MMA News
UFC legend urges Robert Whittaker to move up to light heavyweight: 'Let's encourage that'
Fernando Quiles Jr. - December 27, 2024
One notable name in the UFC history books is vouching for the idea of Robert Whittaker moving up to light heavyweight. Whittaker was recently asked on his podcast about a potential change in weight class. The former UFC middleweight champion ruled out a return to the welterweight division. With that said, “The Reaper” did throw out the possibility of moving up to light heavyweight.
Three UFC fights that make sense for Conor McGregor
Harry Kettle - December 27, 2024
Conor McGregor may well return to the Ultimate Fighting Championship in 2025 – and there are some interesting fights he could take if he does. Right now, Conor McGregor is in need of a change. Following his controversial sexual assault civil case, his reputation is in tatters. From disdain in his home country of Ireland to disrespect from the mixed martial arts community, it seems as if the public opinion of ‘Notorious’ has shifted dramatically.
How Alex Pereira could cement his legacy as one of the greatest of all time in 2025
Harry Kettle - December 27, 2024
Alex Pereira has already done some incredible things in mixed martial arts – but he could take things to a whole new level in 2025. Over the course of the last few years, Alex Pereira has made his mark in the UFC in ways that few could’ve imagined. Within just one year of debuting, he had captured the UFC middleweight championship. Then, he proceeded to go up to light heavyweight and become a two-division world champion. Oh, and as if that wasn’t enough, he wound up defending the belt three times in 2024 – securing three finishes along the way.
Alex Volkanovski reveals attribute he'd like as a fighter
Harry Kettle - December 27, 2024
UFC legend Alex Volkanovski has revealed what kind of attribute he’d like to add to his arsenal as a mixed martial artist. We all know Alex Volkanovski to be a huge fan favorite in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. In addition to that, he’s also one of the most decorated fighters of his generation, courtesy of his incredible run as featherweight champion.
Kade Ruotolo’s top three performances in 2024
BJPENN.COM Staff - December 26, 2024
It’s no exaggeration to say that ONE Lightweight Submission Grappling World Champion Kade Ruotolo had a phenomenal 2024. The grappling prodigy-turned-MMA star defied expectations, cementing himself as a two-sport superstar. Let’s dive into Ruotolo’s top three performances of the year.
Bellator champion Corey Anderson becomes the latest to slam the PFL: "They have not fulfilled my 6-fight contract"
Josh Evanoff - December 26, 2024
Bellator light-heavyweight champion Corey Anderson has taken aim at the PFL. Over the last few weeks, the Donn Davis-led company has come under heavy fire. When the PFL bought Bellator last fall, there was a lot of optimism and excitement from the MMA world. Within a few weeks, they revealed a brand new streaming deal with HBO Max and a loaded schedule for 2024. Sadly, many of those events failed to come to fruition.
Former WWE star Bobby Lashley remains interested in return to MMA: "I love to fight"
Josh Evanoff - December 26, 2024
Former Bellator heavyweight and current AEW wrestler Bobby Lashley wants another fight. The 48-year-old professional wrestler is one of many names who made the jump to MMA over the years. Having a background in amateur wrestling, Bobby Lashley sought out a career in the cage after being released from the WWE in 2008. Over the next two years, he compiled an impressive 4-0 record on the regional scene.
Israel Adesanya plans to remind fans of his greatness in UFC Saudi Arabia return: "Y'all must've forgot"
Josh Evanoff - December 26, 2024
Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya wants to remind fans how good he is. ‘The Last Stylebender’ hasn’t been seen in the cage since a grudge match against Dricus du Plessis in August. In the main event of UFC 305, the two middleweights went back and forth in the first three rounds. However, in round four, ‘Stillknocks’ rocked, and quickly submitted Israel Adesanya to retain middleweight gold.
Javier Mendez thinks Islam Makhachev can win UFC middleweight title: 'It's a matter of whether he wants to'
Fernando Quiles Jr. - December 26, 2024
American Kickboxing Academy head coach Javier Mendez has full confidence in Islam Makhachev’s ability to capture gold at 185 pounds. Makhachev is the reigning UFC lightweight champion. He rules a division where the athletes are 30 pounds lighter than middleweights. It’s a fact that won’t deter Mendez, however, who believes his fighter can move up to 185 pounds and rule the roost there. If welterweight doesn’t become an option for Makhachev due to his teammate, Belal Muhammad, running the division, then a middleweight run could be in the cards.
Retired UFC fan favorite says Alex Pereira has already earned Hall of Fame honors: 'Look at what he has done'
Fernando Quiles Jr. - December 26, 2024
One retired UFC fighter believes Alex Pereira already has the accolades of a Hall of Famer. Pereira is the reigning UFC light heavyweight champion. He also happens to be an ex-UFC middleweight titleholder. “Poatan” has just one loss under the UFC banner, and that was against his rival Israel Adesanya. After the defeat, Pereira moved up to the 205-pound weight class. He’s defeated Jan Blachowicz, Jiri Prochazka twice, Jamahal Hill, and Khalil Rountree.
MMA legend doubts Conor McGregor fights outside UFC anytime soon: 'I just know how difficult it is'
Fernando Quiles Jr. - December 26, 2024
One former UFC legend doesn’t believe that Conor McGregor will be fighting outside of the UFC again for a long time, and that’s if he ever does get the chance. McGregor has long hinted at potentially stepping back into the boxing ring and even throwing hands under the BKFC banner. The “Notorious” one acquired minority ownership stake in BKFC and he’s teased possibly going one-on-one with Mike Perry.
Why 2024 was a great year for ONE Championship
BJPENN.COM Staff - December 25, 2024
Another year has passed, and ONE Championship has solidified its status with yet another wildly successful 12 months. In fact, 2024 brought landmark moments, epic fights, and the emergence of prodigious talents who made their mark on the global stage.
What’s Next for Marat Grigorian After ONE Friday Fights 92?
BJPENN.COM Staff - December 25, 2024
ONE Friday Fights 92: Sitthichai vs. Shadow capped off a tremendous 2024 for ONE Championship. For #2-ranked featherweight kickboxing contender Marat Grigorian, the year couldn’t have ended better. The striking great scored a second-round TKO win over surging star Abdelali Zahidi in featherweight kickboxing action. The bout featured prominently on Friday, December 20, inside Bangkok, Thailand’s iconic Lumpinee Stadium.
Demetrious Johnson believes ONE rule set is superior
BJPENN.COM Staff - December 24, 2024
Former ONE Flyweight MMA World Champion Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson has competed worldwide for numerous promotions. And after all his experiences, he believes that ONE Championship’s rule set is superior. Johnson expressed his admiration for the ONE rule set during a recent episode of MightyCast with ONE Championship Vice President Rich Franklin.
Michael Bisping thinks judges got it right with Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury 2 scorecards
Fernando Quiles Jr. - December 24, 2024
Oleksandr Usyk has defeated Tyson Fury a second time, and UFC Hall of Famer Michael Bisping feels the score totals were justified. Usyk and Fury shared the ring inside the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia this past Saturday night. This was a rematch, as the two collided back in May. Usyk took the first fight via split decision, and while the second matchup was also competitive, the Ukrainian bruiser walked away with a unanimous decision verdict this go-around.
Paddy Pimblett explains why he wasn't impressed by Islam Makhachev's submission win over Dustin Poirier
Fernando Quiles Jr. - December 24, 2024
Paddy Pimblett wasn’t exactly blown away by Islam Makhachev’s submission victory over Dustin Poirier. Back in June, Makhachev defended his UFC Lightweight Championship against “The Diamond.” The title fight headlined UFC 302 in Newark, New Jersey. It wasn’t an easy fight for Makhachev, but he held his own before locking up a choke for the finish in the final round.
Jon Jones details five-year plan for UFC retirement amid uncertainty of Tom Aspinall fight: "Money is a motivator"
Josh Evanoff - December 23, 2024
UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones has laid out his plans for the next five years. ‘Bones’ is fresh off his return to the octagon in the main event of UFC 309 in New York City last month. Back for the first time since a submission win over Ciryl Gane last spring, Jon Jones met former champion Stipe Miocic. The 42-year-old was ending his own hiatus, last being knocked out by Francis Ngannou in early 2021.
Francis Ngannou calls for rematch with Tyson Fury following loss to Oleksandr Usyk: "That's all that matters"
Josh Evanoff - December 23, 2024
PFL heavyweight Francis Ngannou wants to face Tyson Fury in the boxing ring again. ‘The Gypsy King’ is fresh off his return to the boxing ring on Saturday in Saudi Arabia. There, Tyson Fury again met WBA (Super), WBC, WBO, IBO, and The Ring heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk. The bout took place just a few months after ‘The Cat’ edged out a split-decision win over the British heavyweight in May.