MMA News
Javier Mendez reveals one thing he doesn't like about Islam Makhachev's sparring sessions
Fernando Quiles Jr. - January 21, 2025
Islam Makhachev has been a golden goose for Javier Mendez, but the renowned head coach has one pet peeve with the UFC lightweight champion. Mendez has helped Makhachev throughout their time together at American Kickboxing Academy. Of course, Makhachev splits his time in California and Dagestan in preparation for his fights. The method has worked wonders for Makhachev, who recently set a new record for the most successful UFC lightweight title defenses.
Magomed Ankalaev issues warning to Alex Pereira
Harry Kettle - January 21, 2025
UFC contender Magomed Ankalaev has issued a warning to UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira. As we know, Magomed Ankalaev has been waiting a long time to battle Alex Pereira. It felt, in many ways, like a collision that was inevitable. In his first title fight, Ankalaev was unable to get the job done in a draw with Jan Blachowicz. Now, however, he believes he is ready to dethrone ‘Poatan’ and claim the gold at UFC 313.
Jamahal Hill breaks silence following UFC 311 defeat
Harry Kettle - January 21, 2025
UFC fighter Jamahal Hill has broken his social media silence following his loss to Jiri Prochazka at UFC 311. Last weekend, Jamahal Hill fell short against Jiri Prochazka. In what proved to be a really competitive fight, Hill was dropped multiple times before eventually being finished in the third by Prochazka. Despite that, many gave Jamahal credit for the manner in which he conducted himself in the Octagon.
Merab Dvalishvili shares footage of graphic leg injury
Harry Kettle - January 21, 2025
UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili has shared graphic footage of his pre-UFC 311 leg injury. Last weekend, Merab Dvalishvili successfully retained the UFC bantamweight championship. He did so in an immensely entertaining fight against Umar Nurmagomedov, in a contest that many expected Nurmagomedov to win. In the end, though, Dvalishvili did more than enough to get himself over the finish line.
What's next for the stars of UFC 311?
Cole Shelton - January 20, 2025
The UFC was in Inglewood, California for a solid UFC 311 card on Saturday, as the event saw two titles on the line. In the main event, Islam Makhachev took on Renato Moicano on 24 hours’ notice as he looked to defend his lightweight title. The co-main event saw Merab Dvalishvili defending his bantamweight title against Umar Nurmagomedov.
Freddie Haggerty vows to stop Jordan Estupinan at ONE 170
BJPENN.COM Staff - January 20, 2025
British striker Freddie Haggerty wants to start 2025 the same way he finished 2024 – with another knockout win. The 20-year-old meets Colombian newcomer Jordan Estupinan at ONE 170 on Friday, January 24, inside Bangkok, Thailand’s sold-out Impact Arena in flyweight Muay Thai action.
Alex Pereira says he requested to fight Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313: "I asked for him"
Cole Shelton - January 20, 2025
Alex Pereira says he requested to fight Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313 in March. Pereira originally said he wanted to take some time off, but after being back in the gym he said he called the UFC to request the fight. He says he was never avoiding Ankalaev so he made it clear that he asked the UFC for the fight.
Daniel Cormier and Chael Sonnen speak after being named coaches of The Ultimate Fighter 33: "We'll have to grapple!"
Josh Evanoff - January 20, 2025
UFC Hall of Famers Daniel Cormier and Chael Sonnen can’t wait to coach The Ultimate Fighter. It’s no secret that the UFC’s long-running reality show has seen better days. Since the creation of the Dana White Contender Series in 2017, The Ultimate Fighter has taken a bit of a backseat. While the show has continued to run with the likes of Conor McGregor as coaches, ratings have badly declined.
Sean O'Malley's coach believes a healthy 'Suga' is Merab Dvalishvili's 'kryptonite': "We take him out"
Cole Shelton - January 20, 2025
Tim Welch the coach of Sean O’Malley believes his fighter is the kryptonite for Merab Dvalishvili. O’Malley lost his bantamweight title to Dvalishvili in September at the Sphere. Dvalishvili was able to impose his will with his cardio and wrestling to win the fight. However, O’Malley was injured in the fight which Welch believes played a big role.
Merab Dvalishvili explains how he tricked California Athletic Commission to fight at UFC 311
BJ Penn Staff - January 20, 2025
Merab Dvalishvili delivered one of the best performances of his career at UFC 311, defending the bantamweight title with an impressive decision victory over Umar Nurmagomedov. However, he nearly didn’t make it to the Octagon at all. In the wake of UFC 311, Dvalishvili opened up on an injury he suffered before the fight. He sustained a bad cut on his shin in training, and he might not have been cleared to compete at all had he not found a way to fool a representative from the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC).
Kamaru Usman scoffs at notion that Islam Makhachev & Belal Muhammad can't fight due to training ties
Fernando Quiles Jr. - January 20, 2025
Kamaru Usman doesn’t believe that Islam Makhachev should hesitate to fight Belal Muhammad. Makhachev recently set a new record for the most successful UFC lightweight title defenses in the promotion’s history. With how dominant he has been at 155 pounds, many believe it’s only a matter of time before he tries his hand at welterweight. Makhachev has even said that his dream is to become a two-division UFC champion.
Henry Cejudo calls Merab Dvalishvili the bantamweight GOAT following UFC 311 performance: 'You have to, man'
Fernando Quiles Jr. - January 20, 2025
Henry Cejudo is giving Merab Dvalishvili the ultimate praise following UFC 311. Dvalishvili opened a lot of eyes when his first UFC Bantamweight Championship defense was over. The Georgian champion put his gold at stake against the previously unbeaten Umar Nurmagomedov. While the challenger had a strong start in the fight, it was Dvalishvili who proved to have the superior conditioning and his grappling was on point against tough opposition. Dvalishvili walked out of the Intuit Dome with his 135-pound gold secured.
Charles Oliveira reacts to Islam Makhachev's main event win at UFC 311
Harry Kettle - January 20, 2025
UFC star Charles Oliveira has given his thoughts on Islam Makhachev’s victory in the main event of UFC 311. As we know, Charles Oliveira is one of the biggest stars in the Ultimate Fighting Championship right now. He’s a veteran, he’s a former world champion, and he’s eager to prove that he still has what it takes to win a belt at 155 pounds. Following his win over Michael Chandler, he’s also seen by many as one of the leading contenders for a future title shot against Islam Makhachev.
UFC star Jiri Prochazka reacts to criticism of his unique style: "F*** them"
Harry Kettle - January 20, 2025
UFC sensation Jiri Prochazka has hit back at those who continue to criticize his style following his win at UFC 311. Last weekend, Jiri Prochazka made a real statement against Jamahal Hill. He was able to get back in the win column in style, finishing Hill in the third round of their intense light heavyweight encounter at UFC 311.
Reinier de Ridder calls out big names following UFC 311 victory
Harry Kettle - January 20, 2025
UFC star Reinier de Ridder has called out a few big names following his sophomore triumph at UFC 311 last weekend. So far, so good for Reinier de Ridder in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. After picking up a win and a finish in his debut with the company, de Ridder turned right around and submitted Kevin Holland in the first round at UFC 311 last weekend. It was a statement win, to say the least, even if Holland put in a poor performance.
Conor McGregor heads to Washington DC to support Donald Trump's inauguration
Harry Kettle - January 20, 2025
UFC star Conor McGregor is in Washington DC to support Donald Trump ahead of his presidential inauguration later today. As we know, it’s been a complicated few months for Conor McGregor. The biggest moment, of course, came when he lost his sexual assault civil case. Ever since then, the Irishman’s image has been heavily tarnished. Many sponsors have distanced themselves from him and in addition to that, a lot of fans have retracted their support of the former two-weight world champion.
Superbon promises to avenge 2023 loss to Tawanchai at ONE 170
BJPENN.COM Staff - January 19, 2025
For reigning ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion Superbon, 2025 starts off with an opportunity for vindication. The Thai megastar challenges ONE featherweight Muay Thai king Tawanchai PK Saenchai in ONE 170’s main event this Friday, January 24, inside Bangkok, Thailand’s Impact Arena.
Islam Makhachev reacts to Umar Nurmagomedov's UFC 311 loss against Merab Dvalishvili
Fernando Quiles Jr. - January 19, 2025
Islam Makhachev has shared his reaction to Umar Nurmagomedov’s first career defeat. Makhachev and Nurmagomedov were both in title fights on the UFC 311 card this past Saturday night. Makhachev successfully defended his UFC Lightweight Championship against Renato Moicano in the main event. Just prior to his walkout, Makhachev witnessed Nurmagomedov drop a unanimous decision to bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili in the co-headliner.




