MMA News
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.
Khamzat Chimaev makes a big prediction for his UFC run in 2025
Harry Kettle - January 27, 2025
UFC star Khamzat Chimaev has made a big prediction for his run in the promotion this year. As we know, Khamzat Chimaev is one of the scariest fighters in all of mixed martial arts. He has achieved some incredible things up to this point in his career, but of course, his biggest goal is still ahead of him. The man known as ‘Borz’ is hungry to become a UFC champion, with many believing he should be the next in line for a shot at the winner of Dricus du Plessis vs Sean Strickland 2.
Nong-O meets Kongthoranee in flyweight Muay Thai showdown at ONE Fight Night 28
BJPENN.COM Staff - January 26, 2025
The fight announcements are coming thick and fast for ONE Fight Night 28: Prajanchai vs. Barboza next month. In line with that, a huge bantamweight Muay Thai showdown has been added to the fold. It’s a new dawn, a new day for former ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Nong-O Hama. The legendary striker will make a fresh start when he moves to the flyweight division to meet #4-ranked contender Kongthoranee Sor Sommai on Friday, February 8, inside Bangkok, Thailand’s Lumpinee Stadium.
Islam Makhachev shares preference on who he wants to fight next: 'I like this idea'
Fernando Quiles Jr. - January 26, 2025
Islam Makhachev wants a fresh UFC title challenger for his next defense. Makhachev put his name in the history books after he set a new record for the most successful UFC lightweight title defenses. He defeated Renato Mociano, who was a late replacement opponent after Arman Tsarukyan pulled out of the fight due to a back injury. Makhachev ended up submitting Moicano in the opening frame to push his title defenses to four.
Jeremy Stephens says 'old cocaine' Conor McGregor doubted him ahead of BKFC KnuckleMania V win over Eddie Alvarez
Fernando Quiles Jr. - January 26, 2025
Jeremy Stephens is happy to prove the doubters wrong, especially Conor McGregor. Stephens entered a hostile environment when he went one-on-one with Eddie Alvarez this past Saturday. Their fight headlined BKFC KnuckleMania V inside the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA. “Lil Heathen” was able to silence the Philly crowd, scoring two knockdowns on Alvarez in round three before the fight was waved off.
Paul Hughes speaks out on close decision loss to Usman Nurmagomedov: 'I thought it was mine'
Fernando Quiles Jr. - January 26, 2025
Paul Hughes has spoken out following his loss against Usman Nurmagomedov. Hughes and Nurmagomedov put on a classic in the main event of PFL Champions: Road to Dubai. Nurmagomedov’s Bellator Lightweight Championship was on the line inside the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai. Hughes showcased effective takedown defense and was highly competitive against the 155-pound champion, but it wasn’t enough, as he dropped a majority decision.
Newly minted BKFC heavyweight champion Ben Rothwell responds to Mark Hunt's callout
Fernando Quiles Jr. - January 26, 2025
Ben Rothwell wouldn’t mind throwing down with Mark Hunt again. Rothwell scored a massive victory this past Saturday night at BKFC KnuckleMania V. The former UFC star challenged Mick Terrill for the BKFC Heavyweight Championship. It only took Rothwell 36 seconds to deliver an emphatic one-punch knockout to claim gold. Winning a title for a major promotion has been a long time coming for “Big” Ben, who has been fighting professionally since 2001.
Usman Nurmagomedov dismisses immediate rematch with Paul Hughes following instant classic
Fernando Quiles Jr. - January 26, 2025
Usman Nurmagomedov isn’t gung-ho over the idea of fighting Paul Hughes again anytime soon. Nurmagomedov and Hughes shared the cage this past Saturday in the main event of PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai. Nurmagomedov’s Bellator Lightweight Championship was at stake. Many wondered how Hughes would handle the champion’s grappling in this one. The Irishman put forth a brilliant effort, matching Nurmagomedov throughout the five rounds of highly competitive action.
Saemapetch Fairtex and Felipe Lobo to run it back at ONE Fight Night 28
BJPENN.COM Staff - January 24, 2025
Just one year after their memorable matchup, bantamweight Muay Thai sluggers Felipe Lobo and Saemapetch Fairtex will go at it once more. The standout strikers will meet in a bantamweight Muay Thai banger at ONE Fight Night 28: Prajanchai vs. Barboza on Friday, February 8, inside Bangkok, Thailand’s Lumpinee Stadium.