MMA News

Justin Golightly - September 27, 2017

It was just last week that Michael Bisping revealed he was at least thinking about retirement, but he sure isn’t sounding like he’s leaning toward it. He says he’s down to go up and challenge Daniel Cormier, now he’s got some bold predictions regarding his upcoming fight with Georges St-Pierre. Not only is he confident that he’ll knock out the former welterweight champion in the very first round, but part of his confidence could come from… spies in Georges St-Pierre’s camp? “Generally, when I fight wrestlers in the past, I move around a lot. I utilize a lot of lateral movement, forward and back movement, side to side, because if you’re moving, it’s hard for a wrestler to shoot a double leg on you because you’re a moving target. I won’t be doing that this time. I’m going to stand right in front of [Georges St-Pierre], I’m going to plant my feet, I’m going to walk him down, put him on the back foot, and I’m going to knock him out in the first round. You have my word.”

Tom Taylor - September 27, 2017

On October 7th, in the co-main event of UFC 216, flyweight contender Ray Borg will attempt to spoil the history-making 11th title defense of dominant flyweight champ Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson. Given Borg’s history of missing the flyweight division’s 126-pound cap, there is worry among some fans that he’ll miss the 125-pound limit required for this title fight. Fans that are worried about this are not likely to feel any better upon learning that Borg won’t be using a full-time nutritionist ahead of his UFC 216 title fight. While he’ll be consulting the nutritionist at the UFC Performance Institute, that will be the extend of his work with nutritionists.

Justin Golightly - September 27, 2017

The man, the myth, the legend, any cliche about superstars of any sport could be said about Chuck Liddell. He’s one of the fighters who carried UFC’s torch into new eras and put more butts into seats that you could count. He recently appeared on The MMA Hour talking about his long-hinted at return from retirement, but still no concrete plans. That won’t stop one guy from mentioning his name. The guy being ‘American Badass’ Chael Sonnen. Chuck Liddell recently got stopped by TMZ and asked about if that’s a guy he’d come back and fight. Chuck Liddell: Chael Sonnen Would Be 'Warm-Up Fight,' If I Came Back https://t.co/5Se9P1kgIs

Russell Ess - September 27, 2017

Over the weekend, Bellator welterweight champion Douglas Lima and former UFC title challenger Rory MacDonald faced off for the first time ahead of their Bellator title fight. The welterweight title fight is set to take place on January 20 at The Forum in California. Lima was dressed in a suit while MacDonald opted for a more casual look wearing a black turtleneck, which the late Apple CEO, Steve Jobs was usually seen wearing.

Justin Golightly - September 27, 2017

It came as a surprise when ‘The Immortal’ Matt Brown decided he was going to step away from the sport. He announced that his UFC Norfolk fight with Diego Sanchez would be the last time he steps into the Octagon, officially retiring whether he wins or loses. His exciting fights will be missed, but much respect to Matt Brown for getting out when he feels it’s time. He thinks that this moment could be all the more special, if his opponent decided it was time to leave the gloves in the cage as well. “My game plan is not much different than always. I’m going to punch [Diego Sanchez] before he punches me, I’m going to punch him more times than he punches me, and I’m going to punch him harder than he punches me. It’s not that complicated, man. You know what you’re getting when you’re fighting Diego, I think people know what they’re getting when they fight me. I’m going to come forward, he’s going to come forward, we’re going to meet in the middle, we’re going to throw down.”

Tom Taylor - September 27, 2017

On November 4, in the main event of the absurdly stacked UFC 217, UFC middleweight king Michael Bisping will attempt to defend his title opposite returning former welterweight champ Georges St-Pierre. This fight registers as one of the biggest of the year, and from the sounds of it, Bisping could follow it with another massive showdown. Speaking on his podcast, Believe You Me, the ever-dangerous middleweight champ suggested a fight with UFC light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier could well be the next move, if UFC 217 goes his way.

Tom Taylor - September 27, 2017

Back in 2008, when he held the UFC light heavyweight title, Rashad Evans was considered the best light heavyweight fighter on the planet. Even after he lost that title, succumbing to punches dealt by the surging Lyoto Machida, he was still regarded as one of the division’s very best. Unfortunately, Evans eventually began to decline. After failing to reclaim the light heavyweight title from his heated rival Jon Jones, the former champ lost a tepid decision to Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, defeated Dan Henderson and Chael Sonnen, and then lost decisively to Ryan Bader and Glover Teixeira. With this diminishing success, he finally made a long-discussed move down to the middleweight division.

Tom Taylor - September 27, 2017

In the buildup to their blockbuster August 26 boxing match, undefeated legend Floyd Mayweather Jr and UFC  lightweight champ Conor McGregor exchanged plenty of trash talk. Once the fight was all said and done, however, the pair seemed to be quite cordial with one another, exchanging handshakes, hugs, and even some compliments.

Justin Golightly - September 26, 2017

Poor, Paige VanZant. Her life has been a series of literal ups-and-downs lately. First, she moved up in weight and was feeling like a brand new warrior woman, ready to impress in UFC’s new flyweight division. However, just yesterday she had to drop out of her upcoming fight with Jessica Eye due to a back injury. Turns out, it actually wasn’t that simple. Evidently, VanZant got checked out and discovered her body was like a minefield that just went off. Check out all the stuff that’s going on with PVZ right now.

Justin Golightly - September 26, 2017

A lot of images and feelings come to mind when the name Nick Diaz is brought up. He’s shadow boxed during awkward interviews right into our heart for many years. He could usually be found constantly looking over his shoulder, most likely after ridiculously exciting fights. Lately though, anti-doping violations caused by marijuana has simultaneously nearly ended, and revitalized his career. His suspension has long been up, but he neglects to pay the rest of his fine, instead spending his time making bank off of appearances and many partnerships with cannabis companies. Let’s travel back to a simpler time when Diaz was walking opponents down and pressuring them with his boxing until things inevitably end on the ground. Sep26.2003

Justin Golightly - September 26, 2017

Daniel Cormier is taking a break after a roller coaster ride of chaos after losing to Jon Jones at UFC 214, then getting back his UFC light heavyweight title only a little while later. He’s going to take a much-needed rest for at least six months, before coming back to defend his belt against Alexander Gustafsson or Volkan Oezdemir. Or, who knows? However, it’s another fighter that has just gotten Cormier’s attention again: Former opponent Frank Mir.

Russell Ess - September 26, 2017

Rising UFC featherweight Yair Rodriguez is one of the most entertaining fighters that you will see compete in the Octagon. With his exciting striking capabilities, “El Pantera” has grown a large fan base and many are surely curious as to when we’ll see the Mexico native back in the Octagon. BJPenn.com’s Chris Taylor caught up with Rodriguez on Tuesday and asked Yair when fans could expect to see “El Pantera” back in action.

Russell Ess - September 26, 2017

CFC: Silmar Sombra vencia o Paturi por Finalização, quando o octógono foi invadido por um membro da equipe do Paturi e agrediu Sombra pic.twitter.com/QuZBvKOcJw — PANCADANTE (@pancadante) September 25, 2017

Tom Taylor - September 26, 2017

On November 4, in the main event of the absurdly stacked UFC 217, UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping will defend his title against returning former welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre. The expectation is that the winner of this fight will then battle interim middleweight champion Robert Whittaker to unify the titles. In the opinion of Luke Rockhold, however, that’s just not going to happen. On Monday’s edition of The MMA Hour, Rockhold shared his worry that, no matter the outcome of UFC 217’s main event, the winner won’t fight Whittaker – or any other top middleweight contenders for that matter.

Russell Ess - September 26, 2017

A fighter’s UFC career has been put on hold after the promotion was notified of a potential Anti-Doping Policy violation. Undefeated Russian MMA fighter Azamat Murzakanov was flagged for a potential violation and will now have to go through the due process.

Justin Golightly - September 26, 2017

Mike Perry is coming off two big knockout wins — one in the second and his latest in the first round — and he’s wanting a super quick turnaround. He’s called out Robbie Lawler, but much like boy scouts, MMA fighters always need to be prepared in ever situation. Meanwhile, Emil Meek hasn’t lost since 2015 and he’s wants to oblige Perry’s wishes by meeting him in battle in Detroit. They’ve let the public know that they’re both into the idea on Twitter, just in case you thought they were just playing around, they’re back at it doubling down on the potential scrap. How can you say no to this face <3 @PlatinumPerry ?#ufc218 #detroitrockcity @ChaelSonnen @bjpenndotcom @arielhelwani @MMAjunkie pic.twitter.com/iKh17gBuX0

Justin Golightly - September 26, 2017

The fight triangle between the elite heavyweight beasts is still ongoing. Francis Ngannou was robbed of a giant clash with Junior dos Santos that assuredly would have propelled his career to the top if he managed to come out with a win against the former UFC heavyweight champ. Ever since then, he’s been very vocal about fights with both Alistair Overeem and belt holder Stipe Miocic. He’s up for either one still, but of course he’d rather fight the man with the strap. Not only does he like his chances to win, but Francis Ngannou thinks he could knock out Miocic. “I already know everything [Stipe Miocic and Alistair Overeem] are able to do. Everyone knows all of their skills. They don’t know mine. They’re still discovering mine. I’m bringing a surprise in every fight. I’ve never had the opportunity to show my whole game yet. I knock Stipe out when we fight. I think under three rounds, I knock him out.”

Tom Taylor - September 26, 2017

Last Friday, the UFC made a triumphant return to Japan with an exciting night of fights. Now that the card is in the rear-view, the promotion’s official rankings have been updated. The biggest changes to the UFC rankings occured in the strawweight division, where Jessica Andrade rocketed up the list after a thrilling win over Claudia Gadelha. There was also a change at flyweight, where Dustin Ortiz overtook Tim Elliot and Jon Moraga on the list. The only other division to experience change with the latest rankings update was welterweight, where Kamaru Usman pulled ahead of Gunnar Nelson to steal the number 11 spot.