MMA News
Dricus du Plessis explains why Islam Makhachev super fight would be 'easy payday' for him
Fernando Quiles Jr. - January 28, 2025
Dricus du Plessis doesn’t see Islam Makhachev giving him much of a problem if they ever share the Octagon. Both du Plessis and Makhachev currently hold UFC gold. The middleweight title belongs to du Plessis, and he will look to have a second successful defense when he meets Sean Strickland in a rematch on February 8th. As for Makhachev, he recently made history by setting a new record for the most successful UFC Lightweight Championship defenses when he submitted Renato Moicano.
Former UFC champion claims Khamzat Chimaev once turned down fight offer: 'He didn't really want to play'
Fernando Quiles Jr. - January 28, 2025
One former UFC titleholder claims that Khamzat Chimaev once turned down a fight with him. Chimaev has been on a tear under the UFC banner. He has a perfect pro MMA record of 14-0 and is coming off the biggest win of his career, submitting ex-UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker in the first round. Many believe Chimaev is the clear choice to challenge the winner of the upcoming title rematch between Dricus du Plessis and Sean Strickland.
Chatri Sityodtong promises fans that ONE 170 will be “biggest show in Thailand’s history”
BJPENN.COM Staff - January 28, 2025
In recent years, Thailand has hosted some of the biggest shows in ONE Championship’s history. But according to ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong, none come bigger and better than this week’s ONE 170. Bangkok, Thailand’s sold-out Impact Arena will play host to the prolific event on Friday, January 24. There, a jam-packed card across Muay Thai, MMA, kickboxing, and submission grappling bouts goes down live in Asia primetime.
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.
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.
UFC Saudi Arabia: ‘Adesanya vs. Imavov’ Fight Card and Start Times
Harry Kettle - January 28, 2025
UFC Saudi Arabia is right around the corner as fans await the return of the legend that is Israel Adesanya. Event: UFC Saudi Arabia: Adesanya vs Imavov Date: Saturday, 1st February 2025 Location: anb Arena (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) Broadcast: ESPN+ PPV, ESPN2, ESPN+ (12pm EST main card)
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.
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).
Eddie Alvarez reveals he broke his jaw from a "kill shot" by Jeremy Stephens at KnuckleMania 5
Cole Shelton - January 27, 2025
Eddie Alvarez broke his jaw in his stoppage loss to Jeremy Stephens at KnuckleMania 5. Alvarez entered the bout as the favorite, but early on, Stephens landed a massive punch that appeared to hurt Alvarez. The former UFC champ had a hard time overcoming Stephens’ power and was even dropped. After the third round, Alvarez’s corner stopped it and he took to Instagram to reveal it was because his jaw was broken.
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.
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.
TJ Dillashaw explains why Cody Garbrandt is the toughest matchup for Merab Dvalishvili
Cole Shelton - January 27, 2025
TJ Dillashaw believes Cody Garbrandt is the toughest matchup at bantamweight for champion Merab Dvalishvili. Garbrandt is a former UFC bantamweight champion but is unranked. However, his former rival Dillashaw thinks the former champ would pose a lot of problems for Dvalishvili due to his skill set.
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.
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.