MMA News
Rico Verhoeven vacates GLORY heavyweight title in shocking career update
Curtis Calhoun - November 20, 2025
Longtime GLORY heavyweight kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven has announced the conclusion of his title reign in a shocking update. Just months after defeating Alex Pereira’s former rival, GLORY heavyweight champion Rico Verhoeven has abruptly announced the end of his time with the world-class kickboxing promotion.
Michael Morales and Carlos Prates get huge praise from Belal Muhammad following UFC 322
Fernando Quiles Jr. - November 20, 2025
Belal Muhammad was paying attention to the UFC 322 card, and he has big praise for Michael Morales and Carlos Prates. Morales and Prates both had statement-making performances inside Madison Square Garden in New York City recently. Morales starched grappling specialist and highly regarded contender Sean Brady in the first round. Prates found himself on the good side of the highlight reel, becoming the first fighter to knock Leon Edwards out.
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.
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.
UFC commentator praises Merab Dvalishvili for career management
Harry Kettle - November 20, 2025
UFC commentator Daniel Cormier has praised Merab Dvalishvili for how he’s managed his career in the last few years. For the longest time now, Merab Dvalishvili has been viewed as one of the best bantamweights on the planet. Now, many believe him to be the greatest of all time following a run in which he has been able to successfully defend his title three times in one calendar year.
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.
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,
Ian Machado Garry claims "Kamaru Usman is f*ing irrelevant in the division" amid Islam Makhachev vs. Usman rumblings
Dylan Bowker - November 19, 2025
Ian Machado Garry does not like the emerging discourse about Kamaru Usman being the potential next challenger for Islam Makhachev’s welterweight title. This was touched on during a segment the Irish combatant did for UFC on TNT with an excerpt posted to X account @RedCorner_MMA. Touching on the depth of game contenders at 170 pounds who emerged from UFC 322 and why Usman does not stand out above them, Machado Garry 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.
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.
Arman Tsarukyan unsure who can stop Islam Makhachev after UFC 322 sweep
Fernando Quiles Jr. - November 19, 2025
Arman Tsarukyan isn’t exactly sold on a welterweight contender who can stop Islam Makhachev. Makhachev challenged Jack Della Maddalena for the UFC Welterweight Championship inside Madison Square Garden in New York City this past Saturday. Makhachev lived up to his word, controlling “JDM” throughout the fight to score a unanimous decision victory.
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.
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
Redemption tastes sweeter on home soil. Takeru Segawa discovered this truth Sunday night, delivering the statement performance he desperately needed after two setbacks threatened his legendary career. The 34-year-old Japanese superstar stopped Denis Puric in the second round at ONE 173 on Saturday, November 16, inside Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan. The former three-division K-1 Champion scored four knockdowns across the entire fight, marking his first victory in his homeland under the ONE Championship banner.