MMA News

Harry Kettle - January 11, 2025

UFC star Dan Hooker has said he would prefer a championship to money at this point in his mixed martial arts career. Over the years, Dan Hooker has been an ever-present member of the UFC roster. He’s been involved in some absolute wars, and as we look ahead to his immediate future, it feels like he’s on the verge of another big opportunity.

Harry Kettle - January 11, 2025

UFC veteran Johnny Walker has been forced out of his UFC 311 fight against Bogdan Guskov as a result of an injury. Over the years, Johnny Walker has served as a pretty entertaining member of the UFC roster. However, while he may bring us a lot of entertainment value, that doesn’t always lead to positive results inside the Octagon. Sometimes, in fact, he falls flat in a pretty dramatic way.

Harry Kettle - January 11, 2025

UFC contender Magomed Ankalaev has sent a stern warning to Alex Pereira with reports suggesting the two will fight one another later this year. After months of speculation, it seems as if Magomed Ankalaev’s moment has finally arrived. He is set to challenge Alex Pereira for the UFC light heavyweight championship later this year after spending a long time campaigning for another crack at the gold.

Harry Kettle - January 11, 2025

UFC star Conor McGregor put in some tough challenges during a local football match this weekend. Right now, the world of mixed martial arts is following every single move that Conor McGregor makes. So, while a bit of exercise playing football (soccer for those in North America) isn’t that big of a deal, it’s worth noting when it comes to the Irishman.

Josh Evanoff - January 10, 2025

40-year-old Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg still wants a fight inside the cage. It’s no secret that the tech giant has become incredibly close to MMA over the last few years. In 2022, the billionaire began training in MMA and jiu-jitsu. Quickly, videos of Mark Zuckerberg on the mats spread like wildfire. A year later, he entered a BJJ tournament winning a silver and gold medal competing as a white belt in gi and no-gi.

Josh Evanoff - January 10, 2025

Former UFC title challenger Kevin Lee hopes to meet Tony Ferguson in the Global Fight League. ‘The Motown Phenom’ is one of the Global Fight League’s more high-profile signings. Kevin Lee famously retired following a loss in the UFC in 2023, but he quickly u-turned on the idea. After picking up a submission win over Thiago Oliveira at Lights Out Championship 17 in September, he signed a deal with the GFL.

Josh Evanoff - January 10, 2025

According to Ariel Helwani, UFC champion Alex Pereira will likely face Magomed Ankalaev next. ‘Poatan’ hasn’t been seen in the octagon since a short-notice clash with Khalil Rountree in October. While many hoped to see Alex Pereira face the rising Magomed Ankalaev, he instead met ‘The War Horse’. Despite some early success from Rountree, the Brazilian broke down his challenger to score a fourth-round knockout win at UFC 307.

Fernando Quiles Jr. - January 10, 2025

Islam Makhachev is confident that he could’ve finished Dustin Poirier on the feet if Khabib Nurmagomedov allowed him too. Makhachev and Poirier shared the Octagon back in June 2024. Makhachev’s UFC Lightweight Championship was at stake. In the champion’s corner was none other than Nurmagomedov, who was none too pleased with his fighter’s decision to keep the fight standing.

Fernando Quiles Jr. - January 10, 2025

Dan Hooker may engage in some banter with fellow UFC lightweights, but he doesn’t take things personal. Hooker has had his fair share of trash talk with the likes of Renato Moicano, Michael Chandler, and Dustin Poirier in the past. “The Hangman” isn’t known for running his mouth, but he will have some words for other 155-pounders on occasion. While the war of words can be fun for the top-10 UFC lightweight, he isn’t so sure that he can say he has actual beef with anyone.

Harry Kettle - January 10, 2025

UFC star Ilia Topuira could end up being in the corner of Merab Dvalishvili for his title fight at UFC 311 next weekend. Right now, Ilia Topuria is one of the biggest stars in all of mixed martial arts. He is the UFC featherweight champion, he’s built up a huge name for himself, and last year he knocked out both Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway. If that isn’t impressive, we truly don’t know what is.

Harry Kettle - January 10, 2025

UFC sensation Megan Olivi has revealed five mixed martial arts wishes she has for this year as we get set for the first event of 2025. There are so many great things going on in mixed martial arts right now, and that’s especially true for the UFC. Of course, as we enter a new year, there’s always a chance for things to get better – as Megan Olivi herself has noted.

Harry Kettle - January 10, 2025

UFC legend Kamaru Usman has hit back at rival UFC welterweights after constantly being called out in recent months. As we know, Kamaru Usman is one of the best fighters of his generation. He’s also one of the greatest welterweights of all time, having an incredible run both before and during his time as champion. However, he hasn’t fought in a while, leaving many to wonder what’s next for him.

BJPENN.COM Staff - January 9, 2025

Canadian submission specialist Dante Leon hasn’t forgotten his first encounter with ONE World Title challenger Tommy Langaker. The pair met seven years ago. And Leon believes the rematch has been a long time coming.  The grappling superstars will battle in 180-pound catchweight submission grappling extravaganza at ONE Fight Night 27: Tang vs. Abdullaev, this Friday, January 10.   

Cole Shelton - January 9, 2025

Dominick Cruz will soon be making the walk to the Octagon for the final time. Cruz is set to return in the co-main event of UFC Seattle against Rob Font on February 22. It will be the first time the former bantamweight champ fights since August of 2022 and he says it will be the last time he competed.

Josh Evanoff - January 9, 2025

Tommy Fury has become the latest influencer fighter to call for a boxing match with Conor McGregor. It’s no secret that ‘The Notorious’ is on the hunt for a return to the boxing ring. While Conor McGregor hasn’t competed in the octagon since a stoppage loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021, he’s vowed to return. However, before fighting in the cage, the Irishman seemingly wants to face an influencer.

Josh Evanoff - January 9, 2025

Former UFC bantamweight champion Henry Cejudo believes he’ll stop Song Yadong next month. ‘Triple C’ recently had his return to the cage announced for the main event of UFC Seattle in February. For Henry Cejudo, the bout will end a yearlong hiatus from the octagon. The former two-weight champion was last seen in the cage last February, where he suffered a unanimous decision loss to Merab Dvalishvili.

Josh Evanoff - January 9, 2025

UFC welterweight contender Gilbert Burns is opening up on his previous meeting with Colby Covington. ‘Durinho’ and ‘Chaos’ have been feuding for a few weeks now. For his part, Colby Covington is fresh off a return to the cage in the main event of UFC Tampa last month. Stepping up on short notice alongside new coach Chael Sonnen, the former interim welterweight champion was handed a third-round stoppage loss against Joaquin Buckley.

Cole Shelton - January 9, 2025

UFC commentator Joe Rogan has walked back on his claim that Jon Jones wants $30 million to fight Tom Aspinall. Rogan sent shockwaves through the MMA community after he said Jones wants $30 million to take the fight. However, on his podcast, the UFC commentator claimed that the rumor wasn’t true.