MMA News
Shavkat Rakhmonov shoved down UFC welterweight ladder upon return, says ex-champion
Fernando Quiles Jr. - November 20, 2025
A former UFC Welterweight Champion thinks Shavkat Rakhmonov will have to build his way back up the 170-pound ladder. Rakhmonov was supposed to challenge Muhammad for the welterweight gold at UFC 315 back in May. He suffered an injury and was replaced by Jack Della Maddalena, who ended up defeating Muhammad.
Belal Muhammad thinks Leon Edwards still has juice despite UFC 322 loss
Fernando Quiles Jr. - November 20, 2025
Leon Edwards has been struggling inside the Octagon, but even after his UFC 322 defeat to Carlos Prates, Belal Muhammad feels his former rival should press on. Edwards entered Madison Square Garden in New York City hoping to snap a two-fight skid that had some questioning his motivation. “Rocky” had a promising start against Prates with his grappling. Things took a bad turn for Edwards in the second round, as he was knocked out.
Pro fighters make their picks for Belal Muhammad vs. Ian Machado Garry
Cole Shelton - November 20, 2025
In the co-main event of UFC Qatar, a pivotal welterweight bout goes down as Belal Muhammad takes on Ian Machado Garry. Heading into the fight, Muhammad is a +215 underdog while the Irishman is a -290 favorite on FanDuel. Ahead of the scrap, BJPENN.com reached out to several pro fighters to get their predictions for the welterweight fight at UFC Qatar. The majority of pros believe the underdog in Muhammad will be able to grind out a decision win.
Dan Hooker explains why he dislikes UFC Qatar opponent Arman Tsarukyan
Harry Kettle - November 20, 2025
UFC veteran Dan Hooker has explained why he isn’t a big fan of UFC Qatar opponent Arman Tsarukyan. For the longest time, Arman Tsarukyan has been seen as a legitimate contender in the UFC lightweight division. He even had a title shot booked, only for a last minute injury to rule him out of a showdown with Islam Makhachev. Now, Arman will attempt to secure a number one contender spot once again when he faces Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar.
Colby Covington issues surprising praise to Islam Makhachev following UFC 322
Harry Kettle - November 20, 2025
UFC welterweight Colby Covington has praised champion Islam Makhachev following the latter’s victory in the main event of UFC 322. At UFC 322, Islam Makhachev was able to defeat Jack Della Maddalena to become the new UFC welterweight champion. In doing so, he became a two-weight UFC champion, something which very few other fighters have been able to do. Now, many are wondering what’s next for him.
Yodlekpet aims for statement win at ONE Friday Fights 134: "Finish this year strongly"
BJPENN.COM Staff - November 20, 2025
Momentum shifts arrive in single moments. Yodlekpet Or Atchariya understands this truth better than most, stepping into Friday’s main event knowing one explosive performance transforms careers overnight. The 30-year-old Thai striker faces Anar Mammadov in a flyweight Muay Thai clash at ONE Friday Fights 134 on Friday, November 22, inside Bangkok, Thailand’s Lumpinee Stadium. The four-time Muay Thai World Champion enters following a razor-close split-decision loss to Pompet PK Saenchai at ONE Friday Fights 126 in September, making this opportunity crucial for his campaign.
ONE Championship announces full card for ONE Friday Fights 134
BJPENN.COM Staff - November 19, 2025
Contract aspirations fuel every fighter stepping into Bangkok. Yodlekpet Or Atchariya carries that hunger into Friday night’s main event, knowing one explosive performance separates him from the $100,000 prize. The 30-year-old Thai striker faces Anar Mammadov in a flyweight Muay Thai clash at ONE Friday Fights 134 on Friday, November 21. The former four-time Muay Thai World Champion brings his devastating power and relentless aggression into this high-stakes encounter. He has 131 professional fights worth of experience backing every technique.
Proven UFC flyweight removed from rankings, taking break for remainder of 2025
Dylan Bowker - November 19, 2025
A stalwart contender within the UFC’s flyweight division was absent from the latest rankings update, and one of the most prominent combat sports journalists in the world delved into the specifics on why that is. On The Ariel Helwani Show, the titular figure was addressing Kai Kara-France being removed from the UFC flyweight rankings and began running down the top ten hierarchy among 125-pounders right now. Kara-France, who was in the top ten, is now completely gone, and with Ariel Helwani clarifying that the former UFC flyweight title challenger has not been released from the promotion, Helwani said,
Vadim Nemkov set to face Francis Ngannou's former rival, Cris Cyborg features at PFL Lyon
Curtis Calhoun - November 19, 2025
Vadim Nemkov and Cris Cyborg, two of the greatest Bellator fighters of all time, will feature on the same card on December 13th. The PFL will wrap up its 2025 event slate under new leadership, after John Martin took over the promotion’s CEO role earlier this year. PFL Lyon, which marks the league’s return to the European continent, will feature two elite fighters atop the card.
Paddy Pimblett goes on X-rated rant against Justin Gaethje's title shot holdout
Curtis Calhoun - November 19, 2025
UFC lightweight contender Paddy Pimblett didn’t hold back on Justin Gaethje amidst the former BMF titleholder’s holdout. The UFC lightweight title picture is filled with big names and big questions, including who will face newly-crowned champion Ilia Topuria for his first title defense. Topuria knocked out Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 earlier this year to become the latest two-division titleholder in the promotion’s history.
Fedor Emelianenko calls for Jack Della Maddalena's coach to apologize for Islam Makhachev taunts after UFC 322
Curtis Calhoun - November 19, 2025
Heavyweight MMA legend Fedor Emelianenko slammed Jack Della Maddalena’s grappling coach, Craig Jones, for his taunts ahead of UFC 322. Jack Della Maddalena’s first UFC welterweight title defense was a disaster as the titleholder lost to Islam Makhachev by a lopsided unanimous decision at UFC 322. Maddalena failed to stifle Makhachev’s relentless wrestling, fading as the fight went on and failing to significantly damage the former lightweight champ.
Dan Hooker expects to 'jump the queue' for a title shot with a win over Arman Tsarukyan at UFC Qatar
Cole Shelton - November 19, 2025
Dan Hooker expects to secure a title shot at UFC Qatar. Hooker is set to headline UFC Qatar on Saturday against Arman Tsarukyan in a pivotal fight at lightweight. The winner of the fight will be right in the title picture at lightweight, and Hooker expects to get it over Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje.
Ex-UFC star Tony Ferguson booked for another boxing match after successful debut
Fernando Quiles Jr. - November 19, 2025
Tony Ferguson will be dabbling in the “sweet science” once again. Following a TKO finish over Salt Papi back in late August, “El Cucuy” will share the ring with Warren Spencer at “Misfits Boxing: The Fight Before Christmas” on Dec. 20. The boxing match is set to take place inside the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium.
Ian Machado Garry thinks he can exploit holes in Islam Makhachev's standup following UFC 322
Fernando Quiles Jr. - November 19, 2025
Ian Machado Garry believes he can give Islam Makhachev fits in the standup. Makhachev displayed his dominance in the main event of UFC 322, defeating Jack Della Maddalena via unanimous decision. Makhachev’s effective grappling led to a clean sweep on the scorecards and UFC gold in a second weight class.
Pro fighters make their picks for Arman Tsarukyan vs. Dan Hooker
Cole Shelton - November 19, 2025
In the main event of UFC Qatar, a pivotal lightweight fight goes down as Arman Tsarukyan takes on Dan Hooker. Heading into the fight, Tsarukyan is a massive -530 favorite while ‘The Hangman’ is a +360 underdog on FanDuel. Ahead of the scrap, BJPENN.com reached out to several pro fighters to get their predictions for the lightweight fight at UFC Qatar. The pros are aligned with the odds as they expect Tsarukyan’s wrestling and grappling to be too much for Hooker.
Nadaka, Kana Morimoto reflect on ONE 173 victories: "Part of that elite group"
BJPENN.COM Staff - November 19, 2025
Championship gold validates every sacrifice. Nadaka discovered this truth Saturday night, capturing the inaugural ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Title in front of his home crowd with a performance that showcased his complete skill set. The 24-year-old Japanese striker dominated Numsurin Chor Ketwina across five rounds at ONE 173. The event took place on Saturday, November 16, inside Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan. The Eiwa Sports Gym representative picked apart the Thai veteran with clinical accuracy. He earned a unanimous decision that extended his remarkable winning streak to 40 consecutive victories.
Takeru reflects on ONE 173 victory: "I returned to my old self"
BJPENN.COM Staff - November 18, 2025
Shem Rock blasts UFC Qatar foe: "No one wants to see that boring s**t"
Dylan Bowker - November 18, 2025
Shem Rock recognizes his debut opponent in the UFC has a spotless MMA record, but does not have an ample amount of appreciation for his fighting style. The man known as Shaqueme Rock is making his long-awaited UFC debut this weekend at UFC Qatar when he battles Nurullo Aliev. This bout goes down on November 22nd, and when asked for his thoughts on Aliev’s resume as well as general skill set heading into this fight, Rock said [via Bowks Talking Bouts],
Demetrious Johnson scolds 'boring' critiques of Islam Makhachev's dominant win at UFC 322
Curtis Calhoun - November 18, 2025
UFC legend Demetrious Johnson went off on a vocal group of fans who were critical of Islam Makhachev’s win at UFC 322. Islam Makhachev achieved his lifelong goal to win a second UFC world championship when he dominated Jack Della Maddalena by unanimous decision last weekend at UFC 322. Maddalena’s welterweight title reign ended in one title defense after winning the belt earlier this year.