MMA News

Josh Evanoff - December 27, 2024

Khalil Rountree was happy following his brutal knockout loss to UFC light-heavyweight champion Alex Pereira. ‘The War Horse’ and ‘Poatan’ met in Salt Lake City in October. The title shot was a surprising one, but Khalil Rountree entered the fight riding a wave of momentum. Knockout wins over the likes of Anthony Smith and Chris Daukaus led to the striker facing UFC light-heavyweight champion Alex Pereira. The Brazilian entered the cage as a massive betting favorite, fresh off a win over Jiri Prochazka in June.

Cole Shelton - December 27, 2024

Donald Cerrone has taken a big step towards his looming return to the UFC. Cerrone recently revealed he will returning to fighting and on December 27, it was revealed he is back in the drug testing pool. Cerrone has submitted his first test since re-joining the pool, which will allow him to compete again. When exactly he re-entered the pool or when he’s eligible to fight is uncertain.

Fernando Quiles Jr. - December 27, 2024

A former UFC “champ-champ” believes Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria could be even bigger than Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall. Many fans have been clamoring for Jones vs. Aspinall given that it would settle who is the best heavyweight in the UFC. “Bones” holds the main title, while Aspinall has his hands on interim gold. While UFC CEO Dana White is looking to make that title unification bout a reality in 2025, is it possible that another mega fight tops that one?

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.

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.

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.

Harry Kettle - December 27, 2024

UFC star Sean O’Malley has explained why he wants to take a break from social media ahead of his proposed return to the cage. As we know, Sean O’Malley is one of the biggest names in mixed martial arts. He has accomplished some amazing things throughout the course of his career, including becoming UFC bantamweight champion.

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.

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.

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.

BJPENN.COM Staff - December 26, 2024

Great fights are made of unforgettable moments. And when former ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon saw Takeru Segawa fight firsthand, he experienced a whirlwind of emotions. The iconic duo will meet at ONE 172 on Sunday, March 23, inside Japan’s historic Saitama Super Arena in a five-round flyweight kickboxing super-fight for the ages.

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.

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.

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.

BJPENN.COM Staff - December 25, 2024

ONE Championship’s 2024 is coming to a close, but the promotion’s 2025 looks to be its biggest year ever. Its biggest announcement has been the five-round flyweight kickboxing super-fight between former ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon and Japanese sensation Takeru Segawa at ONE 172 on March 23.

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.

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.

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.