MMA News
Merab Dvalishvili compares himself to Mike Tyson and Jon Jones ahead of UFC 311
Harry Kettle - December 30, 2024
UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili has made some big comparisons ahead of his next fight at UFC 311 Following his win over Sean O’Malley, Merab Dvalishvili is now the UFC bantamweight champion. His dominant triumph impressed the masses and, of course, welcomed a lot of intrigue from the rest of the bantamweight division.
Tom Aspinall predicts every male UFC champion by the end of 2025
Harry Kettle - December 30, 2024
UFC interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has taken the time to predict who will be the male UFC champions by the end of 2025. Everybody knows that Tom Aspinall is next in line for a shot at the undisputed heavyweight championship. Of course, until negotiations are finalized with Jon Jones, he isn’t able to actually prove that he’s the best heavyweight on the planet.
Kyoji Horiguchi intends to prove that he's the best flyweight on the planet in RIZIN Decade return: "That's my goal"
Josh Evanoff - December 27, 2024
RIZIN flyweight champion Kyoji Horiguchi wants to prove that he’s the best in the world. ‘The Typhoon’ hasn’t been seen in the ring since a bantamweight clash with Sergio Pettis in June. In a rematch of their Bellator 272 classic which saw ‘The Phenom’ score a knockout win, Kyoji Horiguchi dominated. After 15 minutes of action, he moved his unbeaten streak to five by unanimous decision.
Drake names Nate Diaz and Conor McGregor as his all-time favorite UFC fighters: "I love him with all my heart"
Josh Evanoff - December 27, 2024
Canadian rapper Drake has named Nate Diaz and Conor McGregor his favorite UFC fighters of all time. It’s no secret that the 38-year-old artist is a massive fan of combat sports. Over the last few years, many fans have seen Drake place massive, million-dollar wagers on MMA and boxing events. Some of his biggest bets include a $1.6 million bet on Israel Adesanya to defeat Alex Pereira in 2022, $1 million on Alexander Volkanovski to beat Yair Rodriguez, and $450,000 on Jon Jones to knock out Stipe Miocic.
Donald Cerrone officially re-enters testing pool as comeback looms
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.
Former two-division UFC champion believes Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria is bigger fight than Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall
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?
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.
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.
Sean O'Malley explains why he's taking a break from social media
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.
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.
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.
Rodtang recalls watching Takeru: "I felt chills down my spine"
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.
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.
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.
3 Must-See ONE Championship Fights In 2025
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.