion. “El Matador” has teased possibly moving up to the lightweight division, but he released a statement on social media telling fans to not believe gossip online. Volkanovski has been under the impression that he’s due for a UFC featherweight title rematch.
Michael Bisping predicts UFC Saudi Arabia headliner between Israel Adesanya and Nassourdine Imavov
Fernando Quiles Jr. - January 27, 2025
Michael Bisping has made his prediction for the UFC Saudi Arabia main event between Israel Adesanya and Nassourdine Imavov. Adesanya hasn’t won a bout since April 2023 and he’s hoping to return to the win column this Saturday. It’ll be his first non-title bout since 2019. For Imavov, it’s a massive opportunity to score the biggest win of his pro MMA career.
Uriah Hall discusses the possibility of signing for Karate Combat
Harry Kettle - January 27, 2025
Uriah Hall has given his thoughts on the possibility of him signing for Karate Combat in the near future. When he first arrived on the scene in mixed martial arts, Uriah Hall made quite a splash. While his career didn’t quite pan out as many had expected, he certainly had some big moments during his time in the UFC. Now, however, he’s no longer with the promotion, and he’s spent the last few years exploring new pastures.
Conor McGregor brags about the success of BKFC KnuckleMania V
Harry Kettle - January 27, 2025
Conor McGregor has bragged about the success of BKFC KnuckleMania V, which went down last week in Philadelphia. It’s safe to say that Conor McGregor’s stock within the mixed martial arts community has dropped dramatically. From some of his actions to his inactivity in the cage, it’s been a long time since he’s been viewed as a positive figure in the sport by the majority of fans and pundits.
Dan Hooker discusses his friendship with Israel Adesanya
Harry Kettle - January 27, 2025
UFC star Dan Hooker has discussed his close friendship with Israel Adesanya ahead of UFC Saudi Arabia this weekend. For Israel Adesanya, his mixed martial arts legacy has already been cemented in the eyes of many. He’s an incredible competitor who has won multiple world titles, and he’ll go down in history as one of the best middleweights in UFC history. In addition to that, he’s also been part of City Kickboxing, one of the best teams in MMA, for a long time.